June is open for business so step into the sunshine, chase the extra daylight, and enjoy the happiness that starts right now. So, what is your favorite pastime during the summer months? My most favorites are sitting on the deck in the early morning with Richard sipping my latte, going to the beach with the granddaughters, working in the garden, and hosting a family barbecue. For our PRCUA family, there’s the 40th Anniversary Concert of the Polonia Song and Dance Ensemble (6/7), the PMA Gala (6/12), PolishFest in Milwaukee (6/12-6/14) where PRCUA will be duly represented by both the Wesoły Lud and Zakopane Folk Dancers (6/13), the annual PRCUA Sacred Heart Mass (6/14), and Polish Heritage Night with the White Sox – Wesoły Lud will once again perform (6/23). Check the PRCUA Calendar for events in your vicinity and if none are planned, how about organizing one? “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try” (JFK) and “it’s only too late if you don’t start now” (Barbara Sher).
As PRCUA enters an exciting new era with our upcoming virtual convention, we hope that all eligible delegates will join the conversation with an open mind and that business-minded members who submitted applications are prepared to assume their places on the board of directors. As the PRCUA moves forward, we continue to encourage our local districts and societies to seize this unique opportunity for growth, innovation, and community inclusion. When Home Office and our local affiliates align their mission, there is no limit to what we can achieve. No problem we cannot solve. Let’s champion positive change and always be the solution.
The “merry, merry month of May” has passed, leaving behind a wealth of vibrant memories. Here in Chicago, May arrived in grand fashion with spectacular community celebrations honoring the historic Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791. The PRCUA Executive Committee proudly participated in the weekend’s premier events across Chicagoland. Activities kicked off with a meet and greet at the Polish Museum of America, as well as the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Gen. Tadeusz Kościuszko monument organized by the Polish National Alliance. The delegation also attended the traditional flag-raising program at the Daley Center, sponsored by the Alliance of Polish Clubs, followed by a reception hosted by Cook County Treasurer and Friend of Polonia, Maria Pappas; the annual Chicago Society Brunch and the “main event” the historic annual parade. Spiritually anchoring the celebrations, PRCUA President Agnieszka Bastrzyk participated in the inspiring Polonian Mass at Divine Mercy Polish Parish in Lombard, Illinois. This year’s festivities were further elevated by an esteemed international delegation from the Republic of Poland. The community was honored to welcome Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, and Władysław Ortyl, marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The distinguished entourage also included the vice president of the city of Rzeszów, Krystyna Stachowska, government representatives from Wrocław, and members of the world-renowned State Folk Ensemble of Song and Dance “Mazowsze.” The parade itself proved to be a massive triumph overall, but, closer to home, for the PRCUA. This year’s theme, “Happy Birthday, USA! One Spirit, Two Nations” was beautifully represented by our local Polish language schools and dance groups. In a spectacular showing, the Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School, led by Principal Ilona Sobiech, secured the “Best Float” award for an incredible fourth consecutive year. The Jan Karski Polish School, under the direction of Principal Marek Adamczyk, took home the title for “Best Marching Unit.” The PRCUA Adult Culture Group also shined brightly, featuring Cinderella Ruby Konopacki, Prince Charming Piotr Tumiel, and runners-up Zofia Kuzmiuk and Kevin Wenc. Joined by past and present PRCUA employees, alongside supporters of the Polish Museum of America, the turnout was a testament to our enduring community strength. Congratulations to all who participated with such enthusiasm – you are all definitely POLISH AND PROUD! I direct your attention to p. 1 and 8 for details and photos.
PRCUA Michigan dance groups again celebrated Polish Heritage Night with the Detroit Tigers at Comerica. Janet Vilag, who celebrated her 50th anniversary with the Rogalin Dance Troupe, and Donna Skurski, celebrating 55 years as a PRCUA choreographer—50 years with Opole—were specially honored (5/1). Details and many photos can be found on p.9.
Richard and I had the pleasure of attending the St. John Paul II Polish School graduation banquet (5/3).
