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PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT BOSTON, NEW YORK BOSTON, AT PAID PERIODICAL POSTAGE Weak Economy Gives New Immigrants Second Thoughts • Poland’s Independence Celebrated Murder of Marine and Wife Receives Little National Press • Preserving Heritage Churches Take a Culinary Tour of Poland • Siedlecki Retires as Yale’s Head Coach • PAN ZAGLOBA ALIVE AND WELL A Banner Anniversary General Sikorski’s NEWSMARK Death May Be COPERNICUS’ REMAINS IDENTIFIED. In November, Polish ar- Accidental After All chaeologist Jerzy Gassowski told a news conference that researchers (thenews.pl)—The prelimi- used DNA to identify the remains of Nicholas Copernicus, or in Pol- nary results of the examina- ish, Mikolaj Kopernik, the priest and astronomer whose theories put the tion of the remains of General Sun, not the Earth, at the center of the universe. Wladyslaw Sikorski, exhumed in Like something out of science fiction novel, the Krakow, show no signs of an assas- evidence was collected by comparing two hairs sination. found in a book kept in a library of Sweden’s Up- There were injuries, say experts, psala University that Copernicus owned, with bones in keeping with having died in an air from a skeleton located under the floor tiles of the accident found on his body, how- Frombork Cathedral, where he served as canon and ever. was believed to be buried. The excavation com- For decades, it was believed that menced in 2004 at the request of the regional Bish- Sikorski died from a plot by British, COPERNICUS op, Jacek Jezierski. Soviet or other agents as many have A forensic facial reconstruction of the remains bears a striking re- believed in Poland for decades. semblance to existing portraits of Copernicus. The reconstruction shows KMIEC STAS PHOTO: An examination by the British in a broken nose and other features that resemble a self-portrait of Coper- 1943 could not establish, for sure, nicus, and the skull bears a cut mark above the left eye that corresponds the cause of death, but only that, with a scar shown in the painting. Moreover, the skull belonged to a man “the aircraft became uncontrollable of around 70 years old, Copernicus’s age when he died in 1543. for reasons which cannot be estab- A true man of the Renaissance. Copernicus was a mathematician, lished.” astronomer, physician, classical scholar, translator, artist, Catholic cler- Gala Performance held at Warsaw’s Wielki Teatr. The in- But many have never accepted ic, jurist, governor, military leader, diplomat and economist. His final ternationally acclaimed Mazowsze Polish State Song and Dance Com- that this was simply an accident. thesis was only published, however, in the year of his death. His ideas pany celebrated its 60th anniversary in Warsaw in November. A spe- Sikorski had become an obstacle to challenged the Bible, the church and past theories, and they had impor- cial Gala concert, entitled The Colors of Poland, commemorating their alliances forming between Moscow tant consequences for future thinkers, including Galileo, Descartes and first performance in 1948 at Warsaw’s Polski Theater. PAJ Culture and London in 1943 and simply had Newton. Editor Stas Kmiec travelled to Poland to cover the event and present to be gotten out of the way, they be- the group with a memento, honoring its Anniversary Jubilee. Story on lieve. Poland furious as German paper describes concen- page 7 Only the final report including all tration camp as “Polish.” Poland has threatened to sue Ger- the findings, to be issued later this many’s Die Welt newspaper for referring to a Nazi-run concentration month, will answer the question on camp as a “Polish camp.” Storozynski Elected KF President the exact cause of Sikorski’s death Polish Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ryszard Schnepf said this NEW YORK—Kosciuszko tor of amNew- in Gibraltar in 1943. was “scandalous.” Die Welt had made the reference about the Majdanek Foundation Chairman Witold Su- York and for- According to unofficial press in- concentration camp in a report about an Israeli visit to site. A correc- limirski announced the election of mer city editor formation, Sikorski, one of Poland’s tion was published in an Internet version of the report, where Die Welt Alex Storozynski as president and of the New York most revered World War II gener- explained that Majdanek was “a German concentration camp installed executive director of the Founda- Sun. He has also als—who was prime minister of the by the SS in Poland.” tion. Storozynski fills the post that been published Polish Government-in-exile in Lon- Over 360,000 people perished there during World War II. was held by Joseph E. Gore, Esq. in the European don—suffered multiple fractures who retired after serving as the edition of The of shin bones, ribs, thigh bone and Balcerowicz Warns a Tough Year is Ahead of Poland. Foundation’s president for 23 years. Wall Street a serious skull injury. These most Professor Leszek Balcerowicz, Poland’s former Deputy Prime Minister Gore remains a trustee and consul- Journal, The likely came from an impact against and Finance Minister, and the architect of Poland’s free market reforms Storozynski tant of the Kosciuszko Foundation. Chicago Tribune, the plane’s cockpit. in the early 1990s, believes 2009 will be a difficult year for Poland,P uls Alex Storozynski is a Pulitzer The New York Post, Newsday and The Institute of National Re- Biznesu writes, based on reports from the Polish Press Agency. Prize winning journalist, a former other publications. membrance in Katowice, south- Even though the former Finance Minister has positively evaluated the member of the New York Daily His biography of Thaddeus ern Poland, responsible for the corrected forecast for economic growth in 2009 (3.7%, earlier 4.8%), he News editorial board, founding edi- See “Storozynski,” page 4 See “Sikorski ...” page 4 added that even a 3% growth rate would be a “decent achievement,” the newspaper reports. “European GDP growth is expected to drop over 1% which means a recession in the EU,” the economist said. “There is a lot of uncertainty In Adams, Parishioners Make Their Plea Public about the future pace of economic development. Not only for Poland but ADAMS, Mass.—Parishioners ministries; and Notre Dame’s loca- for the whole world. It may happen that Poland’s economy will grow of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church tion is too prominent to abandon. even slower. The next year is going to be a difficult one for the country,” learned last August that their church “We spent a lot of time making the Balcerowicz said. home was slated to be closed and pastoral plan and there is no need to incorporated into Notre Dame par- reinvent the wheel,” Bonzagni said POLAND WILL NOT SPEND ITS WAY OUT OF DEBT. (Financial ish in what has become a familiar at November’s gathering. Times)— Poland has no intention of trying to spend its way out of the story across the United States. They The status of the consolidation looming economic slowdown, Donald Tusk, the prime minister said. refused to give up hope, and after an was not know at PAJ press time. His comments align the country with Germany rather than the United unproductive meeting with a repre- St. Stanislaus Kostka Church States and the UK as international divisions grow over how to handle sentative of the Diocese of Spring- was founded in 1902 on Summer the financial crisis. field in November, parishioners Street for the Polish Catholic popu- “When I talk to European politicians, who boldly tell me how much took their case to the public. They lation of the factory town, less than money they are going to pump into the economy, I pose the question, took up a collection, and paid $1200 a quarter mile from the site of Notre ‘Where do you have the money for that?’” Tusk told the Financial to erect a billboard on Route 8 fea- Dame Church on McKinley Square. Times. “We aren’t saying that because we don’t have gigantic sums of turing a giant cross and the simple Generations of Polish Americans money. I don’t think that borrowing money on a huge scale is a good plea “Save Our Church.” have worshipped in this church method of resolving the crisis.” Monsignor John Bonzagni, di- home. Mark Dupont, a spokesman Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, criticized the United States rector of pastoral planning for the for the Diocese of Springfield, said and other countries for making “cheap money” a central tool of their Diocese of Springfield, reiterated St. Stanislaus Kostka Church officials will wait for a ruling from recovery strategies. to members of the three Adams cited three reasons for moving the the Vatican before continuing with Poland announced an economic stabilization package amounting to congregations recently that the three churches into the Notre Dame the consolidation. $30.6 billion, although it contained almost no new spending. bishop has ruled the churches will building: Notre Dame seats more For more information, or to do- The largest items were guarantees to revive the interbank market and be consolidated in the Notre Dame people, about 600; there are more nate to their appeal, visit the parish- a series of measures to make it easier for Poland to gain access to Euro- parish as of Jan. 1, 2009. Bonzagni buildings on the Notre Dame cam- ioner’s web site at www.adamscath- pean Union funds. said Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell pus that can be used for a variety of olics.org.  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

ALMANAC JUST BETWEEN US / Mark Kohan Kwasniewski to Head NATO? January • Styczeñ

Be always at war with your vices, Szczliwego Nowego Roku! at peace with your neighbors, Happy New Year to all our read- offer and can easily be a year-round American Night.” Is there a Polish and let each new year find you ers! We wish you health, happiness endeavor. film series or exhibit at your local a better man. and prosperity in 2009! Here are just a few things you —Benjamin Franklin library or university? Then by all We thank you for your sup- can do to make your ethnicity a part means, stop by. When was the last 1 Szczêœliwego Nowego Roku! port and encouragement through of your day-to-day life: time you went to a polka dance? Happy New Year! the years, and hope your fascina- • Take steps to learn more about Maybe its time to dust off your Na Nowy Rok tion with our shared heritage never your ancestry. There are several shoes and get some exercise! Przybywa dnia na zajêczy wanes. Your interest in things Polish universities and colleges across the If these types of events aren’t skok. continues to be the driving force be- United States that offer Polish Stud- your cup of tea, there are count- On New Year’s, the day grows hind the Polish American Journal. ies or mini-courses on Polish histo- longer by a hare’s leap. less other Polish-flavored events We send Happy New Year wish- ry. Many fraternal benefit societies, happening across the United States 1919. Birth of es to newsclippers, advertisers, and cultural organizations and Polish Polish Ameri- every week. A call to a local Polish can actress the fraternal benefit societies who American museums offer classes on club or organization in your area make the Polish American Journal myriad Polish topics. Whether you Carol Landis will undoubtedly prove fruitful. their official publication. Your- un enroll as a full-time student or sign (right). • Join a Polish club. You don’t 3 1795. Third tiring dedication to this publication up for a pisanki-making workshop, have to run for president at your first Partition of has given the paper an outstanding the knowledge you gain will under- Poland. reputation, not only within Ameri- score your passion which can then meeting. Your support—just by your Kwasniewski 6 Three Kings can Polonia, but across globe. be shared with others who are inter- presence—tells Polonia’s leaders BRUSSELS—Former Polish On this day, ested in Polonia. their efforts are not in vane. There President Aleksander Kwasniewski the initials Starting the New Year are Polish-based cultural, sports, is being considered for the posi- K+M+B and the year are inscribed • Support Polish American busi- Right. The beginning of the New nesses. This cannot be overempha- veterans, religious and many, many tion of Secretary General of the by one’s priest above the home’s other organizations that would wel- main entry. Year is time to consider our “Polish- sized. When dealing with a Polish North Atlantic Treaty Organization 1785. Death of Polish-born Haym ness.” Our continuance as an iden- American merchant, let that mer- come you as a member. From there (NATO). Salomon (Lissa, 1740), Revolu- tifiable ethnic group in the United chant know you chose his or her it is easy to grow within the organi- However, official announce- tionary War patriot, financier, in States is the responsibility of each services or products because of your zation, perhaps volunteering to help ments are to come in Spring 2009 Philadelphia. and every one of us. common heritage. run one of their functions. Call one when NATO summits will be held 7 1882. Death of Ignacy Lukasie- Do not “be Polish” only at Christ- • Attend Polish American func- today. in Baden-Baden and Strasbourg. wicz, inventor of the kerosine lamp. mas, Easter, or during Heritage tions. Planning a family outing to Your Polish American heritage— “I would readily agree to such (b. 1822). The widespread availabil- Month. Our ancestry has far more to the ball park? Then go on “Polish make it a year-round celebration! an international position,” stated ity of cheaper kerosene was the Kwasniewski. principal factor in the precipitous decline in the whaling industry in The current Secretary General, the mid- Storozynski is a Perfect Choice the Dutchman Jaap de Hoop Schef- to late- fer, has initiated discussions regard- 1 9 t h Congratulations to Alex Storo- the talents one would need to see the grown to include scholarship and ing the appointment of his succes- century, zynski, new president and executive Foundation continues its mission. exchange programs, the Teaching sor, which are to be continued next a s t h e director of the Kosciuszko Founda- Founded in 1925, the Kos- English in Poland program, and cul- week at a NATO meeting of foreign leading tion. Storozynski fills the post that ciuszko Foundation promotes and tural programs at its New York town- ministers and confirmed next Spring product was held by Joseph E. Gore, Esq. strengthens the understanding and house headquarters and throughout at the NATO’s celebratory summit of whaling was oil for lamps. who retired after serving as the friendship between Poland and the the country. It has chapters in eight in April 2009. 8 1918. President Wilson announces Foundation’s president for 23 years. United States through educational, other cities and members across the Kwasniewski added that there his “Fourteen Points,” the 13th Gore remains a trustee and consul- scientific and cultural exchanges. nation and around the world. Many calling for a free Poland. is a good chance that a Pole will 9 1797. Jan Henryk Dabrowski tant of the Kosciuszko Foundation It awards fellowships and grants to of its grantees occupy important become a candidate for the NATO organizes his legion in Italy, and Storozynski is a perfect choice graduate students, scholars, scien- positions in Polish academic life. position—and he would whole- thus honored by having his name to head this venerable organization: tists, professionals and artists, and Thanks to its members and benefac- heartedly support Foreign Minister included in the Polish National He a Pulitzer Prize winning journal- helps to increase the visibility of tors, the Foundation is able to dis- Radoslaw Sikorski, the other Pole Anthem. ist; a historian; served as chairman Polish culture by sponsoring events, burse $1 million annually to Polish being considered for the position. 11 1 9 5 3 . and vice-chairman of the Polish and publications, film festivals and per- Americans and others involved in “In the European structure, we Death of opera Slavic Federal Credit Union; and is forming arts. Polish studies. have a chance at four seats: EU singer Marcella well-known within the Polish and For more than 80 years the Kos- The organization is in good hands president, head of the European Sembrich-Ko- American communities. He has all ciuszko Foundation’s activities have with Storozynski at the helm. Commission, EU Foreign Minis- chanowska (b. 1853), left. ters, and NATO Secretary General,” 15 1 9 4 9 . Weak Economy Gives New Immigrants Second Thoughts counted the former president. “It Death of Polish would be a great success if Poland American histo- NEW YORK—The troubling by anti-immigrant sentiment that those abroad. were to receive these posts.” rian and founder economic times here are making is forcing out foreign workers from Polish demographic specialist The former head of state added of the Polish Mu- some immigrants think about go- many parts of the world. at the Center for International Re- that he has no personal ambitions, ing home. Although not immune to inter- seum of America in Chicago, lations, Professor Krystyna Iglicka, but would certainly not say “no” if Mieczyslaw Haiman. Nineteen years after the collapse national fiscal woes, “the Polish claims that, “Shortly, Poland can offered the chance to represent Po- 18 1945. Krakow liberated almost of communism and four years after financial sector is truly strong,” land to NATO. without a shot and, compared to joining the European Union, Po- said Jacek Rostowski, the finance expect the return of 400,000 im- Warsaw, without too much damage land is booming, and young Poles minister. migrants.” The Polish Christmas season to the town and people. in the United States want to profit Slawomir Skrzypek, who heads stretches all the way from the 20 1320. Wladyslaw Lokietek But, she warned, such a wave (Ladislaus the Short) crowned King from these changes. They’re fol- the National Bank of Poland, offers of returnees could be disastrous for start of Advent to Candlemas lowing the example of Irish immi- one explanation why: Defaults on (Matki Boskiej Gromniczna) cel- of Poland. the Polish economy. Iglicka said 23 1793. Second Partition of Po- grants who have been lured home mortgages are just 1.1 percent—far ebrated February 2. The grom- land. by the Irish economic miracle. lower than in the United States. that most of those returning will nica is a beeswax candle lighted 25 1913. Birth of pianist and composer For undocumented immigrants The banks are well-managed and find themselves standing in line to during thunderstorms and at the Witold Lutoslawski. the decision to return is sped up subject to tougher regulations than collect unemployment insurance. bedside of the seriously ill. 27 1986. Death of Poznan-born Lilli Palmer (Lillie Marie Peiser), 71, actress, in Los Angeles. 1842. Birth of Fr. Jozef Dab- POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL rowski, educator and founder of Dedicated to the Promotion and Continuance of Polish American Culture • Established 1911 Orchard Lake Schools. (d. 1903). USPS 437-220 / ISSN 0032-2792 PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT BOSTON, NEW YORK AND ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICES 1919. Birth of Bishop Alfred POSTMASTER—Send address changes to: The Polish American Journal is published monthly in five editions (Buffalo, Abramowicz, auxiliary Bishop POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL, P.O. BOX 328, BOSTON, NY 14025-0328 Polish Beneficial Association, Association of Sons of Poland, The Union of Poles in of Chicago and national director of To Advertise in the PAJ Call 1 (800) 422-1275 Liga Katolicka (Catholic League). America and National editions) by: PANAGRAPHICS, INC., P.O. BOX 328, BOSTON, NY 14025-0328 National editions: $12.50 per column inch • Non-profit rate: $10.00 per column inch 29 1846. 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SPEAK UP / Letters to the Editor Praise for Walesa 25 Years After Nobel Peace Prize A Matter of Opinion G D A N S K , Dear Editor: have a pro-life platform. It’s not go- Poland (Polish I rarely answer the opinion of ing to happen. R a d i o ) — A d - another, but in the case of the lady Thomas Napierkowski dressing an inter- from Florida (Speak Up, PAJ, Nov. Colorado Springs, Colorado national confer- 2008), I make exception. ence “Solidarity

She criticized Robert Strybel’s ARE POL-AMS WEALTHY? I for the Future” P political opinion about [then candi- would like to know the current fi- in Gdansk, which hoto date] Barack Obama, which was— nancial status of Polish Americans. marks the 25th J : ulia in my opinion—on the money. Then Information I have found indicates anniversary of D she writes her own opinion in sup- our group to be third in family in- the Nobel Peace arashke port of the 100% pro-abortion can- come, but that data is dated. Prize for Lech

didate. Anthony Guyda Walesa, the Ti- v She then goes on to extol her Oil City, Pennsylvania betan spiritual ich “Polishness.” Since when does one Editor’s note: The Piast Institute, leader The Da- Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama (left) equate “Polishness” with voting for the only independent think tank and lai Lama praised praised Lech Walesa for his actions “under difficult pro-abortion people? research center in North America Walesa for his circumstances.” Robert Strybel is a most infor- devoted to Polish and Polish Ameri- role in Solidar- mative correspondent and stand-out can affairs, has been compiling this ity, a movement “It was here in Gdansk,” he said, writer. I look for his column straight- data. Contact it at: 2926 Caniff which, as he said, acted with cour- that “you changed the course of Eu- away when I receive the PAJ. Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48002; (313) age and determination “under diffi- ropean and world history,” adding E.J. Kalinowski 664-0321; [email protected]. cult circumstances.” that the Solidarity movement rightly Portland, Connecticut The Institute’s website is www.pias- He said that the Polish people became the symbol of freedom and tinstitute.org. never lost hope. The Dalai Lama struggle against oppression. Coal miner Joseph Jorski, at age PRO-LIFE DEMOCRAT? “Pro-Life also called for “external disarma- Prime Minister Tusk said that Democrat?” I don’t think so—not PLAY BALL! I always enjoy reading 25 in 1921. ment” which must begin with “inner Lech Walesa will for ever remain unless the Democrat officially op- the PAJ, and pass it on to interested the article), we hit it from back to peace.” the hero of Poland’s national legend. poses the Democratic Party’s Plat- parties. I was especially interested to front, like the man in the photo. I The president of the European He recalled the words of Pope John form and votes against most of the read Robert Strybel’s “How About a wonder which way is correct? Commission Jose Manual Barroso Paul II: “There can be no solidarity Party’s slate of candidates. Don’t let Game of Palant?” in the October is- I was so happy to see that article said that if it had not been for such without love,” adding that Poland Jagoda Urban-Klaehn in “Baba Ja- sue. Besides the Jamestown Poles, I with the pictures of “niebo” and outstanding leaders as Lech Walesa achieved its victory over commu- ga’s Corner” (PAJ, Nov. 2008), cast also played the palant in the 1930s “pieko,” the names I remember, “we would not have lived in a united nism in a peaceful way. a spell on you. during gym classes at Dabrowka too. Europe.” No political party or candidate High School in Poznan, Poland. I Ada Dziewanowska that defends, and even promotes the loved it—as I did all the sports, ex- Milwaukee, Wisconsin “right” to abortion from the moment ercise classes, and folk dancing. The QUOTES / compiled from news sources of conception to the moment of game developed my running skills, ROOTS REMEMBERED. As read- birth (in a grizzly procedure proper- so that I became the fastest run- ly termed “partial-birth abortion”), ning girl of thousands of students ing “Northeast Pennsylvania Re- Murder of Marine and Wife embryonic stem cell research, and at Dabrowka. Later, in 1953, I won members its Roots” (PAJ, Oct. assisted suicide is pro-life—no mat- the women’s tennis championship at 2008), I remembered that my father, Receives Little National Press ter what other programs they may Harvard University Summer School Joseph Jorski, was one of the hard- propose. As the American Catholic in Cambridge, Mass. My newly- working miners coming from Po- “If it was a robbery, why didn’t of the project. The question of the bishops have eloquently pointed wedded husband, Kamil, taught me land to the “Land of Opportunity.” they come when nobody was home anti-missile shield is governed by out, the right to life takes prece- the game, but it was so much easier He worked in the Shenandoah instead of the dead of night, armed an agreement between Poland and dence over all other rights; for with- to hit a bigger (tennis) ball with the mines of the anthracite regions. Af- to the teeth? .... What was it about the United States. It is above all an out the right to life, all other rights racket, so much wider than the thin- ter five years, he became sick with my son and daughter-in-law that in- American project … I don’t think are meaningless. ner bat. However, I was never good miner’s asthma. He moved to the spired such hatred and loathing?” that third-party countries, even such To paraphrase Illinois Rep. Dan at the tennis backhand, because it Port Richmond section of Philadel- —Henryka Pietrzak-Varga, in good friends as France, can have her letter to President-elect Obama. a particular right to express them- Lipinski in an interview in Chris- does not exist in the palant. phia, became a tailor and a crafts- Pietrzak-Varga is mother of Marine selves on this issue.” tianity Today before the party’s At Dabrowka we did not throw man, and lived to the age of 93. convention in Denver last year, the the ball up in the air. In order to hit Leona Cronin Sgt. Jan Pawel Pietrzak, 24, a Polish —Polish Prime Minister Donald immigrant, who was murdered Tusk, on French President Nicolas Democratic Party is not going to it (as shown on the drawn picture in Cinnaminson, New Jersey with his African-American wife in Sarkozy’s calling for both the U.S. Winchester, Calif. by four African and Russia to stop the deployment LEARN POLISH American Marines, two under of missiles in Europe. Sarkozy, a Pietrzak’s command. “self-appointed mediator of the als will be used: visual—film and comprehension skills and getting Both were bound gagged and missile crisis,” [The Krakow Post], PENNSYLVANIA TV program clips; audio —songs, more comfortable while commu- shot execution style in the head, and said “deployment of a missile de- PHILADELPHIA—The Polish poetry, interviews; mind and word nicating in fundamental everyday Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak, 26, was fense system would bring nothing American Cultural Center at 308 raped. A fire was set in the home, to security ... it would complicate games; as well as interactive scene situations. Students will continue Walnut Street announces its winter/ playing and improvisation games. apparently to destroy evidence of things, and would make them move spring semester Polish Language to work with more advanced gram- Students will be exposed to a wide the crime. backward.” Classes. Two levels of the Polish matical concepts of the language. v v v v v v range of stimuli all focused on language focusing on conversation Class meets on Mondays, 6:30– building the complex understand- “In the weeks since the brutal “The effects of this crisis are not will be offered. Classes will be held 8:10 p.m. [October 15] murders, the media particularly visible in Poland. If there ing and command of a language. on Wednesday evenings, 6:00-8:30 Intermediate Polish I, is the con- has been largely silent about the are negative effects, that is mainly Requirements: a completion of p.m. beginning on February 11, tinuation of the current Beginners grisly incident. Would that be the because things are not always that at least two semesters of Polish. 2009. The cost of the twelve week II class. Class focuses on building case had the (alleged) perpetrators good with our neighbors.” Price: $425 program is $135 plus book fee. conversational and comprehension been white? Don’t be silly.” —Polish Prime Minister Donald Interested students please e- If you are interested in enroll- skills. More complex grammatical —Baltimore Sun columnist Ron Tusk, on how the world financial mail Barbara Bernhardt at basiab- ing, call for an application, Mon.- concepts and writing rules will be Smith, who argues the Pietrzaks crisis is affecting his country. Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., (215) [email protected] introduced. Class meets on Tues- were victims of a hate crime. The v v v 922-1700. You can also download The Spring semester of Polish days, 6:30– 8:10 p.m. Riverside County prosecutor’s of- “I see no advantage in in- an application at: PolishAmerican- Language and Culture at the Pol- Intermediate Polish II, the con- fice says the crime was motivated by creasing the deficit and just - find Center.org/LanguageClasses.html. ish Consulate start on Monday, tinuation of the current Intermedi- robbery. ing that this is chewed up by February 2 and end on Thursday, ate I class, focuses on expanding The Marines pled not guilty to increased debt service payments.” May 14. There will be fifteen (15) WASHINGTON, D.C. vocabulary; the class will also be the murders. —Prudent Polish Finance Min- classes during the Spring session. A One-month Intense Polish also enriched with more advanced “At least the first signals that we ister Jacek Rostowski, on why Language Immersion Course at the Beginners Polish I is designed have received indicate that our new Poland will not borrow money to for students with little or no pre- reading materials. Class meets on Polish Consulate will be held Janu- Wednesdays, 6:30–8:10 p.m. partners are thinking about this is- stimulate its economy. ary 5–28. The class will meet three vious Polish language training. sue and do not simply plan to rubber v v v Class focuses on developing the Classes will include discussions times a week – on Mondays, Tues- about aspects of Polish history, cul- stamp the plans.” “I will not withdraw anything un- days and Wednesdays from 6:30- basic speaking, writing and read- v v v ture, customs and traditions. Stu- til the experts tell me what the cause 8:10 p.m. There will be twelve ing skills that will help the stu- dents will have a chance to share —Russian President Dmitry of the death was.” classes conducted exclusively in dents communicate in fundamental Medvedev, toning down initial pro- —Historian and journalist Dari- their own knowledge, insights and Polish, during which attention will everyday situations. Elements of vocative remarks about the Bush usz Baliszewski, who has studied experiences with Polish culture. be focused on conversational skills. Polish grammar will be also intro- Administration’s plans to place U.S. the mystery of World War II Polish Texts, games and other material duced. Class meets on Thursdays, Cost: is $450 for new students missiles on the Polish-Russian bor- General Sikorski’s death for almost will be provided by the instructor. 6:30 – 8:10 p.m. and $425 for returning students. der, after learning President-elect 20 years. Baliszewski remains skep- Using language immersion tech- Those interested in joining should Obama wants to review the pro- tical about the preliminary results. niques and tools, the instructor will Beginners Polish II is the contact basiabernhardt@yahoo. posal. He claims that the general was not create an environment allowing a continuation of the current Begin- com. v v v on board the plane during the crash, total language learning experience, ners I class. Class focuses on ex- The Consular Division of the “President Sarkozy has expressed but was strangled earlier. Sikorski while practicing four major lan- panding the knowledge of Polish Polish Embassy is located at 2224 his own point of view ... [but] it died 4 July, 1943 in a plane crash guage skills: speaking, understand- by practicing the basic speaking, Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washing- will have no impact on the future in Gibraltar. ing, reading and writing. writing and reading skills. It will ton DC, 20008-39992. The closest A variety of interesting materi- also focus on developing better metro station is Dupont Circle. Visit us on the web at www.polamjournal.com  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 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

