Together We Can and We Will ZGODA OF NORTH AMERICA THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION. Protect those you love with PNA life insurance

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1 Together We Can and We Will ZGODA THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION The OF THE official POLISH Publication NATIONAL of the ALLIANCE Polish OF NORTH AMERICA APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2014 National Alliance of North America Vol. 139; No. 2 Protect those you love with PNA life insurance

2 8 27 Fraternal News Extra Income Opportunity Installations of Lodges & Councils Officers Tea Party - PNA Welfare Association Youth Camps - Yorkville, Stanica, Orchard Lake St. Joseph Table - Council 3 Dozing with Dinos 2014 Song and Dance Concert, Chicago 100th Anniversary of Council41 Arturo Mari at the PNA District V Convention Retirements Welcome New Members! Education Scholarship Announcement Book Sale Sport & Youth We are Proud of... National Bowling Tournament Summer Youth Course Fishing Derby, Camp Stanica National Golf Tournament Photo Contest Living Well Anemia Bon Appétit Pope s Favorite Life of Polonia Pulaski Celebration in Savannah, GA Council 84 Honors Veterans Pulaski Day Parade in New York Polish Constitution Day Parade - Chicago History Pages Important Anniversaries and Observances 650 Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Humanity s Hero - Jan Karski PNA Welfare Association Poland Today UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Cover: kobieta i dziecko Zdjęcie stockowe Contents 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 prepaid envelope provided. (USPS ) Published Quartely The Official Publication of the Polish National Alliance 6100 N. Cicero Avenue Chicago, IL Phone: (773) Fax: (773) Polish National Alliance of US of NA Wesley E. Musial Censor Irene S. Grabowy Vice Censor Executive Committee Frank J. Spula President Teresa N. Abick Vice President Paul C. Odrobina Vice President David G. Milcinovic Vice President, Union of Poles Division Charles A. Komosa National Secretary Marian Grabowski Treasurer Send all articles, correspondence and materials to: ZGODA Magazine Alicja Kuklinska Editor zgoda@pna-znp.org 6100 N. Cicero Avenue Chicago, IL Ewa Wisniewska Graphic Designer Periodicals Postage Paid at Chicago, Illinois and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Zgoda, c/o PNA 6100 N. Cicero Avenue Chicago, IL Change of address or interruption in subscription matters contact: PNA Address Dept. (ext. 366) or sophie.gajda@pna-znp.org

3 President s Corner May, 2014 Dear Members: With a history dating back to 1880, the Polish National Alliance serves the Polish American Community by providing life insurance and retirement programs to its members blending product design, benefits and underwriting into its products. Even though the Polish National Alliance is a non-profit organization, it still needs to focus on profitability which is an essential requirement for any prudent business. The products we offer are the result of cooperation and development by our actuary to make certain they are affordable, competitive and profitable. Over the years, many changes have taken place within insurance companies and fraternals such as the Polish National Alliance. Our goal is to present greater stability by providing improved and state of the art products and services to our members. For many years, the Polish National Alliance has been sponsoring a range of fraternal programs within the various Districts that have an active membership, from dance and language classes to sports programs. Annually, the organization distributes $200,000 in scholarships to college students who are members of the PNA. As an organization, we contributed about $ 1.2 million in 2013 to support all of our fraternal programs throughout the country. Our dance groups bring us pride and joy as they perform in different parts of the country and world. They bring us as an organization great publicity, new members and vitality to our fraternal. We can be proud of the number of students attending Polish Saturday classes. These classes keep children occupied, teach them a multitude of topics which they can carry into adulthood and help them understand and embrace their heritage. We are proud to be supporters of the many Polish Schools throughout the United States. During the summer, we will be hosting a summer youth course in Orchard Lake, Michigan. This program is conducted annually and over the years thousands of children have attended creating lifetime memories as well as friendships. Recently, the Polish National Alliance sponsored its Annual Bowling Tournament held in LaPort, Indiana. It was an opportunity for our members to get together and spend some quality time with fellow members. In July, the PNA will host its 52nd Annual National Golf Tournament open to members of the Polish National Alliance. Information on any one of these programs, as well as the local programs sponsored by our lodges can be found in this issue of Zgoda, on our website or by calling the Home Office. The Polish National Alliance is more than just a life insurance company. Through fraternal programs, we bring people and families together. The purpose of these programs is to expand our membership and invite new people to become part of our PNA family. Thank you for your membership and support. Wishing you an enjoyable summer! Sincerely, Frank J. Spula, FLMI President 3

