WELCOME SEPTEMBER! Bridging summer warmth and autumn’s crisp air, September brings a season of renewal. It invites us to reflect, reset intentions, and embrace beautiful transitions. You could say that about each month or season, but by September, students are definitely back in school, and the leisurely lifestyle of summer is over. We wish all our PRCUA dance and language schools as well as all students a wonderful new school year! Make this a September to remember…I know I will.
This summer was a whirlwind of motion, music, and heritage for three of our Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) adult ensembles. Leaving their daily routines behind, Wesoły Lud, Echoes of Poland, and Polonia crossed the Atlantic to take the stage at the prestigious XX International Festival of Polonian Ensembles in Rzeszów, Poland. For these dancers, the journey was less of a first-time visit and more of a homecoming. Each group carried a deep legacy back to the Rzeszów stage, led by Wesoły Lud with an incredible 14th appearance, making them the most frequent participant among all those in attendance at the 2026 festival. The gravity of this milestone was felt deeply on Sunday, July 19, during a solemn Holy Mass at the Rzeszów Cathedral, where alum and PRCUA National Director Andrew Lech, alongside dancer Karolina Kroplewski, stepped forward to accept a special honor on behalf of the ensemble – a bronze statue of Jan Pakosławiec of Strożysk, the legendary founder of Rzeszów. Keeping the tradition of excellence alive, Paulina Tul-Ortyl led Echoes of Poland back for their 12th festival, while Jaclyn Krysinski’s Polonia marked their 6th chapter of bringing their signature energy to Polish soil. The grand celebration officially began on Friday, July 17, as the streets of Rzeszów came alive with color, rhythm, and pride. A massive parade wound its way through the city, culminating in a spectacular opening at the historic Market Square. With the festival underway, the weekend became a beautiful blur of travel and performance. The groups balanced their time between the grand stages of Rzeszów’s Market Square and regional towns eager to welcome them. Under the direction of Richard Jaminski, Wesoły Lud traveled to Nowa Dęba to share their craft, while Polonia brought its choreography to Albigowa, and Echoes of Poland took the stage to a warm reception in Mielec. It was a historic summer of connection, proving once again that the roots of Polish folk dance run deep across generations and borders.
The Gala Concert served as a magnificent showcase of short dance performances, vocal recitals, and dramatic presentations delivered by 27 participating ensembles and three guest groups. The segments were seamlessly connected by historical facts and group introductions displayed on overhead teleprompters. The spectacular finale of the five-hour event concluded with a performance of the song, “I Love Rzeszów!” To fully appreciate the profound enthusiasm, energy, and spirit of the Rzeszów Festival, viewing the event is highly recommended. (The broadcast can be found via Koncert Galowy “Przez świat do Rzeszowa” zakończył Festiwal Polonijny on Czytaj Rzeszów or the TVP3 Rzeszów coverage on YouTube).
Prior to the Rzeszów Festival, members of Wesoły Lud traveled to Paris. The delegation included Richard, District 8 Director Elizabeth Dynowski, granddaughters Ariana and Mila, and myself. Despite dry heat and temperatures reaching the 90s, the group completed an intensive four-day sightseeing itinerary. Key excursions included a tour of Versailles, a river cruise, and visits to such iconic landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral by bus and on foot. The itinerary concluded with a visit to both parks at Disneyland Paris, fulfilling the goal of creating an exceptional and memorable experience for all participants. “A dream is a wish your heart makes…” And my wish came true.
Between the visits to Paris and Rzeszów, the group made a brief stop in Kraków. Mr. Marek Patecki of the Centrum Macierz Polonii graciously hosted Wesoły Lud and the Akademia Białego Orła from Montreal. Festival Ambassador Anna Sokołowski was also in attendance. The two ensembles delivered a joint performance on the first day, followed by a dedicated photo session and sightseeing tour of Kraków on the second day. Sincere appreciation is extended to our host for organizing a deeply memorable engagement.
Following the conclusion of the Rzeszów Festival, the Polonia Ensemble journeyed to Bulgaria to participate in the Nestiya Black Sea Pearls Festival. During the tour, the group visited the cities of Sveti Vlas, Pomorie, and Nessebar, sampled local cuisine, and spent some well-earned time relaxing at the beach.
Upon returning from Europe, I was delighted by the success of the PRCUA National Golf Tournament, hosted by Stan Pasko (President of PRCUA Society 162). Check out page 8 to read the recap and see highlights from our golfers, hosts, and officers. Thank you to Stan, his team, and Fraternal Coordinator Conrad Wiecek for a job well done. I missed connecting with you at this final tournament of my term, but I knew you were in great hands.
