2009 - American Institute of Polish Culture

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The 37th International 2009
Polonaise Ball
A Tribute to Mexico
Gold Medal Awards, the highest distinction of the American Institute of
Polish Culture, were presented to Mrs. Anna Zarnecka de Santos Burgoa,
Polish painter, writer and activist, and to Mr. Zbigniew Paleta, violinist
and music composer, both of whom traveled to Miami from Mexico.
It was a pleasure once again to welcome President Lech Walesa and his
wife Danuta Walesa who traveled from Poland to participate in the Ball.
President and Mrs. Walesa received special Royal Medals.
During the 37th International Polonaise Ball, The American Institute of
Polish Culture in Miami honored Polish-Mexican artists and
emphasized the scientiJic, educational and artistic contributions of
Polish scholars in Mexico. The Ball took place on January 24, 2009 at
the historic Surf Club in Miami Beach.
Mrs. Danuta Walesa and President Lech Walesa
Mr. Michael Skronski, Ms. Saba Kebede, Prince Ermias SahleSelassie Haile-Selassie of Ethiopia, Ms. Alicja Iwaszkiewicz
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel (front), King Kigeli V of Rwanda, Dr. John Lenczowski,
Dr. Marek Jan Chodakiewicz, Chancellor Boniface Benzinge of Rwanda
Mr. Juan Gutierrez Tinoco, Consul General of Mexico, Mrs. Grazyna Czelakowska Gutierrez, Countess
Barbara Pągowska-Cooper, Mrs. Irena McLean-Laks, Mr. Howard Laks, Mrs. Teresa Lowenthal,
Mr. Paul Lowenthal
Mrs. Anna Zarnecki de Santos Burgoa,
Mr. Zbigniew Paleta
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Mrs. Danuta Walesa, President Lech Walesa, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel,
Ms. Marjorie Sonderling
Ms. Renate von Mainstein,
Mr. Janusz Burzynski
Mrs. Malgorzata Chibowska and Mr.
Piotr Chibowski
Mr. Jaroslaw Rottermund, Mrs. Danuta Walesa,
President Lech Walesa, Ms. Lucyna Wender
Mrs. Barbara Baran, Mr. Marek Baran
Ms. Brigitte Cooper, Dr. Andrew Cadel, Countess Barbara PągowskaCooper, dancers from the Polish American Folk Dance Company,
Mr. Frank Spula, President of
Polish American Congress
Mr. Matthew Meehan, Mr. Jacek Mesterhazy, Ms. Agnieszka
Mestrhazy, Marquis Alexander Colonna-Walewski
Montague, Marquise Maria Alonso Montague,
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lowenthal
Father Ian Boyd
Dr. Ewa Kolonko, Consul
Wlodzimierz Sulgostowski
Mrs. Gigi Luczynski,
Mr. Jack Luczynski
Mr. Benito Echeveria with guests
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Mr. Ashley and Mrs. Susan Sosner
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Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Hon.
Vice Consul of Poland
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Count Jerzy and Countess
Irena Siemiginowski
Since the 10th century, Poland has gone though times of
triumph, expansion and great fortune, as well as many wars,
partitions and occupations by foreign nations. The one thing
that prevailed in those dramatic and trying times was the spirit
of the Polish people. Their love for freedom and their country
have always been alive.
Motivated by their zeal for research and expression, many
scientists, scholars and artists traveled to faraway countries.
Some of them found their new homeland in Mexico. Many Poles,
fascinated by exotic places, used their knowledge and expertise
to contribute to the development of Mexico in many different
areas. The friendship and cooperation between the Poles and
Mexicans have Jlourished for years and continues to develop
today in the 21st century. This year’s gala paid tribute to scholars
and artists who have made Mexico their second homeland.
The evening began with Mariachis in original costumes playing
and singing happy tunes and getting the guests at the cocktail
hour into a mood of merry-making.
Mr. Waldemar Dowiak,
Mr. Wieslaw Nowak
Guests were then invited for a delicious dinner into the grand
ballroom, adorned with sparking lights, beautiful Jloral
arrangements, white palm trees with ostrich feathers and
Mexican sombreros.
Mr. Jaroslaw Rottermund, the Master of Ceremonies, read
congratulatory messages from the Governor of Florida, Charlie
Crist, several Senators, Congressmen, Bishops and Cardinals.
Consul Sulgostowski from Washington DC greeted everybody
on behalf of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland.
Lady Blanka, on behalf of the Chairpersons of the Ball, Mrs.
Irena McLean-Laks and Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper,
delivered a heartfelt welcome and announced the beginning of
the Ball with the traditional Polonaise dance, performed
skillfully by the distinguished guests.
