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polish-american magazine #10, JUne 2015 reviamagazine.com MARLENA PIERZCHALA ON EMBRACING HER CULTURE AND INSPIRING OTHERS

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Page 1: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

polish-american magazine #10, JUne 2015 reviamagazine.com

MARLENAPIERZCHAŁAON EMBRACING HER CULTUREANDINSPIRING OTHERS

Page 2: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

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Page 3: REVIA Magazine Issue #10
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revia reviamagazine.com #10, 20154

30

As the weather in good ole Chi-town becomes more unpredictable each day (I heard some-thing about summer being cancelled?), one

thing here at Revia remains unmoved: our mission to understand the Polish-American tradition. We’re constantly motivated to discover and appreciate our culture in America; the history behind its birth, the reason for its growing positive influence in the com-munity, and the direction we want our generation, and the ones after, to steer it.

The dictionary consensus is describes culture as: the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a

particular social, ethnic, or age group. Indeed a very broad term for such monumental, yet simple word. So that’s where we come in. Creative and unique individuals, we all have the ability to enter the sphere and create our own defi nition of culture. You and I, our family and our friends, we all contribute and add on to the meaning of culture. We do it every day, sometimes unaware of our awesome influence on the world. We should be proud. I know I am.

I believe each person has their own special story – so pretty much, everyone offers the world a piece of their own culture. In this issue you’ll come across remarkable stories, great words of advice, and some truly inspirational recollections that embody the different meaning culture has to each one of us individually.

On April 30th REVIA celebrated culture in full force during our amazing spring fashion show. We commemorated not only the Polish side of the community, but everyone who made it out to support our mission to make a difference. It was a fun night, set in one of the most handsome venues in town, and most importantly, the event benefi ted a great cause: You Can Be My Angel Foundation. Thank you to all who joined in and participated! [More details on the event in upcoming pages!]

I hope this issue inspires you to preserve existing traditions – and to remember to never stop creating your own defi nition of culture.

Happy reading and till next time,MoNica dolecka

aSSociate editor

One year ago, I embarked on a new path in this journey of life. After contributing to Chicago Rewia newspaper for a few years, Karl

Wrobel requested I help start a new project called Revia Magazine. This idea sounded like an organic fi t and a great need in Chicago’s Polish American com-munity. Being able to share positive success stories of our peers and highlight wonderful events, causes, and collaborations is one of the most rewarding experiences, and I am so grateful for this past year. It’s hard to believe how many incredible people we have encountered through our publication, and all the

stories and memories that we’ve gathered along the way. Yet, this is only the beginning.Never could I have dreamt of a better night than during our Revia Magazine Spring

Event and Fashion Show. There was something magical about how it all came together. The sheer love and care behind the garments, the joyous energy from our gracious emcee, and the heaven-sent weather which parted the clouds and blessed us with NO RAIN – was all so perfect. I can honestly say I am humbled and elated by the magnitude of positive feedback we have received from our event, and can’t wait to share the details of our next big one this August as we celebrate our one year anniversary.

Seeing how engaged and eager our audience is fuels our cause and really excites us to continue growing our publication with the next generation of Polish Americans. Thanks to a strong interest in our community, we are paving even newer paths along this journey.

I personally have found this platform to be a tremendous place of healing and growth in my life. With my Babcia in the hospital at this time last year, I pursued my passion to capture Polish-American stories and was lucky enough to share the fi rst-ever print of our magazine with her before saying goodbye. Handing her a copy and watching her smile with the most joyous eyes will forever be in my heart. I know how proud she was that we were creating such an important vehicle for our cultural experience.

Since our inception, we have teamed up with many notable causes and organizations to bring you the best of Poland in Chicago. I encourage everyone to check out the fasci-nating exhibits at the Polish Museum of America featured in this issue and in person. Also be sure to read Monica Dolecka’s interview with the Queen of the May 3rd Parade, Marlena Pierzchala, who is another great example of grace and accomplishment.

We look forward to many more great moments ahead!Pozdrawiam,

aNia jabloNowSkieditorial director

06 -- contributors08 -- revia Spring event and fashion Show 10 -- hair wars 201511 -- fine art of fashion Show12 -- Superhero collective Silent auction 16 -- being big: what every entrepreneur dreams of18 -- build your brand19 -- dr. joanna Slusky20 -- MarleNa PierzchaŁa:

on embracing her culture and inspiring others24 -- the changing culture of Medicine26 -- “odesza”28 -- zdrowie na talerzu30 -- Polish entrepreneur31 -- ask an attorney 32 -- Memoirs of a Model: life on the catwalk33 -- ask anita 34 -- histiry of the Polish Museum of america35 -- Stanisław kulawiak exhibit 36 -- an ode to fathers38 -- la Mode 38

24

28

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waNt to read More reVia? haVe it deliVered right to yoUr hoMe or office!gET A Full yEAR OF ISSuES FOR FREE ANd PAy ONly $1995 PER yEAR FOR dElIVERy

giVe the gift of cUltiVatiNg cUltUre SIgN uP FOR OuR FAMIly & FRIENdS PACkAgE WITH 3 SuBSCRIPTIONS, ANd RECEIVE THE 4TH SuBSCRIPTION FREE!

VISIT WWW.REVIAMAg.COM TO SIgN uP TOdAy, OR CAll uS AT: (847) 559-1515

REVIA Magazine is produced as a monthly periodical catering to young, assimilated Polish-american professionals in chicago and the surrounding suburbs. reVia is one of the only Polish themed publications where the majority of content is in english, allowing for an unparalleled opportunity to remain part of the community for assimilated Poles.

REVIA Magazine offers readers the absolute best in Polish culture, lifestyle and community living that chicago has to offer. we target both the Polish community that wants to connect with the american culture, and the american community that desires to better connect with Poles.

REVIA Magazine is building a bridge and closing a generational gap to unite our community!

get the inside scoop on:

• culture• events• interviews• fashion• film• Music• health• love• food• and much more!

C O n n e C T i n g C O M M U n i T i e S . R e M e M B e R i n g R O O T S .

waNt to read More reVia? haVe it deliVered right to yoUr hoMe or office!

Page 6: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

revia reviamagazine.com #10, 20156

COnTRiBUTORS

ALLiSOn SiMAAllison Sima is Program Manager at AdRevenu and is a Freelance Designer and Writer with over 10 years of marketing communications experience. Allison assists companies with brand development and lead generation. She is passionate about marketing that delivers results. A Chicagoland native, Allison's cultural background is Pol-

ish on her mother's side and German on her dad's.

MegHAn MCALLiSTeROriginally from Canada, Meghan is currently a Public Relations and Advertising student at DePaul University. On her free time Meghan enjoys writing for her fashion blog, Lincoln Park Minute, and doing hot yoga. She is passionate about social media, animals, and photogra-phy. Meghan is Polish on her mother’s side and Scottish on her father’s.

MARTA ZAWADZKAActivist, Editor and Writer. Originally from Poland, she is well known amongst the Polish community for her dedi-cation and action for those in need. Marta is a very moti-vated, outgoing, highly imaginative, and a very resourceful individual whose goal is to positively change other’s lives. For the past four years she has been helping women with

her motivational group “Success in a Skirt”, where she helps women achieve their goals and pursue their dreams. Marta loves vegetarian cooking and traveling.

AniTA CHiPALATwo of my passions in life are helping people with their love life and writing. With my advice column, “Ask Anita, ”I get to combine the two! As a dating & relationship expert, I’m on a mission to prove that happy and satisfying rela-tionships are possible. I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and hold a Master’s in Marital & Family Therapy

from the University of San Diego. I founded Relationship Reality 312, Inc., and I work with clients both internationally and in my Chicago downtown offi ce.

3100 DUNDEE ROAD, SUITE 406, NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062TEL: 847-559-1515, FAX: 847-272-6701

E-MAIL: [email protected] | WWW.REVIAMAGAZINE.COM

revia Magazine is not responsible for d isplay adver t isement , adver t is ing ar t ic les and their contents.reproduct ion in whole or in par t without wri t ten permission is prohibi ted.

copyr ight 2014 © chicago review inc. al l rights reserved

LeAnDRO MULeTLeandro Mulet was born in Cuba and at age nineteen he moved to the United States. Mulet is a fashion designer cur-rently based in Chicago. His designs have managed to catch the attention not only from models and fashion producers, but also from photographers desiring to use his editorial ensembles for photoshoots. With his fashion expertise and

good styling, Leandro has dressed many local celebrities from Miami to Chicago.

CORinne MeieRCorinne holds over 6 years of digital campaign man-agement experience ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies like American Family Insurance and Bridgeview Mortgage Bank. She specializes in branding + identity, content marketing strategy, social sales, and relationship marketing. Corinne is an avid fi tness addict

and participating member in multiple Chicagoland charities.

MARTA PATLAnThe fi rst American born in her family, Marta’s parents came to the US over 30 years ago. She grew up in Chi-cago in a typical Polish household and attended Polish school where she learned to read and write. She met her husband, a Mexican-American, with a similar family immi-gration story and together they have three small children, ages 5, 3, and 1. A life-long learner, Marta has a love for writing as well as an interest in sharing stories with other moms about running a home, being a full-time professional, and keeping Polish traditions alive (with a twist!) for the next generation.

K MRAZK Mraz, also known as Ladie K, is a fi lmmaker, model, actress, writer, and activist fi ghting for equal rights for women, minorities, and the environment. She is the owner of Ladie K Productions, Inc., Creative Works Media, Inc., and Smart Pretty Designs, Inc. and is actively pursing her career in motion picture. Her goal is to change how the world perceives each other by changing what they see in the media, and thanks all those who are supportive of her cause.