Senator Arlen Specter Tells Polish Jokes at Prestigious Dinner Kuklinski Subject of CIA Symposium Later Apologizes to Polish 2008, Frank Spula, the president WASHINGTON, D.C.—On grandson Michael; from the Pol- American Congress of the Polish American Congress December 11, 2008, the CIA held ish Embassy: Ambassador Robert (PAC), received a phone call from a symposium titled “Preparation Kupiecki, Deputy Chief of Mis- Specter in regards to the jokes he NEW YORK—With a re-elec- for Martial Law Through the Eyes sion Wojciech Flera and his wife, made by the Senator. of Ryszard Kukliński,” organized Counselor for Culture and Public tion race looming on the horizon, After exchanging pleasantries, you would think an incumbent sena- by Historical Collections Division. Affairs Mariusz Brymora, Col. Specter expressed his regrets and Speakers were: Zbigniew Brzezin- Andrzej Gorzynski of the Military tor would be careful about unneces- said that he was “out of line” in his sarily offending one of his state’s ski; CIA Director Michael Hayden; Attaché Office; from the CIA, sev- remarks and that he “apologizes David Forden, CIA officer who eral dozen officers from Warsaw largest ethnic groups. profusely.” Or so you would think. handled Kuklinski’s activities; station and analysts who processed Spula explained to the Senator Aris Pappas, CIA analyst who Kuklinski’s information. In total, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) told the deepest concern voiced in recent a series of Polish jokes—deemed processed his information; Ben about 300 people were present. days by the members of the Polish Weiser, author of “A Secret Life,” The event, held at CIA head- “tasteless” by the New York Post— American community, as well as by at the Republican Party of Penn- Kuklinski’s biography. Among quarters in Langley, Virginia, was numerous Americans with no Polish those present were Kuklinski’s by invitation only. sylvania’s annual Commonwealth heritage, and who considered the re- Club Luncheon during Pennsylva- marks equally offensive. nia Society Weekend in New York Spula emphasized that the con- Storozynski New KF President City, Dec. 12. cern cannot be eased by mere words He asked first if there were any and urged that a written statement of FAST TALKER. Senator Arlen Polish people in the audience. When apology and explanation be issued Specter says if you are Polish, he about ten people raised their hands, by the Senator’s office. The Senator will speak more slowly. he went on. confirmed that the written apology Specter deemed the number in- Specter’s Washington office is would be issued shortly, which was significant and forged ahead with located at 711 Hart Building, Wash- delivered to the PAC the next day. some supposedly funny Polish ington, DC 20510; tel. (202) 224- “It would be equally unthink- jokes, including the old one about 4254. able if any elected official made the man who interrupted him once, The Pennsylvania Society was similar remarks in regards to any saying, “Hey, careful. I’m Polish!” founded in New York by Pennsyl- other group,” said Spula. “It really The senator responded by say- vanians wishing to promote the does not matter which group is tar- ing, “That’s OK—I’ll tell it more commonwealth. It is a non-profit, geted—all jokes ridiculing people slowly.” charitable organization with nearly based on their ethnicity, religion or Specter also told two other taste- two thousand members. It is not af- race are unacceptable!” less jokes in the same Polish vein. filiated with any particular political In his letter, Specter said “In ret- “No one walked out, but it was of- party, business or profession. rospect, I can see that they were in- fensive,” one person told the Post. appropriate and I regret having made “I was offended, and I’m not Pol- ISSUES APOLOGY. During the them. You may be sure I will never ish.” evening hours of December 15, make the same mistake again.” Storozynski has interviewed many world leaders, such as Lech Walesa, above, right. Rochester PHS Celebrating 90 Years continued from cover American World named him “Man Kosciuszko, “The Peasant Prince: of the Year.” In 2006, the President ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The Pol- —and then newlyweds—in conflict Jadwiga’s Crossing was intro- Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Era of Poland awarded him with the ish Heritage Society of Rochester is over what he considers “the crazy duced last year in a special public of Revolution,” will be published “Gold Cross of Service” for his ar- about to celebrate its 90th Anniver- notion of travel to an unknown reading at the Polish Consulate in in April 2009 by St. Martin’s Press, ticles about Poland. And in 2007 the sary year. land.” New York. and his essay “From Serfdom to As an initial event in a year- The novel is the product of a fa- The January 23 event in Roches- American Center of Polish Culture Freedom: Polish Catholics Find A in Washington, D.C. awarded him long festival, the society will pres- ther-and-son team. Aloysius A. Luc- ter is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Refuge,” was published in the book ent readings by the co-author of zkowiak (later, Lutz, after a family Rochester Academy of Medicine, for his “distinguished achievement “Catholics in New York, Society in the field of journalism.” Jadwiga’s Crossing, a novel of early name change) began the work in the 1441 East Avenue. Additional infor- Culture, and Politics, 1808-1946,” Storozynski hailed Gore’s Polish immigration, Friday evening, 1950s, drawing on the many stories mation is available from Alexander to coincide with the exhibit on Cath- January 23. of immigration he had heard as a Johnson, the membership chairman olics at the Museum of the History achievements. “Joseph Gore has The novel, in English, chronicles child and young man growing up in of the Polish Heritage Society of of New York. brought gravitas and sophistica- a year in the life of Pawel Adamik a Polish neighborhood of Dunkirk, Rochester, at (585) 342-5248, or by Storozynski has also served as tion to the Kosciuszko Foundation and Jadwiga Wdowiak, sweethearts N.Y. e-mail to [email protected]. The chairman and vice-chairman of the for more than two decades. He has website for the novel is http://Jadwi- Polish and Slavic Federal Credit changed the lives of scores of schol- gasCrossing.com. Union, which has more than $1 bil- ars and students who have received SUPPORT THE PAJ PRESS FUND lion in assets and 70,000 members, scholarships from the Foundation. Sgt. Dmitry Novak ran the making it the largest ethnic credit He has helped teach Americans n 1971, a voluntary fund-raising campaign was launched by a group recent Marine Corps Marathon of loyal readers of the Polish American Journal entitled “We Love the union in the United States. He is a about the rich culture and history of in honor of a fallen Polish sol- frequent guest on New York’s Pol- Poland. Mr. Gore is a tough act to PAJ Press Fund” in order to help cover rising postage, material dier, PFC Dawid Pietrek, killed ish radio stations and a contributor follow,” said Mr. Storozynski. and production costs. in Afghanistan last summer. He IDonations to the PAJ Press Fund are also used to support our reader to Polskie Radio 1, the largest radio Gore said, “The Foundation is was part of a team supported by services (postage, telephone, research, etc.), provide newsclippers with station in Poland. facing enormous challenges due to the Marine Corps Law Enforce- In 2006, Storozynski traveled to stamps and envelopes, and cover extraordinary expenses in producing ment Foundation, and all the do- the downturn of the economy and the paper. The Polish American Journal is not a profit-making ven- Iraq to write about the Polish troops we will need a great deal of help nations made to Sgt. Novak go running the multinational zone in ture. Thanks to its dedicated staff, the PAJ is published as a “public to this benevolent organization from our current members. It will service” for American Polonia. the provinces of Diwaniyah and also have to find new sources of that helps spouses and children Wasit near the Iranian border. More Donations to the PAJ Press Fund will be acknowledged in the paper donations and funding to continue of fallen soldiers. You can still recently he interviewed Polish Pres- unless otherwise directed by the contributor. donate to the memory of PFC the Foundation’s important work.” ident Lech Kaczynski for the New Pietrek by visiting the donation nation and around the world. Many A sincere “THANK YOU” for their donations to the PAJ PRESS York Sun. page at www.active.com/donate/ In 2004, the Polish magazine of its grantees occupy important FUND: Eugene Hoey, Washington, D.C.; Leopold Potsiadlo, Las Vegas, MC-LEF-CS/SgtNovak. Nev.; Louis Rakszawski, Churchville, Pa.; Robert W. Salankiewicz, Przeglad called Storozynski “a new positions in Polish academic life. Vestal, N.Y.; Thaddeus Trzeciak, Appleton, Wisc.; Viola Family, type of leader in the Polish commu- Thanks to its members and benefac- Pittsburgh, Pa.; Henry J. Wladkowski Boxford, Mass.; Fred Wozniak, Sikorski: Findings nity,” and even though he was born tors, the Foundation is able to dis- St. Petersburg, Fla.; and four “Friends of the PAJ.” Dziekujemy! The PAJ in Brooklyn, they named him one burse $1 million annually to Polish thanks all who donated to the Press Fund. Question Suspicions of the “100 most influential Poles Americans and others involved in continued from cover living abroad.” In 2005, the Polish Polish studies. Mail to: PAJ PRESS FUND exhumation, is reluctant to confirm Polish American Journal the findings: “If we have waited for Margaret Jusko P.O. BOX 328, BOSTON, NY 14025-0328 65 years, we can wait two months Licensed Sales Associate I want to make sure the POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL continues its more, as there is no point in pub- Fluent in Polish service to American Polonia. Enclosed is my contribution of $______lishing incomplete information,” 1127 Wehrle Drive the institute said in a statement. Williamsville, NY 14221 NAME According to the Institute of 716-204-2294(office) National Remembrance, the find- 716-574-8847(cell) ings will not allow us to dispel all ADDRESS 716-632-7479(fax) doubts concerning general’s death. [email protected] Even if the examination indicates CITY, STATE, ZIP death from a plane crash, it will not Please [ ] include [ ] do not include my name in your list of contributors. explain why the plane crashed in the first place. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY POLISH CHILDREN’S HEARTLINE. An ALL VOLUNTEER non-profit organization sending medical and surgical supplies to hospitals in Poland having Polish Children’s Pediatric units In 2007 over $150,000 of specialized surgical equipment was sent to the hospitals. Requests for assistance in 2008 are already over Heartline, Inc. $160,000. Generous donations from Polonia and American supporters make this possible and much is still needed. Contributions may be made in A Non-Profit Corporation—State of NJ memory of family and friends. Each donation is tax exempt and acknowledged. We thank you for your support and ask for your continued support. For information call 732-680-0680 or 732-341-5044. 177 Broadway “ What one does for others, Lives forever” Ronald Syslo, President • Aleksandra E. Patras, C.E.O. Clark , NJ 07066 Assessing the Present Wallenberg Archbishop, Ambassador and Provincial Foundation Searches Celebrate Parish’s 25th Anniversary Crisis in World Economics for Polish Rescuers WASHINGTON, D.C.—Arch- thors. NEW YORK—The Internation- bishop Donald Wuerl, Polish Ambas- Commenting on the anniversary, al Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, sador Robert Kupiecki, and Society Fr. Fiedurek emphasized the “great oremski whose mission is to honor, preserve of Christ North American Provincial amount of good” that Our Lady P. P P. and divulge the legacies of the sav- Paweł Bandurski joined hundreds of Queen of Poland had accomplished. Polish Americans in celebrating the He urged the parish to “renew in

ichard iors of the Holocaust, is looking for

: R any information regarding Polish 25th anniversary of the establish- ourselves the desire to build our ment of Our Lady Queen of Poland lives on a strong foundation of faith hoto citizens who saved persecuted peo- P ple during World War II. and St. Maximil- Recently, and following in-depth ian Kolbe Parish research conducted by the Founda- on November tion, Polish rescuer Stanislawa (Sta- 23. The parish, sia) Slawinska has been declared located in Silver Righteous among Nations by Yad Spring, Mary- Vashem. Slawinska sheltered ten land, serves the Jews during 1942-1945. One of Polish commu- them was Esfira Maiman, who man- nity throughout aged to escape from the Warsaw the Washington, D.C., area. Ghetto. A r c h b i s h o p The Foundation has also paid Wuerl began the Prof. Balcerowicz Lecture At Polish Embassy. Professor tribute to several other Polish res- celebration by Leszek Balcerowicz, veteran Polish economist and politician, is show cuers, among them Irena Sendler, blessing a monument dedicated to … (to) look more deeply to what we above-right being interviewed by a bevy of Poland’s news media fol- rescuer of dozens of children con- Pope John Paul II erected to mark are and to what we should be in the lowing his lecture entitled “The Financial Crisis and Emerging Coun- demned to certain death by the Na- tries.” the anniversary. Our Lady Queen of future.” zis; Jan Karski, hero of the Polish Poland Pastor Jan Fiedurek inspired Our Lady Queen of Poland and by Richard P. Poremski survive and prosper in the European Resistance; and Janina Klein Dylag, the monument, which was authored St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish began WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Union. member of the underground Polish by Polish American artist Gordon as a mission in 1977. Then Wash- Honorable Leszek Balcerowicz, “It is imperative to stimulate the Army with the rank of sergeant ma- Kray. ington Archbishop, Cardinal Wil- Ph.D., Professor at the prestigious economy and production”—is ad- jor, who saved a Jewish mother and Archbishop Wuerl concelebrat- liam Baum, created the mission in Warsaw School of Economics—for- vice given to the incoming Presi- daughter. ed Mass with Provincial Bandur- response to the request of the local merly the Deputy Prime Minister/ dent Obama administration during The Foundation has launched a ski, Fr. Fiedurek, and several Pol- Polish American community. A let- Minister of Finance of the Republic its first 100 days in office in order campaign among the leaders of the ish and Polish American priests. ter of support from then Krakow of Poland, and President of the Na- to restore the American consumers’ secular and religious communities “Bogurodzica,” the oldest Polish Archbishop, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła tional Bank of Poland—delivered confidence. so that they consider proposing to hymn, opened the service. In his (later Pope John Paul II), played a a very insightful economic lecture, At the reception, when a con- the parents of newly born children, homily, the Washington Archbish- key role. In 1983, Cardinal James Dec. 1, 2008. at the Embassy of the fessed economics-challenged person the possibility of choosing the names op emphasized the connection be- Hickey raised the mission to the sta- Republic of Poland. told Prof. Balcerowicz that he found of the Polish Rescuers for their new- tween Catholicism and Polishness. tus of a parish. Ambassador Robert Kupiecki in- the whole matter of world econom- born children. He illustrated this point by relating A quarter of a century later, Our troduced Balcerowicz, and modera- ics to be very complicated and dif- Anyone who can provide testi- a story of how Pope John Paul II Lady Queen of Poland and St. Max- tor Dr. Grzegorz Kozlowski, First ficult to understand, Balcerowicz, monies and information is kindly once asked a group of young Poles imilian Kolbe Parish continues to Counselor and Head of Economic with a wave of his hand, sublimely requested to contact the organiza- where the spirit of Polonia resided. be a cornerstone of the Polish com- Section. The specialized and very condensed his entire lecture into one tion at 34 E 67 Street, New York, None in the group could answer. munity in our nation’s capital. Some attentive audience consisted mainly understated remark: NY 10065, (212) 737-3275, or visit The Polish Pontiff responded “it is Polonians travel over 30 miles one of economists and financial person- “Really its not … actually it’s www.raoulwallenberg.net for more carried in the heart.” Archbishop way to attend Mass at the parish. nel from Washington embassies and just a matter of common sense.” information. Wuerl stressed that there too, as part think tanks; and notably in atten- of their heritage, Poles carry their dance was Latchezar Petkov, Am- JASELKA AT SHRINE. The NEWSWIRE Catholic faith. Our Lady of Czestochowa Pol- bassador of Bulgaria. The Mass was followed by a Balcerowicz presented his schol- ish Language School will pres- banquet at the nearby Fr. Rosensteel ent its “Jaselka” Christmas Pro- arly lecture—“The Financial Crisis Bernardines Build Huge of the Marian Devotion in Poland. It Knights of Columbus Hall. Here pa- and Emerging Countries”—which gram, Sun. Jan. 4 at the Shrine of Christmas Crib. Bernardine was founded in the 17th century by rishioners and guests viewed a dis- Our Lady of Czestochowa, Ferry was illustrated with projected charts Brothers at the Kalwaria Zebrzy- the Zebrzydowski family. The Way play documenting the history of the and graphs that made the complex Road, Doylestown, Pa. during dowska Sanctuary in southern Po- of the Cross path was erected right parish prepared by Parish Council the 12:30 p.m. Mass. For info subject matter of macro/micro eco- land set up the huge Christmas next to the monastery. member Sylwia Korzan. Local Po- nomics easier to grasp. The pro- call the Shrine (215) 345-0600 crèche made up by about one hun- lonian artists also presented works or www.PolishShrine.com. fessor’s keen sense of humor well dred and fifty figurines, and includ- POLISH COAL MINE WILL SUE by Cyprian Norwid and other au- served to make the heavy subject ing tens of moving elements, mak- GREENPEACE. Owners of Po- matter a bit lighter now and then. ing it one of the largest Christmas land’s Konin mine will sue the 14KT. GOLD JEWELRY Today’s volatile econometrics cribs in Poland. activist organization Greenpeace, were examined and explained in The oldest parts date back to the claiming $121,000 in losses after A B D E detail. The world’s past financial 19th century. about twenty Greenpeace activists C meltdowns were revisited in rela- The crib is located inside the blocked production for two hours. tion to our present monetary woes basilica and is set against a back- The protesters entered the Konin and panicked stock markets. The ground of the painted panorama of mine without the owner’s permis- socialist caused economic problems Bethlehem from the first half of the sion, using ropes for the descent G I of the formerly communist con- 20th century. from an escarpment into the mine. H trolled Eastern Bloc countries were The Franciscan Monastery of The activists demand that Poland laid out. The good news is that the Greccio, Italy, where St. Francis set reduce its reliance on coal and want Czech Republic and Poland are two up world’s first Christmas crib, is a plan in place that by 2020 will see J K of the emerging capitalist countries a major influence for the Kawalria the country derive fifteen per cent of now best situated to suffer the least, Zebrzydowska display, which tradi- its energy from renewable sources. and to recover sooner rather than tionally does not have any modern Coal currently supplies Poland with F later, from the present industrial elements. more than ninety percent of its en- downturn. Balcerowicz was loathe The Kalwaria Zebrzydowska ergy. The Greenpeace activists face ALL SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE • All items are 14KT Solid Yellow Gold. to give any time lines for the even- Sanctuary is one of the main centers up to a year in jail time. tual world-wide markets recovery, Description saying with a sly smile that he un- Some items available in sterling silver. A. Polish Princess fortunately didn’t possess a crystal Andzia’s Amber Please write or call for pricing. ball to make such predictions. B. #1 Babcia (Script) Golden Lion Jewelry During the extensive Q&A ses- C. #1 Babcia (Block) Jewelry D. Small Eagle P.O. Box 199 sion,. Balcerowicz made some very P.O. Box 468 Port Reading, NJ 07064 interesting pronouncements, with a Chincilla, PA 18410 E. Medium Eagle F. Large Eagle (908) 862-1927 sampling as follows: 877-586-6599 “Regulate, regulate, regulate”— G. Large Heavy Eagle (Add $6.00 Postage & Handling for each item) always toll free Prices subject to change to fix the crippling housing mortgage H. Extra Heavy Eagle International callers I. #1 Mamusia (Block) Please allow 10-14 days for delivery. If not satis- crisis and the resulting international 570-346-4568 fied, return for refund within 15 days. banking and investment meltdown. J. #1 Tatus (Block) INTERNATIONAL AMBER New Jersey residents must add 7% sales tax. “They must privatize and down- ASSOCIATION CERTIFIED K. #1 Ciocia (Block) New York & Mass. residents add appropriate size”—if Poland’s shipyards are to amberjewelry.com MEMBER L. Tie Tacks of D, E, F, G sales tax.  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