4 From the Editor May, 2014 Dear Members, Finally, spring is here and I hope you are enjoying it us much as I am. I had an opportunity to spend some time in Poland with my family during the Easter Holidays and observe all of the wonderful changes happening in my city. It is definitely not the same country I left in If you haven t been in Poland for a while, I strongly encourage you to visit and see how much the country had changed just in recent years I was proud on everyone being united in celebration of the canonization of our beloved Pope John Paul II. Throughout this issue you will find much information about our new Saint, his life, his likes etc I appreciate all your stories and pictures and as always encourage you to send me more. I am delighted that we have so many cute new members and so many individuals in our section We are proud of. There are many highly accomplished PNA members in our midst that we should know and tell others about. Please note: the due date for the articles for the upcoming July/August/September issue is Monday, July 28th, To all mothers and fathers in the United States and Poland, I wish all the love and appreciation you deserve. If it wasn t for you we would not be where we are. Wishing you a splendid summer, Yours truly, Alicja Kuklińska Spośród róż najpiękniejsza biała Święty Jan Paweł II To co mnie zachwyca w Italii wiosną to wybujałośc róż zakwitających w ogródkach. W Italii róże czują się świetnie i znajdują doskonałe warunki do rozwoju. Właściciele ogródków prześcigają się w urządzaniu rabat różanych, kolczaste pnącza oplatają ogrodzenia, pergole i furty. Nie ma wytworniejszych kwiatów od róży. Darzę różę sympatią i podziwiam tę królową ogrodów, zachwycają aksamitne płatki, okazałe pąki, kolory kwiatów. Róże zniewalają wonią i zadziwiają oryginalnością odmian. Wyhodowano tysiące jej odmian, a ogrodnicy stale tworzą nowe. Wśród wielości różanych propozycji wypatruję białych róż. Ta, której szukam ma krystalicznie czysto białe kwiaty i pachnie drzewem cytrusowym. Jest najświetniejszą spośród białych róż, jakie do tej pory wyhodowano, wyróżnia się nieskazitelną bielą kwiatów i mocnym, intensywnym zapachem. Kiedy amerykańska firma ogrodnicza Jackson & Perkins w Oregon wyhodowała różę o śnieżno białych płatkach odrazu wiedziała, że będzie nosiła imię Jana Pawła II. Biel róży symbolizuje duchowe cnoty czystości i przywodzi na myśl białą sutannę papieską z pelerynką i podwójnymi rekawami. Sprzedaż róż Papież Jan Paweł II rozpoczęto w pierwszą rocznicę śmierci papieża, w limitowanej liczbie 2500 egzemplarzy w ekskluzywnej, numerowanej serii. Dziesięc krzaczków tej róży posadzono w ogrodach Watykańskich od strony Bazyliki Św. Piotra. Część dochodu ze sprzedaży tej róży zasila Watykański fundusz na rzecz walki z biedą w Afryce. Krzaki tego bliskiego sercu naszego Świętego Jana Pawła II kwiatu są dostępne do nabycia na stronie internetowej Jackson & Perkins pod nazwą Pope John Paul II Hybrid Tea Rose. 4

5 Święty Janie Pawle II błogosław światu i ludziom i spraw by w naszych sercach i domach panowały pokój i miłość. Saint John Paul II April 27, 2014 The birth name of Pope John Paul II was Karol Jozef Wojtyla. He was born May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. Growing up, he was a great student and very athletic person. He liked to play soccer, hike, and he wanted to have a career in theater. In 1942, he thought he might want a career in the religious life. In 1946, he was ordained a priest. When he was 58, in October 1978 he became the Catholic Pope John Paul II. He was the first ever Polish pope and also the first non-italian pope since Pope Adrian VI in He could speak eight languages and travelled more than any other Pope in history. He has been an advocate for human rights and world peace and contributed significantly to the fall of the communism in Poland. Pope John Paul II spoke out against abortion, artificial birth control, and euthanasia on several occasions believing they are not good for the world. In 1981 he was shot and wounded during the assassination on his life. Two years later he met with his assassin but the conversation remains confidential. In 1994 Time magazine called Pope John Paul II the Man of the Year. Suffering from Parkinson s disease continued his duties and projects including writing books. He could read without the glasses, did not wear a wrist watch and enjoy simple things in life. His principal documents include 13 encyclicals, 13 apostolic exhortations, 11 apostolic constitutions and 41 apostolic letters. His letters, sermons and speeches fill nearly 150 volumes. He held eight consistories, in which he created 201 cardinals, presided at 131 beatification ceremonies and 43 canonization ceremonies during his pontificate. John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, at the age of 84, at his Vatican City residence. More than 3 million people waited in line to say good-bye to their beloved religious leader at St. Peter s Basilica. In July 2013, waving the usual five-year waiting period, the Vatican announced that the Roman Catholic Church would declare Pope John Paul II a saint. His canonization occurred on beautiful Sunday morning of April 27, Saint John Paul II as a man and the pope lived his life loving God and loving people. He will forever live in peoples harts. Saint John Paul II 5

