65799-acpc fall 01 - american council for polish culture · fall 2001 vol. lii, no. 4 remembering...

Polish HeritagePublished Quarterly by the American Council for Polish Culture

Fall 2001 Vol. LII, No. 4

Remembering General Casimir Pulaski

in Savannahuesday, October 9, 2001, was a mem-orable day for the United States and

Poland because of events that took place inSavannah, Georgia at the rededicationceremony of the General Casimir PulaskiMonument and commemoration of theFranco-American Siege of British-occupiedSavannah.

The day started with a mass at the RomanCatholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptistcelebrated by Father Henry Felix Schabowskifrom St. Hedwig’s parish of Trenton, NewJersey.

Ceremonies began at 2:00 pm with thelaying of a wreath by the Polish AmbassadorExtraordinaire Dariusz Jadowski and the Mil-

itary Attache Col. Andrzej Turek, at the siteof Pulaski’s fatal wounding while taps werebeing played. From this point a parade pro-ceeded on its march to Monterey Square,the site of the Pulaski Monument.

During the rededication ceremony theMayor of Savannah, the Roman CatholicBishop of Savannah, the Ambassador Extra-ordinaire and the Military Attache of theRepublic of Poland, spoke in praise of thecourage and dedication exemplified by Gen-eral Pulaski in the fight for the independenceof the United States. Floral tributes wereplaced at the monument by many patrioticand fraternal organizations. Mr. Francis X.Hayes spoke on behalf of the Pulaski Re-dedication Committee. Representatives from15 states, many citizens of the city of Savan-nah, along with a military band from Fort Stew-art/Hunter Army Airfield were present toparticipate in the commemoration.

Festivities later that evening began witha cocktail reception sponsored by GiorgioPierogies of Reading, Pennsylvania, who alsosupplied all the delicious Polish hors d’oeu-vres. A representative from Giorgio’s, Ms.Emilia Sablinska, was present and assistedthe hotel staff and acted as hostess for thisreception which took place in the Pulaski Roomof the DeSoto Hilton Hotel.

Following the reception was a dinner andawards ceremony during which CavalierCrosses of the Order of Merit, awarded by thePresident of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski,were presented by the Ambassador Extraor-dinaire Dariusz Jadowski to the followingindividuals:

Stanley Paul Bosse - Vice President, Amer-ican Council for Polish Culture

Continued on page 7.

(left to right) Stanley Paul Bosse, Peter J. Obst, Edward Pinkowski, Poland’s Military Attache Colonel Andrzej Turek, Ambassador Extraordinaire Dariusz Jadowski, Marion Winters, Lee Meyer,Francis. X. Hayes

(left to right) Father Felix Schabowski, Paul Bosse, Emilia Sablinska, Dariusz Jadowski, Debbie Majka,and one of the color guardsmen from the Sons of the American Revolution.

TT

ishing you all the blessings of theHoliday Season. This year more than

ever because of this period of national tragedy,mourning, outrage and resolve, we must bethankful for our many blessings not only onThanksgiving Day but every day. Our worldhas changed but we must not loose heart andpray for renewal, we will ultimately over-come and triumph over terrorism. On thatFirst Christmas God gave us his greatest gift,Jesus the Lord. Let us pray he will be bornanew within all men’s hearts. Wesolych SwiatBozego Narodzenia.

The need to carry on: Under today’s unusualcircumstances the American Council for Pol-ish Culture must become more creative, main-tain better relationships with our members,sharing strategies to foster culture and theprocess of continuous innovation in this cur-rent confused world. We attempted to accom-plish these goals at our fall board meeting,October 26 & 27 in Syracuse, NY, graciouslyhosted by the Polish Heritage Club of Syracuse.

The following are some of the highlightsand information items that were discussed:

• Marcia Lewandowski, Secretary pre-

sented the Spring 2001, Board Meeting min-utes which were approved. Greg Biestek, Trea-surer’s report given and accepted. Mary EllenTyszka, 1st Vice President reminded affiliatesto send in their scholarship guidelines andreports.

• On August 26, the 28th annual AdamStyka art exhibit sponsored by the Polish Her-itage Society of Philadelphia, at the Shrineof Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown,PA was held. The American Council for Pol-ish Culture contributes $500.00 for this com-petition. This competition was directed byMarie Hejnosz, President.

• September 10, I attended a program andreception at the Hart Senate Office Buildingin Washington, D.C. in honor of the Presi-dent of the Republic of Lithuania, His Excel-lency Valdas Adamkus. This also includedthe Joint Baltic American National Com-mittee regarding their entrance into NATO.It was sponsored by Senators Richard Durbin(IL) and Gordon Smith (OR) also Repre-sentatives John Shimkus (IL) and DennisKucinich (OH). One of the guest speakerswas The Ambassador of Poland, His Excel-lency Premyslaw Grudzinski. I had the oppor-

tunity to speak to both the President andAmbassador about the ACPC.

• On October 9 in Savannah, Georgia therededication ceremony of the restored Gen-eral Casimir Pulaski monument was held. Asa representative of ACPC I participated inthe parade and during the ceremony at the mon-ument laid a wreath from the ACPC. (seethe page 1 story) ACPC Board attendees atthis event were; Bernadette Wiermanski, MaryEllen Tyszka, 1st VP, Jo Louise Winters, Deb-bie and Henry Majka, Wally West, Irene Mus-

Polish Heritage Fall 2001

POLISH HERITAGEPeter Obst, Editor-in-Chief

67 Lower Orchard Drive, Levittown, PA 19056-2722 • Email: [email protected]

Deborah Majka, Associate Editor Member News812 Lombard Street #12, Philadelphia, PA 19147-2661

Wallace M. West, Associate Editor Publications Received and Book Reviews6507 107th Terrace No., Pinellas Park, FL 33782-2432

On subscriptions, renewals and other business matters writeCarolyn L. Meleski, Business Manager10020 Reese, Clarkston, MI 48348-1856

All Rights Reserved, 2000 by A.C.P.C.Printed by Quintarc Printing Services • 3977 Fort Street • Lincoln Park, MI 48146

Polish HeritagePolish Heritage is the official publication of the American Council forPolish Culture, a confederation of affiliated Polish-American organizationsand individuals in the continental United States, propagating theknowledge and appreciation of the culture and civilization of Poland,and the contributions of Americans of Polish descent to the history

and culture of the United States of America. The Council conceived and helped fund the establishment of the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, D.C.

