Happy Easter! - SOKOL ONLINE

SOKÓŁ POLSKI 

POLISH FALCON 

APRIL 2010 NO. 4 

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA SINCE 1896 

WWW.POLISHFALCONS.ORG 

Wesolego Alleluja! 

In This Issue... 

Presidentʼs Message 

....... Page 2 

Nest Calendar 

...... Page 8 

Beautiful Pisanki! 

....... Page 16 

Celebrate a Polish Easter 

...... Page 18 

Join Hands Day 

...... Page 22 

Happy Easter!

MEMBER NEWS 

A Message From 

The President & CEO 

Timothy L. Kuzma, President & CEO 

Tradition is an important aspect of the makeup of the Polish Falcons 

of America. We are a Polish organization and maintaining the beautiful 

traditions of Poland is critical to the success of the PFA. Surveys taken 

over the years have always shown that the Polish aspect of the organization 

is one the most important reasons why people join the Polish 

Falcons. 

For many Polish-American families, traditions play an important role 

in keeping families together. It’s not only important for the family as a 

unit, but it provides the sense that the family is part of a bigger community. 

Those important traditions that we grew up with, passed down from 

generation to generation, define who we are. That identity is important. It 

reminds us from where we came, and if we continue these traditions, it 

will show the way for them to build healthy, strong families for future generations. 

Celebrations of any kind, in any setting, really aren’t important 

unless they are placed in a context that provides structure and meaning. 

A tradition provides the setting to tell a story and relate what that story 

means in today’s world. As children develop and begin making sense of 

the world and the role they will play as adults in society, the traditions 

they learn will provide them with the foundation they need in order to 

develop as a complete person. 

One would be amazed at the number of phone calls and emails that 

we receive from members, and non-members, looking for information 

about Polish traditions. They usually have fond memories of a holiday 

tradition that was shared in their family when they were younger, but for 

various reasons, it has been mostly forgotten and is no longer practiced. 

But now that they have children, they feel a need to pass that tradition 

along again. We are more than happy to help in any way we can. It is 

also why, in this issue of the Sokol Polski, we print several pages of 

articles, recipes, etc., about Polish Easter traditions. 

I would ask that if you continue Polish traditions during any holiday 

season, to maybe try a new one, or make a new Polish dish for Easter 

dinner. And if you do not include a Polish tradition in your celebration, 

maybe this year just do one. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just get 

started. Before you know it, you’ll be taking an Easter basket to Church 

on Holy Saturday for a Polish Blessing of Easter Food. 

*** 

As always at this time of year, we print the financial results from the 

previous year. Our National Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, 

begins this report on this page. Without stealing any of John’s thunder, 

we had a good year in a number of respects in 2009. Our surplus 

increased, our assets increased, and we had a record year in terms of 

life insurance and annuity sales. In summary, we are in a much better financial 

position than we were at the end of 2008. Please take the time to 

read the report. 

I would like to commend our entire staff at National Headquarters for 

the outstanding work they put forth in 2009. We have made great 

progress, not only financially, but also with the activities, programs and 

benefits we offer our members. We are going to build on these successes 

in 2010 and have an even better organization as a result. 

*** 

Have a Blessed and Happy Easter! Czolem! 

Annual Financial Statement 

From Secretary/Treasurer John Kuzmirek 

A summary of the 2009 Annual Statement of the Polish Falcons of America, as filed 

with the various State Insurance Departments in which we are licensed to do business, is 

presented for your review. The major components that contributed to our operating results 

and financial condition, as of December 31, 2009 are detailed in the Balance Sheet 

and Summary of Operations. 

Overall, 2009 was a very successful year for the Polish Falcons of America. Despite 

of the many challenges we faced as an organization, there are many positives to build 

upon for the coming years. From a sales perspective, we showed unprecedented growth 

in 2009. Premium income totaled over $5 million, an increase of almost $2.2 million 

compared to 2008. This is a direct result of our sales/marketing plan that was implemented 

in 2009. We have significantly increased our sales force and are continuing to 

recruit quality sales agents to the organization. 

Investment Income continues to grow each year. For 2009, it totaled $3,351,446, 

net of investment related expenses. When compared to the prior year, investment income 

shows an increase of $117,551. 

Total income, which includes Miscellaneous Income, Scholarship Donations, and 

Amortization of Interest Maintenance Reserve, was $8,540,385, an increase of 

$2,257,472 compared to 2008. 

Total operating expenses for 2009 increased by $2,474,759 compared to the prior 

year. Aggregate Reserves expensed for 2009, $4,165,000, shows an increase of 

$2,587,000 compared to 2008. This is primarily a result of the reserves required for the 

increased premium income in 2009. Annuity benefits paid, which has an impact on the 

Aggregate Reserve calculation, were $1,861,825 in 2009, a decrease of $550,941 from 

2008, demonstrating confidence in our organization from our Membership. Death Benefits 

paid in 2009 amounted to $464,888, which approximated the 2008 total of $420,855. 

General Insurance & Fraternal Expenses for 2009, $1,326,742, shows an increase 

of $134,266 over the prior year. Salaries and Wages contributed $92,674 to the negative 

variance. The increase in Salaries is a result of our office being fully staffed for a full 

year in 2009. Minus the increase in Salaries, other General Insurance & Fraternal Expenses 

increased by a modest 3.49%. We are committed to control expenses, while 

continuing to provide fraternal benefits to our Members. The insert provides the detail of 

these expenses for comparison. 

Despite our sales growth, we showed a Net Loss from Operations for 2009 of 

$118,377. After Realized losses in the amount of $65,332, our Net Loss for 2009 was 

$183,709. 

The Net Increase in Surplus for 2009 was $785,533. Contributing to the Surplus 

continued on page 3 

SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 2

MEMBER NEWS 

continued from page 2 

gain were Unrealized Gains of $307, 003, and Other Income $1,060,728, which includes 

Gorecki Scholarship assets transferred to the PFA in the amount of $725,055 

and $246,483 from recently dissolved Nests. In addition, approximately $95,000 was 

transferred to the Polish Falcons as a donation from the Alliance Fund. The Asset Valuation 

Reserve was replenished by $427,360 due to improvements in our investment 

portfolio in 2009, which offset other surplus gains. 

As you can see from the Balance Sheet total admitted assets at December 31, 

2009, $56,206,397, increased by over $5 million compared to prior year. This increase 

is primarily due to a significant increase in cash and Investments resulting 

from a positive cash flow from operations. In 2009, our organization acquired a beautiful 

facility in Hillsborough, New Jersey, which was previously owned by Polish Falcons 

of America District I. The value of the property, as shown on the Balance Sheet, 

is $265,178. This amount is net of accumulated depreciation, and a mortgage 

payable. 

Total Liabilities were $53,997,266 at yearend, an increase of $4,218,539 compared 

to the prior year. Aggregate Reserves $49,508,000, which includes Life Insurance 

Reserves ($14,785,000) and Annuity Reserves ($34,723,000), increased by 

$4,165,000 for the year. These required statutory reserves are set for the protection 

of our Members. As we have done in the past, we paid all claims in 2009 and we are 

confident in our ability to meet the benefit obligations we have to our Members in the 

future. 

Total Surplus at year end, $2,209,131 remains strong and is an indication that the 

Polish Falcons of America is moving in a positive direction. The ability to increase 

surplus in the face of adverse economic conditions has put Polish Falcons in a better 

position than we were at this time last year. We look forward to 2010 and are prepared 

to face the many challenges that lie ahead. The Board of Directors, Management 

Team, and our outstanding staff are committed to growing our organization, 

striving for excellence, and holding a personal responsibility to our Membership. We 

plan to build on our successes and make the Polish Falcons an even stronger organization 

in 2010 and beyond. To all of our Members, thank you for your support and 

commitment to the Polish Falcons of America! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


MEMBER NEWS 

Tax Saving Opportunities 

with Polish Falcons IRA’s 

April 15th is the cut-off date to make IRA 

contributions for 2009. As you sit down to begin 

the annual chore of preparing your taxes, the 

Polish Falcons of America has solutions available 

to help reduce your 2009 tax liability and begin 

planning for 2010 and beyond. 

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a longterm 

savings and retirement plan that allows your 

contributions to grow tax-deferred until you begin 

taking distributions from your account. The PFA 

offers Members both Traditional and Roth IRA’s 

featuring very competitive rates. The tax advantages 

make an IRA a smart way to supplement 

your retirement income. 

Traditional IRA 

A Traditional IRA will allow your investment to 

grow tax-deferred until you withdraw your money 

at retirement. In addition, your contributions may 

be tax deductible. If you and your spouse qualify, 

you can each contribute up to $5,000 for 2009 tax 

year ($6,000 if you are age 50 or older). Tax deductible 

contributions are subject to adjusted gross 

income limits if participating in an employer sponsored 

retirement plan. You may transfer your 

money from an IRA account which you already 

have established into a PFA IRA. In addition, if 

you leave a job, or are already retired, you can roll 

over your 401(k), 403(b) or your company sponsored 

pension into a PFA IRA. 

Distributions of earnings and deductible contributions 

from your IRA are subject to ordinary income 

taxes and if made prior to age 59 ½ may be 

subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty. 

Roth IRA 

Like the Traditional IRA, a Roth IRA is an excellent 

supplement to an individual's retirement income. 

However, unlike the Traditional IRA, for which 

earnings accrue on a tax-deferred basis, the Roth 

IRA accrues earnings on a tax-free basis. For 

Roth IRAs, qualified distributions are tax free and 

contributions 

are never tax deductible. 

Traditional IRA 

Eligibility: 

Individuals under age 70 ½ with earned income. 

A non-working spouse may also contribute up to 

the maximum amount. 

Tax Advantages: 

Income earned on a Traditional IRA is not taxable 

until it is withdrawn. The Falcons Traditional IRA 

is an excellent way to supplement retirement savings 

and allows contributions to grow tax-free until 

they are withdrawn at retirement. Contributions 

are deductible depending on active participation 

in an employer retirement plan, martial status 

and other conditions. Consult you tax preparer 

for other possible conditions affecting your 

eligibility. 

Contribution Levels for 2009-10: 

$5,000 maximum annual contribution for 2009; 

$10,000 per couple. (These are reduced by any 

contributions made to a Roth IRA.) Maximum 

“Catch-up” contribution for individuals who reach 

age 50 before the end of the taxable year is 

$ 1,000. 

Withdrawal Rules: 

Certain withdrawal amounts made prior to age 59 

½ may be subject to an additional 10% penalty. 

Roll-overs: 

You may transfer from one IRA to another; you 

may roll-over from employer plans. 

Any individual who has taxable compensation or 

self-employment income for the year may establish 

and fund a Roth IRA. To be eligible to make a 

participant contribution, the individual must have a 

modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) that is 

less than a certain amount, depending on the taxfiling 

status of the individual. 

For 2009 an individual may contribute 100% of 

compensation up to $5,000. Individuals who are 

age 50 and older by the end 2009 can make an 

additional catch-up contribution up to $1,000. 

Summary 

With the exception of Roth IRAs, where eligible 

distributions are tax-free, eventual withdrawal from 

an IRA is taxed as income; including the capital 

gains. Because income is likely to be lower after 

retirement, the tax rate may be lower. Combined 

with potential tax savings at the time of contribution, 

IRAs can prove to be very valuable tax management 

tool for individuals. Also, depending on 

Roth IRA 

Eligibility: 

Individuals can contribute at any age as long as 

they have earned income and meet the income 

limitations. The allowable contribution limit is 

phased out for individuals with modified 

adjusted gross incomes of $105,000 and 

$119,999 (single) and $166,000 and $175,999 

(joint). 

Contributions can continue beyond age 70 ½ 

as long as there is earned income. 

Tax Advantages: 

Your contribution is not tax-deductible. Tax-free 

investment growth if the account has been 

open and funded for five years and certain 

requirements are met. 

Contribution Levels for 2009-10: 

Same as for Traditional IRA but are reduced by 

any contributions made to a Traditional IRA. 

Withdrawal Rules: 

Similar to Traditional IRA, however, the account 

must be open and funded for at least five years 

to qualify for a tax-free withdrawal of investment 

earnings upon reaching age 59 ½, becoming 

disabled, purchasing a first home or death. 

Roll-overs: 

You may transfer from a Traditional IRA to a 

Roth IRA. Taxes must be made on deductible 

contributions and all earnings when a Traditional 

IRA is converted to a Roth IRA, but the 10% 

penalty does not apply. 

income, an individual may be able to fit into a 

lower tax bracket with tax-deductible contributions 

during his or her working years while still enjoying 

a low tax bracket during retirement. The tax laws 

governing IRA’s can be complex. You should consult 

with your tax preparer to determine your individual 

tax situation. 

For more information on establishing a Traditional 

or Roth IRA with the Polish Falcons of America 

please contact John Denning, National Sales/Marketing 

Director, at (800) 535-2071. You may also 

send John an email to the following address: 

jdenning@polishfalcons.org. 


FALCON YOUTH 

From The Desk 

Of Chris Puskar 

PFA National Physical 

Education Director 

Adult Volleyball 

Youth Bowling Tournament 2010 

The 2010 Youth Bowling Tournament is taking place from January 1 through 

April 30, 2010. As always, you can bowl at anytime during these months. Applications 

are available online and can be filled out and returned online. 

Checks, however, should be mailed to: 

Druhna Chris Puskar 

C/O Polish Falcons of America 

381 Mansfield Avenue 

Pittsburgh, PA 15220 

All entry forms and checks should be in my hands by the deadline date of May 

1, 2010. In addition, please forward any photographs of your group bowling to 

me for possible consideration for the Sokol Polski and our website. As in past 

years, the entries will also be forwarded to the Polonia Youth Bowling Tournament 

which the PFA has won for the past 4 years. Let’s keep up the good 

work. 

Presidentʼs Physical Fitness Program 

for Adult and Youth Members 

I don’t know about any of you but I am so ready for Spring to get here!! I have the 

perfect way for you to put your Spring fever to good use. Join the President’s 

Physical Fitness Program and get active and feel better! Since fitness is about 

improving your endurance, strength and flexibility, we have found a way to help 

you. Ideas can include things such as walking the dog, cleaning the garage, cutting 

the grass, swimming, walking, running, bowling and even getting your garden 

ready for Spring flowers. All of these activities are a part of the program. We 

have two groups started. One group is the PFA Youth and one is the PFA Adult. 

So please register for your group and start entering your activities into your account. 

You can learn how to register by going to the PFA website. Remember 

the motto of our organization is “A sound mind in a healthy body!” Join your 

Falcon friends to help make this motto come to life!! 

National Zlot Information 

This summer, the Polish Falcons of America National Zlot 

will be held for the first time in the Nation’s Capital, Washington, 

D. C. Plans are currently being finalized for the 

facility that we will use. We are also making arrangements 

for other activities to help showcase the Nation’s 

Capital to this year’s Zlot participants. Visits to the Pope 

John Paul II Cultural Center and other area sites and a 

planned Wreath Laying at the Kosciuszko Monument are 

all on the agenda for this week-long event. 

Dates: July 25 – August 1, 2010 

Place: Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, NE, 

Washington, D.C. www.gallaudet.edu 

Who: Any Falcon Member between the ages of 7 and 

18 may compete. 19 and 20 year olds are encouraged to 

attend and are welcome to participate in selected activities, 

while being part of the Runners Committee. (If you 

are not a part of a gym class in your area and would still 

like to attend, please contact Druhna Chris Puskar at 

cpuskar@polishfalcons.org and you will be given any 

information you will need to be a part of the Zlot.) 

List of Competitions: 

National Drill Competition 

Boys and Girls Drill Competition 

Volleyball Tournament 

Gymnastics Competition 

Soccer Competition 

Track and Field Competition 

Swimming Competition 

This Yearʼs National Zlot will take place on the 

campus of Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, 

NE, Washington, D.C. www.gallaudet.edu 

Events will include: Drill Competition, Volleyball, 

Gymnastics, Soccer, Track and Field and Swimming. 

Contact your local Nest or Druhna Chris Puskar 

For information on how you can participate. 

Age Groups: 

Preps – Ages 7 – 9 Seniors – Ages 16 – 18 

Juniors – Ages 10 – 12 Senior Runners – Ages 19 – 20 

Intermediates – Ages 13 – 15 

Guests 

We are planning to provide accommodations for any 

guests who would like to attend the event. Please check 

future issues of the Sokol Polski for further details or visit 

the 2010 Zlot web site at: www. polishfalcons/zlot 

Questions: 

Contact Druhna Chris at 800-535-2071 

or cpuskar@polishfalcons.org 


MEMBER NEWS 

From the Desk 

Of The National First Vice President 

Patricia Del Busse, 

First Vice President / Membership Service 

Winter in Druhna Trish’s back yard. 

Druhna’s daffodils signal the return of Spring. 

The weather was kind enough to give a reprieve. I took full advantage 

of this to head out to visit with Members of the Nests of District 

VI. Since my son lives in this area, I was able to spend a fair amount 

of time with him and his family. It was nice to enjoy family time as 

well as Falcon time. My first meeting was with District VI President 

Dean Zeisig, it was a productive one discussing his vision for the 

District and the future. Later in the evening, I attended the annual 

Officers dinner with Nest 564. It was a very pleasant evening spent 

socializing, reminiscing and planning. 

After dinner, I joined other Nest Members at the Nest hall. There 

was discussion with Druh Gerald Albin and Druhna Karen Crabtree 

mainly about the upcoming zlot. Sunday morning began with a 

meeting with the Officers of Nest 80 in South Bend. Following our 

meeting, Nest President Ken Staszewski and his wife, Mary joined 

me for breakfast. There again, another good meeting. Sunday afternoon, 

I returned back to La Porte to meet with their Officers. Following 

that meeting, I visited with Mark Albin again discussing the 

upcoming zlot. That evening, I returned to South Bend for a visit with 

the Officers of Nest 4. These meetings have proven to be very productive. 

