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ZGODA“Together – We Can and We Will”

The official Publication of the Polish National Alliance of North AmericaNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 www.pna-znp.org 1881-2013 Vol. 137; No. 6

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF NORTH AMERICA

Merry Christmas Wesołych ŚwiątMerry Christmas Wesołych Świąt

(USPS 699-120)Published Every 2 MonthThe Official Publication

of the Polish National Alliance6100 N. Cicero Avenue

Chicago, IL 60646-4385Phone: (773) 286-0500

Fax: (773) 286-0842www.pna-znp.org

Polish National Allianceof US of NA

Wesley E. MusialCensor

Irene S. GrabowyVice Censor

Executive CommitteeFrank J. Spula

PresidentTeresa N. Abick

Vice PresidentPaul C. Odrobina

Vice PresidentDavid G. Milcinovic

Vice President, Union of Poles DivisionCharles A. Komosa

National SecretaryMarian Grabowski

Treasurer

Send all articles, correspondenceand materials to:

ZGODA MagazineAlicja Kuklinska

Editore-mail: [email protected]

6100 N. Cicero AvenueChicago, IL 60646

Ewa WisniewskaGraphic Designer

Periodicals–Postage Paid at Chicago, Illinois and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send addresschanges to Zgoda, c/o PNA

6100 N. Cicero AvenueChicago, IL 60646-4385

Change of addressor interruption in subscription matters

contact:PNA Address Dept. (ext. 366)

or e-mail: [email protected]

Cover: Boże Narodzenie prezenty – Zdjęcie stockowe

5 – 19 Fraternal News• Council 203 Golden Jubilee• “Orlęta” Dance Group • District 16 Convention• 100th Anniversary of Council 54• Election at Lodge 30• 100th Anniversary of Council 3• District 12 & Women’s Division Convention• “Lajkonik” Dance Group

20 – 21 Welcome New Members!

22 – 23 Education• Lourdes, Fatima & Spain Trip• Scholarship Opportunities

24 – 25 Christmas Greetings

27 – 29 Sport & Youth• Bowling Tournament• Coloring Contest• We are Proud of...• North Dakota Annual Golf Event

30 – 31 Living Well – Kidney Stones

34 – 37 Life of Polonia • Polish Heritage Month Celebrations• Danuta Walesa in Chicago• 140th Anniversary of the PRCUA

44 – 46 History Pages• Polish Christmas Traditions• Polish Independence Day

38 – 39 By-Laws

47 Christmas Promotion

The publisher is not responsible for the contents of submitted articles and reserves the right to editing and picture selection.

Images submitted should be at least 300DPI resolution. Poor quality photographs will not be considered for publication.

All submitted materials and photographs become property of the Zgoda and might be used to promote the Polish National Alliance.

The Publisher is not responsible for the return of submitted materials or pictures unless request was made and self-addressed and pre-paid envelope provided.

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December, 2013

Dear Members:

Warmest Greeting to all at this Christmas SeasonIn a few weeks we will be celebrating Christmas,

the nicest of all holidays which has so many different meanings for children and adults.

Christmas is a very special time of year bringing out the best in all of us, bringing out a special beauty and warmth we have.

During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to our families, loved ones, friends, people and animals who have touched us in one or another way. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus fills our souls with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.

At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ’s message of love and mercy.

Christmas is the season which brings out the best in us, especially children, because they are special gifts from God, gifts beyond price that money can’t buy, their love and laughter is priceless.

This certainly has been a year of transformation, one of economic recovery at the Polish National Alliance. We are in the process of many changes and starting to see the results of our efforts. We have changed the publication of our internal Zgoda, into a bi-monthly magazine form and much improved its quality. We have also developed a new website

President’s Corner

providing more information on plans and programs available through the organization.

As an organization, our goal is to make certain we continue doing even better than has been done for the past one hundred thirty three years. With your help and continued membership we will reach our goals.

During this blessed season, let us share the gift of God’s love by giving of ourselves and by sharing with those in need.

We should use this season of peace, forgive our enemies and open our hearts to all.

In the spirit of gratitude for what we have achieved over the past year we look forward to all we hope to achieve together in the year ahead.

From our family to yours, I would like to wish you and a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and May God Bless you All!

Wesołych Świąt oraz Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!

Frank J. Spula, FLMIPresident

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December, 2013

Dear Members,

With the year coming to an end I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support, notes, compliments, advice and even a small donation I received for the Zgoda a few months ago. Perhaps, we could establish a little fund and use it for a contest for our readers?

I would also like to thank all our contributors, especially Ms. Teresa Struziak Sherman for her articles on the “Living Well” section.

I as well as my skilled and talented graphic designer Ewa Wisniewska take a great pride in our work for the Zgoda. I have to say that Zgoda is by far my favorite work assignment. I only wish we could have it every month, so the articles and announcements will be more up to date. There is so much going on within the Polish National Alliance and in the Polish-American community around the country.

As you probably noticed by reading this issue of the Zgoda we had to contribute 8 pages of amendments to the PNA’s By-Laws. It is an important issue, thank you for your understanding.

In the next issue you can expect the continuation of our Unesco World Heritage Sites in Poland series, more stories about today’s Poland, more history articles and most of all articles about all activities that our Members are involved in. Please, continue informing us what is happening in your lodge, council, district and Polish Community in your neck of the woods. Let us know about the accomplishments of our Members so we could tell the world about our great PNA family.

I proudly inform you that the National Library in Warsaw, Poland approached me about sending them the 2013 Zgoda issues. We will be also sending our magazine to the major Polish publications in Lithuania and New Zealand.

I hope you are all ready for Christmas and will celebrate this beautiful holiday just the way you like it! Some of us will have a traditional Wigilia with herring (śledź) and other fish and some will have ham. To some of us Santa will (hopefully!) pay a visit on Christmas Eve, some will open their presents on Christmas morning. It is all wonderful! Christmas is all about celebrating peace and love and our families.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and please let me give you some Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy – forgiveness. To an opponent – tolerance. To a friend – your heart. To a customer – service. To all – charity. To every child – a good example. To yourself – respect.

Again, wishing you Merry Christmas and Healthy and Prosperous New Year,

Yours truly,

Alicja Kuklińska

From the Editor

„Wiersz staroświecki”

Pomódlmy się w Noc Betlejemską, W Noc Szczęśliwego Rozwiązania, By wszystko się nam rozplątało, Węzły, konflikty, powikłania. Oby się wszystkie trudne sprawy Porozkręcały jak supełki, Własne ambicje i urazy Zaczęły śmieszyć jak kukiełki. Oby w nas paskudne jędze Pozamieniały się w owieczki, A w oczach mądre łzy stanęły Jak na choince barwnej świeczki. Niech anioł podrze każdy dramat Aż do rozdziału ostatniego, I niech nastraszy każdy smutek, Tak jak goryla niemądrego. Aby wątpiący się rozpłakał Na cud czekając w swej kolejce, A Matka Boska - cichych, ufnych - Na zawsze wzięła w swoje ręce.

Ks. Jan Twardowski

Radosnych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia oraz zdrowia, szczęścia i pomyślności w

Nowym 2014 Roku życzy serdecznie czytelnikom Zgody -

Redakcja.Alicja Kuklińska & Ewa Wiśniewska

December, 2013

Dear Members,

I wish all our members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have a Christmas Promotion for our Juvenile plans, from age 0-15. Please see this issue for further details. We are closing out the year, I ask each and every member to review their life insurance needs and let us know how we can help you in your planning.

We will be launching our new on line fulfillment quoting engine and application process. What this means, is that you will be able to come to our website run a quote and apply on line if you are paying your premiums either automatic withdraw from your checking account, credit or debit card payment. If you would like to pay by check you will be able to get a quote, complete your application on line, print it out and mail in with payment.

We are hoping this tool will be used by our existing members to upgrade their existing certificates as well as attracting new members. We are planning the launch in the first quarter of 2014. Look for this new to tool to help ease the application process.

With the launching of our fulfillment center we hope to attract the age population of 20-50 year olds, as more and more people find the convenience of applying on line to fit their busy life styles. Please visit our new website and send in any suggestions you may have on what you would like to see on the website or how we can improve the site. There is a “contact us” drop down menu section on the website where you can send in your comments. On the behalf of the membership department have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Fraternally Yours,Luke Kelly

Director of Sales

College Park, MD: Many appreciative members and guests gath-ered at Sir Walter Raleigh Inn on Sunday, 27 October 2013 for the PNA Council 203 Golden Jubilee Celebration. Council 203 Presi-dent Brian Buckoski led a wonderful dinner program which feature an impressive array of national and regional officers in attendance including: Censor Wesley Musial and National President Frank J. Spula, who along the with Commissioners Renata Jodlowski and James Mislak, all spoke and impressed upon the PNA accomplish-ments and future needs.

