ZGODA“Together – We Can and We Will”

The official Publication of the Polish National Alliance of North AmericaMARCH/APRIL 2013 www.pna-znp.org

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF NORTH AMERICA

Happy Easter

Wesołego Alleluja

(USPS 699-120)Published Every 2 MonthThe Official Publication

of the Polish National Alliance6100 n. Cicero AvenueCicago, IL 60646-4385Phone: (773) 286-0500

Fax: (773) 286-0842www.pna-znp.org

Polish National Allianceof US of NA

Wesley E. MusialCensor

Irene S. GrabowyVice Censor

Executive CommitteeFrank J. Spula

PresidentTeresa N. Abick

Vice PresidentPaul C. Odrobina

Vice PresidentDavid G. Milcinovic

Vice President, Union of Poles DivisionCharles A. Komosa

National SecretaryMarian Grabowski

Treasurer

Send all articles, correspondenceand materials to:

ZGODA MagazineAlicja Kuklinska

Editore-mail: zgoda@pna-znp.org

6100 n. Cicero AvenueCicago, IL 60646

Ewa WisniewskaGraphic Designer

Periodycals–Postage Paid at Chicago, Illinois and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send addresschanges to Zgoda, c/o PNA

6100 N. Cicero AvenueChicago, IL 60646-4385

Change of addressor interruption in subscription matters

contact:PNA Address Dept. (ext. 366)

or e-mail: sophie.gajda@pna-znp.org

Cover: Woman in traditional Polish cloths ,Cieszyn Silesia region,holding basket with Easter eggs.Photo by: Slawomir Purgal

5 - 17 Fraternal News• Elections, Conventions, Socials, Spelling Bee • Congratulations to Stephanie T. Urman• “Orlęta” Dance Group• Elizabeth Rudzinski - Commissioners Sales Contest Winner• 5oth Anniversary of two Detroit Schools

20 - 24 Sports & Youth• PNA Golf Open Winner • We are Proud of... meet two exceptional young PNA members

25 - 27 Education• Easter Bonnet Parade • Youth trip to Poland• Scholarship• Summer Youth Course in Orchard Lake, MI

28-30 Welcome New Members!

31 - Tuition Rewards - new fraternal benefit

32-38 - Life of Polonia• “Wici” in Mexico• Studniówka (Polish Prom) in Chicago • Pulaski Day in Chicago• Kościuszko Monument makeover

38-39 In Memoriam

40-41 Living Well - all about stress

42 Polish Easter

43-44 Bon Appétit - Easter recipes

45 - 46 Your Money• Calculate your insurance needs• IRA

The publisher is not responsible for the contents of submitted articles and reserves the right to editing and picture selection.

Images submitted should be at least 300DPI resolution. Poor quality photographs will not be considered for publication.

All submitted materials and photographs become property of the Zgoda and might be used to promote the Polish National Alliance.

The Publisher is not responsible for the return of submitted materials or pictures unless request was made and self-addressed and pre-paid envelope provided.

Con

tent

s

March, 2013

Dear Members and Readers,

Here at the Home Office, we are excited and pleased to bring you a fresh look to our fraternal newspaper, which has been published for over a century. We have appointed a new Editor to oversee the publication of the Zgoda, Ms. Alicja Kuklinska.

At the last convention held in Minneapolis, numer-ous topics were presented to the delegates, many of which included changes for the organization, includ-ing a new web site, an improved Zgoda, lowering of expenses, improving sales, etc... As an organization we need to respond to these suggestions and implement changes. We need to build for the future with an eye toward the constancy of change. As an organization, the goal is not to only triumph today but to make certain we exist tomorrow. Succeeding in the future doesn’t necessarily mean or require major innovations or new directions. It is often using the tools you have and just repositioning and reinforcing them.

Since the last convention, the organization has maintained reaching out to others in the community, introduced new programs and cut down on operation-al expenses of the organization. It has also been ad-dressing the issues of low interest rates and investment yields that have been affecting operations since 2008.

I am certain as a member you see the world chang-ing around you. Pundits in every field are talking about them. Change has become the biggest cliché in our

President’s Corner

3

generation. As an organization, we need to accept these new demands of our members and fulfill their requests. We are no different than any other organiza-tion or company providing services to its members.

Starting in 2013, the bi-monthly edition of Zgoda will be published every second month. As you can see, the new format is somewhat different; it is all in color, printed on a higher quality of paper and the articles are tailored to our members. We hope you accept the changes and are pleased as we are excited in providing them to you.

As an organization, we are implementing internal changes so we could meet the future. We will contin-ue on our way and conquer any challenges; we will not miss opportunities to improve the benefits for the members of the Polish National Alliance.

Thank you to all the members for your membership. We also welcome all potential members. Please visit our web-site or call our offices and become part of our fraternal family.

On behalf of the Officers, Directors and Employees of the Polish National Alliance, we wish you a Happy Easter!

Fraternally,

Frank J. SpulaPresident

4

March, 2013

Dear Members,

I was very proud and pleased to accept my appointment for the ZGODA Editor.

A few words of introduction: I was born, raised and educated in Poland and came to United States many years ago. Having a degree from the Univer-sity of Warsaw in Polish Literature, Language and teaching thereof I am a passionate educator. Coming to this country, I continued my education and expanded my abilities. I am still learning, currently attending post-graduate studies. I was fortunate to become an employee of the Polish National Alli-ance, an organization dedicated to furthering the causes of the Polish Com-munity in the United States. Not having any family in the US (except for my wonderful and patient husband Jeffrey and two Scottish terriers, I committed my time to learning, teaching and now editing the ZGODA.

I will do my best to make our publication interesting, enlightening and appealing.

Reading this edition, you probably noticed some changes already. We print our ZGODA on a better quality paper and have a talented graphic designer Ms. Ewa Wisniewska making our publication more refined.

Having many ideas myself, I look forward to hear from you. Please share your comments and ideas with me by writing or sending me an e-mail. Let me know what is happening in your Lodge, in your community and in your fam-ily. I strongly encourage you to send your submissions as an attachment, via E-mail. Make sure the pictures you send are of a good quality – at least 300 DPI resolution. We will not be able to publish photographs printed on regular paper or cutouts from the local papers.

Since our ZGODA is printed bi-monthly now, with many fraternal news stories to cover, and a lot of new member’s pictures to put in, I was not able to share with you some of the things (segments) I have worked on. I will share them with you in the next issue. There will be something about our history, heritage, news from Poland and more... You will just have to wait, read and tell me what you think.

I wish you all a Happy Easter and wonderful Spring.

Most Sincerely,

Alicja Kuklinska Editor

From the Editor

“Zmartwychwstały

Chrystus przynosi

ludzkości miłość,

która przebacza i

otwiera serca

na nadzieję”

Jan Paweł II

Radosnych,

wypełnionych

nadzieją i pokojem

Świąt Wielkanocnych

życzy czytelnikom

Zgody

Redakcja

Alicja Kuklińska &

Ewa Wiśniewska

5

Franternal New

s

W środę 27 lutego 2013 r. odbyło się sprawozdawczo–wyborcze zebranie Gminy 91. Do komisji wyborczej zostali wybrani: Julita Siergiejewicz i Andrzej Mikołaj-czyk. Przeprowadzone głosowanie

Wybory nowych urzędników w Gminie 91.

Zaprzysiężenie nowego zarządu Gminy 91 przyjęła dyrektor ZNP Irena Hercik. Od lewej: Elżbieta Cimochowicz, Tomasz Dąbrowski, Stanisława Rawicka, Marek Duszczyk, Anna Wińska-Bajena i Bogusław Niemczewski.

Nowy zarząd razem z członkami Komisji Wyborczej. Od lewej: Julita Siergiejewicz, Anna Wińska-Bajena, Tomasz Dąbrowski, Stanisława Rawicka, Marek Duszczyk, Andrzej Mikołajczyk, Elżbieta Cimochowicz i Bogusław Niemczewski.

wykazało, że na niektórych stanow-iskach pozostały te same osoby.I tak, pozycję prezeski dalej sprawuje Stanisława Rawicka, wiceprezesa Tomasz Dąbrowski, wiceprezeski Elżbieta Cimocho-wicz, skarbnika Bogusław Niem-czewski, natomiast ,,nową” sekre-tarką protokółową została Anna Wińska–Bajena, a marszałkiem

Marek Duszczyk. Przysięgę nowowybranych urzędników odebrała dyrektorka Związku Narodowego Polskiego Irena Hercik.

Na spotkaniu omawiana była sprawa majowych wyborów Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej, kandydatów na poszczególne stanowiska, także członkowie gminnego zarządu złożyli spra-wozdania ze swojej działalności, jak również podany został kalen-darz zebrań i imprez na rok 2013. W najbliższym czasie planowana jest impreza z okazji urodzin Jana Pawła II, która obchodzona jest już od wielu lat, w listopadzie również zgodnie z tradycją zorganizowany będzie indykowy obiad na święto Dziękczynienia. Natomiast latem Gmina 91 planuje piknik w plene-rze w jednym z chicagowskich parków.

Gmina 91 zawsze była aktywna w swojej działalności i tego należy życzyć zarządowi i wszystkim członkom na najbliższy rok 2013.

Tekst i zdęjciaKrystyna Białasiewicz.

Orlando, Florida Lodge 2016 elected officers for 2013 on No-vember 18th. Prior to the elec-tion, Lodge members and their guest enjoyed a pot luck supper. The new officers include:

President: Stella Boncler

Vice President: Al Schwarz

Financial Secretary:Mary Jo Odahowski

Recording Secretary: Marcella Bush

Treasurer: Stella Boncler

Sergeant-at-Arms: Ann Kujawski

Audit Committee:William J. Odahowski and David Odahowski

Delegates to Council 210: Stella Bonler, Paul Boncler,Marcella Bush,David Odahowski,Mary Jo Odahowski,William J. Odahowski,Al Schwarz;

Alternate Delegates:Bernice Yurcisin,Stella Campbell

Marcella Bush

New officers from left: Ann Kujawski,Al Schwarz, Stella Boncler,Mary Jo Odahowski, Marcella Bush, Bernice Yurcisin, William J. Odahowski; seated is Stella Campbell.

Orlando Florida Lodge 3216 Holds Election

Fraternal New

s

ZGODA march/april 20136

Frat

erna

l New

s

New Britain, CT. On December 30, 2012, PNA

Lodge #2093 elected new officers and conducted an InstallationCeremony for the Officers who will guide the lodge in 2013.

Those elected were:Chester Klymczuk President,John Fahey 1st Vice-President,Izabela Wroblewska,2nd Vice-Vice President,Mark Mordasiewicz Treasurer, Henry Perucki Secretary

John Wallace Sr. and Diana Levesque were elected to the House Committee while Richard Ringwood, Stanley Wojciak, and Barbara Zakrzewska were elected to the Board of Directors.

After the Installation Ceremony, the newly elected officers were congratulated and everyone retired to the canteen forrefreshments.

Henry PeruckiSecretary, Lodge #2093

The newly elected officers of Lodge 2093. Seated l-r Mark Mordasiewicz, Chester Klymczuk, Izabela Wroblewska, and Henry Perucki. Standing l-r John Wallace Sr. Barbara Zakrzewska, Stanley Wojciak, and Richard Ringwood. Missing are John Fahey and Diana Levesque.

Pictured left to right front row: Gilbert J. Sherman, President; Installing Officer, former Commissioner PNA District 1, Mickey Vadnais; Adella Strycharz, Recording Secretary/Treasurer, and former PNA Di-rector Region “A” Teresa Struziak Sherman, Financial Secretary/Sales Representative.

Back row: Gene Kirejczyk, Second Vice President and Auditor, and Mitchell Nowak, First Vice President and Auditor.

PNA Lodge 2093 of New Britain Connecticut Elects

New Offices for 2013.

LODGE 711 PNA CONDUCTS 2013 ELECTIONS

Baltimore, MD., on December 9th, 2012, Holy Rosary Church celebrates 125 years of service to the Polish community. Jubilee gifts were presented to the church by members of groups and organizations of Holy Rosary. Council 21 had Krakowiaki dancers present the offertory gift of Sacristan Bells. Marta Rybczynski and Amanda Davis carried the Bells, Julia and Olivia Stanitski carried PNA emblem. Agnieszka Krajewski, lodge 238, displays Bells. Celebration Mass was followed by grand dinner.

James Mislak (Council 21)

Chicopee, MA: Members of Lodge 711 PNA of Chicopee, MA

held their annual meeting and elec-tion of officers for the year 2013

at the Pulaski Club, Willimansett, MA on December 2, 2012. Install-

ing officer, former Commissioner District 1 PNA, Mickey Vadnais, Chairman of Elections, adminis-tered the oath of office to officers

and elected delegates.

The energetic team is ready to begin a fruitful year of sup-

port for the great ideals of our Polish National Alliance.

Sto Lat!

HOLY ROSARY CHURCH125th Jubilee Celebration

7

Washington, D.C. – Stephanie Urman, member of Lodge 848 (“Polish American Society of Washing-ton, D.C. PNA Lodge 848, Inc.”), graduated in May 2012, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg Virginia), where she received two degrees. Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance as well as a BS in Management, with a concentration in Human Resources and a minor in sociology and graduated with a 3.59 GPA. During her years at Virginia Tech, Stephanie was active in her sorority Kap-pa Kappa Gamma and also worked a number of on-Cam-pus jobs, with Mechanical Engineering, Parking Services, and Virginia Tech Sports Clubs.

During the summer after her graduation, Stephanie worked in the corporate offices of Geeknet as a Finance Intern. Geeknet, an online retailer, provided the perfect climate for her development as a young professional. She learned the different aspects of finance and accounting and developed her technical skills using their record keeping and financial planning software. As a member of the Financial Plan-ning and Analysis team, Stephanie worked closely with the CFO, Controller, and Vice President of Finance. She also had the opportunity to model products for her Geeknet’s retail site, ThinkGeek.com. Pictures of her modeling various products, like the wooden watch shown in this picture, an inflatable unicorn, and a shark shaped sleeping bag, can be found on this site. In the early October, Stephanie began her employ-ment with Accenture, a major consulting firm, as a financial analyst based out of Arlington, Virginia. She is working with the Federal Service side of Accenture on the Public Safety team. Her main focus is invoic-ing federal clients, maintaining accurate records for various contracts, and forecasting financial data for these contracts. Accenture will be hosting an annual day of service this November which allows groups of their employees to spend a day volunteering with local organizations.

