Polish Heritage Month

Transcription

SOKÓŁ POLSKI
OcTOber 2011, nO. 7
POLISH FALCON
The Official PublicaTiOn Of The POlish falcOns Of america since 1896
www.POlishfalcOns.Org
From the Editor
David J. Motak
Director of Communications and
Editor/Designer, Sokół Polski
[email protected]
Cool to be Polish; Cool to be Falcon
T he social networking site Badoo recently polled 30,000 primarily young people from 15
countries around the world to rank the coolest and least cool countries on the planet. Poland came in
next to last. Certainly, this was not a scientific study, but it does provide us with plenty of food for
thought during October, Polish Heritage Month.
It is rather coincidental that this month's Sokół Polski, which is dedicated to Polish Heritage Month,
also covers the 2011 National Youth Camp. The two, I would offer, should really go hand-in-hand.
These days, as we sadly look around, it is all too often that we see the participants in Polish American events getting older and older. One wonders whether, within the next decade, many of our functions, ethnic programs and even many of our organizations will still have a critical mass to be viable.
In most parts of the country, Polish parishes have unfortunately become a relic of the past, attendance at cultural events is down and even youth folk ensembles are becoming as rare as the organizations that once sponsored them. One can blame demographics, history, "the melting pot" or a
dozen other explanations, but the fact remains that Polish American culture is in great danger of
becoming - with the exception of a few oases - if not extinct, then irrelevant.
One of the last bastions of Polish American identity has become the fraternal system. Each of the
Polish fraternal organizations have, in their own way, attempted to promote Polish culture to their
members. Although the number of engaged young people isn't quite what it used to be, the PolishAmerican fraternal system still remains one of the last and most important hopes of American Polonia.
This is what has brought me to the Polish Falcons of America: my deep passion for my culture and
the understanding that the Polish Falcons is one of the few remaining vibrant options for our community's cultural future. Serving as Director of Communications and Editor of the Sokół Polski provides
me with the unique opportunity to not only serve the Membership by facilitating news about the organization and its Members, but also to share our beautiful Polish culture with you through the pages
of this magazine and through the web site.
Certainly, functioning as both Editor and Graphic Designer in one position can be a challenge, but
I strongly feel that serving you and the Polish Falcons community is a wonderful opportunity to help to
ensure that our heritage is not forgotten. It is especially important that the younger Members of our
community develop a sense of pride in their ethnic identity; it is they who will soon be carrying the
banner not only for the Polish Falcons, but also for our legacy as Polish Americans.
As you now have the third issue of the newly formatted Sokół Polski in your possession, you may
notice that I have attempted to make this new design rather contemporary, very "graphically dynamic."
In fact, those of you who belong to other Polish fraternals or have seen other fraternal publications,
can see that the Sokół Polski is leagues ahead of other similar publications. One of the main reasons
for making this new format so graphically engaging is so that it would be attractive to both older, but
especially, younger Members. The information on PFA activities as well as Polish culture is presented
in a manner that is especially appealing to younger Members who will hopefully become more
attracted to our organization and to their heritage. This is particularly critical as the Polish Falcons of
America is the one Polish American fraternal that has the highest percentage of young Members and
therefore, by extension, the greatest hope of engaging future generations.
The youth are our future, both of this fraternal as well as of our community. It is through them that
our ancestors - and we, ourselves - will continue to live on. It is up to us whether or not future generations will continue in our footsteps. If this is to be done, we need to set them on the right road and
provide them with the tools and guidance that they need in developing multifaceted and enriched lives.
Yes, Polish Heritage Month is an important time for all of us, but it is an especially important time to
look to the future and to the young people in our midst.
It is time to make certain that being Polish - and being Falcon - are really "cool."
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october 2011
SOKÓŁ POLSKI
POLISH FALCON
Official Publication of the Polish Falcons of America Since 1896.
Published Monthly by the Polish Falcons of America
(except for March, June, September and December)
381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751
Phone: 412-922-2244 Email: [email protected]
Fax: 412-922-5029 - www.polishfalcons.org
Sent to all premium paying members without charge.
SOKÓŁ POLSKI STAFF
David Motak - Editor and Graphic Designer
Courtney Caughey - Photography / Web Site Coordinator
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to: Sokół Polski ,
381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751
Telephone: (412) 922-2244, Toll Free: 1-800-535-2071
FAX: (412) 922-5029 E-mail: [email protected].
Periodicals Postage Paid In Pittsburgh, PA USP 500-640
Executive Committee
Timothy L. Kuzma - President & CEO Patricia B. Del Busse - First Vice President/Membership Service Robert J. Gorny - Second Vice President/Fraternal Director John Kuzmirek - Secretary/Treasurer & CFO National Directors
District I - Ed Ciesla District II - Thomas Eckert District IV - Wallace Zielinski District V - John Kowarik District VI - William Junk District VII - Eric Kubasek District IX - Mary Rand District XIII - Janet Knauber Appointed Officials
David J. Motak - Director of Communications
Christine Puskar - Director of Physical Education
Richard J. Federowicz - Legal Counsel Rev. Canon Joseph Sredzinski - National Chaplain National Sales Office
John Denning - National Sales/Marketing Director
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS? Call toll-free at 1-800-535-2071 or
412-922-2244
MOVING?
Please complete the Change of Address form online at: www.polishfalcons.org/change_address.asp. You may also
email/mail your change of address to: [email protected]
or Member Services, Polish Falcons of America, 381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751
WEBSITE: www.polishfalcons.org
MEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Articles on Nest and District activities may be submitted for consideration. Nest and District event photos, with activity and individuals
identified, may be submitted for publication. Send photos to: Sokół
Polski, Polish Falcons of America, 381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751. Materials can also be submitted by email
to: [email protected]. Images should be 300 DPI
resolution. Poor quality photographs will not be considered for
publication.
All submitted materials and photographs become the property of
the Polish Falcons of America and may be used to promote the
mission of the PFA. Materials will not be returned unless requested.
NEST CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
Information for the on-line Nest Calendar should be emailed to
Courtney Caughey at [email protected].
MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS
Unsolicited manuscripts are not returned unless accompanied with
a self-addressed stamped envelope. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of any unsolicited material. Manuscript submission
email: [email protected].
© COPYRIGHT 2011 Polish Falcons of America. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form
without written permission. Printed in USA. Please Recycle.
Printed by Knepper Press, Clinton, PA - www.knepperpress.com
www.polishfalcons.org
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sokół Polski
SOKÓŁ POLSKI
POLISH FALCON
October 2011 No. 7
National Camp
See page 6
CONTENTS
FEATURES
31 Falcon Faith
DEPARTMENTS
4 Falcon Spotlight
5 President’s Message
6 Physical Education
8 Your Finances
12 Membership Services & Awards
31 Chaplain’s Corner
8 The Good Old Days
4 Falcon Spotlight
MEMBER INTEREST
10 Districts & Nests
13 Member Milestones / Donations
14 Upcoming Events
15 Member Tribute
16 Achievements
10 Districts & Nests
18 Young Falcons
18 Young Falcons
CULTURAL NEWS
22 Tastes of Poland
24 Polish Superstitions
Polish Recipes
See page 22
25 News From Poland
29 Polka Celebration
Cover photo:
“Krakowianka” taken by
Dave Motak in 2006.
Use of image donated
to the PFA by D. Motak.
Polish Falcon
24 The Luckiest Men
in Poland
• www.polishfalcons.org
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october 2011
3
FALCON SPOTLIGHT
What iss Our Fut
Fu re
re?e
by The Hon. Deborah M. Majka
A
lmost 150 years ago, the Nobel-Prize winning author, Henryk
Sienkiewicz wrote in his Portrait of America that American Poles would
“…sooner or later become completely denationalized and completely assimilated by the Americans.” Not only has this not happened, but, rather,
Polish Americans are continuing to take an interest in their own histories. We
are also celebrating the rich customs and traditions of our forefathers, not
in the same manner as our forefathers, but with the advantages of all that
modern technology has to offer.
With the publication of Dr. James Pula’s Polish American Encyclopedia,
Poles and Polish Americans have reached another milestone in getting
recognition as full members of American society. This seminal work fills a
long existing gap and should have a place among the reference works in
every larger library in the nation. Only in the second half of the 20th century did American Poles begin to attain the proper recognition they
deserve, when names like Lech Walesa and John Paul II-Karol Wojtyla
started to be uttered with some frequency, though perhaps without the
proper pronunciation, during television news broadcasts. Yet, many people
still think that the end of the communistic system began with the dismantling
of the Berlin Wall. “Not so,” Lech Walesa would say, “it started ten years
earlier with Poland and the Solidarity movement!”
But, for many years, the owners of Polish names were not held in high
regard. Arriving amid the waves of the great migration from Europe they
started with a great disadvantage - lack of language fluency. Poles pride
themselves in maintaining a unique linguistic group despite repeated invasions, occupations and partitions of their country. They draw strength from
a quote from Mikolaj Rey who pioneered Polish literature: “Poles are not
geese, (“Polacy nie są gęsi”) for they have a language of their own!” This
may be a nice patriotic slogan to keep the spirits up during the bad times,
but it was the Irish, who, with their silver tongues, got one up on their English overlords. Having converted to English from their native Gaelic under
the occupier, upon arrival in America they used the English language like a
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october 2011
captured weapon. Already in the first generation there were Irish policemen
and politicians, not to mention leading churchmen and
barkeepers. The Poles had to wait a generation or two to get up to speed
and even then it was hard to break into mainstream society. Herded together with other non-speakers, they secured the least desirable jobs -backbreaking labor in the mines and in the heavy industries.
Part of the legacy of the uneducated peasant arriving in America in his
search for bread is the Polish joke and negative stereotypes that are
difficult to break down. Thus, images of the "Polack" and the "DP" have
persisted despite recognition of this core fallacy. It also must be
remembered that there were some outstanding Polish immigrants who
achieved great things. To me, the most stellar examples among them, after
Kosciuszko and Pulaski -- who were immigrants of another time -- are the
mother and son team of Helena Modjeska (Modrzejewska) and her son,
Ralph. He became arguably the most influential bridge engineer in the “steel
era” of bridge building in America, while she started a second career on the
stage. Already an experienced actress, Modjeska learned English in a year
and then dazzled audiences the world over with bravura performances
which included a number of Shakespearean heroines. But such immigrant
successes were few and far between in the nineteenth century when most of
the Polish emigrants were recorded as subjects of the Austrian, Prussian or
Russian rulers.
It is not surprising then, that many of the members of our greater community would develop inferiority complexes and change their beautiful polysyllabic sobriquets to more prosaic ones, in an attempt to blend into the
background of America.
Yet, Poles were always on the forefront of the landscape -- just as the
English established their first colonies, Poles were there. Captain John Smith,
before his adventure in Virginia, traveled through Europe and was impressed with both the hospitality and the industriousness he saw in Poland.
Little wonder then that the Virginia Company sought-out Poles to come to
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sokół Polski
the colonies and begin exploiting its vast natural resources.
Poles arrived on the second supply ship in 1608 and a few
years later successfully obtained full voting rights -- after what
might be called the first “labor strike” in American history.
We celebrated these individuals on the 400th Anniversary of
their arrival, but one thing quickly became apparent. The commemorative bronze plaque placed by Arthur Waldo 50 years
ago on the wall of the visitor’ s center had been moved during
reconstruction, and practically hidden at ground level near a
flagpole in the vastness of the parking lot. Since the Germans
already had an official Virginia Historical Commission marker
near Jamestown it was quickly decided that the American Council
for Polish Culture (ACPC) would install a similar marker. The idea
batted around for two years. Then, at our 62nd Convention in
Rapid City, SD, board member Peter Obst resurrected the idea
and Tom Payne, President of the Polish American Arts Association of Washington, DC, an ACPC affiliate, took up the challenge.
Peter sent the pertinent information to Tom and within a year
the marker was approved. It will be dedicated during our
continued on page 27
The Hon. Deborah M. Majka
Deborah M. Majka, current President of
the American Council for Polish Culture
(ACPC), is a native Philadelphian. In April
2011 she was inaugurated as Honorary
Consul of The Republic of Poland for the
Philadelphia area by Ambassador Robert
Kupiecki.
She earned an M.S. in Counseling and
Human Relations from Villanova University, and worked for Rohm
and Haas Company, an international chemical manufacturing
company headquartered in Philadelphia.
Consul Majka serves in the Polish American Congress as VicePresident for Cultural Activities where she successfully organized
and chaired the national commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Polish craftsmen in Jamestown, VA.
On the local level, Debbie has completed five terms as President
of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia, an affiliate of ACPC.
For many years she was an active volunteer at the National Shrine
of Our Lady of Czestochowa, in Doylestown, PA, and during the
celebration of its 50th Anniversary was honored by the Shrine for
all her loyal work.
She is a charter member and President of the Marcella
Kochańska-Sembrich Female Chorus, No. 321, Polish Singers
Alliance of America. Her Saturday mornings are devoted to teaching Polish language to both children and adults at the Adam
Mickiewicz Polish Language School. She is also a member of the
Philadelphia-Torun Sister City Committee. As producer and host
of a half-hour radio program in English on Polish topics, entitled
Polonia Today, she may be heard on WWDB 860 AM which is
streamed and archived at: www.wwdbam.com.
Her numerous awards and medals include: Medal Zasługi
(Polish Army Veterans); Polish American World Newspaper Citizen
of the Year, the ACPC Founders Award, Poland's Cavalier Cross
of the Order of Merit. In May 2007 she was named Citizen of the
Year by the Am-Pol Eagle (a Buffalo, NY weekly newspaper).
Polish Falcon
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
T he past three years have seen quite a number of
changes for the Polish Falcons. At its last meeting on
August 27 the PFA National Board of Directors approved
another important program for our organization.
Beginning in 2012, a new National Dues Program will be
Timothy L. Kuzma,
implemented for the Polish Falcons.
President and CEO
The Board of Directors has studied and debated the
matter of National Dues for the last two years. Many
different ideas and concepts were discussed, but one
theme was constant in all these discussions—a new National Dues Program should be
implemented sooner rather than later. Dues are not an unfamiliar concept within the PFA or
many other fraternals, groups or clubs. Many of our Nests charge dues to their Members.
On Page 9 of this issue, we outline the details of the program. Over the next several issues
of the magazine, we are going to provide more information so that everyone is fully informed
about the program by the time the first statements for dues arrive in February 2012 .
Decisions like this are never easy, but it is important to remember that we are all
in this organization together. Dues are going to be $12 per year. That is only $1 per month.
We wanted to make the amount reasonable so as not to create a hardship for any member.
That is not our intention.
I take great pride in the variety and quality of benefits we offer our Members of all ages.
