Happy Easter! - SOKOL ONLINE
Happy Easter! - SOKOL ONLINE
Happy Easter! - SOKOL ONLINE
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SOKÓŁ POLSKI<br />
POLISH FALCON<br />
APRIL 2010 NO. 4<br />
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA SINCE 1896<br />
WWW.POLISHFALCONS.ORG<br />
Wesolego Alleluja!<br />
In This Issue...<br />
Presidentʼs Message<br />
....... Page 2<br />
Nest Calendar<br />
...... Page 8<br />
Beautiful Pisanki!<br />
....... Page 16<br />
Celebrate a Polish <strong>Easter</strong><br />
...... Page 18<br />
Join Hands Day<br />
...... Page 22<br />
<strong>Happy</strong> <strong>Easter</strong>!
MEMBER NEWS<br />
A Message From<br />
The President & CEO<br />
Timothy L. Kuzma, President & CEO<br />
Tradition is an important aspect of the makeup of the Polish Falcons<br />
of America. We are a Polish organization and maintaining the beautiful<br />
traditions of Poland is critical to the success of the PFA. Surveys taken<br />
over the years have always shown that the Polish aspect of the organization<br />
is one the most important reasons why people join the Polish<br />
Falcons.<br />
For many Polish-American families, traditions play an important role<br />
in keeping families together. It’s not only important for the family as a<br />
unit, but it provides the sense that the family is part of a bigger community.<br />
Those important traditions that we grew up with, passed down from<br />
generation to generation, define who we are. That identity is important. It<br />
reminds us from where we came, and if we continue these traditions, it<br />
will show the way for them to build healthy, strong families for future generations.<br />
Celebrations of any kind, in any setting, really aren’t important<br />
unless they are placed in a context that provides structure and meaning.<br />
A tradition provides the setting to tell a story and relate what that story<br />
means in today’s world. As children develop and begin making sense of<br />
the world and the role they will play as adults in society, the traditions<br />
they learn will provide them with the foundation they need in order to<br />
develop as a complete person.<br />
One would be amazed at the number of phone calls and emails that<br />
we receive from members, and non-members, looking for information<br />
about Polish traditions. They usually have fond memories of a holiday<br />
tradition that was shared in their family when they were younger, but for<br />
various reasons, it has been mostly forgotten and is no longer practiced.<br />
But now that they have children, they feel a need to pass that tradition<br />
along again. We are more than happy to help in any way we can. It is<br />
also why, in this issue of the Sokol Polski, we print several pages of<br />
articles, recipes, etc., about Polish <strong>Easter</strong> traditions.<br />
I would ask that if you continue Polish traditions during any holiday<br />
season, to maybe try a new one, or make a new Polish dish for <strong>Easter</strong><br />
dinner. And if you do not include a Polish tradition in your celebration,<br />
maybe this year just do one. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just get<br />
started. Before you know it, you’ll be taking an <strong>Easter</strong> basket to Church<br />
on Holy Saturday for a Polish Blessing of <strong>Easter</strong> Food.<br />
***<br />
As always at this time of year, we print the financial results from the<br />
previous year. Our National Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer,<br />
begins this report on this page. Without stealing any of John’s thunder,<br />
we had a good year in a number of respects in 2009. Our surplus<br />
increased, our assets increased, and we had a record year in terms of<br />
life insurance and annuity sales. In summary, we are in a much better financial<br />
position than we were at the end of 2008. Please take the time to<br />
read the report.<br />
I would like to commend our entire staff at National Headquarters for<br />
the outstanding work they put forth in 2009. We have made great<br />
progress, not only financially, but also with the activities, programs and<br />
benefits we offer our members. We are going to build on these successes<br />
in 2010 and have an even better organization as a result.<br />
***<br />
Have a Blessed and <strong>Happy</strong> <strong>Easter</strong>! Czolem!<br />
Annual Financial Statement<br />
From Secretary/Treasurer John Kuzmirek<br />
A summary of the 2009 Annual Statement of the Polish Falcons of America, as filed<br />
with the various State Insurance Departments in which we are licensed to do business, is<br />
presented for your review. The major components that contributed to our operating results<br />
and financial condition, as of December 31, 2009 are detailed in the Balance Sheet<br />
and Summary of Operations.<br />
Overall, 2009 was a very successful year for the Polish Falcons of America. Despite<br />
of the many challenges we faced as an organization, there are many positives to build<br />
upon for the coming years. From a sales perspective, we showed unprecedented growth<br />
in 2009. Premium income totaled over $5 million, an increase of almost $2.2 million<br />
compared to 2008. This is a direct result of our sales/marketing plan that was implemented<br />
in 2009. We have significantly increased our sales force and are continuing to<br />
recruit quality sales agents to the organization.<br />
Investment Income continues to grow each year. For 2009, it totaled $3,351,446,<br />
net of investment related expenses. When compared to the prior year, investment income<br />
shows an increase of $117,551.<br />
Total income, which includes Miscellaneous Income, Scholarship Donations, and<br />
Amortization of Interest Maintenance Reserve, was $8,540,385, an increase of<br />
$2,257,472 compared to 2008.<br />
Total operating expenses for 2009 increased by $2,474,759 compared to the prior<br />
year. Aggregate Reserves expensed for 2009, $4,165,000, shows an increase of<br />
$2,587,000 compared to 2008. This is primarily a result of the reserves required for the<br />
increased premium income in 2009. Annuity benefits paid, which has an impact on the<br />
Aggregate Reserve calculation, were $1,861,825 in 2009, a decrease of $550,941 from<br />
2008, demonstrating confidence in our organization from our Membership. Death Benefits<br />
paid in 2009 amounted to $464,888, which approximated the 2008 total of $420,855.<br />
General Insurance & Fraternal Expenses for 2009, $1,326,742, shows an increase<br />
of $134,266 over the prior year. Salaries and Wages contributed $92,674 to the negative<br />
variance. The increase in Salaries is a result of our office being fully staffed for a full<br />
year in 2009. Minus the increase in Salaries, other General Insurance & Fraternal Expenses<br />
increased by a modest 3.49%. We are committed to control expenses, while<br />
continuing to provide fraternal benefits to our Members. The insert provides the detail of<br />
these expenses for comparison.<br />
Despite our sales growth, we showed a Net Loss from Operations for 2009 of<br />
$118,377. After Realized losses in the amount of $65,332, our Net Loss for 2009 was<br />
$183,709.<br />
The Net Increase in Surplus for 2009 was $785,533. Contributing to the Surplus<br />
continued on page 3<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 2
MEMBER NEWS<br />
continued from page 2<br />
gain were Unrealized Gains of $307, 003, and Other Income $1,060,728, which includes<br />
Gorecki Scholarship assets transferred to the PFA in the amount of $725,055<br />
and $246,483 from recently dissolved Nests. In addition, approximately $95,000 was<br />
transferred to the Polish Falcons as a donation from the Alliance Fund. The Asset Valuation<br />
Reserve was replenished by $427,360 due to improvements in our investment<br />
portfolio in 2009, which offset other surplus gains.<br />
As you can see from the Balance Sheet total admitted assets at December 31,<br />
2009, $56,206,397, increased by over $5 million compared to prior year. This increase<br />
is primarily due to a significant increase in cash and Investments resulting<br />
from a positive cash flow from operations. In 2009, our organization acquired a beautiful<br />
facility in Hillsborough, New Jersey, which was previously owned by Polish Falcons<br />
of America District I. The value of the property, as shown on the Balance Sheet,<br />
is $265,178. This amount is net of accumulated depreciation, and a mortgage<br />
payable.<br />
Total Liabilities were $53,997,266 at yearend, an increase of $4,218,539 compared<br />
to the prior year. Aggregate Reserves $49,508,000, which includes Life Insurance<br />
Reserves ($14,785,000) and Annuity Reserves ($34,723,000), increased by<br />
$4,165,000 for the year. These required statutory reserves are set for the protection<br />
of our Members. As we have done in the past, we paid all claims in 2009 and we are<br />
confident in our ability to meet the benefit obligations we have to our Members in the<br />
future.<br />
Total Surplus at year end, $2,209,131 remains strong and is an indication that the<br />
Polish Falcons of America is moving in a positive direction. The ability to increase<br />
surplus in the face of adverse economic conditions has put Polish Falcons in a better<br />
position than we were at this time last year. We look forward to 2010 and are prepared<br />
to face the many challenges that lie ahead. The Board of Directors, Management<br />
Team, and our outstanding staff are committed to growing our organization,<br />
striving for excellence, and holding a personal responsibility to our Membership. We<br />
plan to build on our successes and make the Polish Falcons an even stronger organization<br />
in 2010 and beyond. To all of our Members, thank you for your support and<br />
commitment to the Polish Falcons of America!<br />
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SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 3
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Tax Saving Opportunities<br />
with Polish Falcons IRA’s<br />
April 15th is the cut-off date to make IRA<br />
contributions for 2009. As you sit down to begin<br />
the annual chore of preparing your taxes, the<br />
Polish Falcons of America has solutions available<br />
to help reduce your 2009 tax liability and begin<br />
planning for 2010 and beyond.<br />
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a longterm<br />
savings and retirement plan that allows your<br />
contributions to grow tax-deferred until you begin<br />
taking distributions from your account. The PFA<br />
offers Members both Traditional and Roth IRA’s<br />
featuring very competitive rates. The tax advantages<br />
make an IRA a smart way to supplement<br />
your retirement income.<br />
Traditional IRA<br />
A Traditional IRA will allow your investment to<br />
grow tax-deferred until you withdraw your money<br />
at retirement. In addition, your contributions may<br />
be tax deductible. If you and your spouse qualify,<br />
you can each contribute up to $5,000 for 2009 tax<br />
year ($6,000 if you are age 50 or older). Tax deductible<br />
contributions are subject to adjusted gross<br />
income limits if participating in an employer sponsored<br />
retirement plan. You may transfer your<br />
money from an IRA account which you already<br />
have established into a PFA IRA. In addition, if<br />
you leave a job, or are already retired, you can roll<br />
over your 401(k), 403(b) or your company sponsored<br />
pension into a PFA IRA.<br />
Distributions of earnings and deductible contributions<br />
from your IRA are subject to ordinary income<br />
taxes and if made prior to age 59 ½ may be<br />
subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty.<br />
Roth IRA<br />
Like the Traditional IRA, a Roth IRA is an excellent<br />
supplement to an individual's retirement income.<br />
However, unlike the Traditional IRA, for which<br />
earnings accrue on a tax-deferred basis, the Roth<br />
IRA accrues earnings on a tax-free basis. For<br />
Roth IRAs, qualified distributions are tax free and<br />
contributions<br />
are never tax deductible.<br />
Traditional IRA<br />
Eligibility:<br />
Individuals under age 70 ½ with earned income.<br />
A non-working spouse may also contribute up to<br />
the maximum amount.<br />
Tax Advantages:<br />
Income earned on a Traditional IRA is not taxable<br />
until it is withdrawn. The Falcons Traditional IRA<br />
is an excellent way to supplement retirement savings<br />
and allows contributions to grow tax-free until<br />
they are withdrawn at retirement. Contributions<br />
are deductible depending on active participation<br />
in an employer retirement plan, martial status<br />
and other conditions. Consult you tax preparer<br />
for other possible conditions affecting your<br />
eligibility.<br />
Contribution Levels for 2009-10:<br />
$5,000 maximum annual contribution for 2009;<br />
$10,000 per couple. (These are reduced by any<br />
contributions made to a Roth IRA.) Maximum<br />
“Catch-up” contribution for individuals who reach<br />
age 50 before the end of the taxable year is<br />
$ 1,000.<br />
Withdrawal Rules:<br />
Certain withdrawal amounts made prior to age 59<br />
½ may be subject to an additional 10% penalty.<br />
Roll-overs:<br />
You may transfer from one IRA to another; you<br />
may roll-over from employer plans.<br />
Any individual who has taxable compensation or<br />
self-employment income for the year may establish<br />
and fund a Roth IRA. To be eligible to make a<br />
participant contribution, the individual must have a<br />
modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) that is<br />
less than a certain amount, depending on the taxfiling<br />
status of the individual.<br />
For 2009 an individual may contribute 100% of<br />
compensation up to $5,000. Individuals who are<br />
age 50 and older by the end 2009 can make an<br />
additional catch-up contribution up to $1,000.<br />
Summary<br />
With the exception of Roth IRAs, where eligible<br />
distributions are tax-free, eventual withdrawal from<br />
an IRA is taxed as income; including the capital<br />
gains. Because income is likely to be lower after<br />
retirement, the tax rate may be lower. Combined<br />
with potential tax savings at the time of contribution,<br />
IRAs can prove to be very valuable tax management<br />
tool for individuals. Also, depending on<br />
Roth IRA<br />
Eligibility:<br />
Individuals can contribute at any age as long as<br />
they have earned income and meet the income<br />
limitations. The allowable contribution limit is<br />
phased out for individuals with modified<br />
adjusted gross incomes of $105,000 and<br />
$119,999 (single) and $166,000 and $175,999<br />
(joint).<br />
Contributions can continue beyond age 70 ½<br />
as long as there is earned income.<br />
Tax Advantages:<br />
Your contribution is not tax-deductible. Tax-free<br />
investment growth if the account has been<br />
open and funded for five years and certain<br />
requirements are met.<br />
Contribution Levels for 2009-10:<br />
Same as for Traditional IRA but are reduced by<br />
any contributions made to a Traditional IRA.<br />
Withdrawal Rules:<br />
Similar to Traditional IRA, however, the account<br />
must be open and funded for at least five years<br />
to qualify for a tax-free withdrawal of investment<br />
earnings upon reaching age 59 ½, becoming<br />
disabled, purchasing a first home or death.<br />
Roll-overs:<br />
You may transfer from a Traditional IRA to a<br />
Roth IRA. Taxes must be made on deductible<br />
contributions and all earnings when a Traditional<br />
IRA is converted to a Roth IRA, but the 10%<br />
penalty does not apply.<br />
income, an individual may be able to fit into a<br />
lower tax bracket with tax-deductible contributions<br />
during his or her working years while still enjoying<br />
a low tax bracket during retirement. The tax laws<br />
governing IRA’s can be complex. You should consult<br />
with your tax preparer to determine your individual<br />
tax situation.<br />
For more information on establishing a Traditional<br />
or Roth IRA with the Polish Falcons of America<br />
please contact John Denning, National Sales/Marketing<br />
Director, at (800) 535-2071. You may also<br />
send John an email to the following address:<br />
jdenning@polishfalcons.org.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 4
FALCON YOUTH<br />
From The Desk<br />
Of Chris Puskar<br />
PFA National Physical<br />
Education Director<br />
Adult Volleyball<br />
Youth Bowling Tournament 2010<br />
The 2010 Youth Bowling Tournament is taking place from January 1 through<br />
April 30, 2010. As always, you can bowl at anytime during these months. Applications<br />
are available online and can be filled out and returned online.<br />
Checks, however, should be mailed to:<br />
Druhna Chris Puskar<br />
C/O Polish Falcons of America<br />
381 Mansfield Avenue<br />
Pittsburgh, PA 15220<br />
All entry forms and checks should be in my hands by the deadline date of May<br />
1, 2010. In addition, please forward any photographs of your group bowling to<br />
me for possible consideration for the Sokol Polski and our website. As in past<br />
years, the entries will also be forwarded to the Polonia Youth Bowling Tournament<br />
which the PFA has won for the past 4 years. Let’s keep up the good<br />
work.<br />
Presidentʼs Physical Fitness Program<br />
for Adult and Youth Members<br />
I don’t know about any of you but I am so ready for Spring to get here!! I have the<br />
perfect way for you to put your Spring fever to good use. Join the President’s<br />
Physical Fitness Program and get active and feel better! Since fitness is about<br />
improving your endurance, strength and flexibility, we have found a way to help<br />
you. Ideas can include things such as walking the dog, cleaning the garage, cutting<br />
the grass, swimming, walking, running, bowling and even getting your garden<br />
ready for Spring flowers. All of these activities are a part of the program. We<br />
have two groups started. One group is the PFA Youth and one is the PFA Adult.<br />
So please register for your group and start entering your activities into your account.<br />
You can learn how to register by going to the PFA website. Remember<br />
the motto of our organization is “A sound mind in a healthy body!” Join your<br />
Falcon friends to help make this motto come to life!!<br />
National Zlot Information<br />
This summer, the Polish Falcons of America National Zlot<br />
will be held for the first time in the Nation’s Capital, Washington,<br />
D. C. Plans are currently being finalized for the<br />
facility that we will use. We are also making arrangements<br />
for other activities to help showcase the Nation’s<br />
Capital to this year’s Zlot participants. Visits to the Pope<br />
John Paul II Cultural Center and other area sites and a<br />
planned Wreath Laying at the Kosciuszko Monument are<br />
all on the agenda for this week-long event.<br />
Dates: July 25 – August 1, 2010<br />
Place: Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, NE,<br />
Washington, D.C. www.gallaudet.edu<br />
Who: Any Falcon Member between the ages of 7 and<br />
18 may compete. 19 and 20 year olds are encouraged to<br />
attend and are welcome to participate in selected activities,<br />
while being part of the Runners Committee. (If you<br />
are not a part of a gym class in your area and would still<br />
like to attend, please contact Druhna Chris Puskar at<br />
cpuskar@polishfalcons.org and you will be given any<br />
information you will need to be a part of the Zlot.)<br />
List of Competitions:<br />
National Drill Competition<br />
Boys and Girls Drill Competition<br />
Volleyball Tournament<br />
Gymnastics Competition<br />
Soccer Competition<br />
Track and Field Competition<br />
Swimming Competition<br />
This Yearʼs National Zlot will take place on the<br />
campus of Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue,<br />
NE, Washington, D.C. www.gallaudet.edu<br />
Events will include: Drill Competition, Volleyball,<br />
Gymnastics, Soccer, Track and Field and Swimming.<br />
Contact your local Nest or Druhna Chris Puskar<br />
For information on how you can participate.<br />
Age Groups:<br />
