JESIENNA CZA-CZA
Kolorowa jesień już chodzi po lesie
W kasztankową grę dzisiaj zagra wiatr
Wietrzyk gwiżdże cza-czę w jesiennym bukiecie
A dzieci śpiewają cza cza cza.
Tańczymy cza cza cza
Cza czę wietrzyk gra
Liście tańczą cza czę
Więc tańczę i ja.
Już jesienna pora, już skaczą żołędzie
Jarzębina sznur dziś czerwony ma
Jesienny czas, moc kolorów jest wszędzie
Jesienią śpiewamy cza cza cza
Tańczymy cza cza cza
Cza czę wietrzyk gra
Liście tańczą cza czę
Więc tańczę i ja.
YouTUBE Tygryski 2011
We bid farewell to summer and look to the falling leaves of autumn to signal that change is in the air! It matters not where you live, October makes us well aware that Fall is here! For the PRCUA, Happy 151st Anniversary (10/3)! For Polish Americans, it is Polish Heritage month thanks to the initiative of Michael Blichasz of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We know what that means, but how do others define this distinction. I found two passages that I wish to share with you.
The first is from The American Presidency Project, Proclamation 5548—Polish American Heritage Month, 1986: “In October, we celebrate Polish American Heritage Month in the United States. Our nation owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the millions of freedom-loving Poles who have come to our shores to build a new land. Polish Americans can be justly proud of the vital contributions people of Polish descent have made to our nation in the arts, the sciences, religion, scholarship and every area of endeavor…The military genius of Kosciuszko and Pulaski was essential in the defense of our freedoms in the Revolutionary War. Since then, millions of Poland’s sons and daughters have helped build our country’s prosperity and defend our liberty.”
The second is from the Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook, Poland: “During the 18th century, internal disorders weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union “Solidarity” that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close. A “shock therapy” program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.”
Our forefathers came to America for a better life and we, their heirs, reap the harvest. So do not forget to “Be Polish and proud” during October and throughout the year. There are many events sponsored by the Polish American Congress and its state divisions celebrating exceptional Polish Americans. In fact, PAC will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary in the Chicagoland area on October 13, 2024. Check out the Polish American Congress website for details.
There are also many celebrations during the month that honor General Kazimierz Pulaski as he died on October 11, 1779 – the Pulaski Day parade in New York City, Buffalo, and Philadelphia, for example.
PRCUA has celebrated Polish Heritage Month with its annual coloring contests for many years, and this year, it honors the Polish contribution to the 2024 Olympics. Of course, we cheer for all the athletes, but there’s a special feeling of pride for our Polish and Polish American Olympians.
If there is not a Polish event in your area, you can always invite a few friends over for some Polish hospitality and prepare some tasty Polish cuisine. Although not part of any Polish cookbook, a restaurant in Chicago called Flo and Santos (she’s Polish and he’s Italian) serves up a delicious Polish pizza (among other delicacies)!
The month ends with All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween) which signals the start, in the liturgical year, the time dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed. Poles the world over, adorn the graves of their loved ones with candles and flowers. There is a reverence and solemnity in Polish cemeteries albeit spiritual and mystical.
Our family fostered happy and fun memories of Halloween, not the macabre and horror of the film industry, and so it continues to this very day.
Since the September issued went to print, there were a few interesting events which I would like to share with you. On Friday, August 30th, President Robaczewski celebrated his 60th birthday with the PRCUA and PMA officers and staff. The following day, Richard and I watched the Homer Glen Labor Day parade pass by our house – literally, we stood at the entrance of our driveway and were first to meet and greet the participants which included the Mayor of Homer Glen, Christina Neitzke-Troike and Will County Associate Judge Art Smigielski. The latter is the son of Polish immigrants who attended Polish Secondary School to learn the language, as well as Poland’s history and culture. He and his wife have two children who also attended Polish Secondary School. The Smigielski family has lived in Homer Glen since 2002 and are active in the community. It was a pleasure to meet another proud Polish American. Wishing him all the best in his bid for Will County Judge!