Stephanie, a member of 100% PNA family, is the daughter of Tom and Tracy Urman, and lives with her parents and sister, Sabrina, in Vienna, Virginia. She is the grand-daughter of Lodge 848 Past President, Wally Urman and his wife Anne, the Lodge long-time Financial Secretary. Stephanie is the niece of Teresa Urman Buckoski, PNA Director, “Region D” and

President of Lodge 848 and LTC (Ret) Brian S. Buck-oski. She has received both Lodge 848 and National PNA scholarships, which helped her during the course of her studies at Virginia Tech. She enjoys spending time with her friends, watching sports, spending time at the gym, and community service events. She is currently the PNA Lodge 848 Vice President.

Newly elected D.C. Lodge 848 Vice President Stephanie Urman (center) is pictured at her 2012 graduation with fellow VP Brian Buckoski and Regional Director/Lodge 848 President Teresa Urman Buckoski.

Thank you Letter to Vice President Teresa Abick, Educational Department:

Dear Mrs. Abick,

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking an in-terest in developing the educational goals of young PNA members. I really appreciate all of the support you have shown me through considering my scholarship applications and rewarding my efforts. The scholarships that were given to me by the PNA made a big difference in my life and in making college more affordable. Because of the positive results my family has seen from the PNA scholarship program, my younger sister has also applied for and received PNA scholarships. The benefits of this program have given me, my sister, and many others encouragement and support through our journeys and into our futures.

Thank you again,

Stephanie UrmanSubmitted by Ben Filipczyk, Recording Secretary, Lodge 848

Fraternal New

s

PNALodge 848 Congratulates Stephanie T. Urman

Stephanie Urman with her aunt DirectorTeresa Urman Buckoski and Brian Buckoski.

ZGODA march/april 2013

Silver Bell Club, Lodge 2365Presents a one day trip

April 16, 2013Frederick Meijer Gardens

Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Butterflies Are Blooming” is Meijer’s Garden’s most popular annual exhibition and the largest temporary

tropical exhibit in the nation!

Join Silver Bell Club on the tour to theMeijer Gardens on April 16, 2013,

Departure 7:00 a.m., return approximately 6:00 p.m. Cost: $50 per person includes:

• Round trip deluxe Motor coach accommodations• Admission to the Gardens• A narrated, 45 minutes outdoor tram tour throughout

Sculpture Park, Michigan’s Farm Garden and Ameri-can Horse sculpture.

• Time for shopping and individual touring the gar-dens.

• Lunch at the beautiful Garden’s Cafe

For information and reservation call Laurie 219-947-1411

Reservations & Payments (Cash or checks payable to Silver Bell Club #2365)

Silver Bell ClubP.O. Box 162

Hobart, IN 46342

9

The Polish National Alliance District XVI Commissioners Ania Karwanand Greg Chilecki called together members for the An-nual Convention (Sejmik) which was held on October 13 and 14, 2012, in Orange, California, and hosted by PNA Lodge 3259 (PNA Council 73).

Attending participating Coun-cils were Councils 4, 57, 73, 216, and attending participants from lodges were: from lodges 7, 156, 700, 3259, 3281, 3089 and 3193. We were honored to have as our guest Mr. Charles Komosa, PNA’s National Secretary.

The location of the Sejmik was the Village Theater in Orange, California, which was also the site of this year’s Polish Film Festival in Orange County, showing films from October 12, through October 15, 2012 that delegates and guests could attend after the meetings.

The PNA District 16 Commis-sioners awarded Certificates of Recognition for outstanding service

PNA District 16 Resolutions: Whereas, Polish National Alliance District 16 convened in Orange, Cal-

ifornia on October 13th and October 14th, 2012 at their Annual District Convention and; whereas, all matters of membership and fraternalism were extensively discussed;

Therefore be it resolved, 1. We acknowledge and thank President Frank J. Spula for his leadership

and management of the Polish National Alliance of North America. We wish him continued success and growth of the Polish National Alli-ance as the leading ethnic fraternal in the United States.

2. We thank Lodge 3259 “Piast” in Yorba Linda, its officers and delegates for hosting our PNA District XVI Convention. We wish continued success to Lodge 3259 We recognize their effort and support to the organization.

3. We thank our District XVI Commissioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki for their hard work and dedication in representing PNA mem-bers in District 16, and Director Tony Nowak-Przygodzki representing Region “K”.

4. We thank PNA National Secretary Charles Komosa for his attendance at our PNA District 16 Convention, his insights, guidance for future activities and support during this Convention.

5. We acknowledge our “Person of the Year” for District 16, Basia Jaro-slawska, Yorba Linda - Lodge 3259 for her tireless dedication to her lodge, increasing PNA membership, and her acts of fraternalism on behalf of the Polish National Alliance.

6. We congratulate Rick Kobzi as he was elected to serve as president of the California Fraternal Alliance organization

7. We continue to call for support of the “VISA Waiver Act” for all Polish citizens visiting the United States.

8. We encourage all members of the Polish National Alliance and Polonia in general to participate in their local politics, as a matter of their citi-zenship and civic duties to the state, county, and communities in which they live. We recognize the need to actively participate in the national and local elections.

9. We acknowledge and support the Cause for Canonization to Sainthood of Blessed Pope John Paul II whose life of service to God and people in-spired and touched the lives of billions of Catholics and non-Catholics all over the world. We recognize that Blessed Pope John Paul II elevated the image of Poles worldwide, and inspired Poland to peacefully seek its freedom from Communism, in turn, opening the way to freedom for other Central and Eastern European nations.

10. We congratulate Ania Karwan who was elected as a National Director for the Polish American Congress, Southern California Division.

Submitted by District 16 Commissioner, Ania Karwan.

Fraternal New

s

PNADistrict 16 Annual Convention (Sejmik)

to PNA District 16 to Marlena Hulisz, Barbara Jaroslawski, Alicja Chilec-ki, Maria Renk, Ewa Chrzanowski,Richard Kobzi, Mieczyslaw Sutowski, and Piotr Nowinski.

ZGODA march/april 201310

W niedzielne wczesne popołud-nie, 10 marca 2013 r. w głównej siedzibie Związku Narodowego Polskiego w Chicago, spotkali się przyjaciele i znajomi Gminy 120, członkowie innych związkowych Grup i Gmin. Główny zarząd reprezentowali: wiceprezeska Teresa Abick i sekretarz Karol Komosa, była też dyrektorka Irena Hercik, wiceprezeska Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej Maria Roszek - Kucharska, komisarka Okręgu XII Barbara Wesołowski z Ireną śpiewak, komisarze Okręgu XIII Wanda Juda i Józef Hercik, znany chór Filareci-Dudziarz, także poprzednia dyrektorka Anna Wierzbicka i były komisarz Zenon Olejniczak.

Frat

erna

l New

s

Spotkanie Towarzyskie Gminy 120

Gości powitał prezes Stanisław Magnuszewski, natomiast całe spotkanie prowadziła dyrektorka ZNP, a zarazem wiceprezeska Gminy 120 Wanda Penar.

Na samym początku wystąpiły dzieci z zespołu Małe Wici, którego choreografem jest Anna Strojny przy akordeonowym akompania-mencie Bogumiły Nęckiej. Dzieci ubrane w piękne stroje śpiewały trzy piosenki i wykonały tańce górali żywieckich.

Niedzielne spotkanie było też okazją do zaprzysieżenia nowe-go zarządu Gminy 120, ktrego dokonała wiceprezeska Teresa Ab-ick. I tak prezesem jest Stanisław Magnuszewski, wiceprezeską Wanda Penar, wiceprezesem Hen-ry Zięba, sekretarką finansową i skarbnikiem Maria środoń, sek-retarką protokółową Wanda Juda i marszałkiem Józef Penar.

Przy wejściu gości witały i bilety sprzedawały: Janina Kopacz i Maria środoń z młodym pomocni-kiem Pawłem Sas.

Na spotkanie przybyło liczne grono członków ZNP, rodziny i znajomi. Po lewej dyrektor ZNP Irena Hercik.

W programie wystąpiły dzieci z zespołu Małe Wici, choreograf–Anna Strojny.

Zespół Małe Wici razem z : choreografką Anną Strojny i akompaniatorką Bogumiłą Nęcką, wiceprezeską ZNP Teresą Abick i sekretarzem ZNP Karolem Komosą, całym zarządem Gminy 120, dyrektorką Ireną Hercik, komisarzami Okręgu XII i XIII : Barbarą Wesołowski i Józe-fem Hercikiem, jak i byłą dyrektorką Anną Wierzbicką i byłym komisarzem ZenonemOlejniczakiem i wiceprezeską Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej Marią Roszek–Kucharską.

Zaprzysiężenie nowego zarządu Gminy 120.Od lewej: wiceprezeska Teresa Abick, Wanda Juda, Henry Zięba, Maria Środoń, Stanisław Magnuszewski, Wanda Penar i Józef Penar.

Dwie fantowe i jedną pieniężną loterię z werwą poprowadziła komisarka Wanda Juda. Z prawdzi-wie młodzieńczą energia przy lote-rii pomagali: bracia Karol i Alek-sander Komosa, synowie sekretarza ZNP Karola Komosy i Paweł Sas.

Gmina 120 powstała 94 lata temu i jest jedną z liczniejszych Gmin. Na następny rok życzymy wszystkim członkom i zarządowi dalszej owocnej pracy dla dobra Polonii i naszej największej organi-zacji jaką jest Związek Narodowy Polski.

Krystyna BiałasiewiczFot.: Krystyna Bialasiewicz

11

Fraternal New

s

Sprwozdawczo - wyborcze spotkanie Wydziału Kobiet Okręgu XIII.

W czwartkowy wieczór, 7 marca 2013 r. komisarka Wanda Juda powitała członków i gości na zebraniu Wydziału Kobiet ZNP Okręgu XIII. Gościem z Okręgu XII była komisarka Barbara Wesołowski, przybyła też wiceprezeska Teresa Abick, dyrektorki: Irena Hercik i Stanisława Rawicka, dawna komi-sarka Anna Wierzbicka, wiceprezeska Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej Maria Roszek-Kucharska.

Sprawozdanie ze swojej działalności złożyła sekretarka finansowa Te-resa Winters, także Janina Kopacz odczytała protokół z poprzedniego zebrania, które odbyło się w dniu 6 grudnia poprzedniego roku.

Razem z Elżbietą Cimochowicz odpowie-dzialną za sprawy religijne wszyscy odmówili pacierz za zmarłych członków ZNP, szczególnie za niedawno zmarłą Teresę Buckner, aktywną członkinię Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej. Również wszyscy mieli okazję dowiedzieć się ciekawych wątków z życia św. Ryty, patronki spraw trudnych i beznadziejnych.

Komisja wyborcza w osobach: Małgorzata Szuba i Agnieszka Kamińska ogłosiła, że za członkostwo zapłaciło 50 osób, a w czwartkowym spotkaniu udział brało 28 osób. Komisarka Okręgu XII, Barbara We-sołowski obebrała przysięgę od wszystkich członków uprawnionych do głosowania. Głosami większości

ustalono, że skład urzędników Wydziału Kobiet aż do najbliższego Sejmu pozostanie niezmieniony. Prezeską pozostanie więc Wanda Juda, sekretarką protokółową Janina Kopacz, sekretarką finansową Teresa Winters i Elżbieta Cimochowicz odpowiedzialna za sprawy

religijne. Korzystając z obecności

wielu prezesek związkowch Gmin i Grup zebranie było okazją do przekaza-nia najświeższych wiado-mości na temat spotkań i imprez w najbliższym czasie. I tak wiceprezeska Teresa Abick poinformo-wała o spotkaniu z alergo-logiem dr. Anną Szpindor, Gmina 91 będzie trady-cyjnie obchodziła w maju urodziny św.p. Jana Pawła II, Gmina 41 zaprosiła na obiad i wyścigi konne w

Maywood, a Gmina 120 jak i Grupa 1474 na swoje spotkania towarzyskie. Gmina 3 urządza tradycyjne Józefinki, natomiast komisarka Okręgu XII, Barba-ra Wesołowski zaprosiła wszystkich na obchody św. Patryka.

Miłym akcentem była urodzinowa czekolada, któ-rą dostali wszyscy obecni na spotkaniu.

Na koniec zebrania wszyscy złożyli sobie życzenia z okazji świąt Wielkanocnych, a także imieninowe życzenia Józefinkom i Józefom przypadające na dzień 19 marca.

Krystyna Białasiewicz

Uczestniczki zebrania Wydzialu Kobiet

Fot.:Wanda Juda

Od lewej: Elżbieta Cimochowicz z Grupy 2514 ,przedstawicielka Grupy 2514 Halina Marszangi prezeska Grupy 877 Maria Roszek - Kucharska.

Fot.:Krystyna Bialasiewicz

ZGODA march/april 2013

i przyjaznej atmosfery. Chłopcy i dziewczęta z Zespołu „Orlęta” witali w dziwach przybywających na salę gości, zakładając im na szyję karnawałowe korale i czę-stując lampką wina. Tym razem powierzono „Orlętom” serwowa-nie obiadów oraz przeprowadzenie loterii fantowej. „Orleta” rozbawiły gości krótkim programem rozryw-kowym przygotowanym specjalnie na tę okazję. Cieszy nas bardzo, że wśród nas jest wiele młodych rodzin, które mają chęć pracować dla wspólnego dobra. Wysiłek organizatorów nie poszedł na mar-ne. Było to wspaniałe spotkanie rozrywkowe naszej kochanej mło-dzieży wraz z rodzicami i licznym gronem przyjaciół. Wszyscy goście bawili się wesoło i miejmy nadzieję, że w przyszłości będą nas rów-nież wspierać. Następną okazją do wspólnego spotkania będzie Bankiet połączony z koncertem na 40-tą rocznicę istnienia Zespo-łu Tanecznego „Orlęta” jesienią tego roku, na który zapraszamy Państwa wraz z przyjaciółmi. W konkluzji pragniemy przekazać jak najserdeczniejsze podziękowa-nie, dla każdego nie wymieniając nazwisk, kto przekazał donacje lub fanty na rozgrywkę wspierając Zespół Taneczny Orłęta. Słowa uznania dla Kierownictwa Klubu Białego Orła, za włożoną pracę w przygotowaniu sali na naszą zabawę, pracownikom w kuchni za smaczny obiad, Rodzi-com Orłąt za obfite zaopatrzenie szwedzkiego stołu i wiele innych usług podczas i po zabawie, Orkie-strze za wspaniałe granie, Orlętom za występy i włożoną pracę i szcze-gólnie dla Heleny i Wojtka za trud i poświecenie i kierowniczą role tej nadzwyczajnej zabawy. Bóg Zapłać i Szczęść Boże.