I listen to your concerns and questions and then address 

them. District President Zeisig attended each meeting with me with 

the exception of the one with the Nest 4 Officers. 

Each of the Nests that I visited is doing very well on a Nest level, 

each shared the events going on within their Nest. The lack of participation 

on a National level was discussed and addressed. Nests 4, 

80 and 564 all have children who may be able to attend the upcoming 

zlot in Washington, D.C. The District VI children have been 

greatly missed at recent National events. 

The Nest dues were supposed to be sent in February but due to 

glitches within our office system, they just went out. We apologize 

for the delay. Please submit your dues directly to the National Office; 

paying at the Nest hall complicates bookkeeping issues. 

This month, the Members of the Legion of Honor Commandery will 

be coming to Pittsburgh for a meeting. I am looking forward to this 

and am confident that it will be very productive for all of us. The Legion 

of Honor kits should be completed at this meeting. 

This month, quite a few of us will visit the Polanka in New Jersey 

for the annual National Bowling Tournament, we are looking forward 

to this event. Hopefully, a few of you or those of you who are unable 

to attend will join us in Pittsburgh on May 21 and 22 for the First Annual 

Inter-Polonia Bowling Tournament. Requests for lane and ad 

sponsors will be sent shortly. If you have any questions regarding 

the tournament, please do not hesitate to contact either me or Druh 

Bobby Joe Gorny at rjgorny@att.net. . 

The date has been sent for the FORE the Charitable Foundation 

Golf Outing. The outing will take place on Friday, July 9 at Scenic 

Valley Golf Course in Finleyville, PA (same place as last year). Last 

year, we were able to present the Polish American Congress Charitable 

Foundation (PACCF) with a check for $2000. Obviously, we 

would like to increase this donation. The PACCF is the organization 

that supports Poland but also sends our children for visits to Poland. 

This year, due to the zlot, we won’t have as many as last year but 

there will still be representation on the tour from the Polish Falcons. 

An Open House at our new National Office will be held on Friday, 

May 14. Details regarding this will be sent out to each Nest and District 

shortly. This is also the weekend of the National Board of Directors 

meeting. 

At our March National Board Meeting held last month, the recipients 

of the Dr. T.A. Starzynski Scholarship Program were chosen. 

Each recipient has received a letter from me. A list of all will be published 

in the May issue of the Sokol Polski. Donations to the Bakeless 

Bake Sale are still coming in, thank you very much. Your 

generosity is greatly appreciated. 

The snow has melted and hopefully, this is the last time that snow 

will be mentioned for quite some time. My daffodils, tulips and crocus 

are starting to grow, what a wonderful sight! The sun now 

shines, the birds now sing and it is time for all of us to get back outside. 

The yard can use some much needed attention, our cars need 

washed, the gravel that was shoveled into the grass with the snow 

needs thrown back to the driveway, we need fresh air. Do something 

physical! 

Then add these activities to your page on the Presidents Challenge. 

www.presidentschallenge.org 

Please contact me with any issues, concerns or questions at 1- 

800-535-2071 or vptrish@polishfalcons.org. 

A Blessed and Happy Easter to all of you and your families. 

Czolem, 

Druhna Trish 


MEMBER NEWS 

Chaplain’s Corner 

By Rev. Canon Joseph Sredzinski 

PFA National Chaplain 

JEZU UFAM TOBIE 

Wesolego Alleluja – 

Faith & Mercy 

It was six long weeks of serious 

preparation for the most important 

observance in Christianity 

– the Resurrection of the Lord. 

Imitating Jesus, for 40 days, we 

fasted to curb our sense appetites, 

we prayed earnestly to 

nourish our souls and we have 

alms to decrease selfishness and 

thus grow in much needed 

graces. It was Post Swiety – 

Wielki Post or Lent. 

Now we are called upon to 

note the great event in the life of 

our Blessed Saviour and Lord – 

His rising from the dead. Scriptures clearly indicate He called the dead 

back to life. Jarius’ daughter was one of these. And there was Lazarus, 

the brother of Martha and Mary who was buried already for four days. 

Jesus had supernatural powers and used these to both enhance the lives 

of others and to readily prove He was Divine. 

Forewarned of his future passion, suffering and death, the apostles recalled 

also His foretelling of the resurrection, namely that after three days, 

He would rise from the dead. While it was hard to accept, it happened on 

that first Easter Morning. Jesus, God’s Son and Savior of the world, broke 

through the stone-cold barrier of the tomb. He showed himself to Mary 

Magdelene and the chosen twelve in the Upper Room, even to call 

Thomas to put his hand into His side and his finger into His nail prints. 

And, today, we in faith, accept and proclaim to all around that He is Risen. 

He is Alive, and sing out with special joy Alleluia!, Alleluia! We can and 

should without any hesitation wish one another a heartfelt- Wesolego Alleluia. 

We are baptized. We, the forgiven, we the nourished by the Eucharist. 

We are the believers of today. Niechaj bija zdwony. Niech sie 

raduja nasze serca. Niech kazdy zyje wiara gleboka I radosna. A Blessed 

Easter to all. 

Jesus, who came from the Creator of all, continues to care for us all. 

While he spoke of forgiveness and love of God and one another. In 1931, 

He began to appear to and speak with a Polish female religious, St. Sr. 

Faustina Kowalska and, through her, He let the whole world know about 

the Divine Mercy of God. Jesus wanted a picture of His appearance with 

the signature, Jesus, I trust in thee painted, displayed and promoted. He 

wanted everyone to pray the Caplet of Divine Mercy, to observe the three 

o’clock hour and to get into the annual Novenna and feastday celebration 

on the Sunday after Easter, now proclaimed- Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus 

wants each and every soul to put confidence in Him and His love. He does 

want devotion, acknowledging God’s love in His Divine mercy. We say and 

should regularly repeat- Jezu Ufam Tobie- Jesu Confido in Te- Jesus, I 

trust in You. 

The side of Christ was opened while hanging on the cross. The heart of 

Christ remains open to all, and we should be confident to approach Him 

with resolve to to trust, yes, and to extend mercy to others in Christ who 

desires the best for us. 

At this Easter season, our hearts are lifted and we should have much 

trust. And, as your National Chaplain, I pray for you and to you extend my 

blessing. All Joy, much deep Faith and, of course plenty of His Divine 

mercy. 

z Panem Bogiem i Czolem. 


POLISH FALCON 

APRIL 2010 - NO. 4 

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA SINCE 1896 

DAVID J. MOTAK —EDITOR, GRAPHIC DESIGN 

GREGORY J. GUSHARD - WEB MASTER 

Published Monthly by The Polish Falcons of America 

381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751 

www.polishfalcons.org 

Sent to all premium paying members without charge. 

Postmaster — Send address changes to: Sokol Polski 


Telephone: (412) 922-2244, Toll Free: 1-800-535-2071 

FAX: (412) 922-5029 

E-mail: communications@polishfalcons.org 

Periodicals Postage 

Paid In Pittsburgh, PA 

USP 500-640 

PRIVACY POLICY STATEMENT — POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA 

Privacy – Personal Financial 

and Medical Information 

Protecting the privacy of your personal financial 

and medical information has always 

been and will continue to be a matter of top 

priority for us. When used in this notice, the 

following terms have the meaning shown. 

* Public Information means information that 

is lawfully available to the general public 

from: Federal, State or local government 

records; widely distributed media; or, disclosures 

to the general public that are required to 

be made by Federal, State or local law. 

* Non-Public Information means personally 

identifiable financial and medical information. 

It also means any list, description or 

other grouping of individuals, and publicly 

available information pertaining to them, that 

is derived from any personally identifiable information 

that is not publicly available. 

* Consumer Reporting Agency means an entity 

which regularly provides reports (Consumer 

Reports) including information 

regarding an individual’s: general reputation, 

character, personal characteristics or mode of 

living and financial status. The information 

may be obtained through interviews with the 

individual or third parties, such as the individual’s: 

business associates, family members, 

friends, neighbors, acquaintances or financial 

sources. 

We obtain information about you from the 

following sources: 

* information that you provided to us in an 

application or other form; 

* information about your transactions with 

us (such as premium payments, loans, claims, 

etc.), or others; and 

* information that we may receive from a 

Consumer Reporting Agency. 

We will not disclose any personal, nonpublic 

information about you to anyone, except 

as permitted or required by law. We will 

not disclose personal medical information 

about you, except as permitted by law or as 

you may authorize. 

We restrict access to your personal, insurance 

and medical information to those of our 

employees who need to know that information 

in order to provide insurance or service 

to you. We are, and will continue to be, vigilant 

in the safeguarding of your personal financial 

and medical information. We maintain 

physical, electronic and procedural safeguards 

to comply with Federal and State regulations 

regarding the safeguarding of non-public information. 

It is our sincere desire to maintain complete, 

accurate and up-to-date records. You 

may contact us at the address to the left, to access, 

as provided by law, information included 

in your file. We will promptly correct any 

error in our information. To protect your privacy, 

you will need to identify yourself by 

providing us with your name, date of birth and 

social security number. 


MEMBER NEWS 

PFA Calendar of Events 

Nest 4, South Bend, IN 

• Contact: www.mrfalcons.com or 

574-288-1090. 

April Events: 2 - Fish Fry - 4:30 - 7 

p.m.; 3 - Swieconka; 5 - Dyngus 

Day 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Any questions, 

call Sue Junk 574-289-1709 

or email williamjunk@att.net. 

Nest 8, Pittsburgh, PA 

Meetings are held the first and third 

Wednesday of each month at the 

Nest 8 hall beginning at 7 p.m. 

Nest 31, Detroit, Mich. 

• The Eastside Junior Bowling Once 

a Month League will start again at 

Rose Bowl Lanes in Roseville, Mi. 

We would like to see all the children 

in District XIII that wish to participate 

in this sport on the following 

date at noon: 4/18 

• Nest 31 gym classes at the Keith 

Bovenschen school on Tuesday 

from 6-8 p.m. 

Nest 41, New Kensington, PA 

Monthly meetings 2nd Tuesday of 

each month at the New Kensington 

Eagles, 2134 Freeport RD. 7:30 

p.m. April 26 - New Ken Falcons 

Golf League starts at Buffalo GC 

4:30 p.m. If interested, call Jeff 

Shields at 724-339-5563. 

Nest 42, Chicago Heights, Ill. 

• Gym classes are held for girls and 

boys ages six and older. For additional 

information, contact Kim 

Dutczak at 708-672-3754. 

Nest 45, St. Louis, Mo. 

• Monthly meetings held the first 

Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. 

April Events - 2 - Good Friday (NO 

MEETING). 9 - Monthly Meeting 

(7:30 p.m.). 17 - Plenary meeting – 

Chicago. 23 & 25 - National Bowling 

Tournament – New Jersey. August 

12 - 13 Golf Tournament. 

Nest 52, Rochester, N.Y. 

• Meetings held the fourth Tuesday 

of each month, St. Paul’s Fireman’s 

Exempt Club, 690 Thomas Ave, 

Rochester. 

Nest 79, Southgate, Mich. 

Fish Fry's Fridays During Lent 4 

p.m. - 8 p.m. In Club Room 

April 10 - Indoor Yard Sale; May 1- 

Bowling Banquet. 

Nest 80, South Bend, IN 

• Fish fries held first Friday of every 

month from 5 to 7 p.m. April 

Events: 2 – Fish Fry; 3 - 

Swieconka; 5 - Dyngus Day; 9 - 

Nest Meeting. May Events: 7 – 

Fish Fry. 16 – Polish Dinner. 30 – 

Breakfast Buffet; June Events: 4 – 

Fish Fry. 11 - Nest Meeting. July 

18 - Nest Picnic. Aug. Events: 6 - 

Fish Fry; 22 - Breakfast Buffet. 

Sept. Events: 3 - Fish Fry. 10 - 

Nest Meeting. 26 - Polish Dinner. 

Nest 88, New Britain, CT 

- Monthly meetings held 2nd Sunday 

of each month at 2 p.m., September 

through May 

Nest 97, Windber, PA 

• Contact: 814-467-8256 

Nest 123, Erie, PA 

• May 7- Annual all bowlers banquet: 

6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. 

dinner. Summer plans include a gun 

raffle and club appreciation day - 

details in future issues. 

Nest 124, Saginaw, Mich. 

• Friday Fish Fry at 5:30 p.m. All- 

You-Can-Eat, $8. 

• Cruise’n Night a the Falcons - 

Every Wednesday May 5 - Sept. 22 

5:30 - 8 p.m. 5940 Swan Creek 

Road, Saginaw, MI. Info: 989-781- 

4030. 

Nest 163, Mocanaqua, PA 

April 11 meeting 1 p.m. • April 16 

DJ Chris with music and karaoke. 

May 12 - Monthly Meeting, 6:30 

p.m.; May 14 - DJ Chris, 9 p.m. - 1 

a.m. 

Nest 182, Ambridge, PA 

• Membership meeting Fourth 

Wednesday of the month. 7 p.m. 

Falcon Hall, 529 8th St. Ambridge 

Nest 208, Derby, CT 

• May 22 - the first Nest sponsored 

WALK-A-THON for cancer at the 

Derby River Walkway followed by a 

hot dog roast on the church grounds 

(rain date is scheduled for June 12) 

; • June 6 - working at various 

booths at the Annual Picnic of St. 

Michael's at Warsaw Park; • June 

26 - Annual Membership Dinner in 

church hall; • October 24 - Nest 

208's 100th Anniversary Mass and 

Banquet. 

Meeting date schedule is as follows: 

Friday, April 9; Friday, May 7; 

Friday, June 11; Friday, September 

3; Friday, October 1; Sunday, November 

7; December 5 yearly meeting 

with Election of Officers and 

Christmas party. The Friday night 

meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and 

Sunday meetings at 1:30 p.m. 

Nest 247, Donora, PA 

• Meetings held on the second 

Sunday of the month at 8 p.m. at 

the Nest hall. 

Nest 276, Muskegon, Mich. 

• Monthly meeting is held the last 

Monday of the month at 6 p.m. 

Food is available on Wednesday 

nights. Menu is posted at the club. 

Nest 301, New Kensington, PA 

• Meetings first Monday of each 

month, except in July and August, 

Fraternal Order of Eagles, 2134 

Freeport Road, New Kensington, 

7:30 p.m. 

Nest 307, Southington, CT 

• Meetings held on the second Monday 

of each month at 7 p.m. • 

House Committee Meetings are 

held on the last Thursday of each 

month. • Select Thursdays – 

Pierogi making for Apple Harvest 

Festival. 

Nest 318, Beaver Falls, PA 

• Meetings held on the first Thursday 

of each month at 7 p.m. • Bar 

Bingo on Tuesdays. Call 724- 846- 

9131 for more information.• “Wing 

Night” is held every Wed. from 6 to 

10 p.m. 

Nest 336, Jackson, Mich. 

• Sign up for email information at: 

nannk2002@yahoo.com 

Nest 485, Chelsea, MA 

April 11 - Spring/Easter Dinner 

Party, 2 p.m. Wyndam Hotel, 

Chelsea. Call Paul, Judy or Ann 

and leave message to rsvp. 

Nest 493, Batavia, N.Y. 

• Meetings held on the first Thursday 

of each month at 7:30 p.m. 

Nest 507, Rockford, Ill. 

• Steak fry dinners are to be held on 

the Wednesday before the Sportsmen’s 

Breakfast each month from 5 

- 8 p.m. • Fish fry dinners held on 

the first Friday of each month. Every 

other Friday of the month: chicken, 

shrimp or fish dinners are served at 

the bar from 5 - 8 p.m. Every 

week: Tuesday: Building Fund 

Drawing. Wild Wednesdays drink 

discount. April Events: 10 - Steak 

Fry; 25 - Steak Fry. 

Nest 580, Pittsfield, MA 

April 17 & 18 Jimmy Fund Shuffleboard 

Tour. April 24 - “In-Door Polish 

Picnic.” For information contact 

Josephine D. 413-447-7476. 

Nest 564, La Porte, IN 

April Events: 3 - Easter Egg 

Hunt. 4 - Easter 5 - Dyngus Day 

Celebration. 17 - Prime Rib Dinner 

District Golf. Upcoming Events: 

July 4 - Breakfast. August 8 - Picnic. 

Sept. 12 - Memorial Mass. 

Nest 610, Erie, PA 

Every Saturday: Karaoke with DJ 

Benny 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. April 

Events: 5 - 14th Annual Dyngus 

Day Celebration. Doors open 3 

p.m. DJ Ken Olowin 3:30 - 6 p.m. 

and The Marvells 6:30 p.m. Polish 

food/refreshments. $2 pp, children 

free. 11 - 250/10 Dinner. Doors 

open 2 p.m.; 14 - Nest Monthly 

meeting 6 p.m.; 17 - Cash/Casino 

Party 6 - 10 p.m. $10 pp includes 

beer, refreshments and 10 chances 

to win $4,000.; 30 - All Bowlers 

Bowling Banquet 6 p.m.; May 2 - 

Bus Trip Niagra Falls/ Seneca Niagara 

Casino. $30 pp Depart from 

Club 8 a.m. return 7:30 p.m. 

Nest 652, Lansing, Mich. 