Mark Kohan, Editor-in-ChiefPolish-American News in English!

Subscribe to the nation’s largest, independentPolish-American monthly newspaper.

News from all aspects of Polonia:• Religion • Music • Sports •

• People • Academia • Poland •• Youth • Politics • Culture • Folklore

A great tool to introduce colleagues,students, friends, and family to Polonia

1 yr: $15.00 • 2 yrs: $28.00 • 3 yrs: $39

CALL TODAY!

(716) 893-57711275 HARLEM ROAD, BUFFALO, NY 14206

FAX: (716) 893-5783

Please continue on page 11.

Message from the PresidentRICHARD M. WIERMANSKI

(left to right) Dariusz Jadowski, RichardWiermanski - President, American Council forPolish Culture

WW

Tad Suchodolski’s entries “Horse Power”, “PolishGirl” and “Self Portrait”

Krzysztof Szymanski’s “Benjamin Franklin Bridge”was an excellent example of his command of thepen and in sketch, it took fourth place.

Paul Gorka’s “ShatteredGlass Self Portrait” wasthe first place winningentry.

Matthew Szczepanowski’s wood sculpture was aprominent addition to the exhibit.

Marie Hejnosz and Richard Wiermanski presentprizes to the winning Artists

Fall 2001 Polish Heritage

Adam Styka Art Exhibitby Marie Hejnosz

n August 26, 2001, the 28th AdamStyka Juried Art Exhibit and Sale

opened at the National Shrine Our Lady ofCzestochowa, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.The Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphiasponsors this exhibit in cooperation withthe American Council for Polish Cultureand the Pauline Fathers of Our Lady of Czesto-chowa. This year’s exhibit took place in anewly opened Visitor Center/Museum. Thirty-six artists from Pennsylvania, New Jersey,Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Ohio,Virginia, and Poland, exhibited their works.This year’s jurors were: Elizabeth Osborn, arenown Philadelphia artist and a professorat the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadel-phia, and Rafael Villamil, an accomplishedartist, architect and a former professor atUniversity of Arts in Philadelphia.

There was a large variety of works shown atthe exhibit, ranging from traditional water-colors to abstract oils and pastels, as well assculpture and photography. Over 10,000 peo-ple visited the exhibit, and many purchasedworks of art.

This years winners were:

First PrizePaul Gorka, Philadelphia, PA

Second PrizeAgata Lipnicka, Stanford, CT

Third PrizeMatthew Szczepanowski, Philadelphia, PA

Fourth PrizeKrzysztof Szymanski, Bialystok, Poland

Emilia Piasecka AwardBartek Stadnicki, Brooklyn, NY

People’s Choice AwardMargueritte Przybylski Kleczek,

Alexandria,VA

Honorable MentionRoman Borkowski, Eligiusz Duda,

Magdalena Krol, and Piotr Wirkijowski

The second and third prizes were awarded bythe American Council for Polish Culture,whose President, Richard Wiermanski, was pre-sent at the opening celebration and presentedAgata Lipnicka with a check for $300.

The show provided a wonderful opportunityfor many Polish and other local artists to showtheir works in a beautiful setting where theycould be admired by thousands of visiting pil-grims to the shrine. It also allowed many ofthe non-Polish visitors to be introduced tothe less well known part of Polish culture,which is fine art. Some of the Styka paintings,that are on permanent exhibit at the Visitors’Center, provided a wonderful backdrop to theexhibited works. The “spirit of art” was cer-tainly manifest at the Doylestown Czesto-chowa Shrine.

Artists interested in participating in nextyear’s exhibit should contact Marie Hejnoszat 215-487-0221 or e-mail: [email protected]

OO


ACPC and Affiliate/Supporting Member News

POLISH CULTURAL CLUB OF GREATERHARTFORD—September, 2001, will beremembered by the Polish Cultural Club ofGreater Hartford because “it was the best oftimes; it was the worst of times.” The Club con-tinued with the celebration of its first twenty-five years with “An Afternoon with the Artists”reception held on September 23, 2001, at theWampanoag Country Club in West Hartford,CT. Present were six talented Polish-Amer-ican artists: Ursula Brodowicz, Marek Czar-necki, Joanne Gadomski, James Grabowski,Adele Ewanowski Johnson and Chet Kem-pczynski. General Chairwoman Mary MazurekHeslin and her committee put forth an out-standing program for the many members and

guests. She also distributed the Twenty-FifthAnniversary Program Book, which chroni-cles the past and present endeavors of thePolish Cultural Club of Greater Hart-ford. ❧ On this date, September 23, withthe passing of Dr. Stanislaus Blejwas, the Clublost a dear friend, a mentor and past presi-dent. We mourn his death and express oursincerest condolences to his wife, Lucy andchildren, Carol and Andrzej. ❧ In cele-bration of Polish Heritage Month, membersparticipated in the Pulaski-Kosciuszko Fes-tivities. Father William Przybylo celebrated