W. Knapczyk i W. Górniak,Photo: A. Więciorkowski

Lemont, Illinois- Members of the PNA Lodge 1824 on January 30,2013 held their meeting and

election of officers for year 2013. The elected officers

are as follows:

President:Jerzy Hejna,

Vice President:Marian Grabowski,

Lady Vice President:Harriet Mulka,

Treasurer:Witold Urbanowicz,

Financial Secretary:Agata Czerwosz,

Recording Secretary:Bogumila Hejna and

Sergeant At Arms:Joseph Dobersztyn.

12

Newly Elected Officers for PNA

Lodge 1824Z

W sobotę 19 stycznia 2013 roku na sali balowej Klubu Biały Orzeł odbyła się zabawa karnawało-wa zorganizowana przez Zespół Taneczny “Orlęta”. Dochód z zabawy przeznaczony zostanie na

potrzeby prowadzenia Zespołu, głównie na zakup nowych kostiu-mów.

Zorganizowaniem zabawy zajęli się Dyrektorka Zespołu Helena Knapczyk oraz instruktor Wojtek Górniak wraz z rodzicami, któ-rzy okazali poświęcenie i pomoc zarówno w przygotowaniach jak również w czasie zabawy.

Mimo okresu świątecznego i panującej grypy, cieszyliśmy się poparciem Polonii i zaszczyceni byliśmy obecnością honorowych gości ze Związku Narodowego Polskiego na stan Connecticut.

Udekorowana na tę okazję sala, obfity bufet z przekąskami, wspaniały zespół muzyczny „To My” wprowadziły nastrój wesołej

abawa Karnawałowa Zespołu Tanecznego Orlęta

Od lewej: Komisarz i Komisarka Z.N.P. Koziol, Dube, Iwona i Wojtek Gorniak, stoi: Ela Lechowicz Z.N.P, Grupa 513

Orleta Taniec Kowbojski By: Bogumila Hejna, Recording Secretary

Frat

erna

l New

s

Fraternal New

s

MThe District 16 Commissioners sponsored a Commis-

sioners Sales Contest running from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The goal of the Commissioners was to encourage agents to sell more policies for the 2012 year, and with that in mind we made a sales contest.

We thank Elizabeth Rudziński, Richard Kobzi, Tony Nowak- Przygodzki, Maria Renk and Marek Osicki, agents that challenged themselves to sell at least two more policies for 2012 than what they sold in 2011and to improve their own sales results.

Thank you also to Barbara Jaroslawski for increasing her number of annuity sales from last year.

The results of the District XVI Commissioners Sales Contest: Mrs. Rudziński was awarded $100 prize for the most premiums generated and another $100 prize for the most number of policies sold. There was an additional award drawing open to agents that sold at least two more policies in 2012 than they did in 2011. The lucky recipient of that $100 prize award was Maria Renk.

Congratulations to the winners and to all that partici-pated in the contest!

Greg Chilecki, Commissioner, District XVI

rs. Elizabeth Rudzinski – District XVI Commissioners Sales Contest Winner

13

On the picture, from left:Lodge Vice President – Richard Joachim,Delegate to Council 113 – Donna Joachim,Treasurer – Frank Wojnar,Secretary – Edward Swiderski,Lodge President – Gregory Swiderski,Delegate to Council 113 – Cindy Vitus,Auditor – Zbigniew Witkowski,Auditor – Stephanie Cleghorn,Club manager – Miroslaw Swiderski,Sergeant at Arms – Oscar Porath.

By Lodge 1291 Secretary – Edward Swiderski

ElizabethCommissioner Greg Chilecki handing the prize

to Mrs. Elizabeth Rudziński

Związek Narodowy PolskiTow. Kazimierza Pułaskiego

Grupa 1291 ZWIĄZKU NARODOWEGO POLSKIEGOAMSTERDAM, N.Y.

February, 2013

Związek Narodowy PolskiTow. Kazimierza Pułaskiego

Grupa 1291 ZWIĄZKU NARODOWEGO POLSKIEGOAMSTERDAM, N.Y.

February, 2013

Lodge 1291 held its monthly meeting and swearing-in ceremony on January 10, 2013.

ZGODA march/april 2013

Frat

erna

l New

s

Detroit, MI – On February 2, 2013 Polish Alliance Dancers and General Pulaski Polish Language school, both of Council 54- Lodge 2525, celebrated their 50th Jubilee anniversary at SS Peter & Paul’s church, on Detroit’s Westside.

The snowstorm that blew into town provided a slight delay to the almost 400 in attendance. The evening opened with the National Anthems beautifully sung by Ben-jamin Timpf and Krysia Wallag. POLANIE Song & Dance Ensem-ble, the adult sister group to Polish Alliance Dancers, then started the evening with the formal and very appropriate Polonez. Christine Kryszko, Director for 30 years of both schools and founder of PO-LANIE 17 years ago, welcomed the guests that include Polonian leaders from the Polish National Alliance, Polish American Congress, Polish Scouting of Michigan, Polish media and others. The Intermediates, Juniors, Seniors, Teen POLANIE and POLANIE, as well several of the language students, each per-

formed for the audience. Christine thanked and intro-

duced all of the teachers and choreographers: Anna Ligendza and Anna Bankowska, language; Tomasz Kielar, Natalia Jedruszko and Krysia Sitko, dance.

Sherry Cauchon, PNA Lodge 2525 President and former Asst. Director of POLANIE, welcomed the guests and introduced Mrs. Teresa Abick, PNA National Vice President, keynote speaker for the evening. Mrs. Abick presented an award of recognition and medal to Christine Kryszko and Wendy Chrobak, along with awards to language teachers Anna Ligendza and Anna Bankowska. Donna Kutylowski Czeski, Secretary for both schools and Vice President of Lodge 2525, presented the schools with a certificate from the City of Dearborn.

Christine started with the school as a mom in 1977 becoming a Youth Coordinator (Later known as Director) a few years later. All three of her children were students

of the school. Wendy Chrobak has been with the schools in various capacities over her twenty five years of service. Christine was also presented with the Recognition of Achievement certificate from the Polish Consulate and Lifetime

Two Detroit Polish Schools Celebrate 50 years

Achievement Award from the schools; Wendy received a Lifetime Service Award from the schools. In addition, each received the Pres-idential “Call to Service award” in recognition for their more than 4000 hours of volunteer service over their lifetime. This award will be officially presented at a later time.

Later in the evening PNA Com-

missioners Stella Szczesny and Tom Schemanski presented a beautiful pendant to the Polish language teachers, Anna Ligendza and Anna Bankowski, along with Christine and Wendy. And, a great point of the evening was their husband’s re-ceiving a “Spirit Award” – a bottle of Sobieski vodka!

Anna Ligendza has been teach-ing nearly 25 years and Anna Ban-kowski for 26 years. Anna Ligendza is very active with organizing Mass-es for Radio Maryja and preparing students in Polish history, culture and language. Ania Bankowski, in

Fraternal New

s

Awards Presented to the Schools:• Congratulatory letter for both schools on the 50th

anniversary from the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland

• City of Dearborn certificate of recognition• Senator Debbie Stabenow certificate of recognition• City of Detroit’s Mayor David Bing letter of congrat-

ulations

Recognition for Teachers, Anna Ligendza(22 Years of Service) and Anna Bankowski(26 years of Service) each receiving:

• Recognition award from Polish National Alliance presented by Teresa Abick, PNA Vice President

• Letter of recognition by Senator Carl Levin• Certificate of Achievement for many years of service

presented by General Pulaski Language School• Dyplom Uznania from the Consulate General of the

Republic of Poland • Pendant presented by PNA Commissioners Stella

Szczesny & Tom Schemanski

Recognition for Christine Kryszko, volunteer Director for 30 Years

• Dyplom Uznania for Christine Kryszko• Award of appreciation and Medal of recognition

from Polish National Alliance presented by Mrs. Teresa Abick, Vice President PNA

• Lifetime Achievement Award for 30 years as a volun-teer Director

• Presidential Call to Service Award presented for > 4000 hrs of volunteer over a lifetime

• Pendant presented by PNA Commissioners Stella Szczesny & Tom Schemanski

Recognition for Wendy Chrobak, volunteer for 25 Years

• Award of appreciation and Medal of recognition from Polish National Alliance presented by Mrs. Teresa Abick, Vice President PNA

• Lifetime Service Award for 25 years as a volunteer in various capacities

• Presidential Call to Service Award presented for > 4000 hrs of volunteer over a lifetime

• Pendant presented by PNA Commissioners Stella Szczesny & Tom Schemanski

“Spirit Award” Recognition for the husbands, Tony Kryszko, Edward Chrobak, Pawel Ligendza & Walter Bankowski presented by PNA Commissioners Stella Szczesny & Tom Schemanski

Awards Presented on the 50th Anniversary of Polish Alliance Dancers and General

Pulaski Language School

15

fact, started with the dance school since its inception in 1963. Anna Bankowski is also very active in the Polish American Congress and Polish Scouting Organization.

The schools also received recognition. IN addition to the City of Dearborn, there were: Congratulatory letter from the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland; Certificate of Recognition from Senator Debbie Stabenow; congratulatory letter from PNA National Director Sandra Schuster of North Dakota; and, Letter of Congratulations from the City of Detroit’s Mayor David Bing.

Following dinner, the celebration continued long into the night to the sounds of “Music by Rytm”.

For 50 years these schools have lived up to its mis-sion of educating and promoting authentic folk dance, Polish culture, customs and history and provided this opportunity to many of Detroit Polonian children and young adults. The foresight of the schools’ founder, Helen Jasienowicz was especially remembered during the Jubilee celebration. The members of Polish Alliance Dancers and General Pulaski Polish Language School are very active in the Detroit community as well as the state of Michigan. Polish Alliance Dancers have been thrilling audiences at church festivals, parades, and many Polish National Alliance, Polonian and American events. They were even part of the movie “Our Polish Story”, a documentary on Detroit’s Polonia.

The General Pulaski Polish Language School’s members have participating in many cultural events sponsored by the school: Dozynki, Jaselka, Wigilia, May 3rd Constitution Day, to name a few. The school is presently the only PNA sponsored Polish Language school in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The school offers pre-schoolers through adults an opportunity to learn Polish. The youngest learn the Polish language through nursery rhymes, songs and games, while the advanced classes offer opportunities to learn the lan-guage, geography, history and culture and traditions.

The Board of Directors for Polish Alliance Dancers, General Pulas-ki Language School and POLANIE Song & Dance Ensemble include: Christine Kryszko, Director; Christine Berryman, Asst. Director Pol-ish Alliance Dancers; Ela Hassen, Gen. Pulaski Language School; Te-resa Jedruszko, Treasurer; Donna Kutylowski, Secretary; and, Mary Sitko, Asst. Director POLANIE.

Article and pictures submitted by Ms. Mary Sitko.

16 ZGODA march/april 2013

The Polish National Alliance District 16 Commis-sioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki hosted the annual PNA District 16 Spelling Bee which was held on February 23 2013, in Yorba Linda, California.

Participants were from PNA Lodge 700 and PNA Lodge 3259, lodges of PNA Council 73.

A SPELLING BEE is a compe-tition where contestants, children grades 1st through 8th, are asked to spell words.

The concept is thought to have originated in the United States.

The US National Spelling Bee was by The Cou-rier-Journal the newspaper of Louisville, Kentucky. Frank Neuhauser (11 years old), won the 1st National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in 1925. The nine finalists were invited to meet Calvin Coolidge at the White House, a tradition followed by presidents for most of the ensuing 86 years of the United States contest

In 1941, the Scripps Howard News Service acquired sponsorship of the program, and the name changed to the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee (later simply “Scripps National Spelling Bee”). As well as covering the 50 U.S. states, several competitors also come from Canada, the Bahamas, New Zealand and Europe.

In the United States, spelling bees are annually held from local levels up to the level of the Scripps National Spelling Bee which awards a cash prize to the winner.

The final authority for words is the Merriam-Web-ster unabridged dictionary, the Webster’s Third New International Dictionary. The annual study list is available from Scripps, either online or in print.

In the history of the Scripps National Spelling Bee the most common word used in the competition is “connoisseur”.

Elaborated from the Internet byAlicja Kuklinska

Fraternal New

s

PNA District 16 Spelling Bee

PNA District 16 Spelling Bee competition. Pictured left to right: PNA Commissioner Greg Chilecki (Judge), Elizabeth Rudzinski (Judge), Alexander Iwan, Julia Kozlowski, Jake Jedruszczak, Natalie Curren, Krystian Kazimierski, Tomek Tuszynski, Barbara Jaroslawski (Judge), PNA Commissioner Ania Karwan (Pronoucer)

Competing students were Alexander Iwan, Julia Kozlowski, Jake Jedruszczak, Natalie Curren, Krys-tian Kazimierski, and Tomek Tuszynski.

The judges of election were PNA Commissioner Greg Chilecki, Elizabeth Rudzinski, and Barbara Jaroslawski. PNA Commissioner Ania Karwan was the pronouncer.

The winner of the District 16 Spelling Bee Com-petition was Julia Kozlowski. Julia was given a $50.00 gift card from the PNA District 16 Com-missioners. As the winner, Julia qualified to go to Chicago, Illinois, to represent PNA District 16 in the Polish National Alliance’s National Spelling Bee competition on April 13, 2013.

The PNA District 16 Commissioners thank all of our participants, their parents, and the volunteers for making this a successful event. Congratulations Julia Kozlowski, and we wish you good luck in the national competition!