In her opening speech, Lady Blanka welcomed the charismatic,
Peace Nobel Prize winner, President Lech Walesa and his
equally remarkable wife. She said: “Lech Walesa, a Solidarity
Mr. Ziggy Chars, Radio Polonia, Florida, Mrs. Ligia Lalewicz, Baroness
Magdalena A. von Freytag Loringhoven Sambor,
President Lech Walesa
Mr. Albert Zanger, Mrs. Marjorie Sonderling with guests
Mrs. Joanna Ciomek, Mr. Zech Ciomek, Dr. Janina Styperek,
Dr. Januariusz Styperek
Mr. Walter and Mrs. Regina Beaman
Marquise Maria Alonso Montague, Marquis
Alexander Colonna-Walewski Montague
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Mr. Karlheinz Huth, Ms. Renate von Mainstein, Mrs. Sigrid Huth
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Mrs. Isabel Leibowitz with Mariachi Mexico International Si Señor
Mrs. Anna Zarnecki de Santos Burgoa,
Count Richard Wilke-Janicki
Mr. Oswald Schietse-Dury and Mrs. Christiane
Schietse-Dury
Mrs. Susan Sosner, Mr. Albert Zanger,
Mrs. Irena McLean-Laks
Ms. Margareta de Gea, Mr. Joran Bengston
Mrs. Anita and Mr. Eli Jacob
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Wayne Carter
Dancers from Polish American Folk Dance Company
Mrs. Saba Kebede, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie of Ethiopia, Ms. Marjorie Sonderling,
Mr. Maurice Ferre, Mrs. Mercedes Ferre
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President Lech Walesa, Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper, Dr. Andrew Cadel,
Mrs. Danuta Walesa
Mr. Hugh Dempsey
Ms. Ula Furman, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Beata Paszyc
Ms. Janina Baron, Mr. Leon Solnik
leader, a brave man from Gdansk, Poland, brought communism
down and ended the decades of the Iron Curtain. Thanks to
Lech Walesa, we have a free and democratic Poland again.”
President Walesa received the AIPC Gold Medal in 1991.
The artistic program continued with music by the 10-piece
Frank Hubbell Orchestra and performances of Mazur by the
Polish American Folk Dance Company. They also danced a
specially choreographed performance of “Jarabe Tapatio,” a
national Mexican hat dance and “Las Chiapanecas” in authentic
colorful costumes. Senor Isaac Salinas, famous Mexican tenor,
sang “O Sole Mio” and “Granada.”
After the delicious dinner, Lady Blanka thanked all of those who
“open their hearts to others and never think twice about giving.”
She recognized Consul General of Mexico, Juan Miguel
Gutierrez-Tinoco and Mrs. Grazyna Czelakowska-Gutierrez, his
Polish wife; Mrs. Ruby Bacardi; Countess Basia PagowskaCooper, Vice President of the Institute and Chairperson of the
Ball; Mr. Howard Laks and Mrs. Irena McLean-Laks; Mr. Paul
and Mrs. Teresa Lowenthal; Chairperson of the Ball, Marquise
Maria Alonso Montague; Mr. Adrian Pasieka and Miss Diana
Pasieka, for their support and generosity.
Recognition of the Gold Medal Awardees began with the
introduction of Miss Alicja Bachleda-Curus, Polish actress and
singer, born in Tampico, Mexico, who was unable to join us
because she was Jilming a new movie. She sent a message
conveying her gratitude for such a prestigious award and
thanked everyone.
Dr. Arturo Morell, Consul of Mexico, Ms. Ania Navas,
Prof. Zdzislaw Wesolowski
The second Gold Medal recipient, Mr. Zbigniew Paleta, violonist
and music composer, has lived in Mexico for the last twentyeight years. He was born and educated in Kraków, Poland.
Paleta has been playing with classical and jazz ensembles, rock
bands “El Tri,” and his own band “Paleta-Souza.” He performed
in Zbigniew Preisner’s soundtrack for Krzysztof Kieślowski’s
Jilm “White” and for Agnieszka Holland’s “Secret Garden.” His
music compositions for Mexican Jilms such as “Libre de Culpas,”
have earned him two Ariel Awards (Mexican Academy of Film
Award) as well as a 2002 nomination for his score for “Su Alteza
Serenissima,” directed by Felipe Casalsa.
The third Gold Medal recipient, Mrs. Anna Zarnecka de Santos
Burgoa, painter, writer and activist, was born in Poland. She
arrived in Mexico in 1943 as a refugee from the war in Europe,
where she spent two years in a concentration camp in Siberia.
A Mexican citizen since 1949, she began to study painting at the
Instituto de Arte de Mexico, after which she developed a
technique in which paintings are composed of triangles of color.
As an internationally acclaimed artist, she has exhibited around
the world. More than 250 of her paintings hang in public and
private collections in over seven countries including the
Vatican, among them portraits of Pope John Paul II and
President Lech Walesa. She has had 38 years of service to the
Mexican Red Cross, of which she was President and the
recipient of its Benemeritus and Grand Cross medals.