6 Mother s Day Sunday, May 11th 2014 Dzień Matki w Polsce 26 maja The modern Mother s Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in May, as a day to honor mothers and motherhood. The traditional practice of honoring of Motherhood is rooted in antiquity. Early Christians in England initially used the day to honor the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ... and the church in which they were baptized, which they knew as their Mother Church. This place of worship would be decorated with jewels, flowers and other offerings. In the 17th Century, a clerical decree in England broadened the celebration from one focused on the church and the Virgin Mary, to include real Mothers, referring to the occasion as Mothering Day. Families across England enjoyed a family feast; Mothers were presented with cakes and flowers; and beloved, distant children came home to visit. When the first English settlers came to America, they discontinued the tradition of Mothering Day. The first North American Mother s Day was conceptualized with Julia Ward Howe s Mother s Day Proclamation in It was nationally recognized as a holiday in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson, after a campaign by Anna Jarvis, who for many years endlessly petitioned state governments, business leaders, women groups, churches and other institutions and organizations. Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrases second Sunday in May and Mother s Day, and created the Mother s Day International Association. She was specific about the location of the apostrophe; it was to be a singular possessive, for each family to honor their mother, not a plural possessive commemorating all mothers in the world. Święto Matki celebrowano już w starożytnej Grecji i Rzymie, gdy kult bogiń urodzaju i płodności kierował uwagę ludzi na wagę macierzyństwa. Tradycja ta przetrwała i w oderwaniu od pierwotnego kontekstu, święto powróciło w Anglii w XVII wieku, gdy jako niedziela u matki (Laetare Sunday, Mother s Sunday) kierowało wiernych w progi matczynych kościołów szybko charakter zwyczaju ewoluował i zaczęto zwracać uwagę na więź z własną matką. To wtedy zaczęto obdarowywać matki kwiatami. W Stanach Zjednoczonych od połowy XIX wieku obchodzono Dni Matczynej Pracy, a w 1905 ustanowiono stały Dzień Matki, obecny we wszystkich stanach. W 1914 decyzją Kongresu Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki Pólnocnej Dzień Matki stał się świętym narodowym, przypadającym w drugą niedzielę maja. W Polsce Dzień Matki ma stałą datę jest to zawsze 26 maja. Niezależnie od religii i regionu geograficznego Święto Matki możemy odnaleźć w wielu krajach świata. W każdym miejscu przypada na inny dzień, ale cieszy się powodzeniem niezależnie od różnorodności kulturowej. Stoi za nim bardzo ważna prawda o znaczeniu więzi rodzicielskich w życiu każdego człowieka. Poświęćmy więc naszym mamom trochę czasu, powiedzmy im jak bardzo są dla nas ważne, jak bardzo je kochamy i pamiętajmy o nich nie tylko w dniu ich święta. Opracowała: Alicja Kuklińska 6

7 Day2014 Father s Dzień Ojca w June 15 Polsce 23 czerwca Father s Day has a very interesting history. The idea of having a Father s Day came to the mind of Sonora Smart of Spokane, Washington while listening to a Mother s Day sermon in After the death of her mother, she along with her siblings was raised by her father, William Jackson Smart. Sonora wanted to honor her father s parental sacrifices that he made for his children. She wanted him to know what courageous, selfless and loving man he was. Since Sonora s father was born in June, she chose to hold the first Father s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, The National Father s Day Committee was formed in New York City in A Joint Resolution of Congress recognized the Father s day in 1956 and in In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. A day to celebrate fatherhood and male parenting, Father s Day is observed on the third Sunday in the month of June in most countries around the world. The occasion gives an opportunity to express love and affection to all fathers and fatherly figures and helps strengthening the father-child relationship. W Polsce Dzień Ojca to święto, które nie jest, niestety, tak powszechnie celebrowane jak Dzień Matki choć ojcowie to obok matek najważniejsi ludzie w życiu każdego człowieka. Powszechnie oczekuje się, że zapewnią oni materialny byt rodzinie, zaś poświęcanie czasu dzieciom, to obowiązek kobiety. Burzliwa historia Polski również zepchnęła ojców na drugi plan w rodzinie. Matka wychowywała dzieci - ojciec walczył. Pozostała o nim tylko pamięć, portret ojca bohatera. Nawet jeszcze w dzisiejszych czasach kiedy dziećmi opiekuje się mama, wydaje się to być stanem naturalnym. Jeśli jednak to ojciec zostaje w domu, wzbudza to często współczucie taj jakby ojciec nie ógłby być równie dobrym opiekunem swoich dzieci. Dawne czasy kładą się jeszcze cieniem na na myśleniu społeczeństwa ale na szczęście daje się zauważyć, że zrównują się prawa i obowiązki wewnątrz polskich rodzin oraz zmienia nastawienie społeczeństwa. Po raz pierwszy głośno i całemu światu, o tym, jak ważny jest ojciec, powiedziała Amerykanka Sonora Smart kobieta, którą ojciec wraz z piątką jej rodzeństwa, wychowywał sam po śmierci ich mamy. Sonora zwróciła się z projektem obchodzenia Dnia Ojca do władz w swoim mieście Spokane (stan Waszyngton) i tak, dzięki jej determinacji, powstało nowe święto które po raz pierwszy obchodzono je 19 czerwca 1910 roku. W 1924 roku prezydent Calvin Coolidge oficjalnie uznał Dzień Ojca, jako święto w całych Stanach Zjednoczonych, w roku 1972 prezydent Nixon zatwierdził święto aktem prawnym. Dzień Ojca obchodzony jest oficjalnie w trzecią niedzielę czerwca. Podobnie i w ten sam dzien (niedziele) obchodzą to święto inne kraje. W Polsce Dzień Ojca obchodzony jest od roku 1965 i jest to stała data - 23 czerwca. Opracowała: Alicja Kuklińska 7

