Welcome to the glorious month of August and all of its natural splendor! The midpoint of the summer season, we continue to revel in its warmth, bounty and fun. In my day, school began immediately following Labor Day and now, depending on the state and school, August marks the return to school. Recent graduates will embark on a new adventure in a new school and all others in another grade. Amidst the challenges of a new school/new grade will be the excitement of the coming year intertwined with memories of summer vacation. For Richard and me, it has been another glorious summer with our granddaughters, but as they say, “all good things come to an end” as they too return home to go back to school.
Check our PRCUA calendar for events hosted by our members as well as festivals galore and in every state. For our language and dance schools, registration will begin in August with classes resuming in September. For our language schools, the Sales and Marketing Departments have been diligent in preparing online registration links for students to become PRCUA members. To become a member, please contact sales@prcua.org.
August 2025 also marks the one-year countdown to the 64th Quadrennial Convention of the PRCUA. Delegates, SAVE THE DATES – August 7-10, 2026 – at the Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare Hotel. The future of the PRCUA is in your hands! It will also mark my retirement as your Vice President after twelve years. There will be time for nostalgia later, as there is much left yet to accomplish. “Time flies when you are having fun!”
I dedicate this special love poem to all celebrating wedding anniversaries in July and August, especially past National Director Krystyna and Tadeusz Lech (50th on 8/2), past PRCUA Presidents and their lovely wives – the Dyklas, Ozogs and Drobots; Secretary-Treasurer Agnieszka Bastrzyk and her husband, Daniel – as well as to my Prince Charming, Richard (37 years and going strong), family and friends including Teresa and Wacek Pazdziora, Robert and Danielle Kroplewski, Ilona and Mark Sobiech (40th), Victoria and Mateusz Bomba, and so many others for whom the month is special. [Belated Anniversary wishes to President and Mrs. Robaczewski (7/21)] Birthday wishes galore during this last month of summer – especially to our PRCUA President who shares his special day (8/30) with our soon-to-be 17-year-old grandson Cole Pearson. All the best to all of you! Sto lat!
PRCUA highlights of July 2025 seem short and sweet, but ever so sincere, leaving time for fun and frolic with friends and family. President Robaczewski hosted a pre-Independence Day Luncheon (7/3) for PRCUA and PMA staff. Richard and I hosted a Christmas in July party for our family, since they now reside in five different states and somehow managed to be in Illinois on the same weekend! (7/19)
Also on Saturday, July 19, 2025, a group of 25 students from across the United States, ages 13 to 15, departed from Chicago for a life-changing two-week adventure abroad. Their destination: the Explorers’ Summer Polish Language & Culture Camp at the renowned Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. This immersive program offers students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Polish language, history, and cultural traditions, while building lasting friendships and broadening their global perspectives. Among the enthusiastic participants were PRCUA members Aleks Bastrzyk, Johnathan Gil and Olivia Srodek. A special highlight: Aleks celebrated his 14th birthday upon landing in Poland on July 20th! We wish all the students a memorable and enriching experience. How wonderful it is that the Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation (PACCF), among its other charitable work, continues to support and help fund such meaningful programs, fostering connections between young Polish Americans and their heritage.
The PRCUA main event in July was the 72nd National Golf Tournament hosted by St. Stan’s Society 718 – President Dan Gdowski and Chair Jeff Gliwa – on July 26 at the beautiful Medalist Golf Club in Marshall, Michigan. The hospitality suite was held at the Quality Inn Hotel and the awards banquet at the Medalist Golf banquet venue immediately following the tournament. And the winners are: Women’s Division: Kristi Mihalic, Kristin Mihalic, Emily Vergolini and Marjorie Dehnke @ 2 over par; Men’s Division: Jeremy Bezzo, Christopher Zajas, Ronnie Zimmers and Josef Chlebek @ 11 under par; Mixed Division: Edward Rys, Janet Rys, Dennis Rocheleau and Dianne Rocheleau @ 3 under par; Senior Division: Mary Jane Favot, Allan Salatowski, Carol Souva and Eugene Souva @ 2 under Par; Women’s closest to the pin: Margaret Gauci-Kendziorek; Women’s longest drive: Emily Vergolini; Men’s closest to the pin: Josef Chlebek; Men’s longest drive: Christopher Zajas. In recognition of 25 years as president of PRCUA St. Stan’s Society #718, National Directors Patrick Kosowski, Colleen Bonkowski and, in absentia Valerie Brumm, presented Jerry Nasiatka a personalized golf bag. A special raffle was held for all attendees with prizes donated by Patrick Kosowski, long time member of St. Stan’s Society. Representing the PRCUA were President and Mrs. Robaczewski (and sons Tommy and Joey); National Directors: C. Bonkowski, P. Kosowski, Elizabeth Dynowski and Elizabeth Sadus, as well as Richard and yours truly. Also in attendance were past Vice President Bob Bielenda and National Directors: Connie Bonin, Vikkie Jean Mixon and Christopher Ozog. Thank you to Conrad Wiecek, Fraternal Coordinator, for a job well done vetting the golfers and attending the tournament. Congrats to Society #718 for a great weekend of golf and socialization! Complete details and photos of all our prized PRCUA Golfers in the next issue of the Narod Polski.
See you in September! Have a great August!
Happy birthday, Aleks Bastrzyk!