Whether it is camp for our youth or golf tournaments for adults, we have consistently made
these programs available to all of our Members since the establishment of the Polish Falcons. Even though all Members do not take advantage of all these benefits, they still present
a cost to the organization. Even in difficult economic times we have made a determined effort to not reduce or eliminate any of the fraternal benefits to our Members.
Take the time to read the article about the Dues Program on Page 9. Information has
been sent to all of the Nests informing them of the Program. If you have any questions or
concerns please let me know. I am always willing to help in any way I can.
Q
As we settle into the Fall season, it is once again time for Polish-Americans to come
together to celebrate Polish Heritage Month this October. Heritage and traditions are passed
on from generation to generation. I’m sure we all have our stories in our own families and
communities of our Polish traditions. Whether you are first-generation or a fifth-generation
Polish-American, this month allows to focus on our common background and keep our Polish
Heritage alive for years to come.
In this issue, our guest contributor, Debbie Majka, President of the American Center for
Polish Culture, provides a fabulous insight into the future of Polonia. It is a great article and
should be read and shared. Debbie is a good personal friend as well as a supporter of the
Polish Falcons and our tradition. I am grateful to her for her contribution to our Sokol Polski
magazine.
After reading her article, everyone should be inspired to do something for Heritage Month
this year. It doesn’t have to be anything grand or spectacular, but as Polish-Americans we
should mark this month in our own special way. We owe it to the generations before us, who
gave so much for us, and we owe it to future Polish-Americans.
Czołem!
october 2011 5
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Chris Puskar
National Physical
Education Director
[email protected]
National Camp
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the SNPJ Recreation
Center when the campers began arriving for the week of PFA
National Camp. This year’s camp began on August 7 and ran
until August 13.
Registration took place between 3 and 5 p.m. at our gathering place for the week, the “Barn.” The theme for this
year’s camp was “TV Game Show Mania.” Arrival brought 38
campers, four Junior Counselors and 15 Counselors. Including myself and Barb Chervenak, there were 59 total people
in attendance. We had three campers who were also Counselors in Training (CIT). Represented were Nests 6, 8, 31,
36, 80, 86, 118, 176, 580 and 946,which represented
Districts I, IV, V, VI, IX, and XIII. A special thank you goes out
to Druh Joe Choromanski who brought a bus load of
campers and Counselors from District V that really added
to the camp.
Sunday at camp was “get acquainted” day. We did team
building activities and each team received colored bandanas
to show which team they were on. They had to have their
bandana with them for every team challenge. While they
were making their team banners, I met with the Counselors
and Junior Counselors to make sure we were all together
on providing the youth with a great camp experience.
6 october 2011
Monday we started our day with the Flag raising ceremony followed by breakfast. After that we took
group pictures with everyone in uniform looking our best. What a great looking bunch of campers!
After the group pictures, everyone doned their
new camp 2011 t-shirts and we took cabin pictures.
First, we posed for a nice group photo and then we
all get the chance to make a crazy face and take
that photo. This is always a lot of fun!
Tuesday was a beautiful day and we were able to go
through our sports rotation. We had basketball, kickball, arts & crafts, Polish dance, volleyball and archery.
To round out the rotation, everyone had time in the
pool to cool down and unwind. In the evening, we had
our first campfire. We were chased into our cabins by
thunder and lightning after having s’mores and a drink
for snack. 3
On Wednesday, we once again went through our sports rotation. We added working on the National
Drill to the lineup. The pool was a little bit chilly but everyone still enjoyed the time to relax and unwind
at the pool area. We had several people who chose to play miniature golf instead of swim. We have
something for everyone at camp. Wednesday evening’s team challenge was “Minute to Win It,” the TV
game show where you have a minute to perform some challenge. We were balancing golf balls, stacking cups, stacking dice, rolling hula hoops and using our nose to transfer cotton balls from one
container to another. It was a lot of fun and the teams were very enthusiastic.
Thursday, we were able to go through our sports rotation again. Everyone had time to practice
their skits for the performance in the evening. After dinner, three skits were presented. The first skit
was a play on the rules of camp performed by the 13 – 15 year old group. The second skit was per-
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sokół Polski
Polish Falcon
Patriotism
Fun
Fitness
formed by the 7-12 year old group. It was a talk show which
ended up in a proposal of marriage. The third skit was a Harry
Potter Quidditch match performed by the 15 – 18 year old group.
There were lots of laughs and great actors involved.
Following the skits, we had our second campfire of the week.
This was a fun-filled activity as we had many people perform
songs that they knew. We also had quite a few campfire stories
to entertain us. It was a great way to end a great day!!
Friday is always skills day at camp. Everyone goes through
their sports rotation and performs tasks that show how much
they have improved over the week. Then, we all had our final
chance in the pool while Counselors met to decide on who would
receive what awards. Our Awards ceremony began at 4:00 p.m.
with medals going to many of our campers. At this time, I also
presented a small token of my appreciation to the CIT’s, Junior
Counselors, and Counselors. I also want to thank Druhna Trish for
arranging for a gift for me that was signed by all who were at
camp.
After dinner, everyone got ready for the dance. This year, we
continued on page 9
Last two photos above: During our rain delay
on Monday, we had the opportunity to work
on an Arts & Crafts activity to make pillows for
the troops. The children really did a great job
of completing 85 pillows.
Arrangements are being made to send the
pillows to our troops.
Camp photos: Courtney Caughey
october 2011 7
YOUR FINANCES
What If?
John Denning
National Director of
Sales and Marketing
[email protected]
Childr en & College Loans...
J ust the other night my wife and I were talking about how
our lives are going to change in August when our son,
Caleb heads off to college. He will be attending Barrett
Honors College at Arizona State University. At that moment
I realized he was going to be 2500 miles away from home,
and, of course, I started to think about all the things that
could go wrong. All types of things started going through
my mind, many of which were not good. But, I did think of
one thing that all parents should be reviewing and thinking
about: Life Insurance.
What happens if some type of accident takes place and
our children really get hurt, or God forbid, worse? It’s hard
for me to even imagine something like that but, “What If?”
Yes, you have all the expenses of the funeral cost but what
about the college loans? Many parents co-sign loans for
their children when they go off to school in hopes that
when they graduate they will be able to repay their school
loans.
College tuition is no small matter. College can cost as
high as $50,000 to $60,000 or more per year for out-ofstate students. How would you repay the school loans that
you co-signed for if this type of tragedy really happened?
I have a life insurance plan for our son, but, like most
parents, we don’t have enough to cover the student loans.
My son will be flying back and forth to Arizona six times
during this school year and we will make sure that we have
the proper amount of life insurance to take care of the
unthinkable. And we will surely pray that we never need it,
but-What If??
Do you have enough? If you would like to take out more
insurance for your children, contact a Polish Falcon Insurance specialist, or John Denning, at National Headquarters at 1-800-535-2071 or email me at
[email protected] g.
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october 2011
The GoodOld Days.. .
D o you recall that great classic song by
the popular American music vocal group
the 5th Dimension entitled,
Up, Up and Away?
Well, not many folks are singing about how good things are on the economic front
these days. Fear of rising taxes, a continued recession, lingering unemployment and
low or anemic economic growth have many people scratching their heads and
wondering how best to position themselves financially.
A report recently released by the Life Insurance and Market Research Association
indicates that sales of permanent life insurance policies for the first three quarters
of this year are up over the same period last year. Why are people taking a renewed
interest in permanent life insurance? I see several reasons:
1. People are looking for guar antees. What’s better than a 3% interest
rate guarantee of your cash value? What other options offer this type of
guarantee?
2. The tax adv antages of life insurance include, the tax-free build-up of cash
values while the policy is in force and the tax-free nature of most death
benefits.
3. You have guar anteed access to those cash v alues. If you need a loan,
will your banker always be there? Your cash value will.
4. Consider the stable nature of the life insurance industr y in an otherwise shaky financial world.
5. You gain peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected and will
be provided with the exact amount of financial help you have identified that they
need, in the event of your premature death. What a legacy to leave!
I hope you’ll take time to find out about the unique and powerful
nature of life insurance. It will help you feel like your financial health is up, up and
away! John M Denning National Sales/Marketing Director 1-800-535-2071
or email [email protected] g.
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sokół Polski
National Camp
continued from page 7
had a red carpet for the “stars” to walk down as they arrive for the Emmy Awards Dance (keeping with
the theme of TV Game Shows). Then the music started and everyone was dancing. It was a perfect way
to end a great week of camp. No one wanted the dance to end but the music stopped and we all retired
to our cabins to rest up for the drive home on Saturday.
On Saturday, we had our final flag ceremony and breakfast. Everyone checked out of their rooms and
sadly left camp for home. The friendships made will continue and we are all looking forward to when we
can be together again to share our fraternal pride in the Polish Falcons of America.
Left Column: (top) Steven Maskiewicz from Nest
176, Lawrenceville, PA celebrates his 13th birthday
at camp. (bottom photos) Camp attendees enjoy
a variety of fun activities. Right Column: (top)
Magda Sowa and Jessica Zajko at the Red Carpet
Emmy Celebrations, (second photo) Female Camp
Counselors; (third photo and bottom photos) Camp
attendees unwind with a “shaving cream fight.”
czołem!
Druhna chris
NATIONAL DUES
PROGRAM
For the last two years, the Polish Falcons of America National Board of Directors has reviewed the matter of implementing National dues. Dues are not an unfamiliar
concept within the PFA or many other fraternals, groups
or clubs.
In fact, dues in many organizations are a necessity to help
defray the costs of providing the Members the benefits
they enjoy or are entitled to enjoy with Membership. These
benefits, whether utilized or not, are a real expense to the
organization which must be offset with some sort of
regular and planned income.
At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held on
Saturday, August 28, 2011, the Board voted that a minimal level of dues be assessed to the PFA Membership
beginning in 2012 for the good of the organization.
Following are the details of the new program:
National Dues Program Details
1) Dues are assessed per Member and not per policy.
2) Members age 18 or older are assessed dues.
3) National dues will be set at $12.00 per year (only
$1.00 per month).
4) Exemptions apply to those who have attained BOTH 80
years of age, and 50 years of Membership.
5) National dues are based on a calendar year and not an
anniversary year.
6) Dues will be collected from everyone age 18 or older
as of January 1st of each calendar year.
7) Dues will be collected from new Members as of
January 1st of the following billing period. For example:
a new Member signing up in February 2012 will not have
dues assessed until January 1, 2013.
8) As per the PFA Constitution and Bylaws, a Member who
does not pay dues will be considered a Member “not in
good standing.”
9) In order to participate in certain programs or activities
- including the scholarship program, a Member considered “not in good standing” must catch up and be current
on all dues since the inception of the program to be considered “in good standing.” The definition of “certain
programs or activities” includes but is not limited to:
Bowling, volleyball, camp, zlots, scholarships, special trips,
clinics, softball, soccer, basketball, etc.
10) A Member “not in good standing” will not lose out on
any insurance or annuity benefits entitled to him or her.
Over the next several issues of the Sokol Polski magazine,
we will provide more information about the National Dues
Program. The first dues statements will be sent in February 2012. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact National
Headquarters toll-free at 1-800-535-2071 or email
[email protected].
Polish Falcon
october 2011 9
DISTRICTS & NESTS
DISTRICT VI CONVENTION
Nancy Chiszar, District VI representative to the Legion of Honor
Commandery; Caroline Runnion, Gold Legion of Honor Recipient;
Silver Star Recipient Dean Zeisig, and National Vice President
Trish Del Busse.
District VI held its 58th Biennial Convention
on Saturday, July 16 in LaPorte, Indiana.
Forty-seven delegates attended representing
Nest 4 and Nest 80 from South Bend, IN; Nest
276, Muskegon, MI and host Nest 564 in LaPorte, IN. Convention officers were Mark
Albin, Chairman; Nathalia Cencelewski, Cochair and Nancy Chiszar, Secretary. Nest 564
President William Marlow welcomed the Delegates.
The major part of the Convention dealt with
officer and committee reports. Druhna Trish
Del Busse represented the National Office and
presented an extensive report on various topics including the PFA website, the Sokół Polski
magazine, various programs and upcoming
events. As usual, she was very informative
and well received by the Delegates.
The following Officers were elected for the
next two years: Mary T. Pluta, President; Mark
Albin, Vice President; Nancy Chiszar, Recording Secretary; Caroline Runnion, Treasurer;
and Kim Clendenin, Instructress. The Auditors
are Angela Pluta, Lisa Albin and Dean Zeisig.
Alternates are Judi Infalt and Jane Strzelski.
Also elected were Bob Kuzmicz, Golf Commissioner; Bill Junk, Bowling Commissioner; and
Nest Directors Angela Pluta, Nest 4; Eleanor
Pianowski, Nest 80; Chris Belasco, Nest 276;
and Dean Zeisig, Nest 564.
The National Office donated a basket that
was raffled, raising $126. As in previous
years, a collection was taken up among the
delegates for the Starzynski Scholarship Fund
which raised $250.
The District presented two awards: the
Silver Star of Merit to Dean Zeisig and the
Gold Legion of Honor Cross to Caroline
Runnion.
The next District Convention will be held in
2013 in Muskegon, MI and will be hosted by
Nest 276.
Czolem!
Druhna Cheryl Pluta
Publicity Chairman
Newly elected Officers of District VI take their oath of office.
Showing Fraternal Pride
On a perfect Tuesday evening, July 26, 2011, the four Polish Fraternal Organizations, PFA, PNA, PRCUA
and PWA united once again for our fifth annual Polish-American Night at U.S. Cellular Field (Sox Park)
Polish Heritage Night.
Members of the Polish Falcons of America, Polish National Alliance, Polish Roman Catholic Union of
America and Polish Women's Alliance cheered on the Chicago White Sox even though they were defeated
by the Detroit Tigers. There were large sections representing all of the groups that attended the
evening baseball game. Over 800 tickets were sold from the groups that contributed to the 35,000 plus
fans attending that evening, including a group of Members representing Nest 827, Chicago.
Prior to the start of the game, Vice President of PNA, Paul C. Odrobina, Vice
President of the PRCUA, Anna Sokolowski, Vice President of the PWA,
Sharon Zago and I had our photo taken on the field. We were also introduced by the announcer with each of us featured on the scoreboard.
I was also interviewed by a local Polish television station. A Chicago
Polka band performed outside and on the field before the game.
Chairing the event was Paul Odrobina, Vice President of the PNA.
The four fraternal organizations would like to thank the Chicago
White Sox and their staff for a wonderful evening, and hope that
Members and fans join us again next year. This event continues to
show how the Polish Fraternal Organizations work very well together
and involve the Members for an evening of fraternalism.