8 Installation of local PNA Councils and Lodges in Michigan Fraternal News On Sunday, February 23, an Installation ceremony of local Polish National Alliance (PNA) Councils and Lodges took place. The event was held at the PNA Council 122 Banquet Hall in Hamtramck. The oath to office was given by the officers and members of the board of Council 122, Lodge 1246, Lodge 1758 and Lodge 439 (Council 15). The swearing in ceremony was conducted by a special guest of the event, PNA National Vice President Paul Odrobina. He congratulated all the elected officers and reminded the crowd that PNA is one of the oldest Polish fraternal organizations in the United States (it celebrates 134th birthday this year). The success and longevity of PNA and local Council and Lodges, according to Odrobina, is an effect of our common ideals. Our heritage brings us together, said Odrobina. After delicious dinner, a keynote address was presented by the Piast Institute President, Dr. Thaddeus Radzilowski. He spoke on the subject of the newest Piast s project the Polish American Communication Initiative ( The Polish National Alliance was founded in 1880 in Philadelphia. Since its inception, it has been providing insurance and protection and fraternal benefits to its members. For more information, visit Stanisław Łopacki Jan Mikołajewski Andrzej Jakobek Thomas A. Schemanski Audit Committee: Jane Tylenda Barbara Gronet Jerzy Różalski Tom Tylenda PNA LODGE 1758 Stella Szczesny Thomas M. Schemanski Francine Nizienski Janice Odrobina Kasia A. Schemanski Jane Tylenda Thomas A. Schemanski Jacqueline Kolowski Board of Directors: Kamil Dechnik Barbara Gronet Mary Ellen Tyszka Audit Committee: Rick Lapham Marcia Lewandowski Edward Nizienski President Vice-President Vice-President Financial Secretary Recording Secretary Treasurer Sergeant-at-Arms Doorkeeper PNA LODGE 1264 Roman Łopacki Tadeusz Przybył Krystyna Chodorowski Janina Łopacki Franciszek Tracz President Vice-President Vice-President Rec. Secr. / Treasurer Doorkeeper PNA COUNCIL 122 Stella Szczesny Tadeusz Pałac Suzanne Pałac Francine Nizienski Edward Nizienski Board of Directors: Tadeusz Przybył Thomas M. Schemanski Adam Ogonek President Vice-President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Audit Committee: Krystyna Alaszewski Stanisław Łopacki Adam Ogonek PNA LODGE 439/COUNCIL 15 Leon H. Rajski Arnold Beller Grace Sawinski Damian Rajski Joyce Alvarado Audit Committee: Joann Beller Nicole Beller President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Sergeant-at-Arms 8