Submitted by Ania Karwan,Commissioner - District XVI

17

Wishing you

Easter

peace, love, and happinessat

and always.Executive OfficersFrank J. Spula–PresidentTeresa N. Abick–Vice PresidentPaul C. Odrobina–Vice PresidentDavid G. Milcinovic–Vice President, Union of Poles, Division of PNACharles A. Komosa–SecretaryMarian Grabowski–Treasurer

POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE6100 N. CICERO AVENUECHICAGO, IL 60646TEL.: 773-286-0500website: www.pna-znp.org

PNA DIRECTORS Region of Wanda Penar HNiles, IL

Stanislawa Rawicki HPark Ridge, IL

John H. Ray IBremond, TX

Sandra S. Schuster JMinto, ND

Anthony W. KNowak-PrzygodzkiCorona, CA

Allan R. Szuflada LHinckley, OH

Walter W. Tokarz ARehoboth, MA

Tadeusz Kutarba BClifton, NJ

Conrad J. Sobczak CErie, PA

Teresa U. Buckoski DGlenn Dale, MD

Val Pawlos EPittsburgh, PA

Bernadette C. Zubel FParma, OH

Joseph A. Samreta GHobert, IN

Christine V. Domalewski HOak Lawn, IL

Irene T. Hercik HChicago, IL

Wishing youpeace, love, and happiness

DISTRICT VIRenata M. JodlowskiPhiladelphia, PA James E. MislakBaltimore, MD

DISTRICT VIIDawne M. GriffithTaylor, PA

Michael G. MatikoDuryea, PA

DISTRICT VIIIDavid M. SinclairWestmoreland City, PA

DISTRICT IXAnn Marie GdulaBridgeport, OH

DISTRICT XStella G. SzczesnyHamtramck, MI

Thomas M. SchemanskiHamtramck, MI

DISTRICT XIBernice A. KrauzeSt. Louis, MO

John A. BarasEureka, MO

DISTRICT XIIBarbara J. WesolowskiOrland Park, IL

Jerzy W. HejnaPalos Hills, IL

DISTRICT XIIIWanda JudaChicago, IL

Joseph F. HercikChicago, IL

DISTRICT XIVTeresa A. JankowskiSaint Francis, WI

Gary W. BabinskiMinto, ND

DISTRICT XVMary S. WozniakRolling Prairie, IN

George S. Gustas Crown Point, IN

DISTRICT XVIAnia KarwanYorba Linda, CA

Greg G. ChileckiOrange, CA

DISTRICT XVIIJane C. PtakWalton Hills, OH

Edward R. SobczynskiParma, OH

Supervisory Council

CENSORWesley E. Musial Philadelphia, PA

VICE CENSORIrene S. Grabowy Bristol, CT

DISTRICT IJeannie M. ZapalaLudlow, MA

Frank A. WolaninHolyoke, MA

DISTRICT IIMarianna Koziol-DubeUnionville, CT

Donald DubeUnionville, CT

DISTRICT IIIHelen M. Kostecki-PaterValley Stream, NY

Marian J. WierciochCohoes, NY

DISTRICT IVRichard H. KuczkowskiWebster, NY

DISTRICT VCzeslawa (Trish) BuczkowskiWallington, NJ

Stanley M. DunajNorth Arlington, NJ

Gol

f

Spor

ts &

You

th

Chicago, Illinois - The Polish National Alliance host-ed their 23nd Annual Golf Open at the Maple Mead-ows Country Club in Wood Dale, Illinois. Vice Presi-dent Paul C. Odrobina chaired the event.

A banquet and awards were given to the winners. There was a special raffle at the end of the award cer-emony for a few special prizes where tickets were sold. The main prize was Four tickets to a Chicago Black-hawks Hockey game, that included, parking pass in the VIP parking, 4 seats up by the glass at the Blackhawk blue line, and dinner at the Kettle One Club Restau-rant. This prize was donated by Impact Networking.

On September 26th, Anthony Deszcz and Chris Zvirbulis of Impact Networking presented the lucky winner with his prize. Tomasz Pawelko whose lucky ticket was drawn that day, arrived to PNA Vice Presi-dent Paul Odrobina’s office to claim his prize. He was accompanied by former PNA Vice President Stanley Jendzejec. Tomasz will be enjoying an evening that will be memorable.

Photos and Story by:Robert M. Jadach

(from l-r) Anthony Deszcz, Chris Zvirbulis, Tomasz Pawelko, Stanley Jendzejec and Vice President Paul C. Odrobina.

PNA GOLF OPEN WINNER AWARDED PRIZE

Polish American Nightwith

the Chicago Fire!SAT AUGUST 10 7:30 PM

VS

888.MLS.FIRE chicago-fire.comH H H H

On this special night, Polish American families and friends have the opportunity to purchase Premier

Tickets which are regularly $40 for only $22!

To Purchase Please CallPaul Odrobina, Vice President

Polish National Alliance1-800-621-3723 Ext. 314

For questions, please contactEd Kaczynski at 708-496-6784

Please note that tickets are subject to availability and due to high demand, we encourage you to order tickets as soon as possible.

#18

CH

RIS

ROLF

E

PARK 7000 S. Harlem Ave. Bridgeview, IL 60455

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/WHITESOXAND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AT @WHITESOX

WHITE SOX VS. BALTIMORE ORIOLESTuesday, July 2, 2013 - 1:10 P.M. U.S. Cellular Field

Show your Polish Pride on Tuesday, July 2nd at U.S. Cellular Field. Back by popular demand is Polish-American Night at the ballpark. Enjoy Polish entertainment at the

gates and then watch an exciting game of White Sox baseball!

In addition to specially priced tickets, you will have the opportunity to participate in a pregame parade on the field! You must arrive by 6:15 pm at Gate 1 on the southeast

side of the stadium to be able to participate. Make sure to request parade passes when you purchase your tickets. Parade Passes are limited to the first 700 tickets

purchased. Don’t hesitate to get your tickets order today!

POLISH-AMERICAN NIGHT

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM

Paul Odrobina, Vice PresidentPolish National Alliance1-800-621-3723, ext. 316

-----

Anna Sokolowski, Vice PresidentPolish Roman Catholic Union

1-800-772-8632, ext. 2601

-----

Paul Sadowski, President of District IIPolish Falcons

1-(847) 877-4114

-----

Sharon Zago, Vice PresidentPolish Women’s Alliance1-888-522-1898, ext. 208

LOWER BOX SEATS - $20 (Regularly $40)

ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY MONDAY, JUNE 17th, 2013

PROTE

CTI

ON

�������

��������

FRATERNALISM SER

VIC

E BENEFITS

OF AMERICA

PO

LISH

ROMAN CATHOLIC UNIO

N

Sports & Youth

21

Spor

ts &

You

th

Meet the PNA Lodge 3253 member: Adam Woz ny – E conom ic s and Spanish student at the Northwestern Uni-

versity. He is a graduate of Fenwick High School as well as Pulaski School of Polish Language in Harwood Heights IL, one of the schools with very strong ties to the PNA.

To show his support for his Mom suffering from Mul-tiple Sclerosis in January 2012 he funded Miles for MS. He biked 500 miles, from Cairo IL to the Wisconsin border just north of Harvard IL.

“14 years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I remember being woken up by my dad, who was trying his best to control his fear and anxiety, and being told that we had to go to the hospital. Soon after, my mom, at 31, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclero-sis. It was one of the worst days of her life. After sev-eral years, her MS went into remission, in the spring of 2011, her MS came back. (…) For most of the time, I had coped with my mom having MS by ignoring it. In late 2011, I realized that I would be going away to college, and I wanted to show her that I really did care.”

Adam was able to rise over $ 4,500 last year. This year he will be running a 50K at a Chicago Spring Ul-tramarathon event.

“I couldn’t just stop helping my mom. So, early this past November, I began running. And I hate running. I’m doing it because I know that she hates having to fight a disease that she was powerless in receiving.”

We are hoping that Adam Wozny will be able to fin-ish marathon and raise even more money for the MS research. On behalf of the Polish National Alliance family – Good luck Adam!

(For more information you can visit Adam’s website: www.milesforms.com )

AKMultiple Sclerosis FactsMore than 400,000 people in the United States have MS. An estimated 2,500,000 around the world have MS. Diag-nosis of MS is usually between 20 and 40 years of age. MS affects more women than men, with a ratio of 2:1. About 85 percent of those who are newly diagnosed have the relapsing-remitting form of MS. Without disease-modifying therapy, about one-third of those diagnosed with relaps-ing-remitting MS will be using a wheelchair at 20 years. Among young adults, MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS. MS is not contagious. MS is a progressive disease for which there is not yet a cure.

Meet Daniel Szefer, Pianist and member of the PNA’s Lodge 2514.

On March 6th 2013 young Polish pianist, member of PNA, presented a very impressive piano recital during the annual fundraiser benefiting The Lira Ensemble. The concert took place in the Kenilworth Club in Ke-nilworth, Illinois. The local press called the event one of the “best cultural events of the week on the North shore”. The recital program included works by Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff.

Daniel Szefer is a 14-year-old pianist and an 8th grader at Washburne Middle School in Winnetka, IL. Born to Polish parents, he made his solo debut at the age of nine and has since played concerts in many musi-cal venues all over the United States. His first full piano recital was held in Miami in early 2010, and was orga-nized by the Chopin Foundation of the United States. In August 2010, Daniel played three piano concerts in Millennium Park in Chicago. In September 2010, he was a guest performer in the Polish National Alli-ance’s “Farewell to Summer with Chopin”, organized in honor of the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth. In March 2011, the Polish television network POLSAT made a documentary about Daniel’s life, entitled “Dan-iel Szefer and His Musical Passion.” This special edi-tion of “Faces of America” was presented to 40 million satellite television viewers.

In 2012, Daniel was the youngest finalist in one of the most challenging youth piano competitions in the United States, Crain-Maling Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra Youth Auditions, organized for pianists between the ages 13 and 17. Daniel played Beethoven’s Concerto No. 5 and won 1st Alternate. He was the youngest participant in the competition. In May 2012, he was invited to study at the prestigious Sergei Babayan Academy at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

In June 2012, Daniel made his Chicago Sym-phony Center debut at the invitation of the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. On December 9th, 2012 he made his Chicago orches-tral debut playing Andante Spianato and Grande Po-lonaise Brillante in E-flat, Op. 22 with the Lira En-

We are proud of

22

semble Symphony Orchestra con-ducted by Mina Zikri.

Daniel was very busy during the last twelve months. After his suc-cess at the CSO Competition, he was invited to play in many musical venues for the variety of meaning-ful causes. One of them was his performance during the ceremony of the elevation of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church to Basilica Status in Winona, Minnesota. Daniel’s recital ended with long standing ovation.

Last November he performed with the Lira Ensemble in the beautiful Performing Arts Center in the suburbs of Detroit, then in the Drake Hotel in Chicago during the celebration of the 90th Anni-versary of the founding of the Pol-ish America Association. Following that concert he was invited to play full recital in the Polish Consulate.

Besides being a concert pianist, Daniel is also a dedicated perform-er of chamber music and a student of Midwest Young Artists. He is a member of The Prometheus Trio which consists of 12 years old Ma-sha Lakisova, 13 years old Haddon Kay, and Daniel. The Prometheus Trio was a winner of The Midwest

Young Artists 6th Annual Discover National Chamber Music Compe-tition held on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at Bennett-Gordon Hall in the Harza Building on the Campus of Ravinia Festival. This annual competition is designed to provide an educational as well as a compet-itive experience for young chamber ensembles.

Daniel is not only a passionate piano music performer, but also a well-read young musicologist who often starts his concert programs with fas-cinating pre-concert lectures. His current teachers are Ralph Neiweem and Pawel Checinski. He takes conducting lessons from Mina Zikri. His other two passions be-sides music are math and science.

At this point Daniel is preparing musically, mentally, and intellec-tually for The Young Tchaikovsky Compe-tition in 2015. In the meantime, he studies the lives of composers,

pianists and conductors, and shares the love and understanding of clas-sical music with the audiences who come to his concerts.

Article and pictures submitted byJolanta Szefer

On behalf of the Polish National Alliance we wish Daniel much suc-cess and happiness and hope to see him performing at the most presti-gious music halls in the world.

AK

Sports & Youth

Daniel Szefer after his debut with Lira Symphony Orchestra at Skokie Performing Art Center on December 9th 2012.With Lucyna Migala and conductor Mina Zikri.

23

ENTER THE 2013PNA COLORING CONTEST

Chicago, IL - PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina announces that the PNA Coloring Contest for Children ages 5 through 12 will begin on January 1, 2013 and runs through May 31, 2013.

Here is a way to show off your artistic talents and a chance to win prizes, depending on your age group. Get out your crayons, coloring pencils, colored markers, water colors and be creative. Read the rules, color the picture in your age group, fill out the entry blank (below) and mail it back to us.

Entries can be used from both the old PNA Coloring Books given out at Christmas 2012 and the new Coloring Books that just arrived. Below are the pictures to color from the New Coloring Book.

CONTEST RULES:• Must be a PNA member.• Contest runs from January 1, 2013, to May 31, 2013.• Each entry must have full name, age, address, phone number, and PNA Lodge number.• All entries become the property of the PNA. NO entries will be returned.• Four age group categories: 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; and 11-12.

In each category, winners will receive an award from the PNA (to be determined).All participants will receive a certificate of participation (appreciation).

Judges decisions will be final.Winner’s names will be published in the Zgoda and on the PNA website.

For more information call 773- 286-0500 ext. 316

Dozin’ with the Dinos!Overnight Polish-American Group Outing at the Field Museum in Chicago

Friday, April 12 –Saturday, April 13, 2013Imagine roaming The Field Museum at night! Bring your sleeping bag and

explore one of the most exciting spots in town!Overnights are unique opportunity for parents and their children 6-12 to

spend the night at the Museum. The evening begins with orientation and vari-ous workshops in the main hall.

Stop by Dinosauria! Afterwards, we will watch a performance, munch on a snack, enjoy late night activities, and explore the Museum’s exhibits, including Inside Ancient Egypt by flashlight.

This is family friendly program. Give your kids a night to remember – sign up now for the best Parent(s) and children sleepover at one of the most excit-ing places in town.

Group Overnights begin at 5:45 PM and end the following morning after 8:00 AM.

Cost for Group Overnight is $53 per person.Reserve early – space is limited!

For more information, Reservation Form and Permission Waiver call office of Vice President Paul Odrobina.

773- 286-0500 ext. 316

Spor

ts &

You

th

24

Polish National AllianceWelfare Association

&And Women’s Division of District 12 and 13

extends an invitation to attend the

EASTER BONNETPARADE

onSunday, April 7, 2013

12:00 noon

at the “LIDO Banquets”

5504 N. Milwaukee AvenueChicago, Illinois

Wear your finest hat – win the prize for the Most Elegant Bonnet!

Donation $38(Check payable to PNA Welfare Association

6100 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60646)

For additional information and reservations please callPNA Educational Department

773-286-0500 ext. 312

Registration Form - 2013 Summer Cultural ProgramFor PNA Members - Age 13-15

Child’sName________________________________________ M___F_____ DateofBirth_________________________________LodgeNo.__________ Passportisvalidto_________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________ City____________________________________St.____________Zip________ HomePhoneNo.__________________________________________________ E-mailaddress___________________________________________________ NameofParent/LegalGuardian_____________________________________

Travel to Poland this Summer!

AnnouncingaCulturalProgramforPolishNa-tionalAllianceMembersages13to15.