Czolem,
Druh Bobby Joe Gorny, Second Vice President
10
october 2011
Nest 163 Outing
Nest 163 in Mocanaqua, PA sponsored
their second annual trip to Knoebeis
Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA on
August 12. Featured with
their new “friend” are
Members Hannah Wisniewski,
Hailey Adams, Tammy
Wisniewski and
Kurt Cole.
•
sokół Polski
O n June 12, Nest 52, Rochester, N.Y.,
Falcon Steve Flor, Delegate to the Rochester
Polonia Civic Center and Polish American Congress of Western New York, and one of our
Nest’s newest Members Slawek Guzierowicz,
accompanied a delegation from the Polish
American Congress of Western New York on
the 94th Annual Pilgrimage to the “Cementer
Hallerczyk” - grave site of General Haller’s
Recruits, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
Canada.
In keeping with one of the Polish Falcons’
original aims, in 1917 when the United States
declared war on Germany, the untiring Champion of Liberty, Ignacy Paderewski, was in
Pennsylvania and attended a Special Convention of the Polish Falcons convened by
Falcon President Dr. Theophil A. Starzynski.
The Special Polish Falcon Convention called
for the formation of a Polish Volunteer Army
to fight along side the American Army for the
freedom of Poland. By October 1917,
Woodrow Wilson’s government gave permission for formation of the army.
In response, Polish Falcons enthusiastically
set up recruiting stations across America,
enlisting some 24,000 Falcons and Poles
from the United States for service in the
Polish Legion of the French Republic, General
Jozef Haller’s “Blue Army”.
In preparation to fight in France with the
intention of facilitating Poland’s independence, the Polish Falcon recruits attended boot
camp conducted by the Canadian Army at
Camp Kosciuszko at Niagara-on-the-Lake.
During their training period, an influenza
epidemic broke out that claimed the lives of
41 of the volunteers, of which 25 were
Falcons. They are buried in a plot at the local
St. Paul de Vincent R.C. Cemetery. The grave
site has been the object of an annual pilgrimage ever since.
As a result of the victory in World War I, and
the implementation of Woodrow Wilson’s 14
Points, Poland became a free and independent nation after 123 years of foreign
enslavement.
For their ultimate sacrifice to the Cause of
Free Poland, the Canadian government
informed the new Polish government in 1918
that it would donate the cemetery to Poland
as a part of Polish Soil. A bronze plaque
recognizing the contribution of the Polish
Falcons of America to the recruitment effort
is prominently displayed at the site.
Needless to say, this site, made sacred by
the sacrifice made by Polish Americans
constitutes an immeasurable part of our
heritage as Polish Falcons, and enjoins upon
us the duty to uphold and cherish the honor
requisite of such a site. As such, we remain
committed to ensure such honor is befittingly
presented always by us, today’s Polish
Falcons, their descendents.
Top right: Druhowie Steve Flor and
Slawek Guzierowicz are featured at the
wreath laying ceremony. Bottom right:
Hundreds participate in the moving
event including representatives from
both American and Canadian Polonia.
The Members of Nest 31
in Detroit, MI, were
treated to a warm and
sunny Saturday for their
annual picnic on July 30.
Members congregated at
the residence of Frank
and Barb Wloch to
partake in food, Falcon
friendships, and camaraderie. The beverages
were chilled, the hamburgers, dogs, and brats were prepared and the side dishes were
plentiful so that everyone could indulge. To be health conscious, we integrated some physical
activities such as playing in the lake either on the floating party barge, playing “king of the
raft,” or by just floating around soaking up the beautiful day. As usual, some land games
could also be enjoyed, such as bolo toss, cards, bag toss and the kid’s favorite now - playing
apps on their smart phones! With the exception of some sun-burned bodies and the usual
overindulgence, the Members deemed the picnic to be a success and vowed to return next
year. After all this fun and frolic, everyone made it home safe and sound, which proved that
it was another fun and successful Falcon event.
Nest 52 Commemorates
Falcon Heroes
Czolem,
Druh Steve Flor
Nest 31 Relaxes
Polish Falcon
DISTRICTS & NESTS
Druh Parade Marshal
Druh Don Walkowiak,
a Member of Nest 80
in South Bend, IN
served as honorary
Grand Marshal of this
year's West Side
Memorial Day Parade.
Active in community
affairs, Druh has
played a role in
organizing the parade for the past twenty-five years. "As
a kid, you didn't think about veterans and wars," notes the
82-year-old veteran of the Korean War. Then, as you get
older, you realize what it all signifies. And the older you get,
the more emotional you get because you realize the
number (of deceased veterans) grows." Over 140 groups
participated in the parade, with over 10,000 spectators.
Druh Walkowiak has been a Member of Nest 80 since 1950.
more District and Nest News on page 20
october 2011 11
MEMBERSHIP
Patricia Del Busse
National First Vice President Membership Services
[email protected]
W ell, here it is, another end to a very busy
summer. Kids (and adults) are back in
school, bowling leagues have resumed, and
Nests are meeting on a regular basis again.
I will attend my final District Convention
later this week. After that, there will be just
one District left to meet. Thank you to the
Districts who have supported the Starzynski
fund through the gift baskets National provided. Some Districts were a bit more enthusiastic than others, but this was still a huge
success. Good luck to all the newly elected
District Officers. Hopefully, the Districts will
be very busy in the near future. Only one
District has sent in their District Officers’
form and Convention minutes. These need to
be sent in as quickly as possible.
The Huminska Anioly group had another
picnic at the Polanka in New Jersey. There
were quite a few enthusiastic, energetic,
wonderful children along with their parents
in attendance. It was a good day spending
time with all of these amazing people. All
these children were adopted from Poland;
each has a truly remarkable story.
SNPJ Youth Director Kevin Richards (who
serves on our Gorecki Committee) asked me
to be a judge for the Annual Miss SNPJ
beauty pageant. This was quite an experience. These young ladies were very talented
and inspirational. They were interviewed by
all four judges, answered questions in front
of an audience, and participated in a talent
competition. This was a new experience for
me and one I truly enjoyed. What an amazing
group of young women!
Summer was very busy, but, of course, the
best time was had a camp. We were back at
SNPJ Camp in Enon Valley and the kids had a
great time. Druhna Puskar had all kinds of
fun activities to keep the kids busy and the
weather wasn’t terribly hot so we were able
to do all that we had planned. Congratulations to Druhna for all that she did to make
this another memorable week for the youth
of our organization. Also, thank you very
much to all of the Counselors, Junior Counselors, Coaches and other adults who gave
12 october 2011
of their time to ensure that the kids had a
fun-filled and safe week.
I was supposed to leave camp for a day
and go to the National Golf Tournament in
Batavia but I was having too much fun! I hear
that Batavia did a great job and all enjoyed
the tournament. Final plans have been made
for next year’s event. We have a few surprises planned and hope that many of you
will be able to join us on the links. Next year,
there will be the option of an 18 hole tournament in addition to the 36 hole tournament for the seniors (age 65+). This has
been
requested for years and next year, we will
give it a try! More details will follow.
As most of you have noticed, there has
not been a monthly Nest mailing all summer.
We are currently in the process of handling
all of this information on our website. If you
haven’t been in touch with our Communications Assistant, Courtney Caughney, please
do so. Each Nest will have their own password sensitive page on our website. All of
the information pertaining to the Nests will
be available at these sites.
The Nests will receive a roster for Nest
Dues collection in November instead of
December. This will help get this out of the
way before the excitement and madness of
the holidays falls upon us. Speaking of the
holidays, please do not forget to share your
cookie recipes with us. Druh Motak would like
to spotlight Members and their recipes for
the November/December issue.
Once again, the Polish Falcons co-sponsored a Mass in honor of Our Lady of
Czestochowa at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oakland. This year, the Members of our National
Board of Directors were able to
attend this special mass. Several youth
Members from District IV also participated.
Following mass, all headed downstairs for
a reception. What a lovely evening!
The Annual Fraternal Societies of Greater
Pittsburgh Kidz Bowl for Kidz event will take
place on Sunday, November 6 (Steelers play
that night) at Mt. Lebanon Lanes. If your
Membership
& Awards
Above: Druhna Trish and other camp counselors pose for a humorous group
photo. Below: Getting covered in sharing cream during the shaving cream
battle.
child is interested in bowling, or you would like to sponsor a
child, please contact me. This is an event to raise funds for
Children’s Hospital. Each child must have at least $25 worth
of sponsorships. Each bowler will bowl three games, get a
t-shirt, lunch, face painting and have the opportunity to
meet the Pirate Parrot and the Pitt Panther.
Fall is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. There are many festivals-apple and pumpkin (just to
name a couple), so head out and enjoy. Be sure not to eat
your way through the event!
•
sokół Polski
New Members & Referrals
MEMBER MILESTONES
Donations
Starzynski Scholarship Donations
The Polish Falcons of America wishes to express sincere
gratitude to all who have contributed to the Starzynski
Scholarship Fund. Your generosity is appreciated by both
the organization and the scholarship recipients alike.
It is because of your generosity that we are able to continue
this program. Please Note: In making scholarship
donations, please make all checks payable to:
PFA/Scholarship Fund.
Donations Received July, 2011
Donations of $260.00 or more ...
Attendees of District IV Convention
Donations of $100.00 or more ...
Donald & Wanda Hulbert, Nest 3
Donations of $50.00 or m ore ...
Thomas D. Powell, Nest 336
Henry & Elinor Novicki, Nest 519
Donations of $25.00 or m ore ...
Roger H. Pogozelski, Nest 8
Stephanie L. Murach, Nest 42
Paige Danielle Bernacchi, Nest 564
Donations of $10.00 or mor e ...
Robert J. Sienkiewicz, Nest 6
Gregory P. Dziedziak, Nest 79
Genevieve Borovicka, Nest 97
James F. Sokolowski, Nest 307
Christopher Walega, Nest 946
Lidia Grodzki Walega, Nest 946
Thomas F Walega, Nest 946
Victoria R. Walega, Nest 946
Zbigniew Walega, Nest 946
Zbigniew Walega, Nest 946
Welcome New Members
New Member Sponsors & Recommenders
July, 2011
July, 2011
Donna M. Bielski
171, Philadelphia, PA
John P. Bielski
Richard N. Foster
336, Jackson, MI
Emma Rose Lewandowski 973, Buffalo, NY
August, 2011
Hattie E. Hosinski
Anthony W. Sadus
Julia D. Huff
MacCauley P. Cravener
Troy J. Fabian
Vincent A. Drapiewski
Grace T. Kuta
Joanna M. Bennett
Caleb J. Orendi
Camryn C. Isbrandt
Ethan A. Jadlowski
Emily G. Jurgielewicz
Addison S. Long
Viviana M. Manners
Ryan A. Stanczewski
Christopher R. Grudzinski171, Philadelphia, PA
John M. Denning
336, Jackson, MI
William A. Marlow
564, La Porte, IN
Susan C. Burdzy
973, Buffalo, NY
2
1
1
1
August, 2011
4, South Bend, IN
August 29
42, Chicago Heights, IL August 09
123, Erie, PA
August 22
159, Ford City, PA
August 26
159, Ford City, PA
August 25
163, Mocanaqua, PA August 02
564, La Porte, IN
August 03
610, Erie, PA
August 24
804, Pittsburgh, PA August 17
973, West Seneca, NY August 10
Robert J. Gorny
Bonnie Bejma
John M. Denning
Edward R Jozefiak
John M. Denning
Judith E. Fabian
Len Kushner
John M. Denning
Bruno Bruce Najaka
Nicole R Najaka
Teresa M. Singleton
Gerald P. Albin
John M. Denning
John M. Denning
Susan C. Burdzy
4, South Bend, IN
4, South Bend, IN
31, Detroit, MI
42, Chicago Heights, IL
123, Erie, PA
159, Ford City, PA
159, Ford City, PA
159, Ford City, PA
163, Mocanaqua, PA
163, Mocanaqua, PA
564, La Porte, IN
564, La Porte, IN
610, Erie, PA
804, Pittsburgh, PA
973, West Seneca, NY
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
6
Donatio n of Less T han $10.00 ...
Amy L Hoffield, Nest 159
Walter J. Zamorski, Nest 171
Christopher Flejszar, Nest 276
Alexis Childs, Nest 336
Jason C Bowman, Jr, Nest 507
Marie Elaine Hiel, Nest 580
Jo Ann M Spenski, Nest 652
Ronald J. Spenski, Nest 652
Iris Jean Weiss, Nest 804
James R. Weiss, Nest 804
Adam Grochocki, Nest 946
Sokó ł Donations from Non-Member s:
Dorothy L Jozwiak-$100.00
Memorial Donations received during the month of July, 2011
In memory of Louis Guzik, Nest 8
District IV LOH Circle-$10.00
In memory of Lawrence Wujcikowski, Nest 6
Bev Hollander, Nest 6 and Jayne McClelland,
Nest 6-$50.00
Dorothy & Sharon Kowalewski, Nest 6-$20.00
Alfrieda Pelc, Nest 6-$20.00
Gary & Sue Sieczkarek, Nest 6-$25.00
Robert, Elaine, Aaron & Stephanie Sieczkarek,
Nest 6-$50.00
Marian Wesolowski, Nest 6-$50.00
Wallace Zielinski, Nest 247-$50.00
PFA Nest 6-$50.00
In memory of Wanda Kielton, Nest 80 LOH
Dennis Kielton-$500.00
In Memo
Memoriam
Member Deaths Reported in July, 2011
Nest
6, Buffalo, NY
80, South Bend, IN
88, New Britain, CT
123, Erie, PA
146, New Castle, PA
163, Mocanaqua, PA
182, Ambridge, PA
519, Middletown, CT
964, Reading, PA
970, Grand Rapids, MI
Memb er
Lawrence R. Wujcikowski
Paul J. Jankowski
Edward Bienas
Walter J. Ryzowicz
Eddie T. Pivovar
Lawrence Robacheski
Judith A. Cattivera
Paul Conner
Mary Ann Check
Peter P. Jalowiecz
Date
July 01, 2011 ***
July 12, 2011
July 02, 2011
July 06, 2011
June 20, 2011
July 18, 2011
July 04, 2011
July 13, 2011
June 27, 2011
June 16, 2011
Member Deaths Reported in August, 2011
In memory of Craig Rogowski
PFA Nest 6-$25.00
Polish Falcon
July 27
July 27
July 27
July 05
In memory of Metro Petrosky, Nest 247
Wallace Zielinski, Nest 247-$50.00
In memory of deceased members of
District VI LOH
PFA District VI LOH-$100.00
Donations continued on page 14
Nest
45, St Louis, MO
80, South Bend, IN
86, Hamtramck, MI
182, Ambridge, PA
318, Beaver Falls, PA
485, Chelsea, MA
493, Batavia, NY
804, Pittsburgh, PA
866, Chicago, IL
964, Reading, PA
Member
Barbara S. Sveitis
Gene Swanson
John S. Blahunka
Anthony M. Mielcarek, Sr.