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RELIGION / Benjamin Fiore, S.J. Preserving Heritage Churches “Domes and Spires,” a book the ongoing dialogue between that Scranton, Pa. ... Archbishop Sambi published by the Tribune-Demo- church and the Roman Catholics on being awarded a Doctor of Hu- crat and Johnstown Magazine, at their recently concluded meet- manities degree from the Felician- features significant architecture in ing in Baltimore. The Declaration sponsored Madonna University in the Johnstown, Pa. area. Among the solemnly rejected as “innovations” Dearborn, Mich. subjects in the book are several of the teachings on papal infallibility the churches slated for closing in and the dogmas of the Immaculate Happy Anniversary to… the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese’s Conception and the Assumption Holy Cross PNCC Parish in John- downsizing plan. For information of Mary into heaven. At the same stown, Pa., on their 90th anniversa- call 532-5101 or visit . time the Declaration rejected the in- ry. Bishop Thaddeus Peplowski of To preserve the churches after novations in the Anglican and Old the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese was they are closed, parishioners are Catholic churches of the ordination joined by Pastor Fr. Paul Zomer- selling a DVD featuring the threat- of women to the priesthood and feld in celebrating the anniversary ened churches. Proceeds will go to episcopate as well as the blessing of Mass. maintain the buildings. “We want to same-sex unions. While the Roman Sisters of the Holy Family Jubi- make sure the buildings aren’t torn Catholics also reject the last men- larians: Sr. Medarda Synakowska, down,” said group member Ma- tioned practices, the teachings on CSFN, from Utica, NY (80 years); rie Mock. “Our goal is to keep the the pope and Mary are considered Sr. Salvatore Samko, CSFN, for buildings intact and tastefully pre- articles of faith. Worcester, Mass. (70 years); Sr. M. serve their history.” In this connection Bishop Joseph Constance Sabalauskas, CSFN of Parishioners of St. Barbara’s RC Adamec of Altoona-Johnstown re- Philadelphia, (50 years); Sr. Loretta Church in Brooklyn Centre, in west minded the pastors and faithful in his Theresa Felici, CSFN, of Philadel- Cleveland, are trying to save their diocese that union between the two phia, (25 years). Czestochowa Relics Visit Turners Falls. Fr. Charles church from being closed. Two of churches has not yet been achieved. Divine Child HS in Dearborn, DiMascola leads prayers before a shrine of relics after the special the five parishes clustered together Until then, Roman Catholics may Mich., on its 50th anniversary. The mass celebrating the Feast of the Relics, at Our Lady of Czestochowa will be closed in the near future. The not receive sacraments from PNCC school was started in 1958 with 84 Church, Turners Falls, Mass., November 5, 2008. This unusual feast is parishioners are stressing its sound clergy, except in cases where there is students, two Bernardine Francis- generally celebrated in those churches which have notable relics and financial status and stable and safe no access possible to Roman Catho- can Sisters, and one athletic coach. commemorates the Saints whose relics are preserved in that church. neighborhood as arguments to keep lic clergy. Likewise, Roman Catho- Today, it has about 855 students and Our Lady of Czestochowa has over 400 relics. it open over the other churches in lics do not fulfill their obligation to a staff of 68. Bernardine Franciscan less favorable circumstances. Only attend Mass if they attend Mass at sisters still serve at the school and After nursing Fr. Marek despite the shouts of ‘Santo Subito’ two other Polish parishes remain in a PNCC church. The dialogue be- live on the campus. Bzinkowski back to health after a is he a saint. So these monuments Cleveland, St. John Cantius and St. tween the two churches is continu- St. Stanislaus Kostka RC severe leg injury, the Polish Sacred cannot be a testimony of our faith; Stanislaus. ing and the Declaration can be seen Church in Staten Island, N.Y., on its Heart Sisters in Cresson, Pa., were they rather testify to our paganism.” The St. Joseph History Society as a restatement of PNCC beliefs to 85th anniversary. The church was inspired to join Fr. Bzinkowski when Writing in the newspaper Gazeta of South Camden, N.J., is selling clarify matters in the course of the featured as the set for the wedding he returned to his work among the Wyborcza he also criticized plans CDs of its April 6, 2008 record- discussions. of Melanie Griffith and Alec Bald- poor in Jamaica. There, the sisters for the Altar of the Third Millen- ing of “Eucharistic Adoration with win in the 1988 film “Working Girl.” provide catechetical instruction, nium, to stand outside Kraków’s RoSewig Vespers” sung by St. Jo- Sto lat to… Fr. Pawel Krysz- Fr. Marek Suchocki not only led the health services, and other forms cathedral, as degrading the church’s seph’s St. Lucia Choir. The history kiewicz on his appointment as renovation project of the church and of spiritual and material outreach baroque foundations and be a “tri- society is dedicated to preserving pastor of St. Bridget RC Parish in catechism classrooms but he also to improve the physical and moral umph of kitsch and gigantomania.” the hundred-year-old church and Glassboro, N.J. He is currently ad- works to keep Polish culture, tradi- lives of the people. Fr. Wacław Hryniewicz, one of its rich cultural heritage. The ves- ministrator of St. Casimir Church in tions and language alive among the The phone at the Vatican City Poland’s top theologians in the field pers were composed by Philadel- Woodbine. He was born in Chodiez, parishioners. number is not answered by a ma- of ecumenism, was told by the Vati- phia composer Albert H. RoSewig Poland ... Msgr. Thaddeus (Ted) chine but by volunteer sisters, can to retract and rewrite an article in 1896. For information about the Malinowski on being featured in Sisters Serving at Home, among them Poles. “I like to think he recently published in which he CD, call (856) 963-1285 or contact the “My Favorite Priest” section of Abroad. A monument in Wash- this is the most human call center discussed universal salvation and Michael Matulewicz at . the Catholic Journal “The Homi- ington, D.C., on the corner or Rhode there is,” said Andrea Mellini, direc- criticized the Vatican’s attitude to- St. Hedwig’s RC Church in To- letic and Pastoral Review.” He was Island and Connecticut Avenues, tor of the Vatican’s telecommunica- ward other Christian churches and ledo, Ohio, hosted the Toledo Sym- recommended for the honor by Ms. honors the more than 600 RC Sis- tions department. denominations. The now-retired, phony in a concert in the church of Jana Carpenter of Clearwater, Fla. ters for their Civil War services. 72-year-old priest who is suffering Henryk Górecki’s “Symphony No. Jennifer Lipinski, of Our Lady The Sisters served the wounded on Poland’s Critical Clergy. from cancer refused to publish the 3.” The concert was a fundraiser of Good Counsel RC Parish in Plym- both sides of the conflict and their Fr. Andrzej Romanowski, a litera- “approved retraction” and could now for repair and preservation of the outh, Mich., who joined a group of religious habit allowed them to pass ture professor at Kraków’s Jagiel- face a publication ban and suspen- church’s pipe organ. other runners in the Detroit Free unchallenged through the battle lonian University accused church sion. He noted, “I am close to death Press/Flagstar marathon to raise lines. The nuns worked at battlefield leaders of promoting an “infantile” and do not see how I can now go Shadow Cast over PNCC-RC money to feed the poor ... Adam hospitals as well as in general hospi- attitude toward Pope John Paul II against my conscience by writing an Dialogue. The “Declaration of Egan on his ordination to the priest- tals behind the lines throughout the with excessive statues and monu- article with clarifications and rectifi- Scranton,” issued by PNCC bish- hood in the Polish National Catholic North and South. One of the nuns, ments. “I am not mocking the pope, cations…. What worries me most of ops in April, cast a shadow over Church at St. Stanislaus Cathedral, Sr. Veronica Klimkiewicz, a nun only his cult, a cult that has begun to all is that this judgment may now be for 75 years in Baltimore, was given look dangerous,” he explained. “For expanded to cover all my previous a military funeral with full honors all our prayers, John Paul II has not work as well, in which I expressed when she died in 1930. yet been declared blessed; even less, similar views and convictions.” Fr. Hryniewicz headed the Catholic University of Lublin’s Ecumenical MODLITWY Institute and has published more than 320 books and papers. He is a Publication of Prayers. The Polish American in all instances of my life you are with me. I want member of the Order of Oblates of Journal gladly accepts prayers ads for publication. this short prayer to thank you for all things and to They must be received by the 10th of each month, confirm once again that I never want to be separated Mary Immaculate and the Vatican’s prior to the month of publication, and must be from you, even and in spite of all material illusion. letter outlining “scientific and meth- pre-paid at the cost of $15.00 each, which can be I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you odological” deficiencies” as well as paid by check or charge. If you have any questions for your mercy toward me and mine. Thank you regarding this policy, please call 1 (800) 422-1275 Holy Spirit. That person must say this prayer for 3 “emotional language perceived as or (716) 312-8088. consecutive days. After 3 days, the favor requested showing little respect for the author- will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This Prayer to the Blessed Virgin. (Never Known prayer must be published immediately after the ity” of the Church was addressed to To Fail). Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, favor is granted, without mentioning the favor. Your the order’s superior in Rome. fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of initials should appear after the thank you. Thank the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my You Holy Spirit. A.D. Polish Creches on Display. necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me The Casatellani Art Gallery on herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of Prayer to the Blessed Virgin. (Never Known God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech To Fail). Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, the campus of Niagara University you from the bottom of my heart and succor me in fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of in Lewiston, N.Y., has included the my necessity (make request). There are none that the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my Polish crèche of the Krysa fam- can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of ily. Fr. Czesław Krysa, pastor of (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech St. Hyacinth and Hedwig parish in hands (three times). Say this prayer for three con- you from the bottom of my heart and succor me in secutive days and then you must publish and it will my necessity (make request). There are none that Dunkirk, N.Y. has put the crèche to- be granted to you. Thank you for your help. A.D. can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived gether. without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee Prayer to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, You (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your who solve all problems, who light all roads so I can hands (three times). Say this prayer for three con- Visit our On-line Bookstore at attain my goal. You who give me the Divine gift to secutive days and then you must publish and it will www polamjournal com forgive and to forget all evil against me and that be granted to you. Thank you for your help. M.L. . . POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 

KULTURA / Staś Kmieć ART SCENE / Staś Kmieć Mazowsze Celebrates 60 Years To Be or Not to Be on Broadway Gala Performance held at Warsaw’s Wielki Teatr Review: To Be or Not formed in concert in Overexposed For 60 years the Mazowsze Pol- Kaczyńska was the honored guest on Election Day and arrived to the To Be on Broadway and Underloved. After becoming ish State Song and Dance Company and an enormous basket of red and news of our President-elect. the youngest songwriters ever to has been ambassadors of culture to white roses from the President and win the Jonathan Larson Award last the world. A special Gala concert, his wife was presented to the com- Arrival at Frédéric Chopin year, they have been touted as two entitled The Colors of Poland, com- pany at the conclusion of the perfor- International Airport. Af- of the most refreshing voices in con- memorating their first performance mance. ter the KLM flight via Amsterdam, I temporary musical theater today. in 1948 at Warsaw’s Polski The- As Culture Editor of the Polish arrived in the Frédéric Chopin Inter- Mira Spektor, no stranger to vis- ater, was held on November 6 at American Journal and on my own national Airport in Warsaw. In 1992, its to Poland with her husband, born the Wielki Teatr (Great Theater and behalf, I presented Mazowsze with the terminal, with capacity for an in Lódz, penned the music, along National Opera House) in Warsaw, an embedded glass token memento, annual 3.5 million passengers, was with collaborating on the lyrics and Poland. honoring its Anniversary Jubilee. built to replace the aging post-war book for Villa Diodati. Allan Kozinn Millions of audience terminal. of The New York Times stated that members have opened As a close friend to the it “recalled the more lyrical parts of their hearts to the beauty company, I was the only for- Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti.” of Polish folklore, as en- eign dignitary and journal- visioned by the founders ist invited to the Mazowsze Review: A Musical about Tadeusz Sygietyński and Jubilee celebration; I was The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising his wife Mira Zimińska- once again privileged to Sygietyńska, who sought be allowed an exclusive to protect the diversity, insider’s perspective of richness and beauty of Po- the workings of this famed Steve Kazee, Jan Maxwell as Ma- land’s folk culture follow- company. ria Tura, and Kristine Nielson in ing the ravages of World I was picked up by Broadway’s “To Be or Not to Be,” War II. The songs and Mazowsze’s Executive Pro- set in 1939 Warsaw. dances of 41 ethnographic duction Manager, Krzysztof The Manhattan Theatre Club regions have been repre- Kurlej. We last met when presented the world premiere pro- sented in their programs, the company was on tour in duction of Nick Whitby’s To Be or and the tradition continues the United States one year Not To Be, a play, based on the 1942 with the enthusiam and di- ago. Kurlej, who has been a motion picture, which starred Jack rection of Witold Zapała, friend for many years, was Benny and Carole Lombard. who remains the relic to the handling preparations for At the Polski Theatre in 1939 continuity of Mazowsze’s the Jubilee performance the Warsaw, Josef and Maria Tura are history. following day. about to open yet another smash The beautiful, heart- I was to stay in a private with their theatrical troupe. As the felt concert included fa- apartment in the Mazowsze German invasion gets underway, Holly Ann Butler portrays vorite dance suites from complex in Karolin (ap- the theatre is closed by the censors, Margalit in the musical To Paint the regions of Opoczno, proximately a ½ hour from forcing the troupe to face desperate the Earth, about the Warsaw Wilanów, Kaszuby, Ro- On the occasion of Mazowsze’s 60th Anniversary Warsaw), but before I was Jubilee, PAJ Culture Editor, Staś Kmieć presented times. But when a handsome young Ghetto Uprising. zbar-Śląsk, Szamotuły, to reach that location, we bomber pilot Lieut. Stanisław Jurgów, Kurpie, Pode- Chief choreographer Witold Zapała with an embed- made a couple of stops in Inspired and loosely based by ded glass token memento; also pictured are dancers Sobiński enlists their help to catch a first-hand accounts of the Jewish grodzie, Lublin, Szcza- the ultra-modern and bus- spy, what is a group of actors to do? wnica, Podhale Mountains, Piotr and Magdalena Zalipski. tling city center of War- Underground in the Warsaw Ghetto, This hilarious black comedy is an To Paint the Earth (book and lyr- Żywiec Town; songs from saw to pick up programs, ingenious commentary on the World Kurpie, Cieszyn and Łowicz; the Travelogue— gift bag inserts, and to finalize a ics by Daniel Frederick Levin and War II era and an inspired tribute to music by Jonathan Portera) tells national dances Krakowiak, Ku- Adventures in Poland contract agreement with the perfor- the timeless joys of the theatre. jawiak; the folk scenes: Carnival mance venue. On route we stopped a fictional account of the resisters I have traveled to France, Italy, The limited engagement, featur- and their families, exploring how a in Wilamowice, Pre-Lenten Kusoki Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, England, at the drive-in window of KFC ing slick direction by Casey Nich- Świętokrzyski, and Lubuskie Wino- (Kentucky Fried Chicken), and then broken community was brought to Holland, Puerto Rico, Argentina, olaw, opened on October 14. The one of history’s most stunning and branie; the classic Mazowsze region Switzerland, Kenya, and throughout to a compact neighborhood grocery tour de force performance by Jan finale and a Jubilee Walc. store, with incredibly fresh produce, unimaginable decisions—to fight the United States and Canada, and Maxwell as Maria, is worth the a last battle they had no chance of Dignitaries from throughout Po- which reminded me of the Polish price of admission alone; she em- there is nowhere else that makes my winning. land’s government and cultural cir- deli/import stores of New Jersey, bodies the noble stature of the Pol- heart skip a beat, brings a tear to my In 2004, the musical was selected cles attended this incredible event. Greenpoint, and Hamtramck, only ish actress with beauty, humor and eye, a smile to my face and gives for the prestigious Richard Rodgers Directors and representatives from more comprehensive. elegance. me such great joy and excitement Development Award, administered Poland’s folk dance companies, With the exception of the round- than Poland. Although I was born in by the Academy of Arts and Letters such as The Folk Dance Ensemble Unexpected Sidetrip. er pronunciation tones of Ms. Max- the United States, my heart and soul and chosen by a committee chaired of Marie Curie-Skłodowska Univer- are alive in Poland. With 14 visits Krzysiek was going crazy with nev- well, the incorporation of flat Amer- by Stephen Sondheim. The Award sity, and the The Song and Dance (including extensive study time), I er-ending phone calls from govern- ican accents and elocution of Polish led to 7 staged readings in Decem- Company, “Lublin” – im. Wandy have seen Poland change through ment officials wanting last-minute words and names are jarring. The use ber of that year. Kaniorowej showed their respect the Communist era, Martial Law, tickets. Along the way he found out of Polish instrumental tunes during Performed in a full production, and support. the transition to Democracy and that he would need to travel 2 hours the scene breaks adds significantly as part of New York Musical The- The many levels of the theater the fluctuating circumstances of the away to a factory location near Lódz to the mood and feeling of the play, atre Festival, the musical recalls Les featured enlarged photographs doc- “New Poland.” to pick up an item for the Jubilee gift and the recurring motif of the tune, umenting the company’s historical With two weeks notice, my return bags. What better way to catch up “Góralu Czy Ci Nie Żal”—first on Misérables, as a group of charac- performances, and New York City- trip, after a five year absence, came on the past year than to accompany the violin and sung at the conclusion ters get caught up in the tumultuous based artist Beata Drozd exhibited together quickly. I had a full itiner- him? With a brief stop in Karolin and is significantly poignant. events leading to heroic rebellion. her collection of Mazowsze photo ary of museums, and visits with old- quick exchange with Mazowsze’s The concept echoes Broadway’s paintings, which been featured at time friends and dance company technical and costume personnel, Polish Representation and current Spring Awakening with its the Kościuszko Foundation in New directors from my past scheduled. we were on our way through coun- Themes at Musical juxtaposition of period and contem- York last year. Once in Poland, it soon became ap- try roads, farmland, and glimmering Theater Festival in NYC porary music style. Patrons of the Jubilee Year in- parent that this impromptu trip was candle-lit cemeteries (it was a few Now in its fifth year, The New To Paint the Earth weaves a tap- cluded Tubądzin Ceramic Tile Com- to become a magical experience— days after All Soul’s Day) to our York Musical Theatre Festival is estry of plotlines and characters as pany, Wódka Żołądkowa Gorzka- one I would like to share with the destination. the largest musical theatre event in a story of the events leading to the Lublin, and A. Blikle Confectionary. readership of the PAJ. With advance At the Tubądzin Ceramika, we America, NYMF takes over mid- resistance, as systematically the The concert was sponsored by TVP notification of my status as a jour- were greeted by the Company Presi- town Manhattan for three weeks world crumbles. This intense ambi- – Telewizja Polska, Jedynka Polskie nalist to certain venues, I was af- dent, Andrzej Wodzyński. A wild with a slate of over 30 productions tious musical contains many potent Radio and Poznaj Świat Magazine. forded many unique opportunities. game hunter, Mr. Wodzyński’s of- and more than 50 concerts, read- moments; however the considerable During the intermission in the A lot has changed, since many fice was elaborately decorated with ings, workshops, seminars and other number of characters and plotlines theater’s guest chamber, dignitaries have traveled during the time of a large wooden antique desk, table special events. This year’s offering’s lessen the focus. The first act sets were treated to a reception of pas- Communist Poland, while some and chairs, cabinet and large taxi- had a Polish American representa- each relationship in motion, allow- tries by A. Blikle, cordials, and the things remain the same. There is a dermically-stuffed animals and tion and a musical set in Poland dur- ing the second act its power and mo- extraordinary new premium vodka lot to recommend to those consider- animal heads from his pursuits in ing the Nazi occupation. tion. – Orkisz by Wódka Żołądkowa ing a visit. Also there is information, Africa. I was treated to a cup of As part of the Special Events Most compelling are the soar- Gorzka. Gift bags containing com- such as how to travel first class from strong, rich coffee and pleasant con- series, performer/choreographer ing ensemble choral harmonies, memorative memorabilia, includ- Warsaw to Krakow or travel by van versation. Honored repeatedly as Ryan Kasprzak presented a preview while the “Sewing Song” and the ing a 2009 Mazowsze calendar tile service. In the coming issues I will Poland’s “Choice of the Year,” the excerpt of Time Step in an evening title song command the stage. With made exclusively by Tubądzin, were offer practical “ins and outs” and firm is one of the leading manufac- of works entitled Freshly Tossed. adjustments from this first staging, distributed to special guests. what to watch out for as a traveler. turers of ceramic tiles with factories In November he presented the full I expect the musical should have a The honorary patrons included To save time in my schedule, I in Tubądzin and Ozorków (on either work at The Joyce Theater-Soho. continued life on stage in the near President of Poland Lech Kaczyński, flew into Warsaw and out of Kra- side of Lódz) and is widely known Benj Pasek and Justin Paul per- future. Bogdan Zdrojewski (Minister of Na- kow. The itinerary was: Warsaw-Lu- for its patronage of culture and the tional Culture and Art), and Adam blin-Warsaw-Krakow. The trip was Arts. Unique Polish Folk Art and Crafts Struzik (Marshal of The Voivode- an adventure with many unexpected Next month: Warsaw’s Old Town, ship of the Mazowsze Region). surprises along the way. Having vot- After the Jubilee Celebration, and a Poland’s first lady Maria ed in the early morning, I departed Night at Teatr Sabat. www.polishpeddler.net  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

Happenings: Chicago Style / Geraldine Balut Coleman Loyola Professor Addresses CEP MAREK SUSZKO’S Poland’s Independence Celebrated PRESENTATION. The CHICAGO—On Veterans’ Day, Council of Educa- the Polish Consul General of the tors in Polonia (CEP), Republic of Poland, Zygmunt Ma- while holding its tynia, and his staff hosted a very monthly meeting and special event at The Polish Muse- celebrating 90 years um of America (PMA) to celebrate of Poland’s indepen- the 90th anniversary of Poland’s dence, hosted Dr. independence. A standing-room- Marek Suszko, History only crowd of more than 300 filled professor from Loyola the Great Hall of the PMA. Even University Chicago. though this event was conducted in Dr. Suszko presented the Polish language, greetings from an enthusiastic and PMA Pres., Maria Ciesla, included enlightening overview that “music transcends all languag- of Poland’s struggle es.” Consul General Matynia gave for independence. Co- a summary of Poland’s historical ordinating this event struggle for independence, its turbu- was Angie Bartoszek, lent years from 1918 through World Programs Coordinator War II, the communist years, the of the CEP. Solidarność years until 1990—and (photo, right): l. to r.: Wiesław Chodorowski, Zygmunt Matynia, Marian Prusek, Dr. beyond. Matynia, also, noted that l. to r.: Dr. Lidia Adam Poszel, and Janusz Zadarnowski. the importance of the Polish settlers Filus, Dr. Marek in Jamestown and their “no vote, no Suszko, and Angie work” demand was the foundation Bartoszek. of a new democracy. Dignitaries from Poland, attend- Polish Museum Honors Millennium and Legacy Members ing this event, were Renata Wis- The Polish Mu- niewska, Director of the Cabinet of seum of America the President of Warsaw, Małgorzata (PMA) held its Naimska, Deputy Director of the fourth and final Bureau of Culture of the City of bi-yearly black tie Warsaw, and Andrzej Matusiak, gala honoring the Director of Stołeczna Estrada of Museum’s final Warsaw. Also attending was Rob- group of Millenni- ert Ogrodnik, Honorary Consul of um Life Members, the Republic of Poland in St. Louis, as well as ushering MO. On behalf of the President of in its “Legacy Life Poland, Mr. Matynia presented the Members.” Life Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit and Legacy Mem- to Danuta Cwiklinska Goląb and To- bers, both past masz Goląb, and the Officer’s Cross and present, made of the Order of Merit to Wojciech major monetary Bialasiewicz, editor of the Dzien- Standing-room-only crowd. commitments to nik Związkowy. After these presen- was filled with heart-wrenching, Ignacy Paderewski for Polish Army “preserve the past Sabina Logisz, Founding Member (1936); Maria tations, the Consul General invited patriotic, and sentimental songs. recruitment in the United States for the future” of Ciesla, Pres. PMA; and Thad Jakubowski, Auxil- all to a vocal concert performed by The crowd, at times, sang with the during World War II. Veterans of all the PMA. Those iary Bishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Chicago. renowned Polish operatic singers, performers. These songs produced wars were asked to send their war attending the eve- bara Mirecki, Krystyna Grell, Mark Iwona Tober, Leszek Świdziński, smiles and tears, along with salutes time experiences to the PMA to be ning’s event were given the oppor- Sorbi, Agnieszka Migiel, and Jan Anna Cymmerman and pianist from Polish soldiers of the Battle archived for future generation. Jan tunity of viewing hard copies (origi- Lorys. These Museum staff mem- Małgorzata Gora. The concert, a of Monte Cassino and members of Lorys, Museum curator, mentioned nals), as well as a slide presentation bers were available to give invalu- repertoire of Polish songs –well Armia Krajowa. The concert includ- that all experiences in English and of an array of literary, documentary able expertise commentary regard- known to the majority of the guests, ed a song especially written by Jan Polish are welcomed. and photographic treasures in which ing the Museum’s rare, important, many of these rare gems were being and priceless documents and photos. Author Honored by PAC. The of Flames”) and Paul Valasek FRIENDS OF JOHN PAUL II. viewed for the first time. Kudos to The Chair of this event was Joann Wisconsin Division of the Polish (“Haller’s Army in France”) were Friends of the John Paul II Founda- Halina Misterka, Leonard Kurdek, Ozog, the Museum’s Membership American Congress honored novel- also presented with commendations tion, Chicago Chapter, celebrated Julita Siegel, Monica Nowak, Rich- and Events Coordinator and a PMA ist James Conroyd Martin 25 years of its founding by hold- ard Kujawa, Małgorzata Kot, Bar- volunteer. at their annual Veterans’ ing a solemn Mass at St. Richard’s Day Luncheon, Novem- Church on Chicago’s Southside. ber 9. Martin is the author Mariusz Han, S.J. of the Jesuit Pol- of “Push Not the River,” ish Mission Church of the Sacred a novel based on the di- Heart, celebrated this Mass and of- ary of a countess who lived fered a special homily for the occa- through the chaotic years of sion. After Mass, almost 100 guests the Third of May Constitu- traveled to Szala’s, a well-known tion, and “Against a Crim- Southside Polish Highlanders’ res- son Sky,” which takes the taurant. Honored at this event was story’s characters into the Bishop Thomas, J. Paprocki, Aux- fascinating Napoleonic era. iliary Bishop of Chicago; host- Both books have proven ing this celebration, was its Chair, bestsellers in Poland and Marian Skawski. The John Paul II “Push Not the River” has Foundation was established in 1981 been optioned for film by as an ecclesiastical not-for-profit a Polish producer in Hol- organization whose purpose is to lywood. support and implement initiatives, Don Pienkos, president which are scholarly, religious, and of the Wisconsin Division Zygmunt Matynia (left), Consul General cultural in nature, and were closely of the PAC, honored Martin of the Republic of Poland, congratulates associated with John Paul II. The 2008 Museum Life Members for “his invaluable interest author James Conroyd Martin. Foundation has 42 chapters, na- in building knowledge of tionwide; the Chicago Chapter is KOŚCIUSZKO CELEBRATION. and founder of Chicago’s Polish the Polish experiences in our [na- from the Milwaukee City Council, the largest with approximately 120 The Kościuszko Foundation, Chi- Film Festival, to Lucyna Migala, tive] country.” The occasion under- the Milwaukee County Board, and members. Understanding that Pol- cago Chapter, celebrated its 25th Artistic Director of the Lira En- scored the 90th anniversary of Po- from Zygmunt Matynia, the Consul ish/Polish American history must be anniversary on November 22 with semble, and to Mira Puacz, owner land’s Declaration of Independence General of the Republic of Poland, preserved, the Chicago Chapter has a soirée held at the Polish Consul- of the Polonia Book Store. Pianist in 1918. The end of Poland’s inde- begun to undertake a documentary who had traveled from Chicago to ate. The guest of honor was Mr. Pawel Checinski presented a re- pendence in 1795 was chronicled in and photographic history project of attend the event at the beautiful Pol- Joseph E. Gores, Executive Direc- cital featuring the music of Cho- “Push Not the River” when Poland its chapter. All are welcome to con- ish Center of Wisconsin. tor of the Kościuszko Foundation. pin and Szymanowski. During the fell to Russia. The true life heroine tribute. past quarter century, the Chicago James Conroyd Martin plans Also in attendance were mem- of the story was present at the Praga bers of the Foundation’s Board of Chapter has supported numerous to complete his Polish trilogy with Massacre when 12,000 Polish souls Trustees and its Academic Advi- cultural events in the metro-Chi- “The Warsaw Conspiracy,” a novel Visit our on-line library at were cut down trying to escape the sory Council. At this event, well- cago area, distributed a number Russians by crossing the bridge that highlighting the Insurrection of 1830 www.polamjournal.com deserved recognition was given to of scholarships to well-deserving would lead them from the suburb of and attempted abduction of the Rus- Biographies • Recipes Zygmunt Drykacz, owner of Chi- Chicago area students, and, over Praga to the city walls of Warsaw. sian Grand Duke by Polish cadets. Customs and Traditions cago’s popular Chopin Theater, to the past 16 years, promoted the Martin and two other writ- For more about Martin’s books, visit This Month in History Krzysztof Kamyszew, Executive Kościuszko Foundation’s Chopin ers, Douglas Jacobson (“Night www.JamesCMartin.com. and more! Director of the Society for Arts, Piano Competition auditions. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 