ThePolishAmericanCongressCharitableFoun-dation (PACCF), in cooperation with “Wspolnota Polska”,isofferingagreatopportunityfor5PNA members to explore the country of their heritagethiscomingsummer.YouwilljoinotheryoungPolishAmericansonatripthatwillofferunforgettableexperiences,greatmemories,andlastingfriendships.HavefunasyoutravelthroughPoland,visitingherbeautifulcitiesandhistoricsitesandmeetingherfriendlypeople.

TheCulturalProgramencompassesatwoweekperiodandthecostisbeingequallyunderwrittenby the PACCF and the PNA, with the balance of$550.00beingtheresponsibilityofthepar-ticipant’sfamily.Inaddition,WspolnotaPolskahasgenerouslyagreedtounderwritethelandportionoftheprogram.Includedisroundtrip

Deposit:Enclosedismydepositof$100.00forregistration.I understand my deposit will be reimbursed if my child is not chosen.

Make check payable to:PNA Educational Department

6100N.CiceroAve.Chicago,IL60646.

Postmarked no later than May 1, 2013.

airfarefromChicago,lodging,allmeals,travelin Poland, as well as tours and admissions. Partic-ipantsshouldbringtheirspendingmoneyforsou-venirs and miscellaneous purchases not included in the above. Adult chaperones will accompany thestudentswhiletravelingtoandfromPolandandduringtheirentirestayinPoland.

Tour date: July 14 to July 28, 2013Space is limited and the participants will be

chosenbyarandomdrawing,sopleasefilloutandreturntheregistrationformbelowassoonaspossible,alongwithadepositof$100.00.TheregistrationdeadlineispostmarkedMay1st,2013.ThedepositwillberefundedifyournameisnotchoseninthedrawingthatwillbeheldonMay10,2013,atthePolishNationalAllianceHomeOffice.Selectedparticipantswillbenoti-fiedbymailandtheirnameswillbeprintedinthenextissueofZGODA.Participantmusthavea valid US Passport valid six months from return date.

YOUTH TRIP TO POLANDE

duca

tion

26

The Polish National Alliance is pleased to announce the PNA’s annual College Scholarships. The program is available to all PNA members who are currently enrolled as full time College

or University students and who will be continuing their undergraduate studies in theFall 2013 semesters.

The Polish National Alliance is proud of this program. It is not only a substantial demon-stration of our organization’s dedication to fraternalism, but is also keeping with our historic

commitment to support the intellectual and educational aspirations of our members.

Full-time students who will be Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors in the Fall 2013 semesterqualify for scholarships. Incoming freshmen do not qualify.

For Rules, Regulations and Application log on to the PNA’s website: www.pna@pna-znp.org

Completed Application MUST be sent in with an OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(copies and or internet downloads will NOT be accepted)

Deadline must be postmarked April 15, 2013.

Teresa N. AbickChairperson

Vice President, PNA Educational Department

To PNA Members Between Ages 10 to 15P.N.A. Summer Youth Course 2013

Once again we are informing all our PNA members (ages 10-15) that theSummer Youth Course is scheduled to be held from July 20 -27, 2013,

at the Orchard Lake Schools, Orchard Lake, MI.The curriculum includes Polish Language History, Culture, Folk Danc-

ing,Singing, Crafts, and Sports. A full schedule of other evening activities

will enhance the program.

All members of PNA between the ages of 10 to 15 will be accepted. A $300.00 non-refundable registration fee will be assessed per application. PNA will cover the cost of meals and housing. Transportation arrange-ments and costs, to and from Orchard Lake must be arranged and paid

by the applicant, lodge, council or district. For every 10 or more children arriving from the same area one chaperone should accompany them (PNA

will provide food and lodging).

Space is limited, applicants will be accepted on a first come basis. Please contact the PNA Educational Department for an application

as well as additional information 1800 621-3723 ext. 312.You may request your application via email

mary.srodon@pna-znp.org.APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE MARCH 1ST

Youth Course Committee has the right to refuse to accept and or deny any application submitted.

27

Education

Standing are Dominika Lule-wicz, Teresa Jankowski – Com-missioner, and Clarice Michalski. Seated is past Director Hedy Rabiega.

Saint Francis, WI – On Sunday, February 24, the District XIV Spelling Bee was held at the home of Commissioner Teresa Jankow-ski. Participants were Dominika Lulewicz, Council 8, and Clarice Michalski, Council 115, both of Milwaukee, WI. Dominika and Clarice are members of Syrenka Polish Children’s Folk Dance En-semble, which is partially subsi-dized by PNA, and both attended the Summer Youth Course in Orchard Lake, MI. Congratula-tions to Dominika Lulewicz who will be representing District XIV on April 6th in Chicago.

Submitted by Teresa Jankowski,Commissioner- District XIV

DISTRICT XIV SPELLING BEE

Polish National AllianceScholarship Program Deadline – April 15th, 2013

ZGODA march/april 2013

New

Mem

ber

Natalie Kate Pepera, born 7-16-2011, daughter ofBartosz andElizabeth Pepera. The new member of Lodge 1475.

New members of the PNA from Lodge 664, Westmoreland City, PALeft to Right Standing: Lucy Kucinic, Rylie Bach and Sophia Kucinic. Seated below is brother is Benjamin Kucinic. All are Nieces and Nephews of District VIII Comissioner David Sinclair

Jakub Aleksander BelzekGrandson of Mary Srodon, a long time PNA employee. Jakub is the newest member of PNA Lodge 3241, Council 120.Jakub was born on November 16, 2012 to parents Annette (Srodon) and Luke Bel-zek. Proud grandparents are Mary & John Srodon and Jola and Zenek Belzek. Both families are 100% PNA members.

Ethan Thorsen, born 10-2-2012, son of Erick and Amy Thorsen, new member of Lodge 7006.

Liam John Charles Martyka, born 10-2-2012, son of Edward andAmber Martyka,new member of Lodge 1120.

Josh Kennedy Blanchard(age 1) sponsored by grandfather Richard Jendzejec. Now a complete PNA Family along with mother Melis-sa and brother Zachary.

Matthew J. Konczak - (born August 24, 2011), son of Kasia and Paul Konczak is the newest member of the PNA Lodge 0825, IL.He was signed up by his loving grandmother Halina Rutkowska.

Robert J. Lewandusky, born Jan-uary 18, 2008. Son of Robert and Krista Lewandusky is the newest member of PNA Lodge 1684. PNA policy was a gift from proud “Bab-cia” Christina Lewandusky. Signed up by Sales Representative Marian Wiercioch.

Josefina Grace Martinez,born September 03, 2012, daughter of Raul and Rebecca, pictured with her brothers Mason and Maximilian, is the newest member of Lodge 2879.All three children were enrolled by their grandparents, Frank and Doro-thy Kajencki.

Samantha C Romanenko, born April 09, 2006, and her sister Alexandria R , born July 10, 2010, daughters of Michael and Caroline M. Romanenko are the newest members of Lodge 3250, IL.

New

Mem

ber

Brooke E. Hatfield, born August 22, 2012, daughter of Jason and Jennifer Hathfield. The new member of Lodge 1120.

Cade Marco Kubiak and Nathaniel Fredrick Hughes, are the newest members of Lodge 128, Bremond, TX. They were signed up by Wanda Koch-Ray for their great grandmother Tillie Kubiak.

Alexander Jameson Ray,born 08/02/2012 is the new member of Lodge 128, TX.He was signed up byWanda Kotch-Ray,his loving grandmother.

Kaylee Paige Saccomanno, new-est member of Lodge 1776, born in November, 2012, daughter of Amanda and Tony Saccomanno, granddaughter of Donna and George Poniatowski, Signed up by loving great-grandmother , former PNA employee Wanda Rocko.

Henry N. Bowers, Tripp R. Bowers, Stevin L. Carroll are the newest members of Lodge 3085. They were signed up by their great grandmother Mrs. Alice I Kutas of Buffalo, NY.

Wes Daniel, born June 10, 2012, son of Jen and Max Daniel, the new member of Lodge 9999. He was signed up by his great grandmother Lucy Kazanowski.

Emily R, age 7, Madeline P. age 4, Bethany C. age 10 Steiner, new members of the PNA Lodge 874. Enrolled by their loving grandfather Tadeusz J. Nowak.

Isabella Rosanna Lavarnway is the daughter of Kenneth J. and Tatiana D. Lavarnway. Joanna Joachim is her Grandmother. Great grandparents are Richard and Donna Joachim. Richard is Council 113 Vice President and signed his first great granddaughter into Lodge 1291 in Amster-dam, N.Y. with the assistance of Edward Swider-ski, Sales Rep.

29

ZGODA march/april 2013

New

Mem

ber

Anna Gabriela Bahena,born April 9, 2009, daughter of Slawomira and Joe Bahena. Anna is the newest member of the PNA–Lodge 2727, Chicago.She was signed up by her loving grandmother Stanislawa Stekala, Lodge 2727 PNA.

Logan Arthur Manning, born December 19, 2011, son of Ashley and Joey Manning, is the newest member of the PNA Lodge 352, McKeesport, PA.Grandparents are Maria and Mickey Kotun. He was signed up by his loving great grandparents Stella and Frank Ruccio, President of Lodge 352.

Marcel Krejza,born October 31, 2012, son of Kinga and Rafal Krejza is the newest member of Lodge 0119, IL.He was signed byhis loving grand-mother ZofiaBudkiewicz.

Julia Aniela Stekala, born: July 29, 2010, daughter of Sara and Paul Stekala. Julia is the newest member of the PNA Lodge 2727 - Chicago.She was signed up by her loving grandmother Stanislawa Stekala, Lodge 2727, ChicagoDalia–older sister is also a member of the same Lodge.

Vincent J. Pasch, born 10-20-2011, is the newest member of the PNA Lodge 9999 . He was signed by his loving great grandfather Bruno Limanowski.

Gia G. Byczkowski, the New Member of PNA Lodge #700 Los Angeles.She is proudly introduced to Our PNA Family by her Grandmother Eva Byczkowski and her Great Grandpar-ents Irena and Klemens Kozlowski the long time PNA members.

Kiera Felicia Kozlowski, born August 10, 2012, daughter of Derek and Mary Kozlowski, is the newest member of the PNA Lodge 1684. PNA policy was a gift from very proud aunt Harriet Brzozowski.

Chase, Madelyn and Reagan Kruk are the newest member of Lodge 2286 Easton, PA. Signed up by their loving grandparents Sharon and Richard Kruk.

Sophia Marie Farmer, born 5-14-2006, has joined Lodge 3216, Orlando, FL. She is the daughter of Shannon and Rodney Farmer. She was signed up by her loving great grandparents, Berenice and Roy Johnson.

30

29

Dear Member,Congratulations! As a PNA member you are now entitles to a new

member benefit, participation in the Tuition Rewards program. Tuition Rewards is a private college schol-arship program that allows you to receive guaranteed college scholars ships at over 300 colleges across the country.

Each PNA member is entitled to receive $1,500 in Tuition Rewards points (tuition discounts) just for being a member. These discounts may be used by any relative, a son or daughter, grandchildren, niece or neph-ew, step-child or God child.

All you have to do is go to the Tuition Rewards web-site, www.tuitionrewards.com click the PNA icon, follow the instructions and enroll. Attached is a list that stipulates the terms required to use these guaranteed college scholarships and tells you how you may earn even more than the $1,500 in Tuition Rewards points you will receive just for enrolling in the program. Remem-ber, there is no cost or risk to you for enrolling in the program; this is a benefit to you for being a PNA member.

All new Juvenile members that purchase PNA in-surance with a minimum issue of a $10,000 face value (effective date is 12/1/12) qualify to enroll for member-ship points of 1500 plus join the “Birthday Club”. The Birthday points are non-transferable. Juveniles between the Ages 0-11 earn 500 points, Ages 12-14 earn 750 points, and Ages 15-17 earn 1000 points. Points will be applied on the juvenile member’s birthday. Please note: that Juvenile Term Insurance WILL qualify for Tui-tion Rewards, but will NOT qualify for the regular programs currently offered, such as Scholarship, Dance Subsidy etc.

Members must transfer points to the recipi-ents at age 17 or by August 31 of the year that the PNA member/student begins 12th grade – which-ever occurs first.

Each PNA adult or juvenile member is entitled to a onetime 1500 Tuition Rewards points that can be gifted to a qualifying Juvenile PNA member (recipient) that is a blood relative child, grandchild, niece, nephew, stepchild or godchild. Current members that register with www.tuitionrewards.com–PNA members may name and gift their recipient at the time of registration or wait until the rewards recipient attains age 17. Recipients must be designated by August 31 of the year the 12th grade begins.

Tuition Rewards Points are similar to Fre-quent Flyer Miles. A PNA member (sponsor) can

earn additional “Tuition Rewards” (1000) for his or her member (recipient) by earning prospect referral points by referring new prospective members. Prospective mem-bers may earn (500) points for just attending a designated PNA Insurance Sales Presentation. Tuition Rewards point is equal to one dollar in guaranteed college scholarship. Not cash, but a reduction in the cost of tuition.

The Tuition Rewards Program is a free benefit for all PNA members. This new PNA member frater-nal benefit is an intelligent investment for your PNA juve-nile member’s future college education. It helps make college affordable for children, grandchildren nieces, nephews, etc.

Tuition Rewards is a wonderful additional benefit for all PNA Sales Agents to promote not only Life Insurance Coverage, but offer an additional living benefit that can be redeemed for tuition discount, at no additional cost to the member. We know that this new PNA “living fraternal benefit” will help you increase sales and give you the opportunity to contact existing members for leads.

Every PNA member can register for and earn Tuition Reward Points by logging on to the website: www.tuitionrewards.com–Click Register–Polish National Alliance – enter your Social Security number and email address.

Parents may register their juvenile members the same way. New ( Juvenile only) policies issued (effective Decem-ber1, 2012) will qualify for additional Birthday Points. Follow the same registration procedure and continue to next screen to ADD A CHILD for the Birthday Points. Enclosed is a step by step packet how to register along with a packet of additional questions you may have.

All entries in the Tuition Rewards Points Pro-gram will have their PNA membership checked by the Home Office.

For additional information please call the PNA Mem-bership Department at 800 621-3723 or visit the PNA website: www.tuitionrewards.com or contact your PNA Sales Agent.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Teresa N. AbickVice President, PNA

ZGODA march/april 2013

WICI Song and Dance Theater of the PNAdazzled the audience at the Zacatecas Festival

The CIOFF (Council of Orga-nizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts) organization has host-ed the WICI ensemble for several years. This year, the representa-tive group showcased Polish and American folklore in Portugal and France. Our Junior Group was in-vited to perform in the Folkloria-da Festival in Zacatecas, Mexico. This incredible festival, organized by CIOFF Mexico President Ar-turo H. Cueto, featured 25 groups from around the world. This year’s participants included Chili, Russia, Canada, Venezuela, Egypt, France, Brazil, different regions from Mexi-co, among others.