DR. MiCHAeL FeLinSKiMichael hails from Poland's magical city of Krakow, and has emigrated to Chicago in the mid 90's with part of his family. His love of science, dragons, castles and travels has motivated him to return to his hometown to acquire a medical degree, and currently he is undertaking an acute medicine residency as a senior doctor in sunny UK. With aim of acquiring an MBA with a focus on medical leadership, he plans on helping tackle global health issues from the top-down in the future.

CHRiSTiAn DAViSChristian Davis is a fresh graduate of the UIC Honors College, having graduated with Highest Distinction in his major of English and Rhetorical Studies. Last sum-mer, he was awarded several merit-based scholarships to study international journalism in Prague, Czech Re-public. In his free time, Christian is currently working on two novellas, a mythical sci-fi and a quantum realism, both of which he is determined to fi nish at some point before 2053 AD. He also enjoys beating up unsuspecting bullies and playing guitar.

Page 7: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

• Personal Injury• Work and Automobile Accidents• Asbestos Exposure causing Mesothelioma/Lung Cancer • Construction Work and Fatal Accidents• Medical Malpractice• DUI, and Traffi c Violations

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What to do in case of a car accident

1. Pull the car over. Never leave the scene of an accident you are invo-lved in, even if the collision seems minor or harmless.

2. Offer assistance If anyone has sustained injuries, immediately call for a doctor or ambulance.

3. Seek medical attention Should you have any doubts regarding your health or anyone else involved in the accident with you, immediately call for an ambulance to transport you to the nearest medical facility.

4. Notify the policeFiling a police report can be helpful should an investiga-tion be carried out and the case goes to court.

5. Gather and provide informationState law requires drivers to release their fi rst and last name, address, telephone number, and vehicle registra-tion number, as well as the information of the vehicle owner. Also, ask for proof of the other drivers insurance, and collect necessary information from any witnesses.

6. Call your insuranceContact your insurance company as soon as possible to provide them with all crucial information.

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under the infl uence of alcohol1. Pull the car over

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5. You also have the right to deny the request to take part in any

kind of testing whether on site or at the police station, that could prove the

consumption of alcohol:

• This includes being asked to touch your nose, stand on one leg, make eye

contact, walk, or turn around

• You also have the right to deny a breathalyzer test, blood test, or any kind of

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• Searching you, your car, or any of your belongings

Instead, you can explain to the offi cer in the following way:

“I refuse to take any tests until I fi rst speak to my lawyer”.

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Page 8: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

revia reviamagazine.com #10, 20158

e v e n t s

On Thursday, April 30, REVIA Magazine and Polish American Network (PAN) held its Spring Social Event & Fashion Show at IO’s Urban Roofscape in downtown Chicago. With over 550 attendees, this was the largest event to date for REVIA and PAN alike. The night was full of the city’s most fashionable and well-heeled individuals. Delicious, small bites (courtesy of Qulinarnia and Playbook Sports Ultra Lounge) and complimentary cocktails were also served to the delight of early attendees.

A portion of event proceeds benefited the You Can Be My Angel Foundation, a charity inspired by childhood cancer, more specifically by 2-year-old Jacob who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Though he lived in Poland at the time, Jacob and his family reached out to the Polish-American community here in Chicago to raise funds for his treatment. Since

then, the foundation has raised money for children with cancer believing that all children deserve a fair chance at life. (For more info about YCBMA please visit www.youcanbemyangel.com)

The host of the evening fashion show was, Whitney Reynolds of The Whitney Reynolds Show, also guest emceed. The fashion show was aesthetically pleasing, with chic clothing inspired by Polish and Moroccan themes, which featured bright, lively colors with cultural flair. The main two designers of the night were Chicago’s very talented, Leandro Mulet and K&K by Folk.

After all the models strutted their beauty down the runway, there was much applause, and a fervent energy filled the air as guests continued mingling amidst tunes by DJ Madrid Perry, Kamil Bartoszcze of KBE Entertainment, and DJ lO. REVIA Magazine

and Polish American Network would like to thank all its supports and participants who contributed to the evening’s success and they can’t wait to host another similar in the near future.

Special Thanks to our sponsors: Halsted Eye Boutique, Red Edge Solutions, Duet Insurance Group, Fresh Farms, Tony Zaskowski with Chicago Ultimate Homes, Qulinarnia, and Playbook Sports Ultra Lounge.

PhotograPhy by: Matthew SPerzel, Natalia zarycka, aNdrzej brach, derek tokarzewSki,

rockiN ray PhotograPhyVideo: Michal jaworSki – Variete ProdUctioNS

– www.VarieteProdUctioNS.coMModel hair aNd Make-UP: SteVeN PaPageorge

acadeMy for hair aNd MakeUP

REVIA Magazine and Polish American Network (PAN) Spring Event & Fashion Show

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10 revia reviamagazine.com #10, 2015

The Concord Music Hall was home to this year’s Supreme Salon Tour competition, "Hair Wars", which took place on Sunday April 26th.

Hair Wars is the ultimate salon competition where local salons showcase their artistic side down the runway by featuring one-of-a-kind hair creations. The Supreme Salon tour travels through Chicago, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, El Paso, Calgary Canada, in search of top salons that display superb creativity and style within their region.

This year, top-notch Chicago salons took it to the catwalk, showcasing their ultimate creative talent in

this 15th Anniversary hair competition. Ten salons competed for the coveted regional title of "Supreme Salon" and the top 3 final salons were invited to compete in the World Finals.

Windy City Media hosted the event, along with BRAVO TV finalist, Ben Mollin, of the hit TV show "Shear Genius", where Ben was judged on similar creative hair challenges, surviving weekly eliminations that eventually landed him a finalist spot on the show.

The event was judged by NAHA's stylist of the year 2011, Eli Mancha, owner of Bang Salon, which was crowned Hair Wars champion in 2006. NAHA

(North American Hairstylist Awards) is one of the most prestigious awards in the beauty industry. Guests were also invited to have their picture taken by famous fashion photographer, Alex Goykhman, who snapped pictures of the eccentric hair styles coming down the runway. Each salon featured its own theme, designed routine and distinctive hair styles, all which best represented each salon’s artistic abilities. Winners included: 1st place – Danny Hair Studio, 2nd place – Elements Salon, 3rd place – Angelo Juliano Salon.

Sponsors included Wella, Airbrush Academy, Glam Live, Mario Ink, GoykPhoto, and Lock&Loaded.

For additional information on Hair Wars and Windy City Media, contact [email protected] www.facebook.com/dan.v.baron, or visit www.supremesalon.com

PhotoS coUrteSy of: roSS-iMageS.coM

e v e n t s

Hair Wars 2015 – The Supreme Salon Tour

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11 #10, 2015 reviamagazine.com revia

The Third Annual Fine Art of Fashion show On May 15th the third annual Fine Art of Fashion show was hosted at the Curtiss Hall of the historic Fine Arts Building in Chicago. The event featured live music by Chopin, Brahms, and Medtner performed by pianist Ani Gogova, as well as the latest fashion by designers Asteri Furs, Daniel George Custom Suits, and Bryan K Osburn. Guests enjoyed a pre-performance champagne reception sponsored by Le Medallion. Hair and makeup was sponsored by Michael David Styles and lighting was courtesy of Magic Uplighting. The Fine Art of Fashion was produced by Benjamin Cottrell Designs and Anima Productions.

PhotograPhy by ray thoMPSoN

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revia reviamagazine.com #10, 201512

On Thursday May 21st the Not-For-Profit organization, Superhero Collective, featured a silent auction benefitting children who are ill. The Superhero Collective mission is to surprise kids who are sick in the hospital by dressing as famous superheroes, providing them with toys, and keeping them company

while they are receiving medical treatment.To support the great cause, everyone, including the

who’s who of Chicago made it out to the event dressed as their favorite superhero or villain. Special guests included James case (from the Bachelor), Mabel Guzman (Realtor and NAR rep), and Ray Austin (from

the Bears and Jets). Superhero Collective auctioned off items ranging from a signed rolling stones guitar to a luxurious ride in a Lamborghini. DJ Rock City provided awesome tunes throughout the night as guests enjoyed signature hero and villain themed cocktails. Sponsors included Barrister Title and Realtor and Cindy Alderson, who came out in their own amazing masks and costumes. Funds raised benefitted children being treated in hospitals. Overall, it was a fantastic and super fun and successful night.

PhotograPhy by aMy aiello aNd trèS aweSoMe

e v e n t s

Superhero Collective Helps Sick Children

Page 13: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

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Page 14: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

14 revia reviamagazine.com #10, 2015

e+o Food and Drink awards, including “Best New Restaurant in 2013” by Chicago Magazine;” “Most Memorable Dining Experience in 2014” by Daily herald, and “Diners Choice Awardee” at Opentable 2015, which showcased a wide variety of flavors, from sea to soil.

Celebrity Chef Rodelio Aglibot’s comprehensive menu – encompassing homemade pastas, pizza, well crafted sushi, quality grilled meats and a raw bar, incorporates cuisines as diverse as Filipino, Moroccan, and Mexican – which might seem a bit helter-skelter to the naked eye, but e+o’s philoso-phy of balance through carefully sourced ingredients is what brings everything together under the banner of “New Ameri-can” food. Guests come for the unusual epicurean experi-ence and stay for the North American-centric wine list, which features a wide choice of local beers and award- winning specialty cocktails, all to be enjoyed by a city style design brought especially to the suburban market. e+o satisfies the needs of guests who want a city-style dining experience with-out the long drive and heavy price tag.

e+o delivers memorable experiences through their food, drinks, beautiful dining room, private dining room and best patio in town. They are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and are open late on Friday and Saturdays.

is located in the newly developed Randhurst Village Mall, winning an array of

www.eofoodanddrink.com

Page 15: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

Summer

Music

Series

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Series

Where?Where?