the Mass at 10:00am on October 14, at SS.Cyril and Methodius Church, after which heled a procession to a wreath-laying ceremonyat the Pulaski Monument, erected 25 years ago.Other members participating were Cliff Archie,Ursula Brodowicz, Mary Mazurek Heslin andDebra Krawiec. ❧ On October 21, AnnOleasz was honored by the United PolishSocieties with a Distinguished Service Awardfor her dedication, commitment and labor forPolish and Polish-American causes. ❧ Thethird of the “Celebrating 25 Years” functionswas held on October 25, at the Polish NationalHome. Chefs Cliff Archie, Krystyna SlowikowskaFarley, Raymond Kowalski and Louis Maglatydisplayed their culinary talents in providingsix homemade Polish soups for members andguests. The program featured Malgosia Machate,the 2001 ACPC Awardee for study at theJagiellonian University in Krakow. She sharedher experiences while studying in Poland.Musical entertainment provided a festivebackground while guests enjoyed homemadedesserts and coffee provided by Hedy Bruksand her committee.

❧ ❧ ❧

POLISH AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCI-ETY OF STAMFORD, CT—The followingstudents received scholarship awards from thePolish American Cultural Society of Stam-ford, CT, in a ceremony held at Holy Nameof Jesus Church. The Society has been award-ing scholarships to Stamford area under-graduate students since 1973.

❧ ❧ ❧

POLISH ARTS LEAGUE OF PITTSBURGH—During their Fall Luncheon, the PolishArts League presented a very different type

program. Mrs. Eleanore Lechowicz chairedthis special event, which began with an invo-cation by Rev. Zygmunt Szarnicki. After thebuffet luncheon, Dr. Norbert Pietrzak, PALPresident, presented a program on the Japan-ese Art of Bonsai. He had many of his owntrees on display. A slide presentation accom-panied the discussion led by Dr. Pietrzak, whowas attired in a traditional white kimono. Dr.Pietrzak has visited Japan and has lecturedextensively on Bonsai. ❧ In November, themembers of the Polish Arts League of Pitts-burgh will attend the Polonaise Ball on Novem-ber 10, followed by Polishfest on November11. The year’s activities will conclude with aChristmas “Wigilia” luncheon.

❧ ❧ ❧

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF POLISHCULTURE, PINELLAS COUNTY,FLORIDA—Recently Wallace West had anopportunity to visit the Johnson Atelier inMercerville, NJ near Princeton and look inat the studio of Andrzej Pitynski where thestatue of Kosciuszko for St. Petersburg, Floridais being completed. Shown are photographsof the plaster statue, full size version, of a veryyouthful and vigorous Thaddeus Kosciuszko,from which the mold for the eventual bronzecasting will be made.

(from the left) Rev. Sherman Gray, Pastor of HolyName and President of the Society; Rafal Gibek, astudent at Pace University; Luke Przybylowski, astudent at NY Institute of Technology; KrzysztofOgonowski, a student at University of CT; MonicaGibek, a student at Pace University and PatriciaKoproski, Scholarship Chair. Missing from thephoto is Kristine Bakowski, a student at HarperCollege.

Artist Ursala Brodowicz shares her talent withEwa Wickwire

Artist Adele Eranowski Johnson discusses one of herpaintings with club member Florence Langridge

Dr. Norbert Pietrzak with a display of his bonsaitrees.

❧ ❧ ❧

THE POLISH HERITAGE ASSOCIATIONOF THE SOUTHEAST-AIKEN-PHASE A—Two major activities of the Polish HeritageAssociation of the Southeast-Aiekn (PhaseA) marked October as Polish Cultural Her-itage Month in Aiken, SC. First, a month-longexhibit was presented in the Aiken PublicLibrary. One section was devoted to heroesof the American Revolution. Kosciuszko andPulaski remain unknown to most Aiken res-idents. The exhibit contained pictures andbiographical sketches of each man. WithKosciuszko, the emphasis was on his activi-ties at West Point and included a copy of hiswill, in which he authorized his friend, ThomasJefferson, to dispose of all of his property inAmerica to purchase Negro slaves and to freeand educate them in his name. ❧ WithPulaski, the emphasis was on his activities asthe first commander and the founder of theAmerican cavalry and his formation of thePulaski Legion, which engaged successfullyin many battles of the American Revolution,including those at Charleston, SC, and Savan-nah, GA, where Pulaski was wounded anddied. ❧ The second section included pic-tures and biographical sketches of Polish artistsof the stage and screen. These includedPaderewski; large color photos of Pola Negriand Helena Modrzejewska, and of her sonRalph Modjeski, the famed bridge builder,with a list of the bridges he built; and a briefbiography of Polish movie and TVstars. ❧ A Symposium on Polish Cul-

ture through its Poster Artists was held in theEtherredge Gallery at the University of SouthCarolina, Aiken, on October 15. Fifteen ofthe posters given to the University from thelate Dr. Len Kosinski’s collection were framedand displayed in the lower gallery for the entiremonth of October. Five of the University pro-fessors in turn discussed, “Art and Politics”;“Solidarity and Beyond: the Political Con-text”; “A History of Polish Poster Art”; “Pro-paganda and the Polish Poster”, and “PolishPosters as Art: Content and Style.” The pro-gram was well attended and well received androused great interest in Polish culture and his-tory through its posters. ❧ The Univer-sity plans continued efforts to display theposters to encourage continued interest inPolish arts and history through the posters.