April Events: 3 - Easter Basket 

Blessing, St. Casimir’s Lansing; 6 - 

Bowling, ProBowl West, N MLK 

Blvd.; 8 - 11 - Texas HoldEm, Trippers; 

17 - District Meeting, Nest 124 

Saginaw (Possible District 

Swieconka). 23, 24, 30 - Pierogi 

Class 10 a.m. May Events: 1 - 

Pierogi Day, 12 - 7 p.m. FPH*; June 

6 - Legion of Honor Mass & District 

Meeting, Orchard Lake; July 11 - 

Annual Picnic, Hawk Hollow; 

August 19 - 22 - Texas HoldEm, 

Trippers; Sept. 18 - District Meeting, 

Nest 86, Allen Park; Nov. 20 - Nest 

95th Anniversary, FPH; Dec. 11 - 

District Wigilia, PFH; Dec. 12 - Wigilia 

FPH. (FPH = Federated Polish 

Home, 1030 W. Mt. Hope, Lansing.) 

Nest 827,Chicago, Ill. 

Meeting Dates: First Tuesday of 

March, June, September, October 

and December. Archer Park, 49th & 

Kilbourne Streets, 11:30 a.m. 

Nest 972, Bay City, Mich 

• Spaghetti Dinners the first Tuesday 

of each month from 4 -7 p.m. 

Nest 956, Ozone Park, N. Y. 

Meeting Dates: May 7, June 4, 

Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3. 

All meetings are at 8 p.m. in the 

Sokolnia. 

Upcoming Events: April 10 - 

Swieconka Party, 8 p.m.; June 12 - 

Barbeque, 4 p.m.; October 3 - Annual 

Pulaski Day Parade in NYC; 

November 27 - Andrzejki Party, 8 

p.m.; December 5 - Annual Children’s 

Christmas Party, 12:15 p.m. 

(St. Nicholas will visit!); December 

31 - New Year’s Eve Party, 8 p.m. 

January 15 - Club Elections, 8 p.m. 

January 30 - Installation Dinner, 

8 p.m. 

Nest 959, Allen Park, Mich. 

• Meetings held on second Thursday 

of each month at 1:30 p.m. at 

the Big Boy restaurant, 1766 Dix in 

Lincoln Park, Mich. 


MEMBER NEWS 

Bakeless Bake Sale Donations 

for Febuary 2010: 

Memorial Donations: 

Donations of $100.00 

James Palicki, Nest 80 in memory of in memory of 

Dr Max J Palicki 


Constance Myszkowski, Nest 827 in memory of 

Blanche Norkevicz, Nest 827 


PFA Nest 3, in memory of deceased members of Nest 3 

In Honor of: 


Kristine Murray, Nest 97 in honor of Genevieve Borovicka, 

Nest 97 


The Slaby Family, Nest 336 in honor of Anna & Henry Slaby 

General Donations 


Esther Ksiezopolski, Nest 4 

Karen Terrio Malave 


Therese Kuras Kopytko, Nest 42 


James Plawecki, Nest 307 

SOKOL DEADLINES 

Deadlines for the Sokol Polski are the 

FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. 

The next two deadlines are a follows: 

April 6 - for the May Issue 

May 4 - for the June Issue 

June 1- for the July Issue 

Please email your submissions to: 

communications@polishfalcons.org 

Starzynski Scholaship Fund Donations 

February 2010 

The Polish Falcons of America wishes to express sincere gratitude to all who have contributed 

to the Starzynski Scholarship Fund. Your generosity is appreciated by both the organization 

and the scholarship recipients alike. It is because of your generosity that we are able to continue 

this program. 

Memorial Donations 


Donations in memory of Edwin Choromanski, 

Nest 36 Tom Day 


Donations in memory of Anna Rokita, 

Nest 115 J Franey 

General Donations 

Donations of $10.00 or more .... 

Evan T. Bujeker, Nest 80 

Donation of $10.00 ... 

Genevieve Borovicka, Nest 97 

PLEASE NOTE: 

In making scholarship 

donations, please make 

all checks payable to: 

PFA/Scholarship Fund. 


Dorothy Jakubiec, Nest 519 


Paige Preston Morosko, Nest 36 

Christine A. Wilk, Nest 86 

Wayne C. Petrosky, Nest 538 

Wladyslaw Kulak, Nest 946 


Donations in memory of Christine Chodak, 

Nest 52 - Polish Falcons Gym. Assn. Nest 52 

Donations in memory of Bernard Druzynski, 


Donations in memory of Marcel Jankowski, 


Donations in memory of Agnes Marciniak, 


Donations in memory of Rita Rehberg, 


Donations in memory of Anna Rokita, 

Nest 115 - Marilyn A MacDowell 

Donations of $10.00 or more 

Donations in memory George Bishop, Nest 74 

P.F.A. Nest 430 Falconettes 

Physical Education Fund Donations - February 2010 

Donation of Less Than $10.00 .... 

Victoria P Slawinski, Nest 118 

David B. Valentine, Nest 519 

Nancy B. Valentine, Nest 519 

DISTRICT EVENTS 

District IV, Pittsburgh, PA 

April 10 Plenary Meeting and Luncheon 

Nest 8 Polish Falcons Hall. Legion of 

Honor meeting: 9 a.m. Falconette 

Commission meeting: 9:30 a.m. The 

Plenary meeting will begin at 10 a.m. 

Luncheon: 12 p.m. $20 pp Reservations 

necessary. So please contact Angelo 

Capozoli with your information at 

acap51@att.net. 

District VII 

August 7 - Nest 163, Mocanaqua, PA 

will host the District VII Golf Tournament. 

Check future issues of the Sokol Polski 

for further details. 

OPEN HOUSE 

ANNOUNCED 

The Polish Falcons of 

America will be hosting an 

Open House of our new 

National Headquarters at 

381 Mansfield Avenue in the 

Greentree section of 

Pittsburgh on 

Friday, May 14, 2010 

Watch future issues of the 

Sokol Polski for 

further details. 

NEW NEST OFFICERS FOR 

NEST 610 ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA 

President: Mike Wieczorek 

1st Vice-President: Milt Neal 

2nd Vice-President: Lisa Smith 

Treasurer: Mike Abramczyk 

Financial Secretary & District IX 

Female Golf Commissioner: Kristen Baginski 

Recording Secretary: Michaeline Szczesny 

Physical Instructor: Robert Sulecki 

Directors. David Michalski, Rob Purzycki, Richard 

Valahovic, William Hoderny 

Sgt. of Arms: Barbara Jaruszewicz 

District IX Director: Patricia Tofel 

Submitted by Druhna Tammy Wisniewski 


MEMBER NEWS 

In Memoriam 

We bow our heads in honored reverence to 

our deceased members with a sincere expression 

of sympathy to their families. 

Deaths Reported In February 2010 

Nest/City/State Name Date 

146, New Castle, PA Dorothy J. Bukowski January 28, 2010 

307, Southington, CT Walter P. Zakrewski November 17, 2009 

564, La Porte, IN Esther S. Vankoski January 01, 2010 

804, Pittsburgh, PA Michael J. Szal February 02, 2010 

939, Detroit, MI Anthony L. Galvan January 22, 2010 

* Indicates Bronze Legion of Honor 

** Silver Legion of Honor 

*** Indicates Gold Legion of Honor 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - February 2010 

Name Nest, City, State Date of Membership 

Esther M. Schaut 4, South Bend, IN February 16 

Kathleen L. Mc Corkle 8, Pittsburgh, PA February 05 

Izabela M. Banka 36, Southwestern, CT February 16 

John Kopacki 52, Rochester, NY February 22 

Sandra I. Howard 65, Union City, CT February 16 

Nicholas J. Coleman 80, South Bend, IN February 03 

Paige Davila 80, South Bend, IN February 16 

Dante Galaviz 80, South Bend, IN February 16 

Lonnie E. Gunn 80, South Bend, IN February 03 

Manuel C. Navarro 80, South Bend, IN February 16 

Devon W. Powell 80, South Bend, IN February 03 

Marlene Uzzolino 104, Newark, NJ February 22 

Marjorie Roderick 128, Duryea, PA February 16 

Vivian L. Mc Cabe 163, Mocanaqua, PA February 09 

Zachary C. Ogin 163, Mocanaqua, PA February 24 

Dylan Shires 163, Mocanaqua, PA February 24 

Mason A. Barbieri 176, Pittsburgh, PA February 24 

Michael J. Cirillo, III 307, Southington, CT February 05 

Shawn F. Cormier 307, Southington, CT February 05 

Judith C. Cyr 307, Southington, CT February 05 

Gabriella Roether 307, Southington, CT February 05 

Erin R. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 23 

James B. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 03 

Kathleen M. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 03 

Sarah D. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 23 

Cason R. Webb 336, Jackson, MI February 05 

Kathryn M. Peterson 507, Rockford, IL February 22 

Harold E. Nelson, Jr. 519, Middletown, CT February 09 

Daniel T. Varricchio 519, Middletown, CT February 01 

Lukas E. Albin 564, La Porte, IN February 03 

Jeffrey A. Galey 564, La Porte, IN February 03 

Steven A. Handel 564, La Porte, IN February 03 

Douglas A. Snyder 564, La Porte, IN February 03 

Kathleen M. Tilling 564, La Porte, IN February 03 

Bryan L. Walls 564, La Porte, IN February 01 

Joan A. Di Pesa 580, Pittsfield, MA February 09 

Roger M. Di Pesa 580, Pittsfield, MA February 09 

Grazyna Stachura 811, New Britain, CT February 01 

Garrett Kazmierowicz 907, Cicero, IL February 22 

Jacek Dlugosz 956, Ozone Park, NY February 16 

Regina E. Woronowicz 964, Reading, PA February 24 

Sponsors and Recommenders 

For New Members - February 2010 

Sponsor/Recommender Nest, City, state Certificates 

Robert J. Gorny 4, South Bend, IN 1 

Susan K Junk 4, South Bend, IN 1 

John M. Denning 8, Pittsburgh, PA 2 

Karyn L. Choromanski 36, Southwestern, CT 1 

Charles J. Chodak 52, Rochester, NY 1 

Gary R. Kaminska 52, Rochester, NY 1 

John M. Denning 77, Carnegie, PA 1 

Robert J. Gorny 80, South Bend, IN 3 

Jeffrey Salzano 104, Newark, NJ 1 

Walter S Mitchell 128, Duryea, PA 1 

Thomas A. Washington 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1 

Francine Agostinelli 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1 

Kathy A Chapin 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1 

Bruno Bruce Najaka 163, Mocanaqua, PA 2 

Jean M Krauser 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1 

Arnie Reichbaum 176, Pittsburgh, PA 2 

Gregory F. Kuzma 182, Ambridge, PA 1 

John M. Denning 318, Beaver Falls, PA 4 

Kathleen M. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA 2 

John M. Denning 336, Jackson, MI 1 

John M. Denning 507, Rockford, IL 1 

Clifford M. Opalacz 519, Middletown, CT 1 

Teresa M. Singleton 564, La Porte, IN 5 

Mariane P. Albertson 564, La Porte, IN 1 

Gerald P. Albin 564, La Porte, IN 7 

Gary R. Tilling 564, La Porte, IN 1 

Anthony Speziale 580, Pittsfield, MA 2 

John M. Denning 610, Erie, PA 6 

John M. Denning 907, Cicero, IL 2 

Dariusz Drzewicki 956, Ozone Park, NY 1 

David K Mitchell 964, Reading, PA 1 

NEST 610 

GOLDEN GLOVE 

SPONSOR 

THE THIRD STREET POLISH FALCONS IS PROUD TO 

SPONSOR THE FIGHTING EAGLES YOUNG PEOPLE 

PARTICIPATING IN THE 2010 PENNSYLVANIA GOLDEN 

GLOVES TOURNAMENT 

In Erie we have a social member who has dedicated himself to helping young 

boys and girls get off the streets. He has a small gym and boxing facility that 

he owns and maintains himself that allows Erie inner-city boys and girls to 

come and learn. He teaches the children discipline, respect for others, and 

builds character. He also gives them a sense of belonging. 

Over the years, some of our kids have gone onto participating in the Golden 

Glove Tournament. To me, this is an invaluable tool that has and will help our 

kids today succeed, as well as feel safe. 

Polish Falcons Nest 610, serving & supporting Erie’s Lower East Side for over 

95 years 

Czolem 

Druhna Lisa Smith 

Polish Falcons Nest 610 

431 Easat 3rd Street 

Erie, PA 16507 

814 452-6146 


MEMBER NEWS 

From the National 

Sales Director 

PFA National Sales Director 

John Denning 

Life Insurance Reality Check: 

Do You Have Enough? 

Life insurance is something that no one likes to think about. All the same, 93 

percent of Americans believe that life insurance is something most people 

need, and most of us have some. That’s the good news. The bad news is 

that most Americans don’t have enough. Nearly 70 million adult Americans 

have no life insurance at all, and those who are insured have coverage equal 

to just four times their annual income. Most experts believe that coverage 

equal to 10 times one’s annual income is a reasonable rule of thumb. Do you 

really need $250,000, $500,000, $1 million or more? Sounds like a lot of 

money, but imagine if one of those amounts had to pay for a funeral, retire 

credit card balances and other debts, support your loved ones for many 

years to come, and help cover college costs. Would it be enough? How 

would you know? 

after you’re gone to meet immediate (e.g., funeral), ongoing (e.g., rent or 

mortgage, other every day bills) and future financial obligations (e.g., college 

and retirement). Then, add up the resources your surviving family members 

could draw upon to support themselves. These would include things like a 

spouse’s income, accumulated savings, life insurance you may already own, 

etc. The difference between the two is your need for additional life insurance. 

This mathematical equation may seem simple enough, but coming up with all 

the inputs can get tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources you can 

turn to for assistance. 

A first step would be to seek professional advice. An insurance professional 

with the Polish Falcons Of America can conduct a thorough analysis of your 

needs, and then help you determine the right amount and type of life insurance 

for your specific goals and situation. 

For information contact John M. Denning, National Sales/Marketing Director 

at 1-800-535-2071 or email him at jdenning@polishfalcons.org 

Start by doing the math. Estimate what your family members would need 


MEMBER NEWS 

72nd National Bowling 

Tournament Update 

Members of Nest 946, Hillsborough, New Jersey, are working diligently to ensure that 

you and your fellow Falcon bowlers enjoy the program that we are preparing for the 72nd 

Annual Bowling Tournament, April 23 and 24 in Hillsborough New Jersey. 

DJ Music for your listening and dancing pleasure will be provided every evening at the 

newly renovated Polanka Hall in Somerville, New Jersey. 

The management at the Brunswick – Caroleer Lanes in Edison – are looking forward to 

helping us to provide you with an unforgettable experience. We are looking for “Lane 

Sponsors.” If you are interested in sponsoring a lane, please contact me or Frank Grodzki. 

Lane Sponsor donations are $25 per lane; $40 for two adjacent lanes. Your name will be 

also on the score monitors if the Bowling Alley can accommodate it and on the printed flyers 

that will be distributed at the event. 

Food will be available at the Polanka starting Thursday at 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 

starting at noon. The hot and cold menu is being finalized, but you can be sure that it will 

offer all the goodies of a Polish kitchen at affordable prices. 

Friday night, we will offer a Polish buffet which will include pierogi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa 

and sauerkraut, pork tenderloin in mushroom sauce, potatoes, and a wide variety of 

salads and desserts. If flying to New Jersey, your best bet will be to fly into Newark Airport 

(EWR). A rental car will be necessary to make the 30 minute ride to the hotels. Housing will 

be at the Ramada Inn in Somerset (closest to the bowling alley and airport) and at the Hillsborough 

Executive Days Inn (closest to the Polanka and also it will be our headquarters 

hotel). Please remember the deadline for hotel reservations will be April 5, 2010. Even if 

you are not participating, please stop over at the Polanka located in Hillsborough, New Jersey, 

and be a part of the celebration. 

The Bowling Commissioner’s meeting will be held at the Polanka on Friday, April 23, 

2010 at 7:00 p.m. 

The Polanka will be open every day of the tournament (Thursday to Sunday) from noon 

until closing. Additional information will be provided in a future publication of the Sokol Polski. 

If you need an application, visit our Web site at http://www.polishfalcons.org and click 

on the “Bowling” link under the “Adult Activities” header found on the left-hand side of every 

Web page. You may also contact Druhna Janet Knauber by phone at (586) 677-1007 or at 

multimech@aol.com. 

If you have any other questions or need additional information, please contact Tournament 

Secretary, Druh Ed Ciesla at (908) 565-4884 or cieslaed@verizon.net or Nest 946 

President Druh Frank Grodzki at 908-722-3562. 

Czolem, 

Druh Ed Ciesla 

District IV 

Plenary Meeting 

District IV, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will have 

a plenary meeting and luncheon on Saturday, 

April 10, 2010. It will be held at the Nest 8 

Polish Falcons Hall, 18th and Sydney Streets, 

Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The morning will begin 

with the Legion of Honor meeting at 9:00 a.m. 

followed by a Falconette Commission meeting 

at 9:30 a.m. The Plenary meeting will begin at 

10:00 a.m. 

A luncheon will be served at noon for all those 

attending the meeting and any guests that 

would like to join the festivities. The cost for 

the luncheon is $20 per person. Reservations 

are necessary for the luncheon as it is a 

catered affair. So please contact Angelo Capozoli 

with your information. All checks should be 

mailed to Angelo Capozoli, 90 South 14th 

Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. If you have any 

questions you can email Angleo at 

acap51@att.net. 

Please remember that all Nest Officers in 

District IV are invited to attend and give us an 

update on what is happening in your Nest. 

There are a lot of exciting things happening in 

the Polish Falcons this year. Please join us to 

get all the news and updates and see how you 

can get your Nest involved! 

Czolem! 