Meanwhile, the Home Office successfully launched our first-ever virtual PRCUA Quadrennial Convention on August 8. Full details are featured in this issue of Naród Polski. I want to recognize our staff and committees for their heroic preparation, and congratulate Agnes, Julie, and the incoming board of directors: Michael Dykla, Kristi Mihalic, Chris Ozog, Stan Pasko, Basia Toboy, and returning third-term members Elizabeth Dynowski and Myron Cislo.
Baby News: We are thrilled to welcome two new bundles of joy to our PRCUA family! Drs. Katarzyna (Rogala) and Bart Jacher are the proud parents of their second son, Daniel Philip, who made a grand entrance on August 7—sharing a birthday with his Babcia, Teresa Rogala! Daniel arrived weighing a healthy 9 lbs. 3 oz. and measuring 21 inches long. Just two days later, on August 9, Everly Patrese arrived at 8:37 p.m. to her very excited parents, Monica and Jeff Reiser. Everly weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz. and was 18-1/2 inches long. First-time grandparents Babcia Teresa and Dziadzia Wacek Pazdziora are absolutely over the moon! Congratulations to both beautiful families. Welcome to the world, Everly and Daniel! We look forward to welcoming you into the PRCUA as soon as possible—your parents are already predicting you will be partners at the Southwest Center of Polish Song and Dance and someday, Wesoły Lud where your mommies danced.
Our hearts and prayers are with members of our PRCUA community who have recently lost loved ones.
Richard and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Paulina Ortyl (Artistic Director of Echoes of Poland) on the sudden passing of her beloved husband, Raymond (86), on July 4. Paulina and Raymond shared a beautiful marriage of 58 years and were blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. (Raymond’s obituary was featured in the August issue of Naród Polski). May he rest in eternal peace.
We also send our deepest sympathies to past District 5 Director Mitchell Bienia on the passing of his beloved wife, Krystyna (82), and to Stella Konopacki on the passing of her beloved husband, Chester (97). In a poignant coincidence, both Krystyna and Chester passed away on August 18. Mitchell and Krystyna Bienia have been deeply involved in the PRCUA, the Polish American Congress (PAC), and the broader Cleveland Polish community for many years. Married for 50 golden years, the Bienias have two daughters and three grandsons. Chester and Stella Konopacki, married for 55 years, belong to PRCUA Society 880 and are the pillars of a 100% PRCUA family. They have been familiar, welcoming faces at Chicagoland PRCUA events, especially watching three of their sons (Stanley, Ted, and Peter) dance with the Southwest Center of Polish Song & Dance and Wesoły Lud, and watching their granddaughter, Cinderella 2026 Ruby Konopacki, participate as a Candidate in the Cinderella-Prince Charming Ball. Chester leaves behind a beautiful legacy including 8 children (two of whom preceded him in death), 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Memorials for both Krystyna and Chester are included in this issue of Naród Polski. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
August came to a lovely close with the weddings of three Wesoły Lud members all on the same day, August 22nd. Two you will no doubt remember as our Bowlers of the Year from the PRCUA Bowling Tournament this year. Weronika Niedzielski is now Mrs. Mitchell Gajda. They and the other beautiful bride, Anna Cieplucha (now Mrs. David Waligora) have been PRCUA members since very young, attending either the Southwest Center of Polish Song & Dance or Polanie Dancers of the St. John Paul II Polish School, and later, Wesoły Lud. Best wishes to all the happy couples and their families!
While on the subject of marriage, we send warm August anniversary wishes to everyone celebrating their special days. This includes our current and former PRCUA First Families: Agnieszka and Daniel Bastrzyk, Ed and Loretta Dykla, and Joe and Judy Drobot. We also congratulate Danielle and Rob Kroplewski on an incredible 20 years together, alongside the Lech, Pazdziora, Bomba, and Jaminski couples. In a special way, we also honor the beautiful, lasting August marriages of Joann Ozog and Barbara Rustik. Though their beloved soulmates, former President Wally Ozog and former District Director Jim Rustik, have passed away, we celebrate the enduring love and legacy they built together.
The PRCUA looks forward to its upcoming Inaugural Mass which will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Parish in Chicago on September 13, with light refreshments to follow in the PMA Great Hall at the PRCUA Headquarters. All are warmly welcome to attend and join us in fellowship.
Closing the Door, Opening the Heart: A Twelve-Year Journey
Twelve years ago, I entered the Home Office of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America guided by a profound sense of responsibility, a lifelong love for our heritage, and a clear vision: to keep our doors wide open. My goal was to welcome new ideas, embrace emerging generations, and foster a vibrant spirit of fraternal camaraderie. Together, we have done more than just preserve our history over these twelve years—we have actively secured its future.
