“Together – We Can and We Will” ZGODA THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE OF THE U.S. OF N.A. The officialPOLISH Publication NATIONAL of ALLIANCE the Polish WINTER 2019 www.pna-znp.orgNational Alliance of North America1881-2019 Vol. 161; No. 4 Merry Christmas Wesołych Świąt 3 President’s Corner (USPS 699-120) Published Quarterly 4 From the Editor The Official Publication 5 Christmas Greetings of the Polish National Alliance 6 – 8 From the Manager of Sales 6100 N. Cicero Avenue Chicago, IL 60646-4385 9 – 37 Fraternal News & Activities Phone: (773) 286-0500 • Scholarship Opportunities Fax: (773) 286-0842 • 110th Anniversary of Lodge 1052 • District XII Annual Convention www.pna-znp.org • Henry Kotroba Hall in Dudley, MA Polish National Alliance • Frank Zielinski Pavilion in Wallington, CT of US of NA • Running for an Independent Poland • We are Proud of Executive Committee • 2019 Photo Contest Winners Frank J. Spula • New Members President • District XIII Events Marian Grabowski • Region “H” News Vice President • Polish Heritage Month in Chicago • Polish Heritage Month in Boston Alicja Kuklinska • PNA ‘s Legal Clinic 2020 Schedule National Secretary 38 – 45 Life of Polonia Steve H. Tokarski • Legion of the Young Polish Women Anniversary Treasurer • PAC Golden Jubilee • Council 84 Veterans Remembrance Send all articles, correspondence • 50 Years of Joseph Conrad Yacht Club and materials to: • PAC Western Massachusetts Heritage Banquet ZGODA Magazine 6100 N. Cicero Avenue 46 – 48 Living Well – Loneliness Chicago, IL 60646 49 In Memoriam Alicja Kuklinska 50– 54 Destination Poland – Splendor of Podlasie Editor 55 Polish Traditions Beatrice Jędrycha Assistant Editor 56 – 57 History Pages – The Queen of Polish Carols Contents Ewa Krutul 58 – 59 Taste of Poland – Podlasie Specialties Graphic Designer 60 Bulletin Board e-mail: [email protected] 61 Dziennik Zwiazkowy Periodicals–Postage Paid at Chicago, 62 WPNA 103.1 FM Illinois and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Zgoda, c/o PNA 6100 N. Cicero Avenue Chicago, IL 60646-4385 Change of address or interruption in subscription matters contact: PNA Address Dept. (ext. 366) or e-mail: [email protected] Branicki Palace in Bialystok (Polish Versailles) Stock photo Though we’ve altered with the times to meet the needs of our members, one thing remains the same; the Polish National Alliance is a source of financial strength that will protect families for generations to come and contrib- ute to the community. At Christmas time, we tend to reflect on the treasurers of our own family. More than any gift or toy, let us share our many blessings with others now and in the year to come. Instead of concentrating on buying something for our loved ones, shouldn’t we focus on protecting them? Perhaps we should also protect ourselves? As responsible individuals, we provide for our families in a multitude of ways. Shouldn’t one of the ways be the miracle of life insurance? Life insurance provides security President’s Corner for your family if something happens to you, and gives you peace of mind. December 2019 This is applicable whether you are single, married, with or without children. The cost of living has been increas- A Christmas Message. ing every year, from household expenses to education. In the event that something happened to the primary As we approach an end to another year, we can be income provider, how would the survivor be able to man- grateful for all the good that we have encountered. Here, age? Would there be money for the house payment, auto, at the Polish National Alliance, it certainly has been a living expenses, or college? This is something to consider, busy and exciting year. We hosted our 48th Quadren- and you are the only one that knows the answer to that. nial National Convention for the first time in Phoenix, Arizona. I hope you keep this in mind, and consider reviewing your needs this holiday season. As President of this organization, I’m grateful to the Officers, Directors, and Employees with whom I work. In closing, this is a season of giving. As we reach out to They are the ones who contribute to the success of the family and friends, I hope we’ll also open our hearts to Polish National Alliance. I’m especially grateful to the those who are lonely and in need. This action expresses members who comprise this organization. the true meaning of Christmas. We must reflect upon This coming February of 2020, the organization will be the love we have for others and the joy we take in giving celebrating a milestone- 140 years of existence. Over this ourselves to those who are less fortunate. period, over two million individuals have been members, and hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits have been It’s never too late to touch a life and maybe change the paid. This is a landmark of which our founders would be world forever for someone. proud. I wish that Santa brings you the gift of never-ending Since the founding of our organization in 1880, we’ve happiness this Christmas. May you, your family, and focused on giving back to the Polish American commu- friends be blessed abundantly. nity. In our early days, we focused on formal meetings, ceremonies, etc.