The opening ceremony began with a colorful and vibrant parade through the cobblestone streets of the old city. Thousands of people from neighboring villages came out to cheer for the groups, yelling “Viva Polonia!” The atmosphere was electric, and our Mexican au-dience was incredibly enthusiastic, welcoming, and supportive. The opening ceremony ended with a short dance on stage from every en-semble. The three thousand strong

crowd included CIOFF’S import-ant organizers as well as the gov-ernor of Zacatecas: Miguel Alonso Reyes.

During the weeklong festival, the ensemble performed dai-ly on various stages, as well as in neighboring villages. Our rep-ertoire included Spisz, Amer-

ican folk dances, Oberek, Kujawiak, and Polonez. Kinga Wojdyla-Podstawska and Johanna Wawro were in charge of the WICI Junior Group in Zacatecas.

Although small, one of the most memorable performances took place in a local children’s mu-seum. We danced for a group of elderly seniors from a neigh-boring village and for young children. The audience was very moved and thankful for sharing our Polish culture with them in their country. The children became so excited, that they danced, sang, and clapped on stage with the mu-sicians in between sets.

When we were not rehearsing or performing, our group enjoyed sightseeing around the picturesque town. Some of our trips included a visit to the local silver mine . The dancers rode an elevator that took them several hundred feet under-ground and learned how silver was extracted. On another excursion, we visited the Museo Rafael Cor-onel, which featured a collection of over 3,000 indigenious masks in an old, beautiful 16th century convent.

Life

of

Polo

nia

The participants of the Zacatecas Festival looked impressive against the background of the old stone buildings.

Natalia Kaluch

32

The students were thrilled and took many pictures.

One of the greatest experienc-es our dancers had was a chance to meet with other groups. They quickly recognized the beauty of folklore and the importance of maintaining their Polish tradi-tions. Our juniors made many new friends from around the world, and for Kinga Wojdyla-Podstawska and Johanna Wawro, seeing this made all of the hard work worthwhile.

33

Awards given to WICI from the head organizers of the festival. From the left: Baudelio Guerrero Briano – Co-ordinator ofthe festival, Błażej Książek i Aleksa Wiszyński – Dancers,MarcoVinicio Flores Chavez – Secretary of Education and Culturein Mexico, Arturo Cueto Juarez – CIOFF President in Mexico,Johanna Wawro i Kinga Wojdyła- Podstawska – Choreographersand Ruiz Garcia.

WICI’s musicians performing on the festival’s main stage.

Bringing happiness to the people of Mexico through our rich Polish songs and dances was a moving experience. Watching our danc-ers learn about other cultures was rewarding as well. On many oc-casions, our musicians and other participants picked up their instru-ments and started playing togeth-er. Folkloric festivals such as this demonstrate that there are more things that bring us together rather than set us apart.

On the last Sun-day of the festival all of the ensem-bles attended mass together at the ba-roque-style Cathe-dral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the town center. The Polish ensem-ble WICI and Bialy Orzel from Toronto, Canada sang “Bar-ka” together. It was breathtaking. Fol-lowing the mass, the two ensembles sang ten Hail Mary’s to a replica of “Our Lady of Guade-loupe.” After which,

Life of Polonia

many locals tearfully thanked us for the gesture.

The finale began with a parade as well. Again, almost ten thousand people from neighboring villages came to cheer for and support the groups. For the finale, the WICI Juniors danced Spisz to live mu-sic. After a successful concert, all of the groups were invited onstage to sing “Cielito Lindo,” which goes “cantar y no llores.” That translates “sing and dont cry. “ The ceremony ended with a spectacle of fireworks over the old town square that lasted several minutes.

After many hugs and kisses, we had to say goodbye to all of our friends in Zacatecas. We received a warm welcome from them, the energy was phenomenal, and we hope to come back again in the fu-ture. Special thanks to our helpers Barbara Krzystowczyk, Małgorza-ta Moskalis, Łucja Szeliga and our Mexican guides: Aldo and Karla Ledesma. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Polish National Alliance for their contin-ued support.

Article and pictures submitted byJohanna Wawro

Tradycja Studniówki

Od dwudziestu lat tradycją pol-skich szkół sobotnich w Chicago jest studniówka obchodzona wspólnie przez polskich maturzystów kończą-cych naukę w polonijnych szkołach. 26 stycznia 2013 roku miała miejsce jubileuszowa, dwudziesta

studniówka organizowana pod patronatem Zrzeszenia Nauczycie-li Polskich w Ameryce. Tradycją jest, iż gospodarzem studniówki w Chicago zostaje szkoła, która zgłosi

chęć zorganizowania tak wielkiego przedsięwzięcia. Gospodarzem tegorocznej studniówki była Polska Szkoła im. Juliusza Słowackiego w Wheeling.

Studniówka to najbardziej wy-czekiwane wydarzenie ostatniego roku nauki w polskiej szkole oraz olbrzymia machina organizacy-jno-logistyczna. Przygotowania zaczynają się wraz z początkiem roku szkolnego, kiedy szkoła będąca gospodarzem zaczyna rozsyłać zaproszenia oraz opracowywać ma-teriały do Pamiętnika, a maturzyst-ki zaczynają poszukiwania wymar-zonej sukienki. Pamiętnik to księga pamiątkowa całego rocznika, a więc wszystkich maturzystów da-nego rocznika kończących polskie szkoły funkcjonujące w aglomeracji Chicago oraz w najbliższym stanie Indiana. Każda szkoła otrzymuje kilka stron księgi, na których prez-entuje maturzystów, swą historię, a także list od wychowawcy klasy do podopiecznych oraz wypowiedzi maturzystów związane z kilkunas-

toletnią nauką w polskiej szkole. Są to wypowiedzi wzruszające, pełne ciepła i wspomnień z dzieciństwa. Z wypowiedzi tych wyłania się sylwetka młodego człowieka, który zbliża się do końca pewnego etapu w swoim życiu- końca dzieciństwa, któremu od początku towarzyszyła polska szkoła, polscy koledzy, polskie bajki, zabawy, książki oraz mówiący piękną polszczyzną nauczyciel.

Studniówka jest wydarzeniem niezwykłym, wyczekiwanym od pierwszego dzwonka w szkole. To o niej dyskutuje się na przerwach w sobotnie poranki, gdy maturzystki dzielą się w tajemnicy szczegółami swych kreacji i fryzur. W domu też jest tematem numer jeden- mamy ze wzruszeniem wspominają własne bale studniówkowe w Polsce, ojcow-ie udzielają synom cennych rad odnośnie poloneza.

Kiedy wreszcie nadszedł niecier-pliwie wyczekiwany dzień tego-rocznej studniówki, pod elegancką salę bankietową Drury Lane

Zespół Wici

Młodzież (najlepsi uczniowie z po-szczególnych szkół) biorąca udział w losowaniu stypendiów cieszy się z nagród pocieszenia.

Gospodarze Studniówki 2013, Szkoła im. Juliusza Słowackiego w Wheeling, IL

34

Life of Polonia

Laureaci Stypendiów oraz Prezes Zrzeszenia Nauczycieli Polskich w Ameryce - Ewa Koch.

zajechały rzędy lśniących lim-uzyn wypełnionych roześmianą, rozszczebiotaną i kolorową kom-panią. W studniówce wzięło udział prawie sześciuset tegorocznych maturzystów oraz ponad setka zaproszonych gości. Wieczór uświetnił występ Reprezentacyjne-go Zespół Pieśni i Tańca Związku Narodowego Polskiego „Wici” pod opieką Magdaleny Solarz, który mistrzowsko i z przytu-pem zaprezentował poloneza i mazura. Wśród dostojnych gości byli między innymi: wiceprezes Związku Narodowego Polskiego Teresa Abick, konsul RP Rob-ert Rusiecki z małżonką, prezes Zrzeszenia Nauczycieli Polskich w Ameryce Ewa Koch oraz prezes Zjednoczenia Polskiego Rzyms-ko-Katolickiego Joseph Drobot wraz z żoną. Do tańca przygry-wał DJ Marszałek, który mikso-wał muzykę znaną z polskich i amerykańskich klubów.

Tradycją studniówki w Chicago jest losowanie trzech stypendiów w wysokości tysiąca dolarów, które przypadają trojgu szczęśliwcom, a także „przejście przez setkę”, czyli taneczny korowód przez olbrzymie zero. Ma on przynieść pomyślne

Młodzież i nauczyciele tańczący razem.

zdanie matury. W ciągu nocy kilkakrotnie rozbrzmiewały słowa znanego polskiego szlagieru: „hej, za rok matura, za pół roku.”

Po zdaniu egzaminów matu-ralnych tegoroczni maturzyści spotkają się w tym samym gronie po raz ostatni podczas uroczystej graduacji w bazylice Św. Jacka w

Chicago, z której wyjdą już jako polonijni absolwenci.

Anna RosaZrzeszenie Nauczycieli Polskich

w Ameryce

Zdjęcia - Andrzej Baraniak

35

Dzień Pułaskiego w Muzem Polskim w Chicago

Chicago (Inf. wł.) – Generał Kazimierz Pułaski z pewnością byłby rozczarowany, gdyby wiedział, że dzisiaj Polacy nadal potrzebują wiz, żeby dostać się do kraju, o którego wolność walczył i poległ – pow-iedział Franciszek Spula, prezes Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej i Związku Narodowego Polskiego pod-czas uroczystych obchodów “Dnia Pułaskiego”, które czwartego marca o godzinie dziesiątej rano rozpoczęły się w Muzeum Polskim przy 984 N. Milwaukee w “Wi-etrznym Mieście”.

Prezes Spula podkreślił, że to właśnie nie kto inny, a właśnie Polacy, byli jednymi z pierwszych emigrantów w Stanach Zjednoczonych przybywając w 1608 roku, aby ratować zagrożoną upadkiem osadę w Jamestown, a później wielu jej synów takich jak generałowie Pułas-ki, Kościuszko czy Krzyżanowski współtworzyło ten kraj i chociażby z tego tytułu wizy nie powinny Po-laków obowiązywać. Prezes zaapelował o wspólną akc-ję całej Polonii w lobbowaniu i wywieraniu nacisków na członków Kongresu, aby podjęli decyzję o włączeniu Polski do programu bezwizowego. (...)

W uroczystości prowadzonej przez prezesa Zjed-noczenia Polskiego Rzymsko-Katolickiego Josepha

Life

of

Polo

nia

Drobota i prezes Muzeum Marię Cieślę oraz dyrekto-ra placówki Jana Lorysia uczestniczyło około dwustu osób reprezentujących różne urzędy stanowe, feder-alne, miejskie i liczne organizacje polonijne. Gościem honorowym obchodów byli między innymi: Jego Eks-celencja biskup Andrzej Wypych, konsul generalna RP Paulina Kapuścińska, kongresman Janice Schakowsky, gubernator Illinois Patrick Quinn, wicegubernator Sheila Simon, skarbnik Illinois Dan Rutherford, kon-troler stanowy Judy Baar Topinka, gen. Daniel Kru-meri z Gwardii Narodowej Illinois, burmistrz Chicago Rahm Emanuel, skarbnik powiatu Cook Maria Pap-pas. Obecni byli przedstawiciele Legislatury stanowej, Departamentu Policji oraz grupa radnych na czele z Arielem Reboyrasem. Na czele delegacji Kongresu Polonii Amerykańskiej stał prezes krajowy Franciszek Spula i prezes Wydziału KPA w Illinois Mary Ansel-mo. Obecna była prezeska Związku Polek w Ameryce Delphine Huneycutt, prezeska Zrzeszenia Nauczycieli Polskich Ewa Koch oraz przedstawiciele innych orga-nizacji polonijnych: prezes Związku Podhalan Andrzej Gędłek, prezes Polish Falcons of America Timoty L. Kuzma, prezes “Karpatczyków” Henryk Ścigała, prez-

Od lewej siedzą:Biskup Andrzej Wypych, Konsul Generalna RP w Chicago Paulina Kapuścińska,Prezes KPA & ZNP Frank J. Spula, Skarbnik Stanu IL Judy Baar Topinka, Prezes ZPA Delphinne Huneycutt,(?), Prezes PFA Tim Kuzma.

37

Life of Polonia

es AK w USA Wiesław Chodorowski, Po powitaniu gości, gospodarze zaprosili do podziele-

nia się duszpasterską refleksją na temat postawy gener-ała Kazimierza Pułaskiego, patriotyzmu, bohaterstwa i wiary obecnego na uroczystości ks. biskupa Andrzeja Wypycha. Po modlitwie Jego Ekscelencji, Aleksandra Kurzydłowski przy akompaniamencie fortepianowym Piotra Dymona odśpiewała hymny narodowe Polski i Stanów Zjednoczonych, po czym głos zabrali honorowi goście uroczystości.

Dzień Pułaskiego stał się okazją do wręczenia stypendiów przyznanych przez sieć sklepów Jewel-Os-co grupie polskiej młodzieży uczestniczącej w konkursie o Pułaskim. Wiceprezes kompanii Nick Bertan w asyś-cie dyrektora public relations Miguela Alby wręczyli symboliczne czeki na tysiąc dolarów pięciu laureatom. W tym gronie byli obecni: Annette Elliot, Aleksandra Kurzydłowski, Elizabeth Zborek, Emil Leon Kłosowi-ak i Paul Odrobina Jr.

Przedstawiciele banku PNC, dyrektor regionalny Jo-seph Gregoire i wiceprezes Retail Banking Linda Mor-ris wręczyli na ręce gospodarzy Muzeum czek na 5 tysięcy dolarów. Obecni na uroczystości przedstawiciele Koła 31 Stowarzyszenia Polskich Kombatantów prze-kazali dla Muzeum swój sztandar klubowy, żeby był świadectwem dla przyszłych pokoleń narodu amerykańskiego, historii narodu polskiego, któremu po zakończeniu zmagań na frontach drugiej wojny światowej, nie było dane wrócić na ojczyzny łono. W imieniu weteranów mówiła o tym Maria Chudzińska,

prezeska Skrzydła Chicago.Końcowym akcentem poniedziałkowych obchodów

“Pulaski Day” było złożenie pod obrazem “Pułaski pod Savannah” wieńca z goździków w barwach naro-dowych Polski i Stanów Zjednoczonych. W honorowym orszaku pod obraz Stefana Batowskiego kroczyli weter-ani, przedstawiciele władz stanowych, miejskich i orga-nizacji polonijnych.