On September 8, I had the pleasure to attend the 85th Anniversary of the Legion of Young Polish Women Luncheon at the Halim Time and Glass Museum in Evanston, Illinois which houses over 1100 time pieces and over 70 stained glass pieces of art. The building is five stories tall and is filled with history, art, and the study of time. A perfect setting for the occasion which celebrated an organization of diligent and dedicated young and young-at-heart ladies with a gift of giving and creating memories. Congratulations to Cherylyn Denisiuk who was chosen as the 2024 Legendary Legion Lady, endearingly referred to as the Legion’s Fairy Godmother. Adding to the enjoyable afternoon, among many familiar faces, were: Sec-Treas. Agnieszka Bastrzyk and her lovely daughter Natalia; Krystyna Lech and Teresa Pazdziora (on behalf of Wesoly Lud and SWCPD); representing the Adult Culture Group was President Elizabeth Dynowski (also PRCUA National Director) and Desiree Sacinski (Public Relations liaison) accompanied by her husband, Andy; Polonia Ensemble Managing Director Anna Krysinski with her assistant Dorota Romek and several guests. Bravo to the Legion of Young Polish Women and wishing its members many more years of accomplishments!
Grandparents’ Day was celebrated in Tampa, Florida with our granddaughters, Ariana and Mila, at their new school. The long weekend ended with a sunset on St. Pete’s Beach with daughter Niki, Ari and Mila.
PRCUA District 8 celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park, Illinois. Wesoły Lud Dance Company performed at the event. The parish is currently home to the Southwest Center of Polish Song and Dance, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the parish and all parishes that lend their facilities to our PRCUA Polish Folk Dancers.
President Robaczewski attended the Executive Summit and Annual Business Meeting in Washington, D.C. hosted by American Fraternal Alliance September 16-18. You can read all about it in the Naród Polski.
The celebration of my reverse golden birthday began almost a week before my actual birthday on the 17th and continued for two weeks. One of the highlights was to celebrate with my PRCUA and PMA family which you can read about on p. 5. I received many lovely wishes and gifts for which I am truly grateful. Special thanks to Polonia Ensemble and Wesoly Lud for remembering me. Two unique presents were the blooming of my poppies (usually in Spring) and a “fruit cake” made by my friend Asia Niedzielski. I have included a photo of me at my first golden birthday.
Bozena Matson was awarded the 2024 Fraternalist of the Year by the Indiana Fraternal Alliance on September 19. The festivity took place in the midst of the IFA’s annual meeting. PRCUA National Director (D-9) and past president of the IFA, Elizabeth Sadus, presented the award. In attendance, were the three Executive Officers, and past National Director and past IFA president, Constance Bonin.
Preparations for the 52nd Cinderella-Prince Charming Ball are in full swing, commencing with the Orientation Luncheon on Sunday, September 22, at Crystal Grand Banquets in Lemont. Elizabeth Dynowski, President of the Adult Culture Group which host the Ball, presided over the event delivering words of encouragement and direction for the 30+ candidates and their parents. Paraphrasing Liz when reflecting on her involvement with the ACG, she said that she told her parents that the 1989 Cinderella Ball would be her last – she won Cinderella that year and, as they say, the rest is history. For all interested, this year’s Ball will be held on November 23 at Belvedere Chateau in Hickory Hills, Illinois.
There was much activity at the MAB Conference at the Polish Museum of America from September 24-27. MAB stands for Museums, Archives and Libraries (Biblioteki in Polish). Chair of the festivities was PMA Managing Director, Malgorzata Kot, and PMA President, Richard Owsiany. The Narod Polski Editor, Lidia Kowalewicz, will tell you all about it together with photos. President Robaczewski was one of the greeters with Sec-Treas. Bastrzyk, his translator. I set aside by PRCUA Vice President and PMA Vice Chair roles and greeted the guests on behalf of the Polish American Congress where I serve as National Treasurer.
Richard and I will be attending the wedding of Richard and Danielle Sutton on Friday, September 27, in Oswego. Richard works in our Member Services Department. I will share with you the photo of the new Mr. and Mrs. in the next issue of the Narod Polski.
As I close, I leave you with this prayer: “Heavenly Father, as we step into the new month of October, I embrace it as a season of transformation and revelation. October marks a shift in the natural world, with leaves changing colors and cooler breezes, reminding us that change is an integral part of Your divine design.”