During the special program each guest speaker eloquently remem-bered the late Jill Filipczyk for all her dedicated efforts with Council 203 and throughout the Polish American Communities. In relation, President Spula presented family members in attendance with a beautiful plaque in memoriam to a beautiful person.

Sent by: Ben Filipczyk, Rec. Sec.,PNA Lodge 0848, Council 203

Council 203 Golden Jubilee Celebration

National and regional officers in attendance including (left to right) Censor Wesley Musial, Director Teresa Buckoski, Commissioners James Mislak and Renata Jodlowski, President Frank J. Spula and Director (PAC) Susanne Lotarski.

National and regional officers in attendance including (left to right) Censor Wesley Musial, Director Teresa Buckoski, Commissioners James Mislak and Renata Jodlowski, President Frank J. Spula and Director (PAC) Susanne Lotarski.

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ZGODA November/December 2013

Dnia 5 października br. zespół folklorystyczny „Orlęta” święcił swój 40-letni jubileusz w klubie nomen omen „Bialy Orzeł” w Bridgeport, Connecticut. Dzięki wsparciu konsulatu RP, organiza-cji ZNP, weteranów z wielu ośrod-ków, księży z parafii św. Michała w Bridgeport, „Koła Młodzieży” oraz telewizji „Polonia”, członko-wie zespołu wraz z jego założy-cielką i wieloletnią kierowniczką Heleną Knapczyk, instruktorem Wojtkiem Górniakiem oraz rodzi-cami, z entuzjazmem przygotowali wspaniały bal.

„Serdecznie dziękuję wszystkim gościom i Polonii za ciągły patro-nat dla naszej polskiej młodzieży. Wasza tak liczna obecność, i mam nadzieję, ten udany bal, jest moją najlepszą zapłatą i wynagrodze-niem za te długie lata mej pracy.” – z rozrzewnieniem stwierdza Helena Knapczyk. Dla niej samej ta 40-letnia droga istnienia „Or-ląt” bywała niekiedy wyboista: „w latach siedemdziesiątych w Bridge-port funkcjonowało wiele polonij-nych organizacji, lecz poza klubem sportowym, nie było zbyt dużo aktywności dla młodzieży. Moje córki, a szczególnie najmłodsza Danna, która później przez 22 lata

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Uroczystość 40-lecia Działalności Zespołu Tanecznego „Orlęta”.

była instruktorką Orląt, namówiły mnie na utworzenie grupy tanecz-nej, podobnej do już istniejących w innych miastach. Moja koleżanka Halina Zdrodowska nie tylko zgo-dziła się uczyć młodzież tańczyć, ale też sama uszyła pierwsze stroje!” – wspomina pani Helena. Wiele się zmieniło od lat 70. Orlę-ta są dziś sprawnie funkcjonującą i znaną grupą folklorystyczną, która uświetnia swoimi występami liczne polonijne wydarzenia, festiwale i dożynki.

Uroczystość rozpoczęła się przy obfitującym w „domowe”

pyszności szwedzkim stole. Dzięki kreatywności Pań z kuchni Białego Orła, z szefową Panią Czernisz na czele, smakołyków wystarczyło dla wszystkich, mimo iż szybko znika-ły, a dla lepszego apetytu serwowa-no wino. Wyświetlony następnie film „Z tańcem przez młodość” autorstwa Wojtka Górnika, ukazał szerokie spektrum 40-letniej dzia-łalności „Orląt” obejmującej liczne koncerty zarówno w Stanach jak i w Polsce. Wreszcie same Orlęta wystąpiły przed licznie zgroma-dzoną publicznością w suicie łowickiej, kaszubskiej oraz suicie cieszynskiej w wykonaniu naj-młodszych członków, prezentując tym samym piękne nowe kostiumy zakupione dzięki darowi wetera-nów z Nowego Yorku. „Taniec jest jedną z najprzyjemniejszych form współżycia towarzyskie-go. To nadzwyczajne spotkanie honoruje polską młodzież, która pokochała polskie tańce ludowe, co jest widoczne po ich uśmie-chach i żywej energicznej formie prezentacji” – nie kryje zachwytu konsul RP Mateusz Stąsik. „Znam Orlęta już prawie 30 lat, widzę je na dożynkach i innych licznych spotkaniach polonijnych jak i w kościele” – zachwala ks. proboszcz Stefan Morawski. „Podziwiam wasze wspaniałe polskie tańce i życzę zespołowi dalszych suk-cesów” – dodaje ojciec Michał Socha. Na uroczystości zabiera głos także naczelny komendant SWAP, Wincenty Knapczyk, który dziękuje ZNP i weteranom za ciągłe i olbrzymie wsparcie dla zespołu. Wicecenzor ZNP, Irena Grabowy porusza problemy, przez które „Orlęta” przeszły w ostatnich latach oraz stanowczo stwierdza, że odrodzenie zespołu jest wyłącz-nie zasługą instruktora Wojtka

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Górniaka, Heleny Knapczyk oraz rodziców przy legalnym wspar-ciu naczelnych władz z Chicago i Komisarzy z tutejszego Okręgu ZNP. Kierownictwu jak i zespo-łowi winszuje również sekretarka

kongresu Polonii na stan Connec-ticut, Wanda Grzyb: „kongres jest niezmiernie wdzięczny dla zespołu Orlęta, że przez 12 lat prezentował polskie tańce polsko amerykań-skiej publiczności podczas ‘Dni

Polskich’ w Lake Compance koło Bristol”. Liczne przemówienia poparte zostają nagrodami, kwia-tami oraz dyplomami uznania; od instrunktorów: Wojtka Gornia-ka i Danny Knapczyk-Kelly dla członków zespołu, od rodziców, od naczelnego zarządu z Chicago, od kierowniczki Polskiej Szko-ły Sobotniej w Bridgeport, jak i od prezesostwa grupy 315 ZNP: Andrzeja Więciorkowskiego i Stanisława Sawickiego. Po części oficjalnej goście zostają zaproszeni na prawdziwie „polską” zabawę. Do tańca przygrywa popularny zespół „TO MY” i wszyscy bawią się do późnych godzin nocnych.

„Mam nadzieję, że osiągnięcia i popularność „Orlą” nie zostaną zmarnowane i że za następne pięć lat znajdą się ludzie, którzy zapro-szą Państwa na czterdziesty piąty jubileusz – mam nadzieję jeszcze większego wespołu Orlęta o tej samej nazwie” – wyznaje entuzja-stycznie pani Helena. Nacechowa-na patriotycznie nazwa obliguje – „Orlęta” przywołują pamięć bohatersko walczącej młodzieży słynnych Orląt Lwowskich.

Opracował: Wincenty KnapczykZdjęcia: Kasia Guzy


On October 26 and 27, Polish National Alliance (“PNA”) District 16 held its district convention (“Sejmik”), hosted by Lodge 3281 Polonia Las Vegas of PNA Council 73. District 16 consists of the states of Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Arizo-na, and Nevada. In attendance were 23 delegates from the following lodges and councils (PNA Councils 4, 57, 73, and 216; PNA Lodges 7, 156, 700, 1443, 3259, 3193, and 3281) and had many sales agents in attendance. Our guest of honor and keynote speaker was Mr. Frank J. Spula, our national PNA President.

The Sejmik began with the host Lodge 3281 Polonia Las Vegas, President Piotr Nowinski, and their financial secretary Barbara Sutows-ki welcoming the delegates to the Sejmik. PNA President Mr. Spula addressed the delegates, speaking about PNA’s future and gave guidance to District 16’s lodges and counsels on activities, membership, and sales. Commissioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki gave a joint presen-tation about District 16, reporting on their activities in the District, and informed the delegates on sales results to date. The Commissioners reminded agents about the District 16 Sales Contest that had prizes for most premiums and most policies sold, and

District 16 Convention (Sejmik)

in addition that there was the Com-missioners’ Sales Contest in which agents could qualify for prize catego-ries if they improved their individual results in premiums and policies sold compared to their prior years’ results. Anthony Nowak-Przygodzki, director, also addressed the delegates. PNA District 16 sales agents presented new policy applications to PNA President Mr. Spula; Barbara Jaroslawski pre-sented four new policy applications, and Rick Kobzi and Glenn Stocker each had one application.

The District 16 Commissioners, Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki, each year have chosen individuals to recognize as PNA District 16 persons of the year. This year, the Commis-sioners awarded Barbara Jarosławski of Piast Lodge 3259, Yorba Linda, California, and George Kielak of Polonia Lodge 3281, Las Vegas, Ne-vada with certificates in recognition and appreciation of their dedication to working for the success of PNA District 16, their sales efforts, and for their fraternalism. The Commission-ers also presented Ms. Jarosławski and

Mr. Kielak with gift cards. Each of the councils and lodges

in attendance gave a report of their activities for the past year. The del-egates were then lead by the Com-missioners, Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki, in discussions on the central topics of increasing sales and member-ship for the entire district as well as for their individual lodges. This year we had the opportunity to get feedback and guidance from PNA President Frank J. Spula on how a lodge can successfully create new activities to interest and attract members at little to no cost, as well as a discussion exploring new approaches and ideas for increasing sales and membership in District 16.