Chris Puskar 

President, District IV 

Legion of Honor and Star of Merit Elevations 

This time of year especially is when several of our Nests and Districts 

submit Members for awards. There are applications required for both Star 

of Merit and Legion of Honor. The Star of Merit program is the beginning 

of the Polish Falcons showing appreciation for the dedication and commitment 

of our Members. One must be a Member for at least three years, be 

at least 19 years old and be active within their Nest or District the entire 

time. Five years later, the applicant may qualify for the Silver Star of Merit 

and five years later, the Gold Star of Merit. The Nest Secretary and the 

Awards Committee Chairperson must sign the application. The application 

is submitted to the National Vice President and the Executive Committee 

votes on these awards. If approved, a certificate and a pin will be sent to 

the awards chairperson in the recipient’s name. 

The Legion of Honor program is for Members who received their Gold 

Star of Merit at least five years prior to this nomination. Upon Nest or District 

Awards Committee approval, the Nest or District Financial Secretary 

and the Nest or District President must sign the application before sending 

it to the National Vice President. The Executive Committee votes on all 

Members. Following their approval, copies of the application are sent to 

the eight Members of the Legion of Honor Commandery. If approved, with 

a 2/3 vote for Bronze and a 100% vote for Silver and Gold, a certificate, 

card and ribbon are sent to the awards chairperson in the recipients’ 

name. 

On both applications, the Member’s resume must be submitted. This is 

where the problems come in. Please keep in mind that while the Member 

may be very active and is well known, the Executive Committee and or 

Commandery Members may not know this individual. There is a need for 

detail. As we say, “ the higher the award, the more support we need.” 

List specific events; list the offices they hold (held) and what they do exactly. 

Examples are chairing a committee, working on a committee, volunteering 

at an event, participation in District and National Conventions, 

tournaments, chaperoning for youth events, donating items, selling, cleaning, 

teaching and everything that they do to support the Nest or District. 

The National Vice President must receive Legion of Honor applications 

at least 60 days prior to the awards presentation. The National Vice President 

must receive the Star of Merit applications at least 30 days prior to 

the event. 

Recently, a few applications have been denied. Now, I know these 

Members and know that they are deserving but their applications did not 

provide sufficient information. Therefore, these Members were denied. 

Please, please take the time to provide the information necessary. If you 

have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the National 

Office at 1-800-535-2071 or vptrish@polishfalcons.org or Druh Louis 

Tremiti at 585-392-3607 or seabeelou@yahoo.com. 

Druh Louis Tremiti 


MEMBER NEWS 

Nest 88 Ski Club Goes Swiss 

By: Diane L. Mechlinski, Nest 88 Correspondent 

Five members of the Nest 88 Ski Club were part of a twelve-member Polish 

contingency which joined a larger group of skiers that traveled to Zermatt, 

Switzerland (via Zurich) from January 29 – February 6, 2010, for the amazing 

opportunity of skiing the Swiss and Italian Alps. It has been the tradition of 

about a dozen or more Polish skiers in the New Britain area to take part in 

yearly organized ski trips, though this year’s trip was most monumental. The 

five Nest 88 Members – Ann and Rich Sadanowicz, Lucy and George Iskra, 

and Ted Marcisz, immensely enjoyed their stay and ski experience at Zermott, 

known to be a world famous skiing area. 

Nest 88 Ski Club members usually ski in Vermont – known places such as 

Okemo, Mt. Snow and Stratton Mountain. When asked what it felt like to ski in 

Switzerland versus the usual places club members tend to ski at Druh Rich 

Sadanowicz replied, “There is no comparison between skiing the Alps or in 

the west to skiing in New England. The snow is so much better and it’s not as 

cold. This place (Zermatt), in particular, is just so big.” 

And the group’s impressions of the place they found themselves skiing during 

these six fabulous days? “We were most impressed with the views and 

skiing conditions,” said Druh Sadanowicz. “The diesel-free village (Zermatt), 

surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Alps, skiing on the Matterhorn glacier 

and Cervinia (on the Italian side) was unbelievable.” 

The group stayed at the Gornergrat Hotel in Zermatt village, Switzerland, 

where only electric vehicles and horse-drawn buggies are allowed as transportation. 

“The Gornergrat Hotel was great,” said Druh Sadanowicz. “It was 

right in the village square, close to the train which took us to the top of the 

mountain trail and also close to the bus stop from where we went to get the 

gondola that took us to the Italian side.” 

The Falcon Nest 88 Ski Club has been in existence for decades. Druh 

Roman Pomykala was instrumental in the birth of the club and, for many 

years, organized Sunday bus trips to Vermont. As of the 2008-2009 ski season, 

the Falcon Nest 88 Ski Club was accepted to the CSC (Connecticut Ski 

Council), which consists of over 40 clubs throughout Connecticut. As holders 

of the CSC membership, Nest 88 Ski Club members are able to take advantage 

of the big discounts available on lift tickets. 

And what are the future ski plans for Nest 88’s Ski Club? “We’ll probably 

consider skiing in Utah or Whistler Blackcomb Mountains (Canada) next,” 

said Dh. Rich Sadanowicz. “In general, for the big trips, we prefer going to 

new places and wait a few years before going back to ones we’ve already 

been to.” 

Druh Peter Danielczuk 

Jim Sikora, Silver legion; Barb Barski, Gold Star of Merit; Jeff Sikora, Silver Legion; Mary 

Rand, National Director, District IX and President, Nest 430; Seated: Mary Kosct, Bronze 

Legion recipient. 

NESTS 74 & 430 

On Saturday, January 9, Nests 74 and 430 held their annual Oplatek and Installation 

of Officers. The dinner was held at the Sunset restaurant. The blessing before 

dinner was given by Father Felicjan Sierotowicz followed by sharing of 

Oplatek with friends. A delicious family style dinner was served. After dinner, National 

Director for District IX Mary Rand installed the Officers for 2010. Nest 74 – 

President, Jerry Prego, Vice President Robert Strohm, Treasurer Richard Babiarz, 

Financial Secretary Jeffrey Sikora and Recording Secretary James Plis. Nest 

430- President Mary Rand, Vice President Marcia Zolinski, Treasurer Clara 

Stechuchak, Financial Secretary Nancy Sroka and Recording Secretary Christine 

Czubat. Directors- Virginia Androsko, Maryann Dec, Mary Kosct, Carolyn Napoli 

and Mary Nowak. Legion of Honor awards and Star of Merit were presented to deserving 

members. Silver Legion James and Jeffrey Sikora, Bronze Legion Mary 

Kosct. Gold Star of Merit Barbara Barski. A fifty-year pin was presented to Virgina 

Androsko. A closing prayer was given by Decon Gary DiLallo. It was now time for 

member and friends to visit before going out into the cold snowy night. 

DRUH PETER DANIELCZUK 

CELEBRATES A “GREAT RUN” 

Reprinted by permission of the Connecticut Post. 

Staff writer Amy Morissette. 

ANSONIA -- After years of hard work and dedication, Peter J. 

Danielczuk recently retired from his position as president of the 

Board of Aldermen. "It was time for a break," said Danielczuk, 

who was first elected to the aldermanic board shortly after graduating 

from the University of Connecticut in 1973. 

In all, Danielczuk has served the city for the past 36 years on a 

variety of boards and commissions, including the Board of Education, 

where he was vice president for four years. "I'll be 58, so 

that's a long time," he said. 

Danielczuk, a lifelong city resident, said he's proud of how the 

town has grown and progressed over the years. He said he loved 

being involved, and being proactive in the town. "City Hall was 

renovated, the parks were upgraded, we went through re-evalua- 



MEMBER NEWS 

Nest 725 Springs Into Action! 

Keeping their neighborhood clean and showing off their Falcon 

t-shirts were: (from bottom row left: Mr. George, the bag holder 

and helpful friend to: Michelle, Alyssa, Samantha, Bree and Ms. 

Sue; top row left: Jessa, Lisa, Cheyenne and Alexa). Nest 725 

Springs Into Action! 

Top row from left: Lisa, Jessa, Webmaster Bill, Sue; bottom 

row from left: Anna, Shannon, Chris and Andru 

At the Polish Center of Wisconsin - 12th Annual Polish Independence 

Day / Veterans Day Observance and Awards Luncheon, 

Back Row: (from left to right) William Bielicki, Jerry Fix, 

Chris Borek, Jacob Fix, Al Borek. Front: Audrey Fix, Shannon 

Borek, George Wortz. 

As spring has sprung (is that a word?) here at Nest 725 we've already begun! 

We really started last spring when ideas on promoting and increasing our presence 

in our neighborhood began to form and take shape resulting in a lot of "street action". 

Yes, quite literally we took to the streets! It began in April with a small but dedicated 

group of adults and kids getting together for a neighborhood "Earth Day" 

cleanup. (Photo on left.) We are ready for this years clean up and hope to have an 

even better turnout and maybe even hand out re-cycled promotional materials, with 

a next day follow-up to make sure we didn't create more litter than we cleaned up! 

The very next month there was another great opportunity, this time teaming up 

with our District II brothers and sisters to participate in Chicago's May Day (Polish 

Constitution Day) Parade. 

Even though our classes ended in June, that didn't stop the performances or the 

promotions! Children stage performances at Polish Fest on June 20th (see all the 

pictures on our website: http://pfanest725.org/component/phocagallery/category/49-2009.html) 

and the incredibly beautiful costumes showing off the creativity 

and beauty that is the Polish Falcons. 

During the hot month of August, opportunity presented itself with an idea to 

dress up and distribute flyers to our neighbors. The kids' participation was especially 

gratifying as noted in the photo on the left. 

September arrived with celebrations of birthdays, and things seemed to heat up 

even more in the promotion department. Small ads promoting the class were taken 

out in the local neighborhood paper. On short notice, with much phone-calling and 

discussion with festival organizers, we were able to obtain a prime location in one 

of the largest neighborhood street festivals of the year! This allowed us to promote 

the Polish Falcons and Nest 725 to the many new families that have moved in over 

the past year or two. 

Speaking of relationships, another part of promotion is networking. It is only natural 

that an organization based upon the goodness of people also helps support 

other organizations with similar principals and standards of excellence. My own experience 

this past year helped me to see how mutually gratifying it is to see organizations 

support one another in a spirit of friendship and togetherness. 

Just such an event took place on Saturday, September 19th, 2009. PFA Nest 

725 really came through representing the Falcons at the 50th Biennial State Convention 

of the Department of WI Polish Legion of American Veterans USA and the 

Ladies Auxiliary. Michelle Ewald and her grandmother Rosemary Ewald are longtime 

participants in the many varied events that the Polish Falcons Nest 725 has 

held. Their dedication and commitment have helped to make Nest 725 what it is to 

this very day. It was our honor that we could support their organization(s) and especially 

be there for Michelle's swearing in ceremony as president of the Ladies 

Auxiliary. 

It was interesting to note that at that very same convention, the keynote speaker 

was Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. He gave an outstanding address 

and later I had the opportunity to have a short discussion with him about PFA Nest 

725. He remembered our president Marian E. Hansen and her class! Talk about 

networking and getting known. When a person such as the stature of Sheriff Clarke 

takes notice of what you are doing for the community, you know you are doing 

something right! 

After the Halloween Party, organizations came together on Sunday Nov. 8 at the 

Polish Center of Wisconsin - 12th Annual Polish Independence Day / Veterans Day 

Observance and Awards Luncheon. It was a great time had by all with reminiscing, 

idea sharing, and friendships formed. 

Another service to the community was our Christmas and Awards, a cute little 

Christmas Crafts Workshop was run by Shannon Borek. The snow was flying outside, 

making for a very festive mood as the children learned how to make Christmas 

crafts for their loved ones. 

With a larger class size in the younger age groups as proof these ideas are 

working, there is a plan of repeating many of these same events and promotions 

this year with the theme: "Bigger and Better". In addition, new ideas and brainstorming 

sessions are taking place to add even more workshops and other potential 

promotions to the calendar. If you would like to follow our events, please visit 

our website at: pfanest725.org. We hope that especially in a tough economy, people 

will recognize the value of being a member of the Polish Falcons of America. 

So let's all get the word out in our neighborhoods so our local nests aren't a "best 

kept secret.” 

Czolem, 

Druh William Bielicki (Webmaster Bill) 

Webmaster Bill with Milwaukee County Sheriff 

David A. Clarke Jr. 


MEMBER NEWS 

Above: Herbie and his son, 

Herbie Jr.; Herbie and his family 

are featured below. 

Nest 88 Member Inducted 

into THE CONNECTICUT 

SOccer Hall of Fame 

It’s a wonderful thing to be passionate about something 

in one’s life. It’s what makes a person complete. It provides 

a constant goal, the drive to go forward even when 

one is overwhelmed with everyday life and work. 

Soccer has been that passion in the life of Herbert Holter, 

more commonly known as Herbie. Holter is a long-standing 

Nest 88 member, having joined several decades ago 

with his stepfather, Felix Sumislawski. On January 30, 

2010, supported by over 50 family members and friends, 

Holter was inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Hall of 

Fame, one of seven inductees honored at the Farmington 

Marriott with a special dinner and ceremony for having 

made a significant mark on the Connecticut soccer landscape. 

Among those present with his wife and immediate 

family to honor Holter was his brother who travelled from 

Ohio, a nephew from Texas, a granddaughter from Washington, 

D.C., as well as many friends from his past that 

came to help highlight his life’s soccer experience. 

Soccer has been a constant in Holter’s life. He has 

been a part of various CT soccer teams since 1957 when, 

at the age of 16, he arrived in New Britain from Germany. 

Co-founder and player/manager of the New Britain Stars 

Soccer Club for 37 years, (this being a first of its kind 


ATTENTION: 

ALL FALCONS 

The 2nd annual Grand Celebration to 

honor Our Lady of Czestochowa, 

Patroness of all Polonia is scheduled 

for Thursday, August 26th at St. Paul 

Cathedral, Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. with 

the Most Rev. David Zubik Presiding. 

Let’s fill the pews and pay tribute to 

Our Lady with a special Falcon ethnic 

pride. Our PFA is co-sponsor of this 

attracting event. 

Rev. Cannon Joseph Sredzinski 

National Chaplain 

District V Donates to 

the American Cancer Society 

By: Druhna Diane L. Mechlinski, Nest 88 Correspondent 

John Kovarik (sitting), Phil Zambrello, Jr. (standing behind John) and 

Heather L. Stocking at the podium. 

Third Picture: (from left to right) Presentation of the check and there 

are 4 people in this photo. They are, from left - Heather L. Stocking, 

Linda Berrie, Phil Zambrello, Jr., and Phil Zambrello, Sr. 

The District V Plenary meeting took place in Middletown, CT on January 30, 2010. Between 

the time of its prior Plenary meeting which took place on August 30, 2009, and this 

one of January 30th, District V has been both very busy and most generous in working toward 

collecting monies with their recipient goal being the American Cancer Society. 

Beginning back at August’s District V Plenary meeting held in Ansonia, Connecticut, Druh 

Phil Zambrello, Jr. (Nest 519) then announced his and Druh Jerry Kennedy’s (Nest 519) 

planned endeavor to hold a fundraiser in late October to benefit the cancer. Plans also included 

the collection of funds during this period within individual Nests as well, in addition to 

the fundraiser. All efforts in this widespread endeavor proved to be very successful. As a result, 

a check in the amount of $10,285.50 was presented to Heather L. Stocking, Community 

Executive for Development with the New England Division of the American Cancer Society, 

from District V. “In the beginning of all this, I had asked everyone to help us out but the results 

far exceeded our expectations,” Druh Zambrello Jr. said as he presented the check at 

January 30th’s Plenary meeting to Ms. Stocking. 

“I couldn’t imagine what an amazing partnership this would become,” Stocking said, as 

she thanked Druh Zambrello as well as all present District representatives, accepting District 

V’s donation check and explaining the many useful ways the donated monies would be put 

to. “Ninety cents of every dollar goes back to fighting this disease,” Stocking explained. “This 

is a higher amount than any other non-profit.” 

The American Cancer Society, located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut works with dedication to 

try preventing and eliminating cancer as the major health problem that it is, in saving lives, 

and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. 

“We provide many free cancer services to patients and their families,” Stocking continued 

to explain as she addressed her words of thanks to the gathered District V members. 

Many District V Nests and individuals were recognized during this presentation for their 

work in this venture. Monetary donations were sent in from Nests 307, 485, 519, 36, 88, 580, 

68, 811 and 208. Some members took this undertaking into their workplaces, such as 

Druhna Linda Berrie of Nest 519 who collected monies at her place of work. Druhna Ilene 

Kennedy raised $1,100 on her own through funds collected in the school district she teaches 

at from children in grades K-12 who have been touched by cancer. 

The donated check of $10,285.50 to the American Cancer Society stands representative 

of the generosity and human empathy behind Polish Falcons District V members. 


MEMBER NEWS 

Polish Easter Eggs Galore! 

Pisanki 

The Polish language does not really have one general word for “Easter egg.” Instead 

the colored eggs are usually referred to as pisanki, kraszanki, malowanki, etc., according 

to the technique used to decorate them. 

Especially beautiful are the intricately patterned pisanki, made by applying designs 

with a special beeswax-containing stylus, or a pin or toothpick dipped in molten beeswax 

and then dying the eggs. After they are removed from the dye bath and dried, the wax is 

removed (with a cloth soaked in lighter fluid, for instance), and the white shell will shine 

through, creating a pattern on the colored surface. To get multi-colored eggs, the procedure 

can be repeated a number of times, by dipping each egg into another color of dye 

after each layer of wax is applied. 