Preps – Ages 7 – 9 Seniors – Ages 16 – 18<br />
Juniors – Ages 10 – 12 Senior Runners – Ages 19 – 20<br />
Intermediates – Ages 13 – 15<br />
Guests<br />
We are planning to provide accommodations for any<br />
guests who would like to attend the event. Please check<br />
future issues of the Sokol Polski for further details or visit<br />
the 2010 Zlot web site at: www. polishfalcons/zlot<br />
Questions:<br />
Contact Druhna Chris at 800-535-2071<br />
or cpuskar@polishfalcons.org<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 5
MEMBER NEWS<br />
From the Desk<br />
Of The National First Vice President<br />
Patricia Del Busse,<br />
First Vice President / Membership Service<br />
Winter in Druhna Trish’s back yard.<br />
Druhna’s daffodils signal the return of Spring.<br />
The weather was kind enough to give a reprieve. I took full advantage<br />
of this to head out to visit with Members of the Nests of District<br />
VI. Since my son lives in this area, I was able to spend a fair amount<br />
of time with him and his family. It was nice to enjoy family time as<br />
well as Falcon time. My first meeting was with District VI President<br />
Dean Zeisig, it was a productive one discussing his vision for the<br />
District and the future. Later in the evening, I attended the annual<br />
Officers dinner with Nest 564. It was a very pleasant evening spent<br />
socializing, reminiscing and planning.<br />
After dinner, I joined other Nest Members at the Nest hall. There<br />
was discussion with Druh Gerald Albin and Druhna Karen Crabtree<br />
mainly about the upcoming zlot. Sunday morning began with a<br />
meeting with the Officers of Nest 80 in South Bend. Following our<br />
meeting, Nest President Ken Staszewski and his wife, Mary joined<br />
me for breakfast. There again, another good meeting. Sunday afternoon,<br />
I returned back to La Porte to meet with their Officers. Following<br />
that meeting, I visited with Mark Albin again discussing the<br />
upcoming zlot. That evening, I returned to South Bend for a visit with<br />
the Officers of Nest 4. These meetings have proven to be very productive.<br />
I listen to your concerns and questions and then address<br />
them. District President Zeisig attended each meeting with me with<br />
the exception of the one with the Nest 4 Officers.<br />
Each of the Nests that I visited is doing very well on a Nest level,<br />
each shared the events going on within their Nest. The lack of participation<br />
on a National level was discussed and addressed. Nests 4,<br />
80 and 564 all have children who may be able to attend the upcoming<br />
zlot in Washington, D.C. The District VI children have been<br />
greatly missed at recent National events.<br />
The Nest dues were supposed to be sent in February but due to<br />
glitches within our office system, they just went out. We apologize<br />
for the delay. Please submit your dues directly to the National Office;<br />
paying at the Nest hall complicates bookkeeping issues.<br />
This month, the Members of the Legion of Honor Commandery will<br />
be coming to Pittsburgh for a meeting. I am looking forward to this<br />
and am confident that it will be very productive for all of us. The Legion<br />
of Honor kits should be completed at this meeting.<br />
This month, quite a few of us will visit the Polanka in New Jersey<br />
for the annual National Bowling Tournament, we are looking forward<br />
to this event. Hopefully, a few of you or those of you who are unable<br />
to attend will join us in Pittsburgh on May 21 and 22 for the First Annual<br />
Inter-Polonia Bowling Tournament. Requests for lane and ad<br />
sponsors will be sent shortly. If you have any questions regarding<br />
the tournament, please do not hesitate to contact either me or Druh<br />
Bobby Joe Gorny at rjgorny@att.net. .<br />
The date has been sent for the FORE the Charitable Foundation<br />
Golf Outing. The outing will take place on Friday, July 9 at Scenic<br />
Valley Golf Course in Finleyville, PA (same place as last year). Last<br />
year, we were able to present the Polish American Congress Charitable<br />
Foundation (PACCF) with a check for $2000. Obviously, we<br />
would like to increase this donation. The PACCF is the organization<br />
that supports Poland but also sends our children for visits to Poland.<br />
This year, due to the zlot, we won’t have as many as last year but<br />
there will still be representation on the tour from the Polish Falcons.<br />
An Open House at our new National Office will be held on Friday,<br />
May 14. Details regarding this will be sent out to each Nest and District<br />
shortly. This is also the weekend of the National Board of Directors<br />
meeting.<br />
At our March National Board Meeting held last month, the recipients<br />
of the Dr. T.A. Starzynski Scholarship Program were chosen.<br />
Each recipient has received a letter from me. A list of all will be published<br />
in the May issue of the Sokol Polski. Donations to the Bakeless<br />
Bake Sale are still coming in, thank you very much. Your<br />
generosity is greatly appreciated.<br />
The snow has melted and hopefully, this is the last time that snow<br />
will be mentioned for quite some time. My daffodils, tulips and crocus<br />
are starting to grow, what a wonderful sight! The sun now<br />
shines, the birds now sing and it is time for all of us to get back outside.<br />
The yard can use some much needed attention, our cars need<br />
washed, the gravel that was shoveled into the grass with the snow<br />
needs thrown back to the driveway, we need fresh air. Do something<br />
physical!<br />
Then add these activities to your page on the Presidents Challenge.<br />
www.presidentschallenge.org<br />
Please contact me with any issues, concerns or questions at 1-<br />
800-535-2071 or vptrish@polishfalcons.org.<br />
A Blessed and <strong>Happy</strong> <strong>Easter</strong> to all of you and your families.<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druhna Trish<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 6
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Chaplain’s Corner<br />
By Rev. Canon Joseph Sredzinski<br />
PFA National Chaplain<br />
JEZU UFAM TOBIE<br />
Wesolego Alleluja –<br />
Faith & Mercy<br />
It was six long weeks of serious<br />
preparation for the most important<br />
observance in Christianity<br />
– the Resurrection of the Lord.<br />
Imitating Jesus, for 40 days, we<br />
fasted to curb our sense appetites,<br />
we prayed earnestly to<br />
nourish our souls and we have<br />
alms to decrease selfishness and<br />
thus grow in much needed<br />
graces. It was Post Swiety –<br />
Wielki Post or Lent.<br />
Now we are called upon to<br />
note the great event in the life of<br />
our Blessed Saviour and Lord –<br />
His rising from the dead. Scriptures clearly indicate He called the dead<br />
back to life. Jarius’ daughter was one of these. And there was Lazarus,<br />
the brother of Martha and Mary who was buried already for four days.<br />
Jesus had supernatural powers and used these to both enhance the lives<br />
of others and to readily prove He was Divine.<br />
Forewarned of his future passion, suffering and death, the apostles recalled<br />
also His foretelling of the resurrection, namely that after three days,<br />
He would rise from the dead. While it was hard to accept, it happened on<br />
that first <strong>Easter</strong> Morning. Jesus, God’s Son and Savior of the world, broke<br />
through the stone-cold barrier of the tomb. He showed himself to Mary<br />
Magdelene and the chosen twelve in the Upper Room, even to call<br />
Thomas to put his hand into His side and his finger into His nail prints.<br />
And, today, we in faith, accept and proclaim to all around that He is Risen.<br />
He is Alive, and sing out with special joy Alleluia!, Alleluia! We can and<br />
should without any hesitation wish one another a heartfelt- Wesolego Alleluia.<br />
We are baptized. We, the forgiven, we the nourished by the Eucharist.<br />
We are the believers of today. Niechaj bija zdwony. Niech sie<br />
raduja nasze serca. Niech kazdy zyje wiara gleboka I radosna. A Blessed<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> to all.<br />
Jesus, who came from the Creator of all, continues to care for us all.<br />
While he spoke of forgiveness and love of God and one another. In 1931,<br />
He began to appear to and speak with a Polish female religious, St. Sr.<br />
Faustina Kowalska and, through her, He let the whole world know about<br />
the Divine Mercy of God. Jesus wanted a picture of His appearance with<br />
the signature, Jesus, I trust in thee painted, displayed and promoted. He<br />
wanted everyone to pray the Caplet of Divine Mercy, to observe the three<br />
o’clock hour and to get into the annual Novenna and feastday celebration<br />
on the Sunday after <strong>Easter</strong>, now proclaimed- Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus<br />
wants each and every soul to put confidence in Him and His love. He does<br />
want devotion, acknowledging God’s love in His Divine mercy. We say and<br />
should regularly repeat- Jezu Ufam Tobie- Jesu Confido in Te- Jesus, I<br />
trust in You.<br />
The side of Christ was opened while hanging on the cross. The heart of<br />
Christ remains open to all, and we should be confident to approach Him<br />
with resolve to to trust, yes, and to extend mercy to others in Christ who<br />
desires the best for us.<br />
At this <strong>Easter</strong> season, our hearts are lifted and we should have much<br />
trust. And, as your National Chaplain, I pray for you and to you extend my<br />
blessing. All Joy, much deep Faith and, of course plenty of His Divine<br />
mercy.<br />
z Panem Bogiem i Czolem.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI<br />
POLISH FALCON<br />
APRIL 2010 - NO. 4<br />
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA SINCE 1896<br />
DAVID J. MOTAK —EDITOR, GRAPHIC DESIGN<br />
GREGORY J. GUSHARD - WEB MASTER<br />
Published Monthly by The Polish Falcons of America<br />
381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751<br />
www.polishfalcons.org<br />
Sent to all premium paying members without charge.<br />
Postmaster — Send address changes to: Sokol Polski<br />
381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751<br />
Telephone: (412) 922-2244, Toll Free: 1-800-535-2071<br />
FAX: (412) 922-5029<br />
E-mail: communications@polishfalcons.org<br />
Periodicals Postage<br />
Paid In Pittsburgh, PA<br />
USP 500-640<br />
PRIVACY POLICY STATEMENT — POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA<br />
Privacy – Personal Financial<br />
and Medical Information<br />
Protecting the privacy of your personal financial<br />
and medical information has always<br />
been and will continue to be a matter of top<br />
priority for us. When used in this notice, the<br />
following terms have the meaning shown.<br />
* Public Information means information that<br />
is lawfully available to the general public<br />
from: Federal, State or local government<br />
records; widely distributed media; or, disclosures<br />
to the general public that are required to<br />
be made by Federal, State or local law.<br />
* Non-Public Information means personally<br />
identifiable financial and medical information.<br />
It also means any list, description or<br />
other grouping of individuals, and publicly<br />
available information pertaining to them, that<br />
is derived from any personally identifiable information<br />
that is not publicly available.<br />
* Consumer Reporting Agency means an entity<br />
which regularly provides reports (Consumer<br />
Reports) including information<br />
regarding an individual’s: general reputation,<br />
character, personal characteristics or mode of<br />
living and financial status. The information<br />
may be obtained through interviews with the<br />
individual or third parties, such as the individual’s:<br />
business associates, family members,<br />
friends, neighbors, acquaintances or financial<br />
sources.<br />
We obtain information about you from the<br />
following sources:<br />
* information that you provided to us in an<br />
application or other form;<br />
* information about your transactions with<br />
us (such as premium payments, loans, claims,<br />
etc.), or others; and<br />
* information that we may receive from a<br />
Consumer Reporting Agency.<br />
We will not disclose any personal, nonpublic<br />
information about you to anyone, except<br />
as permitted or required by law. We will<br />
not disclose personal medical information<br />
about you, except as permitted by law or as<br />
you may authorize.<br />
We restrict access to your personal, insurance<br />
and medical information to those of our<br />
employees who need to know that information<br />
in order to provide insurance or service<br />
to you. We are, and will continue to be, vigilant<br />
in the safeguarding of your personal financial<br />
and medical information. We maintain<br />
physical, electronic and procedural safeguards<br />
to comply with Federal and State regulations<br />
regarding the safeguarding of non-public information.<br />
It is our sincere desire to maintain complete,<br />
accurate and up-to-date records. You<br />
may contact us at the address to the left, to access,<br />
as provided by law, information included<br />
in your file. We will promptly correct any<br />
error in our information. To protect your privacy,<br />
you will need to identify yourself by<br />
providing us with your name, date of birth and<br />
social security number.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 7
MEMBER NEWS<br />
PFA Calendar of Events<br />
Nest 4, South Bend, IN<br />
• Contact: www.mrfalcons.com or<br />
574-288-1090.<br />
April Events: 2 - Fish Fry - 4:30 - 7<br />
p.m.; 3 - Swieconka; 5 - Dyngus<br />
Day 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Any questions,<br />
call Sue Junk 574-289-1709<br />
or email williamjunk@att.net.<br />
Nest 8, Pittsburgh, PA<br />
Meetings are held the first and third<br />
Wednesday of each month at the<br />
Nest 8 hall beginning at 7 p.m.<br />
Nest 31, Detroit, Mich.<br />
• The Eastside Junior Bowling Once<br />
a Month League will start again at<br />
Rose Bowl Lanes in Roseville, Mi.<br />
We would like to see all the children<br />
in District XIII that wish to participate<br />
in this sport on the following<br />
date at noon: 4/18<br />
• Nest 31 gym classes at the Keith<br />
Bovenschen school on Tuesday<br />
from 6-8 p.m.<br />
Nest 41, New Kensington, PA<br />
Monthly meetings 2nd Tuesday of<br />
each month at the New Kensington<br />
Eagles, 2134 Freeport RD. 7:30<br />
p.m. April 26 - New Ken Falcons<br />
Golf League starts at Buffalo GC<br />
4:30 p.m. If interested, call Jeff<br />
Shields at 724-339-5563.<br />
Nest 42, Chicago Heights, Ill.<br />
• Gym classes are held for girls and<br />
boys ages six and older. For additional<br />
information, contact Kim<br />
Dutczak at 708-672-3754.<br />
Nest 45, St. Louis, Mo.<br />
• Monthly meetings held the first<br />
Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.<br />
April Events - 2 - Good Friday (NO<br />
MEETING). 9 - Monthly Meeting<br />
(7:30 p.m.). 17 - Plenary meeting –<br />
Chicago. 23 & 25 - National Bowling<br />
Tournament – New Jersey. August<br />
12 - 13 Golf Tournament.<br />
Nest 52, Rochester, N.Y.<br />
• Meetings held the fourth Tuesday<br />
of each month, St. Paul’s Fireman’s<br />
Exempt Club, 690 Thomas Ave,<br />
Rochester.<br />
Nest 79, Southgate, Mich.<br />
Fish Fry's Fridays During Lent 4<br />
p.m. - 8 p.m. In Club Room<br />
April 10 - Indoor Yard Sale; May 1-<br />
Bowling Banquet.<br />
Nest 80, South Bend, IN<br />
• Fish fries held first Friday of every<br />
month from 5 to 7 p.m. April<br />
Events: 2 – Fish Fry; 3 -<br />
Swieconka; 5 - Dyngus Day; 9 -<br />
Nest Meeting. May Events: 7 –<br />
Fish Fry. 16 – Polish Dinner. 30 –<br />
Breakfast Buffet; June Events: 4 –<br />
Fish Fry. 11 - Nest Meeting. July<br />
18 - Nest Picnic. Aug. Events: 6 -<br />
Fish Fry; 22 - Breakfast Buffet.<br />
Sept. Events: 3 - Fish Fry. 10 -<br />
Nest Meeting. 26 - Polish Dinner.<br />
Nest 88, New Britain, CT<br />
- Monthly meetings held 2nd Sunday<br />
of each month at 2 p.m., September<br />
through May<br />
Nest 97, Windber, PA<br />
• Contact: 814-467-8256<br />
Nest 123, Erie, PA<br />
• May 7- Annual all bowlers banquet:<br />
6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m.<br />
dinner. Summer plans include a gun<br />
raffle and club appreciation day -<br />
details in future issues.<br />
Nest 124, Saginaw, Mich.<br />
• Friday Fish Fry at 5:30 p.m. All-<br />
You-Can-Eat, $8.<br />
• Cruise’n Night a the Falcons -<br />
Every Wednesday May 5 - Sept. 22<br />
5:30 - 8 p.m. 5940 Swan Creek<br />
Road, Saginaw, MI. Info: 989-781-<br />
4030.<br />
Nest 163, Mocanaqua, PA<br />
April 11 meeting 1 p.m. • April 16<br />
DJ Chris with music and karaoke.<br />
May 12 - Monthly Meeting, 6:30<br />
p.m.; May 14 - DJ Chris, 9 p.m. - 1<br />
a.m.<br />
Nest 182, Ambridge, PA<br />
• Membership meeting Fourth<br />
Wednesday of the month. 7 p.m.<br />
Falcon Hall, 529 8th St. Ambridge<br />
Nest 208, Derby, CT<br />
• May 22 - the first Nest sponsored<br />
WALK-A-THON for cancer at the<br />
Derby River Walkway followed by a<br />
hot dog roast on the church grounds<br />
(rain date is scheduled for June 12)<br />
; • June 6 - working at various<br />
booths at the Annual Picnic of St.<br />
Michael's at Warsaw Park; • June<br />
26 - Annual Membership Dinner in<br />
church hall; • October 24 - Nest<br />
208's 100th Anniversary Mass and<br />
Banquet.<br />
Meeting date schedule is as follows:<br />
Friday, April 9; Friday, May 7;<br />
Friday, June 11; Friday, September<br />
3; Friday, October 1; Sunday, November<br />
7; December 5 yearly meeting<br />
with Election of Officers and<br />
Christmas party. The Friday night<br />
meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and<br />
Sunday meetings at 1:30 p.m.<br />
Nest 247, Donora, PA<br />
• Meetings held on the second<br />
Sunday of the month at 8 p.m. at<br />
the Nest hall.<br />
Nest 276, Muskegon, Mich.<br />
• Monthly meeting is held the last<br />
Monday of the month at 6 p.m.<br />
Food is available on Wednesday<br />
nights. Menu is posted at the club.<br />
Nest 301, New Kensington, PA<br />
• Meetings first Monday of each<br />
month, except in July and August,<br />
Fraternal Order of Eagles, 2134<br />
Freeport Road, New Kensington,<br />
7:30 p.m.<br />
Nest 307, Southington, CT<br />
• Meetings held on the second Monday<br />
of each month at 7 p.m. •<br />
House Committee Meetings are<br />
held on the last Thursday of each<br />
month. • Select Thursdays –<br />
Pierogi making for Apple Harvest<br />
Festival.<br />
Nest 318, Beaver Falls, PA<br />
• Meetings held on the first Thursday<br />
of each month at 7 p.m. • Bar<br />
Bingo on Tuesdays. Call 724- 846-<br />
9131 for more information.• “Wing<br />
Night” is held every Wed. from 6 to<br />
10 p.m.<br />
Nest 336, Jackson, Mich.<br />
• Sign up for email information at:<br />
nannk2002@yahoo.com<br />
Nest 485, Chelsea, MA<br />
April 11 - Spring/<strong>Easter</strong> Dinner<br />
Party, 2 p.m. Wyndam Hotel,<br />
Chelsea. Call Paul, Judy or Ann<br />
and leave message to rsvp.<br />
Nest 493, Batavia, N.Y.<br />
• Meetings held on the first Thursday<br />
of each month at 7:30 p.m.<br />
Nest 507, Rockford, Ill.<br />
• Steak fry dinners are to be held on<br />
the Wednesday before the Sportsmen’s<br />
Breakfast each month from 5<br />
- 8 p.m. • Fish fry dinners held on<br />
the first Friday of each month. Every<br />
other Friday of the month: chicken,<br />
shrimp or fish dinners are served at<br />
the bar from 5 - 8 p.m. Every<br />
week: Tuesday: Building Fund<br />
Drawing. Wild Wednesdays drink<br />
discount. April Events: 10 - Steak<br />
Fry; 25 - Steak Fry.<br />
Nest 580, Pittsfield, MA<br />
April 17 & 18 Jimmy Fund Shuffleboard<br />
Tour. April 24 - “In-Door Polish<br />
Picnic.” For information contact<br />
Josephine D. 413-447-7476.<br />
Nest 564, La Porte, IN<br />
April Events: 3 - <strong>Easter</strong> Egg<br />
Hunt. 4 - <strong>Easter</strong> 5 - Dyngus Day<br />
Celebration. 17 - Prime Rib Dinner<br />
District Golf. Upcoming Events:<br />
July 4 - Breakfast. August 8 - Picnic.<br />