POLONIA OF THE EASTERN GREAT LAKES / Michael Pietruszka St. Nicholas Makes Visit Hochul A Frontrunner for U.S. Attorney BUFFALO, N.Y.— The members competition ... Polish Singers Alli- ria Slomczewski at (716) 892-1369 of Polish National Alliance District ance of America District IX hosted for more information ... The Polish IV chose Ann Holby of Erie, Pa. to its 28th Annual “Christmas in Polish Cultural Foundation will hold its serve as district secretary and Elea- Song” featuring the Chopin Singing Annual Meeting the afternoon of nor Karlis of Lackawanna to serve Society, Symfonia Singing Society, Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the as district treasurer at the group’s re- Kalina Women’s Chorus, Ludowa Butler Library on the Buffalo State cent convention in Syracuse ... Bill Nuta and a combined chorus under College Campus on Elmwood Av- Hochul, the Buffalo U.S. Attorney’s the direction of Dr. Thomas Wita- enue. For more information, please Office Anti-Terrorism Chief, is a kowski at St. Stanislaus Church in visit www.polishculturalfoundation. frontrunner for the position of U.S. Buffalo on December 7 ... Also on com. Attorney for the Western District of the 7th, Greg and Lynn Chwojdak Szczesliwego Nowego Roku! New York ... The State University of the “Polkamotion” radio program Happy New Year to all my friends of New York at Buffalo (SUNYaB) on WXRL (1300AM) held their an- and readers! Baldy Center for Law and Social nual food drive to benefit Sr. Joh- v v v Policy presented a program on “Vio- nice’s Response to Love Center If you have any item for this col- lence Against Women: International and the Niagara Polish Cultural umn, please send the information In celebration of St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6), Swiety Mikolaj visited with Perspectives” which included a dis- and Historical Society’s “Wigilia to me by the 6th day of the month several children of the Harmony Polish Folk Ensemble. The children cussion of domestic violence with Dinner and Koledy” took place at preceding the month in which you were given traditional gifts of oranges, gingerbread cookies, candies visiting scholar Dorota Trypens of the Polish Nook Restaurant ... SUN- would like the item to appear (i.e. and prayer cards. Warsaw and a screening of Joanna YaB’s Dr. Kazimierz Braun’s new January 6 for the February edition) Kos and Krzysztof Krauze’s film play, “Tales of Pola Negri,” had its at: POL. E.G.L., P.O. Box 223, Ni- BUFFALO, N.Y.—On his way feast day and not on Christmas day. “Plac Zbawiciela / Saviour Square” American premiere at the American agara Square Station, Buffalo, NY to Poland, St. Nicholas stopped by The feast of St. Nicholas is on on December 3 ... Also on the 3rd, University’s Greenberg Theatre in 14201-0223. My e-mail address is: to visit the children of the Harmony December 6th. On this day, Swi- the Professional and Business- Washington, D.C. on December 9. [email protected]. For more Polish Folk Ensemble. He came ety Mikolaj (as he is called in Po- men’s Association elected Ron The “Krakow—The Magic information on what’s going on in bearing traditional gifts of oranges, land) visits the homes of people in Sygnatur, Greg Mazurowski and City” photographic exhibit was the Polonia of the Eastern Great gingerbread cookies, candies and the village, dressed in his bishop’s Walter Stepien to its board of direc- on display at the John Paul II Pol- Lakes, including a calendar of up- prayer cards for all. The children robes. When St. Nicholas visits the tors at its Christmas Party / Elec- ish Cultural Centre in Mississauga, coming events, an organizational were told the legend of St. Nicho- children, he gives them gifts for be- tion Meeting. Acting NYS Supreme Ontario until December 11 ... Sandy directory and interesting links, visit las and reminded that in Poland, St. ing good and to remind them of the Court Justice John Michalski swore Starks and Rev. Anselm Chalupka my website at: www.polegl.org. Nicholas visits the children on his gifts given to the Christ Child by in the new directors. of Corpus Christi Parish gave a “Wi- the Three Kings. Celebrating the The Advocates Club of WNY gilia” demonstration at the historic feast day of Swiety Mikolaj remains honored NYS Senator Bill Sta- Broadway Market on December Kozlowski Named Dean of UB School popular with Polish people living all chowski and attorney Richard 13 ... Holy Mother of the Rosary over the world. Kwieciak at its Christmas Party Cathedral in Lancaster hosted its of Public Health and Health Professions Harmony Polish Folk Ensemble’s at the Polish Villa II Restaurant in Advent / Christmas Evensong Ser- mission is to promote and sustain BUFFALO, N.Y.—Lynn T. Polish heritage within the family, Cheektowaga on December 4 ... vice, Assumption Parish in Black Kozlowski, professor and chair of The Blacksmith Shop on Route 39 Rock presented the Canisius High through study and performance of the Department of Health Behavior the traditional folk dances of Poland in Collins Center offers one of the School Chamber Singers’ “Carols and interim dean of the School of largest selections of Polish pottery and Lessons” and the Polish Arts and cultural enrichment sessions. Public Health and Health Professions They are a family ensemble span- in WNY ... On December 6, Erie Club of Buffalo held its “Wigilia” since September 2007, has been County Judge Michael Pietruszka at the Protocol Restaurant in Wil- ning several generations with nearly appointed dean of the school after a 60 performing members. administered the oath of office to liamsville on December 14 ... The national search. the incoming officers of thePulaski Adam Mickiewicz Library and Harmony is a member of the Pol- Kozlowski’s appointment was Police Association of Buffalo and Dramatic Circle joined with the ish Folk Dance Association of the announced by David L. Dunn, vice WNY: Al Ziemecki (president), Corpus Christi Parish Choir, Ameri- Americas. president for health sciences. Marty Bochinski (first vice presi- can Serbian Club “Braska Sloga” For more information, visit www. dent), David Gorski (second vice Lodge 248 and St. Nicholas Ukrai- He succeeds Maurizio Trevisan, harmonypfe.org, or call Kim Arent president), Walter Kantorski (third nian Catholic Church to celebrate founding dean of the school, who at (716) 200-7543. vice president), Mike Stack (sec- “A Slavic Christmas” on Decem- left UB to become vice chancellor retary), Ron Skotnicki (treasurer), ber 21 ... On December 27 and 28, and chief executive officer of the Polish-English Paul Manno (financial secretary) the Polish Heritage Dancers of University of Nevada Health Sci- and Jerry Imiola (sergeant-at-arms) WNY performed in the Lancaster ences System, the Nevada System Translator of Higher Education. ... December 6th also brought the Opera House’s production of “Pol- • Official documents, letters, SUNYaB Polish Student Associ- ish Christmas in the Village” which An international leader in the field e-mails, etc. ation’s 36th Annual “Wigilia” to is based on Rev. Czeslaw Krysa’s of smoking cessation, Kozlowski Kozlowski • Reasonable rates. joined the faculty of the School of • Fast, reliable service by e-mail Buffalo’s St. Stanislaus Social Cen- book “Polish Christmas Eve.” Health Behavior. Public Health and Health Profes- or regular mail. ter, the Chopin Singing Society’s “Sylwester / New Year’s Eve” Prior to his tenure at Penn State, “Wigilia” to the Fr. Justin Knights celebrations were held at the Syra- sions in 2006 to head the then-new • Translation to/from other lan- Kozlowski taught at the University guages available as well. of Columbus Hall in Cheektowaga, cuse Polish Home, Dunkirk’s Kos- Department of Health Behavior. He of Toronto for ten years and was on • Over 20 years experience work- Polish Falcons Nest 52 Christmas ciuszko Club, Mississauga’s John previously was professor and head of the staff at the Addiction Research ing with genealogists, attorneys, Party to Camp Eastman in Roches- Paul II Polish Cultural Centre, biobehavioral health in the College of businesses, film-makers, gov- ter and the Polish Heritage Society Rochester’s Polish American Citi- Health and Human Development at Foundation in Toronto for 11 years. ernment, medical professionals, of Rochester’s Krakow Creche Dis- zens Club, Kitchener’s Dom Pol- Pennsylvania State University. He was head of the foundation’s etc. play and “Wigilia” to the Rochester ski 2000 and North Tonawanda’s Kozlowski’s primary interest is Biobehavioral Research on Tobacco Andy Golebiowski Museum and Science Center. Madonna Council of the Knights of smoking and health. He has published Use unit when he joined Penn State’s 109 Rosemead Lane Binghamton once again beat out Columbus ... Buffalo’s St. Adalbert more than 100 papers in the field, biobehavioral health faculty in 1990. Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Buffalo in Mrs. T’s “Capital of the Parish is planning a reunion for and research in that area is a major He was named head of the department (716) 892-5975 Pierogy Pocket of America 2009” April of 2009. Please contact Ma- component of the UB Department of in 1993. PAHA www.polishamericanstudies.org

The Polish American Histocial Association was established in December 1942 as a special commission of the The Polish Institute of Arts 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 research in the history and social background of Americans of Polish descent. The Association, which was incorporated under the laws of Illi- nois in 1972, strives to assist and cooperate with all individuals and organizations interested in Polish American life and history. Contributions in support of the work of the Association are tax-exempt. Regular one-year membership to the Association is $30.00.

___ I am interested in becoming a member of PAHA. Enclosed is a check or money order for $30.00 made payable to the Polish American Historical Association.

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MAIL TO: PAHA, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050 10 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

Hamtramck Beat / Michelle Odrobina-Jiompkowski INTERNATIONAL Take a Virtual tour of Hamtramck via the Web Auschwitz Blueprints Found There’s nothing like exploring are Chairman Greg Kowalski, Cindy pacmi.org. The PAC is an umbrella BERLIN (Reuters)—The origi- discovered when a Berlin flat was a new city with all of its inimita- Cervenak, vice-chairwoman, Hillary organization for many Polonian nal construction plans believed cleaned out. used for a major expansion of the The newly found blueprints are ble sights and sounds. However, if Cherry, secretary, Joan Bittner, Den- groups. you’re not able to visit in person, the nis Orlowski and Jonathan Richards. Nazi death camp at Auschwitz in dated October 23, 1941 and could 1941 have been found in a Berlin offer historians earlier evidence of next best thing is to get an inkling of An associate group is the Friends of POLISH DAY PARADE. Sponsored it on the Web. Historical Hamtramck. The Com- flat, Germany’s Bild newspaper re- Nazi plans to kill on a mass scale, by the PAC, Michigan Division, the ported. Bild said. mission has collected materials Polish Day Parade Committee oper- Here are a few Web sites to gain a ranging from a 1792 letter relating The daily printed three architect’s “These documents reveal that ates its own Web site. Their parade glimpse of what makes Hamtramck to Colonel John Francis Hamtramck drawings on yellowing paper from everyone who had even anything re- the unique place that it is. to advertising fliers of current busi- coverage may be seen at www.pol- the batch of 28 pages of blueprints motely to do with the planning and nesses throughout the city. Visit ishdayparade.org. it obtained. One has a room marked construction of the concentration CITY SITES. From Hamtramck www.hamtramckhistory.org. “Gaskammer” (gas chamber) that camp must have know that people Mayor Karen Majewski and oth- POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE. was part of a “delousing facility.” were to be gassed to death in assem- er city officials comes the greet- HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC LIBRARY. For information about the lo- No one from the federal gov- bly-line fashion,” Bild wrote. ing: Welcome to “Hamtramck—A For programs and activities spon- cal fraternal Polish National Al- ernment’s archives was immedi- “The documents refute once and Touch of the World in Hamtramck.” sored by the Hamtramck Public liance lodge and council, e-mail ately available for comment on the for all claims by those who deny authenticity or importance of the the Holocaust even took place,” it Previously, the slogan was “Ham- Library, Albert J. Zak Memorial, [email protected]. To tramck—A Touch of Europe in check online at www.hamtramck- documents. added. find out about the national PNA in The plans include a crematorium Auschwitz I was set up in May America.” Find out much more on publiclibrary.com. The library Chicago, view www.pna-znp.org. the city’s website www.hamtramck. houses a large collection of foreign and a “L. Keller”—an abbreviation 1940 in an old army barracks in Po- us. language books and magazines. The for “Leichenkeller” or corpse cellar. land. The first victims were gassed PIAST INSTITUTE. A drawing of the building for in September 1941. Auschwitz II, or library’s Web site also features links At www.piastinstitute.org, cull DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT to the Hamtramck Heights Commu- Auschwitz’s main gate was also Birkenau, opened in October 1941. information about the Piast Insti- ild AUTHORITY. Eve Doster Knepp, nity Garden, Ukrainian American found in the documents that B Four large gas chambers were the interim downtown develop- Archives & Museum of Detroit, the tute, which is one of the official said were believed to have been added to the camp in January 1942. ment manager for Hamtramck re- Detroit Zen Center, the Arab Ameri- Census Information Centers (CIC) ports about business development can and Chaldean Society, and oth- in the United States. and media coverage of the city. One ers. Woody Allen Tours Poland such item is that four street signs on POLISH ART CENTER. As a trea- KRAKOW—In recent years, de- most significant Jewish community Conant Avenue were renamed Ban- NEWSWORTHY SITES. A main- sury of Polish Heritage, the Polish scendants of Poland’s once thriving in the world. Notable Jews of Pol- gladesh Ave. in honor of the Ban- stay in covering city news, The Art Center has an extensive array of Jewish community have been mak- ish descent include Sigmund Freud, gladesh community and their busi- Citizen may be viewed online at Polish items, many not found any- ing their way back to Poland, almost Steven Spielberg, and Mel Brooks. nesses that have sprung up on that www.hamtramckcitizen.com. Main where else, available online. In ad- exclusively as The Holocaust hit this community major thoroughfare. The top of each Street is a complimentary news- dition, the Bittner family offers on tourists. The particularly hard and at the end of sign reads: Bangladesh Ave. and paper distributed around town. their Web site: www.polartcenter. Polish govern- the war only a fraction, estimated at the bottom reads: Celebrate Diver- For information, e-mail publisher com, many links to such groups as ment is encour- 10%, were still alive. sity. DDA news may be accessed at aging this and The latest celebrity visitor to George Kristy at gkristy@gmail. Polish dance and language schools. www.downtownhamtramck.com. com. Hamtramck Star is available the old Jewish Poland was Woody Allen (born Al- only online at www.hamtramckstar. quarters of War- lan Stewart Koningsberg). Report- CAFE 1923 HAMTRAMCK.With HISTORICAL COMMISSION. The com. The Polish Weekly/Tygodnik saw and Krakow edly excited about the trip, Allen Hamtramck Historical Commission Polski has been serving the Polish outstanding cups of Joe, this cof- are now thriving performed a sold out show at the has been busy with fund-raising American community since 1904; feehouse attracts artists, graphic ALLEN again as throngs Kongresowa Hall in Warsaw on De- events, working toward the goal of e-mail them at polishweekly@com- designers, musicians to perform and of tourists redis- cember 28th with his New Orleans eventually having a city museum. cast.net. The Polish Times / Czas display their work. Guide yourself cover the history of a culture all but Jazz Band. Rumor has it that Allen This year, they drew from their ar- Polski is available online at www. to www.cafe1923.com. completely destroyed. would perform a few Klezmer style chival photos and compiled a cal- polishtimes-czaspolski.com. Poland’s Jewish community numbers: this style of music is cur- endar titled, “Hamtramck, 2 square HATCH. The Hamtramck Art Col- numbered 3.5 million prior to the rently popular in Poland where nos- miles rich in History...” which was ST. FLORIAN. At www.stflorian- lective may be discovered via www. start of World War II and during the talgia for the Jewish culture is cur- sold around town. Commissioners parish.org, read about the imposing hatchart.org. Middle Ages was the largest and rently all the fashion. church, its history, Mass schedule, parish groups and view photos from H-CAT. Cat lovers can reach the ACPC Announces $5K Pulaski Scholarships different events. A Centennial anni- Hamtramck Cat Assistance Team at versary book is being sold to com- hamcat.org. The American Council for Pol- Rd., West Hartford CT 06107; or memorate the 2008 milestone year. ish Culture (ACPC) has announced Carolyn L. Meleski, 10020 Reese Historian Thaddeus Radzilowski, PRESERVE OUR PARKS. Learn it is accepting applications for the Rd., Clarkston MI 48348, Ph.D., of the Piast Institute wrote 2009 Pulaski Scholarships for Ad- At least one scholarship grant about plans for the Hamtramck Bike the update to the parish history for vanced Studies. The $5,000 award, of $5,000 is available for the 2009 Trail at www.preserveourparks.org. the keepsake publication. For more which was initially endowed by competition. The application re- information about the anniversary Since 1996, Preserve Our Parks has the Conrad R. Walas family, is quirements may be obtained by book, e-mail the office at office@ as its goal the maintenance of the administered solely by the ACPC. visiting the ACPC website: www. stflorianparish.org. In addition, De- city’s public park land. Qualified applicants must send polishcultureacpc.org. or contact- troit’s prestigious “Hour Detroit” all of the material so that it is re- ing Mr. Winters at e-mail mvwin- magazine featured a historic photo PERSONAL MUSINGS. With ceived on or before March 15, [email protected] or tel. (508) 949- of St. Florian on its page, The Way 2009, I’m looking forward to the 2009 (faxes not accepted). Origi- 0160. Questions concerning the It Was, written and developed by next reunion of Alliance College nal copies of all materials must be requirements should be directed to George Bulanda. The photo depicts alumni and faculty held at the Riv- mailed to the Chairman and dupli- Mr. Winters. the dedication of the church on Oct. erside Inn in Cambridge Springs, cate copies to the other four ACPC All materials submitted by ap- 21, 1928. By the way, interim De- Pennsylvania. I had a wonderful Pulaski Scholarships Committee plicants will become part of the troit Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. is a time in 2007 at the last get-together. members: Mr. Marion V. Winters, records of the ACPC and will not 1983 graduate of St. Florian school. Chairman, 51 Camile Rd., Webster be returned. Late, incomplete or For more details about the Alumni MA 01570; Deborah M. Majka, unsigned applications will not be Association, check out their site at POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS, 812 Lombard St. #12 Philadelphia accepted or returned for correc- MICHIGAN DIVISION. Find out www.alliancecollege.com. PA 19147; Peter J. Obst, 67 Lower tion. The decisions of the ACPC what is going on in terms of politi- Until my next column, Happy Orchard Dr. Levittown PA 19056; Pulaski Scholarships Committee cal issues to over one million Amer- New Year and Happy Trails to you Anna-Mae Maglaty, 35 Fernridge are final and not subject to review. icans of Polish descent. Go to www. from Hamtown! How Will You Be Remembered? POLISH AMERICAN Many people talk about leaving gifts to worthy causes, but don’t have a will, and do not realize CULTURAL CENTER it requires a will to do so. The laws of most states make it quite clear that personal property goes 308 WALNUT STREET automatically, by law, to your nearest relatives, even if they are quite distant ones, unless you have a legal will that says otherwise. If you have no relatives, it goes to the state. More than half of all PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 adult Americans die without having made their wills. Most of them undoubtedly planned to do so, but never got around to it. Some had wills but didn’t keep them current. When you have a will, you (215) 922-1700 should update it every few years as conditions change. Also, always name an executor who will carry When You’re in Philadelphia’s Historic out your wises. Besides money, non-cash possessions can also be used as contributions and vari- District, Visit The Polish American ous donation plans can be carried out. Be a philanthropist: leave your stocks, bonds, real estate, art, Cultural Center Museum Exhibit Hall 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 Featuring Polish History and Culture specify what you would like your donation to be used for. For help in making your will, contact a competent lawyer. The OPEN 10:00 a.m. TO 4:00 p.m. • FREE ADMISSION National Polish Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that needs your help and legacy. January through April • Monday to Friday May through December • Monday to Saturday The National Polish Center, Inc. Gift Shop is Open During Regular Exhibit Hall Hours 2025 “O” Street NW • Washington, DC 20036 Closed on Holidays Tel.: (202) 785-2320 • Fax: (202) 785 2159 • www.polishcenterdc.org Visit Us on the Internet: www.polishamericancenter.org POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 11

POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL Polka Insider / Steve Litwin Forty Years on the Beat Forty years of writing! It began readers will be searching for those by sending news shorts to Stan messages?) There have been times Saleski’s Polka News and then, with I’ve written a column in less than the help of Adele and Rose, we cre- ten minutes and other times I’ve ated the Polka Press News Bulletin worked on one for ten days. The for the Polka Paraders Club of Bing- column that takes ten days to write DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN MUSIC hamton. That led to the “Accordion ends up never being published. to Steve” by-line, which eventually The first columns were pounded migrated to the “Polka Insider” col- into an old Underwood manual type- IPA Presents Festival “Silver Fox” Moves to FM and Internet umn which is now exclusive to the writer and hand mailed to the PAJ of Bands, January 18 Polish American Journal. Proving offices. Next came floppy disks and CHICAGO (PMN)—For the last that he will do anything for a laugh, finally email and the internet. I still forty years the International Polka Mark Kohan named me Polka Edi- have the Underwood in the attic, tor and now I sit here, four decades somewhere, but have gone through Association has held its Festival of later, wondering where the time has at least four computers since then. Chicago Bands, and continues to do gone. Perhaps that’s a subject for a future so this year. This all-day affair will Writing about polka music, mu- column? be held, Sunday, January 18, 2009, sicians, festivals, figure dances, re- Forty years is a long time and a at Glendora Banquets, 10225 S. cordings, and sometimes items not major portion of my life. Writing Harlem Avenue, Chicago Ridge, Il- even closely connected to the afore- I’ve made many friends and a few linois. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. mentioned, I’ve often thought “I’ve enemies, but I only remember the with music commencing at 11:30 written this column before.” Truth friends. I was asked recently when a.m. is, there are times I’ve thought I am I going to retire from writing. Bands scheduled to entertain shouldn’t write another column. Actually, I think about that every polka fans include Rick Rzeszutko I’ve learned to despise deadlines, month, especially near my deadline & the Music Company, Tony Bla- avoid certain subject matter and for copy. Apparently I’m not retir- zonczyk’s New Phaze, Downtown sneak secret messages into sentenc- ing yet so as long as you keep read- Sound, Stas Bulanda & the Old es of a column. (now, I suspect the ing, I’ll keep writing. School Review, Joe Walega & the Happy Hearts, Jimmy Kilian, Ampol SYRACUSE, N.Y.—The Bob on 95.3 FM, 98.1 FM, 101.5 FM, Aires, Jake Mikrut & the All Stars, Pietrucha Polish Radio Show has and on the internet at WVOAradio. JUKEBOX / Steve Litwin Freeze Dried and Stas Golonka & moved to FM and the Internet. The com. the Chicago Masters. change started December 7, 2008. Pietrucha started in radio in 1961, Tune in to the IPA radio show on The veteran radio broadcaster, and is now celebrating his 47th year WPNA (1490 AM in Chicago) or via known as the “Silver Fox of Pol- on the air with polka music. Bulanda Delivers a Great www.wpna1490am.com on Sunday kas,” and his wife, Virginia Grey, Bands and organizations can send mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 broadcast live every Sunday after- their CD releases and news items to: Honky Style Christmas a.m. for more information. noon on WVOA 103.9 FM, based in Bob Pietrucha, 105 Armitage Dr., Christmas is still in our memories songs. East Syracuse, N.Y., 2:00-4:00 p.m. North Syracuse, NY 13212, or call so here’s “A Honky Style Christ- Of course there is also “Kubus IPA Fest Moves The program can also be heard (315) 458-1054. mas” by Stas Bulanda and the Old The Polish Reindeer,” “Hej Koleda” School Review on a new CD on the with Stas and Steve on vocals, and CHICAGO (PMN)— As was Chicago Polkas label. Chet and Stas with the Wally hit, determined at its last convention, Polka Grammy Nominees Sixteen tracks feature a complete “Christmas Oberek.” the 41st Annual International Polka LOS ANGELES—For the first Band [Polka Family Music] variety of new and old Christmas Making this entire package work Association (IPA) Polka Festival time, nominations for the annual • Let The Whole World Sing, polkas, Christmas obereks, and is Stas Bulanda on concertina, Ber- and Convention will be held in the Grammy Awards were announced koledy. There are originals from the nie Gorak on drums, Steve Fornek Cleveland, Ohio, area in both 2009 Jimmy Sturr And His Orchestra on prime-time television as part of musical pens of Stas Bulanda and on clarinet and vocals, Paul Dudasik and 2010. The location is the Dou- [Rounder]. “The Grammy Nominations Con- Steve Fornek as well as melodies on piano, Marty Drazek on trumpet, bletree Hotel Cleveland South in The 51st Annual Grammy Awards cert Live!—Countdown To Music’s will be held on “Grammy Sunday,” familiar to all. Chet Kowalkowski on vocals and Independence, Ohio. In 2009 it will Making this package even more a dynamic job by Jim “Chainsaw” Biggest Night.” The one-hour spe- Feb. 8, 2009, at Staples Center in take place from August 6-9. festive are the vocals by Steve Kucharski on bass fiddle and tuba. The festival includes many pool cial was broadcast live on CBS from Los Angeles and once again will Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Fornek, Chet Kowalkowski and Stas And, if this isn’t enough, there is and lounge parties, as well of some be broadcast live in high-definition Bulanda. Fornek’s work on “Cicha also a snowman on the cover play- of the nation’s top polka bands in Nominees for the Best Polka Al- TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS bum category are: Noc” (Silent Night) and “Lulajze ing a concertina along with the rest the convention hall throughout the from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Jezuniu” (Lullaby Sweet Jesus) can of the snowman band. weekend. • El Maestro Del Acordeón Y Sus Polkas, Paulino Bernal [Urbana be felt deep within your Polish heart It’s on the Chicago Polkas label As always, the highlight of the and will take you back to those days and it would be a great after-Christ- Records] Join Lenny and Mitch festival is the gala Polka Music Hall when you first heard and sang these mas Christmas gift. of Fame and Music Awards banquet • Speechless, LynnMarie & Char- Lenny Gomulka and Mitch held on Saturday morning, August lie Kelley As The Boxhounds Biskup will tour Poland May 28 WVIA Puts “Pennsylvania Polka” on Hiatus 8, 2009. [Squeeze Records] through June 7, 2009. This will For the children the IPA hosts a • Back To Back Hall Of Fame be their third visit. For a print- PITTSTON, Pa.—As reported tember as part of a cost-savings Mini Polka Princess Pageant and an Polkas, Walter Ostanek & His able flyer and full itinerary go to in the Times Leader, public broad- measure. Broadcasts of the shows Art Contest. Sunday boasts a Polka Band, Jerry Darlak & The Touch casting television station, WVIA will continue throughout the Sum- Mass along, with the annual conven- And Bob Kravos & His Band or e-mail any questions to . which is limited to IPA members. • Hungry For More, Polka Family live programs on hiatus until Sep- represent 8.4 percent its work force.