Featuring:Featuring:

Join us every Friday & Saturday starting at 6:30pm!

e+o Food and Drink125 Randhurst Village Dr. Mount Prospect, IL

Simply Sound

Pop Culture

The Apuli Brothers

Featured on Windy City Live

Page 16: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

16 revia reviamagazine.com #10, 2015

We plan to reinvent our industry, launching elaborate headquarters reminding everyone how dominant

our enterprise is. We dream of managing hundreds of locations with thousands of employees drinking the kool-aid. What we often forget in this day and age of disruption is how disadvantageous being large can be. Let’s take the recent closing of 1,000 RadioShack stores.

RadioShack opened its first store in Brighton, Massachusetts in 1986, when implementing credit card check-out on a website was rocket science to even an expert web developer. Enter Volusion, Shopify, and Amazon – watch out RadioShack, you are officially what Blockbuster is to Netflix. The infrastructure of brick and mortar deploying a sale is practically like living in the ring of fire – even the sturdiest can’t compete with waves of disruption.

Not only is RadioShack’s business model lacking in innovation, but their marketing acumen further illustrates antiquated business tactics. Take for instance the launch of a hyper-costly Super Bowl ad to solve a sales slump; wouldn’t it make more sense to use the ad as reinforcement of brand LOVE? If purchased at the wrong time, the traditional marketing of billboards, commercials, and print advertising can be overpriced vehicles of communication that can push companies into the red.

How can people put all their faith into a commercial? According to CBS, the average cost of a 30-second advertisement was $4 million in 2013. Investing in a commercial is one of the riskiest marketing plays in the book.

Despite RadioShack closing 1,000 stores – they still have 4,000 stores.

Here is the deal. Generation X & Y may still feel there is value in spending money on gas, fighting traffic, searching for a parking spot, walking into a ‘trusted store’ to be ‘guided’ by an educated sales rep to make their ever so important electronic product purchase. We agree there may very well be RadioShack loyalists and instances of immediacy. By the same token, at Meier Marketing, we think in about 2 years a good half of what remains of that generation will have an Amazon store app on their smartphones.

Sure, Generation X & Y may feel comfortable spending their time on frivolous activities such as retail shopping. They may not feel the slightest disrespect of their time for walking into a 40 hour a week job – after a 2 hour commute. They had few issues eating at McDonalds, as they didn’t know any better. They incurred exorbitant college debt. They mailed things. No need to reiterate what we know is coming to an abrasive end. Great, so who is to succeed this generation?

Welcome to: Generation C.A little about Generation C: their

priorities are time versus money. Gen C values social interaction, health, and speaks digital. He/she does not go into the bank; they scan the check with an app. They have the Starbucks app on hand to quickly pay for their skinny vanilla latte. Instead of wasting time commuting to another room outside their home to do the exact same job they could do from the very four walls they’ve paid an arm and a leg for, they utilize technologies like BOX to free up 5-10 precious commute hours a week. Over 200,000 businesses such as Southwest Airlines, P&G, Schneider Electric, New Balance, Netflix, and Spotify choose Box

to power their collaboration and content management and, “By 2020, more than half the employees at large corporations will work in virtual project groups.” – Booz & Company.

Everything is moving in the virtual direction, especially the entire shopping experience. It’s practically a dying art – not just within the category of electronics. A study by Gartner Research revealed that, “By 2020, customers will manage 85% of their relationships without talking to a human.” Take the latest technology in clothing, like the Cisco StyleMe™ Virtual Fashion Mirror where you can see how clothing looks on you without going into the fitting room. Pretty soon there will be no fitting rooms. Slowly but surely, inexpensive e-commerce transactions will lead retailers to pull back storefronts. From e-commerce it will go to mobile, from mobile shopping to apps. The new challenge for a retailer will not be to gain the highest foot traffic intersection, but to end up on the first result page on a consumer's smartphone.

Now, imagine comparing the price of commercial real-estate per square foot based on its limited quantity and shrink that to the square centimeters of a smartphone homepage screen. Generation C does not need brick and mortar – they have Facebook friend approvals to know if something is a product they want to buy. Besides, that’s just another thing we can have in common with our ever growing social networks; we manage on an hourly basis.

Will retailers successfully bridge sales from in-store to mobile to apps? Absolutely! The bigger eco-problem remaining is what we are going to do with all of this excess retail space. At Meier Marketing we predict these retail spaces will flip into educational, recreational, and innovational community centers. A great example of a disruptive entity on its way to creating an educational facility is the Chicago Basketball Academy (CBA), currently incubating within East Bank Club. CBA is the world's first private

high school preparing future leaders for the 'basketball economy' through academic and athletic excellence.

coNNect with coriNNe aNd Meier MarketiNg @ www.liNkediN.coM/iN/gotMeier.

By: Corinne Meier, CEO, Meier Marketing

Being Bigis what every entrepreneur dreams ofINBOuNd MARkETINg’S EFFECTS ON E-COMMERCE IN RETAIl

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Being Big

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#10, 2015 reviamagazine.com revia 17

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According to a recent article published with CNBC by Nicholas Wyman, CEO of the Institute of Workplace Skills

and Innovation, the US is in the midst of a “grave problem.” While roughly 10 million Americans are unemployed, there are also millions more that are underemployed.

Despite the unemployed and underem-ployed, there are over 5 million jobs that have not been fi lled. Why? The reason is that there are not enough people with the practi-cal skills required for the positions. The gap in skill set is hindering both our national growth and threatens our ability to compete globally.

Our nation needs skilled workers. By 2020, one in three jobs will require candi-dates to have a background that includes higher education.

So, where does that leave us today? For the fi rst time in a long time, it is going to be a competitive candidate-driven market. To recruit and retain top talent, you need to focus and build a positive company culture. Here are a few tips:

BE INCluSIVEIt’s a business, not a popularity contest. Fa-voritism will never lead to anything good on the professional front. When employees feel excluded or like an “outsider,” that quickly turns to negative feelings. Negativity has a ripple affect that can spread far and wide. It is essential that employees truly feel like they are a part of a team and that their per-sonal role has merit in the overall company achievement. Remember that more can be accomplished when your talent is invested in the company’s success.

PROMOTE dIVERSITyAccording to survey results in a recent blog by Glassdoor, 67% of active and passive job

seekers said that when evaluating compa-nies and job offers, an important factor is a diverse workforce.

There are countless benefi ts to a diverse workforce. Many points of view, increased feedback and a variety of expertise will lead to innovative solutions. A diverse group of ages, genders, backgrounds, and experiences are the perfect ingredients for a recipe to create company growth and expansion.

OFFER CHAllENgESA position that is one-dimensional with du-ties that seem “automated” can be dull and boring. When employees are not engaged in their responsibilities, it hurts the company culture. It may even lead to “slackers.” To keep momentum, excitement and a positive workforce, create challenges.

The easiest way to understand why creating challenges for talent is important is by taking a look in the mirror. When you reach a goal or accomplish something that you have been striving for, how do you feel? Again, it is the ripple affect. When you create this feeling in others around you, a feeling of accomplishment, your company culture improves.

AllOW FOR AuTONOMyI think Steve Jobs said it best when he said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”

You hire talent because they have an area of expertise and add value. Likewise, as much as you try, it is not feasible to know it all. We need each other, as individuals, to work together as a team and teach each other in order to grow and develop properly. No matter what level an employee is, from top to bottom, allow for your talent to offer opinions and make decisions.

FINd WAyS TO RElIEVE STRESSSome jobs are more stressful than others,

but no matter what position you have in a company many jobs can be stressful at times. To keep a positive culture during stressful times, take measures to alleviate stress. Give away tickets or offer discounts to local attractions outside of the offi ce. Organize a contest or raffl e. Buy lunch for all the employees one day or host a picnic dur-ing good weather. Or, plan a team-building event with fun games and exercises, which is also a way to bring employees together.

START AT THE TOPPerhaps it goes without saying, but the only way to really achieve a positive company cul-ture is when leaders in an organization take part. Lead by example. Be professional, be honest, be fair and recognize talent. It really is that simple.

COMPANy CulTuRE CARRIES WEIgHTBased on a report by Glassdoor, 69% of job seekers would not take a job with a company that had a bad reputation, even if they were hired. 63% of LinkedIn users who are not actively seeking a new opportunity admitted that, given the right message, they could be interested in a change.

Company culture and the way you deliver your message about your culture to candi-dates is more important than ever. Branding is just as important in recruitment as it is for marketing and sales. Your company culture will help draw top talent to your company, just like a magnet.

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Page 19: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

#10, 2015 reviamagazine.com revia 19

Since 2008, Halsted Eye Boutique has been the leader and preferred

provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services to pa-tients in Chicago and the sur-rounding areas. Their experi-enced doctors and staff offer

comprehensive vision exami-nations and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems.

In her mission to provide the best eye care services possible, Dr. Joanna Slusky, O.D. uses only the most ad-vanced, state-of-the-art di-agnostic technology and eye care products available. Dr. Slusky is committed to edu-cating patients and providing personalized eye care services to the people of Chicago. At Halsted Eye Boutique, you will find eye care profession-als who genuinely care about your health and are dedicated to providing exceptional per-sonal service to everyone who walks through their door.

Our full-service optical boutique offers high-quality, limited edition frames from leading designers in the eye-wear industry. Whether your taste is unique or classic, or you wear progressive lenses, or you like to change frames with every outfit, Halsted Eye Boutique care is here to help. Our on-site doctors offer com-

plete optical medical services. Whether you wear traditional frames or contact lenses, want laser vision correction, have red or irritated eyes, need treatment for diseases such as glaucoma, or are experiencing common computer eye strain, Halsted Eye Boutique can

lend a hand.Halsted Eye Boutique ac-

cepts a wide variety of insur-ance coverage, so you don’t have to switch doctors just because you switch jobs. We are located in the Wicker Park section of Chicago and have convenient hours that suit your individual schedule.