Lunch was provided by the talent-ed ladies of Polonia Lodge 3281, Las Vegas members and caterers “Polish Delights” who created a delicious feast for the delegates. Later in the evening, thanks to Polonia Lodge 3281, some of the delegates and guests took advantage of the opportunity to see the show “Mystere” by Cirque du Soleil.

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LaPorte, Indiana – Sacred Heart Church celebrated their 100th Anni-versary on October 19, 2013. When the church was first organized in 1912, the Polish community gathered together to begin the early stages on getting a First Polish Catholic Church

in LaPorte. The PNA Lodge 1120 held their meetings in a room in the back of the building on Park Street which Mass was also said that later the group approached the Bishop to help start the church. In January 1913, Rev. John Osadnik came from Duluth, Minnesota to become the church’s first priest. In February, the church was officially named Sacred Heart. To ensure that the church would grow and stay active, many Polish Organizations in the LaPorte area, united to help support the church. The PNA Lodge 1120 was the main initiating group and members that contributed on the start of the church with the people of LaPorte.

One hundred years later, members of Lodge 1120 are still active within the parish. PNA Commissioner Mary Wozniak and her husband Dennis are

Lodge 1120 in LaPorte Indiana Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Church

Standing from l-r – Janice Odrobina, PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina, Commissioner of District 15 Mary Wozniak, Dennis Wozniak, Jeni Filip (sister of Mary Wozniak) seated – James and Joan Wozniak

PNA Director Joseph Samreta with members of District 15 in Indiana.

choir members and volunteers with many projects within the church. The anniversary celebration took place pm Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Civic Auditorium in LaPorte with a High Mass with Polish traditions. The Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek

was the main celebrant of the Mass. Afterward a banquet took place in the hall of the auditorium.

Attending the celebration was PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina with his wife Janice, and members of District 15 in Indiana accompanied by Director Joseph Samreta.

Photos by: Janice Odrobina

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On Sunday, the Sejmik contin-ued, with Commissioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki leading the delegates in discussing rewards contests for District 16 sales agents. The delegates decided to renew the contest to reward most premiums and policies sold. In addition, the delegates wanted to try something new and create an incentive category for those agents who find new agents, where they will be rewarded for their mentoring of the new agents by get-ting an award when their new agent achieves a level of sales of several policies. One more new category of sales contest was added that will award a prize to the first agent to sell three higher face value policies. Commissioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki thank all of our Dis-trict 16 sales agents who continue to promote PNA membership and sales and wish them success in the new contest year.

The District 16 Commissioners then provided information and ma-terials for discussions and questions as a group going over guidelines for lodge reporting, lodge dance group model rules, materials on sales pros-pecting, and District 16 Resolutions. At the conclusion of the Sejmik par-ticipants again were treated to a feast prepared by Polonia Lodge 3281, Las Vegas members and caterers “Polish Delights”, and then celebrat-ed Polish Mass together at Our Lady of Las Vegas Church.

Commissioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki thank Polonia Lodge 3281, Las Vegas for hosting our Sejmik and thank all the participants for making the PNA District 16 Sejmik a success. We all give special thanks to PNA President Frank J. Spula for lending his expertise and guidance to the delegates for our lively committee discussions on sales, fraternalism, and membership.

Story by Ania Karwan,and Greg Chilecki

Photo credit: Mirek Jaroslawski,and Greg Chilecki


The Polish National Alliance (PNA) Council 54 celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday, Sep-tember 14, at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, MI. The gala brought together the current and past leaders of the organiza-tion, the national officers of PNA, as well as representatives of local PNA Councils, Lodges and other Polish American organizations.

Patricia A. Sikora, the chairper-son of the anniversary gala, had an honor of welcoming guests and to introduce the Master of Cere-monies for the evening, Bethany Stawasz.

The presentation of Colors (by members of the Polanie Song & Dance Ensemble), singing of Polish and American national anthems (by Krysia Wall¹g and Benjamin Timpf) and the Polish National Alliance hymn followed.

Before the dinner a cultural pro-gram by Polanie Song & Dance Ensemble was presented. The en-semble entertained guests with two Polish national dances, Polonez and Mazur, and Krysia Wall¹g sung a beautiful, patriotic Polish song “Kraj Rodzinny”.

After dinner, the current officers of PNA Council 54 (including President Robert Karwan) gath-ered by a special birthday torte not only to pose for pictures, but, by cutting the first piece of the torte, symbolically start the second 100 years of the Council 54.

The main keynote/birthday speaker for the evening was the National President of PNA, Frank Spula. He congratulated Council 54 for reaching a milestone and wished many more successes in the future. Besides Frank Spula, other national leaders of PNA were

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present at the gala, namely Vice Presidents Paul Odrobina and Teresa Abick.

A special Tribute to Council 54 prepared by Michigan Lt. Gov-ernor Brian Calley was read later by Anna Bieciuk, representing the office of Michigan Governor (ad-ditionally, a special congratulatory letter from Governor Rick Snyder was printed in the beautifully pub-lished program book).

A special presentation honoring past leaders of Council 54 followed. Award badges were presented to Teresa Abick (first woman-Pres-ident of Council 54 in 2009), Michael Ygeal, Joan Baritche (longest serving woman-President of Council 54; for 15 years), John Lacroix (President of Council 54 from 2008-2010), Elaine Kozub, Christine Kryszko, David Rekuc, Ron Martin, Barbara Martin.

Additionally, a special award went to 100-year old Celia Kwiat-kowski, who has been a member of PNA since 1937 (for over 75 years!). Also, Hon. John Dingell (who joined PNA in 1953) was award-ed as America’s longest serving

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Council 54 Celebrated 100th Anniversary

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Congressman (he was not able to attend the gala, but his heart-warming congratulatory letter was printed in the program book).

The banquet part of the evening concluded with a short speech from the current Council 54 President, Robert Karwan. He thanked for the continued support of the Council 54 and wished many more successful years.

The rest of the evening was devoted to partying. “Rytm” band provided excellent selection of dancing tunes; guests danced, mingled, took photographs, and

enjoyed each other camaraderie.The Polish National Alliance is

the largest and one of the oldest Polish fraternal organizations in the United States. It was founded in 1880 in Philadelphia. In 1913, at the XX Quadrennial Nation-al Convention, held at the Dom Polski hall on Forest Ave., on the eastside of Detroit, a system of Councils was officially estab-lished. The 15 Lodges on the west side of Detroit and the downriver area were assigned the numerical number 54. Thus was the birth of Council 54.

Congratulations to PNA Coun-cil 54 on reaching this impressive milestone!

Submitted by Sebastian Szczepanski / Polish Times

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P sychologist, Doctor Anna Węgierek at the PNA

PNA Cadets Lodge 1134, PNA Council #30 and PNA Sports Club of St. Louis, MO, participated at the event that took place in Eureka, Missouri with a carnival type atmosphere; there were informational booths and business booths as well as organizations from the area.

PNA helped celebrate Eureka Days on Friday and Sat-urday September 6th & 7th, 2013 with a Polish food booth and also an informational booth. PNA Sales Representa-tive John Baras gave out informational brochures about the PNA. Commissioners John Baras and Bernice Krauze answered questions related to the Polish National Alliance and the Cadets Lodge and the Council. Ed Konsewicz answered all questions pertaining to the PNA Sports Club. Polska Kielbasa, Pierogi, and Polish Potato Pancakes were served and enjoyed by all.

Sent by: John A. Baras PNA Sales Rep. & Commissioner District XI

On Tuesday, October 29, 2013, the PNA Headquarters hosted a lecture with two experienced psychologists, Dr Anna Wegierek, and Dr Partycja Nykiel, which raised the subject of cyber bulling, digital harassment, and other internet dangers that children and young adults face. Parent

and teachers that attended this event participated in discussion and were really grateful for the useful information they received. Doctor Węgierek is well known and respected psychologist specializing in working with children and their parents. She has been cooperating with the Polish National Alliance for years by giving free classes and lectures, participating in PNA’s radio program and writing articles to “Dziennik Związkowy”.

Photos and info by: Alicja Kuklińska

Eureka Days in St. Louis, Missouri

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Election at Lodge 30 –Bratnia Pomoc “Polonia”, Manhattan, NY

IMPORTANT NOTICEPlease note, that you can obtain this issue of the Zgoda online. If you would like to discontinue receiving a paper copy of our publication please notify us via e-mail:

[email protected] and we will gladly comply with your request.Protect your environment – go paperless.

