It seems that Summer’s fading fast
And autumntime is here.
The leaves all turn to red and gold
About this time of year.
October’s just a breath away
And now September song,
There’s loveliness about the earth
And birds sing all day long.
The crimson red and gold and green
All to the eye will please.
Folks come from miles to mountains high
To view this lovely scene.
I thank You, God, for all I see
So picturesque and clear.
Each pretty leaf we see today
Is in Your Loving care.
Katherine Smith Matheney
SALESIAN MISSIONS
– my favorite month and for so many reasons! The original “Back to School” month, at least back in the day, there was something about the start of a new chapter. It probably has much to do with September being my birthday month and, as a favorite birthday card reads, “…A year of new tomorrows that are shining bright and clear…a year of possibilities as endless as the sky. A chance to meet the challenges in everything you try…”
September 2024 marks President Robaczewski’s 14th Anniversary with PRCUA (the first eight as Secretary-Treasurer), Sec-Treas. Bastrzyk’s 6th Anniversary in her executive position and my 10th Anniversary as PRCUA Vice President. Pondering on all the changes that have happened during the last ten years, PRCUA has celebrated its sesquicentennial and survived the pandemic; incorporated a new trademark PRCUALife as well as a new logo and tagline, added to its fleet of language and dance schools, enhanced its product portfolio, developed an exceptional marketing department, and most importantly, continued to maintain state of the art technology systems. Is there more to improve? Of course, including enticing more people to protect their loved ones “through all of life’s stages” with the PRCUA! We do not stand on our laurels but embrace our accomplishments while moving forward to do better! And we need the assistance and support of our members. In the words of many, most notably the late Ted Klamerus, “If every current PRCUA member would sign up one non-member, we would double in size!” Ladies and gentlemen, I implore each of you to sign up at least one new member – whole or term life insurance or an annuity, taking advantage of our referral promotion. Start in September which is Life Insurance Awareness Month and help the PRCUA help protect you and those closest to you!
As always there many events in September, starting with Taste of Polonia at the Copernicus Center in Chicago (8/30-9/2), the 85th Anniversary of the Legion of Young Polish Women (9/8), 2nd Pilgrimage of Silesians in Merrillville, Indiana (9/8), the American Fraternal Alliance Executive Summit in Washington, D.C. (9/16-9/18), Cinderella-Prince Charming Ball Orientation (9/22), and the Resurrectionist Gala (9/29), among many others throughout the country.
Happiest of birthdays to former VP Anna Sokolowski (9/6); Dir. D-7 Kevin Kucik (9/14); the most celebrated birthdate (9/16): Mary Jane Robles, Loretta Dykla, and son-in-law Michael Turkiewicz; my birthday which I share with Director D-6 Andrew Lech (9/17); Tommy Robaczewski (9/18); Rev. Walter Ptak (9/20); former Dir. of Marketing Elzbieta Sawczuk (9/22) on her GOLDEN birthday; Basia Kozuchowski (9/24); Joanna Niedzielski (9/25); PRCUA First Lady Elaine Robaczewski and Marketing Coordinator Angelica Koziana (9/26); President Emeritus Wally Ozog (9/27); and all other September babies. Happy Anniversary to all September lovebirds, especially my niece, Joline, and hubby, Anthony (9/6).
The month of August began with a moving tribute at the Polish Museum of America on the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. A poignant reflection by one of its heroes, Tadeusz Gubała, was the highlight of the program which was preceded by remarks of dignitaries and dialogue by individuals whose relatives, including the mother of our editor Lidia Kowalewicz, who valiantly fought in the Warsaw Uprising.
President Robaczewski represented the PRCUA at the Catholic Order of Foresters Convention (8/10); at the Polish American Chamber of Commerce Summer Cruise (8/11) with his “first mate,” Elaine; at the American Fraternal Alliance CEO dinner (8/12), and the opening of the 100 Years of Polish Sailing Exhibit at the PMA which will be on display until March 15, 2025.
The PRCUA Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Dance Company (Richard Jaminski, Director/Choreographer; Danielle Kroplewski, Assistant) performed at the Kielbasa Festival held in Kosciuszko Park, East Chicago, Indiana on August 17. PRCUA members Aleksandra and Anthony Kroplewski and Lily (and Agnieszka) Wenc won their respective dance contests. Thank you to the City of East Chicago, its Mayor Anthony Copeland, and Special Event Coordinator Natalie Adams for going the extra mile!
On August 24, the PRCUA Zakopane Folk Dance Ensemble with Zajaczek Dancers participated in the third Polish Day Parade in Warren, Michigan. Organized by the Michigan Division of the Polish American Congress, this parade originally started in Hamtramck in 1977. The Polish Parade continues to be a celebration of Polish heritage and faith, with Polish music, dancers, flags, and a variety of Polish American elements. This year, the Felician Sisters were honored as they celebrate their 150th anniversary. Zakopane Artistic Director and Choreographer, Tom Lisiecki was quoted, “The language is hard enough to learn, so I think dance is something that is more accessible for people to grasp. I got into Polish dance when I was 5 years old; my mom threw me in there, and it was how we celebrated our Polish heritage.” Colleen Bonkowski (Group director and National Director) and Tom described dance as always playing a pivotal role in preserving Polish culture, with multiple generations within a family learning Polish dance as a way to lay claim to their Polish identity. Excellent spokespeople for the PRCUA, Polish Folk Dance and the Polish American community!
Bravo to the following PRCUA Michigan dance groups for participating in the Detroit City Futbol Club Polish Heritage Night on August 24: Gwiazda Dancers (Jessica Urban, Director; Basia Nowakowski, Instructor), Halka Dancers (Laura Hejza, Director; Tom Lisiecki, Instructor), Polskie Maki (Maria Jalkiewicz, Director; Kelly Malinowski, Instructor), and Zajaczek Dancers (Colleen Bonkowski, Director; Rachael Kasperek and Tricia Dennis, Instructors).
The PRCUA Malbork Dance Group performed at the 45th Annual Dozynki Polish Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 25. Natalia Szczygiel is the School Director; Michelle Marcinowski is the Dance Instructor. Meanwhile, on the other side of state, the Rogalin Dance Troupe (Lisa Brandt, Director; Janet Vilag and Basia Toboy, Instructors) performed at Our Lady of the Scapular Parish Festival in Wyandotte, Michigan. Kudos to both groups!
Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Emilia (Wojcik) and Michał Nawrocki (8/5). She, a long-standing dancer of the PRCUA Polonia Ensemble from Chicago and he, a dancer with the Polanie Dancers from Calgary, Canada. They met during a performance in Chicago. Many happy returns!
I direct you to the various articles in this or upcoming issues of the Narod Polski and social media, including the exciting trips to Greece and Macedonia by the Gwiazda Dancers, to Poland by the Młoda and Średnia Polonia Ensemble groups, and to New York by the Opole Dancers (Beth Thacker, Director; Donna Skurski, Instructor).
The PRCUA is very proud of all its dance groups and language schools, as well as athletes. Speaking of which, mark your calendars for November 15-16 when the Opole Dancers will host the Volleyball Tournament.
On behalf of the PRCUA Officers, Directors and Members, we extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to the families of Linda Ptak Molek, 58, youngest sister of National Chaplain, Rev. Canon Walter J. Ptak, and Donna M. Lubiarz, 46, sister of Jerry Lubiarz, Chair of the Budget and Grievance Committee who passed away in August. May they rest in peace.
On a happier note, August ended with the hexacentennial birthday celebration of “our fearless leader” (quoting Beth Sadus), President Jim Robaczewski. Welcome to the sixties and STO LAT!