9 Zaprzysiężenie lokalnych Gmin i Grup Związku Narodowego Polskiego w stanie Michigan W niedzielę, 23 lutego, w sali bankietowej Domu Związkowego Gminy 122 Związku Narodowego Polskiego w Hamtramck odbyła się uroczystość zaprzysiężenia władz lokalnych Gmin i Grup Związku Narodowego Polskiego (ZNP). Przyrzeczenia złożyli członkowie zarządów i rady dyrektorów Gminy 122 oraz Grup 1758, 1264 oraz 439 (Gmina 15). Dokładaną listę władz tych organizacji prezentujemy po lewej. Uroczystość poprowadziła prezeska Gminy 122 ZNP, Stella Szczęsny, a gościem specjalnym był krajowy wiceprezes ZNP, Paweł Odrobina. Gratulując nowowybranym członkom władz lokalnych Gmin i Grup ZNP, Odrobina przypomniał gościom, że ZNP to jedna z najstarszych organizacji polonijnych w USA (w tym roku obchodzi swoje 134 urodziny). Sukces i długowieczność ZNP to efekt, wg Odrobiny, zaangażowania oddanych osób oraz wspólny cel. Nasze polskie dziedzictwo narodowe trzyma nas razem. To coś co zawsze mieliśmy, mamy i bedziemy mieć wspólnego. mówił Odrobina. Odrobina poprowadził następnie ceremonię zaprzysiężenia lokalnych Gmin i Grup ZNP. Po obiedzie głos zabrał jeszcze jeden gość specjalny tego popołudnia dr Thaddeus Radzilowski, prezes Instytutu Piast. Dr Radzilowski opowiadał o nowej inicjatywie instytutu Polish American Communication Initiative ( Związek Narodowy Polski (Polish National Alliance) założony został w 1880 roku w Filadelfii. Głównym źródłem dochodu tej organizaji są polisy ubezpieczeniowe oferowane Polonii ZNP wspiera także wiele polonijnych inicjatyw, ma swoją komórkę edukacyjną promującą polonijne szkolnictwo, wpiera polonijne, grupy tańca folklorystycznego i wiele innych przedsięwzięć. Installation of Officers at Lodge 1224 Rockford, IL. Sunday, December 29th, Lodge 1224 held out installation of the officers for the year Joes Wojewodzki administered the oath to the new officers. The officers are: President: Marian Bielawski, Vice-President: Stanislaw Wawiorko, Financial Secretary: Teresa Bulka, Treasurer: Zdzislaw Woroniak, Recording Secretary: Ann Wojewodzki. At the end of our meeting Marian Bielawski presented Jeremy Kaszycki with our lodge scholarship. Following our meeting a children Christmas party was held. Our thanks go to Teresa Bulka and Irena Dyer for setting up buffet table with food and drinks. Submitted by: Joe Wojewodzki (L-R) Our officers Marian Bielawski, Anna Wojewodzki, Teresa Bulka, Zdzislaw Woroniak, Stanislaw Wawiorko. Fraternal News Story & photos: Sewbastian Szczepanski, The Polish Times. 100th Anniversary of Lodge 1770 Saturday, July 26, 2014 Lodge 1001 Club 15 Meeting St. Coventry, RI For more information call:

10 Fraternal News PNA Cadets Lodge 1134 Elect Officers St. Louis, MO, 2014 brings a new year and another milestone to the PNA Cadets Lodge The Lodge is celebrating its 105th year anniversary. Throughout the years many Lodge members dedicated themselves to civic and humane involvement. Over the years many donations were collected and provided for many charitable causes, whether aid for Poland or related causes. The Lodge has made substantial contributions to the Children of Poland through the Polish American Congress by recognizing that the children are our future, and the ones who will continue to keep the Lodge healthy and fruitful. The Lodge these days holds many events through the year to encourage the parents of our younger generation to participate. As we celebrate out 105 th anniversary we can reflect on our past accomplishments and look to the future to preserve our heritage and traditions for our children and our children s children. God Bless the USA, and God Bless Poland, and also God Bless our new future Polish Saint Pope John Paul II. President Edward Konsewicz Vice-President Adam Kaminski Financial Secretary Leona Kaminski Treasurer Bernice Krauze Recording Secretary John A. Baras Auditors Ben Krauze, James Spyrka, Adam Spyrka Submitted by: John A. Baras, Commissioner District XI Council 30 Elects New Officers for 2014 The new officers elected are: President Ben Krauze Vice-President Carolyn L. Baras Treasurer Leona Kaminski Recording Secretary John A. Baras Auditors Adam Spyrka, Josephine Konsewicz, James Spyrka Submitted by John A. Baras, Commissioner District XI Carolyn L. Baras, Leona Kaminski, Ben Krauze, John A. Baras President of Lodge 1134 Retires After 30+ years, President Adam Spyrka of the PNA Polish Cadets Lodge 1134 retires. Adam has served the Lodge well, he was the driving force of the Lodge and respected by the Lodge members and organizations throughout the metropolitan St. Louis area. Ben Krauze, John A. Baras Com. XI, Adam Spyrka, Bernice Krauze Com. XI, Edward Konsewicz Submitted by: John A. Baras, Commissioner District XI 10