Commercially-produced pisanki-making kits are now available containing detailed instructions 

on how to proceed. (see below) 

Solid-colored eggs are known in Polish as kraszanki. Prior to the advent of commercial 

egg dyes, the most common egg-coloring technique was to use onion skins which 

gave the eggs a reddish-brown hue of varying intensity. According to Buffalo area’s Father 

Czesław Krysa, one of Polonia’s foremost Polish culture experts, here is all you need 

to do: Pour six cups of water into a pot. Add the onion skins from a five-pound bag of 

onions, one tablespoon salt and half a cup of distilled vinegar. Place twelve room-temperature 

eggs into the water and slowly bring to boil over medium heat to avoid cracking. 

When the water boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer at a gentle rolling boil for several 

minutes. Remove pot from heat and cool to room temp. Remove the eggs and pat dry. 

Rub eggs with vegetable shortening to give them a deep reddish luster. 

Other solid-colored kraszanki were created by boiling the following ingredients in a 

small amount of water until the desired hue is achieved and soaking the hard-cooked 

eggs in the resultant dye bath: 

Red: oak or alder buckthorn bark, alderwood cones, elderberries, dried blueberries; 

Yellow: birch and alder leaves, buckthorn or young apple-tree bark, mulberry wood 

Orange: carrots, pumpkin or by combining the red and yellow natural dyes above; 

Brown: walnut shells, fir-tree needles; 

Blue: sloeberries; 

Violet: dark-colored hollyhock petals or by combining the red and blue natural dyes 

above; 

Green: nettles, periwinkle leaves, spinach; 

Black: alderwood cones cooked down to achieve a black dye. 

[Editor’s note: Cool the dye water to room temperature before adding any eggs with wax.] 

Naklejanki 

Drapanki 

Other popular decorating techniques have produced drapanki, known in Śląsk (Silesia) 

as kraszanki. These are created by first dying the egg a dark solid color: black, navyblue, 

violet and deep red give excellent results. Then (and here comes the hard part), the 

desired design is etched on the egg with a sharp pointed instrument. Care must be taken 

not to break the shell, and a steady hand and artistic flair are required to achieve good results. 

Malowanki are eggs on which designs, images or inscriptions are applied with a tiny 

artist’s paint brush. Reeds and/or colored yarn are glued onto the egg to produce oklejanki. 

Naklejanki are similar, except that wycinanki (folk-style paper cut-outs) are pasted 

onto the egg. These may sport geometric or floral patterns or a folk-style rooster, a traditional 

fertility symbol. 

An image or inscription of choice may be applied to an egg in the pisanki (wax-writing) 

style or by the kraszanki (etching) technique. A favorite image is the Easter Lamb with 

the banner of Resurrection. Often the year is added: Wielkanoc 2009. A cross is another 

common symbol, as are the words “Wesołego Alleluja” or simply “Alleluja.” When the egg 

is meant as a souvenir for someone it can be personalized with some such inscription as: 

“Dla Kochanej Babci” (For Dear Grandma). 

Although a beautiful creation cannot be expected of very young children aged, let them 

try their hand it at anyway, even using a magic marker. The picture they draw will be 

crooked and any writing will be quite shaky, but it’s the participation that counts. And babcia 

will probably consider it the most beautiful Easter egg she has ever seen! 

This article by Robert Strybel is reproduced from the 

April, 2009 edition of the Sokol Polski. 


MEMBER NEWS 

FROM THE CULTURAL 

COMMISSIONER 

Dodie Piersielak 

National Cultural Commissioner 

Easter has so many traditions and legends. 

Here is one I love. I found it in a book titled 

"Celebrate Easter...Polish Style" by Lawrence 

Kozlowski. 

There was a man who was to be put to death. This man was made to carry a 

heavy wooden cross. While carrying the heavy timber through the city many 

people mocked him and laughed at him except for a merchant selling eggs in 

the market. When he saw the poor man struggling, he took pity on him. He 

covered his basket and helped the man carry the cross to the place of his execution. 

The man thanked the merchant for his help, and the merchant returned 

to the market to take the covered baskets home. When he uncovered the baskets 

they contained not ordinary eggs, but beautifully decorated eggs of multicolors. 

The merchant's name was Simon and the man he helped was Christ. 

Polish people have been decorating eggs for generations. Each region of 

Poland has their own special technique. Kraszanki are hard boiled and dyed a 

single color. Pisanki probably the most popular style are raw eggs decorated 

with wax in different patterns. Malowanki are hollow eggs with a painted multicolored 

pattern. Nalepianki are hollow eggs with colored paper or straw glued 

on. And my favorite, Wyklejanki are hollow eggs which have bulrush and colored 

yarn glued on. 

Nest 208 Member to be 

inducted into the 

Wrestling Hall of Fame 

Nest 208 is proud to announce that their 

member Druh Walter "Buster" Jadach will be 

inducted into the Connecticut Chapter of the 

National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The induction 

will take place on Saturday, April 10 at 

the Foxwoods Resort Casino. 

Buster is a lifetime Member of Nest 208, as a youngster he participated 

in the drill class and attended summer camp in Middletown. In high school 

as a football player, Buster achieved First Team All-Housatonic League and 

All-Valley recognition after leading the Red Raiders to a 7-1-1 record in his 

senior year at Derby High School Class if 1966. 

Buster stayed active with high school sports and in 1975 became an assistant 

wrestling coach. In 1980, he became the Head Coach of the 

Raiders' Grapplers, and is the all-time leader in victories (475), more than 

any other coach in Connecticut history. He has led the team to 24 winning 

seasons, including a perfect 27-0 record in 2000. 

Buster has coached his teams to four Class S State Championships 

(1984, 2000,2001, and 2004). His teams have finished in the top five 16 

times and has collected four Southern Connecticut Conference titles. 

In 1999, Buster was honored by the Connecticut High School Coaches 

Association as "Wrestling Coach of the Year". Buster and his fellow Hall of 

Fame recipients, will be permanently recognized in the National Wrestling 

Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Each recipient will receive a plaque 

and a jacket to commemorate their special occasion. 

Again CONGRATULATIONS to Buster from the Members of Nest 208 

Czolem! 

There are several books available which show the different designs. If you are 

interested get in touch with me and I would be happy to send you some different 

designs and how to instructions. 

I would like to wish you all a Blessed Easter. 

Czolem, 

Druhna Dodie Piersielak, 

National Cultural Commissioner 

email CZOLEM@AOL.COM 

write:11 Mainview Drive, Rochester, NY 14625 

Peter Danielczuk - Continued from page 13. 

tions, and the greatest thing we did was keep the taxes down," he said. 

Danielczuk, who considers himself a devout Democrat, said he didn't 

encounter much conflict during his 36 years, but he did say there was one 

point in his career that proved to be a little rocky. "It was a tough time 

when I first became president of the (aldermanic) board because we had a 

Republican mayor at the time," said Danielczuk. "There were conflicts and 

disagreements, but we always worked them out and we were able to get 

things done." 

But there were many good times in his career, in particular, working with 

Ansonia's current mayor. "Mayor (Jim) Della Volpe really knows the city, 

and works very hard to accommodate all the citizens," said Danielczuk. 

"His office is always open to everyone." As far as boards go, he said one 

of the "best" boards he ever served on was his very first one, in 1973. 

The main reason: There were eight Democrats to seven Republicans on 

the board. "It was a hard working board, you had to follow and know 

everything," said Danielczuk. "That was probably one of the greatest 

boards I have ever served on, the members were all great." 

Away from politics, Danielczuk has been a huge Polka fan since as far 

back as he could remember, and is very passionate about the music. In 

1971, he began a show devoted to Polka music on Bridgeport's WICC 

radio station. He also had a show on Bridgeport's WDJZ AM station called 

"Polka Celebration." He left that station in July and now does a show on 

the University of New Haven's radio station Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 

noon. 

Danielczuk's passion for Polka music won him the Joe Jozwiak award 

from the International Polka Association in January 2007. He received this 

award for his outstanding contribution to the betterment of the Polka music 

industry. 

Danielczuk stepped down as aldermanic president earlier this month 

and Edward Adamowski, who ran in place of him in the November election, 

took his place. 

While he'll miss working for the city's residents, Danielczuk said he'll always 

be there to help, when needed. "You know, the mayor and I spoke 

and I told him I'm always available to help if something comes about," said 

Danielczuk. 

In his years of serving the city of Ansonia, Danielczuk has worked under 

seven mayors: Michael J. Adanti, William J. Menna, Thomas Clifford, 

James Finnucan, Thomas Hallahan, Nancy Valentine and Della Volpe. 

Danielczuk said he respected and got along with every mayor he's ever 

worked under, especially Della Volpe. "Mayor Dell has worked very hard, 

and I think he'll go down as one of the greatest mayors in Ansonia's history," 

said Danielczuk. 

Della Volpe said he has known Peter Danielczuk for a long time, and his 

expertise and presence will be greatly missed. "I got to know Peter when I 

became mayor, and I knew his family," said Della Volpe. "We became very 

close." 

Della Volpe said Danielczuk "knew his ward" very well, as well as the 

people in it, adding his retirement is a "big loss" for Ansonia. As for future 

plans, Danielczuk said a top priority is to spend more time with his family. 

That includes his wife, Grazyna, two stepsons and two granddaughters. "I 

want to enjoy time with my wife, and spend time with our new granddaughter 

over in Chicago," said Danielczuk. "I also plan to take a trip to Poland 

to see my other granddaughter." 

In all, Danielczuk said it's been "a great run" in serving the city and he 

enjoyed that time tremendously. But, he added, "You never know. I could 

be back." 


MEMBER NEWS 

Celebrate a Polish Easter 

EASTER GREETINGS (życzenia wielkanocne): Wesołego Alleluja is the 

traditional way of wishing someone Happy Easter, but Wesołych Świąt 

Wielkanocnych, often shortened simply to Wesołych Świąt, is becoming increasingly 

widespread. A humorous greeting goes: Wesołych Świąt, 

Smacznego Jajka i Mokrego Dyngusa! (A Happy Easter, Tasty Egg and 

Wet Dyngus Day). 

EASTER CRAFTS (rękodzieło wielkanocne): The main Easter-related 

crafts are Polish Easter palms, especially the rod-type bouquets, Easter 

eggs, wycinanaki (paper cut-outs), carving butter-lamb molds and reverse 

painting of religious scenes on glass. Considering the interest in folkcrafts, 

with the right advance publicity a class or workshop teaching such skills 

may attract a good following. 

THE LORDʼS TOMB: This traditional tableau of Christ lying in His tomb, 

often surrounded by flowers, ferns and votive lamps, is an inseparable part 

of Polish Holy Week observances. Set up on Good Friday for adoration up 

until Easter, it may be watched over by rotating honor guards round the 

tomb, including uniformed war veterans, scouts, altar servers, parish-society 

members, etc. 

FOOD BLESSING (święcenie pokarmów): Easter baskets containing eggs, 

sausage, ham, bread, butter (usually in the shape of a lamb), horseradish, 

babka, etc. are brought to church for the blessing in Holy Saturday, the day 

before Easter. The clergyman blesses the baskets, sprinkling them with 

Holy Water. The faithful normally pay a visit to the Lord's Tomb (above) and 

take home a bottle a freshly blessed Holy Water for the family's use. 

EASTER MORNING MASS (Rezurekcja): The first Mass of Easter Sunday 

has traditionally been held at daybreak (6 a.m.), but in recent years some 

parishes have been holding it at 7, 8, even 9 a.m. to attract more worshipers. 

It begins with a Eucharistic procession which encircles the outside 

of the church three times before entering church. The incense, jangling 

hand-held bells, the church all ablaze with lights and candles and filled with 

flowers and greenery and the glorious Easter hymns all lend splendor to 

the occasion. 

PARISH “ŚWIĘCONE” (święcone w parafii): The traditional święcone is 

the Easter breakfast or brunch held in the family circle after Easter Morning 

Mass. Nowadays, 

however, 

for the benefit 

of those living 

alone or families 

that have 

drifted away 

from the custom, 

holding 

such a breakfast 

after 

Easter Sunday 

Mass at the 

parish social hall or church basement may not be a bad idea. A concert of 

Easter hymns by the parish choir could enhance the occasion. 

EASTER MONDAY DRENCHING CUSTOM (śmigus-dyngus): Glasses, 

jars, squirt guns, plastic bottles and anything else that holds water comes 

into play on Easter Monday when the śmigus-dyngus drenching custom is 

re-enacted. Needless to say, it is the youngsters who go for this custom the 

most. 

DYNGUS DAY: Easter Monday the way it is practiced in Buffalo, South 

Bend, Chicago and elsewhere is a purely Polish-American invention. Traditional 

Polish Easter fare, polka music, dancing and general festivities, including 

the drenching custom, are prominently featured at Polish clubs and 

bars. A special “Get Wet Dyngus Day” T-shirt has even been developed for 

the occasion. 

ŚWIĘCONKA PARTY (zabawa święconkowa): The Święconka as a social 

get-together is another Polonian-originated custom. Usually held during the 

week or weekend after Easter, it usually begins with the blessing of food 

by the officiating priest and the sharing of blessed Easter eggs. Apart from 

traditional Polish Easter foods, some Święconkas are little more than polka 

dances. Others attempt to include genuine Polish traditions: folk song and 

dance performance, folk-art demonstration, egg-rolling and egg-tapping 

contests, etc. 

SHARING BLESSED EGGS (dzielenie się jajkiem): 

After grace has been said, but before the 

Easter meal begins, all present share wedges of 

blessed hard-cooked eggs. Either the host goes 

around with a plate of quartered eggs which each 

guest impales on a fork or the plate is passed 

from guest to guest. All wait with their fork-impaled 

egg wedge in hand until everybody has 

been served, and then amid mutual wishes of 

“Wesołego Alleluja” and “Wesołych Świąt Wielkanocnych” 

everybody consumes their egg at the 

same time. 

HOME-MADE WHITE BARSZCZ SOUR (domowy 

zakwas do białego barszczu): This tart 

soup was a Lenten staple in Old Poland. In crock 

or glass jar combine 1 c rye flour or 1 c rolled oats 

or 1 part of each, add several rye-bread crusts or 

1 slice rye bread and 1 - 3 buds slivered garlic 

and drench with 4 c pre-boiled lukewarm water. 

Cover mouth of container with cheese cloth fastened 

with rubber-band and let stand in warm 

(75°- 80°F) place 3 - 5 days, or until liquid becomes 

pleasantly 

TRADITIONAL WHITE EASTER BARZSCZ 

(biały barszcz wielkanocny): Cook 1 lb lbs of 

fresh (raw) kiełbasa, 1 quartered onion and 1 bay 

leaf and cook covered in 4-5 c water at a gentle 

rolling boiling 45 min. Leave in pot until cooled to 

room temp. Remove sausage and refrigerate until 

needed. Strain liquid and refrigerate over night. 

Next day remove and discard congealed fat. Heat 

sausage stock to boiling, adding water if needed 

to have 4 c. Add 2 c home-made barszcz sour 

(above) or store-bought żur liquid, simmer several 

min and remove from heat. Fork-blend 1 heaping 

T flour with 1 c sour cream until smooth and stir 

into it 1 c hot soup a T at a time, whisking until 

smooth. Slowly stir into soup pot and simmer 

briefly. As 1-2 buds crushed garlic, 1 heaping T 

prepared horseradish, 1 T marjoram and salt & 

pepper to taste if required. In soup bowls place 

sliced hard-cooked eggs, the sliced cooked 

kiełbasa and (optional) some cubed farmer 

cheese, and ladle the hot soup over them. 

EASY WHITE EASTER BARZSCZ (biały 

barszcz wielkanocny łatwy): To 4 c (de-greased) 

water in which kiełbasa was cooked add 2 plain c 

water, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 

briefly. Remove from heat and, when slightly 

cooled, stir in 1 c sour cream fork-blended with a 

heaping T flour. Use whisk or hand-held mixer to 

obliterate any lumps that form. Simmer briefly and 

sour with 2-4 T white vinegar (more or less to 

taste). Season and serve as above if desired. 

EGG SALAD (sałatka z jaj): Toss together six 

chopped hard-cooked eggs, 1 bunch finely 

chopped chives and 1 bunch coarsely grated 

radishes. Fork-blend 3 T mayonnaise with 1 t 

brown mustard and lace the salad ingredients with 

the sauce. Salt & pepper to taste. Optional: a bit 

of sugar may be added. 

EASTER SALAD (sałatka wielkanocna): Toss together 

2-3 peeled, cored, diced apples, 2-3 diced 

brined cucumbers (ogórki kiszone), and a heaping 

T prepared horseradish. Drizzle with 4 T salad oil, 

1 T cider vinegar, toss well and salt & pepper to 

taste. A t sugar may be added. Decorate top with 

3 sliced hard-cooked eggs and garnish with finely 

chopped parsley. 

GREEN PEA SALAD (sałatka z zielonego 

groszku). Drain well 4 c canned peas. Gently toss 

with 2-3 chopped green onions, 6-8 chopped 

radish and 2-3 dill pickles. Lace with just enough 

mayo to lightly coat ingredients. 

CHIVE-STUFFED EGGS (jaj ze szczpiorkowym 

nadzieniem): Shell 6, cold, hard-cooked eggs, cut 

in half lengthwise, gently scoop out yolks and set 

whites aside. Mash yolks, add 3 T room-temp butter, 

3 T finely chopped chives, 1/4 t mild paprika 

and mix into a uniform filling. Salt & pepper to 

taste and use mixture to fill egg-white halves. 

HOME-MADE HORSERADISH (chrzan tarty domowy): 

Peel horseradish root or roots with vegetable 

peeler, wrap in plastic wrap and keep in 

freezer overnight. You can grate the horseradish 

with a hand-held grater, but the fumes are overpowering, 

so this should be done outdoors, near 

an open window or some other well-ventilated 

place. An easier way is to cut the horseradish root 

into cubes and grate it in food processor. But also 

do this in a well ventilated room and stay a good 

arm’s length away! Its container should be no 

more than 1/2 full, add 1-2 T cold water and 

process until well ground. If too runny, pour off 

some of the liquid. Add 1/2 t salt, 1-2 T vinegar 

and pulse top combine. Pack mixture into small 

jars, seal and refrigerate until needed. Use as you 

would store-bought prepared horseradish. 