Go to: www.pna–znp.org

On January 9, 2013, Lodge 30 Bratnia Pomoc “Polonia” (Manhattan) held an electoral meeting for the year 2013. The meeting was held at the Neptune Polish Restaurant in East Village of New York City. Af-ter brief remarks from then current President, Leszek Gensiorski, the election proceeded. The following officials were duly elected:

President–Denis KubiakVice President–Maria Jurewicz-BabikVice President–Eugeniusz ZychRecording Secretary–Genia GlowiakFinancial Secretary–Krystyna Glowiak-BandiniSergeant-at-Arms–Milan Tokar

A round of “Na zdrowias” followed the election as dinner was served.

Newly elected President Kubiak then asked all attending to stand for a moment of prayerful silence in remembrance of recently departed member Genia Golda-Tokar who held many offices for over 40 years in both Lodge 30 and Council 17 of the Polish Nation-al Alliance.

The meeting was then resumed to discuss future activities and to schedule upcoming Lodge meetings. Congratulation to all newly elected officers and wishes of success in promoting a revitalization of PNA’s Lodge 30 – Bratnia Pomoc “Polonia” New York City.

Pictures at the event were taken by Klaudia Zielka , the most recent addition to the membership of Lodge 30 Bratia Pomoc “Polonia” – New York City. She is 17 years of age, and along with her little brother, Karol, were recently enrolled by Lodge 30 Financial Secre-tary, Mr. Leszek Gensiorski. Klaudia is very active in the various Polish organizations throughout Manhat-tan and has been appointed the official photographer of Lodge 30.

Submitted by: Genia Glowiak – Bandini,Recording Secretary

Photos by: Kaudia Zielka

Pictured from Left to Right are the newly elected officers of PNA Lodge 30 Bratnia Pomoc “Polonia” Manhattan New York:Milan Tokar, Genia Glowiak, Eugeniusz Z ych, Denis Kubiak, Krystyna Glowiak – Bandini, Maria Jurewicz-Babi. In front, holding framed Antique PNA Medallions and ribbons are Mila-Miri and her big brother Maksymilian Czyzewski.

Klaudia Zielka, the newest member of Lodge 30.

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100 Lat w Służbie Rodakom i Polsce,Jubileusz Gminy 3 ZNP

„Gmina 3 jest dla mnie wyjątko-wa i traktuję ją bardzo osobiście, ponieważ jestem jej częścią od wielu lat” powiedział prezes Związku Na-rodowego Polskiego Franciszek Spula podczas uroczystości zorganizowa-nych z okazji setnej rocznicy istnienia Gminy.

„To dzięki rodzicom, którzy byli mądrzy i zapobiegliwi by mnie zapisać do Związku Narodowego Polskiego jestem dziś tutaj. Oni sami byli członkami ZNP przez wiele lat i dopilnowali, aby każdy z rodziny też należał do Gminy 3. Ich siostry, bracia, wszyscy zostali członkami organizacji, która jest dla nas jak druga rodzina” powiedział Franciszek Spula, wskazując na dwa zasadnicze aspekty istnienia związkowej organi-

zacji bratniej pomocy, jaką jest Związek Narodowy Pol-ski od momentu jego powstania: służebną rolę wobec człon-ków i wspiera-nie kraju po-chodzenia. Na

przestrzeni dziesięcioleci organizacja pomagała Polsce w walce o wolność, niepodległość i rozwój gospodarczy.

Gmina 3 została utworzona 17 listopada 1913 roku, aby skupić

w jednej organizacji związkowej członków Grup 5 i 257 i przetrwała 100 lat, dodając wciąż nowe ogniwa. W czasie swojego długiego istnienia Gmina zaangażowała się w wiele akcji pomocowych dla Polski,jej sił zbrojnych, harcerstwa oraz przy organizacji Obozu Młodzieżowego w Yorkville. Zaledwie po roku istnie-nia zebrano 6,5 tysiąca dolarów na pomoc dla Polski, co dzisiaj stanowi rownowartość około 150 tysięcy dolarów. W 1915 roku na ten sam cel zebrano kwotę prawie czterokrotnie większą. 26 maja 1926 roku Gmina została odznaczona Medalem Józefa Hallera za pomoc finansową dla Armii Błękitnej walczącej we Francji i w Polsce o odzyskanie niepodległości. Organizowano pomoc dla stajkują-cych górników w Ohio i Pensylwanii oraz tkaczy w New Jersey.

Z Gminy 3 wywodzi się wielu dzia-łaczy, którzy zasiadali lub zasiadają we władzach krajowych – z obecnym prezesem ZNP Franciszkiem Spulą na czele. Gminą kieruje Irena Hercik, przez wiele lat pełniąca funkcję komi-sarza Okręgu XIII, a ostatnio członka Rady Dyrektorów.

Kontynuatorami tradycji rozwojo-wej są najmłodsze Grupy skupiające członków Studia Tańca ZNP i Aka-demii Szermierki. Dzięki powołaniu tego ostatniego ogniwa w związko-wej rodzine skupiającej młodzież i rodziców zafascynowanych sportem kilku szermierzy otrzymało stypendia naukowe na uniwesytecie Princeton.

Kulminacyjnym momentem jubileuszowego przyjęcia w Whi-te Eagle w Niles było wręczenie wyróżnień i podziękowań najbardziej zasłużonym działaczom. Dyplomami uznania wyróżnieni zostali działacze z przynajmniej pięćdziesięcioletnim stażem w organizacji: Edie Bulga-jewski (Grupa 2714), Maria Dennan (2714), Roberta Gols (2582), Adam

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Man (2714), Stella Olender (0694), Roman Truskolaski (005), Wanda Węglarz (2582) i Dolores Żurawski z Grupy 2582.

Wyróżnieniem „Appreciation Award” uhonorowany został Roman Truskolaski – sekretarz finansowy gminy sprawujący tę funkcję przez ponad pół wieku. Za 31 lat pracy w

charakterze sekretarza protokołowego odznaczeniem „Distinguished Servi-ce” wyróżniona została Wanda Wę-glarz. Nagrodę „Top Producer Award for Council 3” dla najlepszego sprze-dawcy w Gminie odebrała Elżbieta Stolarczuk. Za dwudziestolenią pracę

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w charakterze skarbnika i sześciolenie sekretarzowanie nagrodzono również Teresę Winters. Pośmiertnie jubile-uszowym odznaczeniem uhonorano śp. Lorettę Chabałowski, wieloletnią komisarz i dyrektora Związku.

W części artystycznej bankietu goście obejrzeli widowisko poświę-cone najważniejszym w historii Gminy wydarzeniom i ludziom. Ten niekonwencjonalny spektakl przygo-tował Walter Bochenek. W wiązance tańców narodowych i ludowych zaprezentowali się tancerze zespołu „Wici” pracujący pod kierownictwem Anny Strojny. Był tort urodzinowy i życzenia kolejnych stu lat istnienia.

Tekst i zdjęcia: Andrzej Baraniak /NEWSRP

On November 17, 1913, an important meeting took place in Chicago, Illinois. Members of 54 in-dependent lodges decided to join to-gether and form what is now Council 3 of the PNA. Other lodges quickly joined their members to Council 3. Of the current lodges within the council, Lodges 5 and Lodge 257 are from the original 54 lodges, with newer lodges still being added today.

On November 17, 2013, exactly one hundred years later, to the day, PNA Council 3, one of the oldest branches in the PNA family tree, celebrated its centennial anniversary. Despite the day’s earlier challenging weather, the banquet was held with fraternal revelry and enjoyment by all who attended the festivities at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, Illinois.

Over the years, many donations were collected for charitable causes, with aid to Poland, assistance to the armed forces, the Red Cross, Alliance

College, the Polish Scouting organi-zation, the Youth Camp in Yorkville, Illinois, in addition to several others.

On May 26, 1926, Council 3 was honored to receive The General Joseph Haller Award for its finan-cial assistance to the Polish Army in France during World War I.

Today delegates and members of Council 3 continue to focus on changing lives through their volun-teer efforts. Recently, some of our delegates taught ESL classes to His-panic and Polish immigrants, this past year they assisted in the Volunteer Spring Clean-Up event sponsored by the City of Chicago.

PNA President and Council 3 Delegate, Frank J. Spula spoke of his long association with delegates and members of Council 3, stating that his relationship was that of a second family and then he presented awards to significant council members recog-nizing their fraternal achievements.

Through the efforts of the dedicat-ed Banquet Committee, an innova-tive and entertaining program called “From the Past to the Future” was presented featuring a series of rele-vant, historical vignettes highlighting memorable life experiences of former and present Council 3 members. PNA’s Wici Song and Dance group also performed at the event.

Over the years, many Council 3 members have held national office. Currently, Frank J. Spula continues to serve as PNA and PAC National President. Irene Hercik is currently serving as one of the Directors of Re-gion “H.” Joseph Hercik is currently serving as Commissioner of District XIII. Our new Zgoda editor, Alicja Kuklinska, also belongs to Council 3.