Sept. 12 - Memorial Mass.<br />
Nest 610, Erie, PA<br />
Every Saturday: Karaoke with DJ<br />
Benny 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. April<br />
Events: 5 - 14th Annual Dyngus<br />
Day Celebration. Doors open 3<br />
p.m. DJ Ken Olowin 3:30 - 6 p.m.<br />
and The Marvells 6:30 p.m. Polish<br />
food/refreshments. $2 pp, children<br />
free. 11 - 250/10 Dinner. Doors<br />
open 2 p.m.; 14 - Nest Monthly<br />
meeting 6 p.m.; 17 - Cash/Casino<br />
Party 6 - 10 p.m. $10 pp includes<br />
beer, refreshments and 10 chances<br />
to win $4,000.; 30 - All Bowlers<br />
Bowling Banquet 6 p.m.; May 2 -<br />
Bus Trip Niagra Falls/ Seneca Niagara<br />
Casino. $30 pp Depart from<br />
Club 8 a.m. return 7:30 p.m.<br />
Nest 652, Lansing, Mich.<br />
April Events: 3 - <strong>Easter</strong> Basket<br />
Blessing, St. Casimir’s Lansing; 6 -<br />
Bowling, ProBowl West, N MLK<br />
Blvd.; 8 - 11 - Texas HoldEm, Trippers;<br />
17 - District Meeting, Nest 124<br />
Saginaw (Possible District<br />
Swieconka). 23, 24, 30 - Pierogi<br />
Class 10 a.m. May Events: 1 -<br />
Pierogi Day, 12 - 7 p.m. FPH*; June<br />
6 - Legion of Honor Mass & District<br />
Meeting, Orchard Lake; July 11 -<br />
Annual Picnic, Hawk Hollow;<br />
August 19 - 22 - Texas HoldEm,<br />
Trippers; Sept. 18 - District Meeting,<br />
Nest 86, Allen Park; Nov. 20 - Nest<br />
95th Anniversary, FPH; Dec. 11 -<br />
District Wigilia, PFH; Dec. 12 - Wigilia<br />
FPH. (FPH = Federated Polish<br />
Home, 1030 W. Mt. Hope, Lansing.)<br />
Nest 827,Chicago, Ill.<br />
Meeting Dates: First Tuesday of<br />
March, June, September, October<br />
and December. Archer Park, 49th &<br />
Kilbourne Streets, 11:30 a.m.<br />
Nest 972, Bay City, Mich<br />
• Spaghetti Dinners the first Tuesday<br />
of each month from 4 -7 p.m.<br />
Nest 956, Ozone Park, N. Y.<br />
Meeting Dates: May 7, June 4,<br />
Sept. 10, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3.<br />
All meetings are at 8 p.m. in the<br />
Sokolnia.<br />
Upcoming Events: April 10 -<br />
Swieconka Party, 8 p.m.; June 12 -<br />
Barbeque, 4 p.m.; October 3 - Annual<br />
Pulaski Day Parade in NYC;<br />
November 27 - Andrzejki Party, 8<br />
p.m.; December 5 - Annual Children’s<br />
Christmas Party, 12:15 p.m.<br />
(St. Nicholas will visit!); December<br />
31 - New Year’s Eve Party, 8 p.m.<br />
January 15 - Club Elections, 8 p.m.<br />
January 30 - Installation Dinner,<br />
8 p.m.<br />
Nest 959, Allen Park, Mich.<br />
• Meetings held on second Thursday<br />
of each month at 1:30 p.m. at<br />
the Big Boy restaurant, 1766 Dix in<br />
Lincoln Park, Mich.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 8
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Bakeless Bake Sale Donations<br />
for Febuary 2010:<br />
Memorial Donations:<br />
Donations of $100.00<br />
James Palicki, Nest 80 in memory of in memory of<br />
Dr Max J Palicki<br />
Donations of $50.00<br />
Constance Myszkowski, Nest 827 in memory of<br />
Blanche Norkevicz, Nest 827<br />
Donations of $15.00<br />
PFA Nest 3, in memory of deceased members of Nest 3<br />
In Honor of:<br />
Donations of $25.00<br />
Kristine Murray, Nest 97 in honor of Genevieve Borovicka,<br />
Nest 97<br />
Donations of $10.00<br />
The Slaby Family, Nest 336 in honor of Anna & Henry Slaby<br />
General Donations<br />
Donations of $50.00<br />
Esther Ksiezopolski, Nest 4<br />
Karen Terrio Malave<br />
Donations of $25.00<br />
Therese Kuras Kopytko, Nest 42<br />
Donations of $10.00<br />
James Plawecki, Nest 307<br />
<strong>SOKOL</strong> DEADLINES<br />
Deadlines for the Sokol Polski are the<br />
FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH.<br />
The next two deadlines are a follows:<br />
April 6 - for the May Issue<br />
May 4 - for the June Issue<br />
June 1- for the July Issue<br />
Please email your submissions to:<br />
communications@polishfalcons.org<br />
Starzynski Scholaship Fund Donations<br />
February 2010<br />
The Polish Falcons of America wishes to express sincere gratitude to all who have contributed<br />
to the Starzynski Scholarship Fund. Your generosity is appreciated by both the organization<br />
and the scholarship recipients alike. It is because of your generosity that we are able to continue<br />
this program.<br />
Memorial Donations<br />
Donations of $125.00<br />
Donations in memory of Edwin Choromanski,<br />
Nest 36 Tom Day<br />
Donations of $35.00<br />
Donations in memory of Anna Rokita,<br />
Nest 115 J Franey<br />
General Donations<br />
Donations of $10.00 or more ....<br />
Evan T. Bujeker, Nest 80<br />
Donation of $10.00 ...<br />
Genevieve Borovicka, Nest 97<br />
PLEASE NOTE:<br />
In making scholarship<br />
donations, please make<br />
all checks payable to:<br />
PFA/Scholarship Fund.<br />
Donations of $25.00 or more ....<br />
Dorothy Jakubiec, Nest 519<br />
Donations of $10.00 or more ....<br />
Paige Preston Morosko, Nest 36<br />
Christine A. Wilk, Nest 86<br />
Wayne C. Petrosky, Nest 538<br />
Wladyslaw Kulak, Nest 946<br />
Donations of $25.00<br />
Donations in memory of Christine Chodak,<br />
Nest 52 - Polish Falcons Gym. Assn. Nest 52<br />
Donations in memory of Bernard Druzynski,<br />
Nest 52 - Polish Falcons Gym. Assn. Nest 52<br />
Donations in memory of Marcel Jankowski,<br />
Nest 52 - Polish Falcons Gym. Assn. Nest 52<br />
Donations in memory of Agnes Marciniak,<br />
Nest 52 - Polish Falcons Gym. Assn. Nest 52<br />
Donations in memory of Rita Rehberg,<br />
Nest 52 - Polish Falcons Gym. Assn. Nest 52<br />
Donations in memory of Anna Rokita,<br />
Nest 115 - Marilyn A MacDowell<br />
Donations of $10.00 or more<br />
Donations in memory George Bishop, Nest 74<br />
P.F.A. Nest 430 Falconettes<br />
Physical Education Fund Donations - February 2010<br />
Donation of Less Than $10.00 ....<br />
Victoria P Slawinski, Nest 118<br />
David B. Valentine, Nest 519<br />
Nancy B. Valentine, Nest 519<br />
DISTRICT EVENTS<br />
District IV, Pittsburgh, PA<br />
April 10 Plenary Meeting and Luncheon<br />
Nest 8 Polish Falcons Hall. Legion of<br />
Honor meeting: 9 a.m. Falconette<br />
Commission meeting: 9:30 a.m. The<br />
Plenary meeting will begin at 10 a.m.<br />
Luncheon: 12 p.m. $20 pp Reservations<br />
necessary. So please contact Angelo<br />
Capozoli with your information at<br />
acap51@att.net.<br />
District VII<br />
August 7 - Nest 163, Mocanaqua, PA<br />
will host the District VII Golf Tournament.<br />
Check future issues of the Sokol Polski<br />
for further details.<br />
OPEN HOUSE<br />
ANNOUNCED<br />
The Polish Falcons of<br />
America will be hosting an<br />
Open House of our new<br />
National Headquarters at<br />
381 Mansfield Avenue in the<br />
Greentree section of<br />
Pittsburgh on<br />
Friday, May 14, 2010<br />
Watch future issues of the<br />
Sokol Polski for<br />
further details.<br />
NEW NEST OFFICERS FOR<br />
NEST 610 ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA<br />
President: Mike Wieczorek<br />
1st Vice-President: Milt Neal<br />
2nd Vice-President: Lisa Smith<br />
Treasurer: Mike Abramczyk<br />
Financial Secretary & District IX<br />
Female Golf Commissioner: Kristen Baginski<br />
Recording Secretary: Michaeline Szczesny<br />
Physical Instructor: Robert Sulecki<br />
Directors. David Michalski, Rob Purzycki, Richard<br />
Valahovic, William Hoderny<br />
Sgt. of Arms: Barbara Jaruszewicz<br />
District IX Director: Patricia Tofel<br />
Submitted by Druhna Tammy Wisniewski<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 9
MEMBER NEWS<br />
In Memoriam<br />
We bow our heads in honored reverence to<br />
our deceased members with a sincere expression<br />
of sympathy to their families.<br />
Deaths Reported In February 2010<br />
Nest/City/State Name Date<br />
146, New Castle, PA Dorothy J. Bukowski January 28, 2010<br />
307, Southington, CT Walter P. Zakrewski November 17, 2009<br />
564, La Porte, IN Esther S. Vankoski January 01, 2010<br />
804, Pittsburgh, PA Michael J. Szal February 02, 2010<br />
939, Detroit, MI Anthony L. Galvan January 22, 2010<br />
* Indicates Bronze Legion of Honor<br />
** Silver Legion of Honor<br />
*** Indicates Gold Legion of Honor<br />
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - February 2010<br />
Name Nest, City, State Date of Membership<br />
Esther M. Schaut 4, South Bend, IN February 16<br />
Kathleen L. Mc Corkle 8, Pittsburgh, PA February 05<br />
Izabela M. Banka 36, Southwestern, CT February 16<br />
John Kopacki 52, Rochester, NY February 22<br />
Sandra I. Howard 65, Union City, CT February 16<br />
Nicholas J. Coleman 80, South Bend, IN February 03<br />
Paige Davila 80, South Bend, IN February 16<br />
Dante Galaviz 80, South Bend, IN February 16<br />
Lonnie E. Gunn 80, South Bend, IN February 03<br />
Manuel C. Navarro 80, South Bend, IN February 16<br />
Devon W. Powell 80, South Bend, IN February 03<br />
Marlene Uzzolino 104, Newark, NJ February 22<br />
Marjorie Roderick 128, Duryea, PA February 16<br />
Vivian L. Mc Cabe 163, Mocanaqua, PA February 09<br />
Zachary C. Ogin 163, Mocanaqua, PA February 24<br />
Dylan Shires 163, Mocanaqua, PA February 24<br />
Mason A. Barbieri 176, Pittsburgh, PA February 24<br />
Michael J. Cirillo, III 307, Southington, CT February 05<br />
Shawn F. Cormier 307, Southington, CT February 05<br />
Judith C. Cyr 307, Southington, CT February 05<br />
Gabriella Roether 307, Southington, CT February 05<br />
Erin R. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 23<br />
James B. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 03<br />
Kathleen M. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 03<br />
Sarah D. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA February 23<br />
Cason R. Webb 336, Jackson, MI February 05<br />
Kathryn M. Peterson 507, Rockford, IL February 22<br />
Harold E. Nelson, Jr. 519, Middletown, CT February 09<br />
Daniel T. Varricchio 519, Middletown, CT February 01<br />
Lukas E. Albin 564, La Porte, IN February 03<br />
Jeffrey A. Galey 564, La Porte, IN February 03<br />
Steven A. Handel 564, La Porte, IN February 03<br />
Douglas A. Snyder 564, La Porte, IN February 03<br />
Kathleen M. Tilling 564, La Porte, IN February 03<br />
Bryan L. Walls 564, La Porte, IN February 01<br />
Joan A. Di Pesa 580, Pittsfield, MA February 09<br />
Roger M. Di Pesa 580, Pittsfield, MA February 09<br />
Grazyna Stachura 811, New Britain, CT February 01<br />
Garrett Kazmierowicz 907, Cicero, IL February 22<br />
Jacek Dlugosz 956, Ozone Park, NY February 16<br />
Regina E. Woronowicz 964, Reading, PA February 24<br />
Sponsors and Recommenders<br />
For New Members - February 2010<br />
Sponsor/Recommender Nest, City, state Certificates<br />
Robert J. Gorny 4, South Bend, IN 1<br />
Susan K Junk 4, South Bend, IN 1<br />
John M. Denning 8, Pittsburgh, PA 2<br />
Karyn L. Choromanski 36, Southwestern, CT 1<br />
Charles J. Chodak 52, Rochester, NY 1<br />
Gary R. Kaminska 52, Rochester, NY 1<br />
John M. Denning 77, Carnegie, PA 1<br />
Robert J. Gorny 80, South Bend, IN 3<br />
Jeffrey Salzano 104, Newark, NJ 1<br />
Walter S Mitchell 128, Duryea, PA 1<br />
Thomas A. Washington 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1<br />
Francine Agostinelli 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1<br />
Kathy A Chapin 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1<br />
Bruno Bruce Najaka 163, Mocanaqua, PA 2<br />
Jean M Krauser 163, Mocanaqua, PA 1<br />
Arnie Reichbaum 176, Pittsburgh, PA 2<br />
Gregory F. Kuzma 182, Ambridge, PA 1<br />
John M. Denning 318, Beaver Falls, PA 4<br />
Kathleen M. Cole 318, Beaver Falls, PA 2<br />
John M. Denning 336, Jackson, MI 1<br />
John M. Denning 507, Rockford, IL 1<br />
Clifford M. Opalacz 519, Middletown, CT 1<br />
Teresa M. Singleton 564, La Porte, IN 5<br />
Mariane P. Albertson 564, La Porte, IN 1<br />
Gerald P. Albin 564, La Porte, IN 7<br />
Gary R. Tilling 564, La Porte, IN 1<br />
Anthony Speziale 580, Pittsfield, MA 2<br />
John M. Denning 610, Erie, PA 6<br />
John M. Denning 907, Cicero, IL 2<br />
Dariusz Drzewicki 956, Ozone Park, NY 1<br />
David K Mitchell 964, Reading, PA 1<br />
NEST 610<br />
GOLDEN GLOVE<br />
SPONSOR<br />
THE THIRD STREET POLISH FALCONS IS PROUD TO<br />
SPONSOR THE FIGHTING EAGLES YOUNG PEOPLE<br />
PARTICIPATING IN THE 2010 PENNSYLVANIA GOLDEN<br />
GLOVES TOURNAMENT<br />
In Erie we have a social member who has dedicated himself to helping young<br />
boys and girls get off the streets. He has a small gym and boxing facility that<br />
he owns and maintains himself that allows Erie inner-city boys and girls to<br />
come and learn. He teaches the children discipline, respect for others, and<br />
builds character. He also gives them a sense of belonging.<br />
Over the years, some of our kids have gone onto participating in the Golden<br />
Glove Tournament. To me, this is an invaluable tool that has and will help our<br />
kids today succeed, as well as feel safe.<br />
Polish Falcons Nest 610, serving & supporting Erie’s Lower East Side for over<br />
95 years<br />
Czolem<br />
Druhna Lisa Smith<br />
Polish Falcons Nest 610<br />
431 Easat 3rd Street<br />
Erie, PA 16507<br />
814 452-6146<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 10
MEMBER NEWS<br />
From the National<br />
Sales Director<br />
PFA National Sales Director<br />
John Denning<br />
Life Insurance Reality Check:<br />
Do You Have Enough?<br />
Life insurance is something that no one likes to think about. All the same, 93<br />
percent of Americans believe that life insurance is something most people<br />
need, and most of us have some. That’s the good news. The bad news is<br />
that most Americans don’t have enough. Nearly 70 million adult Americans<br />
have no life insurance at all, and those who are insured have coverage equal<br />
to just four times their annual income. Most experts believe that coverage<br />
equal to 10 times one’s annual income is a reasonable rule of thumb. Do you<br />
really need $250,000, $500,000, $1 million or more? Sounds like a lot of<br />
money, but imagine if one of those amounts had to pay for a funeral, retire<br />
credit card balances and other debts, support your loved ones for many<br />
years to come, and help cover college costs. Would it be enough? How<br />
would you know?<br />
after you’re gone to meet immediate (e.g., funeral), ongoing (e.g., rent or<br />
mortgage, other every day bills) and future financial obligations (e.g., college<br />
and retirement). Then, add up the resources your surviving family members<br />
could draw upon to support themselves. These would include things like a<br />
spouse’s income, accumulated savings, life insurance you may already own,<br />
etc. The difference between the two is your need for additional life insurance.<br />
This mathematical equation may seem simple enough, but coming up with all<br />
the inputs can get tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources you can<br />
turn to for assistance.<br />
A first step would be to seek professional advice. An insurance professional<br />
with the Polish Falcons Of America can conduct a thorough analysis of your<br />
needs, and then help you determine the right amount and type of life insurance<br />
for your specific goals and situation.<br />
For information contact John M. Denning, National Sales/Marketing Director<br />
at 1-800-535-2071 or email him at jdenning@polishfalcons.org<br />
Start by doing the math. Estimate what your family members would need<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 11
MEMBER NEWS<br />
72nd National Bowling<br />
Tournament Update<br />
Members of Nest 946, Hillsborough, New Jersey, are working diligently to ensure that<br />
you and your fellow Falcon bowlers enjoy the program that we are preparing for the 72nd<br />
Annual Bowling Tournament, April 23 and 24 in Hillsborough New Jersey.<br />
DJ Music for your listening and dancing pleasure will be provided every evening at the<br />
newly renovated Polanka Hall in Somerville, New Jersey.<br />
The management at the Brunswick – Caroleer Lanes in Edison – are looking forward to<br />
helping us to provide you with an unforgettable experience. We are looking for “Lane<br />
Sponsors.” If you are interested in sponsoring a lane, please contact me or Frank Grodzki.<br />
Lane Sponsor donations are $25 per lane; $40 for two adjacent lanes. Your name will be<br />
also on the score monitors if the Bowling Alley can accommodate it and on the printed flyers<br />
that will be distributed at the event.<br />
Food will be available at the Polanka starting Thursday at 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday<br />
starting at noon. The hot and cold menu is being finalized, but you can be sure that it will<br />
offer all the goodies of a Polish kitchen at affordable prices.<br />
Friday night, we will offer a Polish buffet which will include pierogi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa<br />
and sauerkraut, pork tenderloin in mushroom sauce, potatoes, and a wide variety of<br />
salads and desserts. If flying to New Jersey, your best bet will be to fly into Newark Airport<br />
(EWR). A rental car will be necessary to make the 30 minute ride to the hotels. Housing will<br />
be at the Ramada Inn in Somerset (closest to the bowling alley and airport) and at the Hillsborough<br />
Executive Days Inn (closest to the Polanka and also it will be our headquarters<br />
hotel). Please remember the deadline for hotel reservations will be April 5, 2010. Even if<br />
you are not participating, please stop over at the Polanka located in Hillsborough, New Jersey,<br />
and be a part of the celebration.<br />
The Bowling Commissioner’s meeting will be held at the Polanka on Friday, April 23,<br />
2010 at 7:00 p.m.<br />
The Polanka will be open every day of the tournament (Thursday to Sunday) from noon<br />
until closing. Additional information will be provided in a future publication of the Sokol Polski.<br />
If you need an application, visit our Web site at http://www.polishfalcons.org and click<br />
on the “Bowling” link under the “Adult Activities” header found on the left-hand side of every<br />
Web page. You may also contact Druhna Janet Knauber by phone at (586) 677-1007 or at<br />
multimech@aol.com.<br />
If you have any other questions or need additional information, please contact Tournament<br />
Secretary, Druh Ed Ciesla at (908) 565-4884 or cieslaed@verizon.net or Nest 946<br />
President Druh Frank Grodzki at 908-722-3562.<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druh Ed Ciesla<br />
District IV<br />
Plenary Meeting<br />
District IV, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will have<br />
a plenary meeting and luncheon on Saturday,<br />
April 10, 2010. It will be held at the Nest 8<br />
Polish Falcons Hall, 18th and Sydney Streets,<br />
Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The morning will begin<br />
with the Legion of Honor meeting at 9:00 a.m.<br />
followed by a Falconette Commission meeting<br />
at 9:30 a.m. The Plenary meeting will begin at<br />
10:00 a.m.<br />
A luncheon will be served at noon for all those<br />
attending the meeting and any guests that<br />
would like to join the festivities. The cost for<br />
the luncheon is $20 per person. Reservations<br />
are necessary for the luncheon as it is a<br />
catered affair. So please contact Angelo Capozoli<br />
with your information. All checks should be<br />
mailed to Angelo Capozoli, 90 South 14th<br />
Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. If you have any<br />
questions you can email Angleo at<br />
acap51@att.net.<br />
Please remember that all Nest Officers in<br />
District IV are invited to attend and give us an<br />
update on what is happening in your Nest.<br />
There are a lot of exciting things happening in<br />
the Polish Falcons this year. Please join us to<br />
get all the news and updates and see how you<br />
can get your Nest involved!<br />
Czolem!<br />
Chris Puskar<br />
President, District IV<br />
Legion of Honor and Star of Merit Elevations<br />
This time of year especially is when several of our Nests and Districts<br />
submit Members for awards. There are applications required for both Star<br />
of Merit and Legion of Honor. The Star of Merit program is the beginning<br />
of the Polish Falcons showing appreciation for the dedication and commitment<br />
of our Members. One must be a Member for at least three years, be<br />