Tekst i zdjęcia:Andrzej Baraniak/NEWSRP

Zwycięzcy konkursu poświęconego Gen. Kazimierzowi Pulaskiemu

Goście honorowi uroczystości w Muzem Polskim

ZGODA march/april 2013

Fran

tern

al N

ews

ROBERT STANIOWChicago, Illinois–Robert

Staniow, a longtime employee of the Polish National Alliance, passed away on February 5, 2013 after a long illness. He was 53 years of age. Robert started at the PNA in 1982 and has started in the Assessment Department as a clerk and worked his way up to Supervisor. He has worked at two PNA National Conventions, assist-ing in the Secretary’s Office.

Robert is the beloved son of the late Boleslaw and Janina Staniow, loving brother of Teresa Staniow-Gajewska and Magdelena (Andrzej) Petrykowski, fond uncle of Dariusz, Malgorzata, Magdele-na and Andrzej and great unlce of 6; and Dearest friend of Celina Staniow.

Rob

ert S

tani

ow

The historic Thaddeus Kos-ciuszko Monument that has graced Kosciuszko Park on the south side of Milwaukee for more than a century has been shipped out for restoration. Time and Wisconsin weather have taken its toll on the monument and it is in need of extensive repairs.

Over the years, countless pa-rades, May 3rd Polish Constitution Day celebrations, political meet-ings, and other important events have been held in the shadow of the Kosciuszko monument.

On Kosciuszko’s 267th birth-day anniversary February 12, the statue was lifted from its base and loaded onto a truck for a trip to a conservation artist’s studio in Ohio.

Kosciuszko Monument getting a makeover

PNA members attending the February 12 event are from left to right: Kristine Chmielewski, Commissioner Teresa Jankowski, Mark Pienkos, Angela Pienkos and Former Director Donald Pienkos. Not pictured: Mitch Rabiega and Past Director Hedy Rabiega

Attending this historic event were several PNA members includ-ing Former PNA Director Donald Pienkos, Angela Pienkos, Commis-sioner Teresa Jankowski, Past PNA Director Hedy Rabiega, Mitch Rabiega, Kristine Chmielewski and PAC WI Division President Mark Pienkos.

The statue is expected to be returned to his place in early fall.

Submitted by Teresa JankowskiCommissioner – District XIV

38

Change of Address Interruption in subscription

Call Sophie Gajda1-800-621-3723 ext. 366

E-mail: sophie.gajda@pna-znp.org

ELAINE ROZMAREK TOVAR, a life-long member of the Polish National Alliance, as well as, a member of Lodge 2993, the Charles Rozmarek Society, passed away suddenly, on July 7, 2012. Elaine was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Jorge Tovar and the eldest daughter of the late Charles and Wanda Rozmarek.

She was born in Kingston, Pa, and moved with her family to Chicago at 9 yrs old. While her father Charles Rozmarek served as President of the Polish National Alliance, after World War II, Elaine assisted her parents with displaced Poles from Europe who came to Chicago, and helped with the large food drives for Poland. A world traveler, she also spent time in Santa Rosa Mexico to help with displaced persons from Poland.

Elaine was a graduate of Holy Family Academy. She entered the University of Illinois Cham-pagne-Urbana, on a full academic scholarship at the age of 14. She pursued her graduate studies at the University of Chicago, earning a double master’s degree in foreign languages. During the 1940’s, in the summer months, she attended Alliance College, in Cambridge Springs Pa. She entered the workforce in the early 1950’s as a teacher and in the late 1950’s as a translator for He-lene Curtis International and then Abbott Laborato-ries, as she was multi-linguist, fluent in Polish, Spanish and French.

Elaine was dedicated to her family and supported Polish American causes. While raising her family in the 1960’s, she also volunteered in the community. Elaine served on the board of the Schorsch Village Association; served as past President of the Women’s Auxiliary Board at St Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center; past President of the Abdominal Surgeons; and a member of the Holy Family Academy Alumnae Committee.

She loved her polish heritage and passed on her love of Polonia to her family. As the beloved ma-triarch and guiding light of her family, she will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

STANLEY J. LISIKIEWICZ, beloved husband of the late Wanda (nee Laszczewska); loving father of Wanda ( James) Seul, Marianne (William) Schwartz, Laurie ( John) Bruzan, Marilyn ( James) Heynen, Edward (Kristine), JoAnn (Robert) Moll, Walter (Linda), Alfreda (David Krusnis), Celine Lisikiewicz, late Stanley W. Lisikiewicz Jr and the late Christine ( Jeffrey) Price; dearest grandfather of

12; great-grandfa-ther of 4; devoted son of the late Wik-toria (nee Banach) and the late Antoni Lisikiewicz; dear brother of the late Jozefa Baran, late Matthew and late Marian Podciadlo; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lisikiewicz was a retired meat boner for the Chica-go Stock Yards and was also a retired

meat inspector for the USDA. He also served as the financial Secretary of Polish National Alliance, Tow. Dzwon Zymunta Gr.1979 Z.N.P. Council 39; He was a member of Tow. Sw. Bonawentury Opieki Powolan Kaplanskich Zal.Maja 1949,Chicago; Klub Pinczowian No. 1 Zal. 15 Grud. 1935, Chicago, IL. He served as a delegate to the 43rd Convention PNA in Buffalo, September 11-15, 1999. He was also a Member of the Friendly Club of Town of Lake.

Mr. Lisikiewicz served proudly in the United States Army during World War II, he was a long time parishioner of St. Bruno Parish in Chicago.

Stanley loved to spend time with his family and friends; by some he was called “Mr. PNA”. He also loved farming, working in his gardens and fruit orchards.

Elaine R

ozmarek T

ovar

The world changes year to yearAnd friend from day to dayBut never will the one we loveFrom memory pass away

Stan

ley J

. Lisi

kiew

iczIn MemoriamIn Memoriam

“” 39

Liv

ing

Wel

l

What is there to know about Stress?

Everyone at all ages is affected by stress at some time, or other, during their lifetime. It is important to know your limits regarding stress so you can manage it and prevent se-rious health effects. Stress is a complex condition. In Part 1, information on the definition of stress, effects on the body, symptoms of stress, a person’s reaction to stressful events, and job stress were presented. Part 2 will offer suggestions on coping with stress, dealing with job stress, suggestions for parents, children, teens and school personnel, and list additional resources for more information.

How can you cope with stress? Over time the effects of stress can cause physical and mental health problems. Taking steps to maintain good health and a positive outlook can prevent or reduce these negative effects of stress. You can’t always control things that stress you out, but you can control the way you react to these stressors. The way you feel about things results from the way you think about things. If you can change how you think, you can change how you feel. It is not always an easy task, but with practice, reducing stress can work.

Tips to Help Cope With Stress: • If you are overwhelmed, feel you can no longer cope,

have suicidal thoughts, are using alcohol or drugs to cope, seek help from a qualified mental health provid-er. Talking about your feelings is the first step to dealing with them, and helping you feel better.

• Seek medical care for physical problems.• Keep contact with family and friends who can

give you mental support, seek community or religious support services that can help you with care provider burdens or family issues.

• Know your body’s signs of stress, such as difficulty sleeping, being easily angered, increased usage of drugs or alcohol, feelings of low energy or depression.

• Very important to many of us: set realistic prior-ities; decide what must get done and what can wait. Learn to say no to new tasks, particularly if they will cause stress overload.

• At the end of the day, review what you have accom-plished, not what you have been unable to do.

• Try not to dwell on problems. Seek professional help if you can’t do this on your own.

• Exercise on a regular basis. Even 30 minutes per day of regular paced walking can relieve stress and improve your mood.

• Treat yourself to regular times for healthy and re-laxing activities. Relaxation takes practice. Relieve yourself of any guilt when you relax. Ten minutes of slow, deep breathing exercises can reduce stress.

• Try to do something that you enjoy daily for at least fifteen minutes or longer. Start a hobby, read a favorite book, listen to music, enjoy a meal with friends, watch a favorite type of movie are some examples of stress reducing activities.

• Consider stress coping programs such as medita-tion, yoga, tai chi or other gentle exercises.

• Positive self-talk can be a very effective way to deal with stress by calming you down and helping you deal with stressful situations. With practice, you can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones which will relieve stress. Self-talk can be quietly out loud, but most people think these thoughts in their heads. Instead of, “I can’t do this.” Think, “I will do the best I can.” Instead of, “Everything is going wrong.” Think, “I can handle this one step at a time.” These are but a few examples to help resolve difficult stressful situations. Rely on methods you used to handle stressful situations in the past and were successful.

• Sometimes you need to deal with stress on the spot. Rather than doing or saying something that will escalate a stressful situation, you may need to use an emergency stress stopper. Examples of some stress stoppers are: count to 10 before you speak; take 5-10 deep breaths; walk away and handle it later; say, “I’m sorry” if you made a mistake; break down big prob-lems into smaller parts and solve the smaller parts first; drive slow or avoid busy roads to help you remain calm while driving, or smile and hug a loved one.

• Eat a healthy, well balanced diet. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, and eat normal sized portions on a regular schedule. Avoid caffeine.

Suggestions for parents when stressful events oc-cur. It is natural for children to worry when stressful events have occurred in their lives. Talking with children about these events, monitoring what they watch or hear about the events, and balancing frightening information with secure emotional stability are ways to help children cope.

Tips for Parents When Children Experience Stressful Events:

• Talk and Listen. Allow the child to express his/her feelings and fears. Support him/her, and let your child know that fears and worries are understandable.

• Express yourself. Your child may express sadness, anger, fear or confusion. Let your child know that you may also have these feelings, then model good coping behaviors for your child.

• Watch. Be alert for changes in your child’s behavior,

40

such as sleeping problems, withdrawing from family or friends or any unusual changes, small or major.

• Reassurance. Provide your child with physical and emotional safety and security. Discuss ways that you, the school and community are taking steps to keep everyone safe.

• Share information with other parents. Don’t deal with problems alone. Talk to other parents about stress-ful issues. Stay in contact with the school and health care professionals.

• Keep connected. Keep close with your family and those people important to you after a stressful event.

• Keep communication open. Check with your child about how s/he feels about the event a week later, then in a month, and so on. Each child will cope with a stressful event in his/her own way. The best approach for a parent is to allow children to express their fears and concerns.

Suggestions for children and teens when stress-ful events occur. It is normal to feel stressed and anxious after a traumatic or violent event. How can you deal with such feelings? Here are some tips for resolving stress.

Tips for Children and Teens Who Experience Stressful Events:

• Talk to an adult you can trust. The adult may be a parent, another adult family member, an adult friend, neighbor, teacher, coach, counselor, family doctor or member of your church or temple. If you have seen or experienced violence of any kind, tell an adult about it.

• Keep active. Take walks, volunteer with a community group, play sports, play a musical instrument or do art work. These activities can be a positive way to handle stressful feelings.

• Get involved in making your school or commu-nity safer. Join groups that promote non-violence in school or the community, or start the group effort if none exists.

• Keep in touch with others. Keep in contact with trusted family and friends to talk things out and to help resolve stress or worry.

• Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise and keep a normal routine. Continuous fear and worry will make you sick.

Suggestions for school personnel when stress-ful events occur. Children who experience or hear of a stressful event may react with shock, sadness, anger, fear, or confusion. They may not want to be alone, leave the house or classroom.

Tips for School Personnel When Children Experi-ence Stressful Events:

• Reach out and talk. Encourage the children to talk about their concerns, realizing that not all children will be having the same thoughts or feelings. It is important after a traumatic/stressful event, that children can feel

comfortable talking about their feelings and that their fears and anxiety are understandable.

• Observe and listen. Watch for changes in behaviors: are the students withdrawing from friends; acting out; any unusual behaviors? Even small behavior changes can be early warning signs that a child is in trouble.

• Follow normal routines. Maintain a regular class routine. This will promote stability and feelings of security for the students. Encourage schoolwork and activities, but don’t push if a child seems overwhelmed.

• Express your feelings. Share your feelings with your students. Answer their questions and don’t avoid difficult topics.

• Care for yourself. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and take a break if you feel overwhelmed and stressed out.

Additional Resources. This article has provided some ways to help manage stress in your life. If you find that you alone, are unable to find the solution to your stress problem, there are other resources that may help you. You can sched-ule an appointment with your health care professional, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, call the toll free, 24 hour National Sui-cide Prevention Lifeline hotline: 1-800-273-8255. You can also access information at: the National Institute of Mental Health, toll free: 866-615-6464; E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov, the website can be found at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov.

Conclusion. Everyone experiences stress. It is up to each of us to control it. Stress can cause our bodies to become sick, very sick sometimes. Once we practice ways to manage stress, and teach our children and others to do the same, we will be healthier for doing so. Children need good role models for stress management. Will you be that good role model?

Teresa Strudziak Sherman RN, BSN, MS

ReferencesAmerican Heart Association. [Jun.20, 2011]. Four ways to deal with stress. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressMana... p. 1-2.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC) [July 20, 2012] http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/coping_with_stress_.... p. 1-5.3. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/fact-sheet-on... [Feb.10, 2012]. p. 1-3.

41

Polish EasterEaster is the most important Christian holi-

day, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Polish Easter’s traditions have mostly religious character and have not change much over the years. There are, of course, regional differences, but some of them are the same for all of the Christian and Catholic Poles.

Ash Wednesday (Sroda Popielcowa) On Ash Wednesdays most of the practicing Polish

Catholics makes an effort to go to the church and participate in the mass that begins the Lent (Wielki Post). Priest marks the heads of the faithful with a cross of ashes saying:” Man thou art dust and to dust thou shall return”. The majority of the Polish people are fasting on Ash Wednesday.

Lent (Wielki Post)Lent is the most reflective spiritual season for Polish

Catholics. They are visiting “Lord’s Grave “at the churches that are specially, very often artistically decorated, praying and going to confession. During the Lent Polish people make a commitment not to eat meat on Fridays (a lot of religious Poles never eat meat on Fridays!) and give up consumption of sweets and alcoholic beverages etc.

Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa)On this day, commemorating the triumphant entry

of Jesus into Jerusalem, people bring the pussy wil-low branches or other custom made brunches, often decorated with flowers and ribbons, instead of palms to the church for the blessing. The branches or palms will often be preserved throughout the year. Some say, that swallowing one of the buds from the pussy willows branch will ensure health all year.