The current officers of Council 3 are as follows: President – Irene Hercik, Vice President – Joseph Lisak, Vice President – Elizabeth Stolarczuk, Secretary – Roberta Gols, Treasurer – Therese Winters, and Sergeant-at-Arms – Joseph Hercik.

Council 3 is proud of its history and continues its involvement with new initiatives through the Fencing Academy and the PNA Dance Studio and looks forward to its next 100 years.

Submitted by: Irene Hercik, President of Counci 3.


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Combined Convention of District XIIand the Women’s Division

On Sunday October 13, 2013 forty-one delegates and twelve guests gathered at the New Warsaw Restau-rant and Banquet Hall in Chicago, Il-linois for the combined convention of District XII and the Women’s Division of District XII PNA. The Convention was called to order at 12:45 p.m. By Commissioners Barbara Wesolowski and Jerzy Hejna who welcomed all the delegates and guests. District XII Secretary Shirley Wass was appoint-ed as Convention Secretary with the approval of the delegates. Former Commissioner Anna Kokoszka led the group in singing both the American and Polish National Anthems followed by a prayer for all deceased members and for the good of the PNA. Distin-guished attendees were introduced by Commissioner Hejna: Vice-Presidents Teresa Abick and Paul Odribina; Directors of Region “H” Christine Domalewski, Irene Hercik, Stanislawa Rawicki and Wanda Penar; District XIII Commissioners Wanda Juda and Joseph Hercik; Former Directors Hel-en Orawiec, Cecelia Tomaszkiewicz and Arthur Trybek; Past District XII Commissioners Anna Kokoszka and Roman Bucon, President of the PNA Youth Camp of Districts XII and XIII

Edward Mika and President of the Youth Home Corporation of District XII Barbara Wesolowski.

The Mandate Committee conduct-ed a roll call and verified the number of delegates present. Commissioner Wanda Juda administered the Oath to the delegates.

The Minutes of the October 28, 2012 Convention were read and approved. Three letters of correspon-dence were read from President Frank Spula, Treasurer Marian Grabowski and Censor Wesley Musial who were unable to attend.

Joseph Dobersztyn, Treasurer of the Men’s Division and Elizabeth Kamins-ki, Treasurer of the Women’s Division presented their financial reports.

Commissioners Wesolowski and Hejna gave detailed reports of their active participation in many PNA activities and other cultural and com-munity events. The Women’s Division awarded thirty book stipend/inci-dentals scholarships to students from District XII who received scholarships at the national level of PNA and who

belonged to lodges or councils who had delegates to the Women’s Divi-sion.

Commissioner Hejna reported that policy sales were down but efforts were underway to increase sales. He reported that the District Sales Reps were working through local Polish Schools. A recent District XII Sales Seminar conducted by Mr. Luke Kelly concluded with four new Sales Rep applications.

Judith Trybek, Treasurer and Chairperson of the District XII Youth Home Corporation’s Scholarship Committee presented her report. For the 2013-2014 school year, the Corporation awarded 14 scholarships totaling $5,750. Since its inception, the Youth Home Corporation has awarded 814 scholarships totaling $395,250.

Edward Mika, President of the Youth Camp Association of Districts XII and XIII spoke about the activities and the financial challenges facing the Youth Camp. Irene Spiewak, Vice-President of the Women’s Divi-

District XII Officers.Left to right: Walter Tokarz, Marshall; Joseph Dobersztyn, Treasurer; Irene Spiewak, Auditor; Shirley Wass, Secretary; Bogumila Hejna, Auditor.

National and Regional Guests.Seated left to right: Jerzy Hejna, Barbara Wesolowski, Teresa Abick, Christine Domalewski Standing left to right: Stanisława Rawicka, Joseph Hercik, Wana Juda, Paul Odrobina, Wanda Penar, Irene Hercik.

sion and District delegate to the Polish American Congress gave a detailed report of the activities of the PAC.

PNA Vice-President Teresa Abick delivered the Keynote Address. She extended thanks to the Men’s and Women’s Division for their scholarship endeavors and congratulated District XII on its increase in membership. V.P. Abick also explained how the PNA youth activities have promot-ed good interaction and fellowship amongst young PNA members. She spoke about the merits of the “Tuition Rewards Program.” as a selling factor to prospective families with young children.

“Woman of the Year” was awarded to Elizabeth Kaminski for her long and continued service to the PNA at the Lodge, Council, and District levels. Sales Representative, Agata Czerwosz, was awarded District XII’s Best Sales-person of 2013 Award.

Commissioner Wesolowski invited V.P. Odrobina to chair the election. Since there were no nominations from the floor, a motion approved to keep

Sales Award 2013 Recipient: Agata Czerwosz, Lodge 1824, Council 80. Award presented by Commissioner Jerzy Hejna.

the same officers. Treasurer: Joseph Dobersztyn; Secretary: Shirley Wass; Marshall: Walter Tokarz; Auditors: Irene Spiewak and Bogumila Hejna. V.P. Odrobina administered the oath to the officers. Delegates to the Youth Camp Association, Youth Home Corporation and Polish American Congress were appointed.

Both Commissioners expressed the need to increase membership. Com. Hejna also reported that the Men’s Division finances are improving, thanks to the last two golf outings held. Commissioner Wesolowski sug-gested that the younger adult members should speak to other young parents about the PNA at daycares, preschools and at other neighborhood events. Com. Wesolowski thanked the “aging” members for all that they have done to increase membership in District XII. It is time for the younger members to carry the torch of PNA into the future.

Council Presidents were invited to share their reports. Councils 34, 39, 55, 123 and 143 shared many of the fraternal and charitable activities

taking place within their groups.All the Directors and Commission-

ers present were invited to share a few words with the delegates.

A motion to adjourn was made and the meeting ended with the singing of God Bless America. All delegates and guests enjoyed a delicious meal followed by a prize raffle.

Submitted by Barbara J. Wesolowski,Commissioner District XII

Photos by Robert Jadach and Anna Zielinska

PNA GROUPS HONORED AT 39TH ANNUAL POLISH-AMERICAN CENTRAL CITIZENS COMMITTEE BANQUET

Hamtramck, Michigan – The Polish-American Central Citizen Committee of Hamtramck, Michigan held their 39th Annual Testimonial Banquet honoring Polonia’s Civic Leaders on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the PNA Council 122 Banquet Facilities.

The 2013 honorees included; Joseph A. Drobot Jr. (President of the Polish Roman Catholic Union), Cecile Wendt Jensen, and Larry Surhigh. Also being honored were Polish National Alliance Council 54, celebrating their 100th Anniversary, General Pulaski Polish Language School and Polish Alliance Dancers (PNA Lodge) celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and the Piast Institute, celebrating their 10th Anniversary. Reverend Lawrence Fares was honored as a Friend of Polonia. The keynote speaker at the Banquet was PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina.

President of the Polish American Central Citizens Com-mittee is PNA Commissioner of District 10, Stella G. Szcesny. PNA Commissioner of District 10 Thomas Schemanski is a member of the Board of Directors.

Photos by: Janice Odrobina

PNA Vice President Paul Odrobina

(l-r) Joseph A. Drobot Jr. and PNA Commissioner Stella Szcesny

PNA members attending Testimonial Dinner.

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Wczesnym rankiem, w sobotę 9 listopada, liczna grupa młodzieży z Grupy II reprezentacji ZPiT Lajkonik pod patronatem Grupy 3241 ZNP , działającego przy Misji Św. Trójcy w Chicago, udała się do St. Louis w stanie Missouri. Za-proszenie nadeszło od ks. Huberta, byłego wikariusza Misji Świętej Trójcy, obecnie proboszcza parafii pod wezwaniem Św. Agaty w St. Louis. Tancerze pod artystycz-nym przewodnictwem choroeo-graf Małgorzaty Łydy, z dużym zaangażowaniem, nie szczędząc własnych środków, przygotowali się do wyjazdu. O stronę logistyczną wyjazdu (za co serdecznie dzięku-jemy), zadbały matki i ojcowie z p. Bogusią Parzygnat, łącznikiem Grupy na czele. Celem wyjazdu

Lajkonik” na występach w St. Louis, Missouri

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było uświetnienie obchodów pol-skiego Święta Niepodległości w St. Louis.

Wyjazd był też okazją do od-wiedzenia stolicy stanu Illinois, Springfild, gdzie zwiedziliśmy mu-zeum dedykowane Abrahamowi Lincolnowi. Muzuem zgromadziło największą na świecie kolekcję dokumentów poświęconych 16 Pre-zydentowi Stanów Zjednoczonych. Do prezentacji 19-wiecznej rze-czywistości, w jakiej żył i pracował prezydent, zastosowano technolo-gię 21 wieku. Pomysł niesamowity. Wiedzę, uzupełnioną odwiedzi-nami domu Lincolna, rodzinnego mauzoleum oraz Kapitolu, trudno byłoby przyswoić podczas zajęć w szkole.