CREAMY HORSERADISH SAUCE (sos 

chrzanowy ze śmietaną): Combine 1 c sour cream 

with 1 heaping T prepared horseradish. Season 

to taste with salt, sugar and lemon juice or vine 



MEMBER NEWS 


gar. Variation: Fork-blend 1/2 c prepared horseradish 

with 1/2 c heavy cream. Season to taste 

with salt, sugar and lemon juice or vinegar. 

WARM CREAMY HORSERADISH SAUCE (sos 

chrzanowo-śmietanowy na ciepło): Melt 2 T butter 

in skillet, sprinkle in 1 healed T flour and simmer 

into a roux stirring constantly. Add 1 c sour cream 

and a heaping T prepared horseradish and simmer 

a few min on low, stirring often. Season to 

taste with salt, white pepper, sugar and lemon 

juice. Excellent spooned over warm hard-cooked 

eggs! 

HORSERADISH-CRANBERRY SAUCE (sos 

chrzanowo-żurawinowy). Fork blend 1 jar of imported 

Łowicz brand żurawina (cranberry jam) 

with a heaping T prepared horseradish. Stir in 1 t 

freshly squeezed lemon juice. A good go-together 

with coals roasts and sausages! 

EASTER SAUCE (sos do święconego): Forkblend 

1/2 c dairy sour cream with 1/2 c mayonnaise, 

add 1 - 2 chopped hard-cooked eggs and 

1/2 - 3/4 c mixed finely chopped additions: dill 

pickle, chives, pickled mushroom and radishes. 

Stir in 1 heaping t to 1 T prepared horseradish 

and season to taste with salt, sugar and lemon 

juice or vinegar. 

SPRING SAUCE (sos wiosenny): Proceed as 

with Easter sauce (above), but omit the egg and 

add 2/3 - 1 c finely chopped spring greens (green 

onions, radishes, chives, parsley, dill, garden 

cress). Season with 1 t prepared horseradish, 1 t 

lemon juice, 1/4 t salt and several dashes of pepper. 

Note: All the above sauces are great with 

hard-cooked eggs and cold meats. 

MUSTARD SAUCE (sos musztardowy: Forkblend 

1/2 c sour cream and 1/2 c mayonnaise 

with 1 heaping T brown mustard. Season to taste 

with salt, vinegar and sugar to taste. 

RED PICKLED EGGS (jaja marynowane na czerwono): 

Combine 1 c white vinegar with juice of 

enough canned pickled beets to give 4 c liquid. 

Bring to boil, simmer briefly and set aside to cool. 

When cooled to room temp, pour over shelled 

hard-cooked eggs to cover. Use a lid or plate to 

keep the eggs submerged. Refrigerate overnight 

or longer. When ready to use, pat eggs dry with 

paper towel. Use to decorate meat platters or 

form a cross on a big plate of white shelled hardcooked 

eggs. 

EGG PLATTER (półmisek jaj): Serve bowls of 

plain, shelled hard-cooked eggs and let your 

guests dress them with different sauces served in 

separate dishes. Or, line platter with leaves of 

Boston or bib lettuce, place halved hard-cooked 

eggs cut-side down on it and them with dollops of 

sauce. 

EASY BEET & HORSERADISH RELISH (łatwa 

ćwikla z chrzanem): Dice the pickled beets from 

the pickled-egg recipe (above) and stir in about 1 

heaping t or T prepared horseradish per c diced 

beets. Toss gently and refrigerate overnight in 

closed container before using. This is the classic 

Polish Easter condiment to accompany ham, 

sausage, roasts and hard-cooked eggs. 

VEGETABLE SALAD (sałatka jarzynowa): Combine 

2 c canned navy beans and 2 c canned 

drained peas & carrots (all canned items well 

drained!); add 3 c cold, cooked, diced potatoes, 1 

bunch chopped green onions, 1 bunch diced 

radishes, 2-3 diced dill pickles, 2 - 3 peeled, 

cored, diced apples and 4 - 6 diced hard-cooked 

eggs. Toss ingredients gently, season with salt & 

pepper and garnish with 3 T chopped fresh parsley. 

Lace with just enough sauce to thinly coat ingredients. 

For 1 c, fork-blend 1/2 c sour cream, 

1/2 c mayonnaise and 1 slightly heaped t sharp 

brown mustard. Season to taste with a little salt, 

pepper, sugar and lemon juice or vinegar. 

COLD-MEAT PLATTER (półmisek zimnych 

mięs): On oval or rectangular serving platters 

arrange an assortment of sliced cold meats: 

rounds of cooked white (fresh) and smoked 

kiełbasa, sliced ham, Canadian bacon (polędwica), 

kabanosy (thin dry sausage), sliced pork 

roast, Krakowska sausage, kaszanka (kiszka is 

also good cold!), boiled beef tongue, head 

cheese (salceson), etc. Decorate platter with red 

pickled eggs, radish roses, dill-pickle spears and 

sprigs of curly parsley. 

HOME-MADE KIEŁBASA (kiełbasa domowa): 

Combine 4 lbs coarsely ground pork butts and 1/2 

lb unsalted pork fatback (słonina) with 1 lb finely 

ground veal or beef round steak. Sprinkle with 3 T 

salt, 1/2 t pepper, 1 T marjoram and 3-4 buds 

crushed garlic. Mix well by hand, adding 1 c cold 

water until fully absorbed. Spread mixture in shallower 

glass or crockery pan and refrigerate 

overnight. Next day, stuff hog casings with mixture, 

twisting into 12” - 15” links and tying them 

with white twine. Hang up to air-dry in cool, wellventilated 

place several hrs or overnight. To cook, 

proceed as follows. 

WESOLEGO ALLELUJA! 

BEER-BAKED FRESH KIEŁBASA (biała 

kiełbasa pieczona w piwie): Arrange 3 lbs fresh 

kiełbasa in a single layer in baking pan. Drench 

with a 12 oz bottle beer and enough water to 

barely cover the sausage. Bake in pre-heated 

375° oven 30 min. Turn sausage over. Smother 

with 4 small thinly sliced onions, sprinkle with caraway 

seeds and bake another 30 min. 

BAKED POLISH HAM (polska szynka pieczona): 

Remove a 5 lb Krakus ham from its tin and transfer 

to baking pan together with the gelatin included 

in tin. Drench ham with 1 c Polish mead 

(miód pitny = honey wine), sprinkle with a little 

marjoram, cover tightly with aluminum foil and 

bake 1 hr at 375°. The ham is already fully 

cooked so all you need to do is heat it through. 

ROAST VEAL (pieczeń cielęca): Slice 2 cloves 

garlic into 6-8 vertical slivers. In a 2-1/2 to 3 lb 

veal leg, rump, loin or boneless shoulder roast insert 

the garlic slivers into as many deep incisions. 

Sprinkle meat with salt, pepper and paprika and 

rub seasonings into all surfaces of roast. Sear the 

meat all over in hot fat until a brown crust forms 

on the outside and place in uncovered on rack in 

roasting pan. Roast in a preheated 350 °- 375° 

oven. Place several thin slices of pork fatback on 

meat, add 1-1/2 c water to roaster and roast 

about 2 hr or until done. Cool to room temp and 

refrigerate over night. To serve, slice cold roast 

about 1/4” thin and reheat in pan dripping. 

SILESIAN BABKA (baba śląska): Mash 1 oz 

fresh yeast with 1 T sugar and stir in 5 T very 

warm milk, then set aside to rise. Beat 2 egg 

yolks and 1 whole egg 1/3 c sugar until fluffy. Add 

risen yeast mixture, 3-1/2 c flour, 1/2 c. warm 

milk, 2 T orange zest, 1 T lemon zest and 1/2 t 

salt. Combine ingredients well and knead until 

dough is smooth. Gradually work in 1/2 c melted 

butter and continue kneading until it is fully absorbed. 

Place dough in warm place until doubled 

in bulk. While it rises, melt 2 T butter in saucepan. 

Prepare crumb topping by combining 2-1/2 T confectioner’s 

sugar with 1/2 c flour and add melted 

butter and 2 pinches of cinnamon. Stir to combine 

ingredients and set aside. Place risen dough into 

Bundt pan. Brush top with half a beaten egg and 

coarsely grate crumb-topping dough over top. 

Bake in pre-heated 350° oven about 1 hr, or until 

wooden skewer comes out clean. 

SAND BABKA (babka piaskowa): Combine 3/4 c 

flour, 3/4 c potato starch and 4 t baking powder 

and sift together. Cream 1 c + 2 T butter with 1- 

1/2 c confectioner’s sugar, gradually adding 4 raw 

egg yolks, zest rind and juice of 1 lemon and mix 

will. Gently fold in 4 stiffly beaten egg whites. 

Transfer to greased, flour-dusted babka pan and 

bake in 350° oven 1 hr or so. When cool dust with 

confectioner’s sugar or ice. 

GRANNYʼS CHEESECAKE (sernik baboon): 

Combine 1-1/4 cups flour, 3/4 t baking powder 

and 1/4 t salt. With fork mash in 1/4 c butter or 

margarine. Beat 1 egg with 3 T sour cream and 

stir into flour mixture with 1/3 c confectioner’s 

sugar. Knead well until dough is smooth and roll 

out on floured bread-board into a rectangle. Line 

a 13x9x2 inch pan with the dough and bring it 

part way up the sides. Separately, beat 6 eggs 

with 2 c confectioner’s sugar at high speed 5 min, 

add 1 t vanilla extract and beat until fluffy. 

Process in food processor or sieve 1 lb farmer’s 

cheese, combine with 1-1/2 c mashed potatoes, 

add 2 t baking powder, 1/2 t salt, 1 T lemon or orange 

zest and a pinch of nutmeg. Combine well 

with egg mixture, transfer to dough-lined basking 

pan, smoothing out the top. Bake at 350° 45-55 

min or until set. Cool well before cutting into portions. 

CRUMB-TOP MAZURKA (mazurek z kruszonką): 

Cut 1/2 lb butter into 3 c flour, gradually mixing in 

4 egg yolks and 1 scant c confectioner’s sugar. 

Quickly work ingredients into a smooth dough, 

wrap in foil and refrigerate several hrs. Divide 

dough into 2 parts. Roll out one half and fit it into 

square or rectangular baking pan. Spread with 

powidła (Polish plum butter). Coarsely grate the 

remaining dough, evenly covering the entire surface. 

Bake in preheated 390°-400° oven about 

20 min or until nice and golden. When cool, cut 

into squares. 

WAFER MAZURKA (mazurek na waflu): Get 4 

plain, large, square or rectangular wafers at a 

pastry-supply, gourmet, specialty or European 

import shop. Place 1 wafer on cutting board, 

spread thinly with apricot or cherry jam, cover 

with another wafer, press down gently and spread 

with canned chocolate of white frosting, cover 

with another wafer, spread it with jam and cover 

with a 4th wafer. Cover with clean dish towel, 

weight down with something heavy (like a large 

book) and refrigerate. Just before serving spread 

top and sides with frosting and sprinkle top generously 

with ground walnuts. Cut into squares and 

serve. 

PASCHAL CHEESE DESSERT (pascha): Sieve 

2-1/4 lbs full-cream (not low-fat!) farmer cheese. 

Separately cream 5 egg yolks with 1-1/4 c sugar, 

stir in 1 c coffee cream. Stirring constantly, heat 

mixture nearly to boiling point, but do not boil. Remove 

from flame, stir in the cheese, 1 1/4 lb unsalted 

butter, 3/4 c plumped raisins, 1/2 c 

chopped blanched almonds, 1 t orange zest and 

1 t vanilla. Mix well and place mixture on cheese 

cloth. Tie cheese cloth into a ball and hang it up 

to drip-dry, twisting ball to extract moisture. When 

no more moisture can be extracted, refrigerate in 

cheese cloth over night. Remove cheese cloth 

and decorate pascha with chopped candied orange 

rind, slivered almonds and raisins. 

Text and recipies from Robert Strybel, 

Polonian Affairs Contributor 


MEMBER NEWS 

APRIL SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS 

As the first day of Kwiecien (April) begins the Easter Triduum, the Catholic 

church communities rekindle the centuries-old traditions that follow the last 

days of Holy Week through Easter Sunday. 

Holy Thursday Mass re-enacts Jesus washing the feet of his closest 

twelve and His first commands to 'Do this in memory of me' as he shared 

the bread and cup. In the next many hours, as we all know, Jesus was prosecuted 

and persecuted. His passion, His death on the cross and His time in 

the tomb all led to his glorious Resurrection on the holiest of days! 

Good Friday has the congregations lamenting through the '14 Stations' 

and singing the five-part "Gorzkie Zale.” Holy Saturday brings on the ceremony 

called “Swieconka”. The foods of our Easter meal-- decorated eggs 

(Polish pisanki), breads, meats and lamb-shaped butter rest upon a lay of 

“bukszpan” (Easter evergreens), all covered with special linen or lace carried 

in a basket to be blessed at church. Our Easter Sunday meals may start 

soon after all the 'alleluias' are sung and the blessings of the Risen Lord are 

granted at High Mass. 

We, at Nest 118 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will be enjoying our 

“Swieconka” before our monthly meeting on Monday April 12 at 7 p.m. at the 

Nest 8 location. We ask all our attending Members to share their favorite 

special Easter menu items or baked goods. Let us renew our faith together 

in harmony and fraternalism. On the agenda , we will be discussing the upcoming 

'Lottery Nite' fundraiser scheduled for Saturday April 17 and the particulars 

of the Nest 118 100th Anniversary banquet. Being that spring should 

be in bloom, please attend this very important meeting. 

As April showers assist the growth of nature's blessings, we celebrate National 

Arbor Day on the 30. Gather your family, friends and Nest Members to 

plant trees in your neighborhood parks. Enjoy National Humor Month--laugh 

out loud as often as possible, have some fun at the National Bowling Tournament 

in Summerville, New Jersey. 

April is designated Nation Donor Life Month and brings us National Volunteer 

Week (April 18-24). Find a cause, sign-up to help someone some how!! 

I know my friends in Connecticut, Missouri and throughout our great fraternal 

will make their marks in their communities. Remember that even random 

acts of kindness share our Easter blessings. 

Should any Nest 118 Member need information about our activities, or 

need directions to our meetings or in any Member of our Falcon nation care 

to share stories, ideas or Easter traditions, please contact me-- 

nancy4vp@att.net or cal 412-481-0681. 

Wishing 'Good Luck' to all Nest 118 bowlers and God's blessings to the 

Falcon National officers and all Members, I bid you peace and as always--'In 

God we trust'! 

Soccer 


facility in CT) Holter played soccer and managed the team as well as organized 

tournaments, locally and in cities such as Miami, Montreal, and 

twice in Venezuela and Brazil. Additionally, Holter’s other accomplishments 

include: winning the CT Soccer League championship and State 

Cup in 1971 with the New Britain Soccer Club, playing for numerous CT 

Soccer League teams including New Britain General Ameglio Soccer 

Club, New Britain Olympia, Hartford German Soccer Club, Harford Incas 

and the New Britain Soccer Club. He even played tournaments in Germany 

twice and before 35,000 spectators in Hoffstein, Austria. Along with 

his brother, Holter was co-owner/manager of the Sports Palace in New 

Britain, an indoor soccer facility, from 1983 through 1995, where youth 

and adult teams played. It was at the Sports Palace that Holter hosted a 

Polish national soccer team in the late 1980s. Co-founder and organizer 

of the New Britain Youth Soccer League in 1984, he was also ticket manager 

for the Hartford Bicentennials of the North American Soccer League 

in 1975. 

“Soccer has always been first in my life,” Holter said. “My wife and kids 

have always been involved in the sport with me, too.” With a gleam in his 

eye, Holter joked, “When I first got married, I told my wife that soccer 

would be number one and she would be number two. She must’ve understood 

because all these years later, we are still together and she still 

knows this!” 

The interest in soccer is still very much alive with Herbie Holter today. 

He is still involved in tournament playing in the Catskills as well as playing 

at the Falcon Polanka Field every Thursday. 

Holter is also owner of the International Hair Stylist on Broad Street in 

New Britain, having purchased the business during the late 1970s from 

then owner of the at that time Phil’s Barber Shop, which originally employed 

young Herbie Holter in 1961, four years after his arrival to New 

Britain from Germany. 

Druhna Diane L. Mechlinski, 

Nest 88 Correspondent 

Czolem, 

Druhna Nancy-Marcuson-Capozoli 

Vice-President/Nest Correspondent 

Nest 118 

MOVING? 

Don’t forget to let us know. So that our records are up-to-date 

and that the Sokol Polski is delivered to you without interruption, 

please use the form below when you are changing your address. 

Also, if a member of your family (who is also a PFA 

member) is moving, please use the same form. 

Name ____________________________________________ 

Nest No. __________________________________________ 

Old Address _______________________________________ 

New Address ______________________________________ 

New Phone No. ____________________________________ 

E-mail ___________________________________________ 

Please return completed form to Sokół Polski, 381 Mansfield 

Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751. You can also let us 

know of your address change by e-mail at communications@polishfalcons.org. 

NATIONAL CHAPLAIN TO 

HOST POLAND TOUR 

“In the Footsteps of Pope John Paul II” a 

religious tour of Poland, has been scheduled for 

October 22-29, 2010 with National PFA 

Chaplain Fr. Joseph Sredzinski as spiritual 

leader. 