PRCUA Dancers and families from three PRCUA dance ensembles—Halka, Zajączek, and Zakopane—recently united for their annual Join Hands spring clean-up at St. Albertus Parish (5/9). The volunteer effort holds deep cultural significance, as the historic parish is the birthplace of the PRCUA. By clearing debris and grooming the grounds, the multi-generational workforce helps preserve Detroit’s oldest Polish church. Such annual traditions ensure the landmark remains a vibrant monument to Polish American heritage, proving that community stewardship is just as vital as dance in keeping history alive. Note Celeste Grabowski’s smile of appreciation in the photo for the efforts of the volunteers. She serves as the secretary/director of the parish.
At its May 13 quarterly meeting, PRCUA District 8 unanimously approved a generous donation to support the Wesoły Lud Polish Folk Dance Company’s upcoming trip to the Rzeszów Festival. This international event marks the 14th festival appearance for the ensemble, serving as a historic maiden voyage for this festival for all the participating dancers. Led by President Krystyna Lech, the multi-generational volunteer group of PRCUA members successfully hosted the 2026 PRCUA National Bowling Tournament and is already planning to host the traditional opłatek event this December.
A cornerstone of the local graduation season, the annual Polish High School Graduation Mass was recently hosted by the Polish Teachers Association at St. Hyacinth’s Basilica in Chicago. This significant event, which I have referred to over the last twelve years, took place on May 17th. This year, 658 high school graduates from 40 Polish schools throughout the Chicago metropolitan area participated in the service. The uplifting Mass served as a formal celebration of gratitude, achievement, and well-wishes for the graduates’ future endeavors.Citing the words of the Polish Teachers Association, “As you step into adulthood, dear graduates, take with you your white-and-red hearts.”
On May 23, Richard and I attended a truly phenomenal wedding celebrating the union of Alina (Jambor) and Paweł Szeliga. Joined by 700 of their closest family and friends, the event was a masterclass in blending Polish tradition with modern celebration, complete with a lively poprawiny.The newlyweds represent two different Polish folk dance groups from two different states, having originally met at a global Polish folk dance festival. While some mistakenly view folk dancing as an outdated genre, it serves as the ultimate social network for young Polonians, building a global community tight knit enough to travel across the world for a wedding.The evening’s highlights took place on the dance floor. The groom’s ensemble, Wici from Chicago, opened with a vibrant dance suite from Rzeszów. Next, the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers from Minneapolis—joined by friends from various other groups (including PRCUA dancers) —performed a Żywiec mountain region suite. This spectacular performance was choreographed by the bride herself as the final exam for her graduation from the prestigious Polish choreographers’ course in Rzeszów. Her choreography beautifully revived the traditional oczepiny (unveiling) ceremony, followed by a magnificent Grand Polonaise that filled the hall with dancers and guests. (Thank you Michael Dziadkowiec for asking me to dance). The joyful atmosphere mirrored the spirit of the Rzeszów festival. Richard frequently reminds our dancers that competition only exists on the stage; off-stage, these festivals are where lifelong friendships are made. Warmest congratulations to Alina and Paweł on their marriage and for uniting so many dancers. For parents of PRCUA dancers, this celebration is a beautiful reminder: registering your children in a Polish folk dance group welcomes them into a lifelong community of heritage, joy, and connection.
May was also filled with many enjoying the spring-summer weather with friends in addition to First Holy Communions, graduations, weddings, and showers and we are never too busy to take the time to honor those veterans who died in service (Memorial Day). Special congratulations to Natalia Bastrzyk (daughter of PRCUA President Agnieszka and Daniel Bastrzyk) on her graduation from St. Celestine Grammar School (5/28). Have fun in high school and at the Cinderella-Prince Charming Ball!
Hope the May birthday babies and wedding anniversary couples celebrated in style (Happy 97th birthday, Chester Konopacki), and that those were born and wed in June, do the same. Special birthday wishes go to our granddaughter Mila Turkiewicz on her 9th birthday and PRCUA Graphic Artist Elizabeth Dziadulewicz – both on June 3rd, my sister Jeanine (6/7), Walter Dynowski on his 80th birthday (6/23), and the love of my life, Richard Jaminski (6/26). Sto lat to all celebrants! HAPPY JUNE! HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