My connection to you through these pages began in October 2014 with my very first Naród Polski column. I wrote then about “opening my door” just as my predecessor “closed her window”. This column became a living embodiment of that open door, ensuring every member remained connected to the heart of our organization. Documenting your milestones, celebrations, and successes has been an absolute honor; collectively, these articles form a cherished diary permanently woven into my memory. Thank you for welcoming me into your local celebrations, listening to my ideas, and sharing your stories with me.
In our beloved fraternal benefit society, time is measured not by the calendar, but by shared joy, community milestones, and preserved traditions. My own PRCUA journey began fifty years ago when I first taught Polish folk dance to the Adult Culture Group. That spark led to founding the Wesoły Lud Polish Folk Dance Company (1977) and the Southwest Center of Polish Song and Dance (1985).
I am forever grateful to early mentors like Regina Ocwieja (later Vice President) and Martha Kwiatt (then District Director), alongside many champions in District 8. My affinity for detail and historical accuracy naturally led me to serve as District 8 Treasurer and Archivist. Ultimately, encouraged by my predecessor Anna Sokolowski and my greatest supporter, Richard Jaminski, I transitioned into the role of PRCUA Vice President in 2014. This position perfectly leveraged my existing skills while challenging me to develop them even further in order to give back to the organization that opened the door to opportunity.
When I first took office, we set out with a bold vision: to modernize the PRCUA by bridging our rich traditions with a contemporary approach to growth. Together, we transformed our historic society. Despite facing shifting market competition, we remained fiercely loyal to our mission, securing financial peace of mind and deepening member engagement to ensure our continued relevance in a changing world.
We brought that vision to life by establishing a professional marketing department. This effort was anchored early on by Agnieszka Bastrzyk as Marketing Director. As she advanced to Executive Officer, we welcomed Elżbieta Sawczuk, and today, Anne Moschopoulos carries that torch. Over the years, my own role evolved far beyond traditional fraternal outreach. By integrating business strategy with artistic creativity, we built a unified powerhouse combining sales, strategic marketing, and professional publications. We achieved this by placing highly qualified individuals in key leadership roles. In addition to the aforementioned, Conrad Wiecek as Fraternal Coordinator, Marge Grzeszczuk as Sales Coordinator (Michael Dziadkowiec 2020-22), and Lidia Kowalewicz continuing as Naród Polski Editor.
Together, we celebrated our 150th anniversary in great style. We revolutionized how we continue to share this history. We ensured that our financial products, cultural heritage, and member benefits resonate across generations—a feat made possible in large part by the exceptional graphic designs of Lisa Terlecki and, for the last four years, Elizabeth Dziadulewicz.
True leadership is never achieved alone; every success we celebrate today is a shared victory for our entire fraternal family. My deepest gratitude goes to my fellow Executive Officers, our devoted Board of Directors, and the exceptional home office staff who keep our operations strong behind the scenes. Special thanks to Kevin Ryba, our IT Director extraordinaire. I am also elated to watch our next generation of leaders—including our very first woman President, Agnieszka Bastrzyk, and Secretary-Treasurer Julie Prado—build upon this modern foundation and lead us to even greater heights. Thank you for your unwavering trust, your partnership, and for giving me the greatest honor of my career.
Above all, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our members. For generations, PRCUA members have been the heart, soul, and driving force of our organization. Your local entities form the very bedrock of the PRCUA. We are more than a financial institution; we are a community built on tradition, trust, and shared values. We stay together in good and challenging times. Your faith, your hospitality, and your unwavering commitment to our mission have been my constant inspiration when challenges arose. May we continue to be loyal to our PRCUA and its mission for another 150 years!
To my loving husband Richard, my dedicated family, and my closest friends, thank you for being my pillars of strength. I love you all so much. [Happy 8th birthday, Cooper (8/26)! Happy 18th birthday, Cole (8/30)! Happy 60th birthday, Michael (9/16)!)
I was also filled with immense pride to have been able to proudly represent the PRCUA for 9 years, while serving as the treasurer of the Polish American Congress.
As I close this beautiful chapter of my life, my love for the PRCUA family remains as strong as ever. As the last in a distinguished line of vice presidents, I am filled with immense pride and hope for the future. The PRCUA stands on the threshold of a brilliant tomorrow, propelled by a renewed forward momentum, expert leadership, and true passion. Moving forward, I will continue to be your most passionate cheerleader, an active participant, and a steadfast sister in faith and heritage. Thank you for the extraordinary privilege of serving as your vice president for twelve unforgettable years.
May God’s choicest blessings rest upon you, your families, and our cherished Polish Roman Catholic Union of America.
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