❧ ❧ ❧

THE KOPERNIK ASSOCIATION OF CEN-TRAL NEW YORK, INC.—honored thenationally known author, Suzanne Strempek-Shea at a luncheon on September 16. Dur-ing the luncheon, Suzanne reviewed her lat-est book, “Around Again”. Also, the Asso-ciation presented Mrs. Shea with the 2001Distinguished Polonian Award for her pro-motion in mainstream media of Poles andPolish-Americans. ❧ The Associationannounced its 2001 Kopernik ScholarshipAwards winners. The recipients are: EmilyBrandon, University of Rochester; WilliamKnuth, Eastman School of Music-Universityof Rochester; Mary Mattson, Niagara Uni-versity. Each recipient received a $700 award.

The scholarship awards were presented at the29th Annual Kopernik Ball on November10, 2001.

❧ ❧ ❧

POLISH HERITAGE SOCIETY OFPHILADELPHIA—(see page 3 for an accountof the Adam Styka Art Exhibit.) During theSociety’s 19th Annual Polonaise Ball, heldFriday, November 16, at Torresdale-Frank-ford Country Club, Sister Francesca Onley,CSFM, Ph.D., President of Holy FamilyCollege, was honored for her focus on broadsupport of the college and its mission. In its36-year span of activity, the Society has main-tained a mutually supportive relationship withthe Sisters of Holy Family College andNazareth Academy High School. TheSociety meets in the Polish Room of the Col-lege Library and showcases the Polish-language students of the High School in poetryrecitals. To memorialize the Society’s long-standing relationship with the Sisters, par-ticularly the late Sister Florence Tumasz, theSociety commissioned a sculpture, executedby the late Ben Rozek of Buffalo, which is dis-played prominently The Congregation of theSisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth oper-ate and maintain Nazareth Academy H.S.and Holy Family College. ❧ Prominentphilanthropist and Society member, EdwardPiszek, with Jake Morgan, has published hisbiography, “Some Good in the World–A Lifeof Purpose.” From the Forward by James A.Michener, “…is a story which tells exactly

Continued on page 7

ACPC and Affiliate/Supporting Member News


October, Polish Heritage Month commemorated by month-long exhibitpresented at the Aiken Public Library

An exhibit of Polish poster artists held in theEtherredge Gallery at the University of SouthCarolina, Aiken

Individual posters from theexhibit held in the EtherredgeGallery at the University of SouthCarolina, Aiken


Since the Convention in Chicago did not have an Arts and CraftsRoom, this year, the committee for the Jan de Rosen Memorial decidedto hold a raffle to raise additional funds. The prize for the raffle wasa beautiful “Szopka” made by Robert Flanagan. Many were eager towin this beautiful Polish artifact. The drawing for the prize was heldat the final business meeting of the convention. The winner was LouPatalita from Syracuse. Everyone was happy for Lou since we knowhe will put the hand crafted Szopka to good use at Polish functions.

The traditional “Szopka” has a long history. In the Middle Agesa Christmas pageant usually took place in local churches. Later, theChurch cancelled such shows as undignified for a sanctified place.The staged plays evolved into puppet shows which travelled aroundthe country using a stable-like stage (thus the name Szopka). Overthe years the set became more architectural, and ornate dependingon the imagination of the builders. Many of these small scale stageswere built by out of work masons from Krakow and the environs inthe winter months.

During the period between WWI and WWII the custom of car-olling with the Szopka began to fade. So, in order to revitalize thiscustom, the City of Krakow in 1937 organized an annual competi-tion (with the exception of the war years) for the most beautifulszopka. Today, people from all walks of life participate in the annualevent and the szopki are sought after by collectors all over the world.

The raffle brought in $800. for which the committee is most grate-ful. However, we are still far from reaching our final goal and wouldappreciate any donations (remember, they are tax deductible) to thefund.

Since the our last report, we have received the following contri-butions:

Organizations

Polish American Congress, Metropolitan Washington Division,Washington, DC $1,500

Individuals

$250Irene Rytel, MD; Miami Beach, FL

$100Henrietta Nowakowski, Dearborn Hts. MIEmilia Puszynski, Skokie, ILMr. & Mrs. Henry Rackowski, Falls Church, VACarl & Jean Sharek, Washington, DCAlice Tondryk, Chicago, ILVivian Walkosz, Chicago, ILWalter & Adeline Zachariasiewicz, Chevy Chase, MDDr. & Mrs. Lawrence Ziemianski, Vienna, VA

$25

Mrs. Irene Szewiola, N. Hills, CA

Jan de Rosen Memorial Fund Receives a Boost at

ACPC Convention in Chicago

A model of theproposed Jan

DeRosen Memorial.

The szopkaand winnerLou Patalita.

Francis X. Hayes - Co-Chairman, Pulaski Jubilee 2004 CommitteeLee Meyer - Co-Chairman, Pulaski Jubilee 2004 CommitteePeter J. Obst - Editor, American Council for Polish CultureEdward Pinkowski - Polish American HistorianMarion Winters - past President, American Council for Polish CultureAn even larger and grander event is already under discussion for next year.

The parade proceeds along the palm tree lined streets of old Savannah.


Pulaski MonumentContinued from page 1

Member NewsContinued from page 5

Photo Credits: Henry Majka, Mary Ellen Tyszka, Casimir Kajencki

The Pulaski Cadets escort Gen. Pulaski - (left to right) Sgt. Major MarianGarbarek, 2nd. Lt. Tad Szot, 2nd Lt. Frank Semeniuk, General Pulaski (as impersonated by Peter Obst) 2nd Lt. John Wilczynski, (Commander) MajorZenon Kowalski.

what makes America unique among nations, a place whereany man or woman may start life with few advantages andthen–through courage, brilliance, endurance and hardwork–achieve not only great material wealth, but also turnthat life into the greatest treasure of them all: a life filled withpurpose.” Society members, as well as representatives of theGreater Delaware Valley Polish-American community, fam-ily and friends gathered together to congratulate Mr. Piszekand to celebrate the publication of his life story. The booksare available at a cost of $29.95 plus shipping from: Coper-nicus Society of America, PO Box 385, Fort Washington, PA19034, Phone: 215-646-4101 ❧ After reading the arti-cle about the needy kids in Poland, friends of the Polish Her-itage Society Bonifacy and Melania Obst shipped four largepackages of clothes to Torun. Inspired by their example, localbusinessman Edward Syszko, who with his four brothers oper-ates Swift Mailing Services in Bristol, PA, shipped eight morepackages of donated new clothes. Considering the enormousneed this was only a start, but a very promising one.