Do St. Louis dotarliśmy w

godzinach popołudniowych i po zakwaterowaniu na plebani parafii Św. Agaty, wyruszyliśmy na bankiet Polonii St. Louis, odbywający się w Sunset Country Club. Uczesnicy bankietu ze wzruszeniem odebrali przygotowany przez nas program artystyczny. Pieśni Ameryka i Marsz Polonia wycisnęły łzy rado-ści i sprowokowały wiele rozmów z tamtejszą Polonią. Ku naszemu zaskoczeniu, wśród oklaskujących gości, była Konsul Generalna RP w Chicago pani Paulina Kapuściń-ska z mężem, którą spotkaliśmy znów w niedzielę na wspólnej modlitiwe w kościele Św. Agaty.

Ksiadz Hubert celebrując Mszę Świętą w intencji Polski, cieszył się ogromnie z czynnego uczestnictwa zespołu i oprawy śpiewu. Cieszyli

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go goście, ale przede wszystkim fakt, że kościół Św. Agaty wypeł-niony był wiernymi. Nasz koncert po Mszy Świętej, w starej nie-wyremontowanej szkole, okazał się sukcesem. Parafianie i goście przybyli tłumnie i nie ukrywali wzruszenia, wszystkich opanował duch polskości.

Po południu zdążyliśmy jeszcze zwiedzić Bazylikę Katedralną, któ-rą w 1999 r. odwiedził Jan Paweł II. Podziwialiśmy dzieło, które wy-daje się niemożliwe do wykonania w dzisiejszych czasach. Jak mówi przewodnik, w ciągu 75 lat, 20 ar-tystów ułożyło ponad 41.5 miliona kawałków mozaiki w 8.000 odcieni. Efekt zapiera dech w piersiach.

Odwiedziny zakończyliśmy podziwiając panoramę miasta z wysokości 630 stóp, ze słynnej budowli Gateway Arch (Łuk Wjaz-dowy). Opuszczając po zachodzie słońca St. Louis, mieliśmy poczucie dobrze spełnionego obowiązku. Były to jedne z najdłuższych i najbardziej intensywnych dwóch dni w naszym kalendarzu, ale już czekamy, aby je kiedyś powtórzyć.

Nie opuszcza nas poczucie ogromnej dumy, że mimo wielu przeszkód, przybyliśmy do St. Louis z okazji tak ważnego świę-ta. Tu w Chicago nasyceni jeste-śmy polskością. W kościele Św. Agaty, w którym modli się zaledwie 200 parafian, działalność polonijna dopiero się zaczyna. W szkole pol-skiej, która działa od roku uczy się 40 dzieci. Opowiedzieliśmy im o naszych początkach na Trójcowie, kiedy to w 1991 roku zespół liczył 12 dzieci. Przez 23 lata rozwinę-liśmy skrzydła i poszybowaliśmy wysoko. Tego Polonii w St. Louis z serca życzymy.

Artykuł i zdjęcia nadesłała:Halina Misterka, kierownik artystyczny

zespołu „Lajkonik”


Ryan Charles Koch(born 05-07-2013) is the youngest member of Lodge 827 in Youngstown, Ohio. Ryan Charles Koch is the son of Lindsay M. Koch and Kevin J. Koch of New Middletown, Ohio. The proud grandparents are Bernadine A. Becker and Richard C. Becker of North Lima, Ohio, who gave him the insurance as a gift. He was enrolled by Joseph M. Magielski Sr. Sales Representative and past Director of Sales for the PNA.

Ewalina Jade LaMar, Born 6/23/2011 is the youngest member of Lodge 669 in Chicago IL.Ewalina J. LaMar is the daughter of Monica and Shawn LaMar residing in Round Lake Beach IL. The policy was a gift from loving grandparents Christine and Walter Tarchala.

Elise Holland Londergon(born 5-26-12). New member of Lodge 3250.She is the great great granddaughter of the late John and Mary Juszczyk, and the great granddaughter of the late Frank and Agnes Juszczyk.The PNA policy is a gift to Elise from her very proud Grandparents, LLoyd and Christine Holland of Plano, IL, both active members of the PNA.Sent by: Grandparents, LLoyd and Christine Holland of Plano, IL

Welcome to ourPNA Family

Mason D. Swiderskiis the youngest member of Lodge 1291 in Amsterdam, NY. He is the son of Mark and Danielle Swiderski. Enrolled by Grandparents Miroslaw and Wieslawa Swiderski. Signed by Lodge 1291 sales Rep. Edward Swiderski.Sent by: Edward Swiderski, Sales Rep. Amsterdam, NY

Lucinda Lorraine Musselman – the newest member of Lodge 3100 of Greenfield, Wisconsin.She was signed up by her proud grandparents Kathy and Jerry Musselman.

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New

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Milo-Mari Czyzewska and her Big brother, Maksymilian Czyzewskiare the youngest members to recently join Lodge 30 – Manhattan.Anna Babic, their mother, is also a member of Lodge 30. Their PNA policies were a gift from “Babcia” Maria Jurewicz-Babik, who is Lodge 30’s Vice President.Photo by: Klaudia ZielkaSubmitted by: Genia Glowiak - Bandini, Recording Secretary

PNA Lodge 711, Chicopee, MA welcomes its newest member, Catherine Cochran, from Wilbraham, MA. She is the infant daughter of Daniel and Danielle Cochran, also members of PNA Lodge 711. Former PNA National Director Region “A” and Sales Representative, Teresa Struziak Sherman enrolled Catherine into Lodge 711 PNA.

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The Chicago Society Scholarship Announcement The Chicago Society of the Polish National Alliance

is pleased to announce the availability of

scholarships to qualified college students for 2014.

The application is available online at

www.chicagosocietypna.org/scholarship.

If your PNA lodge or any other Polish organization has a

website, I ask that you post the above link to that website

to further promote this great opportunity.

All students of Polish descent who meet the criteria

are encouraged to apply for this valuable scholarship.

Results will be announced in March 2014,

and the winners will be recognized at our annual

Pre- Constitution Day Parade Brunch on May 3, 2014.

Applicants do not have to be PNA members to apply.

Please read the application instructions to qualify.

Any questions can be emailed [email protected] you for your cooperation.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Charles A. KomosaPNA Lodge 1450, Scholarship Chairman

Courtney Olesky is this year’s recipient of Saint Joseph Polish Club Lodge 664 Scholarship Fund.

Courtney attends Duquesne University of Pennsy-lvania located in Pittsburgh. She is a Pharmacy Major with a current GPA of 3.66. Congratulations!

Submitted by: David Sinclair, Commissioner District VIII

District 12 Youth Home Corporation Scholarships

The PNA District XII Youth Home Corporation is happy to announce it has awarded 14 scholarships for the 2013-1014 school year. Nine students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher each received $500.00; the remaining five students each received $250.00.

The recipients are: Brittany Foreman, Natalie Grabowski, Edward Józefiak, Tanya Kaminski, Alexandra Lyewski, Anna Maj, Alyssa Papiernik, Nicole Papiernik, Emily Polovick, Lukas Stanczyk, Brian Wadsworth, Alexander Wass, Valerie Wass,

and Jaqueline Ziemski. The officers of the Youth Home Corporation

District XII are Commissioner of District XII, Barbara Wesolowski, President, Arthur Trybek, 1st Vice President, Anna Kokoszka, 2nd Vice President, Shirley Wass, Secretary, and Judith Trybek, Treasurer.

This year, the Scholarship Committee members were Judith Trybek Chairman and Secretary of the Scholarship Committee, Shirley Wass, and Gail Bialas. Acting in an advisory capacity were officers Barbara Wesolowski, Arthur Trybek, and Anna Kokoszka.

Since 1987, District XII Youth Home Corporation has awarded 814 scholarships for a grand total of $395,250.00.

Sent by: Judith Trybek, Secretary of District XII Scholarship Committee, Palos Hills, IL

Scholarship awardLodge 664

Pictured left to right are Courtney’s parents Ken and Cindy Olesky, Scott Spillar, president of Lodge 664, Chuck Bolam, vice president and Luke Baverso, Chairman of the scholarship fund.

Send all articles, pictures andcorrespondence to:

[email protected] mail to:

Alicja KuklinskaZgoda Magazine


Announcement Vice President Paul C. Odrobina and the Sports & Youth

Committee are now accepting bids for Lodges and Councilsto host the 2014 and 2015 National Softball Tournament

and the 2015 National Golf Tournament.All bids are to be sent to Vice President Odrobina’s Office

before the March Board of Directors meeting. 1-800-621-3723 ext.314 [email protected]

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Our family has always deeply appreciated what thePNA did for us, even before we were members.

The PNA paid all expenses to bring out family to the U.S., greeted us in New York on October 18, 1951, guided us

and even provided spending money for the trip toour ultimate destination, Flint, Michigan.