…while today, we serve our community Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! through various programs. Sincerely, Frank J. Spula, FLMI President and CEO 3 From the Editor December 2019 W Dzień Bożego Narodzenia Wszystko jest, jak przed rokiem: Dear Members, na szybach srebrne kwiaty I hope 2019 was a good year for you. For me, it was a swift i ten sam obraz w ramach okien; one! świat biały, jak opłatek... Będzie wilia! - Uśmiechną się ludzie, The 48th Quadrennial Convention was a great success thanks do świątecznej zasiądą wieczerzy - to the Delegates diligently reviewing the reports, and approving błogosławiony grudzień! By-Laws changes necessary to move our organization forward. „W żłobie leży - któż pobieży...” Please, check the next Zgoda issue for the updates. Pomyśl: na cudzej ziemi wśród obcych, tacy jak ty młodzi chłopcy I want to congratulate my fellow Officers and Directors for i małe dziewczęta their commitment and efforts on behalf of the organization. zaśpiewają tę samą kolędę. Thank you to our PNA employees for providing Members with Pamiętaj: będą the best customer service and genuinely caring for the organiza- tion. ludzie smutni, opuszczeni, niepotrzebni nikomu - As Zgoda’s Editor-in-Chief, I would like to extend words of i nikt z nimi słowa nie zamieni, appreciation to my team- graphic designer Ewa Krutul, assis- nie zaprosi do swego domu... tant editor Beatrice Jedrycha, and health contributor Teresa Weź do ręki biały opłatek, Sruziak Sherman- for their input to the publication. choćbyś nawet nie miał go z kim dzielić - i życz szczęścia całemu światu This Zgoda issue will take you to my favorite part of Po- niech się wszystkie serca rozweselą! land – Podlasie. I was born and raised in Bialystok and visit my hometown every year. I hope that after reading about this Zdzisław Kunstman unique region you will be inspired to travel there at any time of the year. A couple of years ago, Bialystok was named the num- ber 1 place to retire in Poland for its picturesque location with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, air quality, safety, Pogodnych i pełnych radości a friendly atmosphere, a diversified culture, and affordability. świąt Bożego Narodzenia oraz zdrowia, szczęścia i pomyślności I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and best of w Nowym Roku, health, luck, and prosperity for the upcoming Year 2020. życzy serdecznie czytelnikom Zgody zespól redakcyjny: Most Respectfully, Alicja Kuklińska, Ewa Krutul, Beatrice Jedrycha Alicja Kuklińska, Editor-in-Chief 4 Dear Members, May Christmas bring joy to your heart and happiness to your home! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku! Executive Officers Supervisory Council President – Frank J. Spula Censor – Wesley E. Musial, Philadelphia, PA Vice-President – Marian Grabowski Vice-Censor – Irene S. Grabowy, Bristol, CT Treasurer – Steve H. Tokarski Commissioners: National Secretary – Alicja Kuklinska Wanda Milecki, Worcester, MA Marianna Koziol-Dube, Unionville, CT Directors Wanda Kotch-Ray, Bremond, TX Business Board Zbigniew Wrzos, Philadelphia, PA Irene T. Hercik, Chicago, IL Michael G. Matiko, Duryea, PA Anthony W. Nowak-Przygodzki, Corona, CA David M. Sinclair, Westmoreland City, PA Val Pawlos, Pittsburgh, PA Stanley Magielski, North Lima, OH Jeff Twardy, Pittsburgh PA Thomas M. Schemanski, Hamtramck, MI Teresa Struziak Sherman, Wilbraham, MA John A. Baras, Eureka, MO Agata Mścisz, Mokena, IL Fraternal Board Wanda Juda, Chicago, IL Walter W. Tokarz, Rehoboth, MA Gary W. Babinski, Minto, ND Bozena Kaminski, New York, NY Jaroslaw Musial, Upland, CA Joseph M. Magielski, Youngstown, OH Allan Szuflada, Hincley, OH Stella G. Szczesny, Hamtramck, MI Anne Hicker, Federal Way, WA Barbara J. Wesolowski, Orland Park, IL Wanda Penar, Niles, IL Jolanta Mazewski-Dryden, Seabrook TX Teresa A. Jankowski, Saint Francis, WI Greg G. Chilecki, Orange, CA 5 Since Christmas is a time of giving, make sure you give the gift of love and financial security to those you care about the most. If your New Year Resolution calls for providing financial security for your family, ask for our life insurance rates; they are more affordable than you think. Thank you for being our loyal member. Best wishes for a healthy, happy Christmas and a From the prosperous New Year! Manager of Sales Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia i szczęśliwego Nowego Roku! December 2019 Jolanta Walaszek Manager of Sales Dear Members, If you are reading this Zgoda magazine in December, you still have until the end of the month to take advantage of two special promotions for kids.