11 Camp Stanica Prepares for 2014 Camping Season Bondsville, MA. The Polish Alliance Youth Camp, Inc., known as Camp Stanica, is preparing for the 2014 camping season. The annual meeting and election of officers was held at the Pulaski Club in Willimansett, MA. The camp is located in Bondsville, MA on 60 acres of grassy fields and woods with the Swift River and Browns Pond/Crystal Lake providing for fishing, swimming, and hiking. There are facilities for games, gymnastics, dancing, and arts and crafts. The campers sleep in cabins on metal frame cots with mattresses. Camp Stanica is a co-educational overnight camp for children The fee includes the cost for field trips and Canteen snacks. The weeks of camping are Section I: July 13-19, and Session II: July For more information or a brochure please contact Eugene Kirejczyk at 48 Szetela Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013, or by phone: Camp Stanica information may be obtained on the PNA website at: Submitted by: Teresa Struziak Sherman The newly elected officers for 2014 left to right: Eugene P. Kirejczyk, Treasurer and Chairman of the Camping Committee; Evelyn Saczawa, Secretary; Richard Knurek, President, and Jeannie Zapala, Vice President and PNA District 1 Commissioner. COUNCIL 62 PNA INSTALLS OFFICERS FOR 2014 Willimansett, MA. Council 62 Polish National Alliance delegates of Chicopee, MA held their 2014 annual meeting and elections at the Pulaski Club, Willimansett, MA. Installing Officer, Helena Jalbert, PNA Lodge 2279, administered the oath of office to elected delegates and officers. Pictured left to right: Helena Jalbert, Installing Officer; Teresa Struziak Sherman, former PNA National Director Region A, Financial and Recording Secretary; Jeannie Zapala, Commissioner PNA District 1, Lady Vice President; Gilbert J. Sherman, President; Brian Gendron, Treasurer, and Richard Knurek, Vice President. Council 62 PNA is preparing for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 12, 2014 at the Pulaski Club, 13 Norman Street, Chicopee, MA for children ages 0-10, with registration at 11:30 A.M., as well as the 8th Annual Fishing Derby for children up to age 13 on May 17, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at Camp Stanica, Bondsville, MA. We look forward to many eager participants. The co-educational overnight camping season will open for children ages 6-14 at Camp Stanica, the Polish Alliance Youth Camp in Bondsville, MA. Camping for Session I is July Session II is from July Anyone interested in sending a child to camp should contact Gene Kirejczyk at 48 Szetela Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013, or call for a camp brochure and registration form. Anyone interested in attending the Easter Egg Hunt or Fishing Derby should contact Gilbert Sherman at or terrysherm@aol.com. Council 62 s challenge is to increase PNA membership and has organized a membership contest for all its delegates for the year Submitted by: Teresa Struziak Sherman 11

12 Fraternal News Tea Party of the PNA Welfare Association a Huge Success The annual fundraiser for the PNA Welfare Association remembers its delegates, members and friends and the needy at Christmastime. March 30th our Tea Time began with a beautiful rendition of violin music performed by a young lady Ola Kwasny. Remember her name as we will see her future endeavors come true to be a great virtuoso. Listening to the violin music, sipping tea and scones, pastries mini sandwiches was filled with an afternoon of talk, reminiscing and relaxing. We were honored that the Executive Officers were in attendance, delegation from Legion of Young Polish Women, our Women s Division s Dist 12 and 13 members. Yes, the Tea Party was a huge success. To Mary Srodon my assistant, with her vision of a classy Tea Party put together a wonderful event. The wonderful friends who always are there and willing to help Halina Kuczynska, Sophie Gajda, Adam Maj, Janina Kopacz and husband Adam, Wanda Juda, Christine Tarchala & husband Walter, Ola Kot and Irene Spiewak. Thanks you all for your participation and help to make some one less fortunate a better Christmas. Vice President Teresa Abick Commissioner Dist 12 Barbara Wesolowski Commissioner Dist 13 Wanda Juda Submitted by Vice President Teresa Abick Photos: Alicja Kuklińska 12

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14 LODGE 1174 POLISH HERITAGE MONTH MEAL Fraternal News The members of the PNA Lodge 1174 (originally of E. St. Louis, IL) celebrated together in October for the Polish Heritage Month meal. The Lodge has been in existence for the past 102 years addressing the needs of the Polish community, providing sponsors 14 years. Submitted by: Edward Rakowski Top row L/R: Sylvia Berutti Vice President, Dolores Brisk, Irene Krakowiecki, Edward Rakowski President, Gertrude Flak, Patricia Raslawski Secretary/Treasurer, Loretta Rakowski, Estelle Cich. Bottom row L/R: John Brisk, Victoria Owca, Jeanette Barks Sergeant-at-Arms, Jane Budryk Youth Camp Association District 12 &13 Zarząd Ośrodka Młodzieżowego w Yorkville, Illinois Edward Mika President Phone: eddiemika@hotmail.com Marian Grabowski Vice President Walter Cygan Vice President Leszek Krzeminski Skarbnik/Treasurer Joseph Dobersztyn Sekretarz Finansowy/ Financial Secreatary Bolewsław Palka Sekretarz/Secretary Matt Matusiak Dyrektor/Director Jan Cygan Dyrektor/Director Michał Damiec Dyrektor/Director Agata Mscisz Kierowniczka Kolonii/ Children s Summer Camp Director Phone: agata.pna@gmail.com pna.youthcamp.com Tom Kranz Gospodarz Ośrodka/ Maintenance/Deliveries River Road Yorkville/Plano, IL Phone: facebook.com/ośrodek Młodzieżowy PNA Camp Yorkville/Plano 14