PERSONALITY PROFILE Polkaman Jack E. Zolnierowski is “Wackie Jackie ‘Z’” Jack E. As a result of this event, Jack At age 12, Zolnierowski joined drummers due to Joe’s recorded col- cian, Ray Serafin of Rochester, N.Y. Zolnierowski’s would later be invited to sit in as a larger band with older musicians lection and Joe’s attention to polka who has been on the air since Au- love affair with a guest drummer with polka bands and played locally and throughout drumming details. gust 1981. Polkas began in who performed in Rochester, Buf- New York state. Joining the The The newest addition to the Polka Where did the name Wackie Jack- Rochester, N.Y, falo and Syracuse. These groups Hy-Tones at age 16, he recorded his Party Express, www.polkaparty- ie Z come from? Zolnierowski has a his birthplace. included: The Connecticut Twins, first record seven months later, en- express.com, is Mrs. Wackie. Mrs. great since of humor. While living His father, Ed Happy Louie, Ray Budzilek, and titled Hudson Ave. Style Polkas. Six Wackie has had of years experience in Winter Haven, Florida he became Zolnierowski Marion Lush, to name a few. He months later, Zolnierowski recorded in live theatrical productions as a involved with the church choir and loved to polka was also involved with a perform- the Wabash Cannonball Polka with union professional “triple threat,” instigated a secret rehearsal with the dance and loved ing group called the Rochester JC’s the Polka Land Band. The original She has starred in various musicals church band doing “In Heaven There to listen to polka band recordings. and performed over 60 dates a year 45 is a polka collectable. throughout the country’s profes- is No Beer polka.” During a church Since Jack’s birth, Ed has passed for charity events. Since then, Jack has recorded sional regional theatres. In between concert, he took over the band and down his love of music. By age seven, Jack’s father put with a number of pbands including: these theatrical productions, Mrs. dedicated the song to the pastor and At the age of four, Jack was en- together a duo with Jack’s cousin Li’l Wally, Joe Oberaitis and Rick Wackie has been a studio vocalist, visiting clergy. The crowd laughed couraged to learn a musical instru- Johnny and “Jackie Z and the Polka Piotrowski, to name a few. He also singing for dozens of recordings. until they cried. At the end of the ment, and he choose the drums after Tots” were born. Later they added wrote the lyrics to “Polkaitis” on the Wackie Jackie & his wife, Mrs. song the piano player leaned over watching a movie about Gene Kru- a trumpet player, Mike DiMarti- Joe Oberaitis Polkaitis recording. Wackie, are grateful for the oppor- to Jack and said, “It’s Wackie Jackie pa. He quickly excelled and went no, and went on to win the City of The song was written about Zolni- tunity to host the live weekly Polka and the Polkateers, we’re a hit!” on to win one amateur contest after Rochester Talent Contest and win erowski’s father, Ed, to honor him. Party Express on WMNF 88.5FM in Jack’s greatest thrill in music another. At age five, he played in the key to the city award with the Zolnierowski has been the drum- Tampa, Florida every Sunday from to date, was having L’il Wally the front of 10,000 people at Red Wing Laughing Polka. The trio performed mer for Joe Oberaitis since 1994, 2-4 p.m. on the internet at: www. World’s Polka King invite him to Stadium in Rochester at their annual over 70 dates a year and performed providing Jack the opportunity to wmnf.org. He modeled the show play drums on Wally’s last Jay Jay Polish Night. on live TV and radio. learn the classic styles of many after long-time DJ and Polka Musi- recording. 12 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

NOTES / Barb Pinkowski Ostanek-Darlak-Kravos Combination Nets Nomination BUFFALO, N.Y.—Hi everyone! formerly with Polka Family, out our My sincerest wishes to all of you for way, partying with Steve Brown and a very happy, healthy and success- company. ful New Year 2009. May it be filled At the dance, I reminisced with with good luck, good friendship, the Polka Pals, Ron Polak and Ed love and laughter. Gawron, about their prior years of How quickly times flies! Another running a koledy night at this same year has gone by already. The lyr- hall when it was called the Knights ics to our Polish song “Jak Szybko of St. John. That was such a special Mijaja Chwile,” are so true. night with a zlobek set up in the hall and Msgr. Gabalski blessing the sta- TEAMWORK PAYS OFF. Buffalo- ble, along with singing of Polish and band Jerry Darlak & the Touch re- English carols. ceived an early Christmas present in Jenny Kurdziel mentioned to the form of a Grammy nomination. me that her husband Richie, and Dave and Joanne Picciano having a ball at the Lily Lucy, Jim and Judy love the music of Polka Family By hooking up with Walt Ostanek, Dave Miesowicz of the Bedrock of Valley Banquet Hall. which performed at the Lily of Valley Hall, Nov. 8. Darlak’s band got its third nod, this Boys drove to Detroit the day before time for the recording “Back To to see the Dynasticks reunion. She Back Hall of Fame Polkas.” said Rich reported it was awesome, The Touch includes Jerry Darlak, as you can well imagine. Ken Machelski, Tadj Szymczak, Mike Nowakowski, Ray Barsukie- Our deepest sympathy to wicz, Rick Pijanowski and Steve … Sandy and Bob Krawczyk, Michael. managers of the Lamm Post Grove This is sixteenth try for the award in Williamsville, on the passing of for Mike Nowakowski, who owns Sandy’s mom, Christine Decz, Nov. the band’s record label, Sunshine 25 ... the Juszkiewicz and Zapor- Diversified Entertainment. owski families on the passing of The awards will be presented at Joe Juszkiewicz. Joe was part of the the Staples Center in Los Angeles, East Side’s Top Hill group, which February 8, 2009. was very active in Buffalo’s polka Polka Family is one band that always draws a crowd Ronnie, Bob, and Bob, taking a break from dancing scene in the 1960s and ’70s ... the wherever they perform. to Polka Family. AROUND THE TOWN. Since I was family and friends of Michael hosting Thanksgiving dinner and “Mikey” Hochulski, a regular at May they rest in peace. January. everyone to know about the Adiron- had a lot to do, I did not make the the old Broadway Grill ... the fam- Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30. Friday dack Polka Festival on May 23 and pre-Thanksgiving party at the Polish ily of Tom Hajduk, who died from Congratulations to … Dan- polka nights at the Polish Villa II, May 24, 2009 at the Hiltebrant Rec- Villa II on Nov. 26 with the Knewz, injuries after being struck down by ny Potts on his recent engagement 1085 Harlem Rd., Cheektowaga, reation Center on North St. in Old but I heard there was a very good a drunk driver. He was 51. Hajduk to Chris Palka. We wish them the N.Y. with Jerry Darlak & the Touch Forge, N.Y. Music will be by the turnout and the Kutas cooks put out was an engineer and musician at the best of luck and happiness … Robin from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. a great buffet. former Squire Studios in Buffalo. Pegg, on earning his CSO certificate. Jan. 15. Polka Boosters Club Maestro’s Men and Eddie Blazonc- The after-Thanksgiving Dance Among his projects were record- The home and business security ex- meeting at the Polish Falcons Hall, zyk & the Versatones on Saturday, on Nov. 29 at the Lily of the Valley ings by the Dynatones and Steel pert is now qualified to service ac- 445 Columbia Ave., Depew, N.Y. and Polka Family and the Knewz Hall with the Concertina All Stars City Brass ... to the family of Henry counts in 32 states, including Idaho. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Music and will play on Sunday. Polish and was a good time with a nice atten- S. “Spike” Chudzik, who passed refreshments. All are welcome to American food and refreshments dance. The band sounded super! away December 16, 2008. He and UPCOMING EVENTS attend. For more information, call will be available. For more informa- Mike Kurdziel from Crownview his wife Lorraine attended many Jan. 1. Lily of the Valley Hall. 6th Chris at 892-7977. tion, please contact Dave at (315) Catering served a complimentary polka events in Western New York. Annual Hangover Dance from 4:00 Jan. 24. Snowball Dance at Potts sandwich platter which was enjoyed Chudzik was a member of American p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with Jerry Darlak Banquet Hall, South Ogden St., Buf- 699-1708. by all. Legion Matthew Glab Post #1477, & the Touch and Nickel City. falo, with Phocus. Thanks for supporting as many It was nice to see accordion play- OLSH Seniors and the Polka Vari- Please note that the Polka Vari- May 23-24. Dave Sychtysz, polka doings as you possibly can! er extraordinaire Kevin Solecki, ety Club. ety Club does not have a meeting in promoter from Cicero, N.Y. wanted We don’t want to lose them. A New Polkas for Charity CD Listen to the POLKA MUSIC FALLSTON Md. (PMN)—Ted have a distinct sound that has made Dried has been wowing audiences UNLIMITED Borzymowski has announced the them wildly popular. He states that for many years, Brave Combo has Big Tony Polka Show second offering from Polkas For he “learned to love Slovenian style been touring across the country like Polka Stony and Charity titled “Polka Fever.” This Polkas and there’s a lot to love here WJJL 1440 AM no other polka band entertaining Niagara Falls / Buffalo, NY Polka Happiness Mary Ann CD is very different from the first in with the aggressive style of Klanc- their huge fan base and The Craw- that most of the CD is a compilation nik and Friends, the pure Cleveland SUNDAY AFTERNOON daddies are a Baltimore based band 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. of recordings from over 20 various, sound of the Eric Noltkamper Band that has performed alongside some is now on the talented groups of musicians from and the wonderful button box and of the great Cajun and Zydeco acts internet! all over the country representing nu- Send all promotional material to accordion mix of Verne and Steve in the United States. The album merous styles of Polka Music. Meisner.” Tony Rozek also includes Gary Brueggen & polkasonline.com Borzymowski started Polkas For You can name a lot of bands on 78 Cochrane St. the Ridgeland Dutchmen. Another Charity to bring musicians together the new CD after only a few mea- Buffalo, NY 14206 POLKA MUSIC UNLIMITED band that might be new to some is (315) 374-7148 to raise money for specific chari- sures of the music: Eddie Blazon- the Polish Connection, although Polka Music Unlimited ties. Like the first CD, “Let’s Get czyk’s Versatones, Polka Family, For advertising information, call P.O. Box 1994 This Party Started!,” all the pro- Dynabrass and Henny & the Versa they’ve been appearing across the Cicero, NY 13039 ceeds from Polka Fever will go to Midwest for many years. (716) 824-6092 A “Friend of the Family” J’s. All four, says Borzymowski, are www.wjjl.com St. Jude Children’s Research Hospi- among everyone’s list of the most “Polka Fever” is available from tal in Memphis, Tenn. St. Jude’s is popular bands in the polka music in- bands on the CD or a CD distribu- a pediatric treatment and research dustry. However, he has also includ- tor. Borzymowski may be contacted facility and has completely changed ed some music from some bands at Polkas For Charity, PO Box 835, how the world treats children with with which not everyone may be fa- Fallston, MD 21047-0835 or . ROCKIN’ROCKIN’ All patients at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family’s abil-  ity to pay. After just one year, with  POLKASPOLKAS the support of so many in the polka with DON’T MISS  music community, Polkas For Char- MIKE & GEORGE PASIERB ity has made contributions totaling THIS LIFE-TIME EVENT!  $20,000.00 to St. Jude.  After he started this project and the songs started coming in, Borzy- WXRL mowski says he was amazed at how OBERAMMERGAU  truly diverse the polka world really 1300 AM is. He points to the smooth push PASSION PLAY TOUR  LANCASTER-BUFFALO style of Lenny Gomulka & Chicago  Push, the progressive sound of John SAT. 2:00-3:00 p.m. Gora & Gorale and the powerful SEPTEMBER 11 - 19, 2010 SUN. 9:00-10:00 p.m. sound of the Polka Country Musi- FOR A FREE BROCHURE CALL (716) 681-6167 cians. Jimmy Sturr & his Orchestra, Subscribe and renew on-line on our Secure Server! Dennis Polisky & Maestro’s Men or (716) 683-4357 or TOLL FREE 1 (800) 678-3450 EXT. 3232 We now accept MasterCard, Visa, and Eddie Forman Orchestra are all escorted with Ron Dombrowski of WECK & WXRL’s DRIVETIME POLKAS American Express, Discover, and PayPal! Eastern style bands, but they each www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 13

POLKA PARADE / distributed by the Polonia Media Network

We believe the following information cil K of C Hall, 755 Erie Ave., North Dupont, Pa., 2:00-6:00 p.m. sociation, 4616 Darlington Rd., Holi- p.m. to be correct, but it should always Tonawanda, N.Y., $45. For details • Wisconsin. Pat Zoromski & the Boys day, Fla. Check locally for details. • Massachusetts. Eddie Forman Or- be verified before traveling long dis- call (716) 731-3629 From Polonia at Bullshooters, 7802 • Illinois. Freeze Dried with the Icicles chestra at a dinner-dance, St. Mary tances or expending funds. • Ohio. Ethnic Jazz at St. John Byzan- Meadow Rock Dr., County X Rd. and and Tony Blazonczyk & New Phaze Church, Ware, Mass., dinner 6:15 tine Church Hall, 1900 Carlton Rd., Weston Ave., Weston, Wis., 2:00-6:00 at Fitzgerald’s Night Club, 6615 p.m., music 6:30-10:30 p.m. Every Tuesday Parma, Ohio, 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. p.m. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, Ill., from 8:00 • Pennsylvania. Jolly Joe (Alex Trusz- • Illinois. The Major Pensionaires • Ohio. Frank Moravcik at the Ameri- • Wisconsin. Prime Time Band at p.m., $10. kowski) & the Bavarians at the VFW, at Major Hall, 5660 W. Grand Ave., can Czechoslovakian Club, 922 Wander Inn, Hwy. 161, Amherst Stroudsburg, Pa., 7:00-10:00 p.m. Chicago, Ill., 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Valley St., Dayton, Ohio, dinner 7:00, Junction, Wis., 2:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 18 music 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. • Florida. John Stevens & Doubleshot • Ontario. John Gora & Gorale at the Sunday, January 25 Every Wednesday Saturday, January 10 at the Polish American Social Club, • Florida. Pan Franek and Zosia & the Polish Alliance Hall, 1015 Barton • Ohio. The Knewz at the Hangover • Illinois. Tony Paliga’s Morning Stars 7500 N. US 1, Vero Beach, Fla., 2:00- Polka Towners at the Polish Ameri- St., Hamilton, Ont., Canada. Check Dance of the United States Polka at the Stardust, 5688 N. Milwaukee 6:00 p.m. can Social Club, 7500 N. US 1, Vero locally for details. Association (USPA), Doubletree • Florida. Florida Honky Band at Ave., Chicago, Ill., 10:00 a.m.-1:00 Beach, Fla., 2:00-6:00 p.m. • Pennsylvania. Jolly Joe (Alex Hotel Cleveland South, 6200 Quarry the Polish American Society of St. p.m., $4. • Florida. Northern Sounds at the Truszkowski) & the Bavarians at First Ln., Independence, Ohio. Check Petersburg, 1343 Beach Dr. SE, St. • Illinois. The Midway Cavaliers at Polish American Society of St. Mabenka’s Restaurant, 7840 S. Night, Hazelton, Pa., 6:00-10:00 p.m. locally for details. Petersburg, Fla., dinner 2:30-4:00 Petersburg, 1343 Beach Dr. SE, St. Cicero Ave., Chicago, Ill.. 7:00-10:00 p.m., $7.50; music 4:00-7:00 p.m., $5 Petersburg, Fla., dinner 2:30-4:00 p.m., free admission. Thursday, January 1 Sunday, January 11 members, $7 non-members. New Year’s Day • Florida. B-Sharps at the Polish • Illinois. Chicago Festival of Polka p.m., $7.50; music 4:00-7:00 p.m., $5 • Connecticut. Lenny Gomulka & American Society of St. Petersburg, Bands presented by the Interna- members, $7 non-members. Every Friday • Illinois. Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versa- • Illinois. Joe Walega & the Happy Chicago Push at the Bristol Polish 1343 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg, tional Polka Association (IPA). Bands tones and Tony Blazonczyk’s New Hearts at the New Warsaw Restau- Club, 541 Main St., Bristol, Conn., Fla., dinner 2:30-4:00 p.m., $7.50; include Music Company, Tony rant and Banquets, 6250 W. 63rd St., 3:00-7:00 p.m. music 4:00-7:00 p.m., $5 members, Blazonczyk’s New Phaze, Down- Phaze at a National Polka Month Chicago, Ill., 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., • Massachusetts. Eddie Forman $7 non-members. town Sound, Stas Bulanda & the Celebration, Glendora House, 10225 $5. Orchestra and Dennis Polisky & the • Florida. Gennie ‘O’ & the Next Step Old School Review, Joe Walega & S. Harlem Ave., Chicago Ridge, Ill., Maestro’s Men at Polish American at the Polish American Social Club, the Happy Hearts, Jimmy Kilian & 1:30-7:00 p.m., $12. Wednesday, December 31 Citizen’s Club, 355 East St., Ludlow, 7500 N. US 1, Vero Beach, Fla., 2:00- Honky Chicago, Jake Mikrut & the • Massachusetts. Eastern Sound at Mass., 3:00-9:00 p.m. the Polish American Citizen’s Club, – New Year’s Eve 6:00 p.m. All Stars, Ampol Aires, Freeze Dried • Michigan. Big Daddy Lackowski • Michigan. Polka Music Sound at and Stas Golonka & the Chicago 355 East St., Ludlow, Mass., 3:00- • Arizona. Don The Polish K8id and and the Martin Brothers at the Utica a Polka Boosters of America (PBA) Masters. Glendora House, 10225 S. Lorraine at Florence Gardens, 3830 7:00 p.m. K of C, Utica, Mich. Check locally for dance, Msgr. Hunt K of C, 7080 Harlem Ave., Chicago Ridge, Illinois. N. Florence Blvd., Florence, Ariz., • Michigan. Glass Town Sound at a details. Garling, Dearborn Heights, Mich., Doors Open 11:00 a.m.; Music from from 10:00 p.m. Polish dinner-dance, Mount Carmel • Pennsylvania. Henny & the Versa 2:00-6:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. Tickets $10 advance; $12 • Connecticut. Dennis Polisky & the Church Gymnasium, Wyandotte, J’s at the Moon Run Firemen’s Club, • New Jersey. Jolly Joe (Alex at door; $1 door discount for IPA Maestro’s Men at St. Joseph’s Polish Mich. Check locally for details. 5624 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, Truszkowski) & the Bavarians at St. Society, 395 S. Main St., Colchester, Members. • Pennsylvania. George Tarasek & Pa., 2:00-6:00 p.m. Stephan Church, Pert Amboy, N.J., Mass., dinner 7:00 p.m., music 7:00 • New Jersey. Jimmy Sturr & his the Polka Partners at VFW Hall, 403 4:00-8:00 p.m. p.m.-1:00 a.m., $35. Orchestra and Eddie Derwin & the Main St., Dupont, Pa., 2:00-6:00 p.m. • New York. Eddie Forman Orchestra • Florida. Melotones at the General Friday, January 2 Polka Naturals at the Bayway Polish • Wisconsin. Paper City Sounds at at the Polish Community Center, Pulaski Citizens Club, 6221 SE 113th • Florida. Gennie ‘O’ & the Next Step Home, Elizabeth, N.J., 2:00-7:00 p.m. Bullshooters, 7802 Meadow Rock 225 Washington Ave. Extension, St., Belleview, Fla., 7:30 p.m.-12:30 at the Polish American Society of • Ohio. Touch of Brass at a Toledo Dr., County X Rd. and Weston Ave., Albany, N.Y., 5:00-9:00 p.m. a.m. St. Petersburg, 1343 Beach Dr. SE, Area Polka Society dance, Conn Weston, Wis., 2:00-6:00 p.m. • Pennsylvania. Jude’s Polka Band at • Florida. Northern Sounds at Camp- St. Petersburg, Fla. Check locally for Weissenberger Hall, 2020 Alexis, the VFW Hall, 403 Main St., Dupont, • Wisconsin. Squeeze Box at Oneida ers Village, Ocala, Fla. Check locally details. Toledo, Ohio, 2:00-7:00 p.m. Pa., 2:00-6:00 p.m. Casino Lounge, 2020 Airport Hwy., for details. • Ohio. Squeeze Box at Bavarian • Pennsylvania. Eddie Derwin & the Green Bay, Wis., 4:00-8:00 p.m. • Illinois. Ampol Aires at Fairway Ban- Saturday, January 3 Haus, Rte. 65 and Rte. 18, Deshler, Polka Naturals at a Ukrainian New quets, 6676 W. Howard St., Niles, Ill., • California. Polka Family at Sons of Ohio, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Year Party, Timmer’s Grove, Port Saturday, January 31 cocktails 7:30 p.m., dinner 8:30 p.m., Italy Hall, 9420 Sierra Ave., Fontana, • Pennsylvania. Stanky & the Phillips, Pa., 4:00-8:00 p.m. • Michigan. Misty Blues at a Poor music 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., $65. Calif., 6:00-10:00 p.m., $10, children Coalminers at the VFW Hall, 403 • Wisconsin. Roger Majeski & the Man’s Party, American Polish Citi- • Illinois. Gawle & Company and The under 16 free. Main St., Dupont, Pa., 2:00-6:00 p.m. Harmony Kings at Bullshooters, Borow Big Band at the VFW Post, • Pennsylvania. Walt Wagner & the • Wisconsin. Duane Burclaw at zens Club, 33204 Maple Ln., Sterling 7802 Meadow Rock Dr., County X Lockport, Ill., 8:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Serenaders at the Kosciuszko Schol- Bullshooters, 7802 Meadow Rock Heights, Mich. Check locally for Rd. and Weston Ave., Weston, Wis., $25 per couple with beer, soda and arship Ball, Woodlands Inn and Dr., County X Rd. and Weston Ave., details. 2:00-6:00 p.m. meal. Resort, Wilkes Barre, Pa., 3:00-9:00 Weston, Wis., 2:00-6:00 p.m. • New York. PhoCus at a Snowball • Michigan. Natural Tones at the Bad p.m., reservations required. Dance, Potts Banquet Hall, 694 S. Axe K of C Hall, 1038 S. van Dyke, Thursday, January 15 Saturday, January 24 Ogden, Buffalo, N.Y., 3:00 p.m. Bad Axe., Mich., 8:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday, January 4 • Florida. John Stevens & Doubleshot • Florida. Northern Sounds at the Six • Pennsylvania. Jolly Joe (Alex • Michigan. New Brass and Dy- • California. Polka Family at Sons of at the Lake Sumter Stage, The Vil- Lakes Country Club, 9151 Littleton Truszkowski) & the Bavarians at the naBrass at the PRCUA Hall, 1430 Oak Italy Hall, 9420 Sierra Ave., Fontana, lages, Fla., 5:00-9:00 p.m. Rd., North Fort Myers, Fla., 4:00-8:00 Amvets, Milford, Pa., 7:00-10:00 p.m. St., Wyandotte, Mich., 8:00 p.m.-2:00 Calif., 2:00-6:00 p.m., $10, children a.m., $45. under 16 free. Friday, January 16 • Michigan. Coachmen at the Ameri- • Florida. Sounds of the South at • Florida. John Stevens & Doubleshot can Polish Century Club, 33204 the Polish American Society of St. at the Polish American Society of St. Maple Ln., Sterling Heights, Mich., Petersburg, 1343 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg, 1343 Beach Dr. SE, St. 8:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Petersburg, Fla., dinner 2:30-4:00 Petersburg, Fla., 7:00-11:00 p.m. • Michigan. Steve Dzewicki at Pulaski p.m., $7.50; music 4:00-7:00 p.m., $5 Hall Bar, Farrgut St., Bay City, Mich., members, $7 non-members. Saturday, January 17 8:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m., no admission • Ohio. Duane Malinowski at a Inter- • Connecticut. Eddie Forman Orches- charge. national Music Association dance, tra at Russian New Year, Aqua Turf • Michigan. Big Daddy Lackowski Conn Weissenberger Hall, 2020 Club on Mulberry St., Plantsville, at the Polka Boosters of America, Alexis, Toledo, Ohio, 2:00-7:00 p.m. Conn., 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Msgr. Hunt K of C Hall, 7080 Garling, • Pennsylvania. John Stevens & • Florida. John Stevens & Doubleshot Dearborn Heights, Mich. For details Doubleshot at the Dupont VFW, at the Polish American Pulaski As- call (734) 422-1901 • New Jersey. Polka Country Musi- cians and DJ Bruce Z at the Bayway Free Catalog Polish Home, 625 Pulaski St., Eliza- NEW RELEASE Polkas! beth, N.J., 8:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m., $55. For details call (908) 862-2335. BACK TO BACK Visit our new • New York. Bedrock Boys at the St. HALL OF FAME POLKAS x website Gabriel Parish Hall, 5271 Clinton St., Walter Ostanek and CDs Elma, N.Y., 7:30 p.m., For details call Jerry Darlak xDVDs today! (716) 668-4730. SEND FOR A FREE CATALOG • New York. Jacek Klocek & Salt City SUNSHINE PolkaConnection.com Brass at the Syracuse Polish Home, PO BOX 652 915 Park Ave., Syracuse, N.Y., 8:00 W. SENECA, NY 14224 Come to the experts for the music p.m. For details call (315) 471-9348. CDs $12 each you love! • New York. City Side and Sound $2.00 SHIPPING & HANDLING Call Toll Free (866) 901-6138 Sational Systems at Madonna Coun- SALT LAMPS ETC. 5274 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 •(716) 564-9286