Eyes are important indi-cators of overall health, and comprehensive eye care goes beyond a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. At Halsted Eye Boutique, we take the time to get to know you, your eye history, and your current vision needs. Dr. Slusky supplies her patients with expert care, advice, op-tions, and the follow up your eyes need and deserve.

Halsted Eye Boutique fea-tures a state-of-the-art au-tomated lens edger which enables our technicians to tai-lor your lenses or eyeglasses right here in our office. We also provide a wide array of designer frames, fit for every style and budget, atop of fea-turing comprehensive contact lens services.

dr. Joanna Slusky, O.d. was born in Poland and came to the United States dur-ing her childhood. She attended Northwestern University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Joanna’s academic merits include the Tomb and Key Honor Fraternity, and Beta Sigma Kappa International Honor Society academic honor recognition.

In addition to providing comprehensive eye examinations, Dr. Joanna has a special interest in pediatric vision care, and the management of the anterior seg-ment of adult eyes. Specialty contact lens care, as well as dry eye and ocular allergy treatment are the emphasis of her vision and ocular health care in our community. Dr. Joanna has been recognized by the leaders of the contact lens industry for her recommendations for the best vision care options for her patients.

"With dedication, dignity, and knowledge, I look forward to serving you and your family's vision care needs as your eye care specialist. You are more than a patient in our practice; you are part of our family." – Dr. Joanna Slusky, O.D.

DR. JOAnnA SLUSKY, O.D.IMPORTANCE OF EyE ExAMINATIONSIt is recommended that everyone gets an annual eye exam, regard-less of their age or whether there is any sign of eye illness or trou-ble. Children should be tested at birth, then again at 6 months, at 3 years, and then every year after that to ensure proper ocular and visual development. If a child needs glasses and is not wearing them prior to being 6 years old, their brain may never develop the proper neurological connections and potentially preventing them from ever seeing with 20/20 vision as an adult. For adults, however, the frequency of eye care visits depends on the doc-tor’s recommendation and may occur every year or possibly more often, depending on your overall eye health, how you use your eyes on daily basis, and whether you wear glasses or contacts.

CORRECTINg BluRRy VISIONGlasses and contact lenses correct blurry vision. You may want to wear them more often in order to see things more com-fortably and without straining

your eyes from squinting. To set the misconception straight, get-ting used to seeing things more clearly will not make your eyes worse or dependent on needing glasses or having to wear lenses. However, your lens prescription may change over time naturally because of age or external eye diseases. It is important to get annual exams to determine if your prescription is current and whether there are any signs of possible disease.Schedule an appointment with Dr. Joanna Slusky and give your vision the level of care and at-tention it deserves.

2852 N. Halsted StreetChicago, Il 60657Phone: 773-549-1111www.visionsource-halstedeyeboutique.com

ViSioN & health NewS

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lena

Pie

rzch

ała

AT JuST 22 yEARS Old, MARlENA PIERzCHAłA IS dOINg IT All: ATTENdINg SCHOOl, SINgINg, CONTRIBuTINg TO HER COMMuNITy, ANd INSPIRINg PEOPlE THROugH HER EVERydAy CHARITABlE ACTS OF kINdNESS. MOST IMPORTANTly, MARlENA AlWAyS STRIVES TO IMPROVE HERSElF AS A dAugHTER, SISTER, FRIENd, ANd MENTOR. CuRRENTly A Full-TIME JuNIOR IN COllEgE, MARlENA dOESN’T EAgERly COMPETE TO BE “THE BEST” AMONg HER PEERS; SHE dOESN’T NEEd TO. HER NATuRAl ExuBERANCE ANd ENTHuSIASM FOR lIFE, AlONg WITH HER gENuINE SPIRIT, WARRANT THE SuCCESS SHE HAS AlREAdy REACHEd AT SuCH yOuNg AgE. WITH A lOT ON HER SPIRITuAl BuCkET lIST, MARlENA COuldN’T BE HAPPIER TO SHARE lIFE’S BEST MOMENTS WITH SuCH A SuPPORTIVE COMMuNITy THAT CONTINuES MAkINg

AMERICA FEEl MORE lIkE HOME.

On Embracing Her Culture

andInspiring Others

By: Monica dolecka

Page 21: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

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REVIA: Where are you originally from in Poland and what inspired your family to move across the ocean?MARlENA PIERzCHAłA: My family and I are from Nowy Sącz, Poland. I was born there too. My dad comes from a small village near Stary Sącz called, Gaboń, and my mom is also from a small town called Świdnik. Both towns are near Stary Sącz, the old and wise mother city of Nowy Sącz. It’s a gorgeous town about a one hour drive [South] of Kraków.

My parents fi rst met when they caught each other’s eye riding the same bus together in high school. They were both very shy. They only exchanged curious glances, and never actually said anything to one other. Then one day, years later, my dad fi nally built up the courage to talk to my mom when they were at the same “dyskoteka”. After that they were inseparable. In those days there were no cell phones. My parents would go out on a date the old-fashioned way, and then had to just wait until they ran into each other again.

Growing up in Poland, my grand-parents had a fi eld of raspberries and, as a child, I would help the family gather them, but back then I hated it – it felt like a chore! Today I would do anything to be able to enjoy that special time with my family again. When you’re younger you defi nitely don’t appreciate the small moments in life.

We moved to America in 2005 when I was around 12. After liv-ing in Chicago for a few years, my family and I eventually moved to a small suburb South of Chicago about 8 years ago. I graduated from high school in 2012 and still live at home with my family. The school I go to is very close to where I live, so it’s an easy commute.

We didn’t have, and still don’t, a lot of immediate family here like we do in Poland, so we’re very grate-ful for the help from family like my dad’s sister, Anna. My Aunt Anna has helped us get on our feet in the very beginning, and we still see each other for the holidays – that kind of thing. My parents worked very hard back in Poland, and they still do to this day. Back home they owned their own clothing boutique, so they were used to doing things on their own. The idea of coming to America seemed too good to turn down and they were ex-cited to start a new life here – to see what great things could come from a new place. So they handed over their business to my family, who still has

the store today, and here we are to-day. We visit Poland every 2-3 years, but I defi nitely feel my life belongs more in America now.REVIA: What is one of your earliest memories in America?MARlENA PIERzCHAłA: I remember my fi rst day of school in America. Honestly, it was not in the best neigh-borhood, and to make it worse, I didn’t know any English! My parents only knew a few words too. I was completely lost in this big new and strange school, and I cried because I didn’t know anyone. No one knew what was wrong with me because I had no way of communicating how I felt to them. My dad had to eventually come pick me up from school on the fi rst day.

For a while, I would nod my head like I knew what people were saying, pretending I understood when I barely understood anything! (Marlena laughs). I was in 5th grade at the time. After like 4 months I fi nally was able to have a conversa-tion in English. It’s funny because my cousins back in Poland would have thought I was so lucky to go to school with such diverse “cool” kids, which is true in many ways. Eventually, I made friends from many diverse backgrounds, which made me feel more accepted. I even started learn-ing Spanish from a few friends.REVIA: It’s important for many im-migrants to instill their culture in their children. What Polish values and traditions does your family strive to preserve?

MARlENA PIERzCHAłA: I have three younger siblings that I help look after: my sister Weronika, 16 and Ko-rnelia, 7 and my 5 year-old brother, Jakub. Taking care of my siblings I’ve learned that family time is precious and I enjoy it. I want to take the load off of my parents by watching them at least once a week, usually on Fridays, when my mom works as a teacher at Jan Brzechwa Polish School. This is an important value taught to me at an early age. It’s not easy, but I sacrifi ce my time to my parents because they are so giving to me. Without their support and, most importantly, love, my life would have been much more diffi cult. My dad is a truck driver, so he is gone most of the week, and comes home only on the weekends. It’s important to help my mom with the rest of the kids. Sometimes they’re a handful, but it’s very spiritu-ally rewarding.

We always speak Polish at home. It’s something my parents encour-age us to do...especially my mom…she’s always reminding us! We also celebrate traditional Polish holidays like Wielkanoc (Easter) and Wigilia during Christmas. My mom makes it a point to cook homemade meals every day, and it’s always a big “obiad” at our house, which is always of course preceded by soup! I cherish these traditions; they have made me who I am today. Eating together at the table is a big deal, especially during the weekend when my dad is around. We also have this weird [unoffi cial] tradi-tion where we almost always end up

the store today, and here we are to- MARlENA PIERzCHAłA:

Where are you originally from in

Sącz. It’s a gorgeous town about a one

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talking about history during dinner. My dad is a history fanatic. He keeps me up-to-date, and thanks to him, I’m now more involved in Polish history and current events in Poland. My dad always keeps the cultural subject going in our family, and very often I can compare these conversations to topics I’m learning about at school, such as the French Revolution, or more mod-ern subjects like religion and travel.REVIA: We learned from the Wybory królowej that you are very active in the group, krąg Miłosierdzia. Can you share a little about that?MARlENA PIERzCHAłA: I joined Krąg Miłosierdzia in 2012, after high school, when most of my friends moved away to college. I worried I would end up alone with not many friends, so I decided to throw myself into this group and see what would happen. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, a place where I can meet people and grow spiritually. And Krąg Miłosierdzia is perfect for that; really such a great group of people very inspiring to be around. It’s mostly just college stu-dents, but we have all kinds of unique faces. We meet at the Divine Mercy Parish in Lombard where we discuss topics like faith, religion, popular issues, etc. We listen carefully to one another and help each other out as much as we can. We also help our community with planning retreats, parties, decorating the church for various holidays, and volunteering at the church’s events. We also travel on trips together often. One of the most

memorable ones was a pilgrimage to Merrillville, Indiana to the shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. We’ve also visited the Michigan Dunes. I adored those mini retreats. It was nice to spend time with my group. I felt free and blissful; Lake Michigan looked beautiful from the top of the sand dunes! Both trips were very humbling experiences. And the best thing is, I even met my best friend here, Magda Guzik, who is also in our group. She’s like my friend soul mate. Whenever I need a prayer, a hug, conversation or a party – she’s there. I always say, “We have to go through many things in life, so we might as well go through them together.”