at least 19 years old and be active within their Nest or District the entire<br />
time. Five years later, the applicant may qualify for the Silver Star of Merit<br />
and five years later, the Gold Star of Merit. The Nest Secretary and the<br />
Awards Committee Chairperson must sign the application. The application<br />
is submitted to the National Vice President and the Executive Committee<br />
votes on these awards. If approved, a certificate and a pin will be sent to<br />
the awards chairperson in the recipient’s name.<br />
The Legion of Honor program is for Members who received their Gold<br />
Star of Merit at least five years prior to this nomination. Upon Nest or District<br />
Awards Committee approval, the Nest or District Financial Secretary<br />
and the Nest or District President must sign the application before sending<br />
it to the National Vice President. The Executive Committee votes on all<br />
Members. Following their approval, copies of the application are sent to<br />
the eight Members of the Legion of Honor Commandery. If approved, with<br />
a 2/3 vote for Bronze and a 100% vote for Silver and Gold, a certificate,<br />
card and ribbon are sent to the awards chairperson in the recipients’<br />
name.<br />
On both applications, the Member’s resume must be submitted. This is<br />
where the problems come in. Please keep in mind that while the Member<br />
may be very active and is well known, the Executive Committee and or<br />
Commandery Members may not know this individual. There is a need for<br />
detail. As we say, “ the higher the award, the more support we need.”<br />
List specific events; list the offices they hold (held) and what they do exactly.<br />
Examples are chairing a committee, working on a committee, volunteering<br />
at an event, participation in District and National Conventions,<br />
tournaments, chaperoning for youth events, donating items, selling, cleaning,<br />
teaching and everything that they do to support the Nest or District.<br />
The National Vice President must receive Legion of Honor applications<br />
at least 60 days prior to the awards presentation. The National Vice President<br />
must receive the Star of Merit applications at least 30 days prior to<br />
the event.<br />
Recently, a few applications have been denied. Now, I know these<br />
Members and know that they are deserving but their applications did not<br />
provide sufficient information. Therefore, these Members were denied.<br />
Please, please take the time to provide the information necessary. If you<br />
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the National<br />
Office at 1-800-535-2071 or vptrish@polishfalcons.org or Druh Louis<br />
Tremiti at 585-392-3607 or seabeelou@yahoo.com.<br />
Druh Louis Tremiti<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 12
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Nest 88 Ski Club Goes Swiss<br />
By: Diane L. Mechlinski, Nest 88 Correspondent<br />
Five members of the Nest 88 Ski Club were part of a twelve-member Polish<br />
contingency which joined a larger group of skiers that traveled to Zermatt,<br />
Switzerland (via Zurich) from January 29 – February 6, 2010, for the amazing<br />
opportunity of skiing the Swiss and Italian Alps. It has been the tradition of<br />
about a dozen or more Polish skiers in the New Britain area to take part in<br />
yearly organized ski trips, though this year’s trip was most monumental. The<br />
five Nest 88 Members – Ann and Rich Sadanowicz, Lucy and George Iskra,<br />
and Ted Marcisz, immensely enjoyed their stay and ski experience at Zermott,<br />
known to be a world famous skiing area.<br />
Nest 88 Ski Club members usually ski in Vermont – known places such as<br />
Okemo, Mt. Snow and Stratton Mountain. When asked what it felt like to ski in<br />
Switzerland versus the usual places club members tend to ski at Druh Rich<br />
Sadanowicz replied, “There is no comparison between skiing the Alps or in<br />
the west to skiing in New England. The snow is so much better and it’s not as<br />
cold. This place (Zermatt), in particular, is just so big.”<br />
And the group’s impressions of the place they found themselves skiing during<br />
these six fabulous days? “We were most impressed with the views and<br />
skiing conditions,” said Druh Sadanowicz. “The diesel-free village (Zermatt),<br />
surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Alps, skiing on the Matterhorn glacier<br />
and Cervinia (on the Italian side) was unbelievable.”<br />
The group stayed at the Gornergrat Hotel in Zermatt village, Switzerland,<br />
where only electric vehicles and horse-drawn buggies are allowed as transportation.<br />
“The Gornergrat Hotel was great,” said Druh Sadanowicz. “It was<br />
right in the village square, close to the train which took us to the top of the<br />
mountain trail and also close to the bus stop from where we went to get the<br />
gondola that took us to the Italian side.”<br />
The Falcon Nest 88 Ski Club has been in existence for decades. Druh<br />
Roman Pomykala was instrumental in the birth of the club and, for many<br />
years, organized Sunday bus trips to Vermont. As of the 2008-2009 ski season,<br />
the Falcon Nest 88 Ski Club was accepted to the CSC (Connecticut Ski<br />
Council), which consists of over 40 clubs throughout Connecticut. As holders<br />
of the CSC membership, Nest 88 Ski Club members are able to take advantage<br />
of the big discounts available on lift tickets.<br />
And what are the future ski plans for Nest 88’s Ski Club? “We’ll probably<br />
consider skiing in Utah or Whistler Blackcomb Mountains (Canada) next,”<br />
said Dh. Rich Sadanowicz. “In general, for the big trips, we prefer going to<br />
new places and wait a few years before going back to ones we’ve already<br />
been to.”<br />
Druh Peter Danielczuk<br />
Jim Sikora, Silver legion; Barb Barski, Gold Star of Merit; Jeff Sikora, Silver Legion; Mary<br />
Rand, National Director, District IX and President, Nest 430; Seated: Mary Kosct, Bronze<br />
Legion recipient.<br />
NESTS 74 & 430<br />
On Saturday, January 9, Nests 74 and 430 held their annual Oplatek and Installation<br />
of Officers. The dinner was held at the Sunset restaurant. The blessing before<br />
dinner was given by Father Felicjan Sierotowicz followed by sharing of<br />
Oplatek with friends. A delicious family style dinner was served. After dinner, National<br />
Director for District IX Mary Rand installed the Officers for 2010. Nest 74 –<br />
President, Jerry Prego, Vice President Robert Strohm, Treasurer Richard Babiarz,<br />
Financial Secretary Jeffrey Sikora and Recording Secretary James Plis. Nest<br />
430- President Mary Rand, Vice President Marcia Zolinski, Treasurer Clara<br />
Stechuchak, Financial Secretary Nancy Sroka and Recording Secretary Christine<br />
Czubat. Directors- Virginia Androsko, Maryann Dec, Mary Kosct, Carolyn Napoli<br />
and Mary Nowak. Legion of Honor awards and Star of Merit were presented to deserving<br />
members. Silver Legion James and Jeffrey Sikora, Bronze Legion Mary<br />
Kosct. Gold Star of Merit Barbara Barski. A fifty-year pin was presented to Virgina<br />
Androsko. A closing prayer was given by Decon Gary DiLallo. It was now time for<br />
member and friends to visit before going out into the cold snowy night.<br />
DRUH PETER DANIELCZUK<br />
CELEBRATES A “GREAT RUN”<br />
Reprinted by permission of the Connecticut Post.<br />
Staff writer Amy Morissette.<br />
ANSONIA -- After years of hard work and dedication, Peter J.<br />
Danielczuk recently retired from his position as president of the<br />
Board of Aldermen. "It was time for a break," said Danielczuk,<br />
who was first elected to the aldermanic board shortly after graduating<br />
from the University of Connecticut in 1973.<br />
In all, Danielczuk has served the city for the past 36 years on a<br />
variety of boards and commissions, including the Board of Education,<br />
where he was vice president for four years. "I'll be 58, so<br />
that's a long time," he said.<br />
Danielczuk, a lifelong city resident, said he's proud of how the<br />
town has grown and progressed over the years. He said he loved<br />
being involved, and being proactive in the town. "City Hall was<br />
renovated, the parks were upgraded, we went through re-evalua-<br />
continued on page 17<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 13
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Nest 725 Springs Into Action!<br />
Keeping their neighborhood clean and showing off their Falcon<br />
t-shirts were: (from bottom row left: Mr. George, the bag holder<br />
and helpful friend to: Michelle, Alyssa, Samantha, Bree and Ms.<br />
Sue; top row left: Jessa, Lisa, Cheyenne and Alexa). Nest 725<br />
Springs Into Action!<br />
Top row from left: Lisa, Jessa, Webmaster Bill, Sue; bottom<br />
row from left: Anna, Shannon, Chris and Andru<br />
At the Polish Center of Wisconsin - 12th Annual Polish Independence<br />
Day / Veterans Day Observance and Awards Luncheon,<br />
Back Row: (from left to right) William Bielicki, Jerry Fix,<br />
Chris Borek, Jacob Fix, Al Borek. Front: Audrey Fix, Shannon<br />
Borek, George Wortz.<br />
As spring has sprung (is that a word?) here at Nest 725 we've already begun!<br />
We really started last spring when ideas on promoting and increasing our presence<br />
in our neighborhood began to form and take shape resulting in a lot of "street action".<br />
Yes, quite literally we took to the streets! It began in April with a small but dedicated<br />
group of adults and kids getting together for a neighborhood "Earth Day"<br />
cleanup. (Photo on left.) We are ready for this years clean up and hope to have an<br />
even better turnout and maybe even hand out re-cycled promotional materials, with<br />
a next day follow-up to make sure we didn't create more litter than we cleaned up!<br />
The very next month there was another great opportunity, this time teaming up<br />
with our District II brothers and sisters to participate in Chicago's May Day (Polish<br />
Constitution Day) Parade.<br />
Even though our classes ended in June, that didn't stop the performances or the<br />
promotions! Children stage performances at Polish Fest on June 20th (see all the<br />
pictures on our website: http://pfanest725.org/component/phocagallery/category/49-2009.html)<br />
and the incredibly beautiful costumes showing off the creativity<br />
and beauty that is the Polish Falcons.<br />
During the hot month of August, opportunity presented itself with an idea to<br />
dress up and distribute flyers to our neighbors. The kids' participation was especially<br />
gratifying as noted in the photo on the left.<br />
September arrived with celebrations of birthdays, and things seemed to heat up<br />
even more in the promotion department. Small ads promoting the class were taken<br />
out in the local neighborhood paper. On short notice, with much phone-calling and<br />
discussion with festival organizers, we were able to obtain a prime location in one<br />
of the largest neighborhood street festivals of the year! This allowed us to promote<br />
the Polish Falcons and Nest 725 to the many new families that have moved in over<br />
the past year or two.<br />
Speaking of relationships, another part of promotion is networking. It is only natural<br />
that an organization based upon the goodness of people also helps support<br />
other organizations with similar principals and standards of excellence. My own experience<br />
this past year helped me to see how mutually gratifying it is to see organizations<br />
support one another in a spirit of friendship and togetherness.<br />
Just such an event took place on Saturday, September 19th, 2009. PFA Nest<br />
725 really came through representing the Falcons at the 50th Biennial State Convention<br />
of the Department of WI Polish Legion of American Veterans USA and the<br />
Ladies Auxiliary. Michelle Ewald and her grandmother Rosemary Ewald are longtime<br />
participants in the many varied events that the Polish Falcons Nest 725 has<br />
held. Their dedication and commitment have helped to make Nest 725 what it is to<br />
this very day. It was our honor that we could support their organization(s) and especially<br />
be there for Michelle's swearing in ceremony as president of the Ladies<br />
Auxiliary.<br />
It was interesting to note that at that very same convention, the keynote speaker<br />
was Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. He gave an outstanding address<br />
and later I had the opportunity to have a short discussion with him about PFA Nest<br />
725. He remembered our president Marian E. Hansen and her class! Talk about<br />
networking and getting known. When a person such as the stature of Sheriff Clarke<br />
takes notice of what you are doing for the community, you know you are doing<br />
something right!<br />
After the Halloween Party, organizations came together on Sunday Nov. 8 at the<br />
Polish Center of Wisconsin - 12th Annual Polish Independence Day / Veterans Day<br />
Observance and Awards Luncheon. It was a great time had by all with reminiscing,<br />
idea sharing, and friendships formed.<br />
Another service to the community was our Christmas and Awards, a cute little<br />
Christmas Crafts Workshop was run by Shannon Borek. The snow was flying outside,<br />
making for a very festive mood as the children learned how to make Christmas<br />
crafts for their loved ones.<br />
With a larger class size in the younger age groups as proof these ideas are<br />
working, there is a plan of repeating many of these same events and promotions<br />
this year with the theme: "Bigger and Better". In addition, new ideas and brainstorming<br />
sessions are taking place to add even more workshops and other potential<br />
promotions to the calendar. If you would like to follow our events, please visit<br />
our website at: pfanest725.org. We hope that especially in a tough economy, people<br />
will recognize the value of being a member of the Polish Falcons of America.<br />
So let's all get the word out in our neighborhoods so our local nests aren't a "best<br />
kept secret.”<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druh William Bielicki (Webmaster Bill)<br />
Webmaster Bill with Milwaukee County Sheriff<br />
David A. Clarke Jr.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 14
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Above: Herbie and his son,<br />
Herbie Jr.; Herbie and his family<br />
are featured below.<br />
Nest 88 Member Inducted<br />
into THE CONNECTICUT<br />
SOccer Hall of Fame<br />
It’s a wonderful thing to be passionate about something<br />
in one’s life. It’s what makes a person complete. It provides<br />
a constant goal, the drive to go forward even when<br />
one is overwhelmed with everyday life and work.<br />
Soccer has been that passion in the life of Herbert Holter,<br />
more commonly known as Herbie. Holter is a long-standing<br />
Nest 88 member, having joined several decades ago<br />
with his stepfather, Felix Sumislawski. On January 30,<br />
2010, supported by over 50 family members and friends,<br />
Holter was inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Hall of<br />
Fame, one of seven inductees honored at the Farmington<br />
Marriott with a special dinner and ceremony for having<br />
made a significant mark on the Connecticut soccer landscape.<br />
Among those present with his wife and immediate<br />
family to honor Holter was his brother who travelled from<br />
Ohio, a nephew from Texas, a granddaughter from Washington,<br />
D.C., as well as many friends from his past that<br />
came to help highlight his life’s soccer experience.<br />
Soccer has been a constant in Holter’s life. He has<br />
been a part of various CT soccer teams since 1957 when,<br />
at the age of 16, he arrived in New Britain from Germany.<br />
Co-founder and player/manager of the New Britain Stars<br />
Soccer Club for 37 years, (this being a first of its kind<br />
continued on page 20<br />
ATTENTION:<br />
ALL FALCONS<br />
The 2nd annual Grand Celebration to<br />
honor Our Lady of Czestochowa,<br />
Patroness of all Polonia is scheduled<br />
for Thursday, August 26th at St. Paul<br />
Cathedral, Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. with<br />
the Most Rev. David Zubik Presiding.<br />
Let’s fill the pews and pay tribute to<br />
Our Lady with a special Falcon ethnic<br />
pride. Our PFA is co-sponsor of this<br />
attracting event.<br />
Rev. Cannon Joseph Sredzinski<br />
National Chaplain<br />
District V Donates to<br />
the American Cancer Society<br />
By: Druhna Diane L. Mechlinski, Nest 88 Correspondent<br />
John Kovarik (sitting), Phil Zambrello, Jr. (standing behind John) and<br />
Heather L. Stocking at the podium.<br />
Third Picture: (from left to right) Presentation of the check and there<br />
are 4 people in this photo. They are, from left - Heather L. Stocking,<br />
Linda Berrie, Phil Zambrello, Jr., and Phil Zambrello, Sr.<br />
The District V Plenary meeting took place in Middletown, CT on January 30, 2010. Between<br />
the time of its prior Plenary meeting which took place on August 30, 2009, and this<br />
one of January 30th, District V has been both very busy and most generous in working toward<br />
collecting monies with their recipient goal being the American Cancer Society.<br />
Beginning back at August’s District V Plenary meeting held in Ansonia, Connecticut, Druh<br />
Phil Zambrello, Jr. (Nest 519) then announced his and Druh Jerry Kennedy’s (Nest 519)<br />
planned endeavor to hold a fundraiser in late October to benefit the cancer. Plans also included<br />
the collection of funds during this period within individual Nests as well, in addition to<br />
the fundraiser. All efforts in this widespread endeavor proved to be very successful. As a result,<br />
a check in the amount of $10,285.50 was presented to Heather L. Stocking, Community<br />
Executive for Development with the New England Division of the American Cancer Society,<br />
from District V. “In the beginning of all this, I had asked everyone to help us out but the results<br />
far exceeded our expectations,” Druh Zambrello Jr. said as he presented the check at<br />
January 30th’s Plenary meeting to Ms. Stocking.<br />
“I couldn’t imagine what an amazing partnership this would become,” Stocking said, as<br />
she thanked Druh Zambrello as well as all present District representatives, accepting District<br />
V’s donation check and explaining the many useful ways the donated monies would be put<br />
to. “Ninety cents of every dollar goes back to fighting this disease,” Stocking explained. “This<br />
is a higher amount than any other non-profit.”<br />
The American Cancer Society, located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut works with dedication to<br />
try preventing and eliminating cancer as the major health problem that it is, in saving lives,<br />
and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.<br />
“We provide many free cancer services to patients and their families,” Stocking continued<br />
to explain as she addressed her words of thanks to the gathered District V members.<br />
Many District V Nests and individuals were recognized during this presentation for their<br />
work in this venture. Monetary donations were sent in from Nests 307, 485, 519, 36, 88, 580,<br />
68, 811 and 208. Some members took this undertaking into their workplaces, such as<br />
Druhna Linda Berrie of Nest 519 who collected monies at her place of work. Druhna Ilene<br />
Kennedy raised $1,100 on her own through funds collected in the school district she teaches<br />
at from children in grades K-12 who have been touched by cancer.<br />
The donated check of $10,285.50 to the American Cancer Society stands representative<br />
of the generosity and human empathy behind Polish Falcons District V members.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 15
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Polish <strong>Easter</strong> Eggs Galore!<br />
Pisanki<br />
The Polish language does not really have one general word for “<strong>Easter</strong> egg.” Instead<br />
the colored eggs are usually referred to as pisanki, kraszanki, malowanki, etc., according<br />
to the technique used to decorate them.<br />
Especially beautiful are the intricately patterned pisanki, made by applying designs<br />