Lech WalesaVisits Trenton

During his two-month-long lecture tour former presidentof Poland Lech Walesa visited many placesin the UnitedStates, among them Trenton, NJ where he gave a lecture enti-tled ÒDemocracy is a Never-Ending Battle.Ó This appearancetook place on November 7, 2001 at the Kendall PerformanceCenter at the College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State).The auditorium was packed to the brim and Lech did not dis-appoint his audience. With the help of an extremely quick simul-taneous interpreter he delivered a speech that was not onlyentertaining but insightful. He spoke of his former predictionscoming true and while he looked forward to a Poland thatwas a member of the European Union and the global com-munity, he also had warnings against racism and anti-Semi-tism; spoke of the necessity for an Òeven playing fieldÓ forall countries, and the ever-present threat of international ter-rorism. There was also time for him to answer questions fromthe floor which he did with some enthusiasm.

Peter Obst and Paul Bosse were able to attend this lectureand the little press conference that preceded it. They wereable to greet him in the name of the local Polish communityand exchange a few words with him. Though he is now out-side of Polish politics, Walesa still remains a potent moralforce; and wants to help Poland to attain its rightful place inthe European community of nations.

It’s been a week sincePACIM’s 12th AnnualSoup Festival and I’mstill cleaning pumpkinpuree off the counters,the walls, the stove, thefloor. It’s a wonder howhard it can get whenit’s been sitting awhile!I haven’t heard what

our profit will be; probably not a great deal.We consider the Festival more of an out-reach than a money-making effort. Ourexpenses are high for the event. The soupsthemselves are very expensive to make.That is expected because we don’t want tobe serving an inferior product. After all, wehave our reputations to maintain!

We had about 200 people, which is whatthe hall can comfortably hold. Many atten-

dees have been coming faithfully since weinstituted the event. It is rather like a largeyearly reunion. By 7:00 p.m., the hall is justbuzzing with their conversations.

The festive atmosphere of the event wasfurther enhanced this year by the presenceof personnel from a local television stationwho spent the evening interviewing par-ticipants and attendees.

There were 13 soups this year—potato,tomato, pumpkin, sauerkraut, barley, straw-berry, green pea (2 kinds), zurek, barsch,chicken, lentil, and bean. Several people askedabout the missing dill pickle soup. One ladyeven came again because she lost last year’srecipe sheet which contained that recipe.Most people tasted at least 10 soups. That’smore than a half gallon!

What I particularly noticed this year wasthe growth in the sophistication of our

attendees’ palates. They have always takenthe time to visit with the cooks serving theirsoup, asking about the soup ingredients,etc. Now, we find that we are serving agreater variety of soups—a cold fruit soup,a breakfast soup, and this year a summersoup (chlodnik). We had a numerous requestsfor the recipes for chlodnik and czerina(which, after much deliberation, was madewithout the duck’s blood).

Several men make soup for us. They alsowatch the soups so they don’t burn and refillthe lowering crock pots at the serving table.The women didn’t complain when theytook over washing up the huge soup pots andserving pieces.

Our volunteers are just wonderful. Theycome every year without being called andjust settle in doing “their” job. It is greatthey enjoy buttering bread, cutting desserts,


A Super Soup Festivalby Judith Blanchard

This was the 12th year the Polish American CulturalInstitute of Minnesota will be holding its Polish SoupFestival. We’ve helped several other clubs institute thetradition; although, each has modified the event to fittheir circumstances. Here’s how you too can put on theevent.

The first thing, find a location that has sufficient numberof burners to keep each soup warm and enoughelectricity in the serving area to power the crockpots.This becomes increasingly more difficult the more soupsyou have.

Next find volunteers to make soup at home-at least threegallons. Let the volunteer choose the variety becausethey know what they can make best. However, people doexpect to see potato, chicken, barsch, mushroom, pea,and bean. Each year, add different soups for people toexperience such as dill pickle, pumpkin, cold fruit,cauliflower. Generally PACIM has 12 offerings, three ofwhich are vegetarian. If there is any soup left over at 8:00p.m., sell it. “Bring a container,” is good advertising. Theydo and they love it.

Hand out copies of the recipes. No matter how manyyou print, they will be gone in a snap. Most of our recipescome from the Strybl cookbook (the Bible of Polishcooking), with a few secret ingredients - Maggie,mushroom concentrate, tomato paste, etc. An olderPolish cook can make the final adjustments, if you havethese ingredients at the ready.

Have the cooks serve the soup. The diners really enjoyvisiting with the person who cooked the soup. They are

always very complimentary which encourages the cooksto participate the next year.

Standardize the ladle size to about a cup. People really dowant (and will) try every soup. Give them all of the PolishRye Bread they can eat but limit the desserts by requiringthem to turn in their entry ticket.

Invite other groups to take part. Have a raffle, a silentauction, encourage the church to sell pierogi, a localPolish-American author to sign his books, a Polish-American artist to show his work, a small christmas fairor a Polish book sale. Every booth adds to the enjoymentand pretty soon there is so much conversation you can’thear the music.