My mother and father met in Germany, both being takenfrom their homelands near the beginning of World War II.They lived in Germany as Displaced Persons after the war

where they married in June, 1945 and started their family.My sister, brother and I were born there while my parents awaited their fate as to whether they would be allowed

to immigrate to the U.S. Thanks to thePolish National Alliance and a local sponsor;we all came to Flint, Michigan in late 1951.

My mother recently passed away after a long illness. Several years ago, she commented that she would like her PNA insurance proceeds to be donated back to the PNA since they did so much for us by facilitating our voyage to the United

States. She was always been grateful for that generosity and the opportunity afforded us to come here to start a new life.

It is in her memory that our family now wishes to donate $1,000 to the Polish National Alliance Education Fund.

Sincerely,Steve Wisniewski Casimira Trier Erv Wisniewski

On behalf of the Polish National Alliance thank you for your kind words and your

generous donation.Merry Christmas!

TO THE POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE:

LOURDES, FATIMA & SPAINDeparting May 24, 2014

from ChicagoReturn to Chicago June 4, 2014

$3,798.00All Inclusive (Except lunches)

Journey features: round trip transportationfrom Chicago, hotels, land transportation via deluxe private motor coach, professional English speaking guide, breakfast & dinner daily, entrance fees to all sites on itinerary, tips, surcharge, taxes, and daily masses.Estimated total cost - $3,798.00Deposit - $350 (payable on booking),second deposit - 50% of balance byDecember 25, 2013, balance due–March 10, 2014.

Rates based on double-occupancy, the airline fuel surcharge ($637) and currency exchange rate at the date of quotation to your host. Subject to change up to 30 days prior to departure.

Each tour member must hold a U.S. passport that is valid up to 6 months after the scheduled return.

Any required visas will be processed for US citizens only. Non-US citizens are solely responsible for obtaining any required visas.

For more information check our website:www.pna-znp.org

or contact:Teresa Abick / Mary Srodon


[email protected]

Liane Matrisch: Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal

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May this Christmas bring you all the love and luck in the world!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Executive Officers, Directors, Commissioners andEmployees of the Polish National Alliance.

On behalf of

Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!

Executive OfficersFrank J. Spula–PresidentTeresa N. Abick–Vice PresidentPaul C. Odrobina–Vice PresidentDavid G. Milcinovic–Vice President, Union of Poles, Division of PNACharles A. Komosa–SecretaryMarian Grabowski–Treasurer

POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE6100 N. CICERO AVENUECHICAGO, IL 60646TEL.: 773-286-0500website: www.pna-znp.org

PNA DIRECTORS Region ofSandra S. Schuster JMinto, ND

Anthony W. KNowak-PrzygodzkiCorona, CA

Allan R. Szuflada LHinckley, OHSupervisory Council

CENSORWesley E. Musial Philadelphia, PA

VICE CENSORIrene S. Grabowy Bristol, CT

Walter W. Tokarz ARehoboth, MA

Tadeusz Kutarba BClifton, NJ

Conrad J. Sobczak CErie, PA

Teresa U. Buckoski DGlenn Dale, MD

Val Pawlos EPittsburgh, PA

Bernadette C. Zubel FParma, OH

Joseph A. Samreta GHobert, IN

Christine V. Domalewski HOak Lawn, IL

Irene T. Hercik HChicago, ILWanda Penar HNiles, IL

Stanislawa Rawicki HPark Ridge, IL

John H. Ray IBremond, TX

Michael G. MatikoDuryea, PA

DISTRICT VIIIDavid M. SinclairWestmoreland City, PA

DISTRICT IXAnn Marie GdulaBridgeport, OH

DISTRICT XStella G. SzczesnyHamtramck, MI

Thomas M. SchemanskiHamtramck, MI

DISTRICT XIBernice A. KrauzeSt. Louis, MO

John A. BarasEureka, MO

DISTRICT XIIBarbara J. WesolowskiOrland Park, IL

Jerzy W. HejnaPalos Hills, IL

DISTRICT XIIIWanda JudaChicago, IL

Joseph F. HercikChicago, IL

DISTRICT XIVTeresa A. JankowskiSaint Francis, WI

Gary W. BabinskiMinto, ND

DISTRICT XVMary S. WozniakRolling Prairie, IN

DISTRICT XVIAnia KarwanYorba Linda, CA

Greg G. ChileckiOrange, CA

DISTRICT XVIIJane C. PtakWalton Hills, OH

Edward R. SobczynskiParma, OH

DISTRICT IJeannie M. ZapalaLudlow, MA

Frank A. WolaninHolyoke, MA

DISTRICT IIMarianna Koziol-DubeUnionville, CT

Donald DubeUnionville, CT

DISTRICT IIIHelen M. Kostecki-PaterValley Stream, NY

Marian J. WierciochCohoes, NY

DISTRICT IVRichard H. KuczkowskiWebster, NY

DISTRICT VCzeslawa (Trish) BuczkowskiWallington, NJ

Stanley M. DunajNorth Arlington, NJ

DISTRICT VIRenata M. JodlowskiPhiladelphia, PA James E. MislakBaltimore, MD

DISTRICT VIIDawne M. GriffithTaylor, PA

26

Surprise 90th birthday celebration was June 2, 2013 to the day for Stella Michalak, Secretary of Lodge 2825, orchestrated by Diana Maza, her sister, and her husband, Raymond Maza. Apparently 82 members of the family and longtime friends, especially Judy and Arthur Trybek, enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, a special performance of many regional dances by Wesoły Lud, coordinated by Mrs. Michalina Jaminski of Lemont, IL.

The extravaganza affair had the fun photo booth and a delicious Polish luncheon with blessings before the meal. Many Well Wishes: Papal Blessing, President Obama and Michelle, Senator Durbin, Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Burke, adapted a resolution declaring my birthday officially recognized throughout the City of Chicago. Arianna Zaletta, great niece, presented the cake wearing my costume of many years ago. The affair was spectacular and enjoyed by all.

Sent by: Stella (Stasia) Michalak, Lodge 2825

Little Lucy (Lucinda, Lorraine) Musselman is already enrolled in the PNA’s new and free Living Benefit - Tuition Rewards Program. It’s never too early to start saving for college!

Mr. Jerry Musselman is a long time PNA employee (Information Service Manager) and all of his children and grandchildren are PNA members enrolled in the Tuition Rewards Program.

A Sentimental Journey ofStella Michalak

The Musselmans – 100% PNA Family

Craig & Tanya Musselman with their children (from left to right) Maxine, Morgan, Melanie and Maguire (held by his father).

Jerry & Kathy Musselman with the newest addition to their family, granddaughter Lucy.

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68th Polish National Alliance National Bowling TournamentTournament to provide and encourage a wider social intermingling and spirit

of good fellowship among members of the Polish National Alliance.

Friday - Saturday - SundayApril 25, 26, 27, 2014

Annual Coloring Contest

Contest Rules:• Must be a PNA member• Contest runs from January 1 to May 3, 2014• Each entry must have artist’s full name, age, address, phone number and PNA Lodge No.• All entries become the property of the PNA. No entries will be returned.• Four age categories: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12.

Each category winners will receive a check for $100. All participants will receive a certificate of participation. Judges decision will be final. Winners names will be published in the Zgoda and on our website. www.pna-znp.org

Casey ‘s Lanes610 Colfax Avenue

La Porte, Indiana 46350(219) 362-1571

Thunderbird Lanes1251 Pine Lake Avenue (at Rt.35)

La Porte, Indiana 46350(219) 362-3555

PNA Coloring Contest6100 N. Cicero AvenueChicago, Illinois 60646

1-800-621-3723 [email protected]

Would you like to show off your child’s artistic talents and give them a chance to win a prize?Contact Sports and Youth Department of the Polish National Alliance And ask for the coloring book Polish Costumes – Polskie Stroje Ludowe.

TEAMS - SINGLES - DOUBLES - ALL EVENTS100% PRIZE FEES RETURNED TO WINNERS

for more information, entry blank, rules & prices visit our website www.pna-znp.orgor contact sports department 1-800-621-3723 ext.314, [email protected]

Entries close midnight - Friday, February 7, 2014

Spor

ts &

You

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Henry J. Pelesh Brady G. Pelesh

We are proud of

28

Andrew Shea (is pictured in the center in blue)Lodge 033, competed in the Georgetown University

Invitational Debate Tournament in Washington D.C. September 27-29th with members of the Medina High School debate team. They competed among over 60 schools from over 20 states. In Lincoln-Douglas, Andrew finished tied for first and was named the Co-Champion of the Tournament.

Andrew will be competing in the Princeton Classic Debate Tournament the first week in December in Princeton, New Jersey with the Medina HS Debate Team. He is the son of Karen and Kevin Shea of Medina and the Grandson of Arlene and Joe Masilonis of Parma.