with a special beeswax-containing stylus, or a pin or toothpick dipped in molten beeswax<br />
and then dying the eggs. After they are removed from the dye bath and dried, the wax is<br />
removed (with a cloth soaked in lighter fluid, for instance), and the white shell will shine<br />
through, creating a pattern on the colored surface. To get multi-colored eggs, the procedure<br />
can be repeated a number of times, by dipping each egg into another color of dye<br />
after each layer of wax is applied.<br />
Commercially-produced pisanki-making kits are now available containing detailed instructions<br />
on how to proceed. (see below)<br />
Solid-colored eggs are known in Polish as kraszanki. Prior to the advent of commercial<br />
egg dyes, the most common egg-coloring technique was to use onion skins which<br />
gave the eggs a reddish-brown hue of varying intensity. According to Buffalo area’s Father<br />
Czesław Krysa, one of Polonia’s foremost Polish culture experts, here is all you need<br />
to do: Pour six cups of water into a pot. Add the onion skins from a five-pound bag of<br />
onions, one tablespoon salt and half a cup of distilled vinegar. Place twelve room-temperature<br />
eggs into the water and slowly bring to boil over medium heat to avoid cracking.<br />
When the water boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer at a gentle rolling boil for several<br />
minutes. Remove pot from heat and cool to room temp. Remove the eggs and pat dry.<br />
Rub eggs with vegetable shortening to give them a deep reddish luster.<br />
Other solid-colored kraszanki were created by boiling the following ingredients in a<br />
small amount of water until the desired hue is achieved and soaking the hard-cooked<br />
eggs in the resultant dye bath:<br />
Red: oak or alder buckthorn bark, alderwood cones, elderberries, dried blueberries;<br />
Yellow: birch and alder leaves, buckthorn or young apple-tree bark, mulberry wood<br />
Orange: carrots, pumpkin or by combining the red and yellow natural dyes above;<br />
Brown: walnut shells, fir-tree needles;<br />
Blue: sloeberries;<br />
Violet: dark-colored hollyhock petals or by combining the red and blue natural dyes<br />
above;<br />
Green: nettles, periwinkle leaves, spinach;<br />
Black: alderwood cones cooked down to achieve a black dye.<br />
[Editor’s note: Cool the dye water to room temperature before adding any eggs with wax.]<br />
Naklejanki<br />
Drapanki<br />
Other popular decorating techniques have produced drapanki, known in Śląsk (Silesia)<br />
as kraszanki. These are created by first dying the egg a dark solid color: black, navyblue,<br />
violet and deep red give excellent results. Then (and here comes the hard part), the<br />
desired design is etched on the egg with a sharp pointed instrument. Care must be taken<br />
not to break the shell, and a steady hand and artistic flair are required to achieve good results.<br />
Malowanki are eggs on which designs, images or inscriptions are applied with a tiny<br />
artist’s paint brush. Reeds and/or colored yarn are glued onto the egg to produce oklejanki.<br />
Naklejanki are similar, except that wycinanki (folk-style paper cut-outs) are pasted<br />
onto the egg. These may sport geometric or floral patterns or a folk-style rooster, a traditional<br />
fertility symbol.<br />
An image or inscription of choice may be applied to an egg in the pisanki (wax-writing)<br />
style or by the kraszanki (etching) technique. A favorite image is the <strong>Easter</strong> Lamb with<br />
the banner of Resurrection. Often the year is added: Wielkanoc 2009. A cross is another<br />
common symbol, as are the words “Wesołego Alleluja” or simply “Alleluja.” When the egg<br />
is meant as a souvenir for someone it can be personalized with some such inscription as:<br />
“Dla Kochanej Babci” (For Dear Grandma).<br />
Although a beautiful creation cannot be expected of very young children aged, let them<br />
try their hand it at anyway, even using a magic marker. The picture they draw will be<br />
crooked and any writing will be quite shaky, but it’s the participation that counts. And babcia<br />
will probably consider it the most beautiful <strong>Easter</strong> egg she has ever seen!<br />
This article by Robert Strybel is reproduced from the<br />
April, 2009 edition of the Sokol Polski.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 16
MEMBER NEWS<br />
FROM THE CULTURAL<br />
COMMISSIONER<br />
Dodie Piersielak<br />
National Cultural Commissioner<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> has so many traditions and legends.<br />
Here is one I love. I found it in a book titled<br />
"Celebrate <strong>Easter</strong>...Polish Style" by Lawrence<br />
Kozlowski.<br />
There was a man who was to be put to death. This man was made to carry a<br />
heavy wooden cross. While carrying the heavy timber through the city many<br />
people mocked him and laughed at him except for a merchant selling eggs in<br />
the market. When he saw the poor man struggling, he took pity on him. He<br />
covered his basket and helped the man carry the cross to the place of his execution.<br />
The man thanked the merchant for his help, and the merchant returned<br />
to the market to take the covered baskets home. When he uncovered the baskets<br />
they contained not ordinary eggs, but beautifully decorated eggs of multicolors.<br />
The merchant's name was Simon and the man he helped was Christ.<br />
Polish people have been decorating eggs for generations. Each region of<br />
Poland has their own special technique. Kraszanki are hard boiled and dyed a<br />
single color. Pisanki probably the most popular style are raw eggs decorated<br />
with wax in different patterns. Malowanki are hollow eggs with a painted multicolored<br />
pattern. Nalepianki are hollow eggs with colored paper or straw glued<br />
on. And my favorite, Wyklejanki are hollow eggs which have bulrush and colored<br />
yarn glued on.<br />
Nest 208 Member to be<br />
inducted into the<br />
Wrestling Hall of Fame<br />
Nest 208 is proud to announce that their<br />
member Druh Walter "Buster" Jadach will be<br />
inducted into the Connecticut Chapter of the<br />
National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The induction<br />
will take place on Saturday, April 10 at<br />
the Foxwoods Resort Casino.<br />
Buster is a lifetime Member of Nest 208, as a youngster he participated<br />
in the drill class and attended summer camp in Middletown. In high school<br />
as a football player, Buster achieved First Team All-Housatonic League and<br />
All-Valley recognition after leading the Red Raiders to a 7-1-1 record in his<br />
senior year at Derby High School Class if 1966.<br />
Buster stayed active with high school sports and in 1975 became an assistant<br />
wrestling coach. In 1980, he became the Head Coach of the<br />
Raiders' Grapplers, and is the all-time leader in victories (475), more than<br />
any other coach in Connecticut history. He has led the team to 24 winning<br />
seasons, including a perfect 27-0 record in 2000.<br />
Buster has coached his teams to four Class S State Championships<br />
(1984, 2000,2001, and 2004). His teams have finished in the top five 16<br />
times and has collected four Southern Connecticut Conference titles.<br />
In 1999, Buster was honored by the Connecticut High School Coaches<br />
Association as "Wrestling Coach of the Year". Buster and his fellow Hall of<br />
Fame recipients, will be permanently recognized in the National Wrestling<br />
Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Each recipient will receive a plaque<br />
and a jacket to commemorate their special occasion.<br />
Again CONGRATULATIONS to Buster from the Members of Nest 208<br />
Czolem!<br />
There are several books available which show the different designs. If you are<br />
interested get in touch with me and I would be happy to send you some different<br />
designs and how to instructions.<br />
I would like to wish you all a Blessed <strong>Easter</strong>.<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druhna Dodie Piersielak,<br />
National Cultural Commissioner<br />
email CZOLEM@AOL.COM<br />
write:11 Mainview Drive, Rochester, NY 14625<br />
Peter Danielczuk - Continued from page 13.<br />
tions, and the greatest thing we did was keep the taxes down," he said.<br />
Danielczuk, who considers himself a devout Democrat, said he didn't<br />
encounter much conflict during his 36 years, but he did say there was one<br />
point in his career that proved to be a little rocky. "It was a tough time<br />
when I first became president of the (aldermanic) board because we had a<br />
Republican mayor at the time," said Danielczuk. "There were conflicts and<br />
disagreements, but we always worked them out and we were able to get<br />
things done."<br />
But there were many good times in his career, in particular, working with<br />
Ansonia's current mayor. "Mayor (Jim) Della Volpe really knows the city,<br />
and works very hard to accommodate all the citizens," said Danielczuk.<br />
"His office is always open to everyone." As far as boards go, he said one<br />
of the "best" boards he ever served on was his very first one, in 1973.<br />
The main reason: There were eight Democrats to seven Republicans on<br />
the board. "It was a hard working board, you had to follow and know<br />
everything," said Danielczuk. "That was probably one of the greatest<br />
boards I have ever served on, the members were all great."<br />
Away from politics, Danielczuk has been a huge Polka fan since as far<br />
back as he could remember, and is very passionate about the music. In<br />
1971, he began a show devoted to Polka music on Bridgeport's WICC<br />
radio station. He also had a show on Bridgeport's WDJZ AM station called<br />
"Polka Celebration." He left that station in July and now does a show on<br />
the University of New Haven's radio station Saturdays from 10 a.m. to<br />
noon.<br />
Danielczuk's passion for Polka music won him the Joe Jozwiak award<br />
from the International Polka Association in January 2007. He received this<br />
award for his outstanding contribution to the betterment of the Polka music<br />
industry.<br />
Danielczuk stepped down as aldermanic president earlier this month<br />
and Edward Adamowski, who ran in place of him in the November election,<br />
took his place.<br />
While he'll miss working for the city's residents, Danielczuk said he'll always<br />
be there to help, when needed. "You know, the mayor and I spoke<br />
and I told him I'm always available to help if something comes about," said<br />
Danielczuk.<br />
In his years of serving the city of Ansonia, Danielczuk has worked under<br />
seven mayors: Michael J. Adanti, William J. Menna, Thomas Clifford,<br />
James Finnucan, Thomas Hallahan, Nancy Valentine and Della Volpe.<br />
Danielczuk said he respected and got along with every mayor he's ever<br />
worked under, especially Della Volpe. "Mayor Dell has worked very hard,<br />
and I think he'll go down as one of the greatest mayors in Ansonia's history,"<br />
said Danielczuk.<br />
Della Volpe said he has known Peter Danielczuk for a long time, and his<br />
expertise and presence will be greatly missed. "I got to know Peter when I<br />
became mayor, and I knew his family," said Della Volpe. "We became very<br />
close."<br />
Della Volpe said Danielczuk "knew his ward" very well, as well as the<br />
people in it, adding his retirement is a "big loss" for Ansonia. As for future<br />
plans, Danielczuk said a top priority is to spend more time with his family.<br />
That includes his wife, Grazyna, two stepsons and two granddaughters. "I<br />
want to enjoy time with my wife, and spend time with our new granddaughter<br />
over in Chicago," said Danielczuk. "I also plan to take a trip to Poland<br />
to see my other granddaughter."<br />
In all, Danielczuk said it's been "a great run" in serving the city and he<br />
enjoyed that time tremendously. But, he added, "You never know. I could<br />
be back."<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 17
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Celebrate a Polish <strong>Easter</strong><br />
EASTER GREETINGS (życzenia wielkanocne): Wesołego Alleluja is the<br />
traditional way of wishing someone <strong>Happy</strong> <strong>Easter</strong>, but Wesołych Świąt<br />
Wielkanocnych, often shortened simply to Wesołych Świąt, is becoming increasingly<br />
widespread. A humorous greeting goes: Wesołych Świąt,<br />
Smacznego Jajka i Mokrego Dyngusa! (A <strong>Happy</strong> <strong>Easter</strong>, Tasty Egg and<br />
Wet Dyngus Day).<br />
EASTER CRAFTS (rękodzieło wielkanocne): The main <strong>Easter</strong>-related<br />
crafts are Polish <strong>Easter</strong> palms, especially the rod-type bouquets, <strong>Easter</strong><br />
eggs, wycinanaki (paper cut-outs), carving butter-lamb molds and reverse<br />
painting of religious scenes on glass. Considering the interest in folkcrafts,<br />
with the right advance publicity a class or workshop teaching such skills<br />
may attract a good following.<br />
THE LORDʼS TOMB: This traditional tableau of Christ lying in His tomb,<br />
often surrounded by flowers, ferns and votive lamps, is an inseparable part<br />
of Polish Holy Week observances. Set up on Good Friday for adoration up<br />
until <strong>Easter</strong>, it may be watched over by rotating honor guards round the<br />
tomb, including uniformed war veterans, scouts, altar servers, parish-society<br />
members, etc.<br />
FOOD BLESSING (święcenie pokarmów): <strong>Easter</strong> baskets containing eggs,<br />
sausage, ham, bread, butter (usually in the shape of a lamb), horseradish,<br />
babka, etc. are brought to church for the blessing in Holy Saturday, the day<br />
before <strong>Easter</strong>. The clergyman blesses the baskets, sprinkling them with<br />
Holy Water. The faithful normally pay a visit to the Lord's Tomb (above) and<br />
take home a bottle a freshly blessed Holy Water for the family's use.<br />
EASTER MORNING MASS (Rezurekcja): The first Mass of <strong>Easter</strong> Sunday<br />
has traditionally been held at daybreak (6 a.m.), but in recent years some<br />
parishes have been holding it at 7, 8, even 9 a.m. to attract more worshipers.<br />
It begins with a Eucharistic procession which encircles the outside<br />
of the church three times before entering church. The incense, jangling<br />
hand-held bells, the church all ablaze with lights and candles and filled with<br />
flowers and greenery and the glorious <strong>Easter</strong> hymns all lend splendor to<br />
the occasion.<br />
PARISH “ŚWIĘCONE” (święcone w parafii): The traditional święcone is<br />
the <strong>Easter</strong> breakfast or brunch held in the family circle after <strong>Easter</strong> Morning<br />
Mass. Nowadays,<br />
however,<br />
for the benefit<br />
of those living<br />
alone or families<br />
that have<br />
drifted away<br />
from the custom,<br />
holding<br />
such a breakfast<br />
after<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday<br />
Mass at the<br />
parish social hall or church basement may not be a bad idea. A concert of<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> hymns by the parish choir could enhance the occasion.<br />
EASTER MONDAY DRENCHING CUSTOM (śmigus-dyngus): Glasses,<br />
jars, squirt guns, plastic bottles and anything else that holds water comes<br />
into play on <strong>Easter</strong> Monday when the śmigus-dyngus drenching custom is<br />
re-enacted. Needless to say, it is the youngsters who go for this custom the<br />
most.<br />
DYNGUS DAY: <strong>Easter</strong> Monday the way it is practiced in Buffalo, South<br />
Bend, Chicago and elsewhere is a purely Polish-American invention. Traditional<br />
Polish <strong>Easter</strong> fare, polka music, dancing and general festivities, including<br />
the drenching custom, are prominently featured at Polish clubs and<br />
bars. A special “Get Wet Dyngus Day” T-shirt has even been developed for<br />
the occasion.<br />
ŚWIĘCONKA PARTY (zabawa święconkowa): The Święconka as a social<br />
get-together is another Polonian-originated custom. Usually held during the<br />
week or weekend after <strong>Easter</strong>, it usually begins with the blessing of food<br />
by the officiating priest and the sharing of blessed <strong>Easter</strong> eggs. Apart from<br />
traditional Polish <strong>Easter</strong> foods, some Święconkas are little more than polka<br />
dances. Others attempt to include genuine Polish traditions: folk song and<br />
dance performance, folk-art demonstration, egg-rolling and egg-tapping<br />
contests, etc.<br />
SHARING BLESSED EGGS (dzielenie się jajkiem):<br />
After grace has been said, but before the<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> meal begins, all present share wedges of<br />
blessed hard-cooked eggs. Either the host goes<br />
around with a plate of quartered eggs which each<br />
guest impales on a fork or the plate is passed<br />
from guest to guest. All wait with their fork-impaled<br />
egg wedge in hand until everybody has<br />
been served, and then amid mutual wishes of<br />
“Wesołego Alleluja” and “Wesołych Świąt Wielkanocnych”<br />
everybody consumes their egg at the<br />
same time.<br />
HOME-MADE WHITE BARSZCZ SOUR (domowy<br />
zakwas do białego barszczu): This tart<br />
soup was a Lenten staple in Old Poland. In crock<br />
or glass jar combine 1 c rye flour or 1 c rolled oats<br />
or 1 part of each, add several rye-bread crusts or<br />
1 slice rye bread and 1 - 3 buds slivered garlic<br />
and drench with 4 c pre-boiled lukewarm water.<br />
Cover mouth of container with cheese cloth fastened<br />
with rubber-band and let stand in warm<br />
(75°- 80°F) place 3 - 5 days, or until liquid becomes<br />
pleasantly<br />
TRADITIONAL WHITE EASTER BARZSCZ<br />
(biały barszcz wielkanocny): Cook 1 lb lbs of<br />
fresh (raw) kiełbasa, 1 quartered onion and 1 bay<br />
leaf and cook covered in 4-5 c water at a gentle<br />
rolling boiling 45 min. Leave in pot until cooled to<br />
room temp. Remove sausage and refrigerate until<br />
needed. Strain liquid and refrigerate over night.<br />
Next day remove and discard congealed fat. Heat<br />
sausage stock to boiling, adding water if needed<br />
to have 4 c. Add 2 c home-made barszcz sour<br />
(above) or store-bought żur liquid, simmer several<br />
min and remove from heat. Fork-blend 1 heaping<br />
T flour with 1 c sour cream until smooth and stir<br />
into it 1 c hot soup a T at a time, whisking until<br />
smooth. Slowly stir into soup pot and simmer<br />
briefly. As 1-2 buds crushed garlic, 1 heaping T<br />
prepared horseradish, 1 T marjoram and salt &<br />
pepper to taste if required. In soup bowls place<br />
sliced hard-cooked eggs, the sliced cooked<br />
kiełbasa and (optional) some cubed farmer<br />
cheese, and ladle the hot soup over them.<br />
EASY WHITE EASTER BARZSCZ (biały<br />
barszcz wielkanocny łatwy): To 4 c (de-greased)<br />
water in which kiełbasa was cooked add 2 plain c<br />
water, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer<br />
briefly. Remove from heat and, when slightly<br />
cooled, stir in 1 c sour cream fork-blended with a<br />
heaping T flour. Use whisk or hand-held mixer to<br />
obliterate any lumps that form. Simmer briefly and<br />
sour with 2-4 T white vinegar (more or less to<br />
taste). Season and serve as above if desired.<br />
EGG SALAD (sałatka z jaj): Toss together six<br />
chopped hard-cooked eggs, 1 bunch finely<br />
chopped chives and 1 bunch coarsely grated<br />
radishes. Fork-blend 3 T mayonnaise with 1 t<br />
brown mustard and lace the salad ingredients with<br />
the sauce. Salt & pepper to taste. Optional: a bit<br />
of sugar may be added.<br />
EASTER SALAD (sałatka wielkanocna): Toss together<br />
2-3 peeled, cored, diced apples, 2-3 diced<br />
brined cucumbers (ogórki kiszone), and a heaping<br />
T prepared horseradish. Drizzle with 4 T salad oil,<br />
1 T cider vinegar, toss well and salt & pepper to<br />
taste. A t sugar may be added. Decorate top with<br />
3 sliced hard-cooked eggs and garnish with finely<br />
chopped parsley.<br />
GREEN PEA SALAD (sałatka z zielonego<br />
groszku). Drain well 4 c canned peas. Gently toss<br />
with 2-3 chopped green onions, 6-8 chopped<br />
radish and 2-3 dill pickles. Lace with just enough<br />
mayo to lightly coat ingredients.<br />