15 IMPORTANT NOTICE Please note, that you can obtain this issue of the Zgoda online. If you would like to discontinue receiving a paper copy of our publication please notify us via sophie.gajda@pna-znp.org and we will gladly comply with your request. Protect your environment go paperless. Go to: znp.org ANNOUNCEMENT PNA Lodges 271 & 2517 Syracuse, N. Y. Merger This announcement is to inform all current members of PNA Lodges 271 & 2517, Council 44 from Syracuse, N. Y. that a merger has taken place. The new Lodge name and number will now be known as: Maria Curie Society Lodge 271 The current officers for the new Lodge are: President Janet Cormier Vice President Celine Pelc Financial Sect y Pamela Newton Treasurer MaryJo Tartaglia Rec d Sect y Cheryl Visconti Sgt-of-Arms Lottie Starowicz Submitted by: Janet Cormier, President IMPORTANT! To PNA Sales Representatives: We are pleased to announce the development of new sales illustration software. Please note, we will no longer be supporting nor using the previous software for insurance illustrations. In order to generate a quote you will have to enter the direct link to your browser: Please contact our Membership Department to obtain your user name and password or with any other questions: ext. 368 & 344 You will also be able to access the website and the new illustration software via smart phone or tablet. It will make it much more accessible to run quotes and forward them directly to your prospective members. We hope this new tool will result in improving your productivity and help you to reach your financial goals. Fraternal News 15

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17 Council 3 Annual St. Joseph Table Held on March 19, 2014 in Monastero s Chicago, Illinois PNA Council 3 held its annual St. Joseph Table on March 19, 2014 at Monastero s, a Sicilian Restaurant in Chicago. Since the tradition of the St. Joseph Table began on the island of Sicily many years ago, the delegates voted parish in Chicago blessed the food and spoke about St. Joseph, who was not only the guardian of the Holy Family, but the patron saint of the Universal Church and of working people. Father Milek added that whatever our labor may be, we honor God through our smallest actions and deeds. Dinner guests enjoyed traditional Sicilian appetizers, a delicious meal, and dessert. Dinner was followed by a Wheel of Fortune presided over by Delegate Walter Bochenek and Vice President Joseph Lisak, with a $100 Cash Grand Prize winner, among other table prizes. Ms. Therese Winters assisted with the cash and gift card raffle. Mrs. Jozefa Fugiel-Stanko, Messrs. Joseph Lisak and Jozef Penar were honorees of their Feast Day and were presented with a bottle of wine. Vice President Elizabeth Stolarczuk and President Irene Hercik thanked the guests and wished everyone blessings from St. Joseph. Today, we still have many homeless, jobless, and hungry people who look to food pantries, soup kitchens, and parish churches for assistance. Council 3 will make a donation to support these efforts. to bring the event to this venue. The tradition dates back to when there was a severe drought on the island and food was very scarce, so much so, that the residents began to prepare meals using the fava bean that was fed to the animals because they had nothing to eat. They began to pray to St. Joseph for relief. St. Joseph interceded, and the rains came. The farmers were able to plant and harvest their crops. They made a vow to hold a St. Joseph Table each year and invite those who were hungry and in need. Mrs. Robert Gols read a short prayer to St. Joseph and Father Ryszard Milek of St. Francis Borgia Submitted by: Irene Hercik/ Council 3 President Photos by Andrzej Baraniak For the full gallery visit: 17

18 Jasełka Grupy 1824, Chicago Fraternal News W niedzielę, 12 stycznia 2014 Roku, w The Mayfield Banquets na południu miasta Chicago zebrało się okolo 170 osób; dzieci, rodzióow, gości i przyjaciół przedszkola Children s Ark Academy z Palos Hills by uczestniczyć w przedstawieniu Jaselka 2014 organizowanym przez Grupę PNA 1824 w wykonaniu zespołu artystycznego Śmieszki i Figielki działającego przy tymże przedszkolu. Pod kierownictwem dyrektor przedszkola Pani Katarzyny Lapsa z pomocą utalentowanych i opiekuńczych wychowawczyń dzieci przedstawiły inscenizację bożonarodzeniową oraz wykonały wiele pastorałek i kolęd bawiąc i zadziwiając widzów swoimi talentami. Przedstawienie uswietnili swoją obecnościa goście Związku Narodowego Polskiego; PNA Wiceprezes Teresa Abick, Skarbnik Marian Grabowski, Komisarze Dystryktu XII Jerzy W. Hejna i Barbara Wesolowski, Komisarka Dystryktu XIII Wanda Juda oraz członkowie zarządu Grupy 1824 Agata Czerwosz i Bogumiła J.L. Hejna, a także Agnieszka Olszewski. Był smaczy obiad, a dzieci i rodzice uczestniczyli w wielu zabawch i konkur- sach. Panowała świąteczna i rodzinna atmosfera. Opracowała Bogumiła J.L.Hejna, Lodge 1824 PNA Recording Secretary Submitted by: Jerzy Hejna, PNA, Commissioner of District XII Easter at the PNA Club in Minneapolis On Sunday, April 13th, Lodges 22 and 1042 have sponsored another great event for children at the PNA Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We truly feel privileged to teach children Polish language and customs. We love taking them on adventures discovering new vocabulary and traditions, said our members that hosted the event Agnieszka Kemerley and Monika Kusmirak. Also that day, a big thank you was said to all the participants of the Easter Kids Club for bringing items for an orphanage in Poland. Two boxes were collected and the little donors seemed to understand that they were making a difference in other kids lives. We couldn t be more proud of our youngest fraternalists. Based on the information submitted by Agnieszka Kemerley, Lodge 1042, Minneapolis, MN 18