Jean L. Retzer
Dolores M. Romigh
Gertrude Rogalski
Michael Fabio
Edward J. Maciejko
Stanislaw Pusty
Josephine M. Mulutzie
Date
July 20, 2011
January 19, 2011
July 12, 2011
Nov. 22, 2009
July 31, 2011
August 06, 2011
August 03, 2011
August 02, 2011
July 28, 2011
August 08, 2011
July 25, 2011
* Indicates Bronze Legion of Honor ** Silver Legion of Honor
*** Indicates Gold Legion of Honor
october 2011 13
G N I M O C P U UPCOMING
Please note: Because of limited space, we cannot feature the entire Nest calendar of
meetings and events. These are posted on the PFA web site which will be continually
updated. If you have a calendar posting for a future event please email the information
to [email protected]. For full information on upcoming District and Nest
activities, please visit the on-line calendar at www.polishfalcons.org/calendar.asp.
District Highlights
Nest Highlights
Dist rict IV
• Oct 29 - District IV Legion of Honor Circle, Luncheon,
Radisson Hotel, Greentree, PA. Contact Nancy Marcuson-Capozoli at
[email protected] or call 412-481-0681.
• Nov 5 -The 55th Annual District IV Tenpin Handicap Bowling Tournament will
be hosted by Nest 182, Ambridge, PA on Saturday, November 5 at the Fair Oaks
Lanes, 660 Ambridge, PA, 15003.
This will be a one-day event with the Team event at 11:00 a.m. and the Singles
event schedulated to follow at 1:30 p.m. The entry fee is $18 per event, or a
total cost of $36 per bowler.
After the completion of bowling, there will be a buffet dinnner at Nest 182,
located at 529 8th Street in Ambridge. Cost for the buffet dinner is $10 per
bowler, which is included in your application, or $12 at the door. Non-participants are welcome to attend the dinner. The bowling prizes will be awaded at
the dinner.
Any other information may be obtained by contacting Ted Kokoski at 724-4571683, or e-mail [email protected]. Entry forms with checks should be
made payable to Polish Falcons Nest 182 and should be forwarded to Paul D.
Kokoski, 1101 Ridge Road, Ambridge, PA 15003.
The deadline is Saturday, Oct. 29.
Nest 652, Langsing, MI • Nov 19, Nest 652 96th Anniversary. 6 p.m.,
Federated Polish Home, 1030 West Mt. Hope, Langsing. MI.
Dist rict XIII
• Oct 16 - Junior Falcons Bowling
2:30 p.m. Rose Bowl Lanes, 28001 Grosebecck, Roseville, MI. $7 Jr. Intermediates and Seniors; $5 Pee Wees. Contact Dennis Zembrzuski at 248-689-5368 or
William Bradley at 586-634-7600. Any child from District XIII is welcome to
come and participate.
Sokó ł Deadlines
Nest 946, Somerville, NJ • Oct 15 Trip to Atlantic City, 1:30 - 11:30 p.m.
$25 pp Call Greg or email: [email protected]. • Meetings are held on
the second Friday of each month, except in July and August, at the Polish Falcon
Camp Polanka, 140 Falcon Road, Hillsborough, NJ at 7:30 p.m. Contact: 908722-3562 or visit our website at www.nest946.com. • Nest 946 Polish
Language School classes meet every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's in
Bound Brook. Children ages 4 to 16 accepted. For enrollment info please call
732-968-7984
Nest 31, Detroit, MI • Oct 29 Make a Difference day at the PAVH 9:00
a.m. • Nov 12 Awards Banquet and Anniversary Julianno’s restaurant
6:00 p.m. • Nov 25 Afterglow and Election meeting at the home of Dennis
and Cynthia Zembrzuski 6 p.m. Bring a covered dish to pass.
• Various Dates: Junior Bowling at Rose Bowl Lanes 10/16, 11/13,
12/11, 1/15/12, 2/26 /12, 3/1/11, 4/22/12. Bowling begins at noon.
Nest 80, South Bend IND • Oct 30 Youth Halloween Party, 4 p.m.
• Nov 6 Nest Meeting and Elections • Nov 18 Soup and Salad Supper
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. $6 adults $3 children 6 -12. • Dec. 4 Nest Meeting and
Holiday Party 12 noon; $6 for party • Dec 11 Youth Christmas Party 1 p.m.
Event Calendar
Deadlines for the next two issues of this magazine are as follows:
For more information on Nest and District
Events and to view the updated Event
Calendar, please visit
www.polishfalcons.org/nest_calendar.asp
October 7 - November/December Issue (Christmas Edition)
December 5 - February, 2012 Issue
Please email artcles and photos to [email protected].
Donations
Nest 964, Reading, PA • Member dues are payable starting Nov 1, 2011 to
March 31, 2012 (deadline). Make your check payable to Polish Falcons Nest
964 and send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Helen Nowotarski, 1076
Freemansville Road, Shillington, PA 19607.
Donations Received August, 2011
Memorial Donations Received
Donations of $50.00 or more ....
August, 2011
Charles P. Woznick, Nest 276
Gerald & Mary Gleba, Nest 15
Jerome A. Spaeder, Nest 123
William R. Rusiewicz, Nest 41
Mark A. Eveland, Nest 52
Monica N. Zanieski, Nest 182
William E. Zanieski, Nest 182
Annabell Spliedt, Nest 276
Morgan D. Foreback, Nest 556
Larry S Runnels, Nest 564
Richard F. Tabaka, Nest 564
Sharon M Runnels, Nest 564
14 october 2011
Allan Luc, Nest 79
Marion M Kruk, Nest 80
Bernice Vertullo, Nest 118
Bradley M Puskar, Nest 118
Melissa L Puskar, Nest 118
Norman L. Stahoviak, Nest 564
Iris Jean Weiss, Nest 804
James R. Weiss, Nest 804
Suzanne R. Zareczny, Nest 804
Grazyna Huk, Nest 946
In memory of Lawrence Wujcikowski, Nest 6
PFA Nest 430 Falconettes-$35.00
Bobby Joe & Lori Gorny, Nest 4-$25.00
Thaddeus Kokoski, Nest 182-$25.00
In memory of James Wildes, Nest 123
Ann Marie Wildes, Nest 123-$100.00
In memory of Irene Meler, Nest 188
The Czupryna Family, Nest 188-$50.00
In memory Dolores Fleszar, Nest 430
PFA Nest 430 Falconettes-$10.00
Attention Nest 104 & District I
College Students
Nest 104, Newark, NJ, will once again
be offering $2,000 scholarships to
eligable students who are Members
of Nest 104 or any Nest in District I.
Qualifications for the scholarship and
the Scholarship Entry Form will be
posted on the PFA web site at:
http://polishfalcons.org/104_scholar.asp
The application form can be downloaded, completed and returned to Nest
104. If there are any questions, please
contact Druh Stan Tafil, President,
Nest 104 at 609-518-0022 or email:
[email protected].
•
sokół Polski
MEMBER TRIBUTE
Fraternalist of the Year
Julia Serafin
Bottom Photos: Druhna Julia Serafin
Druhna Julia currently serves as First Vice President of Nest 31, a post that
she has held since 2009. She also serves on the Nest 31 Board of Directors
and as acting Secretary since 1996. She is a retired Domestic Relations Specialist with the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County, Michigan.
She has served as Physical Instructress from 1986 to 1994 and as Vice
President from 1986 to 1994. She has served as a Member of the District XIII
National Board of Directors from 1996 to 2008 and as Chairperson of the
2008 PFA National Convention and the 2000 and 2007 Adult Bowling Tournaments.
Durhna has been a trustee member of the Michigan Fraternal Alliance, and
has served as Recording Secretary (2003-10); President (2002); and Board
Member (1995 -2001).
Druhna has been an enthusiastic supporter of PFA youth activities for many
years. She volunteered her time to attend the 2011 National Zlot in Washington, D. C. where she served as a scorekeeper for the three-day long Volleyball
Competition, and also served that same function at the 2011 National Youth
Volleyball Competition. She has escorted Falcon youth to Flag Day ceremonies at the Gleaners Life Insurance Society headquarters. As part of the
2011 Join Hands Day, Druhna coordinated a joint community beautification
Photos: (left below) Druhna Julia (first on left) is active in many
community service projects. (right below) Druhna Julia (second on right)
also participates in many projects of the Michigan Fraternal Alliance.
Polish Falcon
project between the PFA Nest 31 youth drill team and the Polish Roman
Catholic Union dance schools of Michigan at the Polish Army Veterans Home.
Her dedication to PFA youth activities is evident by her financial support that
has enabled Members of the PFA Nest 31 Drill Class to attend the National
Zlots, Volleyball Tournaments and National Camps.
Among her many community involvements, Druhna has participated in the
Nest 31 "Join Hands Day" and "Make a Difference Day" since 1996 until the
present. She is a volunteer with St. Frances Cabrini Parish, has supported Orchard Lake Schools, and has served as chairperson of the Ladies Day Dinner
to benefit Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary from 2005 - 2010. For her volunteer activities and financial support, Druhna was made an Honorary Alumna
of Orchard Lakes Schools in 2009; she will be recognized for her contributions at the 32nd Annual Chancellor's Senate Dinner on December 1, 2011.
She was the recipient of the General Kazimierz Pulaski Award from the Central
Citizens Committee of Greater Detroit for the continuing effort to publicize Polish heritage. She is also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of
Columbus.
Saluting a Dedicated Falcon
october 2011 15
ACHIEVEMENTS
A Lifetime
of Service
The year was 1967.
James Or kwis
Lyndon Johnson was President of the
United States. The war in Vietnam was raging. The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Gasoline costs 33 cents a gallon and the average cost of a new home was $14,250. But most importantly, on
December 1, 1967 a young 20-year old man from the South Side of
Pittsburgh was hired to work in the print shop at Polish Falcons of America National Headquarters.
From that time until earlier this year, Jim Or kwis worked as one of the longest-serving employees of the
Polish Falcons, a career that spanned more than 43 years. Through his career, Jim worked for five different PFA Presidents.
“Jim was one of the first people I met when I started working at the Polish Falcons in 1985,” said
current President Timothy Kuzma. “Jim is the last employee at Headquarters who was with me every
step of the way. It is still strange to come into the office and not seeing Jim everyday.”
Over his more than 43 years of service at the Polish Falcons, Jim wore many hats
and was an invaluable member of the staff. When he was first hired he worked primarily
in the print shop at the Headquarters building in the South Side. He worked for 16 ½
years in the print shop.
“I’ve seen how a fraternal organization like the Polish Falcons operates and the
good work it does. Working for the Polish Falcons was more than just a job. I really enjoyed working there,”
Jim says about working at the PFA. “In all those years, I’ve seen people come and go.”
When the offices were re-located to Greentree in 1984, the print shop was
closed and Jim took on new duties, specifically in the pre-press support for
the Sokół Polski newspaper. For many years, Jim was also responsible for
the mailing of the newspaper, a physically demanding job.
As years progressed and technological advances were made in the office, Jim’s role adapted to those changes. The last several years of Jim’s
career were spent mainly in the clerical areas of the office. In addition to
managing the mail room, Jim provided clerical support in all areas of the
David Motak, PFA Director of Communications and nationally recognized
operation.
artist and art educator, was presented with the 2011 National
Asked to look back on his career, Jim says proudly, “After so many years
Cultural Achievement Award by the American Council for Polish Culture
I realize how much this organization means to me. I dedicated about one(ACPC). The prestigious Award is presented annually by the ACPC to one
third of my life to the Polish Falcons and I now understand what it was all
individual who has made outstanding contributions to Polish and Polishfor. I was glad to have helped the organization carry out its goals. It really
American cultural life.
meant a lot to me.”
This prestigious recognition acknowledges Dave's artistic work,
President Kuzma summarized his feelings about Druh Orkwis, “It’s hard
promotion of Polish culture and educational contributions, including his work
to put into words my relationship with Jim, not only for the organization, but
as a renowned artist who has promoted the szopka art form throughout the
personally as well. A person like Jim can never be replaced. His dedication
United States as well as in Poland. Dave was nominated for the award by
is unmatched and his sincere care for the members is something everyone
the Polish Arts League of Pittsburgh and the Polish Falcons of America.
who works for the Falcons should emulate. I will always be grateful for supThe Award was presented during the organization's 63rd annual convenport and guidance in my own career. I am a better person for having
tion in Cleveland, Ohio on July 16.
known and worked with Jim and can count him as a true friend.”
In presenting the Cultural Achievement Award, the ACPC cited the artist
So what does the future hold for Jim? First, he says while he misses the
for his numerous contributions to Polish-American cultural life and his work
office and working everyday, he does enjoy being retired. But more imporwith many Polish-American organizations. Dave launched his Pittsburghtantly, Jim and his longtime fiancé Francine Vozos from Scott Township, Pa.,
based Cracow Creche Workshop as an educational initiative in 2003 and the
are planning a honeymoon in Greece in June 2012. Congratulations Jim and
project has since acquired a national scope. During that time, he has taught
Francine!
szopka making to over 800 adults and children throughout the country and
has shown his work at various prominent galleries in the United States and
Czołem!
Poland, including the Gagosian Gallery in New York, the Frederick Meijer
Timothy L. Kuzma
Gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the Krzysztofory Gallery in Cracow,
Poland. He has produced projects for the Embassy of the Republic of
Contributions Recognized
16 october 2011
•
sokół Polski
Celebrating 30 Years
Three de
decades of guidence
and service.
O ctober 18 marks the 30th anniversary of the chape r y Reverend
Re ve
Canon Joseph
laincy of VVer
SSredzinski.
r e d z i n s k i . Canon Sredzinski's service to the
Polish Falcons makes him the longest serving chaplain to any Polish American fraternal organization.
Born in 1944 in Uniontown, PA, he is the eldest
of six children of Louis and Josephine (Kois) Sredzinski. Baptized and educated at St. Joseph parish in
Uniontown, Fr. Sredzinski graduated from St. Anthony
of Padua Minor Seminary and Prep School in Watkins
Glen, NY and from St. Mary's College in Orchard Lake,
Michigan on June 6, 1966, where he earned the
distinction of "cum laude."
After four years at Ss. Cyril and Methodius
Seminary in Orchard Lake, he was ordained on May
9, 1970 for the Diocese of Greensburg. After several
assignments including teaching in both elementary
and secondary levels, Fr. Joseph was appointed
Pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish near Calumet, PA
(1984 - 1989), Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Everson
(1989-1999)
and of St. Hubert Parish in
Point Marion,
PA (19992007) where he oversaw the building of the newest
Catholic church in the Diocese of Greensburg.
