Gorąco witamy nowy miesiąc! August is a month of mixed feelings as we are sad that summer has passed the halfway mark and yet, anxiously anticipate the start of the new school year. The weather, which always has a mind of its own, continues to give us the impetus to enjoy our natural fitness centers – our gardens. Whether you toil in the soil – planting, replanting, weeding, mowing, trimming, etc.; simply relish the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor; or both, enjoying your outdoor space with family and friends. Technically, I just described for you my July. As stated in the previous issue of the Narod Polski, the much-anticipated XI International Festival of Polonian Children’s Ensembles in Iwonicz Zdrój did not occur, so the Jaminski’s remained in the comfort of their home with their beloved granddaughters, Ariana and Mila. Festival Director, Mariusz Grudzień, promises a greater possibility of the festival occurring in 2025. For Wesoły Ludek from the Southwest Center of Polish Song and Dance, Halka, Zajączek, Polanie, and Opole (possibly Gwiazda and Polonia also) that sounds like great news. It’s been 6 years since the last “Iwonicz Festival” and many children were disappointed that the Children’s Festival did not happen in 2021 because of Covid and now in 2024 because funding for organizing the event was not forthcoming. We cross our fingers for next year. For Mała Polonia and Gwiazda, alternate plans were made and in the end, Mr. Grudzien arranged for Mała Polonia to perform at the “Dni Iwonicza” in Poland and Jessica Urban arranged for her Gwiazda dancers to participate at two European festivals – one in Macedonia and another in Greece. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Opole made arrangements to perform at the Cheektowaga Polish Festival in New York. I personally cannot wait to read about all these groups’ adventures.
We are also crossing our fingers for the PRCUA Softball Tournament hosted by St. Rita’s Society 1368 in Warren, Michigan planned for August 16-17. With schools starting earlier and earlier, families want to arrange for last minute weekend vacations and the softball tournament suffers. Let us hope this year will be different.
To name a few of the upcoming Polish Festivals, check out the following: In Indiana, the end of July (26-28) marks the annual Pierogi Festival in Whiting (PRCUA Polonia Ensemble will be performing on Friday 4-6 pm and on Sunday 1-3 pm) with Kielbasa Fest on August 17 in East Chicago (PRCUA Wesoly Lud performing at 4:30 pm). The Dozynki Polish Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will be happening on August 23-25 – the PRCUA Malbork Dancers will be performing on the last day from 2-3 pm. Taste of Polonia at the Copernicus Center in Chicago will once again be happening Labor Day weekend starting August 30. The 58th Annual Polish American Family Festival and Country Fair is happening on August 31, September 1, 2, 7, and 8 on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Check your neck of the woods for Polish festivals in your area and celebration our rich Polish heritage!
Other than the annual Pre-Independence Day Employee lunch at the PRCUA and what I hope was a safe and fun Independence Day for all of you, July was a time for all of us at PRCUA to catch up on our work. But it was not without an intimate yet successful PRCUA National Golf Tournament, this year at the Golf Course at the beaufitul Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center in Oregon, Ohio on July 16-17. Hosted by the PRCUA Toledo Societies and chaired by VikkieJean Mixon, golfers from several states attended the event, as did President Robaczewski, National Directors Colleen Bonkowski (D-10), Elizabeth Sadus (D-9) and Tom Jesionowski (D-5), and yours truly with my husband, Richard. Congratulations to our Golf Champions in each category: Closest to the Pin: Mary Jane Favot, Sherry Okorowski, Randy Landfair, Chris Zajas; Longest Drive: Janice Dudek, Mary Jane Favot, Greg Wojciechowski, Richard Zabczynski; Ladies: Susan Kazmierczak, Jennifer Nowacki, Sherry Okorowski, Sandra Tyburski; Men: Jeremy Bezzo, Josef Chlebek, Christopher Zajas, Ronnie Zimmers; Mixed: Jennifer Bzura, Angela Hojnacki, Eric Turcsak, Steve Turcsak; Senior Mixed: Mary Jane Favot, Allan Salatowski, Carol Souva, Eugene Souva; and Senior Men: Gregory Brumo, Bernard Gauvin, Gregory Kendziorek, Joseph Paja.
St. Albertus Parish celebrated its 152nd Anniversary with its annual Mass and Picnic on July 14. The Very Rev. Canon Walter Ptak, PRCUA National Chaplain, officiated. Both National Directors from D-10, Colleen Bonkowski (and Brian) and Valerie Brumm, as well VP Emeritus Bob and Eleanor Bielenda, and past National Director Tommy Lisiecki attended the event. The PRCUA Zakopane Dancers (Colleen is the School Director and Tommy is the Choreographer) helped celebrate Mass – dressed in their beautiful Kraków costumes. After Mass, Zakopane performed a Polonez outside for all the people enjoying a picnic-style lunch. Photos courtesy of Colleen Bonkowski.
Belated anniversary wishes to Elaine and Jim Robaczewski (7/21). To those who celebrate wedded bliss in August, Happy Anniversary, especially to past PRCUA Presidents and their lovely wives – Ed and Loretta Dykla (#65), Wally and Joann Ozogs and Joe and Judy Drobot; Secretary-Treasurer Agnieszka Bastrzyk and her husband, Daniel – as well as to my Prince Charming, Richard (36 years and going strong), family and friends including Krystyna and Tadeusz Lech (#49), Teresa and Wacek Pazdziora (#46), Robert and Danielle Kroplewski (#18), Victoria and Mateusz Bomba (#3), and so many others for whom the month is special.
Birthday wishes galore during this last month of summer – especially to our PRCUA President on his 60th birthday on August 30 (my grandson Cole Pearson shares the date and will be 16). Happy birthday Jim (and Cole) and to so many other special people! All the best to all of you! Sto lat!
CO LUBI SIERPIEŃ….
Sierpień ziemię szanuje
I ziarna z kłosów wysypuje.
Słońce ma za kompana,
By akcja żniw była udana.
Odpoczywa wieczorem,
A w dzień pracuje z uporem.
Kołacze zasłużone je
Gdy sianokosy skończą się…
Słucha koncertów pasikoników,
Bo ma grajków tych bez liku.
Księżyc złotem za to płaci,
gdyż kiedy lubi on się bogaci…
Rano myje się chłodną rosą,
I chodzi po trawie boso.
Zadowolony zrywa poziomki,
Dla wakacyjnej wybranki.
Aleksandra Baltissen (2010r.)