I’m very grateful to have become a part of Krąg Miłosierdzia – they are like a treasure in my life.

I am also a member of Miseri-cordia, a musical group at the same church. We have rehearsals once a week and we sing every other week during Mass. The people there are like my aunts and uncles; they always have prayers or advice for me.

Singing is another passion of mine and I am currently majoring in Music, with an emphasis on vocal perfor-mance. My goal is to be one day clas-sically trained in singing and maybe teach voice lessons. I’m also majoring in French, with a minor in Spanish – languages are another passion of mine. There is something amazing about going to a different country and being able to speak to people in their native tongue – it lets them know they are important and that you

respect them. But my biggest dream is to be a wife and a mother one day. I don’t think that many people realize just how powerful moms are: the way they raise their children is the way the world will be in the future.REVIA: What made you try out for the Wybory królowej Parady 3 Maja, and how has this experience changed your life?MARlENA PIERzCHAłA: Thinking back about the Wybory Królowej, I was actually very nervous! I never en-tered a competition like that, so I was a bit discouraged… but after some convincing, my mom encouraged me to give it a shot. My dad also support-ed the idea, so I thought, why not? I had nothing to lose, a lot to gain, and wanted to do something outside my comfort zone. I’m so glad I did. All of us girls put in so much effort, hard work and practice – about twice a week for 4-5 weeks. It was hard work, but it paid off!

Since being crowned Queen my life has been a bit different – some of my friends tease me by bowing to me every time we meet! (Marlena laughs). Other than that, it's been great using this title to promote Polish culture. I talked about Polish culture with newspapers and book-lets, I've been on the radio (I even got to sing a bit on air – so much fun!) and lately I have been visiting some Polish Language schools to speak to students and parents. And of course, I am super-excited to be on the cover of Revia – that's not something you get to do every day!REVIA: What ultimate piece of advice would you offer women who want to make a positive impact on the world?MARlENA PIERzCHAłA: First of all, use your talents. I strongly believe God blessed me with my own, and I try to use them in a way that would somehow benefi t others. But regard-less whether you believe that or not, you do possess talents, no matter where you believe they came from. So, use them! Whether you sing, write, are good at math or cooking, you can share that with others. Find your passion, polish it every day, and don’t be afraid of hard work. And also, don't worry about competition and comparing yourself to girls who have similar talents, because one per-son cannot do it all! You need others who are also good at the same thing you are to be able to go and share that with the people you won’t have the chance to. Instead of wanting to be the best of the best, focus on being the best version of you.

memorable ones was a pilgrimage to

Thinking back about the Wybory królowej,

I was actually

very nervous!.. But I’m so glad I did. All of us

girls put in so much

effort and practice... It was hard work, but it

paid off!

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23 #10, 2015 reviamagazine.com revia

The voice of the NEXT generation of Polish Americans

PAN was founded in the beginning of 2015 with the objective to bridge the existing generational and cultural gap in our community. Our organization consists of educated and affl uent individuals who want to nurture the professional development of Polish-Americans, while preserving the valued Polish heritage.

The mission of Polish American Network is to provide a social, educational and business platform for Polish-Americans to build a stronger community in the US. We invite Poles to celebrate their cultural pride, develop strategic business relationships, and learn about their roots.

By encouraging Polish-Americans to play a leading role in shaping a modern Polonia here in America, PAN is a premier cultural platform that offers business professionals the chance to develop, build, and share their multicultural success stories and ideas.

w w w . p o l i s h a m e r i c a n n e t w o r k . c o m

A b o u t P o l i s h A m e r i c a n N e t w o r k - PA N

Page 24: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

24 revia reviamagazine.com #10, 2015

it is a very exciting time to be both a doc-tor and a patient. The era of paternalism in medicine is coming to an end, and the

rise of the inquisitive, well informed patient is on the rise. Doctors and patients alike are feeling a shift in the medical landscape. We live in a modern medical world where cultural isolations are minimized through globalization, and where the evidence-based medical underbelly is notoriously being probed with the magnifying glass of advanc-ing research.

A recent Mayo Clinic publication, “A Decade of Reversal: An Analysis of 146 Contradicted Medical Practices”, revealed chilling data that out of 363 studies evalu-ating already established therapies, 146 of those studies offered new scientific evidence reversing those practices. That’s a nice way of saying 40% of dominant medical wisdom in nearly every field of medicine has been wrong at some point within the last ten years, requiring changes or updates. Rever-sals included pharmacology, procedures, diagnostic tests, screening and medical devices and, if an intervention was not based on solid evidence, there was a 50% chance it was wrong. Sobering data indeed.

These findings leave current doctors in a humbling position, one that requires introspection and admittance that even they are part of an evolving system with a trophy room of successes, in addition to a cellar of shortcomings. A doctor’s culture of hubris – self-pride and confidence – is under heavy

attack and will require learning how to func-tion in a medical world where comfortable constants aren’t so constant anymore. The reversals are a positive testament to the way medicine is moving forward, however, they retrospectively also shed a negative light of doubt and uncertainty. These reversals not only highlight the millions of patients possi-bly harmed, but they also erode the patient-doctor relationship, which has never before been this closely tested.

A wake-up call could encourage doctors to seek even more scientific support for their clinical decisions, rather than simply following guidelines “because that’s how things have always been done”. Medicine is becoming an art again, in which a re-forged patient-doctor relationship now serves as a catalyst to harmonizing patient skepticism with increasing expectations for doctors to be even better judges of science than in previous generations.

Cultural awareness is a pivotal tool doctors are now using increasingly when aiming to strengthen relationships with their patients. Every culture around the world has developed some kind of unique belief system with the aim of explaining what is responsible for ailments, how the illness can be healed or prevented, and who should take part in the health management. The cultural significance of a patient ability to harness from local patient education will have a monumental effect on how they process medical information, and what the likeli-hood is of them using that information.

There is a sharp contrast between West-

ern industrialized societies that view disease as a result of natural scientific phenomena, and others which see illness as a compound-ed manifestation of paranormal phenomena. The former tends to use advanced tech-nological resources and pharmacology to combat conditions, whereas the latter pro-motes meditation, prayer and other spiritual interventions.

The complexity of the doctor patient relationship becomes evident when the ob-jective disease – the biomedical categorized disorder – and the subjective illness – the individual and their social experience of the disease – need to be considered individually based on the nature of the disease, the pa-tient’s cultural background, and the strength of this existing relationship.

Studies demonstrate that education on cultural competence can improve knowl-edge, attitudes, and skills of health profes-sionals, which positively affects patient satisfaction. Even though cultural compe-tence programs have proliferated in medical schools across the country, with 90% of US schools incorporating them into their core curricula, it is difficult to shake the promi-nent pitfall of stereotyping and labeling people from different cultural groups.

Basic cultural characteristics like family, harmony and self-control need to be consid-ered and acknowledged because they make discussions regarding mental disorders ex-tremely difficult as such ailments can bring shame onto an entire family. For example, some Indian and Pakistani cultures have a difficult time acknowledging medical cases involving emotional illness or mental re-tardations because it severely reduces their chances of marriage to remaining family members.

Similarly, Eastern European immigrants are often used to a strictly authoritarian relationship with their doctor and frequently view U.S. medical care with a salt of mis-trust because they are not used partaking in mutual discussions regarding their health problems. This [expected] paternalism is detrimental as it curtails the patient’s motivation to learn about and be involved in their own healthcare.

In a changing medical landscape where so many preceding practices are being dis-proved and reversed, patients and doctors are both left in a state of turmoil. The raw desire for doctors to re-establish up-to date practices and to appease resulting skepti-cism of the “newly educated patient” creates a unique opportunity to re-focus on medi-cine where it is most important – around the patient-doctor relationship. Moving forward, the cultural crossroad of humbled doctors and informed patients is finally reaching a state of equilibrium, which will serve as a launch pad for medical efforts that are more culturally aware, integrated, and better-rounded.

By: dr. Michael J Felinski

The Changing Culture of Medicine

Page 25: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

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in 2013, Odesza’s multilayered contra-EDM single, “How Did I Get Here” beamed to Hype Machine’s #1 slot, shining like a beacon of authenticity

amid trite fl ocks of uninspired EDM producers. Their fi rst album, Summer’s Gone, begins with the voice of Frederick Bradnum, from his 1957 experiment on sound manipulation, “You take a sound. Any sound. Record it and then change its nature by a multiplicity of operations. Record it at different speeds. Play it backwards. Add it to itself over and over again. You adjust fi lters, echoes, acoustic qualities. You combine segments of magnetic tape. By these means and many others you can create sounds which no one has ever heard before…” The remainder of their debut album is a masterful demonstration of Bradnum’s sonic theory.

Following the release of Summer’s Gone, Odesza’s success was nothing short of viral as their oriental melodies and thunderous atmospheres resonated powerfully with their now devout fandom of the Lion King Generation. Proving consistency, their second album, In Return, released on September 9th, 2014, was even more thematically coherent than their debut,

featuring a number of sultry female vocalists including Jenni Potts, Zyra, Briana Marela, Shy Girls and Py. The album is a refreshing blend of earthly kotos, pinging hang drums, swinging Middle Eastern rhythms, indigenous drums, and digital ecstasy.

Odesza is comprised of two young men, Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, who began collaborating musically during their last semester at Western Washington University. Since their journey began, the duo has already performed at every top music festival including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Hangout, Sasquatch, Governors Ball, Firefl y, Melt, and they are currently on a spring tour in Europe.

Their music has been described by major magazines like TIME and Noisey as having cinematic charm, ethereal spaces, thumping percussion, and a blissful atmosphere. Top singles from their new album include “It’s Only, Say My Name”, and “White Lies”.