Participants will visit Warsaw, Niepokalanow, 

Zakopane, Krakow, etc. Pray at the Shrine of Our 

Lady at Czestochowa, Wawel Cathedral, 

Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, home of the 

revelations to St. Faustina. Departure is from 

Pittsburgh and other major cities. 

For a packet of detailed information, call 

724-722-3141 or email padre16201@yahoo.com. 

Write: Church of the Seven Dolors, PO Box 308, 

Yukon PA 15698. 


MEMBER NEWS 

ATTENTION 

BOWLERS!!! 

The Polish Falcons in conjunction with the Polish National 

Alliance (PNA), the Polish Roman Catholic Union 

of America (PRCUA) and the Polish Women’s Alliance 

(PWA) will sponsor the first Annual Inter Polonia Bowling 

Tournament. The event will be held in the Pittsburgh 

area. This tournament is open to Members of any of the 

four fraternals; one must be a Member at least 45 days 

before the tournament. It is a moral support tournament 

which means one does not need to be sanctioned in 

order to participate. 

Date: May 21 and May 22, 2010 

Place: Teams will be bowled at Noble Manor Lanes 

with Singles and Doubles at Mt. Lebanon Lanes 

Times: Teams Friday or Saturday, 10:00 a.m. and 

1:30 p.m., Singles & Doubles, Friday and Saturday at 

9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. 

Cost: $17 per person, per event. All events-$1.50 per 

person, $2.50 per person insurance fee. Total cost for 

Bowling Teams, Singles and Doubles and a Saturday 

night party including dinner and an open bar is $95 per 

bowler. 

Housing: Room rate at both hotels is $93.00 per night 

plus taxes. Each hotel has internet access in all rooms, 

a fitness center and a swimming pool. Host hotel is the 

Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, which is located near 

Mt. Lebanon Lanes. Their phone number is 412-833- 

5300. Rooms are also available at the Radisson Hotel 

Pittsburgh, Green Tree, located near Noble Manor 

Lanes. Their phone number is 412-922-840. 

Evening festivities will be held at the Sokol Club on 

East Carson Street on Pittsburgh’s South Side. 

Deadline for applications is April 15. Information 

and entry forms will be mailed to each Nest. Applications 

are available from our website at: http://www.polishfalcons.org/polonia 

Teams can be all female, all male, or mixed. One does 

not need to be a sanctioned bowler to participate. 

To bowl doubles, one must also bowl singles. 

Tournament Co-chairs are Druh Bobby Joe Gorny, 

574-289-2140 (W) or 574-243-1726 (C) or 

crumstown@sbcglobal. net and Druhna Trish Del 

Busse, 1-800-535-2071 (W) or 724-747-3179 (C) or 

vptrish@polishfalcons.org. 

This year, we’ll be able to meet and bowl in April and 

then again in May. Sounds good to us! 

Czolem, 

Druh Bobby Joe and Druhna Trish 

FAMILY TOGETHERNESS 

On December 12, my children Jeremy, age nine, and Samantha, age six, attended the Children’s 

Party at Polish Falcons Nest 610 in Erie, PA. Even though Jeremy is almost ten years 

old, he still believes in Santa Clause and loves Christmas. This is the fourth time Jeremy and 

Samantha have been to Nest 610 at see Santa. They had a blast of fun. There was face 

painting, coloring, music, the Christmas tree decorated in the corner with the big wooden 

chair right near it waiting for Santa’s arrival. The banquet room was packed as usual with 

over 80 children, parents, and some grandchildren attending. It made for a true family day 

shared with friends we’ve met and grown with over the years at Nest 610. My husband Andy 

was a past Director for many years, and I started as a social member, bartender, then National 

Member and now the Club’s 2nd Vice-President. Both of our children feel right at 

home, because they have literally been at the club since before they could walk. As for me, 

my husband Andy, Jeremy & Samantha, Nest 610 makes us feel right at home. Not being at 

“the Club” as Jeremy refers to it, for most of 2009, the Children’s Christmas party made me 

realize the impact “the Club” has had on me, Jeremy, Samantha and Andy, (family togetherness). 

The Children’s Christmas Party is one tradition Jeremy and Samantha will always 

take part in and remember forever. Thank you to everyone who helped put it together. It was 

fantastic!! You know something is a success when everyone is smiling, you can barely hear 

yourself talk, and you see for yourself the many happy kids singing and talking with Santa. 

Great job, let’s continue the tradition. 

Druhna Lisa Smith, Nest 610 


MEMBER NEWS 

JOIN HANDS DAY - MAY 1 

May 1, 2010 will mark the 

10th Anniversary of Join Hands 

Day. Join Hands Day is the only 

national volunteer day on the 

Seasons of Service calendar that specifically targets and develops relationships 

between young people and adults through neighborhood volunteering. 

Youths and adults work together on an equal basis to plan, organize and implement 

the day’s activities. Building relationships across generations restores 

confidence, trust and respect for each other and creates a sense of community. 

The Polish Falcons are involved in Join Hands Day in many Nests. We improve 

our communities through volunteer service and charitable outreach, 

while helping their our members achieve financial security through insurance 

and retirement products. 

The Polish Falcons “JOIN HANDS” year-round, because fraternalism is not 

a one-day-a-year event. However, Join Hands Day provides all fraternalists 

and non-fraternalists alike with the opportunity to make a difference in their 

neighborhoods through helpful projects that connect youths and adults. 

Steps for planning a successful Join Hands Day event 

Start a Committee 

Designate a project leader from Nest. This person will be responsible for registering 

the project, finding youths and adults to participate and assigning tasks. 

They also can help recruit volunteers from your Nest and any outside groups 

or youth clubs, as needed. 

Choose a Project 

There are hundreds of fun and worthwhile ways to improve your town, neighborhood 

or community. In selecting the right project, choose a project that is: 

1. Big enough to be worthwhile and challenging. 

2. Small enough to be done with the time and effort available. 

3. A reasonable fit with everyone’s talents, experiences and resources. 

4. Involves both youth and adult Members. 

Spread the Word 

1. Contact the media in advance and distribute press releases detailing 

your project and its impact on the community. 

2. Publicize your Nest’s Join Hands Day participation in the Sokol Polski 

and our website. 

3. Distribute a memo from your Nest, encouraging your members, to get in 

volved and volunteer. 

Recruit Volunteers 

1. Hold a Join Hands Day planning meeting for your members. 

2. Pass around a sign-up sheet to record information, such as name, phone 

and email. 

3. Create projects that encourage youth and adult participation. 

Nail Down the Details 

1. Define specific tasks to be completed, time requirement and deadlines 

2. Determine the logistics: locations, supplies needed, transportation 

3. Match skills for the members and volunteers to particular aspects of the 

project. 

4. Develop a short orientation or information session for volunteers. 

5. Be sure to express appreciation to everyone involved as the project 

wraps up. 

Hold a Kick-off 

The purpose is to inspire and encourage volunteers, as well as attract media 

attention and provide a platform for VIPs. 

1. Provide light snacks and refreshments. 

2. Invite governors, mayor, local, state, and federal legislator and other 

dignitaries. 

3. If possible, arrange for a local TV news anchor or other recognizable 

person to serve as emcee. Invite media and news media kits. 

4. Arrange for a professional photographer and/or videographer, if possible. 

Handle Logistics 

Think ahead, provide information and plan for emergencies 

1. Provide directions and maps to the site. 

2. Is the site accessible by public transportation? 

3. Is there a first-aid kit on site? Where is the nearest hospital or medical 

center? 

4. What will volunteers do if it rains? 

5. Where are the closest restrooms? 

6. Where can volunteers eat lunch? Will water be available throughout the 

day? 

Plan for a Safe Event 

Project Leaders should be observant for potential hazards 

1. Look for strings on clothing and ropes on playground equipment. These 

could result in injury 

2. Watch for broken paved areas, uneven boards or ground where people 

could stumble 

3. Carefully pick up sharp object that could cut or scratch a person’s skin 

4. Provide masks when working in areas with dangerous fumes or 

excessive dust 

5. Suggest volunteers wear sturdy shoes, not sandals, for better foot 

protection 

Have Fun! 

Complete your entire project on Join Hands Day, and have fun! Be sure to 

take time afterwards to briefly gather with your project group, share your experiences 

and celebrate your achievements. 

Visit http://www.joinhandsday.org/for more information. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 

pfavp2@yahoo.com. 

Czolem, 

Druh Bobby Joe Gorny 

Second Vice President 


MEMBER NEWS 

Falcon 

Fitness 

by Greg Gushard 

All About Marathons 

Spring is fast approaching. It might not feel like it, for those of us who were 

hit by forty plus inches of snow during the month of February, but April showers 

and May flowers are on their way. With the nicer weather on it’s way, 

maybe it’s time to start thinking about participating in a local, or regional 

marathon? There are many organizations that hold events like these for great 

causes. “Race for the Cure” comes to mind. Participating in these races are 

both rewarding and they help you in your quest for weight loss. Your support 

goes a long way in helping others. 

So you’ve found a race worthy of racing, but how do you train for it? Unless 

you’re already an in-shape track runner prepared to take 1st place, you will 

need to train. Marathons are long, and focus on endurance rather than 

straight out sprinting speed. It is important to remember that you’re not in it to 

beat 100 other contestants. You’re in it to prove to yourself that you can do it. 

You can run five miles at a reasonable pace. So many “new” runners start off 

with an all out sprint, and run out of gas halfway through the actual race. 

First, you need to judge how prepared you are for the race itself. Are you 

running regularly? Two miles a day? Ten miles a week? Gauge what you’re 

doing, recreationally, and craft a training program for yourself. If you’re a 

sprinter, you might want to slow it down and start focusing on pacing more. 

Start focusing on your diet. Obviously, up until the race, you’ll want to take 

off all of the extra pounds you can, while not sacrificing energy. It’s important 

to keep in mind that marathons and races are built for those who are serious 

about exercising. Any weight-loss supplements you may be experimenting 

with aren’t going to help you. Most weight-loss supplements include high 

amounts of caffeine and other “energy enhancers.” You want to get used to 

maintaining a high energy level WITHOUT these. Taper off fat-burners. Do 

not stop taking vitamin’s, unless you feel that they are harmful to your endurance 

ability. 

Your overall diet should include the usual greens and fruits. If you are doing 

a heavy training regiment prior to the race, it is important to balance out the 

diet with carbs, to keep your energy. All excess energy will be stored by the 

body for your next run. Do not starve yourself under any circumstances when 

participating in heavy cardio programs. 

Mental preparation is equally important, if not half of the entire battle to succeed. 

As it is with any exercise, being mentally ready and focused on your 

personal goals, will ultimately make or break your success. 

The Day of the Marathon 

1.) As stated above, START SLOW. One thing to keep your mind off of the 

journey ahead, could be to observe other racers, and try and guess who’s new 

to the marathon. You’ll be able to pick them out by seeing who runs ahead at 

fast rates. Later on in the race, see if they’ve fallen behind. This means they 

weren’t worried about pacing themselves. 

2.) Keep your own pace in check. If you’re starting to feel winded after a 

short distance, slow it down. Keep your body moving, but don’t be afraid to 

fall back. Remember, it’s your goal to complete the race, not to be the next 

all-star runner. 

3.) Consume six to eight ounces of water for every 15 to 20 minutes spent 

running. 

4.) Replenish your burnt calories after the race. Do not fall victim to undereating. 

Make sure you replenish your bodies energy needs after expending 

them during the race. 

5.) Always make sure you have a change of clothes. After the race, you don’t 

want to drive home in the clothes you ran in. Believe me. I’ve made this mistake 

before. 

Lay out everything you need the night before the race, so you can focus on 

your goals the next day. Marathons are a great way to boost your weight-loss 

program, even if you have to deviate from your normal diet for a few weeks. 

In the end, you will feel better about yourself for participating. You’ll probably 

get a free t-shirt out of the deal too! 


POL- AM NEWS 

A Polka Celebration 

By Druh Peter Danielczuk 

Nest 36, Southwestern Conn. 

The fourth annual memorial "Gift Of Live" dance in honor of Lisa Marie 

Biskup will be held on Saturday, April 24 at the PRCU Hall, 1430 Oak St. 

Wyandotte, MI. The dance will feature the fine music by a Crusade "Reprise" 

with Eddie Biegaj and Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's Men. A Polish kitchen 

will be available along with door prizes and a silent auction. Doors will open 

at 6 p.m. and music from 6:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Adults are $19 and kids 13 

and under are free. All proceeds benefit the "Lisa Biskup Organ and Tissue 

Donor Foundation." For more information or to make a donation call 810-588- 

6266. 

The 42nd Annual United States Polka Association (USPA) Festival and 

Convention will be held May 28, 29, 30 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the Doubletree 

Hotel, Cleveland South, 6200 Quarry Lane, Independence, OH. It is 

three days of great polka music featuring the finest in bands. The junior Miss 

USPA & Teen Miss USPA Pageants will be held on Saturday afternoon. The 

35th annual USPA Polka Music Awards Banquet will also be held on Saturday 

May 29 with brunch at 11:00 a.m. Daily admission is only $16 per person 

and a three day pass is available. Call Joanne Baranski at 330-410-5568 for 

tickets. President of the USPA Barb Haslow has promised that this would be 

one of the best festivals ever. You can check out their website at www.uspapolkas.com 

or call Barb at 440-886-6157. 

The 13th Annual Adirondack Polka Festival will take place May 29 and 30 

at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center, North Street, Old Forge, NY. It is sponsored 

by the Central Adirondack Association and features the finest polka 

bands with two days of polka music. Ticket prices are $17 per person each 

day or $30 for two days. There is a huge dance floor and refreshments will be 

available. For tickets and more information call 315-699-1708. 

A Caribbean Polka Cruise will be held on Oct. 23-30, 2010 on Carnival's 

newest ship the "Dream." You will fly to Orlando, Florida for a 7 day cruise 

from Cape Canaveral to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. There will be 

a welcome aboard party, 24 hours of non stop food, full casino, captain's 

cocktail and gala dinner party, stage shows, seaside theatre and, of course , 

great polka parties plus more. For more information, contact Bob Wojtowicz 

at 413-665-2485. 

The Annual National Button Box Accordion Festival sponsored by the 

Bessemeer Croatian Blub and Otter Creek Enterprises will take place on Memorial 

Day weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 28, 29, 30 at the 

Croatian Club, 601 E. Poland Ave., Bessemer, PA. Three great fun-filled days 

of music and dancing with a concert program on Sunday. All types of accordions 

will be welcomed as well as all types of ethnic music (Czech, Polish, 

Slovenian, Croatian, Italian, Swiss, German, Austrian, Slovak, Russian and 

more). For more information contact Paul Mirkovich at 724-813-0530 or Rone 

Pivovar at 724-588-3786. Check out their website at www.nationalbuttonaccordionfestival.com. 

David Raccis of Wilbraham, MA was the recipient of the Freddy K Jr. Scholarship 

Award for 2009. He accepted a check for $1,000. David is an accomplished 

guitar player, he plays bass,electric and acoustic guitar and is 

currently a member of the Foul Play Band. As a young child he was surrounded 

by polka music and at the young age of three months was on his first 

polka road trip. David's mother was a member of the Polka Star Dancers 

along with her two sisters and brother. His father Dave is a member Chicago 

Push along with his uncle, the leader of the band, Lenny Gomulka. David is 

currently attending Holyoke Community College and has an "A" average. He 

has been accepted at the University of Massachusetts. Applications for the 

2010 Scholarship award are now being accepted. Applicants must be high 

school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited college and play a 

musical instrument. Anyone who is interested in applying for the scholarship 

award can contact the Scholarship Committee at: The Freddy K Jr. Scholarship 

Fund, 50 Totten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. 

Since 1774, an inn has operated on a hallowed piece of land in Poland 

Springs, Maine, and the water that oozes out the ground from natural springs 

is a household word, Poland Spring! You know you're in for something special 

as you proceed up the long driveway to the hotel and pass a sign that 

says "Stress Free Zone." Poland Spring Resort's biggest recreational draw is 

it's Donald Ross designed, 18 hole championship golf course which Golf Digest 

rated as being a 2006/2007 "Best Place To Play.'' And now Poland Resort 

will hold their 1st Polka Weekend, July 23-25. Entertainment on Friday 

and Saturday will be provided by The Eastern Sound ( voted best polka band 

in New Hampshire!) Enjoy a delicious Polish buffet and more. For more information 

cal toll free 1-866-998-4358. 

The "Zembruski Polish Eagle Show" was started by well known band 

leader Victor Zembruski and his wife Sophie in 1935 in CT. In 1969 Sophie 

took over the program on her own until last year when health issues forced 

her to turn over the mike to her daughter, Lauretta. The program is in its 75th 

year of continued broadcasting on commercial radio, which may make it the 

longest running polka show on radio, with Sophie being involved in 74 of 

those years. She is celebrating her 92nd birthday in April. I started my polka 

radio career with Victor and Sophie in 1970 when as a college student I engineered 

their Sunday radio show on WADS in my home town of Ansonia, CT. 

The change made in Grammy categories did not bode well for polka 

bands. The winner in the Best Traditional Folk Music category was Louden 

Wainwright III, shutting Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra out of an award for the 

first time in many years. 

Looking for a list of Dana recordings and have yet to find one? A list has 

been posted at a previously defunct website, so if anyone wants to check it 

out, it is at http://txteldata.com. Albums cannot be ordered directly from the 

site, but a correct title may help find one elsewhere. 

Members of the Polka Hall of Fame in attendance to the 5th Annual benefit dance 

at the Ludlow, MA PACC held in March. Bottom row: Billy Belina, Fred Bulinski, 

Dennis Polisky, Larry Chesky, Lenny Gomulka. Top row: International Polka Association 

President Dave Ulczycki, Freddie "K" Kendzierski, Mike Matousek, 

Jimmy Weber, Eddie Forman, Jackie Libera. 