19 Dozing with Dinos On Friday, April 4, 2014, I particiapted in a memorable night in Dozin with Dinos program with my two granddaughters, Amelia and Isabella Oskorep, and my two daughter-in-laws Lisa and Stephanie attended the Field Museum, for there over night stay with the Dozin with the Dinos. This was a fraternal event offered by the Polish National Alliance to its young members for the 5th year, with cooperation with other fraternal organizations. Over 900 children and adults were present. Everyone was carrying their sleeping bags and pillows to find there space for the night. Our group leader was Ms. Sharon Zago, Vice-president of the PWA and the PNA member as well. The evening began with a workshop based on the Field Museum exhibition. After that we watched a movie on Sue the dinosaur. It was very informative for the children and adults alike. After the movie you were able to meet with Dinosauria Lisa Zago-Martin, who let the children hold the bones of the dinosaurs that she dug up. The children and adults asked many questions to Lisa. The children had the opportunity to hold a live tarantula, and take pictures with it. After going through the many exhibits a snack was provided by the museum to every guest. We all enjoyed the late night activities, and explore the Museum s wondrous exhibitions, including Inside Ancient Egypt by flashlight. Lights out at 1:30 a.m. Rise and shine was at 7:00 a.m., with breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. for all. It was time to leave the Museum at 9:00 a.m., before that, the few of us took a picture with Sue the dinosaur. Good byes were said and everyone hoped to see each other next year. A good time was had by both young and old. Story and photos submitted by: Joan Oskorep, PNA Lodge 825

20 F arewell Dinner for former PNA Lodge 3230 President Teofil Joseph Joe Stadnik Fraternal News On 01/18/2014, Titusville, Florida Space Coast Lodge 3230 held a combination farewell dinner for former PNA and PLAV President Joe Stadnik. Former Lodge 3230 President Joe Stadnik will be relocating to Washington State in the near future to reside with family there. This was also a general meeting and belated holiday lodge dinner. There was an election of officers of 3230 for 2014 on the 18th of January, 2014 also. Marge Nickolenco, Financial Secretary of 3230 gave a presentation honoring Joe Stadnik and all of his many accomplishments while serving as President of 3230 and as local and state commander of PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veteran). PLAV State Commander Pam Hoback travelled and attended this event and presented former Commander Stadnik with a medal of achievement for all of his very hard work and devotion over the years to PLAV. PNA Lodge 3230 current President Len Piotrowski spoke and presented Joe with a plaque of appreciation for all of his dedication and endeavors regarding PNA over many years. Lodge 3230 Recording Secretary Phyllis Farrell presented Joe with a large, decorated cake and a bouquet of flowers. This was followed by a short speech and expression of thanks by Joe Stadnik to the membership. Various lodge members also thanked Joe for all of his service and recalled memories of years past, including the wonderful Polish picnics at Fox Lake, with the really good polka bands and excellent homemade Polish food. Both Lodge 3230 and PLAV will deeply and sincerely miss Joe Stadnik when he leaves Florida and relocates to Washington State. Submitted by: Susan A. Knowles PNA Lodge 848 Recording Secretary Ben Filipczyk Retires Arlington, VA: At the Top of the Town with a grand view of the nation s capital, co-workers, relatives and old friends gathered on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2014, to enjoy Ben Filipczyk s retirement party. He retires after many years of working as an analyst at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. Prior to SPA, Ben worked 27 years with the federal government, and continues as Recording Secretary for PNA Lodge 848. Submitted by: Teresa Urman Buckoski, Director Region D For party photo Lodge 848 family members gather to pose with Ben Filipczyk (center in front of Marilyn cardboard) from left to right: Elizabeth Chappell, Mary Ann Rackowski, Michael Filipczyk, Katie and Hannah Howard, Justin Rackowski, Stephanie Urman, Brian and Teresa Buckoski, Paul Perdue, Ben, John Urman, Henry Rackowski, Stephen Donnelly, the senior Henry Rackowski, Tracy Urman, Tom Urman, the senior Stephen and Connie Donnelly, Tina Filipczyk, Maria Smith and Mary Donnelly. 20