O D e S Z A

By: Christian davis

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RESERVATIONS: 312-988-0199 873 N. ORLEANS ST. | 21+ TO ENTER | WWW.TIME-CHICAGO.COM

TIME IS A UNPRECEDENTED NIGHTLIFE CONCEPT NESTLED IN RIVER NORTH.Clad with sleek marble, warm woods and crystal chandeliers, Time provides a luxurious setting for revelrous celebrations including; private, holiday and social events. A bi-level venue with world class sound, lighting and audio visuals. For lavish occasions enjoy VIP booths and a private elevated VIP alcove overlooking the main dance floor.

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Coraz cieplejsza pogoda może nas motywować do spędzania czasu przy "kiełbasce". Oczywiście spora część

mieszkańców Chicago i okolic już dawno rozpoczęła sezon grillowy, tym bardziej po-niższe zasady grillowania mogą się przydać.

Nie da się ukryć, że lubimy zaskakiwać swoich bliskich potrawami z grilla i często szukamy ciekawych inspiracji. Skąd jednak najczęściej czerpiemy inspiracje? Jak wy-zbyć się obaw przed przypalonym mięsem i pospolitą zgrillowaną kiełbasą?

zASAdA #1Pospolita kiełbasa z grilla do lamusa. Wielu Polakom grill kojarzy się z kiełba-są i karkówką. Zgrillować można jednak wszystko – od ananasa po placki z ziemnia-ków. Coraz częściej robiąc grilla, chcemy

się wyróżnić. Polecamy mieszankę warzyw: marchewka, cukinia, bakłażan oraz cebula. Warto przyprawić ziołami prowansalskimi. Można je przygotować jako dodatek do mięs lub estetyczne i kolorowe szaszłyki.

zASAdA #2Nie buj się eksperymentować i zacznij gotować z fantazją. W sklepach pojawiają się sezonowe produkty, które aż się proszą, by użyć ich podczas przygotowania posiłku. Może podczas eksperymentowania stwo-rzysz swoje nowe fl agowe danie, które zostanie w jadłospisie już na zawsze. Warto takie kreatywne zmiany przepisów zapi-sywać, by móc następnie odtworzyć je na kolejnym grillu.

zASAdA #3Nie wiesz, co zrobić na najbliższego grilla? Zapytaj znajomych. To jest czas, kiedy chętniej spotykamy się z osobami w

zbliżonym do nas wieku – przyjaciółmi i rodziną. Warto podpatrzeć, co oni przyrzą-dzają…. Poza tym zawsze możesz poszperać w intenrecie I znaleźć potrawę wyjątkową jak Ty

zASAdA #4Nawet jeśli grill to czasem jedzenie prak-tycznie polowe, to nie zapominajcie o estetycznym podaniu. 73% z nas szukając przepisów na tę okazję bierze pod uwa-gę, jak jedzenie będzie się prezentowało na talerzu. Może warto zrezygnować ze styropianowych talerzyków i zadbać, by jedzenie cieszyło nie tylko smakiem, ale i wyglądem?

Macie pomysły na super dania z grilla? Po-dzielcie się z nami przepisami oraz zdjęcia-mi. Najciekawsze nagrodzimy.

[email protected]

By: Marta dabrowski

SzTukA gRIllOWANIA

z d r o w i e n a t a l e r z u

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CELL 224-433-9888 OFFICE 847-759-1165By appointment only

www.janusdesigner.com [email protected]

CUSTOM MADE HAND-CRAFTED FINE JEWELRY AND SCULPTURE.

CLASSIC EUROPEAN CRAFTSMANSHIP.

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p o l i s h e n t e r p r e n e r s

I was taught by my parents to appreciate the hardships you go through in life, especially

the times people in Poland once went through when they had to wait in long lines just to be able to get kielbasa or a piece of bread and things were not as convenient or easy as they are today. My parents also taught me to always be grateful for what I have right now, at this given moment. In life I get most of my inspiration from Pope John Paul II. His smile lifts my spirit and brings such joy to my heart and his humbleness and effort to always help others inspires me to be that kind of person… and it sets the perfect example for my children. – MAggIE PAWElkO

My parents taught me the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and

trying your best at everything you do. I respect and value my parents who came to a foreign country and had to learn a new language while raising my brother and me in a completely new environment. My parents also taught me to be very close to my family, and to make sure I am there for them in time of need. The instilled the values to work hard, maintain a strong family bond, and always do my best are ideals I incorporate into my everyday life with my husband, children, and also in business. – ANgElIkA BABICH

lOCAl ENTREPRENEuRS, MAggIE PAWElkO ANd ANgElIkA BABICH, FOuNdERS OF SWAPAdVENTuRE, SHARE WITH uS THEIR MOST VAluABlE lESSONS lEARNEd FROM THEIR POlISH PARENTS:

S W A P A d V E N T u R Ea b o U t S w a Pa d V e N t U r eSwapadventure is a free social function, providing the best recycling system and trusted sharing donation meth-ods available today. Swapadventure enables individuals to save money by donating or swapping their unwanted items at fun venues with the benefit of knowing exactly where items are donated. Currently, Swapadventure hold weekly events in both Illinois and Indiana.

Swapadventure hosts events at enjoyable venues. We invite participants to bring a shopping-size bag of items (recycled goods) they no longer need, and encourage them to share unlimited amount of items with one an-other by swapping-n-shopping for free. Swapadventure then distributes any leftover items directly to shelters and orphanages. Pictures are then posted on our website, as well as other social media platforms to track exactly where people’s recycled items are going. And there is no reselling! Swapadventure does not resell the recycled goods brought in by people to our events, and we ensure the places we distribute to do not resell as well. It’s im-portant to us that all items go directly to the children and families in need.

Our inspiration behind creating Swapadventure first began as a natural process of recycling children’s items within our family & friends, and that ultimately grew into hosting bigger swapping events open to the public. Peo-ple are always looking for ways to save money, socialize and meet new people, and have a trusted place to recycle their no longer needed goods. We combined all those ele-ments into an amazing company that provides the BEST Recycling System giving people a chance to save a ton of money, and the BEST Trusted Sharing Method where you get to see exactly where your recycled goods are going.

In the next few years, we anticipate Swapadventure spreading out to other cities and, eventually, branching out state to state. Our goal is for every household to have the convenience and opportunity to recycle their no lon-ger needed goods to save money, as well as to enjoy the best part – being rewarded for giving back.

The most satisfying and rewarding part of our busi-ness is spoiling our members and seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they witness others sharing their items, in addition to the amount of savings our members receive, because now that money can be used towards their children’s college fund or their own retirement plan.

In the course of becoming self-started entrepreneurs, we’ve learned the importance of courtesy and always re-sponding to others when they reach out to you. No matter how busy you get, show your appreciation when someone takes out time in their day just to reach out to you. We’ve learned that starting your own business is the most un-predictable process you will ever enter. Always remem-ber what drives you and stay true to the mission in your soul– because that’s what matters! Listen to your inner voice, follow up with your clients, and most importantly, always follow up on your words with actions.

Photo credit: kMPhoto

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LUCAS FUKSA

Q: What steps should I take when purchasing real estate for investment purposes?A: Buying an investment property is similar in some ways to buying your primary home, but it is also very different.

Typically, if you are buying an investment prop-erty, you may want to “flip” it, or rent it for a num-ber of years. In either case, it is prudent to take title to the property in an entity that you create, such as an LLC, not in your personal name. This way, in case any claims are made that arise out of the operation of the property (such as an injury), you can limit your liability to the assets of that entity, instead of exposing your personal assets to liability.

Also, be sure to obtain the proper insurance for your investment property. The basic property in-surance that you may have on your home will not fit the needs of your investment property. If you are renting the property, you will need to obtain gen-

eral liability insurance and coverage to include any acts done by the tenants that can cause damage. If you are remodeling the property and hiring con-tractors, you may need builders risk insurance and even workers compensation insurance.

Finally, if you take title in the name of an entity, make sure to maintain all accounts and contracts related to the property in the name of the entity, and not in your personal name. Otherwise, it may be determined that your entity was just a shell, in which case you will not be afforded any liability protection.Q: What are some ways to keep my important busi-ness information confidential?A: Confidential information can cover a broad range of subject areas from recipes, to practices, to formulas to customer and vendor lists. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect such information. The first is to have all employees or

independent contractors with whom your business deals, and who are likely to encounter confidential information, and execute confidentiality or nondis-closure agreements. Such agreements can take any number of different forms, but the main point to get across is that the employee or IC (1) understands she will be receiving confidential information in the course of her duties, (2) recognizes that any such information will be marked or otherwise denoted as “confidential”, and (3) promises to maintain the in-formation’s confidentiality during and AFTER the term of employment. Such agreements allow you to pursue legal action in the event of a confidentiality breach. A second simple step businesses can take is to clearly label everything that you wish to keep confidential as “Confidential: Property of (Business Name).” The law treats things as confidential or protectable only when the business makes reason-able efforts to keep them secret. Notifying people of the information’s confidential nature is a major way of giving that notice. If you make such efforts, your secrets should be protected and protectable, and recipients of the information are deemed to have notice that they are in possession of your secrets. If not, you can’t cry “foul” when someone uses information that you tried to keep secret. Ob-viously, maintaining security and secrecy in today’s business world can get very complicated. But these two simple steps: using confidentiality agreements and marking anything that you wish to keep secret as confidential (and making sure only to give that information to people bound to confidentiality) will go a long way to protecting your business secrets.