There are four points to consider:

1. Weather-It must be cold enough for people to thinksoup and yet not so cold that there is snow and ice onthe roads.

2. Advertising-Many small newspaper and clubnewsletters require up to a month’s notice. If you areincluded in an “Events” section of a major paper, youcan expect you normal attendance to double.

3. Soups should be brought the night before or, if warm,at least one hour before the event. Soups with a creambase have to be brought up to temperature slowlybecause most home kettles have thin bottoms.

4. The price charged depends on the area of the country.PACIM’s price is based on the cost of the local churchdinners.

A Recipe for a Soup Festival


SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDEDto Polish Heritage Students at theKopernik Space Education Center

While some students spent their summer break at sports camps, art camps or visiting rel-atives, a select group spent their vacations exploring the wonders of the universe at theKopernik Space Education Center in Vestal, New York.Students traveled from across theUnited States and from as far as Germany and France to attend week long sessions of theninth annual Link Summer Science Explorations program.The 368 students attending thissummer’s program represents a 35 percent increase over last year’s attendance. Of this num-ber 14 students were recipients of Kopernik ScholarshipChallenge Awards sponsored by theKopernik Polish Cultural Society of Broome County, thePolish Heritage Society of Philadel-phia and the Polish Women’s Alliance of America.

The Kopernik Scholarship Challenge Award students and the organizations which spon-sored them are as follows: Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia: Alex Hejnosz from Philadel-phia, PA. Polish Women’s Alliance of America: Shaina Dymond from Shickshinny, PA.Kopernik Polish Cultural Society of Broome County: Jonathan Bittner from Westerville, OH;Katharine Calvert from Kalamazoo, MI; Jessica Cieplensky from Cobleskill, NY; DanielDeMaria and Brian Kaminsky from Binghamton, NY; Candice Marhefka from Johnson City,NY; Jarrett Newby from Endwell, NY; Katherine Orlowski and Paul Orlowski from Wal-ton,NY; Margarete Rosenkranz from Fairfax, VA; Stacey Sosenko from Johnson City, NY;and Alexander Witkowski from Highland, CA. Congratulations to all scholarship students!

The Kopernik Scholarship Challenge was originated by the Kopernik Polish CulturalSociety to encourage other Polish organizations to sponsor students of Polish heritage withhalf-scholarships to participate in these intensive science programs. The programs are avail-able to students in first through 12th grades. There are five programs that are offered to thedifferent age groups. The middle and high school level offers residential programs where thestudents stay on campus at Binghamton University and spend their evenings at the 27-acrehilltop site where the Kopernik Observatory is located.Some of this year’s activities included:astrophotography, digital imaging, lunar telescope studies/solar observation and a field tripto Cornell University’s Space and Planetary Imaging Center. As weather permits, the stu-dents are able to use Kopernik’s extensive array of telescopes including the 20-inch tele-scope made by Optical Guidance Systems, a research-quality instrument that is one of thelargest in the Northeast.

An effort is now under way by the Kopernik Space Education Center, Roberson Museumand Science Center, and the Kopernik Polish Cultural Society to expand the observatory aswell as its offerings for students by building the “Dr. Edward D. Kozlowski Science LearningLaboratory” in memory of its founder.

For more information aboutLink Summer Science Explo-rations, the Kopernik ScholarshipChallenge or how you can con-tribute to the Kozlowski Memo-rial Project contact Kristen Gor-don at (607) 772-0660 ext. 208or toll free at (888) 269-5325ext. 208.

(left to right) Stacey Sosenko,Katherine Calvert, JessicaCieplensky, and Candice Marhefka

or setting tables because that leaves us moretime to set up the raffle and silent auction.

We’re tired now but have the satisfactionof doing a job well and having a great suc-cess. Only a short rest is allowed, however,because we have to start working on PACIM’s20th anniversary formal ball and dinner tobe held on February 9, 2002.


Book Review by Wallace M. West

Casimir Pulaski - Cavalry Commander of the AmericanRevolution Kajencki, Francis Casimir Southwest Polonia Press El Paso, Texas79925-4126 278 pages, hardbound $29.50

This latest scholarly biography by authorKajencki follows on the heels of his earlierauthoritative biography, “Thaddeus Kosciuszko:Military Engineer of the American Revolu-tion,” which has gained international recog-nition when it was recently selected by theUnited States Commission of Military Historyfor inclusion in Bibliographis Internationaled’Histoire Militaire, a publication of the Inter-national Commission on Military History.Books selected by this commission numberonly about thirty a year and the authors arealways American scholars and professional his-torians.

This new straightforward and illuminating trea-tise, “Casimir Pulaski - Cavalry Commanderof the American Revolution” by Francis CasimirKajencki, is sure to fill a historiographic voidthat is all too prevalent in our American text-books. Historian Kajencki effectively chroni-cles Pulaski’s role in the American Revolutionin a manner and style that holds the reader’sattention. With careful review of governmentdocuments, historic books and papers avail-able to him, he provides us with a detailedaccounting of Pulaski’s service to the Ameri-can cause.

When Pulaski presented his credentials andletters of recommendations to George Wash-ington and the Continental Congress, he hadto overcome the deep resentment of Americanofficers against foreigners. A great number ofthe foreign volunteers were incompetent sol-diers of fortune who sought high rank and glory,but Pulaski, once given the opportunity toprove himself in battle, earned the distinction

of being listed with the comparatively fewcompetent leaders who played a major role inthe American Revolution: leaders like France’sLafayette, de Kalb, and Fleury; Prussia’s vonSteuben; and his Polish compatriot, Thad-deus Kosciuszko.