Sunnybrook in Pottstown, PA, presents Polka Gala 2 at the beautiful, historic 

Sunnybrook Ballroom, East High St. & Sunnybrook Road, Sunday May 2, 

2010. There will be a continuous music from noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunnybrook 

Ballroom is a National Historic Site and has been refurbished to the beautiful 

ballroom that it was in the late 1930s and 40s. It offers a large wooden dance 

floor and plenty of seating to enjoy your favorite Polish food and beverages. 

For tickets call Sunnybrook Ballroom at 484-624-5186, Janet Osuch at 610- 

326-2915 or Dolly Kubasco at 570-655-0760. Visit their website at www.sunnybrookballroom.net. 

The 2010 annual Spring Polka & Music Festival will be held Sunday April 

11 at the White Oak American Legion Halll, Pennsylvania Ave., White Oak 

(McKeesport), 15 minutes from Pittsburgh. The event will feature Henny & 

The Versa J's, Ray Jay & The Carousels, Western Pennsylvania's Concertina 

Band and Li'l John & The ATM Band, along with many surprise guest musicians, 

polka DJs and celebrities. Everything gets underway at noon with 

dancing from 1:00-8:00 p.m. There will be free level parking, food, beverages 

and prizes. For more information call Michael Hakos toll free at 1-866-657- 

0671. 

Finally attended the fifth annual IPA Benefit Dance at the Ludlow, MA., 

PACC and again this dance was a big success. Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's 

Men, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push and Eddie Forman Orchestra did 

a great job with their great music. It was another sell-out crowd. Many Polka 

Hall of Famers attended (see picture). Can't wait for next year. 

That's it for this month, until next time, take care and God Bless and remember 

we are all family, all one big polka family. 

God Bless Poland and God Bless America! 


POL- AM NEWS 

NEWS BRIEFS FROM POLAND 

POLISH MEDALS 

Polish cross country ski champion Justyna Kowalczyk, 

27, won silver in the individual sprint at the 

Vancouver Winter Olympics on February 17. She 

then took third place for the bronze in the 15km 

race on February 19. This was her second medal 

in Vancouver. Then, on February 27, the 16th day 

of the Olympics, Kowalczyk narrowly surpassed a 

Norwegian competitor by .03 second to win the 

gold in the 30km mass start cross-country race 

with a magnificent effort as they crossed the finish 

line. The spectacular victory presented Poland 

with its first gold for a woman in Winter Olympics, 

giving Kowalczyk a full set of gold, silver and 

bronze in 2010. 

Adam Malysz took second place in ski jumping on 

the normal hill for the silver on February 13, 2010, 

falling short of earning his first Olympic gold. He 

jumped 103.5m and 105m in his two tries. The 32- 

year-old Pole is a four-time individual world champion, 

a four-time overall World Cup winner and 

took bronze on the normal hill in 2002. Malysz 

also came in second in the large hill ski jump competition 

on February 20, 2010, at the Winter 

Olympics in Vancouver, jumping 137m and 

133.5m in the two rounds. The silver medal 

awarded at Whistler Olympic Park, where the ski 

jumping competition took place, is the fourth 

Olympic medal in Malysz’s career and his second 

in Vancouver. He took home a silver and bronze 

from the Games in Salt Lake City in 2002. 

It was a surprise to many sports analysts when 

Polish skaters won another bronze, taking third 

place in the team pursuit during a race with the 

U.S. team on February 27, a day before the 

Olympics would end. The team was composed of 

Katarzyna Wozniak, Katarzyna (Wojcicka) Bachleda-Curus 

and Luiza Zlotkwowski. 

Poland’s six medal tally this year is the best performance 

ever by Polish athletes in the Winter 

Olympics. Poland won two medals in 2006 and 

two in 2002. In 1972, Wojciech Fortuna trumped 

Malysz’s achievements by winning Poland’s only 

gold medal in the games, in the large hill ski jump. 

Poland also won two medals in 1960 and one in 

1956. 

SIBERIA DEPORTATIONS 

ON ANIMATED FILM 

Polish organizations across the country received 

preliminary information in February, 2010, 

about a new animated film, “A Trip to Nowhere,” a 

30-minute documentary about the deportations of 

Poles to Siberia during WWII and the political 

events surrounding that time in history. 

Spearheaded by the Polish Ladies Auxiliary of 

Seattle, this film is intended to fulfill a lifelong 

promise made by the ladies themselves to bring 

this tragic and secret part of history to the forefront. 

Afraid to discuss their pasts until the early 

1990s, the ladies share their stories of survival, 

courage and heartbreak through candid interviews 

and vivid, animated recreations. 

Created by deportation survivors, the film is intended 

to engage a variety of age groups. Thus 

far, there have been successful screenings on the 

East Coast and Seattle. The producers look forward 

to making a DVD and illustrated book available 

to Polish organizations for purchase, 

fund-raising and private screenings in Spring, 

2010. Both film and book will be available in Polish 

or English. 

The film was written, directed and illustrated by 

Shannon Hart-Reed. It was produced by Grazyna 

Balut Ostrom & Martha Golubiec. 

Additional information can be obtained at 

or by e-mail to 

. 

CHOPINʼS 200TH 

The 200th anniversary of Fryderyk [Frederick] 

Chopin’s birth is being celebrated all over the 

world and the following are just some highlights. 

The of Chopin’s music are reverberating from the 

chateau of his French lover to Egypt’s pyramids 

and even into space. 

“Fryderyk Chopin is a Polish icon,” said Andrzej 

Sulek, director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in 

Warsaw. “In Polish culture there is no other figure 

who is as well-known in the world and who represents 

Polish culture so well.” 

Historical sources suggest two possible dates of 

Chopin’s birth, either February 22, as noted in 

church records, or March 1, which was mentioned 

in letters between him and his mother and is considered 

the more probable date. Since no one is 

sure, Poland and other nations marked both. A series 

of concerts in Warsaw and Zelazowa Wola, 

the composer’s birthplace, took place over the intervening 

eight days featuring such world-class 

musicians as Daniel Barenboim, Evgeny Kissin, 

Garrick Ohlsson, Martha Argerich and Krystian 

Zimerman. 

A marathon 171-hour concert of Chopin's music 

tuned up in Warsaw February 22. More than 250 

musicians and singers played night and day over 

the 171 hours spanning the gap between the two 

possible birth dates. Over the week spanning February 

22 to March 1, the Warsaw Philharmonic 

also held daily concerts devoted to Chopin. 

The astronauts who blasted into orbit on the Endeavor 

space shuttle February 8 carried with them 

a CD of Chopin’s music and a copy of a manuscript 

of his “Prelude Opus 28, No. 7,” gifts from 

the Polish government. The Endeavor commander, 

George Zamka, who has Polish roots, 

told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) ahead of his 

trip to the International Space Station that listening 

to Chopin in space would enhance the majesty 

of the cosmos. 

Chopin was the theme of the annual traditional 

ball at Vienna’s State Opera held February 12, 

2010, and broadcast by Austrian Television. Ballet 

stars from Warsaw and Vienna danced to 

Chopin’s “Scherzo in B minor” performed by the 

Polish pianist Krzysztof Jablonski, a prizewinner 

at the Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 

1985. Jablonski also performed Chopin’s “Waltz in 

D flat major,” accompanied by students of the 

Opera’s Ballet School. 

The London Symphony Orchestra performed in 

the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall on February 16, 

and, of course, added Chopin’s “Piano Concerto 

in F minor” to its program. Sixty one year-old 

American pianist Emanuel Ax was soloist. He was 

born in Lviv [Lwow] and as a boy lived in Warsaw 

with his parents for two years. The concert was 

organized by the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute 

and the Beethoven Association. 

London’s Kings Place hosted a series of events 

and concerts exploring the legacy of Fryderyk 

Chopin, concluding on March 13. The series, entitled 

“Chopin Unwrapped,” focused on a composer 

who, as the event’s website says, “possessed an 

unrivaled knowledge of the piano and its possibilities, 

was a great innovator, and exercised a decisive 

influence on composers […] well into the 20th 

century.” The event included Chopin’s complete 

solo piano works in a series of ten recitals. 

After having spent the first 20 years of his life in 

his homeland, Chopin left just before the November 

1830 Polish Insurrection against Tsarist Russia. 

Initially he lived in Vienna before moving to 

Paris, where he died at the age of 39 on October 

17, 1849. 

US TROOPS IN POLAND 

The New Poland Express reports that American 

soldiers could soon be calling Poland home after 

President Lech Kaczynski ratified an agreement 

allowing for the deployment of US troops on Polish 

soil. 

Under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) 

up to 100 American servicemen and women, the 

first foreign forces to be based in Poland since the 

departure of the Red Army in the early 1990s, will 

come to Poland next month in order to man a battery 

of Patriot missiles. 

The presence of the missiles have raised concerns 

in Russia, especially as they will be located 

about 100 kilometers from the Russian border, although 

Bogdan Klich, Poland’s defense minister, 

has said the location has “no strategic or political 

significance”. 

Russian grumbling and unease over the presence 

of US troops right next door could also increase 

after the Polish government decided to agree to 

the stationing of US interceptor missiles as part of 

new missile shield designed to ward off attack 

from “rogue states”. 

The Polish government has said that it accepted 

the “signing of a protocol modifying the accord 

signed by the Polish and American governments 

on the installation on our territory of anti-ballistic 

missile interceptors concluded in Warsaw on August 

20, 2008.” 

Warsaw stressed that “in line with the new concept, 

the system is primarily to guard against Iranian 

short and medium range missiles by using 

existing defense systems.” 

The new system replaces the original Bush-era 

missile shield envisaged in the agreement, which 

was cancelled by President Barrack Obama after 

fierce criticism from Moscow, which had condemned 

it as security threat. 

Prepared and Distributed by the Polonia 

Media Network and other sources. 


POL-AM NEWS 

Grandparents, Parents, Brothers, 

Sisters, Aunts and Uncles! 

polish yourPolish 

HOLIDAYS 

święta 

m, n, f denotes male, neuter, 

female; hh is like ch in loch 

THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY OR GRADUATION GIFT, 

THE GIFT OF LOVE! 

Check Out The PFA Juvenile Term Rates! 

Juvenile Term-Single Premium for each $10,000 Increments: 

święta państwowe 

(SHWYEN-tah piyn-STVOH-veh) 

Nowy Rok (NOH-vih rohk) 

Wielkanoc (vyehl-KAH-nohts) 

public holidays 

New Year’s Day 

Easter 

drugi dzień Wielkiej Nocy Second day of Easter 

[Easter Monday] 

(DRUH-ghee djayn WYEHL-kay NOH-tsih) 

Święto Pracy Labor Day [May 1] 

(SHFYEHN-toh PRAH-tsih) 

Dzień Flagi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej 

Flag Day of the Polish Republic 

(djayn FLAH-ghee zhehch-ih-pohs-POH-lee-tay POHL-skay) 

Contact John Denning National sale/Marketing Director at 

1-800-535-2071 for more information. 

Uniontown Announces 

Constitution Celebration 

The Polish Heritage Club of Uniontown, PA will once again 

sponsor an annual observance of the Polish Constitution 

of May 3rd, 1791, at St. Joseph Church, off Old Walnut Hill 

Road, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Doctor Lawrence 

Hoppe will deliver a bi-lingual homily before the Rosary 

Walk including the icon of our Lady of Czestochowa and 

concluding with benediction. Participants will gather in the 

lower level of the church for the cultural segment including 

folk singing, Polish foods, live music and a screening of 

the film Katyn. PFA National President, Druh Tim Kuzma, 

will deliver the keynote address. Local Polonia and PFA 

Members are urged to attend and promote this first Democratic 

Constitution in Europe, which was modeled after the 

American Constitution of 1783. the Rev. Canon Joseph L. 

Sredzinski serves as Club Chaplain. 

Święto Konstytucji Trzeciego Maja 

Constitution Day 

(SHFYEHN-toh kohn-stih-TUH-tsyee [May 3] 

tcheh-CHEH-goh MY-yah) 

Boże Ciało 

(BOH-zheh CHAH-woh) 

Corpus Christi 

[in May or June] 

Wniebowzięcie Assumption [Aug. 15] 

(vnyeh-boh-VZEHN-cheh) 

Wszystkich Świętych All Saints Day [Nov. 1] 

(VSHIHST-keech SHVYEHN-tihch) 

Święto Niepodległości Independence Day 

(SHFYEHN-toh nyeh-pohd-lehg-WOHSH-chee) 

[Nov. 11] 

Boże Narodzenia 

Christmas 

(BOH-zheh nah-roh-DZEH-nyah) 

drugi dzień Bożego Narodzenia 

Second day of Christmas 

(DRUH-ghee djayn boh-ZHEH nah-roh-DZEH-nyah) 

Prepared and distributed by the Polonia Media Network 


MEMBER NEWS 

MEMBER INDUCTED 

Member Joseph A. Narkiewicz has received 

the high honor of being inducted into 

the Florida Housing Hall of Fame. He recently 

retired after having served 30 years as 

the Executive Vice President of the Pasco 

Building Association and the Tampa Bay 

Builders Association. He was recognized by 

the Florida Home Builders Association as a 

model of professional dedication and personal 

devotion to the housing industry. He 

earned the respect of members and peers for his unparalleled excellence 

in association management, government relations, communications, 

membership growth and leadership development. 

During his career, he donated many hours to serving on governmental 

advisory committees as well as numerous community functions. Prior 

to becoming involved in association management, he was involved in 

city planning for both public and private agencies. 

Although he has lived in Florida for 40 years, Narkiewicz spent his 

youth in Beaver Falls, PA as an active member of PFA Nest 318. He has 

been married to Sally for 45 years and they reside in Lutz. They have 

three grown children: Leslie, Meredith, and Rick and two grandchildren, 

Cole and Chase. 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 

FOR ALL NESTS 

PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 2010 

Please fill out the appropriate forms and return them by the15th of the following 

month to National Headquarters, you can also use the website to turn in 

your information. This site can be reached at www.polishfalcons.org/participationprogram 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 

pfavp2@yahoo.com. 

Note: Only insured Members of the Polish Falcons of America are eligible to 

participate in this program. Maximum reimbursement at the Nest Level is 

$600 per year. 

Remember: 

1. When filling out your form please remember that only Insured Members 

count. 

2. Please list Exact dates and number of insured members participating. 

3. Please provide a description of any Social Event, Charitable Event, Educational 

Event as well as any Other Event that you submit for consideration. 

4. Please include your name, phone, email and contact information for 

any questions I may have. 

5. You will receive a bonus for turning your form online. 

I will email your form back to you for verification. I don’t want to miss any 

information you have sent in. If you have any questions please contact me 

at pfavp2@yahoo.com or my cell is 574-876-4581. 

Editorial Policy 

The Editorial Staff of the Sokol Polski reserves 

the right to edit, modify or refuse submissions 

as needed. All submissions are the opinions 

of their creator(s). Electronic submissions are 

preferred and requested via email at: 


The Editorial Staff is not responsible for any 

errors made in transcribing 

hand-written or hard-copy submissions. 

Deadlines are the first Tuesday of each 

month. Submissions received after the deadline 

will be considered for the next edition. 

Exceptions to the deadline must be arranged 

in advance with the Editor. Please note: Electronic 

photos are preferred; mailed, hard copy 

photos are also welcome. Because of their 

poor quality, we cannot use photos printed on 

home printers. 

Czolem, 

Druh Bobby Joe Gorny 

Second Vice President 

SWEET NEW MEMBERS..... 

Nest 907 welcomes its newest 

Member, Madline Zaworski. 

Madeline joins her cousin, Sophie 

Zaworski, in being a fifth-generation 

Falcon. Their great-greatgrandmother, 

Franciszka 

Skowronska, was one of the 

charter Members of Nest 907, 

which will be celebrating it's 75th 

Anniversary this year. 

Sto Lat, Madeline! 

We Want To Hear 

From YOU! 

Let us know what is happening in your 

Nest or District so we can 

publish it in the SOKÓŁ POLSKI. Please 

email your articles and photos to: 


Mailing address: 

Polish Falcons of America, 381 Mansfield 

Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220- 

2751 

Deadline: First Tuesday of 

each month. 

Nest 811 in New Britain, 

Connecticut, welcomes a 

new Member, Alexandra 

Czyz, born September 1, 

2009. Alexandra is the 

daughter of Margaret and 

Jerry Czyz and the granddaughter 

of Donna and Fred 

Depa. Witamy! 



POLISH FALCON 


April 2010 No. 4 

Periodicals Postage 

Paid In Pittsburgh, 

Pennsylvania 

USP 500-640 

HAPPY EASTER! 

WWW.POLISHFALCONS.ORG 

OUR RESEARCH INDICATES THAT FOUR OUT OF THE FIVE PEOPLE 

SURVEYED HAD A MELTDOWN WHEN THEY FILED THEIR INCOME TAX. 

THE FIFTH GUY EITHER HAD 

A FALCONS TAX DEFERRED 

4.75% PREFERRED ANNUITY 

- OR WON THE LOTTERY 

- MAYBE BOTH! 

LET US SHOW YOU HOW OUR FALCON PREFERRED ANNUITY CAN HELP YOU TAKE A BITE OUT OF 

YOUR TAXES BEFORE THE TAXMAN TAKES A BITE OUT OF YOU. FOR INFORMATION, CALL JOHN 

DENNING, NATIONAL SALES/MARKETING DIRECTOR AT 1-800-535-2071. 

The Polish Falcons of America 

The Strong Family Friendly Fraternal

Happy Easter! - SOKOL ONLINE

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