My NAME IS luCAS FukSA and I am an attorney engaged primarily in the practice of business law, con-struction law, real estate transactions, and commercial litigation. I co-founded Fuksa Khorshid, LLC in late 2006, a boutique law firm located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. I served as president of the Polish Ame-rican Chamber of Commerce for four years. Through the PACC, I have been a part of many initiatives focused on promoting the interests of the Polish-American business community. In late 2012, I co-founded a political action committee, the Polish American Leadership Political Action Committee (PAL-PAC), whose main focus is to address political issues that are important to the Polish-American community, engage the Polish-American community in the political process, and elect candidates that will best serve the needs of Polish Americans.

ASK An ATTORneY

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iwas never the type of girl who "got along" with other girls. No retreats to wine country with my girlfriends, nor do I do

group calls when a heart is crushed by some fool they met at a nightclub. There are no late night pillow fi ghts, appletini patio par-ties, and defi nitely no trips to the bathroom together. I was always the tomboy who spent more time scraping knees than playing dolls. Don't get me wrong, I participated in many girlie activities, I just didn't do it with a gaggle of girlfriends.

Maybe life would have been different if every Disney Princess, American Girl Doll, or Barbie fl oating around the late 80's to early 90's didn't look exactly alike. Person-ally, I just related better to something other than "skin as white as snow,"; and boys rarely had skin as white snow. So I played with the boys, not the girls.

Hence, I grew up a feminist (though not a man-hater), raised by two older broth-ers who proudly "toughened me up for my own good." They always reminded me that I

didn't need a man to do anything for me, and pushed me to join sports, even if I was the only girl on the team. Perhaps that contributed to me believing that girls can do any-thing boys can do, but better.

Therefore, today I model as a feminist, activ-ist, artist, mentor, mother… and I love it. It wasn't the main goal in my life, but, growing up I real-ized that opportuni-ties come in many forms. I felt this way the fi rst time I walked the runway almost a decade ago. I was new to model-ing at the time and living in Honolulu as a new mother. Maternity modeling launched my career;

there were names like Maxim and Bud-light on my resume, and I decided to try out for my fi rst fashion show.

When I fi rst met Carly, the hiring de-signer, she was friendly, serious, and fairly stressed about launching her fashion line and producing her fi rst fashion show. She had been putting together her collection of dresses for about a year, and was look-ing to sell it to the Japanese market in a few months. Carly, a slender lady of fair complexion with long curly red hair had successfully modeled in Japan for years as a teenager and resided in Hawaii after fi nish-ing school for fashion design in the U.S. The look Carly went for was deep gray cotton with soft pink accents, and lots of bows. I liked her vision, but I don't think her dresses felt the same about me.

First off, I didn't fi t her samples, which were sized 4-8, not the traditional 0-4 (which I am). I was probably the thinnest girl there, with the smallest frame, and although I was a mommy, I didn't have the hips her dresses demanded. Fitting the dresses was an issue. Next, Carly preferred

models with longer hair, and my hair was shoulder length and layered. Finally, she wanted mostly mixed, fair-skinned, or Cau-casian girls. They would match the makeup color scheme best since she chose nude with a hint of silver frost; apparently these are not the best shades for my olive yellow skin. So the only thing that saved me was my walk.

When I was at the casting call, there were 13 girls for 12 dresses, which was a bummer because one girl would have to be rejected. I was the only girl who had never walked in a fashion show before, but I fi gured, "how hard could it be?" So, we all handed in our paperwork, photos, and lined up in a row. When it was time to walk, Carly asked if anyone wanted to go fi rst; no girl raised her hand. In fact, most avoided eye contact with her and some even vocalized that they wouldn't go fi rst. Ironically, I was nomi-nated to start off since I was the only one not refusing to lead. I put one foot in front of the other and strutted my stuff down the sidewalk in front of The Pearl City Mall, and it felt great! There was applause, and before I knew it I was even helping other models with their catwalks for Carly’s show.

Today I'm fortunate to know many more talented designers who have been using me as their signature model for years. I've had the opportunity to be in their look-books, catalogs, magazine publications, advertise-ments, and of course, fashion shows. It is at these shows when I also see my model friends, who are also usually fellow mothers, entrepreneurs, and equal rights advocates. Each of them deals with daily criticism on their looks, appearance, ethnicity, sexuality, yet they are some of the strongest and most determined women I know. They are by far the fi rst group of girls this tomboy has ever gotten along with.

Life on the CATWALK

By: k Mraz

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a s k a n i t a

two of My PaSSioNS iN life are helPiNg PeoPle with their loVe life aNd writiNg. with My adVice colUMN, “aSk aNita, ”i get to coMbiNe the two! aS a datiNg & relatioNShiP exPert, i’M oN a MiSSioN to ProVe that haPPy aNd SatiSfyiNg relatioNShiPS are PoSSible. i’M a liceNSed Marriage & faMily theraPiSt aNd hold a MaSter’S iN Marital & faMily theraPy froM the UNiVerSity of SaN diego. i foUNded relatioNShiP reality 312, iNc., aNd i work with clieNtS both iNterNatioNally aNd iN My chicago dowNtowN office. aNy QUeStioNS yoU haVe aboUt datiNg, relatioNShiPS aNd Marriage, PleaSe eMail Me directly at [email protected]. i look forward to heariNg froM yoU!

You will ruin this relationship if you keep focusing on this issue. Your boyfriend has indicated that it’s not about you–he’s just not comfortable expressing his emotions to anyone, even the closest people in his life. You’re no exception. Even if and when he eventually says “I love you,” I wouldn’t count on it being a daily thing for him. And if you’re looking for a guy who’s going to frequently bestow verbal affirmations on you, you may have to find yourself another guy.

This is not to say that you have to break up with him. People connect with their significant others in different ways. One quiz that I frequently give my clients is the 5 Love Languages, which is available online. According to this quiz, there are 5 ways that people show love: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gift Giving, Acts of Service and Physical Touch. Sounds like you feel secure and connected to him when you receive Words but it’s not the same case for your boyfriend. Since you consider him to be a wonderful and solid man, he’s showing you he cares, but most likely in one or more of these other ways. Do you accept this about him or not? If he’s always been like this, he probably won’t change much. And you’ll just be one woman of millions who wishes her man would express his feelings more often.

Although you can’t change him, you can see what he’s able to do. Before you ask for those three words, talk to him about the quiz. Tell him you found it online and took it, and you were interested in what languages he scores the highest on. If he doesn’t want to take the quiz, then describe each of them and ask which ones

would be his top 2 languages. I have my clients pick their top 2 to broaden the ways their partner can make them feel loved. Tell him yours and explain why hearing verbal affirmations is important to you, especially that it makes you feel connected to him. You can also find some middle ground by asking him what he’s comfortable telling you at this stage, like “I care about you” or “I adore you.” Also, if the affirmations don’t have to be given verbally, perhaps he can express his excitement for you in texts or a card with a handwritten note. Ask him what he’s comfortable giving.

But, if all you’re looking for is an “I love you” and not necessarily much of the other verbal affirmations, just ask him. Don’t make a big deal about it, and instead, ask him in a casual way (meaning not across the candlelit dinner table while gazing into his eyes and holding his hands). You also have to be prepared for him to say “no” or that he doesn’t know yet. Everyone has a different timeline when it comes to saying “I love you.” Nine months may not be enough time for him to know his feelings or feel comfortable to share them. I’ve worked with clients, both male and female, who struggle with expressing themselves. Being vulnerable is not something that comes easily to some people. And I’m wondering, have you told him that you love him? It may be easier for him to be vulnerable if you’re vulnerable first.

What, really, do these 3 words mean to you? Some people say these words and then treat each other horribly. If it comes down to it, would you rather have his actions or his words?

Dear Anita,

I've been dating this wonderful, solid guy for nine months. I really love him, but want him to take the lead in the relationship. I oscillate between feeling really sad about not hearing affirmation from him, which I know changes the way we connect, vs. telling myself it's OK and that I should be thankful for what we have and not ruin everything by infusing our relationship with a negativity that otherwise wouldn't be there. I haven't outright asked him if he loves me, but I have told him I'm sad that he doesn't tell me what I mean to him. He’s told me it's hard for him to express his enthusiasm verbally for people in his life, even close family.

I just feel torn because I don't want this to be a source of stress for me, but I also don't want to derail an otherwise happy relationship. I really want to be married someday and I think he would be a wonderful husband so I don't want to screw things up if he just needs time. I also don't want to sit around waiting for a guy who is never going to commit. Should I initiate a conversation with him about this? If so, how do I start it? Should I leave the issue alone? If so, I'm wondering if I should put a timeline on it, mostly for myself so I have peace of mind. Is there a time I should specify I will break up with him if I don't hear this from him?

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

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One of the oldest and largest ethnic museums in America, The Polish Museum of America (PMA), is

dedicated to preserving the Polish American past for future generations. The Museum showcases a unique permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibits, and sponsors workshops, programs, and fi lms to preserve Polish folk arts, customs, and traditions for all generations. Its archives preserve historic materials, documents, maps, and photographs from Polish and Polish-American individuals and organizations. The museum’s Library holds over 100,000 books for research and lending, and collections of Polonica, rare prints, and periodicals.

Open since 1937, the Museum celebrates almost 80 years of service to the community. The Mission of the PMA, as an integral part of the dynamic mosaic of Polish and Polish American life in Chicago, is to promulgate the rich cultural history of the Polish people by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and displaying materials related to this heritage; and to integrate these resources into appropriate programs, activities, and exhibitions that enrich the intellectual and artistic lives of all members of society.

The Polish Museum of America was founded in 1935, and offi cially opened to the public on January 12, 1937. The museum was created by the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA), the oldest Polish American fraternal organization, headquartered in Chicago. Originally known as the Museum and Archives of the PRCUA, it was formally re-incorporated in 1959 as The Polish Museum of America.

The fi rst motion to establish the Polish Museum was

introduced in 1928 at the 39th PRCUA Convention. In 1931, an unrelated museum of Polish immigration material was lost in a fi re at Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA. Many voices called for the creation of a new Polish American museum, and the idea was again proposed at the 40th PRCUA Convention that same year. By 1934, discussions for establishing a historical society charged with processing the recently deposited archives of the Wydzial Narodowy Polski (Polish National Committee) were fi nalized. Between its founding and public opening, the Museum began to amass a noteworthy collection of art, artifacts, and archives.