Father Joseph earned a Master of Divinity degree
in 1976 and has served as Secretary of the Greensburg Fraternity of Polish Priests since 1978 and as
chaplain of the Polish Heritage CLub of Uniontown,
PA since 1974. He has held various national offices
in the Polish American Priests Association (PAPA) with
which he has been active both nationally and locally.
In addition to these activities, he has conducted
Polish language and culture classes and has led
pilgrimages to Rome and to Poland.
Among Father Joseph's accomplishments has been
the production of a weekly radio program "That You
May Believe" over WMBS - 590 AM Radio. He has also
Poland in Washington, D. C. , the Polish Heritage Society of Rochester, New
York, the Polish-American Heritage Association of Berks County, the Goggle
Works Center for the Arts, Reading, PA, the Pittsburgh Children's Museum
and many other regional ethnic and arts organizations throughout the
country.
In 2008, Dave developed “Poles in Pittsburgh: Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow,” a traveling exhibit for the Polish Cultural Council of Western
Pennsyvlania that presents the contributions of Poles to the history and
cultural life of Western Pennsylvania and the United States that has been
shown at various venues throughout the country.
Among his other cultural contributions, he leads annual cultural tours to
Poland and has headed fundraising and various programming efforts for
various Polish causes in the region. He has received many awards including the 2006 Polonian of the Year Award for Western Pennsylvania from the
Polish American Congress. In 2009, Motak was honored by the Greater
Pittsburgh Arts Council with the Work of Art Award, one of the highest
designations that an artist can receive in the State of Pennsylvania.
In December 2010, he represented the United States at the annual
Szopka Competition in the city of Cracow, Poland, where he became the
first foreigner and first American to enter and earn the prestigious
“Special Award for Artistic Merit” presented by the city of Cracow History
Museum.
In addition to serving as both editor and graphic designer for the
Sokół Polski, Dave has also produced numerous other projects for the
Polish Falcons, including the design of the Polish Falcons of America
“Heritage Collection,” a museum-quality installation at PFA National Headquarters featuring artifacts and memorabilia.
Polish Falcon
served as chaplain to St. Emma Monastery and
Retreat House and to the Westmoreland Manor both
in Greensburg, PA.
While on a pilgrimage to Poland in 2007 he was
named a member of the Archdiocesan Chapter of
Cathedral Canons by the Very Reverend Joseph
Zycinski, Archbishop of Lublin.
Throughout his many years as National Chaplain,
Father Sredzinski has provided spiritual guidance to
Falcon Members, has promoted Polish culture and
served as an ardent devotee of Blessed John Paul II,
to whom he has been deeply devoted. He has been a
Member of Headquarters Nest 804 since 1974.
2011 ACPC Cultural Achievement Award
Participating in the Award presentation were (left to right): Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka,
Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York; Debbie Majka, President,
ACPC; Cultural Achievement Award Recipient David Motak; Bernadette Wiermanski,
ACPC First Vice President and Award Presenter; and Timothy Kuzma, President and
CEO, Polish Falcons of America.
october 2011 17
2011
YOUNG FALCONS
Nest 104
Scholarship
Recipients
Pierce Guderski
Nest 104 in Newark, N.J. has announced the recipients of the 2011 scholarships. Now in its seventh year, the Nest 104 Scholarship Program has provided young Falcons with $2,000 scholarships to pursue their academic
Pierce G uder ski - A 2011 graduate of Pacific Grove High School in
California with a 3.56 GPA, Pierce will major in business administration at
Chapman University. He was active in varsity football, lacrosse and
basketball. Pierce has also served as a DJ at school and private events
and as a volunteer at the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula.
He is the grandson of Nest Officer Edward Cwieka and Jean Cwieka.
Br yan Masser ang - A 2011 graduate of Lahser High School in
Bloomfield Hills, MI, Bryan plans to major in aerospace engineering at
the University of Michigan. Graduating with a 3.9 GPA, Bryan was an
A. P. Honors Scholar and Principal's Academic Achievement Award winner. He was active on the varsity tennis team and mock trial. He is the
grandson of long-time Members Peter and Jeanette Pietrucha.
Please see 2012 Scholarship Announcement
on page 14 of this issue.
Bryan Masserang
Christina Andziejewski
careers. Nest 104 Members in good standing, as well as Members in good
standing of other District I Nests are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
This year, three young Falcons were selected as scholarship recipients:
Christina Andrzejewski - Planning to major in dance and theater at
Southern Connecticut University, Christina graduated in 2011 from Amity
Regional High School (CT) with a 3.29 GPA. She is the recipient of an
International Thespians Honor Society Award, has served as a peer tutor
and is active in STAND, a student run coalition to end genocide in Africa
and elsewhere. She is the granddaughter of Druh and Druhna George
Andrzejewski.
Nest 104 congratulates this year's Scholarship winners. Their academic
and extracurricular achievements are outstanding. Along with the 2005
through 2010 winners, we take pride in their accomplishments and wish
them every academic and career success.
Druh Stan Tafil,
Nest President
On behalf of the Nest 104 Scholarship Committee
Nest 42 Scholarship Recipients & Youth Installation
Nest 42 in Chicago Heights, IL has selected three scholarship recipients
for 2011. Featured in the photo above left (L-R) Jennifer Repking, a
freshman at Northern Illinois University, who will be majoring in English
with a minor in Japanese and Spanish; Michael Dutczak, a freshman at
University Of Illinois - Chicago Campus, an engineering major; and
Katherine Kopytko, mechanical engineering major currently in her junior
year at Iowa State University.
18 october 2011
Youth Members of Nest 42 are shown during their recent installation.
President Lorraine Kozlowski inducts the 16 year old + youth members as adult members in Nest 42. Reciting their pledge are (L-R)
Blanca Gutierrez, Sarah Repking, Jennifer Repking and Jacob Gasik.
•
sokół Polski
YOUNG FALCONS
She’s Got Talent!
PFA Youth Member Melissa Eckert
Dances with Top Showchoir in the Nation
M elissa Eckert, a sophomore honor student at
Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, IL is a proud
performer in the award winning showchoir “Soundcheck.” The showchoir was recently featured in the Parade section of newspapers nationwide, including the
Chicago Tribune, and on ABC news. Waubonsie
Valley’s audition-only show choir is rated as the
number one top-rated group in the country.
Similar to the television show “Glee”, show choirs
combine choral singing in various voices with complicated synchronized dance routines. After spending
weeks at Millikin University’s showchoir camp during
the summers of her freshman and sophomore years,
Melissa survived the grueling audition process, and is
now preparing for the arduous performance and
competition season at WVHS.
Melissa is having a wonderful “GLEE-like” experience. Last year she was often featured in the front row,
center stage -- which was an honor and quite an
accomplishment for a freshman! Melissa has been
dancing since the age of three, a proud product of
many dance schools. Currently, she is still dancing with
the Kalejdoskop Children’s Polish Folk Dance Company,
which is sponsored by the Polish Falcons of America.
The Choir at WVHS is beginning its preparations for
a 2012 Musical Tour in Australia with a concert scheduled under the shell of the Sydney Opera House. The
music program at WVHS has received several Grammy
Awards and a recent graduate from the school was a
finalist on American Idol last season!
Melissa’s parents, Barbara and Thomas Eckert,
have been active PFA Members for many decades. Her
PFA grandparents Kazimierz and Krystyna Eckert
would have been very proud to see her develop and
perform as well. Melissa is a member of PFA Nest 907
Cicero, IL and Nest 1 Chicago, IL.
Polish Falcon
Discover
Poland
Program
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation (PACCF), in cooperation with Wspólnota
Polska and the PFA, once again offered a great opportunity for young Polish Falcon Members to
explore the country of their heritage this past summer. Polish Falcons of America Members joined
with other young Polish Americans on a trip that offered unforgettable experiences, great memories,
and lasting friendships.
PFA space was limited to only five participants and was chosen by a random drawing that was
held at PFA National Headquarters on May 12, 2011. To enter the drawing, interested parties were
to send a letter to National Physical Education Director, Druhna Chris Puskar along with the fee of
$550. All 12 participants were notified immediately. The trip took place from June 19 to July 2.
This year’s participants were (left to right in the above photo): Amber Bradley, Nest 31;
Sam Kazmierowicz, Nest 907; Ellen LaLonde, Nest 176; Hannah Wiater, Nest 493; and
Bryan Sharp, Nest 31.
Here are some thank you notes that we received from this year's Discover Poland participants:
from Amber Linn Bradley:
Druhna Chris Puskar, Executive Board of Directors, Board of Directors:
I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to go to Poland. It was something that I will
never forget. I loved our group of kids from the United States. We were all so different
compared to one another, which made staying with each other all the better. I made a few
friendships that I know I’ll keep for a while. ... I feel like this trip made me a stronger, more
independent girl.....Thank you again for everything. Czolem!”
Ellen Lalonde wrote:
"The trip to Poland is a memory I will never forget. I met kids that I will be in touch with for
a very long time and experienced many new exciting things. I couldn’t thank you more for
the opportunity that you had given me."
and from Bryan Sharp:
"I sincerely thank you for allowing me to go on the Poland trip. This trip was not only an
awesome vacation, but was a life changing experience that helped me to gain a better view of
European society and Polish culture..... Along with my best experiences in Cracow, my others
were in places like Czestochowa and Pultusk, where we stayed for the majority of our trip.
Czestochowa was not as fun as it was moving; this city of a church was created around the
holy painting of the Black Madonna. Throughout the church we saw examples of the miracles
she had performed....the largest of her powers was that the city still stands there today, which
she has protected many times from war and violence.... Pultusk was the small city where we
stayed most of the time and we had opportunities to explore the markets and stores and
meet locals..... A lot went on while we were staying there, including a celebration honoring
Pope John Paul II and we took part in the service and the festival that followed. Overall, the
trip was fantastic. I'd love to go again next year to meet new people with similar Polish
descent and reunite with my friends in Pultusk. Thank you to the Polish Falcons of America
for giving me this wonderful opportunity!"
october 2011 19
continued
DISTRICTS & NESTS
National Golf
Tour nament
O n behalf of the Polish Falcons Nests 493 & 494, we would
like to extend a sincere thanks and appreciation to all who
participated in the 43rd annual Polish Falcons National Golf
Tournament on August 11 & 12, 2011 in Batavia, NY.
A BIG thank you to our committee and volunteers who helped
make this tournament a success! The following is a list of winners from this year’s tournament.
Again, thank you all.
Druh Nick Carter
Chairman & President Nest 493
Mens Division
1st Place - Steve Lubinski – 127 – Nest 146
2nd Place - Rich McLelland – 129 Nest 8
3rd Place - Nick DiFilippo – 132- Nest 493
Mens Low Gross
Mike Vargo – 154 – Nest 336
Mens Sr. Division
1st Place – John Badock – 120 – Nest 276
2nd Place – Dave Easton – 127 – Nest 493
3rd – Place – Tom Janik – 129 – Nest 307
Mens Sr. Low Gross
Jerry Fitzpatrick – 150 – Nest 336
Womens Division
1st Place – Cheryl Paterni – 138 – Nest 8
2nd Place – Terri Noga-Starnick – 138 – Nest 430
A scorecard playoff was used to determine a winner if a tie
occurred starting with the highest handicap hole at Batavia
County Club and continuing through the next highest handicap
hole until a tie was broken. That is how the winner was
determined.
Womens Division Low Gross
Kristen Baginski – 202 Nest 610
Womens Sr. Division
1st Place – Elaine Laboski – 154 – Nest 52
2nd Place – Mary Whalen – 157 – Nest 52
Sr. Womens Low Gross
Sue Kobek – 202 – Nest 80
20 october 2011
Attention:
If your name is on the list below, you may have funds owed
to you. Please contact, Tara Geracitano at [email protected] or by calling 1 (800) 535-2071 at National
Headquarters, as soon as possible to make your claim.
Richard Anton
Michael G Bender
Terri Blough
Ryan L Crawford
Devin E Earney
Emily Futa
Kaitlin Futa
Antoinette Giuliani
Jason C Johns
Ilene Kennedy
Kenneth Ksiazkiewicz
Michael Laboski
Courtney M Mack
Kazimierz Mierzejewski
Helena Morris
Melissa A Palombia
Nick Pozzani
Paul J Sadowski
Jeffrey Salzano
Aubrey L Sauer
Anna Skowronski
Gary J Staszewski
Edward Szumski
Michael Vetter
Announcing the 40th PFA
National Convention
July 18 - 21, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA.
The host hotel will be the historic Omni William Penn, conveniently
located on Mellon Park near Pittsburgh’s Downtown Cultural
District. Details on housing and convention agenda will be featured in
future issues of the Sokó ł Polski , and on the PFA web site.
DISTRICT XIII CONVENTION
Nest 31 hosted the District XIII Convention at the American L egion Hall in
Ber kley, Michigan on September 10. The Delegates ar ri ved bright and ear ly
on a r ainy Saturday mor ning to a continental breakfast of bagels, danish,
hot coffee and or ange juice to ensure ener gy for the day’s upcoming proceedings. The fir st session began at 9 a.m. with the singing of the national
anthems and the gr eeting of Czolem from District President Dr uh Ber nie
Wolny. T here were a total of 35 delegates from Nests 31, 79, 86, 124 and
652. Of these, four Delegates were par ticipating in their fir st convention.
T he Delegates listened to the officer s’ repor ts, accepted the r ecommendations of the convention committees, deliberated on the issues affecting
the District, voiced our opinions on various topics, convened meetings for
the Legion of Honor and L adies Commission, and then elected our new Of ficer s. The following Officer s were swor n in by National Vice President
Dr uhna Trish Del Busse: Pr esident - Ber nard Wolny; Vice President - Joan
Pawlukie wicz; Vice President - Dennis Zembrzuski; Treasur er - Richard
K ar pinski; Recording Secretar y - Joseph Sobota; - Instr uctr ess Catherine
Smith; and I nstr uctor Jason Johns along with the Audit Committee and District Director s. A special r affle and contributions yielded a total of $510
for the Starzynski Scholar ship fund. The next District XI II Convention will be
in Lansing, Michigan Nest 652 in 2013.
Czolem!
Dr uh Dennis Zembrzuski
•
sokół Polski
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Polish Falcon
october 2011 21
smaki
Tastes of
Polski POLAND
KraKÓw
Krakowskie Przysmaki
A Culinar y Tour of Poland, Region by Region
CRACOW
The cuisine of the Małopolska region is the result of mixing various contributing cooking styles that have been adapted
to Polish conditions and needs. Because of its strategic
geographic location, the cuisine in this region has been
influenced from one degree or another by Austrian, Czech,
Hungarian, Jewish as well as German cooking. Cracow, (Kraków in Polish), the largest city
in Małopolska, has certainly not been immune to these culinary influences, but, despite these,
it has developed its own distinctive cooking style, which is unique for both Cracow and its environs.