CHIVE-STUFFED EGGS (jaj ze szczpiorkowym<br />
nadzieniem): Shell 6, cold, hard-cooked eggs, cut<br />
in half lengthwise, gently scoop out yolks and set<br />
whites aside. Mash yolks, add 3 T room-temp butter,<br />
3 T finely chopped chives, 1/4 t mild paprika<br />
and mix into a uniform filling. Salt & pepper to<br />
taste and use mixture to fill egg-white halves.<br />
HOME-MADE HORSERADISH (chrzan tarty domowy):<br />
Peel horseradish root or roots with vegetable<br />
peeler, wrap in plastic wrap and keep in<br />
freezer overnight. You can grate the horseradish<br />
with a hand-held grater, but the fumes are overpowering,<br />
so this should be done outdoors, near<br />
an open window or some other well-ventilated<br />
place. An easier way is to cut the horseradish root<br />
into cubes and grate it in food processor. But also<br />
do this in a well ventilated room and stay a good<br />
arm’s length away! Its container should be no<br />
more than 1/2 full, add 1-2 T cold water and<br />
process until well ground. If too runny, pour off<br />
some of the liquid. Add 1/2 t salt, 1-2 T vinegar<br />
and pulse top combine. Pack mixture into small<br />
jars, seal and refrigerate until needed. Use as you<br />
would store-bought prepared horseradish.<br />
CREAMY HORSERADISH SAUCE (sos<br />
chrzanowy ze śmietaną): Combine 1 c sour cream<br />
with 1 heaping T prepared horseradish. Season<br />
to taste with salt, sugar and lemon juice or vine<br />
continued on page 19<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 18
MEMBER NEWS<br />
continued from page 18<br />
gar. Variation: Fork-blend 1/2 c prepared horseradish<br />
with 1/2 c heavy cream. Season to taste<br />
with salt, sugar and lemon juice or vinegar.<br />
WARM CREAMY HORSERADISH SAUCE (sos<br />
chrzanowo-śmietanowy na ciepło): Melt 2 T butter<br />
in skillet, sprinkle in 1 healed T flour and simmer<br />
into a roux stirring constantly. Add 1 c sour cream<br />
and a heaping T prepared horseradish and simmer<br />
a few min on low, stirring often. Season to<br />
taste with salt, white pepper, sugar and lemon<br />
juice. Excellent spooned over warm hard-cooked<br />
eggs!<br />
HORSERADISH-CRANBERRY SAUCE (sos<br />
chrzanowo-żurawinowy). Fork blend 1 jar of imported<br />
Łowicz brand żurawina (cranberry jam)<br />
with a heaping T prepared horseradish. Stir in 1 t<br />
freshly squeezed lemon juice. A good go-together<br />
with coals roasts and sausages!<br />
EASTER SAUCE (sos do święconego): Forkblend<br />
1/2 c dairy sour cream with 1/2 c mayonnaise,<br />
add 1 - 2 chopped hard-cooked eggs and<br />
1/2 - 3/4 c mixed finely chopped additions: dill<br />
pickle, chives, pickled mushroom and radishes.<br />
Stir in 1 heaping t to 1 T prepared horseradish<br />
and season to taste with salt, sugar and lemon<br />
juice or vinegar.<br />
SPRING SAUCE (sos wiosenny): Proceed as<br />
with <strong>Easter</strong> sauce (above), but omit the egg and<br />
add 2/3 - 1 c finely chopped spring greens (green<br />
onions, radishes, chives, parsley, dill, garden<br />
cress). Season with 1 t prepared horseradish, 1 t<br />
lemon juice, 1/4 t salt and several dashes of pepper.<br />
Note: All the above sauces are great with<br />
hard-cooked eggs and cold meats.<br />
MUSTARD SAUCE (sos musztardowy: Forkblend<br />
1/2 c sour cream and 1/2 c mayonnaise<br />
with 1 heaping T brown mustard. Season to taste<br />
with salt, vinegar and sugar to taste.<br />
RED PICKLED EGGS (jaja marynowane na czerwono):<br />
Combine 1 c white vinegar with juice of<br />
enough canned pickled beets to give 4 c liquid.<br />
Bring to boil, simmer briefly and set aside to cool.<br />
When cooled to room temp, pour over shelled<br />
hard-cooked eggs to cover. Use a lid or plate to<br />
keep the eggs submerged. Refrigerate overnight<br />
or longer. When ready to use, pat eggs dry with<br />
paper towel. Use to decorate meat platters or<br />
form a cross on a big plate of white shelled hardcooked<br />
eggs.<br />
EGG PLATTER (półmisek jaj): Serve bowls of<br />
plain, shelled hard-cooked eggs and let your<br />
guests dress them with different sauces served in<br />
separate dishes. Or, line platter with leaves of<br />
Boston or bib lettuce, place halved hard-cooked<br />
eggs cut-side down on it and them with dollops of<br />
sauce.<br />
EASY BEET & HORSERADISH RELISH (łatwa<br />
ćwikla z chrzanem): Dice the pickled beets from<br />
the pickled-egg recipe (above) and stir in about 1<br />
heaping t or T prepared horseradish per c diced<br />
beets. Toss gently and refrigerate overnight in<br />
closed container before using. This is the classic<br />
Polish <strong>Easter</strong> condiment to accompany ham,<br />
sausage, roasts and hard-cooked eggs.<br />
VEGETABLE SALAD (sałatka jarzynowa): Combine<br />
2 c canned navy beans and 2 c canned<br />
drained peas & carrots (all canned items well<br />
drained!); add 3 c cold, cooked, diced potatoes, 1<br />
bunch chopped green onions, 1 bunch diced<br />
radishes, 2-3 diced dill pickles, 2 - 3 peeled,<br />
cored, diced apples and 4 - 6 diced hard-cooked<br />
eggs. Toss ingredients gently, season with salt &<br />
pepper and garnish with 3 T chopped fresh parsley.<br />
Lace with just enough sauce to thinly coat ingredients.<br />
For 1 c, fork-blend 1/2 c sour cream,<br />
1/2 c mayonnaise and 1 slightly heaped t sharp<br />
brown mustard. Season to taste with a little salt,<br />
pepper, sugar and lemon juice or vinegar.<br />
COLD-MEAT PLATTER (półmisek zimnych<br />
mięs): On oval or rectangular serving platters<br />
arrange an assortment of sliced cold meats:<br />
rounds of cooked white (fresh) and smoked<br />
kiełbasa, sliced ham, Canadian bacon (polędwica),<br />
kabanosy (thin dry sausage), sliced pork<br />
roast, Krakowska sausage, kaszanka (kiszka is<br />
also good cold!), boiled beef tongue, head<br />
cheese (salceson), etc. Decorate platter with red<br />
pickled eggs, radish roses, dill-pickle spears and<br />
sprigs of curly parsley.<br />
HOME-MADE KIEŁBASA (kiełbasa domowa):<br />
Combine 4 lbs coarsely ground pork butts and 1/2<br />
lb unsalted pork fatback (słonina) with 1 lb finely<br />
ground veal or beef round steak. Sprinkle with 3 T<br />
salt, 1/2 t pepper, 1 T marjoram and 3-4 buds<br />
crushed garlic. Mix well by hand, adding 1 c cold<br />
water until fully absorbed. Spread mixture in shallower<br />
glass or crockery pan and refrigerate<br />
overnight. Next day, stuff hog casings with mixture,<br />
twisting into 12” - 15” links and tying them<br />
with white twine. Hang up to air-dry in cool, wellventilated<br />
place several hrs or overnight. To cook,<br />
proceed as follows.<br />
WESOLEGO ALLELUJA!<br />
BEER-BAKED FRESH KIEŁBASA (biała<br />
kiełbasa pieczona w piwie): Arrange 3 lbs fresh<br />
kiełbasa in a single layer in baking pan. Drench<br />
with a 12 oz bottle beer and enough water to<br />
barely cover the sausage. Bake in pre-heated<br />
375° oven 30 min. Turn sausage over. Smother<br />
with 4 small thinly sliced onions, sprinkle with caraway<br />
seeds and bake another 30 min.<br />
BAKED POLISH HAM (polska szynka pieczona):<br />
Remove a 5 lb Krakus ham from its tin and transfer<br />
to baking pan together with the gelatin included<br />
in tin. Drench ham with 1 c Polish mead<br />
(miód pitny = honey wine), sprinkle with a little<br />
marjoram, cover tightly with aluminum foil and<br />
bake 1 hr at 375°. The ham is already fully<br />
cooked so all you need to do is heat it through.<br />
ROAST VEAL (pieczeń cielęca): Slice 2 cloves<br />
garlic into 6-8 vertical slivers. In a 2-1/2 to 3 lb<br />
veal leg, rump, loin or boneless shoulder roast insert<br />
the garlic slivers into as many deep incisions.<br />
Sprinkle meat with salt, pepper and paprika and<br />
rub seasonings into all surfaces of roast. Sear the<br />
meat all over in hot fat until a brown crust forms<br />
on the outside and place in uncovered on rack in<br />
roasting pan. Roast in a preheated 350 °- 375°<br />
oven. Place several thin slices of pork fatback on<br />
meat, add 1-1/2 c water to roaster and roast<br />
about 2 hr or until done. Cool to room temp and<br />
refrigerate over night. To serve, slice cold roast<br />
about 1/4” thin and reheat in pan dripping.<br />
SILESIAN BABKA (baba śląska): Mash 1 oz<br />
fresh yeast with 1 T sugar and stir in 5 T very<br />
warm milk, then set aside to rise. Beat 2 egg<br />
yolks and 1 whole egg 1/3 c sugar until fluffy. Add<br />
risen yeast mixture, 3-1/2 c flour, 1/2 c. warm<br />
milk, 2 T orange zest, 1 T lemon zest and 1/2 t<br />
salt. Combine ingredients well and knead until<br />
dough is smooth. Gradually work in 1/2 c melted<br />
butter and continue kneading until it is fully absorbed.<br />
Place dough in warm place until doubled<br />
in bulk. While it rises, melt 2 T butter in saucepan.<br />
Prepare crumb topping by combining 2-1/2 T confectioner’s<br />
sugar with 1/2 c flour and add melted<br />
butter and 2 pinches of cinnamon. Stir to combine<br />
ingredients and set aside. Place risen dough into<br />
Bundt pan. Brush top with half a beaten egg and<br />
coarsely grate crumb-topping dough over top.<br />
Bake in pre-heated 350° oven about 1 hr, or until<br />
wooden skewer comes out clean.<br />
SAND BABKA (babka piaskowa): Combine 3/4 c<br />
flour, 3/4 c potato starch and 4 t baking powder<br />
and sift together. Cream 1 c + 2 T butter with 1-<br />
1/2 c confectioner’s sugar, gradually adding 4 raw<br />
egg yolks, zest rind and juice of 1 lemon and mix<br />
will. Gently fold in 4 stiffly beaten egg whites.<br />
Transfer to greased, flour-dusted babka pan and<br />
bake in 350° oven 1 hr or so. When cool dust with<br />
confectioner’s sugar or ice.<br />
GRANNYʼS CHEESECAKE (sernik baboon):<br />
Combine 1-1/4 cups flour, 3/4 t baking powder<br />
and 1/4 t salt. With fork mash in 1/4 c butter or<br />
margarine. Beat 1 egg with 3 T sour cream and<br />
stir into flour mixture with 1/3 c confectioner’s<br />
sugar. Knead well until dough is smooth and roll<br />
out on floured bread-board into a rectangle. Line<br />
a 13x9x2 inch pan with the dough and bring it<br />
part way up the sides. Separately, beat 6 eggs<br />
with 2 c confectioner’s sugar at high speed 5 min,<br />
add 1 t vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.<br />
Process in food processor or sieve 1 lb farmer’s<br />
cheese, combine with 1-1/2 c mashed potatoes,<br />
add 2 t baking powder, 1/2 t salt, 1 T lemon or orange<br />
zest and a pinch of nutmeg. Combine well<br />
with egg mixture, transfer to dough-lined basking<br />
pan, smoothing out the top. Bake at 350° 45-55<br />
min or until set. Cool well before cutting into portions.<br />
CRUMB-TOP MAZURKA (mazurek z kruszonką):<br />
Cut 1/2 lb butter into 3 c flour, gradually mixing in<br />
4 egg yolks and 1 scant c confectioner’s sugar.<br />
Quickly work ingredients into a smooth dough,<br />
wrap in foil and refrigerate several hrs. Divide<br />
dough into 2 parts. Roll out one half and fit it into<br />
square or rectangular baking pan. Spread with<br />
powidła (Polish plum butter). Coarsely grate the<br />
remaining dough, evenly covering the entire surface.<br />
Bake in preheated 390°-400° oven about<br />
20 min or until nice and golden. When cool, cut<br />
into squares.<br />
WAFER MAZURKA (mazurek na waflu): Get 4<br />
plain, large, square or rectangular wafers at a<br />
pastry-supply, gourmet, specialty or European<br />
import shop. Place 1 wafer on cutting board,<br />
spread thinly with apricot or cherry jam, cover<br />
with another wafer, press down gently and spread<br />
with canned chocolate of white frosting, cover<br />
with another wafer, spread it with jam and cover<br />
with a 4th wafer. Cover with clean dish towel,<br />
weight down with something heavy (like a large<br />
book) and refrigerate. Just before serving spread<br />
top and sides with frosting and sprinkle top generously<br />
with ground walnuts. Cut into squares and<br />
serve.<br />
PASCHAL CHEESE DESSERT (pascha): Sieve<br />
2-1/4 lbs full-cream (not low-fat!) farmer cheese.<br />
Separately cream 5 egg yolks with 1-1/4 c sugar,<br />
stir in 1 c coffee cream. Stirring constantly, heat<br />
mixture nearly to boiling point, but do not boil. Remove<br />
from flame, stir in the cheese, 1 1/4 lb unsalted<br />
butter, 3/4 c plumped raisins, 1/2 c<br />
chopped blanched almonds, 1 t orange zest and<br />
1 t vanilla. Mix well and place mixture on cheese<br />
cloth. Tie cheese cloth into a ball and hang it up<br />
to drip-dry, twisting ball to extract moisture. When<br />
no more moisture can be extracted, refrigerate in<br />
cheese cloth over night. Remove cheese cloth<br />
and decorate pascha with chopped candied orange<br />
rind, slivered almonds and raisins.<br />
Text and recipies from Robert Strybel,<br />
Polonian Affairs Contributor<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 19
MEMBER NEWS<br />
APRIL SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS<br />
As the first day of Kwiecien (April) begins the <strong>Easter</strong> Triduum, the Catholic<br />
church communities rekindle the centuries-old traditions that follow the last<br />
days of Holy Week through <strong>Easter</strong> Sunday.<br />
Holy Thursday Mass re-enacts Jesus washing the feet of his closest<br />
twelve and His first commands to 'Do this in memory of me' as he shared<br />
the bread and cup. In the next many hours, as we all know, Jesus was prosecuted<br />
and persecuted. His passion, His death on the cross and His time in<br />
the tomb all led to his glorious Resurrection on the holiest of days!<br />
Good Friday has the congregations lamenting through the '14 Stations'<br />
and singing the five-part "Gorzkie Zale.” Holy Saturday brings on the ceremony<br />
called “Swieconka”. The foods of our <strong>Easter</strong> meal-- decorated eggs<br />
(Polish pisanki), breads, meats and lamb-shaped butter rest upon a lay of<br />
“bukszpan” (<strong>Easter</strong> evergreens), all covered with special linen or lace carried<br />
in a basket to be blessed at church. Our <strong>Easter</strong> Sunday meals may start<br />
soon after all the 'alleluias' are sung and the blessings of the Risen Lord are<br />
granted at High Mass.<br />
We, at Nest 118 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will be enjoying our<br />
“Swieconka” before our monthly meeting on Monday April 12 at 7 p.m. at the<br />
Nest 8 location. We ask all our attending Members to share their favorite<br />
special <strong>Easter</strong> menu items or baked goods. Let us renew our faith together<br />
in harmony and fraternalism. On the agenda , we will be discussing the upcoming<br />
'Lottery Nite' fundraiser scheduled for Saturday April 17 and the particulars<br />
of the Nest 118 100th Anniversary banquet. Being that spring should<br />
be in bloom, please attend this very important meeting.<br />
As April showers assist the growth of nature's blessings, we celebrate National<br />
Arbor Day on the 30. Gather your family, friends and Nest Members to<br />
plant trees in your neighborhood parks. Enjoy National Humor Month--laugh<br />
out loud as often as possible, have some fun at the National Bowling Tournament<br />
in Summerville, New Jersey.<br />
April is designated Nation Donor Life Month and brings us National Volunteer<br />
Week (April 18-24). Find a cause, sign-up to help someone some how!!<br />
I know my friends in Connecticut, Missouri and throughout our great fraternal<br />
will make their marks in their communities. Remember that even random<br />
acts of kindness share our <strong>Easter</strong> blessings.<br />
Should any Nest 118 Member need information about our activities, or<br />
need directions to our meetings or in any Member of our Falcon nation care<br />
to share stories, ideas or <strong>Easter</strong> traditions, please contact me--<br />
nancy4vp@att.net or cal 412-481-0681.<br />
Wishing 'Good Luck' to all Nest 118 bowlers and God's blessings to the<br />
Falcon National officers and all Members, I bid you peace and as always--'In<br />
God we trust'!<br />
Soccer<br />
continued from page 15<br />
facility in CT) Holter played soccer and managed the team as well as organized<br />
tournaments, locally and in cities such as Miami, Montreal, and<br />
twice in Venezuela and Brazil. Additionally, Holter’s other accomplishments<br />
include: winning the CT Soccer League championship and State<br />
Cup in 1971 with the New Britain Soccer Club, playing for numerous CT<br />
Soccer League teams including New Britain General Ameglio Soccer<br />
Club, New Britain Olympia, Hartford German Soccer Club, Harford Incas<br />
and the New Britain Soccer Club. He even played tournaments in Germany<br />
twice and before 35,000 spectators in Hoffstein, Austria. Along with<br />
his brother, Holter was co-owner/manager of the Sports Palace in New<br />
Britain, an indoor soccer facility, from 1983 through 1995, where youth<br />
and adult teams played. It was at the Sports Palace that Holter hosted a<br />
Polish national soccer team in the late 1980s. Co-founder and organizer<br />
of the New Britain Youth Soccer League in 1984, he was also ticket manager<br />
for the Hartford Bicentennials of the North American Soccer League<br />
in 1975.<br />
“Soccer has always been first in my life,” Holter said. “My wife and kids<br />
have always been involved in the sport with me, too.” With a gleam in his<br />
eye, Holter joked, “When I first got married, I told my wife that soccer<br />
would be number one and she would be number two. She must’ve understood<br />
because all these years later, we are still together and she still<br />
knows this!”<br />
The interest in soccer is still very much alive with Herbie Holter today.<br />
He is still involved in tournament playing in the Catskills as well as playing<br />
at the Falcon Polanka Field every Thursday.<br />
Holter is also owner of the International Hair Stylist on Broad Street in<br />
New Britain, having purchased the business during the late 1970s from<br />
then owner of the at that time Phil’s Barber Shop, which originally employed<br />
young Herbie Holter in 1961, four years after his arrival to New<br />
Britain from Germany.<br />
Druhna Diane L. Mechlinski,<br />
Nest 88 Correspondent<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druhna Nancy-Marcuson-Capozoli<br />
Vice-President/Nest Correspondent<br />
Nest 118<br />
MOVING?<br />
Don’t forget to let us know. So that our records are up-to-date<br />
and that the Sokol Polski is delivered to you without interruption,<br />
please use the form below when you are changing your address.<br />
Also, if a member of your family (who is also a PFA<br />
member) is moving, please use the same form.<br />
Name ____________________________________________<br />
Nest No. __________________________________________<br />
Old Address _______________________________________<br />
New Address ______________________________________<br />
New Phone No. ____________________________________<br />
E-mail ___________________________________________<br />
Please return completed form to Sokół Polski, 381 Mansfield<br />
Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751. You can also let us<br />
know of your address change by e-mail at communications@polishfalcons.org.<br />
NATIONAL CHAPLAIN TO<br />
HOST POLAND TOUR<br />
“In the Footsteps of Pope John Paul II” a<br />
religious tour of Poland, has been scheduled for<br />
October 22-29, 2010 with National PFA<br />
Chaplain Fr. Joseph Sredzinski as spiritual<br />
leader.<br />
Participants will visit Warsaw, Niepokalanow,<br />
Zakopane, Krakow, etc. Pray at the Shrine of Our<br />
Lady at Czestochowa, Wawel Cathedral,<br />
Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, home of the<br />
revelations to St. Faustina. Departure is from<br />
Pittsburgh and other major cities.<br />
For a packet of detailed information, call<br />
724-722-3141 or email padre16201@yahoo.com.<br />
Write: Church of the Seven Dolors, PO Box 308,<br />
Yukon PA 15698.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 20
MEMBER NEWS<br />
ATTENTION<br />
BOWLERS!!!<br />
The Polish Falcons in conjunction with the Polish National<br />
Alliance (PNA), the Polish Roman Catholic Union<br />
of America (PRCUA) and the Polish Women’s Alliance<br />
(PWA) will sponsor the first Annual Inter Polonia Bowling<br />