Now available beautiful Polish salt lamps that clean and ionize air for your health and well-being. We also carry bath/foot salts, magnetic jewelry, Biopro Chips to counteract cell phone radiation and Miracle II Soap and Neutralizer. Will ship anywhere in the USA. For information and flyers call: Joyce (716) 860-0828 • [email protected] Arlene (716) 649-3188 • [email protected] 14 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

Poland Culinary Vacations Launches New POLISH CHEF / Robert Strybel Cooking Trip and One-Day Cooking Classes BOZEMAN, Mont.—Poland small palace, now a four-star hotel Culinary Vacations, Inc. has opened and resort, and in a luxurious four- There’s Nothing Like Warm Soup on a Cold Day registrations for two exciting new star hotel in Krakow. In addition to January is the perfect time for (allowing 1 egg per serving). paste. Add to pot, stir and simmer “foodie” adventures: A seven-day learning the secrets of Highlander these hot, hearty and satisfying Pol- several more min. If soup is not as cooking vacation in the Lesser Po- cuisine, participants will cook with ish-style soups which many Pol- VEGETABLE-BARLEY SOUP tart as you like, add some reserved land region—“Cooking Your Way the head chef of a prominent culi- Ams consider among the “comfort (krupnik): Soak 4 dried mushrooms sauerkraut liquid. Salt & pepper to From Krakow To Zakopane”—and nary institute. The itinerary also in- foods” of their childhood. A little in 1 c warm water several hrs. Wash taste. A t sugar and 1/2 t caraway one-day cooking classes, a coop- cludes visits to cultural and historic Polish-style dried-vegetable-based ½ lb or so meaty beef or pork bones seeds may be added. erative venture with The Culinary sites. flavor enhancer (known under such and place in soup pot containing 7 c Institute in Krakow. Dates for 2009 For travelers who are already trade-names as Jarzynka, CABBAGE SOUP (zupa ze culinary vacations in Lesser Poland in Poland and want a quick intro- Vegeta, Warzywko or słodkiej kapusty): Shred and the cooking classes are posted duction to Polish cuisine, Poland Kucharek) may be added and parboil 1-lb head of on the company’s website: www. Culinary Vacations offers one-day to all savory soups, but use cabbage. (Bring 1 qt cold PolandCulinaryVacations.com cooking classes designed to teach only 1/3 or less the amount water and cabbage to boil, “Cooking Your Way From Kra- preparation of a 3-course gourmet recommended by the man- cook 5 min, then drain). kow To Zakopane” was custom- meal. ufacturer. Otherwise your Cook cabbage and 1 large designed by Malgorzata (Sarna) See a map of Poland, regional home-made soups will chopped onion in 6 c meat Rose, a native of Poland now living descriptions, and detailed itinerar- acquire that canned-soup, stock 40 min. Add 1 T to- in Montana, and founder/president ies for 2009 cooking vacations in soup-mix or cafeteria-style mato concentrate (or 1 c of Poland Culinary Vacations, Inc. Lesser Poland and Silesia regions, taste. canned stewed tomatoes), “Only a native can help you discov- plus a short video of scenes from a a bay leaf, several pepper- er and fully experience the authentic 2008 trip, at www.PolandCulinary- TART RYEMEAL SOUP corns and 1 t caraway (op- Poland,” says Rose, who creates her Vacations.com/vacations.php. Reg- (żurek): In pot combine 1 tional) and cook in 6 c meat itineraries in collaboration with lo- istration is easy, using a three-step- diced smoked kiełbasa and/ stock another 30 min or un- cal people. process available on the company’s or ham or other smoked til cabbage is very tender. Guest accommodations are in a secure Web site. pork, 1 diced onion, 1 bay- You may want to add sliced or diced hard-cooked Dissolve 1 heaped T flour in leaf and 5 c water cook 1 eggs to your biały barszcz. 1 c cold water and stir into hr. Add 1-2 rehydrated, soup. Simmer another few Plays PolAm Curmudgeon in New Film cooked, diced dried mushrooms and water. Add the mushrooms and liq- min. Variation: Together with the their water, 1 c or more ryemeal sour uid and cook 60-80 min, skimming LOS ANGELES—Clint East- overcome his prejudices and fears. spices and tomato concentrate add 2 (available at Polish delis), bring to off scum. Add 1 portion soup greens, wood directed “Gran Torino,” a Hmong immigrants—who be- med potatoes, peeled and diced, and boil and simmer several min. Dis- 5 peppercorns, 2 grains allspice and film about the Hmong immigrant gan arriving in the U.S. in 1975 cook until potatoes are done. For a solve with 1-2 T flour in 1 c cold 1 bay leaf and cook until vegetables communities in the United States. after fighting alongside the CIA in tarter flavor, sour to taste with 2-3 water and add to pot. Gently bring are tender. Strain soup. In separate Filmed in Detroit in August 2008, the secret war in Laos—have pre- pinches citric acid crystals or 1-2 T to boil, reduce heat and simmer sev- saucepan cook ½ c pearl barley in the cast features viously had almost no presence in vinegar. eral min. Season with salt, pepper 1 c strained stock. Dice vegetables, a Hmong cast Hollywood; their appearances have and marjoram. In the Kraków area, mushrooms and any meat attached SPLIT-PEA SOUP and Eastwood, been limited to colorfully costumed (grochówka): żurek is traditionally served with to bones and return to soup together who plays a voiceless hill tribes in the back- In soup pot combine 8 c water, 2 a side dish of hot mashed potatoes with the cooked barley and 2 peeled, character called drop of Southeast Asian war mov- c yellow split peas, 1 portion soup garnished with skwarki (crunchy diced potatoes. Cook until potatoes Walt, a Polish ies. Eastwood hasn’t commented greens and 1 extra onion, diced, ½ fried salt-pork nuggets). are tender. Salt to taste and garnish American man publicly on his motivations behind -¾ lbs diced smoked kiełbasa and/or with 1 t chopped parsley. who has lost his doing “Gran Torino,” but in a 2006 ham, 1 bay leaf, and 8 peppercorns. EASY TART RYEMEAL SOUP wife and is es- interview with Charlie Rose he said: Cook covered on low heat 2 hrs, or (łatwy żurek): In pot combine 1 c SAUERKRAUT SOUP (kapuś- tranged from his “I feel I learn something on every until peas completely disintegrate. EASTWOOD diced smoked kiełbasa and/or ham niak): Prepare stock by cooking ½ children. movie—about actors, about story- Add 1 c peeled, diced potatoes and or other smoked pork, 1 diced on- -¾ lbs meaty pork bones in 8 c wa- The screenplay follows Walt as telling, about myself ... The exciting cook until tender. Make a roux by ion, 1 bayleaf and 6 c water and ter 1 hr, skimming off scum. Add 1 t he becomes dissatisfied with the thing about movie making for me is frying up 4 slices diced bacon with cook 1 hr. Dissolve 1-2 T flour in 1 salt, 2 small carrots, 1 stalk celery 1 increasing numbers of Hmong im- the fact that you do learn something 1 chopped onion and browning 2 T c cold water and stir into to pot. Add onion, 1 bay leaf and 5 peppercorns migrants moving into his neigh- new every picture” flour in the drippings. Stir into soup. ½ a mushroom bouillon cube and and cook until meat comes away borhood. When one Hmong young This is not the first time Eastman Add 2 buds crushed garlic, 1 heap- simmer several min. Season to taste from bone. Drain 1 pt sauerkraut man steals his Grant Torino, Walt has played a character with Polish ing t marjoram and salt & pepper with salt, pepper, marjoram and 2-3 (reserving juice), rinse in cold water extracts work from him to pay back roots. In “Pink Cadillac” he played to taste. Simmer a few more min., T vinegar. and drain, chop and add to strained his loss. In the process Walt learns Tom Nowak, and in “The Rookie,” then switch off heat and let stand for stock. Cook on med heat uncovered about Hmong culture and learns to he was Nick Pulovski. flavors to blend at least 15 min. be- WHITE BARSZCZ (biały barszcz): 30 min. Dice meat from bones, and fore serving. Note: This soup can be Prepare żurek as in either of the pre- add to pot then reduce heat and cook made with smoked ribs, smoked or DID YOU KNOW ... ? by a series of spots running on into ceding recipes. Instead of dissolving covered until sauerkraut is very ten- fresh pork hocks or a hambone. • The most famous and influ- December. flour in water, fork-blend it with ¾- der. In skillet fry up 4 slices diced ential Poles according to CNN • A Polish Marketplace was 1 c sour cream and use mixture to bacon with 1 chopped onion, stir in DILL-PICKLE SOUP (zupa are Copernicus, Chopin, Ma- again be featured at Disney cream soup. Simmer briefly without 3 T flour and simmer until browned, ogórkowa): Peel ½ lb brined dill dame (Skłodowska) Curie, Karol World’s Epcot Center in Florida boiling. Sliced or diced hard-cooked stirring constantly. Dilute with sev- pickles (ogórki kiszone), grate Wojtyła, film directors Andrzej during its annual food and wine eggs may be added to soup bowls eral T soup and stir into a smooth coarsely and simmer in 1 T butter Wajda and Roman Polański, Lech festival (September 26-November 5 min or so until tender. Add to 6 Wałęsa, racing driver Robert Kubi- 9, 2008), showcasing the delica- c meat or vegetable stock together ca, model Joanna Krupa and scan- cies of 25 different countries. The with 1 c dill-pickle brine and bring dal-mongering pop singer Doda Polish treats were: Wild Forest to boil. Cream soup with ½ c sour (Dorota Rabczewska). The rank- Mushroom Soup ($2.75), Kiełbasa cream fork-blended with 1 heap- ing was compiled as part of CNN’s and Potato Pierogi with cara- ing T flour. Simmer briefly, salt & week-long “Eye on Poland” series melized onions and sour cream pepper to taste and garnish with a which focused on various aspects ($4.50), and Chopin Vodka Rasp- little chopped fresh dill. Variation: of Polish history, culture and eco- berry Cocktail ($8.25). 2 c peeled, diced potatoes may be nomic life. It will be followed up —Robert Strybel cooked in soup until tender. Note: Bottled dill-pickle purée is available at Polish markets and delis.

TOMATO SOUP (zupa pomi- Clear Plastic dorowa): Wash, hull and quarter 1¼ lb fresh vine-ripened tomatoes Butter/ and simmer covered on low heat with several T stock and 2 T butter Chocolate Our Hours are: 15-20 min. Sieve into 6 c meat or OLOWSK Lunch vegetable stock and season to taste K i with salt, pepper and a little sugar. SO ’S M-F 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Lamb Molds Cream with 1/2 c sour cream or 1 c Fri. Night Dinners milk fork-blended with 1 heaping T 5:00-9:00 p.m. flour. Simmer briefly and serve over Sat. Night Dinners noodles or rice. Variation: When Available in two sizes 4:00-9:00 p.m. fresh vine-ripened tomatoes are out Easy to use! Simply coat the mold with vegetable oil (spray type Lounge open ‘til 1:00 of season, simply stir 4-5 T tomato works best), press in softened butter, clamp halves together, place and a.m. on Fri. and Sat. concentrate directly into hot stock and proceed as above. Canned toma- refrigerator until hardened and you’re done. It’s that easy. Decorate with Cleveland’s Premier greenery or cake decorations. Start your own tradition of making your Polish American to juice cooked with an equal amt of own table decorations just like they do in Poland. UNIVERSITY INN Restaurant stock is also very good. Serve over CLEVELAND, OHIO Now in our 85th year cooked egg noodles or rice. ESTABLISHED IN 1923 Small 3-1/2” width by 3” tall. PAJ BOOKSTORE in Business Item 1-600 $4.95 plus $3.00 s&h Be sure to check our on-line library P.O. Box 328, Boston, NY 14025 Featured on the Travel www.polamjournal.com (216) 771-9236 for traditional recipes, such as Large 5” width by 4” tall. & Food Network www.sokolowskis.com Item 1-601 $7.95 plus $4.00 s&h 1 (800) 422-1275 pierogi, golabki, and more! POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 15

BOOKS IN BRIEF / Florence Waszkelewicz Clowes, MLIS Stories from the Backwaters of the North Country TWELVE BELOW ZERO of yesteryear. lives in an era of the Hapsburg dy- the prince keeps his unusual and Covering a century of history in by Anthony Bukoski Everyone meets at The End of nasty, when princes ruled the land rare items. Will they be able to find 250 pages is challenging. It is con- Holy Cow Press, 161 pp, $14.95. the Line café. It is a place to eat, and magic was a part of life. Her fa- her father’s eyes and will it restore cise, providing dates and events to Bukoski’s collection of short drink, fight and die. Events at the ther, Mikel, owns a workshop where his blindness? encourage the reader to further pur- stories from the backwaters of the café are colorfully described, with he makes unusual toys and things sue an era. The many maps illustrate North country are full of hope and cold woodsmen trying to warm their that come to life. Prince Rodolpho POLAND, AN ILLUSTRATED the growth and decline of the coun- despair. People in Wisconsin or Min- bodies and hearts with whiskey. ordered her father to make an un- HISTORY try over the centuries. Hippocrene, nesota living out meager lives, full Tom, Betty and Augie become en- usual, one-of-a-kind clock. When by Iwo Cyprain Pogonowski known for publishing translations of love and despair. Baseball player, twined, a triangle of misfits. Augie he had finished, the prince ordered Hippocrene Books, 2008 and dictionaries of various languag- Matt Folner, is on the road for the is ostracized because he has kissed Mikel’s eyes be removed and he full color photographs, es, continues to provide the reading summer, missing his family and girl Tom and ends up with a bell around be sent home, blinded. The prince index, maps, charts, public with Polish-related materials. friend, who wants to get married. his neck to warn others of his pres- thought if he wore Mikel’s eyes, he 282 pp, $19.95. At last, a publishing company that His coach is pushing him to the big ence. That is, until he is found fro- would see how to put the “heart” This book, first published in supports Polish American writers. leagues. Frustrated, Matt decides, zen to death. Betty has retaliated. of the clock together and make it 2000, contains a wealth of informa- (sort of) to stay in the league. The twelve tales have eccentric work. tion and a new eight-page color in- HELLO, DAY! Luther Craft, the local radio an- characters, living on the edge of life, Petra runs away to Prague with sert of a Polish coast of arms. The by Anita Lobel nouncer, runs The Night Train easy dreaming of more, slipping into an her magical spider, Astrophil, in color photographs are sharp and de- Greenwillow Books, 2008, $19.99 listening show at 3:00 a.m., where emotional deep-freeze. Some find a search of her father’s eyes. The tailed, while some of the black and This oversized colorful book is 60 % of the population is elderly, way to survive in the frozen north. people she meets along the way are white illustrations are foggy. full of barnyard animals. They greet receive meals-on-wheels and play an interesting group, some sympa- This hard cover edition appears the sunrise in their own language, canasta at the senior center. Craft THE CABINET OF WONDERS thize and others mock at her quest. in a smaller size, making it an eas- except the owl, who ends the day provides the news, the weather and The Kronos Chronicles: Book I Her new friend, Neel, who has a few ily-transportable book for students by saying “Whoo-ooo.” The shapes commercials, reminding his insom- by Marie Rutkoski, FSG, 2008 tricks of his own, helps her get a job and travelers. However, its small of the animals fill each page. A neat niac listeners of their love and ad- 258 pp., ages 10 and up, $16.95 in the Prince’s castle and eventually print makes it a little more difficult book for infants and children to age ventures, relived through the songs Twelve year old Petra Kronos to the Cabinet of Wonders, where to read. three. Poland’s Armia Krajowa and German V-2 Rockets in World War II by Douglas W. Jacobson area fell to earth and landed in the hollowed-out hay bales—from the Hungary and Czechoslovakia and raise the aircraft’s landing gear. Part Two of Two Bug River eighty miles east of War- Bug River area to another remote into southeastern Poland. Near We filled the hydraulic tanks with The V-2 rocket developed by saw without exploding. The rocket, farm near an abandoned airstrip at the confluence of the rivers Du- whatever liquid we could find, German scientists during World War with its fins protruding from the the confluence of the rivers Dunajec najec and Vistula we exchanged water, thermos tea, and by the Two was the most lethal weapon muddy waters, was discovered by and Vistula. signals with agents on the ground time we crossed the Tatra Moun- known to man at that time. Travel- local peasants and immediately re- On July 25th a C-47 Dakota took and lights appeared on four cor- tains we got the wheels up.” ing at more than 2,000 miles per ported to the AK. Agents rushed in off from Brindisi, Italy bound for ners of a landing strip. As a result of this incredible mis- hour, at an altitude of over 18 miles, and covered the exposed portions of Poland. Kazimierz Szrajer, one of “After only several minutes on sion the ominous potential of the with a range of 250 miles, the V-2 the rocket with tree limbs, hiding it the co-pilots, remembered the mis- the ground the crates were load- V-2 rocket was fully revealed to Al- rocket would descend on its target from the German SS. sion this way: ed on board and we were ready lied intelligence and massive efforts without warning carrying a ton of Over the next several days, op- “We took off at 1930 hours to take off again accompanied by were launched by American and high explosives. erating mostly at night and in con- escorted by a Polish Liberator. It a Polish engineer. But it turned British air forces to detect and take Based on secret reports provided stant danger of discovery by the SS was mostly for our physical com- out the field was oozy and our out V-2 launch sites in Germany, by the Polish Home Army (Armia and Gestapo, a team of local peas- fort since both planes were easy Dakota was stuck in the mud. We just seven weeks before the first V-2 Krajowa or AK) revealing the exis- ants and AK agents extricated the targets for German fighters. On frantically tried to free the plane, exploded in London. tence of the V-2 rocket and the Ger- forty foot long, twenty-five thou- board we had some equipment all in vain. We were running out Douglas W. Jacobson is a World man testing program near Blizna, sand pound missile from the river and four passengers, but strict of time and discussed burning War Two history enthusiast and Poland, Allied intelligence experts and transported it to a local farm. regulations prohibited us from the plane. Finally, after an hour author. The story of the AK and were desperate to learn as much as A Polish engineer was secretly dis- knowing their names. We crossed and five minutes on the ground, the V-2 rockets was memorialized they could about this potentially patched from Warsaw and super- the Yugoslavian coast at nightfall we succeeded in taking off only in his award-winning book, Night devastating new weapon. vised the dismantling of the intri- when the Liberator departed. Our to discover that we had severed of Flames: A Novel of World War During late 1943 and early 1944, cate weapon. Photos and diagrams course took us over Yugoslavia, hydraulic hoses and could not Two. Polish peasants, working closely were dispatched to London, but the with the AK, recovered hundreds discovery so electrified Allied sci- Discover your Polish last land’s forested Mazury region and people share it, where they live and of fragments from crash sites of entists that a plan was developed to name! Most Polish surnames Wojcik was the village mayor’s whether the name is accompanied the V-2 rockets being tested by the transport all of the rocket’s compo- mean something. Nowak was “the boy. Piotrowski was Peter’s son, by a noble coat-of-arms, please Germans. These fragments, along nents to London. new guy on the block,” Andrzejew- and Krawczyk was a tailor. airmail a $16 check (adding $7 for with photographs and sketches were By July of 1944 the Allies had ski’s folks came from Andrzejewo For a custom-researched analy- each additional surname) to: Rob- smuggled out of Poland via Warsaw established a foothold in southern (Anderton, Andrewsville), Mazur sis of the meaning and derivation ert Strybel, ulica Kaniowska 24, into the hands of Allied scientists Italy and it was now possible for an traced his roots to northern Po- of your Polish surname, how many 01-529 Warsaw, Poland in London. But it wasn’t enough, airplane to reach southeastern Po- and the fearsome potential of these land. The AK went into action again weapons was still largely unknown. and secretly transported the rocket Then, in late spring of 1944, a V- components—concealed in sacks Polish American Journal BOOKSTORE 2 rocket launched from the Blizna of flour, bushels of potatoes, and Great deals on Original new, nearly-MINT hard-cover editions of Sienkiewicz’s “With Fire great books! and Sword” and “Fire in the Steppe” published by the Copernicus Society of A THE STORY America and translated by W.S. Kuniczak. (“The Deluge” is sold out). TRAVELLER’S HISTORY OF WITH FIRE FIRE IN POLAND by Of AND SWORD THE STEPPE John HARDCOVER HARDCOVER Radzilowski 312 pgs. ill. Original Price: only $5595 POLAND $35.00 maps. pb. Compare only only $ 95 to $84.00 at 32 Amazon.com! Compare discounted! $ 95 In HARD TO 14 to $40.00 at vERY MINOR WATER DAMAGE FIND! LIMITED Amazon.com! TO OUTSIDE QUANTITY. A comprehensive historical survey WORLD WAR PAPER COVER. guides travellers through a general history of the people and places of VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES. Call for availability Poland from pre-history to today. TWO before ordering: (800) 422-1275 LechWalesa’s MY NAME IS MILLION: own words NOW IN PAPERBACK An Illustrated History of Poles in America A WAY OF From the 17th century to the present, people of Polish HOPE In 1939 the Germans invade Poland, setting off a storm of violence and de- descent have made important contributions in every area HARDCOVER of American life. Most of their names will not be found struction. For Anna and Jan Kopernik the loss is unimaginable. Anna flees in American history books. But many of their names and Original Price: to Belgium where she joins the Resistance. Meanwhile, Jan escapes with the stories are included in this richly illustrated history. My $12.95 battered remnants of the Polish army to Britain to continue the struggle. Name is Million is also the story of those millions of Polish $ 95 Through the long night of Nazi occupation, Anna, Jan and ordinary people Americans whose role in American life have, until now, only 7 across Europe fight a covert war of sabotage and resistance against the over- gone unrecognized. whelming might of the German war machine. HARDCOVER Shipping: 1 book: $6.95 • 2 books: $8.95 • 3 books: $10.95 • 4+ books: $12.95 Original Price: POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL BOOKSTORE • 1 (800) 422-1275 Winner of 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award $24.95 P.O. Box 328 • BOSTON, NY 14025 $ 95 www.polamjournal.com | VISA MC AMEX DISC ACCEPTED Wisconsin Library Association only 14 16 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

SPORTS / Tom Tarapacki THE PONDERING POLE / Edward Poniewaz Siedlecki Retires as Yale’s Head Coach Creeping Immorality U.S. A U.S. Yale football coach the king of all mortals in the Lord of One of my curiosities when a number on an arm. I prefer not to ir