This can be attributed to Cracow's long and distinguished history as Poland's historic capital.
Through Cracow’s historic gates came a vast array of wealth, spices and foreign dignitaries who
brought foreign cooking styles and foreign ingredients with them. A classic example is Queen Bona
who was betrothed to King Sigismund I, and who came to the Polish capital with her retinue of Italian
chefs, cooks and palace gardeners. Soon Cracovians were introduced to Italian vegetables such as
tomatoes, lettuce and such curiosities as lasagna, which was transformed to łazanki. Cracovian
cooks transformed the Italian pasta into something typically Polish, using the local stiff wheat, rye
or buckwheat flour for the dough, which is rolled thin and cut into triangles or
rectangles. The cut dough is then boiled, drained, and eaten with melted pork
fat, vegetable oil, or sour cream. Łazanki are often mixed with cabbage
or sauerkraut and small bits of sausage, meat and/or mushrooms.
Traditional local dishes often feature the fragrant spice cumin, which is
a beloved spice for Cracovians. Cumin (kmin rzymski - photo at
right) is the second most popular spice in the world after black
pepper. Originating in the Middle East and used in Turkish
cooking, cumin is hotter to the taste, lighter in color, and larger
than caraway (kminek). Once extremely popular in Medieval
Europe, cumin is now rarely used in European cooking, but is
still a Cracow favorite. The frequent interaction between Cracow,
as Poland's ancient capital, and Turkey and the Middle East may account for the
prolonged popularity of cumin Cracovian taste buds.
Other Cracow favorites are Cracovian duck, which is baked with
buckwheat and mushrooms as well as krakowska kielbasa, the
local variety of Polish sausage. Then there is lisiecka
kielbasa which is produced in Liszki near Cracow. Many of
the villages and small towns around Cracow have also contributed to the local cuisine. Particularly, the villages of
Iwkowa, Laskowa and several others compose the
“Śliwkowy Szlak” or plum trail. With their bountiful fruit
orchards, the local inhabitants have made a tradition of creating pastries, liquers and even smoked meats, sausages and
pork tenderloin stuffed with fresh and dried plums. Baking in Cracow has a venerable
tradition streching back hundreds of years and baked
goods in Cracow reflect the city's rich history.
One popular dessert, buchta, a yeast cake filled
with plum jam, incorporates the favorite fruit
of the Cracow region.
delicious
22 october 2011
CraCow
•
sokół Polski
HERITAGE
Cracow Casserole
Zapiekanka po krakowsku
Cracow Cheesecake
Sernik Krakowski
pastry:
13 ounces of flour
4 TBL powdered sugar
4 TBL margarine
Cream the margarine with powdered sugar
until light, add the flour, and knead the
dough. Let dough set for 20 minutes in a
cool place, then roll out the dough and put
into the bottom of a well greased spring
form pan. Put into oven for 20 minutes
and bake at 350 ° F until golden. Cool.
cheese mass:
55 ounces of farmer's cheese
(about 3.5 lbs)
3 / 4 cup sugar
2 TBL vanilla
4 eggs
orange oil
6 TBL margarine, melted
2 TBL flour
1 TBL powdered milk
In a food processer, mix the cheese, sugar,
eggs, vanilla and, while stirring, add the
milk powder with the melted margarine.
Pour into the spring form pan on top of the
pastry and put into oven at 350 ° and bake
30 minutes or until firm.
(Note: for a lighter cheesecake, separate
the eggs, and beat the egg whites. Add
the egg yolks to the mixture and stir, then
add the beaten egg whites and gently fold,
then pour the cheese mixture into the pan.)
6 oz sliced ham
4 medium potatoes, peeled and
cut into large sections
4 oz grated emmenthal cheese
1 medium cauliflower
2 large carrots
4 medium celery stocks
4 oz canned or frozen peas
(if canned, strain the liquid)
2 TBL mayonnaise
1 egg
parsley
pepper
salt
Polish Pottery Casserole dish,
greased
Preparation: Cook the vegetables in salted water; drain, cool and
cut into smaller pieces, add the peas and mayonnaise. Mix together
and season to taste with salt and pepper. Then beat the egg and
add to vegetable mixture, mix thoroughly. Spread some of the
vegetable mixture on each slice of ham and wrap the ham and
filling into a roll. Place the ham rolls into the casserole, sprinkle
the grated cheese and put into preheated oven and bake until
bubbly. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley before serving.
Cracovian Chicken with Lettuce
The Trumpeter
of Cracow
& All That Jazz...
Cracow is famous for the Hejnał
Mariacki or trumpet fanfare from the
high tower of St. Mary’s Basilica (photo
on page 22.) Dating back to the Middle
Ages, the fanfare has been played four times
every hour by Cracow firemen who end the
trumpet call on the “broken note” to honor the
young trumpeter who was killed by the Tartars
when they attacked the city back in 1241.
Kurczak po krakowsku z sałatą
From the Gościniec pod Zamkiem Restaurant, Cracow
1 medium roasting chicken
1 cup of kasza
2 egg whites
2 eggs
2 cups chicken stock)
4 TBL grams oil
6 TBL butter
salt
lettuce:
1 head romaine
1 / 2 container sour cream
salt
pepper
sugar
juice of 1 / 2 lemon
chopped dill
Bagels & Obwarzanki
Cracow was the birthplace of two favorite
baked goods, the obwarzanek and the worldfamous bagel. The obwarzanek was first
mentioned in the fourteenth century when it
was recorded that Queen Jadwiga purchased
one of theses circular rolls for one grosz
(about one cent). Originally, obwarzanki could
be baked only during lent, but today over
150,000 are sold in Cracow on a typical day.
The bagel, the cousin to the obwarzanek, was
created by Jewish bakers to honor Polish King
Jan III Sobieski (supposedly modeled after his
round stirrup). While bagels are softer,
obwarzanki are often sprinkled with cumin or
caraway and course salt crystals from the
nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine.
In a sauté pan, sauté the dry kasza with butter until golden
brown, add the stock and cook the kasza until the liquid is
absorbed. Cool the kasza and add the chopped greens, eggs and
butter. Mix and season to taste. Stuff the chicken closing the cavity by trussing the chicken or lacing with skewers. Rub the
chicken with butter, salt and pepper and roast until browned.
Roast at 350 ° F until it reaches an internal temperature of
165 ° F. (Roast it for about 20 minutes per pound, plus an
additional 20 minutes,) In the meantime, you can prepare the
salad. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and shred them into large
pieces. Blend the cream and spices to taste with salt, pepper,
sugar and lemon juice, then pour on the salad. Sprinkle the salad
with dill. Serve the salad with the chicken immediately after
preparation.
Chefs Robert Cnota and Marcin Soltys of Poland’s oldest
restaurant the Wierzynek, a Cracow institution since 1364.
As Poland’s “City of Kings”, fine food
and drink have been a hallmark of
Cracow’s cooks take their jobs seriously,
Cracow life since Medieval times.
as this “The Cracow Cook” cookbook
from the 1800s illustrates.
Polish Falcon
october 2011 23
HERITAGE
Polish
Superstitions
W ith it's spooks and goblins, October is the perfect time to explore some of Poland's many
superstitions and folk beliefs. Over the years, pagan
superstitions have intermingled with Christian
customs, and often the justification for a certain
practice is no longer widely known – it’s just the
way things are done. Many old habits have fallen
by the wayside, while others may be limited to just
a certain region or even a single town or village.
Poles may not be more superstitious then their
neighbors, but traditional folk beliefs have become
more widespread since World War II, when millions
of village folk migrated to Poland's cites bringing
their homespun beliefs with them. Here are a few of
the most popular Polish folk beliefs designed to
bring about good luck - or avoid evil. There
may not be anything to them. But then
again, why take chances?
13
24 october 2011
• Watch the T hreshold! - It is
considered bad luck to shake hands
or embrace someone over
a threshold. Both people should
be on the same side of the threshold — either inside or out, otherwise their friendship will be threatened. Don’t be surprised if you hear a Pole say
“Nie przez próg!” (not over the threshold) if you
offer him your hand over the threshold.
• Star t of f Fresh! - If you have to go back
home for something you forgot to take along, you
should briefly sit down before leaving again. The
reason for this is unknown, but it is still practiced
quite widely.
• L uckyy Car p - Carp scales are said to attract
money. If you keep a scale from the Christmas Eve
carp (the typical Wigilia fish), in your coin
or wallet, you will attract money.
• Chimney Sweeps (kominarze) are
considered very lucky. But if you happen to
see one, you must immediately hold on to a
button in order to have good luck.
• Red bows
b
and ribbons are considered very
lucky and are often tied to baby strollers or children's clothes. Secondary school graduates wear
Red Underwear for their school prom, they then
must wear the same underwear for their final exams.
• Odd Number s are considered good luck. As in
other countries, the number 13 is considered rather
unlucky. But odd numbers in general are considered to bring about good fortune. When presenting
someone with Flower s, always give them in odd
numbers, never even. But never present someone
with a Red Car nation, these are associated with
communism. Red Roses are considered very
unlucky if included in a bride's bouquet as its
thorns symbolize a cut on the heart.
• Spilling Salt will bring about a quarrel.
• Polish students are very superstitious.
For instance, it is considered good luck to K ic k
someone (or be kicked! ) when entering an examination room. Long Hair is associated with
Wisdom - the longer you wait to have your hair cut
before an exam, the better your chances of getting
a piątka” (an “A”).
• If you put a Hat on a Bed, some Poles feel
that you will have bad luck.
• You shouldn’t start the day on your Left Foot,
as this may bring about misfortune. One of many
wedding-related beliefs holds that the bride and
groom should cross the church threshold with their
Right Foot as this ensures them a good journey
through life. Also, a bride should not wear a String
of Pear ls on her wedding day, since they symbolize the many tears she will shed in her future
married life. To bring good luck, on the night before
her wedding a bride should set her Wedding
Shoes on a windowsill overnight.
• If you kill a Spider, it will rain later that same
day.
• If you a hear a bird - particularly a Cuckoo count the number of bird calls - that’s the number
of years you have left to live.
• If a For k falls on the floor, it means that a
female guest will arrive; if a K nife falls on the floor,
it means that a male guest will arrive.
• And, if all else fails, Hold your T humbs!
“Trzymaj za mnie kciuki” (“Hold your thumbs for
me”) can be translated as “Wish me luck!”
•
sokół Polski
HERITAGE
Poisoned
Pickings
News from Poland
Bummed Out
Over Bomb
One hundred residents
were recently evacuated
from their homes in
Gdansk-Wrzeszcz after a
World War II UXB bomb was discovered. Residents
had to wait until the next morning because bomb disposal squads only work until 3 p.m. Residents reported the finding of a 100 kg artillery shell at 5:40
p.m. on a Tuesday, but the bomb disposal team only
arrived at the scene at 9 a.m. the next morning.
“I didn’t even have time to pick up my house keys,
the order was to get out immediately,” one resident
commented on the evacuation. The disposal squads
were clearly in no rush, though, claiming regulations
prohibit them from working after dark. Only in emergencies are they permitted to respond in the night.
"The rules state that an urgent call concerns educational and cultural establishments, railway stations or
major traffic junctions,” explained Marek Antonowicz
for the squad before adding, “We have to operate in
accordance with the law.” The army also believes
the police overreacted and that the evacuation
was unnecessary.
Woda Please!
Water has overtaken beer as
Poland’s number one liquid of
choice according to a new
report. The study, conducted by
research firm Euromonitor
International, shows that the
average Pole will drink 94.9 liters of bottled water
during 2011 - a massive 38 percent more than last
year.
Paweł Zielinski, Vice President of GFT Goldfruct which
produces Kinga Pieninska mineral water, states that
Poland will soon catch up with its European neighbors. “When it comes to bottled water we will, as with
many other food products, soon be equal to the
European average,” says Zielinski. At present, the
average person in western Europe drinks 117.5
liters of bottled water per year, a figure which is expected to rise to around 128.l liters by 2015.
However, as reported in daily Fakt, once he was
inside he forgot about the money and began to
reward himself with free alcohol. Authorities later
found the man drunk and he now faces time behind
bars.
Soc k It to Me!
A family from Koszalin,
specializing in making and
selling counterfeit copies
of famous brands of socks,
was arrested this week,
when police caught the 45year old father red-handed
selling the fake footwear at a
local market.
On searching the man’s car they found a further
2,500 pairs of bogus Nike and Puma sports socks.
The socks were manufactured in the basement of
the family home, where the machinery was operated
by his wife and son. Production was in full flow when
officers entered the room. The operation was the
family’s only source of income. Police estimate that
losses connected with the family’s activities amount
to 80,000 zloty.
Naughty
Gliniarz
CCTV cameras in Leba
caught a policeman
driving through crowds
on a pedestrian precinct
with lights on and sirens
blaring - all to deliver
lunch to his mother last
Monday afternoon. A reporter from Dziennik Baltycki
happened to be among the angry passersby who
were upset at the incident. The reporter approached
the woman who received the delivery and who was
later established to be the officer’s mother. When
asked what was going on, and if the policeman was
worried the food might get cold, the woman immediately hid, shouting, “Why don’t you worry about more
important things!” Other angry passers-by
suggested they had seen the same vehicle delivering
bread earlier in the day.
Tunnel Thief T hwar ted
Leba’s Mayor, Andrzej Strzechminski, was outraged.
Police have arrested a man who broke into a tavern “It’s a disgrace if the police are busying themselves
via a tunnel that he had excavated. The man, from
delivering food around Leba,” he told reporters.
the Podkarpackie region, intended to get into the bar Similarly, Jan Kosciuk, press officer for regional
to steal money by breaking in through the door, but
police headquarters in Gdansk, commented, “If
was seemingly foiled by the lock. Instead, the
investigations show this officer broke regulations then
resourceful thief decided to dig his way in.
he will be severely punished.”
Polish Falcon
A teenager was left fighting
for his life this week after
being poisoned by a plate
of mushrooms. According to
TVN24, 16-year-old Dawid
was rushed to hospital where
he eventually underwent a
nine-hour liver transplant
operation. Although doctors
state it’s still too early to speak of
any long-term effects, the operation is
said to have gone smoothly. The news comes
one year after the case of six-year-old
Tomek, who was forced to undergo a
double liver transplant after a similar situation. “Once again we are urging people
not to pick their own mushrooms,” says
Pawel Trzcinski of the Children’s Health Center.