When Pulaski was appointed brigadier generaland the first commander of cavalry of the Con-tinental Army, he had to overcome GeneralWashington’s low opinion of the need for aneffective cavalry arm. Washington believedthat victories were won by infantry and artillery,

and in the early days of the Revolution he usedthe cavalry principally for ceremonial escortsand messenger service. Another handicapPulaski had to face was his poor command ofthe English language which hampered his abil-ity to communicate effectively with the menunder his command. That shortcoming servedto fuel the reluctance many Americans had toserve under foreign officers. These frustrationscompelled Pulaski to petition Congress for per-mission to create an independent legion.

In March of 1778, Congress resolved; “Thatthe Count Pulaski retain his Brigadier in theArmy of the United States and that he raiseand have command of an independent corpsto consist of sixty-eight horse and two hun-dred foot, the horse to be armed with lances,and the foot equipped in the manner of lightinfantry.”

Financing the Pulaski Legion was loaded withproblems. Prices for horses, clothing, and sol-dier trappings rose sharply as merchants tookadvantage of the Continental Army’s needsfor all items essential for combat. When Con-gress failed to provide the needed funds in a timelymanner, Pulaski provided more than $16,000from his own pocket. But he had less difficultyin recruiting experienced officers which includedin addition to Americans, a large percentageof foreigners from Hungary, France, Poland,Germany, and Italy.

Author Kajencki presents a clearly detailedstudy of the problems faced by the PulaskiLegion as they waited impatiently to engage theenemy. Pulaski was eager to lead his Legioninto battle against the British and he quicklyresponded to emergency orders from Congressto assist in the defense of Americans at LittleEgg Harbor. Unfortunately, the Pulaski Legionsuffered a setback in this early encounter withthe British due to betrayal by an officer assignedto Pulaski by Congress. The officer, LieutenantCarl Wilhelm Juliat, defected to the British

with information on the strength and locationof Pulaski’s infantry and cavalry. After the Lit-tle Egg Harbor debacle and a short time spentre-grouping his forces at Minisink, New York,Pulaski was ordered to march from York, Penn-sylvania to Savannah, Georgia, a distance ofsome 700 miles. Pulaski would now serve underthe command of General Benjamin Lincoln,Commanding General of the Southern Army.

On his way to Savannah, Pulaski arrived atCharleston, South Carolina, when the city wason the verge of surrender to the British. Pulaskiopposed this surrender and he sought to rein-force the American spirit of resistance withhis bold plan to draw the enemy into an ambush.The plan’s effectiveness was lost however, whenan officer in Pulaski’s Legion abandoned hisambush position to join Pulaski when he engagedthe British Dragoons in battle. Although Pulaski’sbold attack on the British forces cost his Legiondearly, he did achieve the greater good of sav-ing Charleston from the British.

Prior to the Siege of Savannah, Pulaski wroteto Congress to report on the poor treatment ofhis Legion by some members of Congress andofficers of the Continental Army. His letterincluded an impressive patriotic declarationwhich states - “Know that as I could not sub-mit to stoop before the sovereigns of Europe,so I came to hazard all for the freedom of Amer-ica, and, desirous of passing the rest of my lifein a country truly free, and before settling as acitizen, to fight for liberty.”

On October 9,1779, at the height of the Frenchand American assault on Savannah, Pulaskiwas mortally wounded. His significant contri-butions to the American fight for liberty andfreedom is honored throughout America andthis excellent biography of Casimir Pulaski willtell you why. The twelve chapters, four appen-dices, detailed notes, and annotated bibliographywill provide learned scholars and serious stu-dents of history with the unvarnished truthconcerning Pulaski, the Father of AmericanCavalry and Commander of the Horse. His-torians of an independent mind, such FrancisCasimir Kajencki, have the opportunity toaccurately chronicle early American history. Heis truly a writer who is not hampered by acad-emic tenure. This Kajencki biography of Pulaski,along with his earlier biography of Kosciuszko,are two books which effectively document thegreatness of two of Poland’s valiant sons. Thebook is powerful and well written. The his-torical facts are well researched and are presentedin a manner that is sharp and clear.


man, and Ellie McGinley. Guests of honorwere the Mayor and the Bishop of Savannah.

• The National Conference on SocialStudies was held in Washington, D.C. Nov.17 - 19, 2001. ACPC spearheaded this pro-ject under the leadership of Wally West,Exhibit Coordinator.

• Jo Louis Winters, Public Relations hassent the following press release to various pub-lications. “Polish American federal employ-ees who are proud of their Polish heritagehave a unique opportunity to materially boostthe Council’s efforts in promoting that greatheritage by designating the American Coun-cil for Polish Culture #2902 when makingtheir annual pledges during the 2002 Com-bined Federal Campaign.”

• Jo Louis coverage of publicity of theChicago Convention, Pulaski Scholarshiprecipients, election results and awards wasoutstanding. Items were covered in many pub-lications.

• Anna Mae Maglaty, Membership andCarolyn Meleski, Business manager (thedynamic duo) reported several unique meth-ods of retaining and obtaining new members.A redesign of the membership application iscurrently being worked on.

• In January Carolyn Maresky, FinancialSecretary will be sending out renewal mem-bership notices. Please respond in a timelymanner.

• The Jan de Rosen Memorial, spearheadedby Mary Flanagan, will be dedicated in the nearfuture in Doylestown, PA. Funds are neededto complete this important project. Year endtax deductible contributions would be gra-ciously accepted.

• Dr. Maria Chrypinski recently returnedfrom California where she was promoting theYouth Leadership Conference. There is muchenthusiasm on the west coast and hopefullynew affiliates will be joining ACPC.