Tournament. The event will be held in the Pittsburgh<br />
area. This tournament is open to Members of any of the<br />
four fraternals; one must be a Member at least 45 days<br />
before the tournament. It is a moral support tournament<br />
which means one does not need to be sanctioned in<br />
order to participate.<br />
Date: May 21 and May 22, 2010<br />
Place: Teams will be bowled at Noble Manor Lanes<br />
with Singles and Doubles at Mt. Lebanon Lanes<br />
Times: Teams Friday or Saturday, 10:00 a.m. and<br />
1:30 p.m., Singles & Doubles, Friday and Saturday at<br />
9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.<br />
Cost: $17 per person, per event. All events-$1.50 per<br />
person, $2.50 per person insurance fee. Total cost for<br />
Bowling Teams, Singles and Doubles and a Saturday<br />
night party including dinner and an open bar is $95 per<br />
bowler.<br />
Housing: Room rate at both hotels is $93.00 per night<br />
plus taxes. Each hotel has internet access in all rooms,<br />
a fitness center and a swimming pool. Host hotel is the<br />
Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, which is located near<br />
Mt. Lebanon Lanes. Their phone number is 412-833-<br />
5300. Rooms are also available at the Radisson Hotel<br />
Pittsburgh, Green Tree, located near Noble Manor<br />
Lanes. Their phone number is 412-922-840.<br />
Evening festivities will be held at the Sokol Club on<br />
East Carson Street on Pittsburgh’s South Side.<br />
Deadline for applications is April 15. Information<br />
and entry forms will be mailed to each Nest. Applications<br />
are available from our website at: http://www.polishfalcons.org/polonia<br />
Teams can be all female, all male, or mixed. One does<br />
not need to be a sanctioned bowler to participate.<br />
To bowl doubles, one must also bowl singles.<br />
Tournament Co-chairs are Druh Bobby Joe Gorny,<br />
574-289-2140 (W) or 574-243-1726 (C) or<br />
crumstown@sbcglobal. net and Druhna Trish Del<br />
Busse, 1-800-535-2071 (W) or 724-747-3179 (C) or<br />
vptrish@polishfalcons.org.<br />
This year, we’ll be able to meet and bowl in April and<br />
then again in May. Sounds good to us!<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druh Bobby Joe and Druhna Trish<br />
FAMILY TOGETHERNESS<br />
On December 12, my children Jeremy, age nine, and Samantha, age six, attended the Children’s<br />
Party at Polish Falcons Nest 610 in Erie, PA. Even though Jeremy is almost ten years<br />
old, he still believes in Santa Clause and loves Christmas. This is the fourth time Jeremy and<br />
Samantha have been to Nest 610 at see Santa. They had a blast of fun. There was face<br />
painting, coloring, music, the Christmas tree decorated in the corner with the big wooden<br />
chair right near it waiting for Santa’s arrival. The banquet room was packed as usual with<br />
over 80 children, parents, and some grandchildren attending. It made for a true family day<br />
shared with friends we’ve met and grown with over the years at Nest 610. My husband Andy<br />
was a past Director for many years, and I started as a social member, bartender, then National<br />
Member and now the Club’s 2nd Vice-President. Both of our children feel right at<br />
home, because they have literally been at the club since before they could walk. As for me,<br />
my husband Andy, Jeremy & Samantha, Nest 610 makes us feel right at home. Not being at<br />
“the Club” as Jeremy refers to it, for most of 2009, the Children’s Christmas party made me<br />
realize the impact “the Club” has had on me, Jeremy, Samantha and Andy, (family togetherness).<br />
The Children’s Christmas Party is one tradition Jeremy and Samantha will always<br />
take part in and remember forever. Thank you to everyone who helped put it together. It was<br />
fantastic!! You know something is a success when everyone is smiling, you can barely hear<br />
yourself talk, and you see for yourself the many happy kids singing and talking with Santa.<br />
Great job, let’s continue the tradition.<br />
Druhna Lisa Smith, Nest 610<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 21
MEMBER NEWS<br />
JOIN HANDS DAY - MAY 1<br />
May 1, 2010 will mark the<br />
10th Anniversary of Join Hands<br />
Day. Join Hands Day is the only<br />
national volunteer day on the<br />
Seasons of Service calendar that specifically targets and develops relationships<br />
between young people and adults through neighborhood volunteering.<br />
Youths and adults work together on an equal basis to plan, organize and implement<br />
the day’s activities. Building relationships across generations restores<br />
confidence, trust and respect for each other and creates a sense of community.<br />
The Polish Falcons are involved in Join Hands Day in many Nests. We improve<br />
our communities through volunteer service and charitable outreach,<br />
while helping their our members achieve financial security through insurance<br />
and retirement products.<br />
The Polish Falcons “JOIN HANDS” year-round, because fraternalism is not<br />
a one-day-a-year event. However, Join Hands Day provides all fraternalists<br />
and non-fraternalists alike with the opportunity to make a difference in their<br />
neighborhoods through helpful projects that connect youths and adults.<br />
Steps for planning a successful Join Hands Day event<br />
Start a Committee<br />
Designate a project leader from Nest. This person will be responsible for registering<br />
the project, finding youths and adults to participate and assigning tasks.<br />
They also can help recruit volunteers from your Nest and any outside groups<br />
or youth clubs, as needed.<br />
Choose a Project<br />
There are hundreds of fun and worthwhile ways to improve your town, neighborhood<br />
or community. In selecting the right project, choose a project that is:<br />
1. Big enough to be worthwhile and challenging.<br />
2. Small enough to be done with the time and effort available.<br />
3. A reasonable fit with everyone’s talents, experiences and resources.<br />
4. Involves both youth and adult Members.<br />
Spread the Word<br />
1. Contact the media in advance and distribute press releases detailing<br />
your project and its impact on the community.<br />
2. Publicize your Nest’s Join Hands Day participation in the Sokol Polski<br />
and our website.<br />
3. Distribute a memo from your Nest, encouraging your members, to get in<br />
volved and volunteer.<br />
Recruit Volunteers<br />
1. Hold a Join Hands Day planning meeting for your members.<br />
2. Pass around a sign-up sheet to record information, such as name, phone<br />
and email.<br />
3. Create projects that encourage youth and adult participation.<br />
Nail Down the Details<br />
1. Define specific tasks to be completed, time requirement and deadlines<br />
2. Determine the logistics: locations, supplies needed, transportation<br />
3. Match skills for the members and volunteers to particular aspects of the<br />
project.<br />
4. Develop a short orientation or information session for volunteers.<br />
5. Be sure to express appreciation to everyone involved as the project<br />
wraps up.<br />
Hold a Kick-off<br />
The purpose is to inspire and encourage volunteers, as well as attract media<br />
attention and provide a platform for VIPs.<br />
1. Provide light snacks and refreshments.<br />
2. Invite governors, mayor, local, state, and federal legislator and other<br />
dignitaries.<br />
3. If possible, arrange for a local TV news anchor or other recognizable<br />
person to serve as emcee. Invite media and news media kits.<br />
4. Arrange for a professional photographer and/or videographer, if possible.<br />
Handle Logistics<br />
Think ahead, provide information and plan for emergencies<br />
1. Provide directions and maps to the site.<br />
2. Is the site accessible by public transportation?<br />
3. Is there a first-aid kit on site? Where is the nearest hospital or medical<br />
center?<br />
4. What will volunteers do if it rains?<br />
5. Where are the closest restrooms?<br />
6. Where can volunteers eat lunch? Will water be available throughout the<br />
day?<br />
Plan for a Safe Event<br />
Project Leaders should be observant for potential hazards<br />
1. Look for strings on clothing and ropes on playground equipment. These<br />
could result in injury<br />
2. Watch for broken paved areas, uneven boards or ground where people<br />
could stumble<br />
3. Carefully pick up sharp object that could cut or scratch a person’s skin<br />
4. Provide masks when working in areas with dangerous fumes or<br />
excessive dust<br />
5. Suggest volunteers wear sturdy shoes, not sandals, for better foot<br />
protection<br />
Have Fun!<br />
Complete your entire project on Join Hands Day, and have fun! Be sure to<br />
take time afterwards to briefly gather with your project group, share your experiences<br />
and celebrate your achievements.<br />
Visit http://www.joinhandsday.org/for more information.<br />
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at<br />
pfavp2@yahoo.com.<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druh Bobby Joe Gorny<br />
Second Vice President<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 22
MEMBER NEWS<br />
Falcon<br />
Fitness<br />
by Greg Gushard<br />
All About Marathons<br />
Spring is fast approaching. It might not feel like it, for those of us who were<br />
hit by forty plus inches of snow during the month of February, but April showers<br />
and May flowers are on their way. With the nicer weather on it’s way,<br />
maybe it’s time to start thinking about participating in a local, or regional<br />
marathon? There are many organizations that hold events like these for great<br />
causes. “Race for the Cure” comes to mind. Participating in these races are<br />
both rewarding and they help you in your quest for weight loss. Your support<br />
goes a long way in helping others.<br />
So you’ve found a race worthy of racing, but how do you train for it? Unless<br />
you’re already an in-shape track runner prepared to take 1st place, you will<br />
need to train. Marathons are long, and focus on endurance rather than<br />
straight out sprinting speed. It is important to remember that you’re not in it to<br />
beat 100 other contestants. You’re in it to prove to yourself that you can do it.<br />
You can run five miles at a reasonable pace. So many “new” runners start off<br />
with an all out sprint, and run out of gas halfway through the actual race.<br />
First, you need to judge how prepared you are for the race itself. Are you<br />
running regularly? Two miles a day? Ten miles a week? Gauge what you’re<br />
doing, recreationally, and craft a training program for yourself. If you’re a<br />
sprinter, you might want to slow it down and start focusing on pacing more.<br />
Start focusing on your diet. Obviously, up until the race, you’ll want to take<br />
off all of the extra pounds you can, while not sacrificing energy. It’s important<br />
to keep in mind that marathons and races are built for those who are serious<br />
about exercising. Any weight-loss supplements you may be experimenting<br />
with aren’t going to help you. Most weight-loss supplements include high<br />
amounts of caffeine and other “energy enhancers.” You want to get used to<br />
maintaining a high energy level WITHOUT these. Taper off fat-burners. Do<br />
not stop taking vitamin’s, unless you feel that they are harmful to your endurance<br />
ability.<br />
Your overall diet should include the usual greens and fruits. If you are doing<br />
a heavy training regiment prior to the race, it is important to balance out the<br />
diet with carbs, to keep your energy. All excess energy will be stored by the<br />
body for your next run. Do not starve yourself under any circumstances when<br />
participating in heavy cardio programs.<br />
Mental preparation is equally important, if not half of the entire battle to succeed.<br />
As it is with any exercise, being mentally ready and focused on your<br />
personal goals, will ultimately make or break your success.<br />
The Day of the Marathon<br />
1.) As stated above, START SLOW. One thing to keep your mind off of the<br />
journey ahead, could be to observe other racers, and try and guess who’s new<br />
to the marathon. You’ll be able to pick them out by seeing who runs ahead at<br />
fast rates. Later on in the race, see if they’ve fallen behind. This means they<br />
weren’t worried about pacing themselves.<br />
2.) Keep your own pace in check. If you’re starting to feel winded after a<br />
short distance, slow it down. Keep your body moving, but don’t be afraid to<br />
fall back. Remember, it’s your goal to complete the race, not to be the next<br />
all-star runner.<br />
3.) Consume six to eight ounces of water for every 15 to 20 minutes spent<br />
running.<br />
4.) Replenish your burnt calories after the race. Do not fall victim to undereating.<br />
Make sure you replenish your bodies energy needs after expending<br />
them during the race.<br />
5.) Always make sure you have a change of clothes. After the race, you don’t<br />
want to drive home in the clothes you ran in. Believe me. I’ve made this mistake<br />
before.<br />
Lay out everything you need the night before the race, so you can focus on<br />
your goals the next day. Marathons are a great way to boost your weight-loss<br />
program, even if you have to deviate from your normal diet for a few weeks.<br />
In the end, you will feel better about yourself for participating. You’ll probably<br />
get a free t-shirt out of the deal too!<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 23
POL- AM NEWS<br />
A Polka Celebration<br />
By Druh Peter Danielczuk<br />
Nest 36, Southwestern Conn.<br />
The fourth annual memorial "Gift Of Live" dance in honor of Lisa Marie<br />
Biskup will be held on Saturday, April 24 at the PRCU Hall, 1430 Oak St.<br />
Wyandotte, MI. The dance will feature the fine music by a Crusade "Reprise"<br />
with Eddie Biegaj and Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's Men. A Polish kitchen<br />
will be available along with door prizes and a silent auction. Doors will open<br />
at 6 p.m. and music from 6:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Adults are $19 and kids 13<br />
and under are free. All proceeds benefit the "Lisa Biskup Organ and Tissue<br />
Donor Foundation." For more information or to make a donation call 810-588-<br />
6266.<br />
The 42nd Annual United States Polka Association (USPA) Festival and<br />
Convention will be held May 28, 29, 30 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the Doubletree<br />
Hotel, Cleveland South, 6200 Quarry Lane, Independence, OH. It is<br />
three days of great polka music featuring the finest in bands. The junior Miss<br />
USPA & Teen Miss USPA Pageants will be held on Saturday afternoon. The<br />
35th annual USPA Polka Music Awards Banquet will also be held on Saturday<br />
May 29 with brunch at 11:00 a.m. Daily admission is only $16 per person<br />
and a three day pass is available. Call Joanne Baranski at 330-410-5568 for<br />
tickets. President of the USPA Barb Haslow has promised that this would be<br />
one of the best festivals ever. You can check out their website at www.uspapolkas.com<br />
or call Barb at 440-886-6157.<br />
The 13th Annual Adirondack Polka Festival will take place May 29 and 30<br />
at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center, North Street, Old Forge, NY. It is sponsored<br />
by the Central Adirondack Association and features the finest polka<br />
bands with two days of polka music. Ticket prices are $17 per person each<br />
day or $30 for two days. There is a huge dance floor and refreshments will be<br />
available. For tickets and more information call 315-699-1708.<br />
A Caribbean Polka Cruise will be held on Oct. 23-30, 2010 on Carnival's<br />
newest ship the "Dream." You will fly to Orlando, Florida for a 7 day cruise<br />
from Cape Canaveral to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. There will be<br />
a welcome aboard party, 24 hours of non stop food, full casino, captain's<br />
cocktail and gala dinner party, stage shows, seaside theatre and, of course ,<br />
great polka parties plus more. For more information, contact Bob Wojtowicz<br />
at 413-665-2485.<br />
The Annual National Button Box Accordion Festival sponsored by the<br />
Bessemeer Croatian Blub and Otter Creek Enterprises will take place on Memorial<br />
Day weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 28, 29, 30 at the<br />
Croatian Club, 601 E. Poland Ave., Bessemer, PA. Three great fun-filled days<br />
of music and dancing with a concert program on Sunday. All types of accordions<br />
will be welcomed as well as all types of ethnic music (Czech, Polish,<br />
Slovenian, Croatian, Italian, Swiss, German, Austrian, Slovak, Russian and<br />
more). For more information contact Paul Mirkovich at 724-813-0530 or Rone<br />
Pivovar at 724-588-3786. Check out their website at www.nationalbuttonaccordionfestival.com.<br />
David Raccis of Wilbraham, MA was the recipient of the Freddy K Jr. Scholarship<br />
Award for 2009. He accepted a check for $1,000. David is an accomplished<br />
guitar player, he plays bass,electric and acoustic guitar and is<br />
currently a member of the Foul Play Band. As a young child he was surrounded<br />
by polka music and at the young age of three months was on his first<br />
polka road trip. David's mother was a member of the Polka Star Dancers<br />
along with her two sisters and brother. His father Dave is a member Chicago<br />
Push along with his uncle, the leader of the band, Lenny Gomulka. David is<br />
currently attending Holyoke Community College and has an "A" average. He<br />
has been accepted at the University of Massachusetts. Applications for the<br />
2010 Scholarship award are now being accepted. Applicants must be high<br />
school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited college and play a<br />
musical instrument. Anyone who is interested in applying for the scholarship<br />
award can contact the Scholarship Committee at: The Freddy K Jr. Scholarship<br />
Fund, 50 Totten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.<br />
Since 1774, an inn has operated on a hallowed piece of land in Poland<br />
Springs, Maine, and the water that oozes out the ground from natural springs<br />
is a household word, Poland Spring! You know you're in for something special<br />
as you proceed up the long driveway to the hotel and pass a sign that<br />
says "Stress Free Zone." Poland Spring Resort's biggest recreational draw is<br />
it's Donald Ross designed, 18 hole championship golf course which Golf Digest<br />
rated as being a 2006/2007 "Best Place To Play.'' And now Poland Resort<br />
will hold their 1st Polka Weekend, July 23-25. Entertainment on Friday<br />
and Saturday will be provided by The <strong>Easter</strong>n Sound ( voted best polka band<br />
in New Hampshire!) Enjoy a delicious Polish buffet and more. For more information<br />
cal toll free 1-866-998-4358.<br />
The "Zembruski Polish Eagle Show" was started by well known band<br />
leader Victor Zembruski and his wife Sophie in 1935 in CT. In 1969 Sophie<br />
took over the program on her own until last year when health issues forced<br />
her to turn over the mike to her daughter, Lauretta. The program is in its 75th<br />
year of continued broadcasting on commercial radio, which may make it the<br />
longest running polka show on radio, with Sophie being involved in 74 of<br />
those years. She is celebrating her 92nd birthday in April. I started my polka<br />
radio career with Victor and Sophie in 1970 when as a college student I engineered<br />
their Sunday radio show on WADS in my home town of Ansonia, CT.<br />
The change made in Grammy categories did not bode well for polka<br />
bands. The winner in the Best Traditional Folk Music category was Louden<br />
Wainwright III, shutting Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra out of an award for the<br />
first time in many years.<br />
Looking for a list of Dana recordings and have yet to find one? A list has<br />
been posted at a previously defunct website, so if anyone wants to check it<br />
out, it is at http://txteldata.com. Albums cannot be ordered directly from the<br />
site, but a correct title may help find one elsewhere.<br />
Members of the Polka Hall of Fame in attendance to the 5th Annual benefit dance<br />