Holly Saturday, Food Blessing/WielkaSobota, SwieconkaSwieconka is one of the most enduring and beloved

Polish traditions. On Holly Saturday people take to churches beautifully decorated baskets containing a sampling of traditional food to be blessed: hard-boiled eggs, ham, sausage, salt, horseradish, bread and cake. Prominently displayed among these is the Easter lamb, usually molded from butter and colorful, creatively decorated Easter eggs - “pisanki”. The food blessed in the church remains untouched until Sunday morning.

Polis

h H

erita

ge

42

Also that day the blessing of the fire ceremony is performed in the church yard, the reverence that goes back to the pagan times.

Easter Eggs / Pisanki,The custom of coloring eggs for Easter is still very

much observed in Polish families. The eggs decorat-ed with the use of treated wax are called “pisanki”. Another technique involves gluing colored paper or shiny fabric on them. The eggs which are painted in one color are called “malowanki” or “kraszanki”. If patterns are etched with a pointed instrument on top of the paint, the eggs are then called “skrobanki” or “rysowanki”.

Easter Sunday / Niedziela WielkanocnaOn early Easter morning, a special Resurrection

Mass is celebrated in every church in Poland. A pro-cession of priests, altar boys and the people circles the church three times while the church bells peal and the organ is played for the first time since they had been silenced on Good Friday.

Easter breakfast begins with the sharing of the food blessed the day before. The table will be nicely set, decorated with colored eggs, spring flowers and a lamb made of sugar. Platter with cold meats is traditionally served containing sausages, ham, pâtés, end accompa-nied by deviled eggs, sauces, salads, etc. Polish Easter Soup called Zurek or White Barszcz is often offered at the Easter meal, garnished with the hard-boiled eggs and sausage.

There are special deserts and cakes served at Easter, depends on the region. It is Polish tradition to serve yeast cake called “babka wielkanocna”, pound cake, and “mazurek”.

Wet Monday / Lany PoniedzialekMonday after Easter Sunday is a holiday in Poland

and it is also called in polish language “Lany Ponied-zialek” or “Smigus- Dyngus”. This is a day of fun for some people; especially kids. The ancient Polish tra-dition on Easter Monday is celebrated by enthusiasti-cally sprinkling each other with water. Being splashed with water on Easter Monday should bring a good luck throughout the year.

Alicja Kuklinska

Simple and Delicious Easter RecipesAnia’s Easter Mazurek(Mazurek Wielkanocny Ani)

Ingredients:

For the cake:• 250 g butter• 1 1/2 cup almond meal• 1 cup flour• 1/2 cup sugar• 1 Tbsp sour cream• 1 egg• 1/4 tsp of pure almond extract• 1/4 tsp salt

For the glaze:• 1/2 cup chocolate• 2 Tbsp butter• 1 Tbsp corn syrup• 2 Tbsp heavy cream

To your stand mixer with a paddle attachment add butter and sugar and mix for 30 seconds. Add egg, al-mond extract salt and sour cream and mix for another 30 seconds. Add both flours and mix until well incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Spray your baking tray 8 in by 8 in generously with a non stick spray and line it with parchment paper. Place your refrigerated dough in the tray and pressing with your fingers fill the tray evenly. Make a nice rant to hold the chocolate glaze later.

Bake 20 minutes in 200 degrees C (approximately 400 F).

Cool completely before removing from the pan and glazing with chocolate.

In a small saucepan add all the ingredients for the glaze and on the low heat mix constantly until chocolate and butter melted and the glaze is smooth. Pour over your mazurek and decorate with sliced almonds.

Ania’s Easter Bundt Cake (Babka Wielkanocna)

Ingredients: • 2 cups flour• 2 tsp of instant yeast• 5 egg yolks• 1/2 cup milk• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar for the yeast• 1/2 cup of melted butter• 1/2 cup raisins• 2 tsp vanilla extract• 1/4 tsp of salt• 3/4 of a cup icing sugar• a few Tbsp of lemon juice• some candied orange peel

Soak the raisins with a hot water (or with rum).Warm up the milk and pour into a large bowl. Add 2

tablespoons of the sugar and mix. Sprinkle yeast on top and add few tablespoons of flour and combine well. Cover and let rise until doubled.

In a separate bowl, combine sugar and egg yolks and beat until thick and lemon-colored, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract and combine well.

Drain your raisins and set aside.Combine your salt with remaining flour. If you use stand

mixer use your paddle attachment.Add your risen yeast mixture and remaining flour to the

egg mixture and beat vigorously for about 5 minutes by machine with the paddle attachment or 10 minutes if you do it by hand (wooden spoon).

Add melted butter and continue to beat an additional 5 minutes. Beat in raisins. Scrape down sides. Dough will be sticky. Cover and let rise until doubled in size.

Generously coat bundt cake pan with cooking spray and using a spoon transfer your risen dough. Cover and let rise 1 more hour or until dough almost fills the pan.

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C (approximately 360 F) and bake Babka about 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool completely before icing.Prepare frosting by mixing icing sugar with lemon juice

(adding few drops at the time) and glaze cake. Icing should not be too thin or thick, if necessary add icing sugar, or add a few drops of juice. Decorate with candied orange peel.

I found these two recipes on YouTube (Ania’s Kitchen–Ma-zurek & Babka) they are so nice and simple... and delicious. Enjoy!

Bon A

ppétite

43

Bon

App

étite

Eggs in a mayonnaise &horseradish sauce

Ingredients:• 5 hardboiled eggs• 1 Tbsp of mayonnaise • 3 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt • 1,5 tsp prepared horseradish (white)• 1-2 garlic cloves (depends on the size of garlic

and preference)• salt & pepper (to taste)• chopped chives, dill or parsley

PreparationHardboiled eggs peel and slice in half.Sauce: Combine mayonnaise & Greek yogurt, add

horseradish, pressed garlic, salt & pepper.Decorate eggs with the sauce, sprinkle with some

chives and enjoy!

Baked Polish Sausage Pieczona Biala Kielbasa

Ingridients:• 6 polish sausages, about 1,5 lb (fresh not smoked)• 3 large onions• 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil• 2 Tbsp water• salt• pepper• crushed bay leaf • dry marjoram

Preparation:Spread baking dish with

the vegetable oil, and place previously rinsed sausages. Sprinkle with pepper, marjoram, bay leaf (or some other herbs you like). Thinly sliced, and lightly sprinkled with salt onions place in the dish, around the sausage. Add some water and bake in the 360- 380 F degree oven for about 1hour. Make sure there is always some liquid at the bottom of the dish but don’t put more than a 2-3 Tbsp at the time. At the end, for about 10 minutes you can broil your dish for the crispiness and a great look.

Polish horseradish

Chrzan, made from horseradish root and vinegar, is an important part of Easter meals, or anytime kielbasa or baked ham is served.

Ingredients:• 1 lb horseradish root, peeled and finely grated• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar • 1/2 tsp salt• 1/2tsp sugar• 1/2 tsp black pepper• 1 Tbsp lemon juice• finely grated, roasted beets (optional)

Preparation:Mix together all ingredients until well combined. Pack into a clean, sterilized pint jar. Store refrigerated

for up to 2 weeks.If you like your horseradishes to be strong don’t add to

much grated beets.

Enjoy! Smacznego! Bon Appétit!

Hopefully, you will be tempted to try these simple and delicious recipes for classic Polish Easter dish-es. It would be great if you would like to contribute to the Bon Appétit section of our publication and share your favorite recipes with us! Please, attach some pictures if you can. Any personal stories behind the recipes will be welcome as well!

Send them to:zgoda@pna-znp.org

ZGODA Alicja Kuklinska6100 N. Cicero Ave.Chicago, IL. 60646

44

45

Your Money

Perhaps the biggest question PNA members have re-garding their life insurance is:

“How much coverage should I own?” Life insurance is designated to protect the financial fu-

ture of our loved ones in the event of a premature death.An average American household owned approxi-

mately $190,000.00 of life insurance.Actually, the correct amount of life insurance you

should consider owning is based upon a number of fac-tors.

Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions and then complete the simple “Cash Needs Analysis”.

Calculating Your Insurance Needs… A Self-AnalysisBefore you estimate, with real numbers, how much

life insurance you and your family should consider owning, answer the following questions:

Are you a one or two-income family? (If two incomes, both breadwinners need adequate coverage).

Do you have dependent children?Should a breadwinner die prematurely, would the

surviving spouse work outside of the home?Would the surviving spouse’s income be sufficient to

maintain the family’s current standard living?Would you want to provide your family with enough

tax-free life insurance proceeds to pay off the mortgage, pay off debts, provide for final expenses, pay for child care, provide emergency funds, and provide some col-lage funds?

Now you are ready for a simple calculation of your insurance needs.

Simply complete the following “Cash Needs Analysis”.Additional Explanations & InformationThe Last Expense Fund should provide the necessary

funds to pay for funeral expenses (average national cost $10,000.00), last minute medical expenses, and income taxes.

The Dept Fund should provide the surviving spouse with enough money to pay off installment loans, credit cards, car loans, etc…

The Collage/Educational Fund is designated for par-ents who want their children to have the opportunity to attend collage or trade school. The average cost of attending a 4-year State University is $20-25,000.00.

The Child Care Fund is for parents who currently are paying for their young children to attend pre-school. Many parents are paying $5-6,000.00 and more per year for child care.

Simply multiply the number of years you want to pro-vide for times the cost.

For additional information and complete needs anal-ysis please call:

The PNA Membership Department at:1-800-621-3723 or 773-286-0500E-mail: www.pna-znp.org

Polish National AllianceMembership Department6100 North Cicero Ave,Chicago, IL 60646-4385

Protect your family’s future.

Cash Needs Analysis You Spouse

Last Expense Fund $__________ $__________

Mortgage /Rent __________ __________

Debts __________ __________

Child care __________ __________

Emergency Funds __________ __________

College/Education Fund __________ __________ Total Cash Needs $__________ $_________

(Subtract) Current Insurance __________ __________

(Subtract) Liquid Assets __________ __________

Total Cash Need __________ __________

Estimate your Family Insurance Needs

Your

Mon

ey

Don’t miss the opportunity of putting some money away for your retirement!

Call the PNA before April 15

An IRA account gives you a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement.

Opening an IRA account with the PNA helps you secure your financial future.

What is an IRA?IRA stands for Individual Retirement Ac-

count, it is not an investment but a savings account with big tax benefits. It is a great way to save some mon-ey for your retirement.

There are several different types of IRAs, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs. Each has eligibility restrictions based on your in-come or employment status. And all have caps on how much you can contribute each year and penalties if you take out your money before the designated retirement age.

The government limits the amount of money you can put into an IRA each year. Most people under 50 can contribute no more than $5,000 a year; that limit rises if you’re older.

Why should you open an IRA account?It’s generally a good idea to put as much in an IRA as

the government allows you to. The more you save in a tax-favored account, the more tax-protected gains you can earn.

How much should you put into an IRA?If you’re younger than 50, your 2012 contributions to

a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA are limited to $5,000 or the total of your taxable compensation, whichever is smaller. If you’re 50 or over before the end of the year, you’re allowed to contribute up to an additional $1,000 for a total yearly contribution of $6,000; this is the IRS’s way of encouraging you to save more in the final years before retirement.

The amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA also depends on your income.

When can you start taking the money out of an IRA?

You can take money out of an IRA whenever you want. If you’re under age 59 ½, it could cost you a 10% penalty on the amount you withdraw. That’s in addi-tion to the regular income tax you’ll owe on your with-drawal. Roth IRAs offers a bit more flexibility. You may withdraw your contributions to a Roth penalty-free at any time for any reason, as long as you don’t withdraw any earnings on your investments or dollars converted

from a traditional IRA before age 59 ½. In that case, you’ll get hit with that same 10% penalty.

If you’re 59 ½ or older: You can usually make penal-ty-free withdrawals from any IRA, but you’ll still owe the income tax if it’s a traditional IRA.

You can escape 10% tax penalty if you’re withdraw-ing the money for a few specific reasons.

• Paying college expenses for you, your spouse, your children or grandchildren.

• Paying medical expenses greater than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

• Paying for a first-time home purchase (up to $10,000).

• Paying for the costs of a sudden disability.

If you put money into your IRA but then decide you need it back, you can generally “take back” one contri-bution made to a traditional IRA without paying tax, as long as you do it before the tax filing deadline of that year and do not deduct the contribution from your taxes.

You can also withdraw money from a traditional IRA and avoid paying the 10% penalty if you roll the money over into another qualified retirement account (such as a Roth IRA) within 60 days.

Where should inquire about opening an IRA ac-count?

For more details about IRAs accounts call the PNA’s Annuities Department or our Membership Department, we will be happy to answer your questions and help you secure financially your financial future and your retirement.

Call today, before April 15,the IRS’s tax deadline!

773- 286-0500 Mary–ext. 382 (English)

John–ext. 365 (Polish & English)

By Alicja Kuklinska based on CNN Money research.

Please note: This article is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. Consult a professional about your particular situation and needs.

46

The PNA emblem is a relic from the January 1863, uprising of Poland against Russia. It was designed by the Revolutionary Government as a remind-er thet the Royal Republic of Poland was a commonwealth of three nations who shared the glories and misfortunes of the state.

Thus the white eagle on red shield represented crown lands, or Poland proper; the white knight on blue shield known as Pogon (the Chase) was the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania while Michael Archangel symbolized the Duchy of Ruthenia.

In using this symbol of unity, the Revolutionary Government hoped, without much success, to engage Lithuanians and Ruthenians in the common struggle against Russia.

The January Uprising failed. But a member of its Revolutionary Government, Agaton Giller inspired the founding of the Polish National Alliance. Consequently, the founders of the PNA adopted this symbol for its ftaternal emblem.

The Polish National Alliance has been protecting the financial futures of their members for over 133 years.

Through a wide array of life in-surance products, PNA can provide tax-free life insurance proceeds to provide for final expenses, mortgage cancellation, emergency funds, col-lege funds, child care, and a monthly income. These same products that protect our members’s families in the event of premature death also provide tax-advantaged method for accumulating additional monies for cash needs and/or retirement.

CIVIC ACTIVITIESSCHOLARSHIPSORPHAN’S BENEFIT PROGRAMYOUTH PROGRAMSSPORT ACTIVITIESPRESS PUBLICATIONSWPNA RADIO STATION

Listen to our WPNA 1490 AM radiopro-gram (24 hours every day, all over the world)via internet: www.wpna1490am.com

PNA BANK

Now is the

time for you,

your family and

friends to take full

advantage

of the PNA’s

insurance and

annuity programs

Board of Directors of the Polish National Alliance

in front of the Kosciuszko Monument.

Chicago, 2011.

Photo: Alicja Kuklinska