In 1979 she published her recollections of the concentration
camp, Polonia Viente y Tinieblas (Wind and Darkness), and has
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Mrs. Isabel Leibowitz, Mr. Marvin Leibowitz,
Mrs. Jadwiga Gewert
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Mr. Paul Lowenthal, Mrs. Teresa Lowenthal
since published four other books, including an explanation of
her innovative triangle technique of painting.
Then, all the guests witnessed a truly unique moment. HRH
King Kigeli V of Rwanda and HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie
Haile-Selassie of Ethiopia, presented special a distinction to
President Lech Walesa. They bestowed the Imperial Order of
the Queen of Sheba in the rank of Knight Grand Cross and the
Royal Order of the Crown in the Rank of Knight Grand Cross.
They also gave a royal distinction to Mrs. Danuta Walesa,
quoting the famous saying: “Behind each successful man there
is always a woman.”
President Walesa delivered a speech in which he not only
expressed gratitude for those distinctions but also thanked
Polonia and America for supporting Poland in the past. He has
praised Lady Blanka for her promotion of Poland in the United
States and called on everyone to go back to the basic values of
honesty, goodness and integrity and implement them in their
everyday life.
Mrs. Malina Stadnik, Mrs. Irena McLean-Laks,
Mrs. Margareta de Gea
Mrs. Mercedes Ferre
There were also accolades addressed to Lady Blanka for
promoting Polish culture, science and the heritage of Poland in
the US for almost four decades with the same enthusiasm and
vision. Lady Blanka has been the most generous donor,
supporting the activities of the Institute in the amount over
$150,000 each year for 37 years. This is the only Institute in the
US to do such a great job educating America about Poland and
her people, and with such grand style. Lady Blanka also thanked
Ula Furman, Assistant to the President and Beata Paszyc,
Executive Director of the Institute, along with the many
volunteers for their work in preparing the entire event.
The guests continued to enjoy the picturesque location and the
exquisite cuisine of the Surf Club while reacquainting with old
friends, meeting new ones, and dancing the night away. The Ball
ended with the Polonaise by all guests who Jilled the dance Jloor
and enjoyed the last moments of this memorable and glorious
Polonaise Ball.
Mrs. Jadwiga Gewert, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel,
Mr. Spencer Myer, Ms. Tania Alonso
Mr. Andrew Schally, Ms. Maria de
Lourdes Rasmussen
Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie of
Ethiopia and President Lech Walesa
Consul Juan Gutierrez Tinoco,
Mrs. Grazyna Czelakowska Gutierrez
(standing) Mr. John Frank Velez, Dr. Andre Pasternac, Ms. Ula
Furman, Mrs. Jadwiga Furman, Mr. Jaroslaw Rottermund (seated)
Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Ms. Halina Malinski, Ms. Lucyna Wender
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A Very Special Brunch
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel with guests
Mrs. Danuta Walesa, Dr. Andrew Cadel, Countess Barbara PagowskaCooper, President Lech Walesa, Mr. Bernard Kmita, Dr. Arturo
Morell, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel
Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Hon. Vice Consul of Poland
with the Polish American Dance Company
Mrs. Lynn Mahoney, Mrs. Carol Sadowski,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stephens
Mr. Theodore O’Brien, Mr. Michael Skronski,
Mrs. Wilhelmina O’Brien, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel
Mrs. Maria de Lourdes Rasmussen,
Mr. Zbigniew Paleta
Mrs. Margareta de Gea, Ms. Halina Malinski,
Mrs. Malina Stadnik, Baroness Magdalena A.
von Freytag Loringhoven Sambor
Guests with Mr. and Mrs. Belz
Mr. Ziggy Chars,
Ms. Grazyna Janus
Mr. Bernard Kmita, Lady Blanka
Rosenstiel and guest
Mrs. Grazyna Czelakowska-Gutierrez, Lady
Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Juan Gutierrez Tinoco,
Consul General of Mexico
Ms. Loretta Haas, Dr. Marek Jan Chodakiewicz,
Ms. Crystal Marie Moore
Mrs. Anna Zarnecki de Santos Burgos,
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel
The following day, guests participated in a very Special Brunch. They enjoyed the
superb Surf Club cuisine and Polish and Mexican folk dances. The Mariachi group again
entertained the guests and posed for pictures. President Walesa gave another uplifting
and charismatic speech and posed for photographs. Gold Medal recipients were also
introduced and received a drawing by a 12-year-old Polish girl, Natalia Chibowska. The
Sunday Brunch was a fabulous way to conclude the two-day celebration of the ongoing
Polish-Mexican friendship.
Mrs. Jadwiga Gewert,
Ms. Angieszka Ortega