• The board passed a motion to raise theconference registration fee to $250.00 (a bar-gain.) We encourage all affiliates and sup-porting groups to sponsor students for thisworthwhile experience.

• Marion Winters, Immediate Past Pres-ident reported on the continued success ofthe Walas Pulaski Scholarship program. Healso continues to search out appropriate grants.We also heard a presentation regarding theKopernik Summer Science program.

• Anna Chrypinski treated us to interest-ing reviews of several new books regardingPolish history and novels.

• Peter Obst and Debbie Majka reviewedthe status of the “Polish Heritage” and ourweb page. www.polishcultureacpc.org

• Paul Bosse, 2nd Vice President onceagain has taken on the responsibility of fundraising with the yearly raffle.

• Debbie Majka attended, as ACPC rep-resentative, the Polish American Congressboard meeting in Cleveland, Ohio and pledgedour continued cooperation and support of thePAC.

• A lengthy discussion was held regarding

the Council’s relationship with the Ameri-can Center of Polish Culture. The result ofthe proposed changes to the By-Laws AndArticles of Incorporation of the Center thatwould affect the Council. This matter is beingaddressed now. I’ll keep you informed on theresults of our action.

• We’re going to Krakow, Poland for the54th Annual Convention in 2002! There ismuch interest in this special convention,please make your reservations immediately.Post convention tours are also being offered.(See details on page ____.)

• Necrology:September 11, 2001

Captain John A. Ogonowski - Pilot, Ameri-can Airlines Flight 11.

September 11, 2001Many nameless Polish Americans who died thatday.

September 23, 2001Dr. Stanislaus Blejwas - President, Polish Amer-ican Historical Association.

October 30, 2001Walter Twardowski, Past President, Polish Cul-tural Club of Greater Hartford and Past ACPCDirector.

We have completed this first half of our newadministration year. We have been busy andaccomplished much, because of a dedicatedand hard-working board who take their respon-sibilities seriously. However, each member isimportant for the Council to continue tothrive. Thank you for your interest and coop-eration.

Wishing you a blessed New Year.

President’s MessageContinued from page 2.

Polish News911 W. Irving Park Rd.Bensenville, IL 60106website: www.polishnews.commonthly - subscription $30 per yearaverage pages - 70format 11 by 8.5 inchesPublisher: Krystyna Teller Editor-in-Chief: Michael Szporer

As stated on its cover, this is a Polish monthlymagazine that contains stories in both Pol-ish and English covering mainly Polonianews and issues. The cover is in color andthe interior is heavily illustrated withblack/white photographs. A fresh approachto Polonia news, it is dedicated to becom-ing a “forum for promoting Polish-Ameri-

can culture and heritage and uniting Polo-nia communities around the globe.” Thepublishers will provide a sample issue to inter-ested parties.

New Horizon333 West 38th StreetNew York, NY 10018monthly, subscription $30 per yearaverage pages 15format - tabloid, 15 by 11.5 inchesPublisher: Bicentennial Publishing Corp.Editor: Jacek Galazka

A monthly dedicated to Polish history, books,reviews, historical monuments and placesin Poland and abroad. In addition there oftenare biographies of figures from Polish his-tory, and first person accounts of significanthistorical events. This magazine is distributedas a membership benefit to all members TheKosciuszko Foundation.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

IN THIS ISSUEPage

Remembering Pulaski............................ 1

Message from the President .................. 2

Styka Art Exhibit .................................. 3

Member News ...................................... 4

de Rosen Memorial Fund ..................... 6

Convention Update ............................. 7

Super Soup Festival............................... 8

Scholarships Awarded .......................... 9

Book Review ........................................ 10

Publications Received........................... 11

Nonprofit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

P A I DDetroit, MI

Permit No. 1439

Polish HeritageBusiness Office10020 ReeseClarkston, MI 48348-1856

Address Service Requested

REPRINTS are permitted provided credit is given to ACPC Polish Heritage and copy sent to editor.

ATTENTION AFFILIATE ANDSUPPORTING MEMBERS

The deadlines for submitting yourorganization’s news is as follows:

Spring Issue February 1Summer Issue May 1Fall Issue August 1Winter Issue November 1

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO POLISH HERITAGEU.S.–1 yr: $10, 2 yrs: $18; Canada/Foreign–1 yr: $15MEMBERSHIP IN ACPC INCLUDING SUBSCRIPTIONU.S.–1 yr: $10, 2 yrs: $18; Canada/Foreign–1 yr: $15

The ACPC

2002 Convention–An Update

At the conclusion of the Convention, delegates will have the following tour options:

Tour “A” - Krakow, Rzeszow, Lancut, Sandomierz, Lublin, Kazimierz Dolny, Naleczow, Bialowieza, Bialystok, Mikolajki, Olsztyn and WarsawPackage price $965/person, double occupancy, minimum of 20Package price $850/person, double occupancy, minimum of 30

Tour “B” - Krakow, Wadowice, Czestochowa, Torun, Malbork, Gdansk, Gdynia,Sopot, Kaszuby region, Warszaw. Same package prices as above for Tour "A"

Dates for both tours : July 21 - 30, 2002. Deposit of $250 is required by December1, 2001, to hold the space on either Tour “A” or Tour “B”.

Checks, payable to Excel Tours, should be forwarded to:Richard M. Wiermanski162 Colony CrossingEdgewater, MD 21037-2758

Convention Co-chairs DickWiermanski and Debbie Majkareport that plans are well underwayfor Convention 2002 (July 16-21,2002) in Krakow. The Conventioncosts, per person, double occupancyare $660, which includes:

Registration $50Convention package $330

Hotel $280 ___________

Total $660

65799-acpc fall 01 - american council for polish culture · fall 2001 vol. lii, no. 4 remembering...

Documents