Jack Siedlecki has an- F the Rings books. visiting a new church is to browse

orce ponder that thought. nounced his retirement Strider Wasilewski is a veteran through the bulletin. I went to a On a lighter note and also in No- as football coach and has photo pro surfer and surf industry insider. small church in central Missouri this vember, Douglas Urbanski did a fine accepted a position as A product of the famed “Dogtown” past November and in the bulletin job subbing for Bill O’Reilly on The /S assistant director within enior Santa Monica surf and skate scene, was surprised to read “Father Fred’s O’Reilly Factor. I was not familiar the school’s department Wasilewski came to prominence in Notepad.” Father Fred Elskamp is A with the name before hearing him of athletics. irman 1994 when an iconic shot of him ex- the pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic on the show. Doug is the chairman Over the past 12 years iting a huge tube at Pipeline landed Church in Eldon, Missouri, and the M of DMG, Douglas Management urfer agazine ildred on the cover of S M . he coached Yale Football theme of this notepad was about the Group (www.douglasmanagement- He went on to become an influential to a pair of Ivy League diminishing attitude towards life. It group.com/aboutUs/dubio.html) G Quiksilver team rider throughout Championships (1999, ue began: and he has quite a resume of accom-

v the 1990s as a freesurf specialist 2006) and has posted a ara in big, heavy barrels. After a near- plishments. Here is an excerpt from 70-49 (47-37 Ivy) re- Creeping Immorality: In Nazi his biography page on the DMG cord. During his tenure, death wipeout in Tahiti, Strider be- Germany, millions of people web site: the team has been in late came the director of the surf mar- were killed simply because they contention for an Ivy keting program at Quiksilver and belonged to a category of people For 25 years the name Doug- championship almost has worked on guiding the careers judged by authorities as being every year. of many of the brand’s acclaimed las Urbanski has represented “life not worthy to be lived.” It first class quality in the arts. For “I am extremely athletes. included all Jews, Poles, Gyp- proud of what we have over a decade he and his compa- sies, and many others. Dr. Leo nies dominated the New York, accomplished over 12 BIG KICK. A 56-yard field goal by Alexander studied the testimony London, and Los Angeles stage years, going from 1-9 to junior place kicker Chris Ulinski at the Nuremberg trials, seeking with productions receiving over 9-1 in three years, win- was one of the highlights as Utah to discover how this could have two-dozen Tony Award nomina- ning two Ivy League State defeated developed. championships and play- Jack Siedlecki, shown signing posters at New Mexico tions, several Evening Standard Awards, Olivier Awards, the Los ing with the title on the the Scott Club of Scott Air Force Base earlier State, 47-2, in Father Fred’s point was that even line in the final game of last year, He was one of five college football the season finale something as sacred as life can be Angeles Ovation Award, and the season the past three coaches to visit the base before embarking on for both teams. eroded through a consistent and the New York Drama Critics years,” said Siedlecki. a trip to the Middle East to see deployed ser- Ulinski’s field continuous insensitivity toward it Circle Award. His films have re- “I have been given an vicemembers as part of Coaches Tour 2008. goal was the over time. It was a meaningful and ceived British Independent Film opportunity to stay af- ever to do it) and played for the second-longest well-written piece. Something else Awards, Cannes Festival prizes, filiated with Yale Athletics for the Glove Cities Colonials, a semi-pro in the WAC this happened in November and in my The Broadcast Critics Award, balance of my career, and I deeply squad in New York. Siedlecki was season behind ULINSKI own little way I found a connection. Academy Award nominations, appreciate that.” also a three-sport star at Johnstown the 58-yarder Perhaps this is something for you to and British Academy Awards. Siedlecki is a 1974 graduate (N.Y.) High School, where his fa- by Kevin Goessling of Fresno State, ponder. of Union College in Schenectady, ther served as head coach for more and the fourth longest field goal in There is a business that sends out Yes, quite a body of work. Not N.Y., where he earned letters play- than 20 seasons. Jack’s father, John, the NCAA this season. It is tied for an eMail that lists of all the veterans much else to add, but certainly I ing both running back and lineback- was a son of Polish immigrants the third-longest in USU school his- working for the company for Vet- have at least one question, and in er and earned a B.A. in history. His who used athletics to pursue a col- tory. erans Day each year. This is a very a way it sort of ties in with what I finest day in a Union uniform came lege education. John Siedlecki was The captain of his soccer team at nice gesture acknowledging the ser- have discussed already and creeping in 1972 when he scored three touch- a three-sport star for Clarkson in Nevada Union High School, Chris vice of all of the vets. Of all of the immorality: How come the name of downs in a 38-21 win over RPI. He the 1930s and at his induction into had been the place kicker for his names on the list, only one appeared the management group is not “UMG, also coached (the youngest person the Clarkson Athletics Hall of Fame high school football team for just to me to be misspelled. To give you Urbanski Management Group?” was described as “one of the most an idea, I will use the old standby Say “Happy Birthday” one season. Even though he booted determined athletes ever to attend a 56-yard field goal, he didn’t pur- Polish name Kowalski for demon- UNANSWERED QUESTIONS in Polish! Clarkson.” sue a football career when he went stration purposes. It was spelled on 2008. For those of you who Jack Siedlecki has been a colle- to the University of Nevada campus list as K-A-E-W-L-S-K. I had to achieved all of your goals in 2008, giate head coach for 21 years and ycinanki-Style in Reno. However, Utah State need- shake my head and the first ques- here is a list of questions that went W owns a 126-71-2 record. He came to tion asked by the Pondering Pole in unanswered in the year just past. Yale from Amherst College, where ed a kicker, and one of Chris’ former 2009 is why? Maybe I should ask Polish or not?: Birthday Cards he compiled a 20-11-1 record at the high school teammates thought of how? Why or how was this name so 1. Richard Lamparski, author, Division III school and was named him. The former teammate brought CARD 400 (“Sto lat”) butchered for a top notch company “Whatever Happened To?” the 1996 American Football Coach- a highlight video of Chris’ high 4¼¨x5½¨ with envelope school kicking career to Utah State that prides itself on doing the right 2. Kelly Ripa, Regis and Kelly Full color design with Polish es Association District I Coach of thing and having high standards? the Year. University football coaches. A few Show and English greeting inside weeks later, Ulinski was a member It reminded me of a famous 3. Sophie Monk, Australian Pop quote that I think is attributed to Printed A MEMORABLE NAME. One of of the Aggies football program. Singer Dale Carnegie, “The sweetest sound on the great names in surfing isStrider 4. Victor “Brute” Krulak, Marine to any person’s ear is the sound of Wasilewski—Strider Raspberry MOVING UP. Polish soccer club and hero of the Vietnam War Glossy his own name.” There was a time Wasilewski, to be precise. Ruch Chorzow SA rose 46 percent 5. Ellen Barkin, actress Stock in our country when a black man Strider is a professional surfer and on its first day of trading in Warsaw. 6. Bill Janklow, former governor was commonly referred to as “boy.” the captain of the Quiksilver surfing Ruch, the first soccer club from cen- of South Dakota Women were commonly referred to team, which is based in Huntington tral and eastern Europe to be traded 7. Lawrence Kudlow, economist as the “girls” or “girl” instead of by Beach, Calif. The 36-year-old na- and television commentator on a stock exchange, gained 0.79 their names. tive of Santa Monica was named for 8. George Blanda, former NFL zloty to 2.49 and closed at 1.84 zloty We Poles know a little about this. on NewConnect, Warsaw’s market football star Designed by Instead of correctly and respectfully GREAT READING for smaller companies. 9. Bob Huggins, college football Doris Sikorsky referencing the Polish, or the Poles, coach Al and Dick “In couple of years’ perspective or Polonia, we are the “Polacks.” In- 10. Sonia Rykiel, fashion designer Lutz’ my dream is to move to the main stead of actually spelling our names 11. Douglas Urbanski, Chairman, acclaimed market,” Chief Executive Officer correctly, it is almost a given to slop Douglas Management Group work Katarzyna Sobstyl said in a state- down something for the person with JADWIGA’S ment. “It’ll be like a promotion to “ski” on the end of their name. In- In closing, here is a quote from CROSSING: the first division.” stead of actually asking how the Ted Turner, founder of CNN, bil- a story of The 14-time champion of Po- name is pronounced, it is accepted the Great land, based in the southern city of and cute to scream out, “I can’t pos- lionaire, sailing aficionado, and big CARD 401 time character: “Don’t worry about (“Candles”) Migration Chorzow, sold new shares in a pri- sibly pronounce that name!” 348 pp., pb. the wind; adjust the sails.” It is my 5½¨x4¼¨ with envelope vate placement in September, rais- By extension then, it is not un- ing 1.81 million zloty ($597,500) common for the talk show host or wish that you carry that sentiment Full color design with Polish A perfect gift of heritage ... The ex- with you throughout the coming perience of late 19th Century immi- for an 11 percent stake. It will spend DJ to make the knee-jerk crack (for and English greeting inside year. Na zdrowie and have a Happy gration, as seen through the eyes of most of the money on new players. comic relief of course) about how New Year! $2.50 each Paul and Jadwiga Adamik and what Ruch, now seventh in Poland’s backward are the Eastern Europeans If you have an answer to the ques- 10 or more cards: they went through to make America 16-team first division, aims to win or how shabby and ugly are their their new home. Appropriate for all tion this month, a previous month’s the championship again as early women. I wonder how many oppor- $2.00 each ages 12 and up. question, have a question of your as in 2011, by which time it could tunities have been lost or ignored SHIPPING & HANDLING own, or have interesting facts to $ 95 more than double its revenue from or skipped over because of what 1-5 cards: ...... $1.00 plus $6.95 shipping share, contact me at: Edward Po- 19 2007, to 16.5 million zloty. Aver- has been subconsciously burned 6-10 cards: ...... $2.00 (Shipping: 2 books: $8.95 — 3 books: into someone’s mind on the giving niewaz, 6432 Marmaduke, St.Louis, 11 or more cards:...... $4.00 $10.95 —4+ books: $12.95) age turnout this season at Ruch’s Missouri 63139; e-Mail alinabrig@ POLISH AMERICAN 10,000-seat stadium is 8,407, com- or receiving end of these attitudes. WHOLESALE INQUIRIES WELCOME Isn’t there in a sense a creeping im- yahoo.com. JOURNAL BOOKSTORE pared with a Polish league average morality about all of the misspell- N.B. If you e-Mail me, put a POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL 1 (800) 422-1275 of 6,741. Overall, Polish soccer ings, mispronunciations, and the reference in the subject line about P.O. BOX 328 AmEx, P.O. Box 328 clubs had sales of 63 million euros BOSTON, NY 14025 BOSTON, NY 14025 right-offs in actually addressing us the Polish American Journal or the Discover, MC, ($79.6 million) last season, up 47 by our real names? If we extrapolate Pondering Pole. I will not open an 1 (716) 312-8088 Visa and PayPal www.polamjournal.com percent from the previous year. the logic, perhaps somewhere down e-Mail if I do not recognize the sub- 1 (800) 422-1275 ACCEPTED VISA MC AMEX DISC ACCEPTED the line, a next step will be to tattoo ject. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 17

Outstanding Float Award BABA YAGA’S CORNER / Jaga Urban-Klaehn Lost Generation? Part II work website called “nasza-klasa” Is my generation the lost gen- (http://nasza-klasa.pl/) became an eration, the last of the “Mochican- instant hit in the beginning of 2008. owskis” of the second half of 20th Comparable to the American net- century? Many young people— my works “Facebook” or “Classmates,” peers—left Poland in ’80s since one can create an account and sign they did not see a hope that the po- on to the schools and classes he/ litical and economical system would she attended. In Poland, the educa- ever change. tion system was different than in PHILADELPHIA—On Sunday, 400th Anniversary of the first Pol- a tribute to the accomplishments of the United States, and children and October 5, the 75th Annual Pulaski ish settlers in America. This color- the first Polish settlers in 1608, who As I wrote in my previous article, youth were grouped in the same class Day Parade, sponsored by the Pol- ful display alerted parade and televi- we went through tumultuous times for eight years of primary schooling built the first glass house and- fac in Poland, especially in late ’70s and and four years of secondary educa- ish American Congress, Eastern sion viewers of all nationalities that tory in America. Pennsylvania District, featured Polish Americans were marking a ’80s. My generation (people in their tion, Because of this, the bonds be- The float featured enactors, mem- 20s) was the most affected: we were tween us were much stronger. over 100 marching units and floats historic milestone. entering adulthood when our coun- provided by Polish American or- The Polish National Alliance bers of PNA Lodge 3106 dressed in period costumes, manufacturing try was in a deep recession, marked If visa restrictions are not ganizations, parishes, schools, and Lodge #3106 from Cumberland by hyperinflation and a weak - cur glass products and singing “Ojczyz- abolished, the United States musical groups. Many of the floats County, N.J., received special rec- rency. Poland was stagnant or even highlighted the parade theme, the ognition for its float, which offered no Ma” (my fatherland). in regress, both, politically and eco- will become distant to nomically. The Solidarity workers’ tomorrow’s Poles. “Pan Zagloba” Found Alive and Well in Sierpc Walesa Awarded union, which was greeted with such great hopes in August 1980, was It was really exciting to get in that the bimber was probably a very the “Knight of dissolved on December 13, 1981 touch with some of the schoolmates good antidote for the smalec. Some when Martial Law was enacted. The whom I had not seen or heard from oremski persons found it necessary to ad- Freedom” Award Soviet system seemed stronger than for thirty years. It was even hard to P. P P. minister more “antidote” then oth- W A R S A W — F o r m e r ever before; the cracks in the system recognize some of my schoolmates ers did. President and Solidarity leader from their current photos since we ichard did not become visible until the end : R But drinker beware: The kieliszki Lech Walesa has received the of ’80s. all changed so much! We are already (shot glasses) arrived lying together “Knight of Freedom” Award middle-aged group rather than the hoto Our salaries, about $1 dollar per P in a napkin-lined wicker basket. from the Kazmierz Pulaski day during the deepest of the crisis, youth we were at school. I learned Only after the bimber is poured into Foundation. provided us only basic needs such that a couple of my schoolmates died it do you realize that the kieliszek in The distinction is given for as rationed food. We were unable to due to addiction or suicide. Many your hand has a rounded bottom and outstanding contributions to save enough to take a loan to buy others went through other turmoil cannot be set down until it is emp- the promotion of the ideals of a house, or even an apartment. The in their lives; some were widows, ty! What a pleasant and contrived freedom, democracy and justice. contrast between Western Europe some double divorcees, etc., much dilemma for each person to solve Past recipients of the award and Eastern Europe were more vis- like everywhere else in the world. —along with the memorable expe- include Polish politician and ible than ever before. Their stores The most striking was the real- rience of this very unique touch of former Auschwitz prisoner were full of products they could af- ization that so many of us ended up old-world Polish hospitality. Wladyslaw Bartoszewski and ford. Our stores were either empty living abroad. Many of my school- It’s nice to know that even in the prominent British historian or full of people waiting in lines mates—almost a half from my high these modern times the jovial spirit Norman Davies, who has written hoping to buy something of value. school class and one third from the of Pan Zagloba can still be found extensively on the history of Many Poles, mainly young people elementary class—left Poland and alive and well in Poland. Poland. of my generation left Poland for never came back. The biggest num- abroad, not seeing any chance for ber live in Canada and in the United “Pan Zagloba,” them in such a grim reality. States. Others live in France, Swe- Tomasz Stelmanski A subscription to the Polish American Journal makes a perfect gift! Call (800) 422-1275 M-F, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. to order one! A new internet Polish social net- den, Australia or Germany. They by Richard P. Poremski have dual citizenship and regular SIERPC, Poland—Who could jobs. It is sad that so many people have ever imagined that, while vis- from my generation could not find iting the Museum of the Mazovian a place in the country where they Countryside here on July 30, 2008, were born and educated. we would encounter the personifica- The present generation, the gen- tion of one of Nobel laureate Hen- eration that was born in ’80s, does ryk Sienkiewicz’s most beloved, en- not need to commit to such a diffi- tertaining fictional characters—Pan cult choice. Since joining the EU, Jan Onufry Zagloba, who appears Polish unemployment went down in the 17th century-set Polish epic Famous Poles Milk Chocolate Coins sharply from 20% in late ’90s to A fun gift any time of the year! Made exclusively for the PAJ by renown chocolatier Fowlers Chocolates classics of “With Fire and Sword,” less than 10% in 2007. Many young Famous Poles Set I Famous Poles Set II Original artwork created by people work legally abroad, usually “The Deluge,” and other celebrated 3-inch round 3-inch round PAJ Art Director books by the author. Christopher for a temporary time. The first coun- milk chocolate coins. milk chocolate coins. Misztal After touring the many authentic Pope John Paul II Thaddeus Kosciuszko tries which opened their markets to buildings in this amazing Mazovian Lech Walesa Casimir Pulaski workers from Poland were Great open-air museum, located 75 miles Marie Curie Frederyk Chopin Britain, Ireland and Sweden. Oth- northwest of Warsaw, three Polish $5.95 $5.95 ers, like France and Spain followed. friends and I retreated from the hot Famous Poles Combo Set — $10.95 It is also easier to find a good job Includes all six coins and brief summer sun to the 18th century log- description of each person in Poland. Poland is a great coun- constructed, thatched-roof, karczma Shipping Charges try in which to invest since it has a Orders can be relatively cheap but well-educated (inn/tavern), for refreshments. $.001 - $10.00...... $5.95 PAJ BOOKSTORE placed on the internet at We were immediately welcomed $10.01 - $20.00...... $6.95 P.O. BOX 328 www.polamjournal.com. work force. Salaries in Poland are $20.01 - $35.00...... $8.95 Click on even comparable to those in Great by proprietor, Tomasz Stelman- $35.01 - $65.00...... $9.95 BOSTON, NY $65.01 - $95.00...... $12.95 14025 BOOKSTORE ICON Britain, since our currency is quite ski (dubbed “Pan Zagloba”), who is SECURE SERVER! pictured above. Excellent ice cold $95.01 - $125.00...... $14.95 —or call— Allow 8-12 days delivery. Chocolate is strong. $125.01 - $200.00...... $18.95 boxed and then wrapped in packaging 1 (800) 422-1275 to prevent melting. Delicious! Kasztelan beer was served up, fol- $200.01 - $400.00...... $22.95 You can imagine how surprised lowed by much engaging conversa- I was to hear that a popular busi- tion and many interesting anecdotes ness network, CNBC, has launched narrated by host Stelmanski, even Let’s Learn Polish a business channel in Poland. After as more guests arrived to us in the Easter Coins Name the market crash in Russia a couple breezy shade of the tall oak trees. Address of months ago, the Polish economic Sadly, our schedule did not per- City, State, Zip news replaced some of the Russian mit us to savor the many traditional channel news. Polish delights of the Karczma Po- [ ] Check Enclosed Unfortunately, this drastically slowed down a Polish emigration to hulanka’s chlopskie jadlo (peasant’s Charge to my [ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard [ ] Discover [ ] American Express kitchen). We were, however, served the United States. Europe is much up platters of aircraft carrier-sized Card No. closer and is much more accessible slabs of inch-thick hearty bread that Exp. Date Security Code (on back of card) than the U.S., and Poles still need a visa to enter this country. If visa was slathered with delicious, artery- Telephone No. clogging smalec (seasoned fat with (in case we have a question about your order) restrictions are not abolished in the near future, Poles will continue to bacon bits), and companion dill 12 1-inch foil-wapped coins. Polish Description Price Qty. Total pickles. turn their eyes to Europe and the Easter phrases with English 1-550 Famous Poles Set I $5.95 Our “Pan Zagloba”—true to translations. A fun way to learn Polish! United States will become even form—then appeared with a wick- Happy Easter-Weso³ego Alleuia 1-551 Famous Poles Set II $5.95 more distant. Who will be reading er-covered glass jar cradled in the Basket Blessing-Œwiêcenie Potraw 1-552 Famous Poles Combo (all 6 coins) $10.95 Polish American Journal in twenty Butter Lamb- Baranek 1-554 Easter Coins (12 Total) $9.95 crook of his right arm, which con- Easter Monday-Dyngus Day years if Polonia shrinks due to a lack tained a very potent bimber (Polish Polish Sausage-Kie³basa SHIPPING & Handling- (See chart above, left) of a new Polish blood? moonshine). After downing it and Easter Eggs-Pisanki, etc. TOTAL Visit our newly formatted web- gasping for breath, everyone agreed 12 different phrases in all! site at www.polishsite.us. 18 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

CIEKAWOSTKI / Martin S. Nowak Lenin in Poland Vladimir Lenin led the 1917 Poland was still partitioned and speak only a little Polish, his wife kept up his work shepherding the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. For occupied by Germany, Russia and knew the language better. He found communist struggle in Russia. The the next 70 years, the United States Austria-Hungary. Kraków lay in a population, about four thousand of Lenins returned to the villa the next . would spend billions of dollars and Austria, just six miles form the Rus- them Russians, with a hatred of the summer. Lenin’s fondness for the sacrifice the lives of thousands of sian border. This closeness, and the ruling class and the Russian czar. place was evidenced by the fact that young men to contain the USSR and fact that a neutral “free zone” existed Lenin’s two years in Poland were years later he had a large photo of communism. along the frontier, meant papers and a preparatory time, where he strug- the house on the wall of his study in Lenin wanted his system to dom- money could be readily smuggled gled with solutions to economic and the Kremlin. inate the world. He tried to push across the border and illegal cross- cultural problems. From Kraków, The hypocrisy of Lenin’s com- westward, but Polish forces turned ings by people were easy. Austrian he guided Communist Party activi- munism was evident long before him back in 1920. Then the Allies authorities were lax in these mat- ties in Russia, ran the party organ he controlled Russia. He was not a after World War II handed Poland to ters, and did not bother the Russians. Pravda, wrote essays and plotted member of the working class, but Stalin, Lenin’s successor. But in the News from Russia reached Lenin strategy. He held party meetings a lawyer, scholar and writer. He 1980s Poland again saved Europe faster in Kraków, the communists with members who had come ille- received a small party salary bank- from communism, this time led by in Russia received a boost from the gally from Russia, including Stalin, rolled by rich anti-czarist supporters a shipyard worker’s peaceful oppo- nearness of their main leader, and he and traveled to Paris and Brussels and robberies committed by com- sition. How ironic, then, that Polish was inspired by being closer to the for conferences. munist thugs. Income form his writ- soil had once given Lenin refuge struggle. When Lenin’s wife took ill with ing and his mother’s czarist-govern- The hypocrisy of Lenin’s commu- and solace, if only for a brief time. The Lenins took a room in the goiter in 1913, a doctor recom- ment pension also helped. Though nism was evident long before he Under the czar in Russia, Lenin Zwierzyniec suburb, then moved mended a move to the mountain funds were often short and income controlled Russia. He lived a rela- was a known agitator and he was to Lubomirski Street in town to be air of the Tatras just to the south. uneven, the Lenins had no prob- tively easy life in Poland, enjoying kept under surveillance by the au- closer to the post office. Lenin’s In May, they rented a large villa for lem hiring a Polish woman to clean the scenery, mountain hikes, and thorities. So in 1907 he and his wife mother-in-law moved in with them. the summer with two other socialist house for them in Poronin, nor to swimming in the Danajec River. moved to Switzerland, then Paris, Lenin liked the city. He said it re- couples in Poronin, five miles from spend summers in the beautiful va- home to many Russian socialist ex- minded him of Russia, though he Zakopane. They loved the awe- cation home. Hardly in the spirit of war with Russia. As Russians, they iles. These men plotted revolution, called it “provincial and barbarous.” some Alpine views, and Lenin en- the working man or peasant. were now under constant watch. spread propaganda and bickered. He liked its żurek soup and strong joyed long hikes in the mountains. On August 1, 1914 World War I They packed, took a hotel room in Though he emerged as leader of the liquor and was a regular at a café He swam in the Dunajec River and broke out. Lenin was arrested in Po- Kraków, and in short order received communist movement, Lenin had in the main square. His wife said bathed in streams. He often biked ronin as a possible Russian spy and permission to leave for Switzer- enough of the infighting, so he and Kraków mellowed him. He enjoyed to Zakopane to the post office, sit- spent twelve days in prison in Nowy land. Mrs. Lenin moved to Kraków in walks in the city and countryside and ting outside to read his mail or Targ. The Lenins knew they had And the rest, as they say, is his- June 1912 to be closer to Russia. ice skating in winter. Lenin could play chess. Yet all the while Lenin to leave Austria-Hungary, now at tory.