at the Ludlow, MA PACC held in March. Bottom row: Billy Belina, Fred Bulinski,<br />
Dennis Polisky, Larry Chesky, Lenny Gomulka. Top row: International Polka Association<br />
President Dave Ulczycki, Freddie "K" Kendzierski, Mike Matousek,<br />
Jimmy Weber, Eddie Forman, Jackie Libera.<br />
Sunnybrook in Pottstown, PA, presents Polka Gala 2 at the beautiful, historic<br />
Sunnybrook Ballroom, East High St. & Sunnybrook Road, Sunday May 2,<br />
2010. There will be a continuous music from noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunnybrook<br />
Ballroom is a National Historic Site and has been refurbished to the beautiful<br />
ballroom that it was in the late 1930s and 40s. It offers a large wooden dance<br />
floor and plenty of seating to enjoy your favorite Polish food and beverages.<br />
For tickets call Sunnybrook Ballroom at 484-624-5186, Janet Osuch at 610-<br />
326-2915 or Dolly Kubasco at 570-655-0760. Visit their website at www.sunnybrookballroom.net.<br />
The 2010 annual Spring Polka & Music Festival will be held Sunday April<br />
11 at the White Oak American Legion Halll, Pennsylvania Ave., White Oak<br />
(McKeesport), 15 minutes from Pittsburgh. The event will feature Henny &<br />
The Versa J's, Ray Jay & The Carousels, Western Pennsylvania's Concertina<br />
Band and Li'l John & The ATM Band, along with many surprise guest musicians,<br />
polka DJs and celebrities. Everything gets underway at noon with<br />
dancing from 1:00-8:00 p.m. There will be free level parking, food, beverages<br />
and prizes. For more information call Michael Hakos toll free at 1-866-657-<br />
0671.<br />
Finally attended the fifth annual IPA Benefit Dance at the Ludlow, MA.,<br />
PACC and again this dance was a big success. Dennis Polisky & The Maestro's<br />
Men, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push and Eddie Forman Orchestra did<br />
a great job with their great music. It was another sell-out crowd. Many Polka<br />
Hall of Famers attended (see picture). Can't wait for next year.<br />
That's it for this month, until next time, take care and God Bless and remember<br />
we are all family, all one big polka family.<br />
God Bless Poland and God Bless America!<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 24
POL- AM NEWS<br />
NEWS BRIEFS FROM POLAND<br />
POLISH MEDALS<br />
Polish cross country ski champion Justyna Kowalczyk,<br />
27, won silver in the individual sprint at the<br />
Vancouver Winter Olympics on February 17. She<br />
then took third place for the bronze in the 15km<br />
race on February 19. This was her second medal<br />
in Vancouver. Then, on February 27, the 16th day<br />
of the Olympics, Kowalczyk narrowly surpassed a<br />
Norwegian competitor by .03 second to win the<br />
gold in the 30km mass start cross-country race<br />
with a magnificent effort as they crossed the finish<br />
line. The spectacular victory presented Poland<br />
with its first gold for a woman in Winter Olympics,<br />
giving Kowalczyk a full set of gold, silver and<br />
bronze in 2010.<br />
Adam Malysz took second place in ski jumping on<br />
the normal hill for the silver on February 13, 2010,<br />
falling short of earning his first Olympic gold. He<br />
jumped 103.5m and 105m in his two tries. The 32-<br />
year-old Pole is a four-time individual world champion,<br />
a four-time overall World Cup winner and<br />
took bronze on the normal hill in 2002. Malysz<br />
also came in second in the large hill ski jump competition<br />
on February 20, 2010, at the Winter<br />
Olympics in Vancouver, jumping 137m and<br />
133.5m in the two rounds. The silver medal<br />
awarded at Whistler Olympic Park, where the ski<br />
jumping competition took place, is the fourth<br />
Olympic medal in Malysz’s career and his second<br />
in Vancouver. He took home a silver and bronze<br />
from the Games in Salt Lake City in 2002.<br />
It was a surprise to many sports analysts when<br />
Polish skaters won another bronze, taking third<br />
place in the team pursuit during a race with the<br />
U.S. team on February 27, a day before the<br />
Olympics would end. The team was composed of<br />
Katarzyna Wozniak, Katarzyna (Wojcicka) Bachleda-Curus<br />
and Luiza Zlotkwowski.<br />
Poland’s six medal tally this year is the best performance<br />
ever by Polish athletes in the Winter<br />
Olympics. Poland won two medals in 2006 and<br />
two in 2002. In 1972, Wojciech Fortuna trumped<br />
Malysz’s achievements by winning Poland’s only<br />
gold medal in the games, in the large hill ski jump.<br />
Poland also won two medals in 1960 and one in<br />
1956.<br />
SIBERIA DEPORTATIONS<br />
ON ANIMATED FILM<br />
Polish organizations across the country received<br />
preliminary information in February, 2010,<br />
about a new animated film, “A Trip to Nowhere,” a<br />
30-minute documentary about the deportations of<br />
Poles to Siberia during WWII and the political<br />
events surrounding that time in history.<br />
Spearheaded by the Polish Ladies Auxiliary of<br />
Seattle, this film is intended to fulfill a lifelong<br />
promise made by the ladies themselves to bring<br />
this tragic and secret part of history to the forefront.<br />
Afraid to discuss their pasts until the early<br />
1990s, the ladies share their stories of survival,<br />
courage and heartbreak through candid interviews<br />
and vivid, animated recreations.<br />
Created by deportation survivors, the film is intended<br />
to engage a variety of age groups. Thus<br />
far, there have been successful screenings on the<br />
East Coast and Seattle. The producers look forward<br />
to making a DVD and illustrated book available<br />
to Polish organizations for purchase,<br />
fund-raising and private screenings in Spring,<br />
2010. Both film and book will be available in Polish<br />
or English.<br />
The film was written, directed and illustrated by<br />
Shannon Hart-Reed. It was produced by Grazyna<br />
Balut Ostrom & Martha Golubiec.<br />
Additional information can be obtained at<br />
or by e-mail to<br />
.<br />
CHOPINʼS 200TH<br />
The 200th anniversary of Fryderyk [Frederick]<br />
Chopin’s birth is being celebrated all over the<br />
world and the following are just some highlights.<br />
The of Chopin’s music are reverberating from the<br />
chateau of his French lover to Egypt’s pyramids<br />
and even into space.<br />
“Fryderyk Chopin is a Polish icon,” said Andrzej<br />
Sulek, director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in<br />
Warsaw. “In Polish culture there is no other figure<br />
who is as well-known in the world and who represents<br />
Polish culture so well.”<br />
Historical sources suggest two possible dates of<br />
Chopin’s birth, either February 22, as noted in<br />
church records, or March 1, which was mentioned<br />
in letters between him and his mother and is considered<br />
the more probable date. Since no one is<br />
sure, Poland and other nations marked both. A series<br />
of concerts in Warsaw and Zelazowa Wola,<br />
the composer’s birthplace, took place over the intervening<br />
eight days featuring such world-class<br />
musicians as Daniel Barenboim, Evgeny Kissin,<br />
Garrick Ohlsson, Martha Argerich and Krystian<br />
Zimerman.<br />
A marathon 171-hour concert of Chopin's music<br />
tuned up in Warsaw February 22. More than 250<br />
musicians and singers played night and day over<br />
the 171 hours spanning the gap between the two<br />
possible birth dates. Over the week spanning February<br />
22 to March 1, the Warsaw Philharmonic<br />
also held daily concerts devoted to Chopin.<br />
The astronauts who blasted into orbit on the Endeavor<br />
space shuttle February 8 carried with them<br />
a CD of Chopin’s music and a copy of a manuscript<br />
of his “Prelude Opus 28, No. 7,” gifts from<br />
the Polish government. The Endeavor commander,<br />
George Zamka, who has Polish roots,<br />
told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) ahead of his<br />
trip to the International Space Station that listening<br />
to Chopin in space would enhance the majesty<br />
of the cosmos.<br />
Chopin was the theme of the annual traditional<br />
ball at Vienna’s State Opera held February 12,<br />
2010, and broadcast by Austrian Television. Ballet<br />
stars from Warsaw and Vienna danced to<br />
Chopin’s “Scherzo in B minor” performed by the<br />
Polish pianist Krzysztof Jablonski, a prizewinner<br />
at the Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in<br />
1985. Jablonski also performed Chopin’s “Waltz in<br />
D flat major,” accompanied by students of the<br />
Opera’s Ballet School.<br />
The London Symphony Orchestra performed in<br />
the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall on February 16,<br />
and, of course, added Chopin’s “Piano Concerto<br />
in F minor” to its program. Sixty one year-old<br />
American pianist Emanuel Ax was soloist. He was<br />
born in Lviv [Lwow] and as a boy lived in Warsaw<br />
with his parents for two years. The concert was<br />
organized by the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute<br />
and the Beethoven Association.<br />
London’s Kings Place hosted a series of events<br />
and concerts exploring the legacy of Fryderyk<br />
Chopin, concluding on March 13. The series, entitled<br />
“Chopin Unwrapped,” focused on a composer<br />
who, as the event’s website says, “possessed an<br />
unrivaled knowledge of the piano and its possibilities,<br />
was a great innovator, and exercised a decisive<br />
influence on composers […] well into the 20th<br />
century.” The event included Chopin’s complete<br />
solo piano works in a series of ten recitals.<br />
After having spent the first 20 years of his life in<br />
his homeland, Chopin left just before the November<br />
1830 Polish Insurrection against Tsarist Russia.<br />
Initially he lived in Vienna before moving to<br />
Paris, where he died at the age of 39 on October<br />
17, 1849.<br />
US TROOPS IN POLAND<br />
The New Poland Express reports that American<br />
soldiers could soon be calling Poland home after<br />
President Lech Kaczynski ratified an agreement<br />
allowing for the deployment of US troops on Polish<br />
soil.<br />
Under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)<br />
up to 100 American servicemen and women, the<br />
first foreign forces to be based in Poland since the<br />
departure of the Red Army in the early 1990s, will<br />
come to Poland next month in order to man a battery<br />
of Patriot missiles.<br />
The presence of the missiles have raised concerns<br />
in Russia, especially as they will be located<br />
about 100 kilometers from the Russian border, although<br />
Bogdan Klich, Poland’s defense minister,<br />
has said the location has “no strategic or political<br />
significance”.<br />
Russian grumbling and unease over the presence<br />
of US troops right next door could also increase<br />
after the Polish government decided to agree to<br />
the stationing of US interceptor missiles as part of<br />
new missile shield designed to ward off attack<br />
from “rogue states”.<br />
The Polish government has said that it accepted<br />
the “signing of a protocol modifying the accord<br />
signed by the Polish and American governments<br />
on the installation on our territory of anti-ballistic<br />
missile interceptors concluded in Warsaw on August<br />
20, 2008.”<br />
Warsaw stressed that “in line with the new concept,<br />
the system is primarily to guard against Iranian<br />
short and medium range missiles by using<br />
existing defense systems.”<br />
The new system replaces the original Bush-era<br />
missile shield envisaged in the agreement, which<br />
was cancelled by President Barrack Obama after<br />
fierce criticism from Moscow, which had condemned<br />
it as security threat.<br />
Prepared and Distributed by the Polonia<br />
Media Network and other sources.<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 25
POL-AM NEWS<br />
Grandparents, Parents, Brothers,<br />
Sisters, Aunts and Uncles!<br />
polish yourPolish<br />
HOLIDAYS<br />
święta<br />
m, n, f denotes male, neuter,<br />
female; hh is like ch in loch<br />
THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY OR GRADUATION GIFT,<br />
THE GIFT OF LOVE!<br />
Check Out The PFA Juvenile Term Rates!<br />
Juvenile Term-Single Premium for each $10,000 Increments:<br />
święta państwowe<br />
(SHWYEN-tah piyn-STVOH-veh)<br />
Nowy Rok (NOH-vih rohk)<br />
Wielkanoc (vyehl-KAH-nohts)<br />
public holidays<br />
New Year’s Day<br />
<strong>Easter</strong><br />
drugi dzień Wielkiej Nocy Second day of <strong>Easter</strong><br />
[<strong>Easter</strong> Monday]<br />
(DRUH-ghee djayn WYEHL-kay NOH-tsih)<br />
Święto Pracy Labor Day [May 1]<br />
(SHFYEHN-toh PRAH-tsih)<br />
Dzień Flagi Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej<br />
Flag Day of the Polish Republic<br />
(djayn FLAH-ghee zhehch-ih-pohs-POH-lee-tay POHL-skay)<br />
Contact John Denning National sale/Marketing Director at<br />
1-800-535-2071 for more information.<br />
Uniontown Announces<br />
Constitution Celebration<br />
The Polish Heritage Club of Uniontown, PA will once again<br />
sponsor an annual observance of the Polish Constitution<br />
of May 3rd, 1791, at St. Joseph Church, off Old Walnut Hill<br />
Road, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Doctor Lawrence<br />
Hoppe will deliver a bi-lingual homily before the Rosary<br />
Walk including the icon of our Lady of Czestochowa and<br />
concluding with benediction. Participants will gather in the<br />
lower level of the church for the cultural segment including<br />
folk singing, Polish foods, live music and a screening of<br />
the film Katyn. PFA National President, Druh Tim Kuzma,<br />
will deliver the keynote address. Local Polonia and PFA<br />
Members are urged to attend and promote this first Democratic<br />
Constitution in Europe, which was modeled after the<br />
American Constitution of 1783. the Rev. Canon Joseph L.<br />
Sredzinski serves as Club Chaplain.<br />
Święto Konstytucji Trzeciego Maja<br />
Constitution Day<br />
(SHFYEHN-toh kohn-stih-TUH-tsyee [May 3]<br />
tcheh-CHEH-goh MY-yah)<br />
Boże Ciało<br />
(BOH-zheh CHAH-woh)<br />
Corpus Christi<br />
[in May or June]<br />
Wniebowzięcie Assumption [Aug. 15]<br />
(vnyeh-boh-VZEHN-cheh)<br />
Wszystkich Świętych All Saints Day [Nov. 1]<br />
(VSHIHST-keech SHVYEHN-tihch)<br />
Święto Niepodległości Independence Day<br />
(SHFYEHN-toh nyeh-pohd-lehg-WOHSH-chee)<br />
[Nov. 11]<br />
Boże Narodzenia<br />
Christmas<br />
(BOH-zheh nah-roh-DZEH-nyah)<br />
drugi dzień Bożego Narodzenia<br />
Second day of Christmas<br />
(DRUH-ghee djayn boh-ZHEH nah-roh-DZEH-nyah)<br />
Prepared and distributed by the Polonia Media Network<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 26
MEMBER NEWS<br />
MEMBER INDUCTED<br />
Member Joseph A. Narkiewicz has received<br />
the high honor of being inducted into<br />
the Florida Housing Hall of Fame. He recently<br />
retired after having served 30 years as<br />
the Executive Vice President of the Pasco<br />
Building Association and the Tampa Bay<br />
Builders Association. He was recognized by<br />
the Florida Home Builders Association as a<br />
model of professional dedication and personal<br />
devotion to the housing industry. He<br />
earned the respect of members and peers for his unparalleled excellence<br />
in association management, government relations, communications,<br />
membership growth and leadership development.<br />
During his career, he donated many hours to serving on governmental<br />
advisory committees as well as numerous community functions. Prior<br />
to becoming involved in association management, he was involved in<br />
city planning for both public and private agencies.<br />
Although he has lived in Florida for 40 years, Narkiewicz spent his<br />
youth in Beaver Falls, PA as an active member of PFA Nest 318. He has<br />
been married to Sally for 45 years and they reside in Lutz. They have<br />
three grown children: Leslie, Meredith, and Rick and two grandchildren,<br />
Cole and Chase.<br />
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT<br />
FOR ALL NESTS<br />
PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 2010<br />
Please fill out the appropriate forms and return them by the15th of the following<br />
month to National Headquarters, you can also use the website to turn in<br />
your information. This site can be reached at www.polishfalcons.org/participationprogram<br />
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at<br />
pfavp2@yahoo.com.<br />
Note: Only insured Members of the Polish Falcons of America are eligible to<br />
participate in this program. Maximum reimbursement at the Nest Level is<br />
$600 per year.<br />
Remember:<br />
1. When filling out your form please remember that only Insured Members<br />
count.<br />
2. Please list Exact dates and number of insured members participating.<br />
3. Please provide a description of any Social Event, Charitable Event, Educational<br />
Event as well as any Other Event that you submit for consideration.<br />
4. Please include your name, phone, email and contact information for<br />
any questions I may have.<br />
5. You will receive a bonus for turning your form online.<br />
I will email your form back to you for verification. I don’t want to miss any<br />
information you have sent in. If you have any questions please contact me<br />
at pfavp2@yahoo.com or my cell is 574-876-4581.<br />
Editorial Policy<br />
The Editorial Staff of the Sokol Polski reserves<br />
the right to edit, modify or refuse submissions<br />
as needed. All submissions are the opinions<br />
of their creator(s). Electronic submissions are<br />
preferred and requested via email at:<br />
communications@polishfalcons.org<br />
The Editorial Staff is not responsible for any<br />
errors made in transcribing<br />
hand-written or hard-copy submissions.<br />
Deadlines are the first Tuesday of each<br />
month. Submissions received after the deadline<br />
will be considered for the next edition.<br />
Exceptions to the deadline must be arranged<br />
in advance with the Editor. Please note: Electronic<br />
photos are preferred; mailed, hard copy<br />
photos are also welcome. Because of their<br />
poor quality, we cannot use photos printed on<br />
home printers.<br />
Czolem,<br />
Druh Bobby Joe Gorny<br />
Second Vice President<br />
SWEET NEW MEMBERS.....<br />
Nest 907 welcomes its newest<br />
Member, Madline Zaworski.<br />
Madeline joins her cousin, Sophie<br />
Zaworski, in being a fifth-generation<br />
Falcon. Their great-greatgrandmother,<br />
Franciszka<br />
Skowronska, was one of the<br />
charter Members of Nest 907,<br />
which will be celebrating it's 75th<br />
Anniversary this year.<br />
Sto Lat, Madeline!<br />
We Want To Hear<br />
From YOU!<br />
Let us know what is happening in your<br />
Nest or District so we can<br />
publish it in the SOKÓŁ POLSKI. Please<br />
email your articles and photos to:<br />
communications@polishfalcons.org<br />
Mailing address:<br />
Polish Falcons of America, 381 Mansfield<br />
Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-<br />
2751<br />
Deadline: First Tuesday of<br />
each month.<br />
Nest 811 in New Britain,<br />
Connecticut, welcomes a<br />
new Member, Alexandra<br />
Czyz, born September 1,<br />
2009. Alexandra is the<br />
daughter of Margaret and<br />
Jerry Czyz and the granddaughter<br />
of Donna and Fred<br />
Depa. Witamy!<br />
SOKÓŁ POLSKI—POLISH FALCON APRIL 2010 PAGE 27
SOKÓŁ POLSKI<br />
POLISH FALCON<br />
381 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2751<br />
April 2010 No. 4<br />
Periodicals Postage<br />
Paid In Pittsburgh,<br />
Pennsylvania<br />
USP 500-640<br />
HAPPY EASTER!<br />
WWW.POLISHFALCONS.ORG<br />
OUR RESEARCH INDICATES THAT FOUR OUT OF THE FIVE PEOPLE<br />
SURVEYED HAD A MELTDOWN WHEN THEY FILED THEIR INCOME TAX.<br />
THE FIFTH GUY EITHER HAD<br />
A FALCONS TAX DEFERRED<br />
4.75% PREFERRED ANNUITY<br />
- OR WON THE LOTTERY<br />
- MAYBE BOTH!<br />
LET US SHOW YOU HOW OUR FALCON PREFERRED ANNUITY CAN HELP YOU TAKE A BITE OUT OF<br />
YOUR TAXES BEFORE THE TAXMAN TAKES A BITE OUT OF YOU. FOR INFORMATION, CALL JOHN<br />
DENNING, NATIONAL SALES/MARKETING DIRECTOR AT 1-800-535-2071.<br />
The Polish Falcons of America<br />
The Strong Family Friendly Fraternal