Ghoulish
Convention
Vampires, the devil’s
deceit and mental
illness, were among
the hot topics for
some 300 exorcists
who flocked to Poland in mid-July. Attendees came
from as far away as Africa and India for a week-long
gathering held at Poland's Roman Catholic Jasna
Gora monastery, home to the venerated Black
Madonna icon. According to the monastery’s radio
station, this year’s congress “examined the current
fashion for vampirism in Europe and the world-over,
schizophrenia and other mental disorders, as well as
the devil’s deceit during exorcism.”
For eigner s Increase
Statistics show that by the end of this year, Poland
will have employed twice as many foreign workers
compared to 2010. The report, printed in legal
paper Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, states that there was
a huge increase during the first two quarters of this
year in job applications from foreigners and that it
looks likely that this will increase. In total, approximately 163,900 applications were filed during the
first half on the year, almost the same amount as the
whole of last year (180,000). The paper also states
that the majority of new employees are likely to come
from eastern countries such as Russia and Belarus.
According to the University of Łodz’s Elzbieta
Krynska, this year’s figure is likely to be eclipsed by
the number who will flock here in 2012 due to an
increasingly strong economy and the fact that many
Polish citizens do not wish to take on badly paid jobs.
october 2011 25
HERITAGE
News from Poland
Polish Pigeon
Protest
Building administrators in
Warsaw could face up to two
years in prison after they
caged-in dozens of pigeons
in an attempt to deal with the
problematic birds. Workers
placed metal cages over windows
to the lofts in a building on Ulica
Dynasy, but many of the birds were still
inside and as a result faced death
by starvation.
“Over 100 pigeons lived up there, and some of
them are trapped inside, including nesting birds.
Doing such a thing during the nesting season is
barbaric!” one resident wrote to Gazeta Stolecznej,
as well as informing the City Guard. Guard officers
went to the building administration on Wednesday to
order the immediate removal of the cages and that
the birds be released.
Polish pigeons are protected from February to
September, their nesting period. The removal of
nests or attempts to chase them away requires
official approval from the Ministry
of the Environment.
continued
may give way causing the buildings to
collapse. The problem, reports the
paper, started roughly one month ago
and dates back to People’s Republic of
Poland when the houses were planned
and constructed. Several of the walls
have already developed large cracks
and it has been estimated that as many as 28
buildings may have to be
evacuated.
Waywar d Vikings
A group of three Vikings were
rescued by workers at a resort
in the town of Police after their
longboat sank late on
Tuesday evening. The
Vikings, who are actually
German, were sailing in their boat to an annual
gathering of Viking enthusiasts held on the nearby
island of Wolin. However, their replica longboat was
upturned by a high wave and all their possessions
washed overboard. The craft then began to sink and
the crew was rescued by workers from a nearby holiday resort. Despite the setback, the intrepid Vikings
were determined to continue on their way to the
gathering on Wolin and were given assistance by a
group of Polish Viking enthusiasts.
The annual Viking Gathering on Wolin attracts over a
thousand warriors and others from all over the
world, interested in recreating the old Viking rituals.
The three-day event presents all aspects of the
historical realities of Viking life.
Jumping for Joy!
About 80% of surveyed Poles say
they feel very or quite happy,
according to the annual “Social
Diagnosis” poll, the highest number
since the fall of communism in
1989. Two years ago, 76% of
those surveyed said they were
happy and in 2000, only
about half professed to be
happy. When asked what
brings happiness, 63% singled out health, 53% said a
successful marriage and 47% said children. Some
28% said they think money is the key to happiness.
One of the reasons offered by the pollster for the
upswing in mood is that the wages situation has
improved.
T hat Sinking Feeling....
As many as 600 residents from the southern city of
Bytom may be forced to move from their homes as
the buildings they occupy begin to sink into the
ground. According to daily Fakt, 80 people have
already had to relocate following the news that the
mine shafts situated just below the earth’s surface
26 october 2011
High Volume Visits
A massive 40,000 people visited the Tatras on
Sunday, August 14, setting an all-time record for the
number of visitors in a single day. Morskie Oko
alone dealt with 13,000 tourists in one day. “The
long August weekend has long been the peak for
tourist numbers in the Tatras. We expected crowds,
but the record surprised us,” Paweł Skawinski,
director of the Tatra National Park told reporters.
In less pleasant news from the Tatras, two tourists
were rendered unconscious when struck by lightning
recently. The pair decided to go hiking despite poor
weather conditions. Witnesses called in the TOPR
mountain rescue team who oversaw the transport
of the pair by helicopter to hospital in Zakopane.
Poland the Next Texas?
Test drilling has begun on a potential shale gas site
that energy companies hope will turn Poland into
an energy Eldorado. Machines got drilling at a site
near Kutno in the early hours of August 24 under
the auspices of the state-controlled oil, gas and
mining company, PGNiG, and the US company FX
Energy.
The two have high expectations of tapping into one
of the biggest energy reserves in Europe, estimated
to be around 100 billion cubic meters in size.
Energy’s Polish branch, told the TVN 24 television
channel that the company believed the deposits in
the area were filled with gas and not brine. He
added that drilling so deep will take up to ten
months.
If the drills hit the jackpot, the field could provide
Poland, according to FX Energy, with three to four
billion cubic meters of gas annually for the next 30
to 40 years. Experts said that this could convert
Poland into a European energy power, and make it
one of the few countries on the continent energy
self-sufficient.
The latest exploration work follows in the wake of
work by PGNiG that revealed earlier this month that
the area around Kutno could hold massive reserves.
FX Energy is not the lone foreign company scooting
into Poland in a gas rush that has set the energy
world buzzing. Significant finds of shale gas in the
country could provide a lucrative source of income
at a time when reserves are under pressure and
exploitable supplies subject to increasing political
pressures, and this has lured in dozens of foreign
companies.
Polish shale gas could also wean the country off
Russian energy dependency, thus removing an
unwanted source of Russian influence over the
country. But despite the high-octane optimism
surrounding shale gas in Poland, doubters point
out that no one is still quite sure how much gas is
out there, and how much, if any, can be exploited
on a commercial scale.
Oil & Gas Financial Journal reported in July 2011,
that work on Chevron Polska’s initial shale gas
exploration drilling program is expected to begin
in the fourth quarter and the contract award is for
three years, with extension opportunities. Chevron
was awarded licenses to explore for unconventional
gas resources in the area in December, 2009.
The plan also calls for Halliburton to provide
services including drilling, mud logging, cementing,
coiled tubing, slick line services, well testing,
completion and hydraulic fracturing. Halliburton
will support the project with project management
services.
Sources:
Polonia Media Network, New Poland Express, among others.
•
sokół Polski
Falcon Spotlight
64th Convention to take place in Williamsburg, VA
June 18-22, 2012.
I should also mention that placing these government-endorsed markers has been an informal
program within the ACPC for several years. It
started when the Warwick Township Historical Socicks Co., PA)
P ) asked for help in obtaining a
PA
ety (in Bucks
ealth of Pennsylvania historical marker
Commonwealth
for Casimir Pulaski at Moland House, the place
where he first
irst met George Washington and was appointed Brigadier
igadier General in charge of Cavalry.y.y
Soon after that, there was a marker placed
near the Philadelphia
hiladelphia entrance to the
Benjamin Franklin Bridge, in
recognitionn of the bridge’s chief
engineer and design directorjeski. Later,r,r Frank
Ralph Modjeski.
Piasecki, Philadelphia entreprenventor of the tanneur and inventor
dem rotor helicopter received
a marker on Callowhill Street,
ocation of his first
near the location
engineeringg company office.
une 25, a marker
Lastly, on June
ated in Oil City,y,y PA
PPA,,
was dedicated
mory of Col. Francis
to the memory
abreski the cele“Gabby” Gabreski
WII and Korean War air-ace.
brated WWII
This sonn of Polish immigrants, born and
raised in Oil City,y,y had a blazing career in two
hen followed it up by taking the Presiwars and then
dency of the Long Island Railroad. He was a brave
man indeed!
What makes this unofficial marker program
most interesting is the cooperation that occurs
during the process of obtaining one. Any person,
but preferably an organization, may make application with a proposal to the state historical commission.
First, an individual or a small working group
must research the topic and complete the application. Then, after a waiting period and the appropriate deliberations by the commission, a decision is
reached by the authorities and only then, when
successful, the planning for the dedication begins.
In the case of the Gabreski marker the Pittsburgh
Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation joined with
the Polish National Alliance Lodge 905 of Oil City
to organize the dedication ceremony and banquet.
They even produced an exceptional souvenir program for the event. Unfortunately, I was not able to
attend as I had already committed to being at the
annual Wianki (wreath) Ceremonies in Philadelphia.
However, from the photographs taken at the event
I noticed that both Mr. Frank Spula, President of
the Polish American Congress and Polish National
Alliance and Mr. Timothy Kuzma, President of the
Falcons, were there with Oil City Mayor Sonja L.
Polish Falcon
President Timothy
Tim
Kuzma (far right) with dignitaries at the dedication of the State of
Pennsylvania historic marker honoring Col. Gabreski in Oil City, Pennsylvania. (Photo
courtesy Peter
Pet Obst and the Am Pol Eagle.) Photo below: Col. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski.
Hawkins.
In addition to inviting all Falcons and their
friends to the dedication ceremonies in
Williamsburg, (continue to check our website
www.polishcultureacpc.org/Conv_2012 for details).
I’d like to encourage increased participation in the
official state historical marker program by organizations. Placing one of these markers is a great
way to commemorate an event or a person.
Detailed information about the ceremonies connected to the Frank Piasecki marker is located on
the web page: www.polishcultureacpc.org/Piasecki.
Should you have questions you may contact Peter
Obst at: [email protected]
We currently have a total of 13 official sanctioned historical markers in Pennsylvania devoted
to Polish topics. Five commemorate Casimir
Pulaski, three others have been named above,
plus one each for Casimir A. Sienkiewicz and
Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The remaining three were
placed by historian and writer Edward Pinkowski
when he was residing in Philadelphia, these are
for: Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Anthony
Sadowski, and the Lattimer Massacre, a tragic
event in the history of labor empowerment in
Pennsylvania. Here I would be remiss if I didn’t
mention that Mr. Pinkowski is doing well, living and
still working in Florida where he just celebrated his
95th birthday on Aug. 12. Despite his age, he is
actively involved in a number of writing projects.
In addition to the historical markers programs,
ACPC is actively engaged in numerous projects,
which speak to the future generation of Polonian
leaders. The Youth Leadership Conference is a
week-long program in Washington, DC, which provides an up-close and intensive training opportunity for 20 to 25 young Polish Americans, ages 17
to 26, chosen from all over the U.S. At the Conference, these future leaders can explore the political processes and interact with national and
international leaders of Polish descent in the
realms of foreign policy, business, science, education, journalism, culture, Polish American and eastcentral European affairs. The next conference is
planned for June 17-22, 2012. I urge you to sponsor a student from your community or your Nest; it
is an investment in our future!
ACPC also participates annually in the National
Conference for the Social Studies (NCSS), which
serves as an umbrella organization for elementary,
secondary and college teachers of the social studies--history, civics, geography, economics, political
science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and
law-related education. The conference attracts
approximately 4,000 social studies teachers,
depending on the location. The next conference
will take place from December 2-4, 2012, in Washington, DC.
As accurate information about Poland, Polish
history and Poles’ contributions and accomplishments is sorely lacking in American schools and
textbooks, the ACPC Polish Exhibit at the NCSS
october 2011 27
HERITAGE
Krakowskie
Przysmaki
continued fr om page 23
Bl. John Paul’s Legacy Continues
Knights of Columbus assures future
re of D. C. Center
The Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, has
announced that it will purchase the John Paul II Cultural Center in Northeast Washington, D. C. from the Pope John Paul II Foundation which has owned the facility for the
past decade.
Established by Cardinal Adam Maida in 1989, the 130,000-square foot
Cultural Center (photo above) is adjacent to the Catholic University of
America and has hosted hundreds of symposia, exhibits and events since
its establishment.
Preliminary plans are to establish a shrine to Blessed John Paul II, an exhibit on the
Catholic heritage of North America and to create a Center for New Evangelization.
The existing Papal Polish Heritage exhibit dedicated to Blessed Pope John Paul II will
continue as part of the center envisioned by the Knights of Columbus.
According to Cardinal Donald Wuerl, chairman of the Foundation's board of directors and Archbishop of Washington, the sale will ensure that the original mission of
the Cultural Center will be fulfilled and even expanded now under the direction of the
Knights of Columbus. "The purchase of the building by the Knights of Columbus provides an exceptional opportunity to build upon the legacy of the Cultural Center and
to further one of Blessed John Paul II's greatest contributions to our world, that of the
New Evangelization," notes Wuerl. "The beatification of Pope John Paul II has focused
increased attention on the great gift that he is for the Church. Evident devotion to him
prompted the decision to designate the facility being acquired by the Knights of
Columbus as an archdiocesan shrine. This shrine will provide a focal point for
increased devotion to Blessed John Paul II and an ongoing recognition of his legacy.”
Proceeds from the sale will go to The Catholic University of America, which has
a secured interest in the property, and to the Archdiocese of Detroit to repay funds
advanced to establish and operate the Foundation-run Cultural Center. Archbishop
Allen Vigneron of Detroit expressed his gratitude to the Knights for “stepping forward
to make this transaction a reality.” He applauded the intent of the Knights to
“strengthen the vision of the Center and continue the intended purpose for the
building and land.”
The Knights of Columbus worked closely with Blessed John Paul II throughout his
papacy, from co-sponsoring his Mass at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York in 1995, to
assisting with other papal trips, to providing support for restoration projects at St.
Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and for papal communications initiatives. The Knights also
supported the foundation of the U.S. session of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for
Studies on Marriage and Family, now located at The Catholic University of America.
Since being chartered as a fraternal benefit society in 1882, the Knights of
Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000
councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas,
the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
28 october 2011
Ph
Photo
above: Examples of
the fruit-stuffed smoked meats
from Cracow’s “Śliwkowy Szlak”
or the Plum Trail.
Le Famous Cracow area
Left:
sausage maker Stanisław Mądry
proudly displays his lisiecka kiełbasa,
which has been designated a “Regional
Food Specialty” by the European Union.