HERITAGE / Ellye Slusarczyk YOUTH CORNER / Robert Strybel HONORS

Przenosiny PAA HONORS JEWEL-OSCO. How About Visiting On Oct. 25, the Polish American The wedding ceremony was Don’t let them take me mother Association (PAA) held its Annual complete. A brand new life lay Don’t let them take me “ Poland This Summer? Gala and Benefit Auction at the ahead for the married couple. Then The groomsmen literally had ness around—ancient castles, pal- Donald Stephens Convention Cen- a young bride had to make the trans- to drag the young bride away! She Doing the ancestral aces and cathedrals lining narrow ter in Rosemont, Ill. Jewel-Osco, a fer, from living at home all of her tried to grab hold of any furniture to homeland when you’re cobbled streets and horse-drawn Supervalu Company, was honored life, and then moving into her hus- avoid the upcoming fate. with the PAA’s Presidential Award. band’s house. This event was quite Superstitions prevailed. It was a young enough carriages giving visitors the grand tour. But young visiting Pol-Ams This award is given to individu- ceremonial. belief that the road between the two als or corporations which distin- The transfer took place in the houses was fraught with dangers, so A great many of the Polish Amer- will also find skyscrapers, shopping malls, traffic jams and peers every guished themselves in their dedica- evening. The whole wedding party much noise accompanied the wed- icans visiting Poland in summer are tion to Polonia, its causes, and to bit as fashionably clad as those in and all the musicians lured the new ding party. The crack of a whip, and of late middle age or elderly, but it the mission of the PAA. For over New York, Chicago, London or bride away from her father’s house. the ringing of bells would hopefully is members of the younger genera- a decade, Jewel-Osco generously Paris. Some might enjoy the club, She resisted. She was leaving the scare away any evil spirits. tion that get the most out of it. Sure donated monetary funds and gave comforts of the past for a new life Upon arrival at her new home, the older folks have a lot of fun, but pub, disco and rock-concert scene. in-kind donations which supported —one of being a new wife, house- the new bride was greeted by her in- they are already set in their ways. And nowadays the language barrier the PAA’s “Turning Point” Home- keeper, and that of a mother. laws with bread and honey. It was To many it is just another tourist trip is not a problem, since most Polish less Day Shelter and Food Pantry. As she was being taken away, the most important that she entered her from which you bring back snap- young people can communicate in Its generosity helped to nourish groomsmen could be heard singing, new home with her right foot first shots and souvenirs and that’s the English. hundreds of families and individu- “ And as she sat down on the wagon across the threshold, insuring happi- end of it. By contrast, to Pol-Ams Pol-Am visitors often take a als who sought help from the PAA Her father, her mother she called ness throughout her marriage. in their teens and 20s, who are more guided bus tour of Poland with an during these economically critical receptive to new things, a visit to English-speaking guide. Popular times. Additionally, Jewel-Osco do- TRIVIA TIME / Ellye Slusarczyk Poland can be a truly eye-opening stops include the sights of Warsaw nated more than $40,000, food cer- experience. and Kraków, Zakopane—the capital tificates along with ham and turkey 1. “Painted House” competitions once a a) peasant retreat b) no On the whole, such a visit doesn’t of “Polish hillbilly (góral) country,” donations to the PAA’s hungry and were held in Zalipie during a) hunting allowed territory c) royal even cross the mind of your average the Wieliczka salt-mine, the legend- homeless during the Thanksgiving young U.S.-born Pol-Ams. Sum- Advent b) Feast of the Kings c) property ary Shrine of the Black Madonna in and Christmas Seasons. The emcee mer jobs, camping trips, summer Corpus Christi 8. Aurocks are now a) extinct b) an Częstochowa and the horrific Aus- for this gala was the ever-popular 2. The wooden church in Debno school, going to the family college chwitz museum, where the Germans Polvision and Polish Radio 1030 endangered species c) multiply- or just moping around the house is was built without a) an altar b) ing rapidly put to death more than a million AM host, Jacek Niemczyk. Addi- the way many spend their summers. tionally, Oak Mill Bakery donated nails c) windows 9. Salt mines are often used for people during World War II. Many If someone were to suggest seeing delicious and elegant desserts and 3. The castle of Czorsztyn was de- those with a) sensitive skin b) visitors also try to visit the villages stroyed by a fire caused by a) Poland, many teens and 20s might and towns their ancestors came from Jewel-Osco donated the beautiful rapid heartbeat c) respiratory show surprise: “What’s there to do table centerpieces. pillagers b) lightning c) extreme problems and touch base with living relatives. heat and see in Poland anyway?” But Others attend youth camps that may 10. The hunting castle of King Si- take it from me—as a high-school 4. A rafting trip through the Du- include trekking, sailing, horse-back PAC SALUTES DONOHUE, gismund II August is decorated and college teacher in Michigan, najec Gorge takes about a) 30 riding and cave exploring or sign up Lipski, Chmielewski, and with galleries modeled on those I have seen this happen time and minutes b) 2 hours c) one day for summer courses in Polish lan- DISTRICT SEVEN PSAA. The found in a) Wawel Castle b) again over the years. Those who do 5. In Wielezka, the monastery of guage and culture. Downstate N.Y. Division of the make it over to their grandparents’ the Reformati monks, has a tree the Sistine Chapel c) Venice Polish American Congress chose or great-grandparents’ land of birth I don’t know if this has piqued whose twigs are identical to the churches Dr. William A. Donohue, president in their formative years come back your curiosity or even whetted your twigs in a) Christ’s thorn wreath and CEO of the Catholic League for as “born again” Polish Americans! appetite, but sooner or later everyone b) a burning bush c) a cluster of ANSWERS. 1.c Corpus Christi 2.b Religious and Civil Rights, as one Many Pol-Ams make new friends will ask: how much would all this palms nails 3.b lightning 4.b two hours 5.a of its four distinguished honorees and take an interest in their Polish cost? Admittedly, that can be a prob- 6. St. Kinga’s Chapel was furnished Christ’s thorn wreath 6.c 1896 7.c for 2008. heritage they never had before. lem, but there may be ways of get- in a) 1806 b) 1917 c) 1896 roval property 8.a extinct 9.c respi- Honored with him at the Con- A Detroit-area cousin of mind ting around it. Hunt around and you 7. The Niepolomica Forest was ratory problems 10.a Wawel Castle gress’ 2008 Awards Banquet were who visited Poland in his teen years, may find a youth exchange program Rev. Janusz Lipski, associate pas- when the “Pollack” jokes were at you can link up with. Or see if your tor of St. Hedwig’s Church in Flo- Tradition Six Decades to 89, and made their own oplatki their height, was literally blown locality has a sister-city in Poland. ral Park, and Bogdan Chmielewski, Old. For the past 60 years the as well. away by Kraków’s Wawel Royal (That is a separate topic for some fu- president and CEO of the Polish & Wereski family of Orchard Park, “Doing this every year is what Castle with its crown jewels, throne ture column!) Maybe a grandparent Slavic Federal Credit Union. N.Y. has gathered to make pierogi keeps us close,” said Sandi Judkie- rooms, knights in armor and tro- or other relative, thrilled at the pros- The Polish American Congress for their wigilia. For Christmas wicz, who came from Dallas with phies of the Turkish wars. For what- pect of your visiting their ancestral also selects one of its member or- 2007, 28 members of the family her husband, Al. Their daughter, ever reason, some young Pol-Ams homeland might help bankroll the ganizations for special recognition. came together to celebrate and cre- Beth Ricardo, and son, Allen Jud- come expecting to see bare-footed trip. In some cases, it may turn into This year it is the Polish Singers Al- ate. kiewicz, came in from Dallas and peasants leading cows through the a family excursion. Whatever the liance of America, District Seven, This second generation of Washington, D.C., respectively, streets of Warsaw. case, it’s not too early to give this the oldest Polish cultural organiza- Wereskis ranged in age from three with their families. True, there is plenty of quaint- some thought! tion in North America. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009 www.polamjournal.com 19

THE OLD COUNTRY / Richard Poremski IN MEMORIAM Walter “Wally” Skibinski, Pillar of Hammond’s Polonia, World War II POW Walter A. Skibinski, 83, of Ham- During World War II, Skibinski This award is the highest honor the mond, passed away Monday, No- served in the U.S. Army and was Governor of Indiana bestows on vember 24, 2008 at home. a prisoner of war for seven months those who have contributed great- He was born on January 21, 1925 during the Battle of the Bulge. He ly to their Hoosier Heritage. The in Chicago. He attended St. Michael was later called back to active duty United Polka Association awarded School and Bowen High School. during the Korean War. He was Skibinski the International Disc Skibinski married Paula Jacewicz awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Jockey of the Year Award, and in on June 29, 1946 at St. Casimir meritorious achievement on Feb- Church in Hammond where he was ruary 4, 1944. Named an Honor- 1989, he was named Chicagoland’s a member of the Holy Name Soci- ary Alumnus of the Orchard Lake Polka Disc Jockey of the Year. He ety, The Usher’s Club, Polish lan- Schools, Orchard Lake, MI in 1970, received the Distinguished Service guage lector and Eucharistic Minis- Skibinski was awarded “Man of the Award from the United Polka As- ter. He was a Fourth Degree Knight Year” in 1979 by the Orchard Lake sociation in 1985, the Chet Gulinski of the Knights of Columbus Coro- Alumni Association. He served as Media Award in 1986 and the PNA nata Council #3806, a member of a member of the school’s Board of Silver Bell Club’s Polish American the Pulaski Citizen’s Club of Ham- Regents and Board of Directors of Heritage Award in 1990. He was mond, American Legion Post 428, St. Mary’s Preparatory School. awarded the Heritage Award in 1999 the Millennium Chorus, the Hermits Skibinski was the host of the Pol- by the Polish American Congress Athletic Club, the Franklin D. Roos- ish Cavalcade of Music broadcast because of the dedication of his life evelt Club, Notre Dame 100 Club, on radio station WJOB for nearly to his God and church, his country the Polish American Federation of 50 years and the weekly remote and Lake County, and past president of live polka show from Club 505 in and family, and furthering the en- the International Polka Association. Hegewisch. For this contribution of joyment of his Polish heritage. He also served on the Contractor’s promoting the Polish language and Contributions in his memory Board for the City of Hammond and culture to the people of Northwest may be made to St. Casimir Church volunteered in Pastoral Care at St. Indiana, he was awarded the Saga- and School or the Orchard Lake Margaret Hospital in Hammond. more of the Wabash on July 7, 2001. Schools.

OBITUARIES / Jennifer Moskal Old and Rugged. A crossroads shrine near Krakow, Poland, May 22, 1976. Sister Mary Desponsata bachelor’s degree in music in 1951, he High School and Northwestern Uni- JASELKA AT ST. ADALBERTS. Biadasz, 100, was in her 83rd year enlisted in the Army where he played versity, where he was a Chick Evans ACPC Can Receive of religious life. Josephine Biadasz was On Sun., Jan. 4., St. Adalbert’s in the band at the military hospital at Scholar. Rajkowski was a lieutenant in United Way Funds born in Webster, Mass., and entered Valley Forge, and in the 2nd Army Band the Army and served a tour of duty in Polish Language School will the Felician Sisters in Lodi on Aug. 26, WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ted hold its Annual Christmas Pro- at Fort Meade. While teaching at Bel Vietnam before joining the banking 1925, professing her perpetual vows Air High School, Dombrowski earned a Mirecki, president of the American gram, “Jaselka” in St. Adalbert’s industry in the early 1970s. He later at- in 1933. Her first assignment was at master’s degree in music from the Uni- Council for Polish Culture, urges Aud, Thompson St. and Allegh- tended Western State University Law the Our Lady of the Angels Province in versity of Maryland in 1965. One of the School, and worked with the State of federal employees who are com- eny Ave., Philadelphia. 1:00 p.m. Enfield, Conn. She received a bachelor’s highlights of his career was when the California Workers Compensation Divi- mitted to preserving their heritage Free. Info call (610) 368-1604. degree in education from Mount St. Bobcat Marching Band was selected to designate their United Way do- Mary’s College, and for more than 55 to perform in President’s Park outside sion. He co-founded The 4600 Group, nations for the ACPC by selecting years, she was an elementary school the White House. He was also active the first major California law firm to #10108. The ACPC is a non-profit Jurek-Park Slope teacher in schools in Pennsylvania, in multiple music groups himself, and specialize in subrogation law. He also tax exempt organization dedicated Funeral Home, Inc. Delaware, New Jersey, New York, New was an active member in several Polish was a competitive ballroom dancer, to fostering awareness and appreci- Hampshire, and Massachusetts. She organizations. and taught advanced level classes in ation for the rich cultural contribu- was a catechist for 15 years at parishes salsa and swing. tions of Poles and Polish-Americans in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Stanley Popiel, 93, was a humani- to American society. Its primary and was also a local minister in tarian and founder of Mystic Color Lab. Francis “Frank” Samoraj, 69, Massachusetts and New York. emphasis is on education, and they Popiel and his wife expanded the ABC was born and raised in Pittsburgh. administer three annual scholarship Film Co. into the national photofinish- After graduating from Catholic grade Walter J. Bubien Sr., 83, was born er Mystic Color Lab. He was an inven- programs, along with literary, art, and raised in Camden, New Jersey. school and high school, Samoraj at- and music awards. They sponsor tor and held a number of U.S. patents. tended General Motors Institute and 728 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY Bubien was a graduate of Camden His career in photography started at week long youth leadership pro- High School where he was captain of worked at his uncle’s Pontiac dealer- the Woonsocket Call newspaper as a grams for young Polish Americans DORIS V. AMEN his football, baseball, and basketball ship in Chicago. While working at the LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR photographer, but was interrupted to meet with Polish-American lead- NEWLY DECORATED CHAPEL FACILITIES teams. He graduated from the Univer- dealership, he would hold Sunday OUR 24-HOUR PERSONAL SERVICES ARE by World War II, when he became an ers in Washington D.C. sity of Pennsylvania as a member of polka dances to attract customers. He AVAILABLE IN ALL COMMUNITIES instructor in the U.S. Signal Corp. He For more information about the AT-HOME ARRANGEMENTS Sigma Chi Fraternity, and also played INSURANCE CLAIMS HANDLED resumed his post at the Call until 1951. started in radio on WOPA-AM and after SOCIAL SECURITY & VETERAN’S BENEFITS for the school’s football team. Before ACPC, please visit its website at He was a charter member of the Na- leaving his uncle’s dealership became PROMPTLY EXPEDITED retiring, he was employed in Corporate www.polishcultureacpc.org, or con- MONUMENT INSCRIPTIONS ASCERTAINED tional Press Photographers Associa- instrumental in coordinating the com- Compensation for Johnson & Johnson tact Marion Winters at mvwinters@ tion. He was on the board of directors puter systems for the south suburban (718) 768-4192 in New Brunswick. Bubien served in charter.net. for numerous community organiza- schools in District 230. He continued the U.S. Navy during World War II. He tions, and was a visiting professor at his work on radio and started a noon (718) 383-8600 was also a founder of the East Bruns-  wick Chess League and enjoyed play- Eastern Connecticut State University. broadcast of polka music on WPNA. He A.K. No. 383-0320 ing golf. He also gave back to his community was also actively involved in the Polish  Peter Rago through service and scholarships to lo- community.  Lic. Mgr. Raymond Dombrowski, 79, cal students. taught music at Bel Air High School Genevieve “Polly” Skindeleski, Leslie P. Rago Romuald Przyborowski, 82, was F.D. for more than 30 years and was also 90, coached girls field hockey and soft- leader of the school’s band and Bobcat born in Skalat, Poland. He was a veter- ball at Bishop McDevitt High School in an of the Polish Army, and served dur- Marching Band. Dombrowski attended Wyncote, and girls track and volleyball ing World War II. He graduated from Mansfield State Teachers College in for the CYO at Queen of Peace Parish, FUNERAL HOME, INC. Mansfield, Pa., and later transferred to Drexel College and LaSalle University. He was a resident of Glenburn Twp. Ardsley. Skindeleski also served as a  Pennsylvania State University, where crossing guard at the parish school, 131 Nassau Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222 he performed with choral, instrumen- since 1979 and before retirement, he prefect of the parish sodality and presi- tal, and drama groups. After earning a was a mechanical engineer for Weston Co., now Lockheed Martin. dent of the school’s parent-teacher as- sociation. She volunteered for the last BRUSH UP / Prepared and distributed by the Polonia Media Network Michael F. Rajkowski, 64, was a 13 years at Bethesda Hospital in Boyn- Chicago native and graduate of Weber ton Beach. Phonetic hh is like ch in loch • Phonetic ai is like eye Diary Products m, n, f denotes male, female, neuter mleko...... (MLEH-koh) n or “A tradition of local & long distance service continues!” milk żółty ser...... (SHUHW-tih sehr) m zsiadłe mleko...... (ZSHAHD-weh MLEH-koh) n yellow, hard cheese sour milk ser topiony...... (sehr toh-PYOH-nih) m Stobierski Lucas śmietanka...... (shmyeh-TAHN-kah) f cheese spread cream biały ser...... (BYAH-wih sehr) m Gardenview śmietana...... (shmyeh-TAH-nah) f white, medium soft cheese sour cream lody...... (LOH-dih) m, pl Funeral Home, Ltd. masło...... (MAHS-swoh) n ice cream Rita A. Lucas 161 Driggs Avenue butter —continued next month Jude P. Lucas (Greenpoint) Brooklyn, NY 11222 ser...... (sehr) m George J. Mueller (718) 383-7910 • (718) 383-2737 cheese 20 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2009

AMERICAN POLONIA AT A GLANCE Ornament Workshop at Museum range of free and low-cost services ILLINOIS to Polish immigrants in their own MINNESOTA CHICAGO—Polish American language. However, PAA serves not MINNEAPOLIS—Join the Pol- ish American Cultural Institute of Congress Charitable Foundation, only Polish immigrants but any and together with the Majer and Las- Minnesota in singing kolędy on all who come through its doors in kowski families, announce a schol- Sunday, January 4, 2009 from 1:00- times of need. Each year, more than arship for Engineering and Business 3:00 p.m. at Catholic Eldercare, 817 13,000 individuals come to PAA to full-time students at state universi- Main Street NE, Minneapolis. Meet secure the services that will help ties and colleges. Applications must in the Atrium at 1:00 p.m. to prac- them improve the quality of their be submitted by February 28, 2009. tice prior to caroling. People are lives; some other services offered Recipients will be notified by May also invited to attend a Christmas include: ESL and computer literacy 31, 2009. sing-along at River Village, 2919 classes, vocational training for Cer- For specific terms and applica- Randolph Street NE, Minneapolis at tion contact the PACCF at (773) tified Nursing Assistant, office skills 3:30 PM. Words and music provid- 763-9944 training, career counseling and job ed by Bob Gacek and his accordion. CHICAGO—The Polish Ameri- placement services, counseling for If there is illness at Eldercare, we can Association received a $1,500 families, individuals, victims of will immediately go to River Vil- CVS Caremark Community Grant, domestic violence and substance lage. Call on Saturday to confirm. abusers, case management and in- which will be used to support the For more information, call Judith at CHICAGO—During the weekend of Nov. 15, the Polish Museum terpretation, citizenship classes and Association’s health outreach ef- 763-571-9602. of America held its Annual Amber and Crystal Sale in conjunction immigration services, food pantry forts. MINNEAPOLIS—The annual with the Museum’s Christmas Ornament Workshop. The Muse- and programs for youth, seniors and PAA is a non-profit organization meeting of the Polish Genealogical um’s Gift Shop invited all to view and purchase items from its entire the homeless. with 501 (c)(3) status dedicated to Society-Minnesota will be held on collection of amber and crystal along from its additional inventory. serving the diverse needs of Chica- January 17, from 11:00 a.m. until Patrons, both young and old, attending the Workshop, had an af- go’s Polish immigrant community FLORIDA 3:00 p.m., at the Gasthof Restaurant, ternoon of cultural fun by learning, hands-on, how to create tradi- MIAMI BEACH—The 37th An- through 31 programs and services 2300 University Ave. NE, Minne- tional Polish Christmas ornaments. nual International Polonaise Ball in the areas of adult education, em- apolis. The cost will be $17.00. For Pictured above are (l. to r.): Maria Grzadziel, Workshop Instruc- ployment, social services and im- will take place Sat., Jan. 24, 2009 at reservations or more information, tor, and the Schenk Family migration. Its Health Outreach Pro- 7:00 p.m. at the Surf Club at 9011 contact Terry Kita at (612) 927-0719 gram works to promote the health Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. The or [email protected]. Other awards given were “Man of ters in other cities, the group is in- of low and moderate income, medi- Ball will be a tribute to Mexico, the Year” to Ronald J. Dombrowski tended for people—those of Polish and to Polish-Mexican Relations. cally uninsured and limited Eng- NEW YORK of the Drive Time Polka Show on heritage and those who merely have lish speaking Poles by providing A special brunch will follow Sun., BUFFALO—On December 6, WXRL radio, and “Business Man an interest—to network and meet free preventive health services and Jan. 2009 at 11:30 a.m. For infor- 2008 The Pulaski Police Associa- of the Year” to Peter D. Stachowski, friends, dates or simply someone by facilitating their access to other mation and reservations, call (305) tion of Buffalo and Western New owner of Buszka Funeral Home. with whom they can secretly enjoy resources and services designed 864.2349, or e-mail info@ampolin- York held its Annual Christmas Finally, Presidents awards were those pierogi. to help them achieve and maintain stitute.org. Party at the Polish Falcons Hall on given to James J. Wiatrowski and “It’s the same for us here in good health. Columbia Ave. in Depew. Ronald E. Mayer for their outstand- Youngstown,” said Chomczyk, not- PAA was selected to receive a MASSACHUSETTS Among the nights Festivities in- ing and dedicated service to the Pu- ing he bartended at recent Polish grant through the CVS Caremark BOSTON—Mayor Thomas Me- cluded the election of Association laski Police Association. Day activities, but would “never Community Grants application pro- rino officially recognized and named Officers: Al Ziemecki (pres.); Marty own a polka CD. cess. Grants were awarded to organi- the area between Andrew Square Bochinski (v.p.); Dave Gorski (2nd OHIO “I envision our gatherings being zations that share a common interest and Columbia Road, connected by v.p.); Walter Kantorski (3rd v.p.); YOUNGSTOWN—Poles, Pol- a place where people can learn about with CVS Caremark of supporting Boston Street and Dorchester Ave- Mike Stack (rec. sec.); Ron Skotncki Ams, and those just interested in the the modern, hipper part of their Pol- programs for the uninsured, which nue, as Boston’s Polish Triangle in (treas.); Paul Manno (fin. Sec.); and Eastern European nation had their ish culture.” help to make health services afford- a ceremony at that location on Octo- Jerry Imiola (serg.-at-arms). first Polish Happy Hour at the Im- able and easy to access. The goal of ber 18, 2008. The proclamation cer- The Oath of Office was admin- bibe. PENNSYLVANIA the program is to provide relief for emony was followed by a reception istered by the Hon. Judge Michael “There are young Polish immi- PHILADELPHIA—Sun., Jan. both adults and children who lack at the Polish Language School. Pietruszka (Erie County Court). grants and Polish Americans here 11. Polski Uniwersytet Ludowy medical insurance to get the proper For over 100 years Poles have Eight scholarships were award- that have strong ties to Poland and Lecture in the Polish language, As- medical attention needed. settled in this area of Boston; it is ed: The Edward Penkalski Memori- its language,” said Darek Chomc- sociated Polish Home, 9150 Acad- Despite the fact that Poles com- now home to over two dozen Polish al Award went to Rebecca Gworek, zyk, the 32-year-old local chapter emy Rd. ,Northeast Philadelphia. prise the second largest immigrant businesses, organizations, and insti- who is studying Criminal Justice at head who emigrated from Katowice 3:00 p.m. Speaker: Walentyna Ad- group in the Chicago metropolitan tutions that attract over 2,000 visi- Niagara University. in his teens. “But we are tired of amczyk. Topic: “Dlaczego mlodziez area, PAA is the only human service tors a week. Well done, Boston, for Other scholarships awarded were people thinking it’s always about i starsze pokolenie zyja w roznych agency in the region with the ca- recognizing the vibrant heritage of to: Jonathan Gworek (Canisus Col- polkas and pierogi.” swiatach? - Konflikt pokolen.” Free. pacity to provide a comprehensive your Polish-American population! lege, Computer Information Sys- Gregory Witczak, a 30-some- Info call (610) 532-2422 or 215- tems); Jason Gulczewski (SUNY thing who emigrated from Poland as 624-9954. at Buffalo, Electrical Engineering); a young child, started Polish Happy PHILADELPHIA—Sat., Feb. 14. Amy McDougall (D’Youville Col- Hour (www.polishhappyhour.com) Polish Police Association of Phila- PAJ SUBSCRIPTION FORM lege, Health Services); Nicholas in Washington, D.C., eight years delphia 33rd Annual Founder’s Day Kwiatkowski (Johnson & Wales NEW SUBSCRIBER RENEWAL ADDRESS ago because he found the only way Banquet, King’s Caterers II, 4010 University, Business & Culinary Fill out form. If Please include CHANGE young Poles and Polish Americans New Falls Rd., Bristol. 6:00 p.m. gift subscription, address label Enter new address Arts); Christopher Seternus (Buffa- were connecting was through events to midnight. Continuous music by please fill out address from paper below. Please include lo State College, Criminal Justice); at the Embassy. Plus Five Orchestra and Rick Gazda of recipient. address label from Kristen Rohe (Medialle College, Chomczyk heard about Polish Band. Cocktail hour, surf and turf sit KEEP OUR POLISH HERITAGE ALIVE! paper. Business & Accounting); and Wil- Happy Hours from a cousin living down dinner and a 6 hour open bar. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PAJ TODAY! liam Dunz (Erie Community Col- in Washington, D.C., and he con- Info call Edward McCloskey (215) lege, General Studies). 1 YEAR—$20.00 PAYMENT ENCLOSED tacted the organization. Like chap- 425-4783. 2 YEARS—$37.00 PLEASE BILL ME Your subscription will not 3 YEARS—$51.00 begin until your check clears. “The Jeweler’s Shop” Resonates with Catholics and Protestants CHARGE TO MY: VISA AMEX WASHINGTON, D.C. – A half- Pope John Paul II, wrote the play relate to the couples in the play FOREIGN and MASTERCARD DISCOVER CANADIAN RATES: century after Karol Wojtyla penned in 1959 while he was bishop of and see the longing, heartache, and See prices printed CARD NO. “The Jeweler’s Shop,” churches Krakow. discovery in their love stories,” she on page 2. For library, continue to find meaning in the sto- George Gordon, winner of said. institution, and bulk ries of three couples who struggle the prestigious Outer Circle Crit- To see a performance of The rates, please call 1 EXP. DATE CSV CODE with love. ics Award for best Off-Broadway (800) 422-1275 Jeweler’s Shop, check the upcom- The play explores the trials and musical, produced the play at 11 ing schedule and contact the listed NAME triumphs of the couples through churches in the New York Hudson number for tickets or information: the eyes of Adam, the jeweler who Valley area last fall and he previ- • February 14, 2009 8:00 p.m. both crafts their wedding rings and ously produced the show on tour St. Francis of Assisi Church, NO. STREET APT. NO. weighs their love through several with two off-Broadway companies Triangle, VA decades. for several years. For reservations contact: Newsday called the acclaimed Gordon calls the play “a very (703) 221-4978, ext. 237 or CITY, STATE, ZIP play by Pope John Paul II, “A mes- moving experience. Every time [email protected] • March 7, 2009 7:30 p.m. sage for our times.” Drama critics we perform this play the audience St. John’s Church, Warrenton, VA MOVING? Please note the Post Office will NOT FORWARD have hailed it as “marvelous” and is moved by the Pope’s words to For information call: SECOND-CLASS MAIL. If you move, you must notify our office. “entertaining theater.” the point of joy and tears,” he said. (540) 347-2922, x209. Professional performances “Many don’t realize that John Paul • April 25, 7:30 p.m. THREE EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE! of “The Jeweler’s Shop,” held II was an accomplished playwright, St. Leo’s Church, Fairfax, VA throughout the Fall of 2008, will director, and actor.” For information contact: MAIL TO: PAJ SUBSCRIPTION DEPARTMENT resume in this Spring. In May 2009, Alexandra Peeler, co-producer, Mary Adams, (703) 273-5369. P.O. BOX 328, BOSTON, NY 14025-0328 • May 17, 4:00 p.m. Truro Church in Fairfax, Virginia said there is a hungry audience for Truro Church, Fairfax, VA CALL: 1 (800) 422-1275 or (716) 312-8088 will be the first Protestant church this play and increasing interest For information contact: M-F 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. EST to sponsor the production. among church groups in having the (703) 273-1300 x220 or Karol Wojtyla, who became play staged. “Today’s audiences [email protected] ON LINE: www.polamjournal.com SECURE SERVER (Amex, Disc., MC, Visa, and PayPal) SUBSCRIBE, RENEW and order GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS on line at www.polamjournal.com