In its 80 years, the PMA has acquired unique collections representing the history of American Poles, and of Poland. Early on, the PMA appealed to Polonia to send materials it saw worthy of representing their community. With the swell of Polish immigrants in the late 1800's and early 1900s, these recent Americans wanted their

history remembered.With the outbreak of World War II, the

PMA mission changed. With the destruction of Europe, materials from the homeland began to disappear. Acquisition was spurred even further; items were actively obtained by the PMA that would have otherwise been destroyed or dispersed under the Nazi and Soviet regimes. For example, the Polish Pavilion collection from the 1939 New York World Fair fi rst arrived at the PMA due to these drastic circumstances. With Poland under Nazi occupation, the art and artifacts could not be returned. Through offi cial agreements with the Polish government in exile, the PMA purchased many artifacts and others were received as gifts, and further items were held on deposit for Poland, as well as for private individuals. The assembly of items constitutes a most varied collection.

Throughout its existence, the PMA strives to celebrate the story of Poland and Polish Americans to all of its visitors. In addition to the Library and Archives, the Museum presents its permanent collections. Highlights include: personal and professional mementos of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, statesman and pianist (1860-1941), the IJ Paderewski Room, renovated in 2009; Inter-War paintings and sculptures in the Stephen and Elizabeth Ann Kusmierczak Art Gallery, renovated in 2011; and art and artifacts from the Polish Pavilion at the 1939 New York World Fair, displayed in the Sabina P. Logisz Great Hall, and throughout the PMA. Temporary exhibits of various art and historical themes round out visitor experiences, creating an engaging space to learn about the Polish American past and present.

www.PoliShMUSeUMofaMerica.org

By: Teresa Sromek, Archivist & librarian

The Polish Museum of America: A BRIEF HISTORy

34 revia reviamagazine.com #10, 2015

PrcUa BUildinG hoUSinG the mUSeUm 1930smieczySlaw haiman,

firSt mUSeUm cUrator

Pma 75th JUBilee eXhiBit 2012, Photo JUlitaSieGel

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This new exhibition, on view until June 30, 2015, features photographs of life in Poland between 1974-1990,

by Stanisław Kulawiak, and a special 70 feet long installation of life-sized images of the food lines by the Creative Group SEM (Stanisław Kulawiak, Zbigniew Bzdak, and Adam Rzepecki).

While examining a rich collection of works by Stanisław Kulawiak, photographs that seemed most compelling and irresistible were images depicting everyday life with simplicity and often with humor. I found, in them, a familiar resonance from my own early childhood: memories of long food lines, playing in the streets, spending time with immediate and extended family and summers in the countryside. Despite the discord and criticism of the cruelty of totalitarianism, it is impossible not to look at one’s own past in this system without a certain nostalgia and sentiment. Although many of these photographs do not criticize anything openly, one can often read between the lines. Looking into the political system of the time, one has to side with the people who were cheated and destroyed by the Communist utopia. In a January 23, 2013 interview by Krzysztof Szymoniak, Stanisław Kulawiak compared living in this reality to balancing on a thin red line that one could easily cross in one direction or the other, either conforming to or contesting the system.

Stanisław Kulawiak (b. 1954) started his photographic journey in 1974 while studying at the University of Science and Technology in Kraków. Together with a group of friends (among them Chicago’s Zbigniew Bzdak, a photojournalist at the Chicago Tribune), Kulawiak ran the Students’ Photography Agency, established

a Photography Gallery at the Jaszczury club and a Creative Group SEM with the objective to show documentary photography outside of its traditional outlets like for press or a gallery, blurring the lines between photography and reality. Examples of projects created by the group include, Action Cafeteria (large photograms of the university cafeteria mounted in the actual cafeteria space to highlight the mundane activities of food preparation and consumption); Action Traces (photographs of rare plants mounted in heavy foot traffic areas to simulate the slow destruction of nature); My city Kraków — Main Square (contrasted photographs of magnificent restored front elevations with deteriorating rear walls and courtyards of the same buildings); and Action Trial 2 (large photographs of people standing in lines, mounted in store windows). The enigmatic title was meant to confuse the government censors. Criticism of the government became apparent only after the photographs were displayed in public. Action Trial 2 project is a central part of the Between the Lines exhibition, reminding Poles of this common occurrence in the communist era Poland, notorious for shortages of nearly everything.

We are certain this representation of Poland’s not-so-distant past offers an engaging experience to both those who lived in Communist-era Poland and to those who never experienced it.

In words of the exhibition major underwriters Stephen and Jamie Kusmierczak, these photographs by Stanisław Kulawiak and the Creative Group SEM not only demonstrate a very fine documentary and artistic merit, but also serve as a positive reminder of the progress achieved by today’s democratic Poland.

for More detailS oN thiS exhibitioN aNd the PMa, ViSit www.PoliShMUSeUMofaMerica.org

By: Julita Siegel, Exhibition Curator

Between the lines POlANd 1974-1990PHOTOgRAPHS By STANISłAW kulAWIAk ANd CREATIVE gROuP SEM IN THE POlISH MuSEuM OF AMERICA

SolidarnoSc rally oStrzeSzow 1989

action trial 2, KraKów, 1978

Portrait of the father

ShoPPerS Storm a new General Store, oStrzeSzow 1986

roma children PlayinG in the Street, ByStrzyca KłodzKa, 1977

Page 36: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

36 revia reviamagazine.com #10, 2015

i’ve written about Mothers before. I’ve written plenty about myself. But with Father’s Day around the corner, it’s time

to give some recognition to the great dads in my life.

First, my father: We call him “Deddy” (my mom pronounced Daddy with a Polish accent, thus “Deddy” was created) and now “Dziadzia”, which is what my children call him. There are many adjectives I would use to describe this man. He is solid, depend-able, and silently strong. I’ve never heard him need to argue his point. I’ve never seen him lose control. He is extremely intelligent, loving and inquisitive. He still owns an old Polsko-Angielski dictionary, and consults it, and then me, if he can’t fi gure out a word. I watched him work his tail off getting paid peanuts to better his life, and our lives. He saw his kids in the evenings for 30 minutes before rushing off to earn his Master’s. He still managed to get home late, tuck me in and read to me, igniting the love of learning and writing in my heart. He became a Social Worker to give a piece of himself to society, and put in many years of mentally stress-ful work. I’ve never heard him complain about work. Stuff that any other person would crack at, he holds internally, releases through working in his garden, or through reading book after book. In one word, to me, my father is my Rock.

My husband: I know what adoration is

when I see my kids’ faces when they look at him. The mere mention of Dada coming home sends them into shrieks of excite-ment and cheers of joy. There is a special kind of playing that only Dada knows how to do. Part wrestling, part acrobatics, Dada does it best. The unique bond the boys have with Dada over sports, video games and all things electronic is unlike any other. He teaches them to love each other and their sister and how to defend themselves in this crazy world. As far as Dada’s princess, well, she has had him wrapped around her fi nger since moment one. He melts in her presence and he wouldn’t have it any other way. She calls him her Prince and swears she will marry him one day. If he even tries to correct or discipline her, her entire being shatters and he is putty in her hands. He dreads the day her heart is stolen by a boy, but also trusts that his love for her will ensure she picks the “right one”. In a word, to my kids, he is their hero.

My brother: Since he found out he was having a son, he has dedicated his life to him. Growing up, I saw my older brother as just that, my silly, fun friend. When he became a Dad, some-thing clicked inside of him naturally. Something in his gut made him want to give his world to this boy, and it hasn’t stopped since. In one word, to his son, my brother is everything.

And to all the other fathers in my life: the men who work and travel and

don’t spend as much time with their kids as they’d like because they want them to have a better life than they experienced; to the dads who sleep next to their kids, listening to them breathe and comfort them if they wake up at night; to the ones who give their kids tough love, teaching them to be strong and carry on in the face of sadness and strife…to you, I say, thank you – I admire you.

To all the rocks, heroes, and everythings out there, Happy Father’s Day!

By: Marta Patlan

An Odeto Fathers…

Page 37: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

#10, 2015 reviamagazine.com revia 37

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Page 38: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

38 revia reviamagazine.com #10, 2015

l a m o d e

So the weekend finally arrives and you’re going to a party that promises to be the perfect playground for a wonderful and memorable

night. However, you encounter a very common problem beforehand – choosing what to wear to make that ultimate fashion statement. Friday night has arrived, and if you are anything like me, you find yourself standing in front of your closet and can't find anything to wear for the big event! But do not despair; the night can still be saved. You must remember the party does not start until you arrive.

My best recommendation, and personal trick, is to stand back and select three fully-planned outfits that fit the occasion. Lay them out on the floor and, from the two first options, select your favorite top and favorite bottom, and then, finally, tie them together with your favorite pair of shoes. For example, if your initial choice is a dress, then trust your first option as the right one, and go with that. Choose an ensemble that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and ready to be the knock-out of the party. The night is young and there is nothing wrong with being a little fashionably late. And remember to always dress on the outside as a reflection of how you feel on the inside.

With love,leaNdro MUlet

ModelS: SHERRIE gEARHEART kEISHA kEy WEST ROMANS NIkOlAEVNA ASHlEy SIMONE

deSigNS: lEANdRO MulEThair & MakeUP: STEVEN PAPAgEORgE HAIR ACAdEMyPhotograPhy: MATTHEW SPERzEl

SAVing THe nigHT

Page 39: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

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WELL-DESERVED VACATION.

Look like you’ve just enjoyed a

PETER D. GELDNER, M.D.

AFTERBEFORE

Page 40: REVIA Magazine Issue #10

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