Roast Pork Cracow Style
Pieczeń po krakowsku
2 lb pork shoulder
salt
pepper
4 TBL olive oil
1 cup chicken stock
2 TBL butter
potato flour
5 large dried prawdziwki
(dried Polish mushrooms)
2 TBL breadcrumbs
(adjust as needed)
2 TBL butter
1 TBL tomato puree
chopped parsley
Rub the meat with salt and pepper. In a roasting pan, brown the roast
in the olive oil and bake for 60 minutes, periodically pouring the liquid
from the roast. Prepare stuffing: Soak the dried mushrooms in the
chicken stock and cook, adding a little salt. Remove the mushrooms
and strain the mushroom liquid. Chop the mushrooms and strained
liquid in a food processor. Cook the mushroom filling with the butter,
stirring in the bread crumbs. (Add more bread crumbs if needed.)
With a carving knife, make 3 or 4 slices in the roast (but not all the way
down.) Insert the mushroom stuffing between each slice. (You should
have a slice of meat, stuffing, slice of meat, etc.). Add 2 TBL of butter
and the tomato puree to the liquid in the roasting pan and mix. (Add
some water if needed.) Return the roast to the pan, and cook for an
additional 10 minutes or until meat thermometer measures 160°F .
Put the roast on an oven-proof serving platter. Strain the pan liquid
and add sufficient potato flour to thicken as needed. Pour the sauce
over roast and return to oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven
and let rest 5 - 10 minutes for meat to settle. Sprinkle with the chopped
parsley and serve with roasted potatoes, "frytki" (thick Polish-style
French fries) or mizeria cucumber salad.
•
sokół Polski
Falcon Spotlight
POLISH AMERICAN LIFE
offers the perfect forum to provide teachers withfree
accurate resources and ready-to use teaching materials, such as books on Polish topics, CDs, posters and
lesson plans. Armed with these materials, the teachers
are then able to include in their school-mandated
diversity programs information about the history and
culture of Poland and Poles’ accomplishments and
worldwide contributions.
CPC’s
Both the Youth Leadership Conference and ACPC’s
presence at the NCSS provide a unique opportunity for
all Polonian organizations to work together. Once
again, I urge you to sponsor a student from your community to the Youth Leadership Conference. A great
project for a PFA Nest would be to support the NCSS by
donating teaching materials and books on Polish topics
or by Polish authors or by making a monetary donation
to aid ACPC toward producing teaching materials so
that they may be offered to the social studies teachers
free of charge. It’s an investment in our Polonian
future!
Meatballs Cracovian
Klopsy po krakowsku
1 lb rib steak
1 beaten egg
4 oz smoked bacon, diced
salt
1 bunch parsley
pepper
1 medium onion, diced
nutmeg (to taste)
4 slices dry bread or dinner oil for sauteing
rollsshredded with crust
half a cup of broth
removed (or use bread
flour (to thicken)
crumbs)
3 TBL dry white wine
2 TBL milk
Chop the meat and bacon in a food processor. Dice the
onion and chop the parsley. Soak the bread/rolls in milk
to soften. Mix the meat and bacon with onion, parsley,
egg and moistened rolls. Add spices and mix thoroughly. Form small balls, coat in flour, fry on high in the
olive oil. Transfer to a platter to drain on paper towels.
In a saucepan, mix the broth and wine, then add
enough flour to thicken. Simmer about 15 minutes.
Put the klopsy on a serving platter. Strain the sauce
through a sieve to remove any uncooked flour. Serve
with mashed potatos and salad or sauerkraut cooked
with peas. Klopsy may be served with mushroom gravy
and sprinkled with fresh dill.
for more Polish RECIPES go to
http://polishfalcons.org/sokol_online.asp
Polish Falcon
by Pet er D an ie lcz u k
N est 36, S o ut h we ster n C T
I attended the annual International Polka Association's Annual Festival & Convention held in
Cleveland, OH and as usual it was a great time.
It was great to see a lot of polka friends and to
see the new Polka Music Hall of Fame members
being inducted. They included Henry (Hinny)
Jasiewicz, John Gora, Don Peachy and the late
John Krizancic. Election of officers took place at
the end of the Festival and I was re-elected to my
fifth consecutive term as Sgt. At Arms. I am
already looking forward to next year's festival.
Jimmy Krzeszewski and I are proud to announce a new recording entitled "Rich Bobinski Forever In Time." This new CD includes 26 of the
Rich Bobinski Orchestra's greatest hits. Rich
Bobinski who was from Union City, CT was inducted into the International Polka Association's
Polka Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Part of the
proceeds from this recording is being donated to
the International Polka Association's Polka Music
Hall of Fame. For more information on the great
recording, go to Jimmy K Polkas at www.jimmykpolkas.com or send $15 postpaid to Jimmy K
Polkas, PO Box 360855, Strongsville, OH 44136.
Join the Cleveland Polka Association, International Polka Association and United States Polka
Association for their first Joint Polka Celebration
featuring Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push and
Downtown Sound on Saturday, October 29 at the
Doubletree Hotel, 6200 Quarry Lane, Independence, OH. Music from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and donation is just $15. For reservations, call Barb at
440-886-6157 or Helenrae at 216-661-5227.
The Knewz from Buffalo, NY has a great new
CD entitled "Knewz Flash.’ It is recorded on
Sunshine and contains 16 great songs. You can
get more information by going to their website
at www.theknewz.com.
Jimmy Sturr has just released a great new
recording entitled "Not Just Another Polka." It is
on his own Starr Label. Jimmy and the Orchestra
hit again with another dynamic release and it is
Sturriffic stuff. For more information go to
www.jimmysturr.com.
Polka Family also has a new recording out
entitled "Family Favorites Volume 4." For more
information go to www.polkafamilyband.com.
Don’t forget you can also buy your CDs from
Jimmy K Polkas by calling 1-866-454-6695 or his
website at www.jimmykpolkas.com or from Eddie
Grzyb from Massachusetts at 781-935-3749 or
at www.eddiegrzyb.com.
The Ultimate Polka Cruise will be held on February 4 - 12, 2012 (eight nights) on Carnival
Lines "Valor". The Cruise will start from the Port
of Miami and visit St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola
and Bahamas. Music will be provided by John
Gora & Gorale, Polka Family, Ed Guca, John Krawisz from Freeze Dried and Polka Country
Musicians. Prices per person, which includes all
taxes, start at inside cabin $ 829; outside cabin
$949 and balcony cabin $1199. For more information call John Kwawisz at 630-334-2941.
The Internet Polka Network Polka Legacy has
decided to cease operations. According to Jack
"Polkaman" Baciewski, it was due to a number of
reasons. Many of the IJ's who were on Legacy
have decided to join 247Polkaheaven at
www.247polkaheaven.
Carl Rohwetter, former publisher and editor of
the Michigan Polka News, which was later
renamed The Polka News, passed away recently.
He was also a Polka disc jockey and promoter.
After his discharge from the United States Marine
Corps in 1950, he promoted many polka events
in the area. He was inducted into the Michigan
Polka Music Hall of Fame, the International Polka
Music Hall of Fame and Honor Roll Trustee for the
International Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame.
The Michigan Polka Hall of Fame held their
induction ceremonies on October 2, 2011 at ZCBJ
Hall in Owosso, Michigan. This years inductees
included Ronnie Marcissuk, Norm Seiss, Martin
Gozarek and Bob Lewandowski. Music was
provided by Rich Hedrich and The Polkalodians
along with Hall of Fame inductee Ronnie
Marcissuk and The Detroit Polka Authority II.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
Remember we are all one family, all one big polka
family. God Bless Poland and God Bless America.
Czołem!
Dr uh Peter
october 2011 29
Change of Address
To change your address or contact information,
please complete the Change of Address Form
posted on the PFA web site at:
www.polishfalcons.org/change_address.asp or write: Member Services, Polish Falcons of America,
381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751.
Pictured at left is this year’s Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Form
(PS Form 3526). The Polish Falcons of America completed and submitted this form to the
U. S. post Office as required. In addition to being sent to the Post Office, this form must
also be published in the Sokół Polski if this publication is to retain its periodical mailing
privileges for the upcoming year.
POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA
PRIVACY POLICY STATEMENT
Priv acy – Per sonal Financial and Medical Info r mation
Protecting the privacy of your personal financial and medical information
has always been and will continue to be a matter of top priority for us. When
used in this notice, the following terms have the meaning shown.
• Public Information means information that is lawfully available to the general
public from: Federal, State or local government records; widely distributed
media; or, disclosures to the general public that are required to be made by
Federal, State or local law.
• Non-Public Information means personally identifiable financial and medical
information. It also means any list, description or other grouping of individuals, and publicly available information pertaining to them, that is derived
from any personally identifiable information that is not publicly available.
• Consumer Reporting Agency means an entity which regularly provides reports (Consumer Reports) including information regarding an individual’s:
general reputation, character, personal characteristics or mode of living
and financial status. The information may be obtained through interviews
with the individual or third parties, such as the individual’s: business associates, family members, friends, neighbors, acquaintances or financial
sources.
We obtain information about you from the following sources:
• information that you provided to us in an application or other form;
• information about your transactions with us (such as premium payments,
loans, claims, etc.), or others; and
• information that we may receive from a Consumer Reporting Agency.
We will not disclose any personal, non-public information about you to anyone, except as permitted or required by law. We will not disclose personal
medical information about you, except as permitted by law or as you may
authorize.
We restrict access to your personal, insurance and medical information
to those of our employees who need to know that information in order to
provide insurance or service to you. We are, and will continue to be, vigilant
in the safeguarding of your personal financial and medical information. We
maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to comply with Federal and State regulations regarding the safeguarding of non-public information.
It is our sincere desire to maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date
records. You may contact us at the address to the left, to access, as provided
by law, information included in your file. We will promptly correct any error
in our information. To protect your privacy, you will need to identify yourself
by providing us with your name, date of birth and social security number.
30 october 2011
•
sokół Polski
FALC O N FAIT H
Rozaniec Mój
- Precious Beads and Heritage
October is so special to us in the PFA - and I want to underscore its meaning
in this "corner."
From the time of St. Dominic, the victorious battle of Lepanto and the urging
of Our Lady of Fatima, our ancestors have been fervent in the regular praying
of those beads of the Holy Rosary which have now been passed down to us.
We use them to lift our hearts and minds to God through the intercession of the
Queen of the Holy Rosary, whom we especially honor in this month likewise
dedicated to our rich and noble ethnic heritage.
This month takes on additional significance as we recall St. Faustina Kowalska (Oct. 5); General Kazimierz Pulaski (Oct.11); the final apparition of Our
Lady of Fatima (Oct. 13, 1917); Blessed John Paul II (Oct. 22); and the death
of Father Justin Figas, OFM Con. (Oct. 23).
Historical dates and more so, the deep religious elements help to shape and
fashion us giving us identification and much pride. Our "roots" allow us a firm
grounding in the past and a reason for present day Polish American Catholic
Chaplain’s
Corner
Re v. Can on J ose ph S r edzi n ski
Nat ion al Cha pl ai n
pride.
I join you in celebrating Polish Heritage Month and urge you to join me in
praying the beads of the Rosary with fervor each day as we reach out to
heaven to Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, and sing Zawitaj Krolowę Rozańca
Swietego. This was taught to me by my mom as she gathered me and my siblings together each day for the family rosary. As I watched my father finger his
beads, so I daily use them as a means to pray, including praying for both Living
and Departed Polish Falcons.
While we have learned the rosary and the three sets of mysteries, Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries, we also have the new Luminous Mysteries, given
to us by the first Polish Pope, the rosary is even more special, whether said in
Polish or in English.
Modłmy się wzajemnie Rozańcem codziennie.
z Panem Bogiem i Czołem!
Rev. Canon Joseph Sredzinski
Celebration Honoring
Our Lady of Częstochowa
Photos above: (top) PFA Youth
Members present offertory gifts;
(bottom) National Board
Director, Tom Eckert, leads the
procession carrying a portrait of
Blessed John Paul II, President
Kuzma, Consul Saykiewicz and
Vice President Del Busse lead
the delegation of National
Board Members.
Polish Falcon
O ver 600 faithful attended the third annual celebration honoring Our Lady of Czestochowa at Saint Paul's Cathedral in the
Oakland section of Pittsburgh on Friday evening, August 26.
Sponsored by the Polish Falcons of America and co-sponsored by the Polish Priests
Association of Pittsburgh, the event included a special mass celebrated by the Most
Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh and concelebrated by over 20 priests
from the Polish American community. In his homily, Bishop Zubik shared reflections on
his own Polish heritage as well as his experiences leading a recent pilgrimage to Poland,
including his moving visit to the shrine of the Black Madonna in Czestochowa. Reading
the gospel at the mass was PFA National Chaplain, Rev. Canon Joseph Sredzinski.
President Timothy Kuzma, Vice President Patricia Del Busse and Secretary/Treasurer John Kuzmirek and Members of the PFA National Board of Directors lead the
procession into Saint Paul's Cathedral, serving as a guard of honor for a large reproduction of the Black Madonna that was carried by representatives of various Polish
organizations. Carrying a vintage Polish Falcons of America banner, Youth Members
from PFA Nests 8 and 176, Pittsburgh, PA, also served as an escort for the icon; during
the mass, the young Falcons presented the offertory gifts. In a moving ceremony, at
the conclusion of the event, each young Falcon individually presented a red rose to Our
Lady's image. Representing the Republic of Poland was Honorary Consul
of the Republic of Poland in Pittsburgh, Dr. Jan Saykiewicz.
The celebration included a full orchestra, combined choirs from various
Polish American congregations singing Polish hymns, as well as the newly
restored Beckerath pipe organ, which is considered one of the leading
pipe organs in the United States. After the mass, the Polish Falcons of
America hosted a reception for the Polish community.
Top right: Bishop Zubik delivers the homily; Middle right: PFA Youth with
vintage banner; Bottom left: The faithful venerate the icon of the Black
Madonna after the mass. Bottom right: Bishop Zubik meets with
attendees at the reception sponsored by the Polish Falcons of America.
october 2011 31
Polish Falcons of America
381 Mansfield Avenue
Pittsbur gh, PA 15220-2751
IN THIS ISSUE
Falcon Spotlight
g
Polka Pete
Page 29
Achievements
Page 16
Your Financial News doesn’t need to be so bad.
Page 4
In Times Like These, Tradition Matters.
These can be unsettling times for you and your family. We know, we have
been helping families weather financial uncertainties since 1887.
National Camp
Page 6
It is during times like these that you need to know that your investments
are safe and secure, that you are part of a Community that cares about
you and your family. With the Polish Falcons of America, we offer
a tradition of solid, reliable and safe investments that will help you face
today’s financial challenges and plan for your future.
To find out about our PFA Annuity Products, and how
these can become an important part of your financial
portfolio, contact John Denning, National Sales Director
at 1-800- 535-2071 or email [email protected].
(Annuity rates are listed on page 21.)
Polish Falcons of America
Polish Heritage
Page 22
Protecting Families Since 1887

Polish Heritage Month

Transcription

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