Submitted by Arlene Masilonis

Kasia Clarke member of Lodge 825, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for the 2013-14 academic year. She is living and working in Tver, Russia teaching English to medical, dental, and pharmacy university students, as well as high school students. She graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Russian and a Spanish and pre-med minor. In college she served as an editor of the literary journal “Anthem” and won an art scholarship for her multi-colored, community inspired origami installation. She has created and maintained a poetry blog http://exceptindreams.livejournal.com/ for six years. She is also an avid photographer and is particularly interested in capturing the personalities of cemeteries around the world.

Submitted by: Ewa Wypijewska Clarke

Brady G. Pelesh (born July 27, 1996) and his brother Henry J. Pelesh (born August 12, 1998), sons of George and Jo Ann Pelesh are the new members of Lodge 3250, IL.

Two fine, promissing sportsmen were enrolled by their loving grandparents John and Danuta D. Pelesh.

Sent by: John And Danuta D. Pelesh

29

Summer would not be complete without the annual „PNA Golf Open” at Fair Oaks Golf Course in Grafton, North Dakota. It was a picturesque North Dakota evening and more than 80 members and guests enjoyed the „10th Annual” affair. Proceeds from the tournament fund scholarships and special Lodge activities throughout the year.

Roger Schuster, Lodge Vice President, was event chairman, assisted by District 14 Commis-sioner Gary Babinski, Director Sandra Schuster, Lodge President James Gudajtes, and Council member Gary Slominski. The lodge provided PNA inscribed golf tees and Na Zdrowie can coolies to all registered golfers. There were also door prizes donated by Chris Misialek of the Minto Harvey Avenue Saloon. Several team and individual award plaques and golf balls were once again provided by the PNA Sports and Youth Department in Chicago, Illinois.

Winners for 20131st Place: David Hoenke team - Wade Presteng, Nick DeSautek, Jay Sevigny, Codt Stark and Dave Hoenke2nd Place: Roger Schuster team - Dave Dickson, Mark Dickson, Darby Boe, Scott Schreiner, Roger Schuster3rd Place: Steven Schuster team - Steven Schu-ster, Lisa Schuster, Andy Petersen, Joel OsowskiLongest Drive - Betsy DicksonLongest Putt - Allen Babinski

Closest to the Pin - Roger Schuster

A heartfelt Thanks to All participants for their generous support of the PNA, and especially our Hole Sponsors. The Lodge activity gives great visibility in the community for Lodge 3043. This successful tournament encourages participation by many young adult PNA members. All golfers were treated to a barbecued meal at the Harvey Avenue Saloon in Minto, following the presenta-tion of the tournament awards.

Submitted by: Sandra Schuster, Director Region „J”

Annual PNA Golf Event in North Dakota Celebrated 10 Years

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Stones You Will Not Find On The Ground

Introduction. Strange as it may seem, our bodies have the means to form stones in response to an imbalance of certain substances in the urine. These are stones not found on the ground or in the earth. They are solid pieces of materials that form in a kidney when there are high levels of minerals and other elements that are normally found at lower levels, and the kidney manages to get rid of them without any problems. A kidney stone can occur at any age, even in premature infants, but most often they occur in teen girls and adults, ages 20 to 40. Stones can range in size from ¼ inch to several inches. A stone may remain in the kidney or travel in the urinary tract. A small stone may pass out of the body without any difficulty and unknown to the person. A larger stone, however, may become stuck in the urinary tract and block the flow of urine resulting in severe pain and bleeding upon urination. The urinary tract is the body’s means for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters that connect the kid-neys to the bladder, where urine is stored, and a ure-thra that allows the body’s urine to be released during urination. Kidney stones should not be confused with gallbladder stones. They are two very different condi-tions. This article is only about kidney stones.

Causes of Kidney Stones. Kidney stones can be caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate and phosphorus in the urine. Other causes may be:

• Not drinking enough fluids;• Taking certain medications, check with your

doctor or pharmacist;• Your body cannot get rid of the stone causing

substances;• You have a family history of kidney stones;• You have repeated urinary tract infections;• There is a blockage of your urinary tract, or• Digestive problems.

Types of Kidney Stones. There are many variations of kidney stones, but doctors have found that there are four main types. The most common type in the United States contains calcium with some other materials. Although calcium is a necessary part of a healthy diet, is used by the body for muscles and bones, and the excess goes to the kidneys where it is flushed out in the urine. For some unknown reason, some people keep the calcium in their kidneys where it combines with other waste products and a stone forms. You can have a calcium oxalate, (more common stone), or a calcium phosphate stone. A uric acid stone may form when there is too much uric acid in the urine. Eating a diet high in meat, fish or shellfish may develop uric acid stones. A struvite stone is usu-ally associated with kidney infections. Cystine stones develop as a genetic disorder (passed on from parent to child) whereby the body chemical, cystine, leaks through the kidneys into the urine. Kidney stones may be smooth or jagged, large, like a golf ball, or small and are usually yellow or brown.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones. Small stones that pass out of the body on their own may not cause any symptoms. However, the following kidney stone symptoms will need the attention of a health care professional: pain when urinating (can be severe pain); blood in the urine; sharp pain in your back or lower abdomen that won’t go away, or nausea and vomiting with the pain. Blood and urine tests, along with imaging tests (scans) will diagnose the kidney stones and their location.

Treatment for Kidney Stones. The treatment for kidney stones depends on their size and composition. Small stones usually do not require treatment. Larger stones, or stones that are blocking your urinary tract, will need to be removed or broken up by the use of shock waves. The procedure is called lithotripsy. The small pieces are then passed through your urinary tract. Other procedures may also be nec-essary. Pain medication may also be needed to reduce the pain.

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Helping to Prevent FutureDevelopment of Kidney Stones. It is

important to know what type of kidney stone you have had, and if your kidneys are making enough urine to remove wastes from your body effectively. The type of stone is determined from laboratory analysis of your kidney stone. Your blood and urine samples can also be tested to suggest the type of kidney stone you may have had. It is important to note that certain foods may promote kidney stone formation in susceptible people, but scientists do not believe that eating any particular food causes stones to form in people who are not prone to develop kidney stones. Factors that affect kidney stone formation include genes, environment, body weight and fluid intake. You may need to make changes in your diet and nutrition, and take medicines prescribed by your doctor to prevent future kidney stones. A dietician can help you plan meals that will help you lower your risk of kidney stone formation.

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Teresa Struziak Sherman, RN, BSN, MS

References: 1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthychildren.org. (10/1/2013). Kidney stones in children and teens. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/genitourinary-tract/Page... p. 1-2.2. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). (July 31, 2013). Diet for kidney stone prevention. Publication No. 13-6425. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pub/kidneystonediet/index.aspx. p. 1-8.3. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). (July 24, 2013). What I need to know about kidney stones. NIH Publication No. 13-4154. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pub/stones_ez/index.aspx. p. 1-11.

• Drink 2-3 liters of fluid (water or citrus drinks) per day to help prevent most types of kidney stones. Fluids keep the urine diluted and flush away materials that might lead to stone forma-tion.

• For calcium oxalate stones reduce salt (sodium) to no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day; decrease eating animal protein (meat, eggs, and fish) which has purines, which contribute to stone formation and also causes a decrease in the body’s citrate level; ingest enough calcium from food or calcium supplements (800 mg daily), and avoid foods high in oxalate, such as rhubarb, spinach, nuts and wheat bran.

• For calcium phosphate stones follow the regime for calcium oxalate stones except you need not avoid foods high in oxalate.

• For uric acid stones you only need to limit animal protein to 6 ounces per day. The animal protein purines are broken down in the body into uric acid, which leads to the problem of uric acid stone development.

As you can see, kidney stones are found in some peo-ple, but not out in the dirt as you plant flowers. The condition, although it can be painful, is treatable with the help of your health care professional.


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Kazimierz Barut Awarded At The Pac of WesternMassachusetts Polish American Heritage Banquet

Holyoke, MA. The Polish Ameri-can Congress of Western Massachu-setts held its Polish American heritage Banquet at Pilsudski Park, Holyoke, MA on October 6, 2013. Waclaw Szymczakiewicz, Vice President of PAC of Western Massachusetts, introduced the distinguished guests at the head table. Representing the Polish National Alliance was PNA Commissioner of District 1 and PAC Director, Frank Wolanin; PAC officers, Joseph M. Kos, President; Waclaw Szymczakiewicz, Vice Pre-sident; Mary Wolanin, Second Vice President; Elżbieta Szymczakiewicz, Treasurer/Financial Secretary, and Irena Gadecki, Recording Secretary.

Janina Sierzputowski opened the banquet with singing both National Anthems. Joseph M. Kos, President Polish American Congress of We-stern Massachusetts, spoke in detail about the United States Visa Waiver

Program (VWP) which allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. Currently there are 37 countries that are allowed this pri-vilege and Poland isn’t one of them.

The Polish American Congress, for more than a decade, has been leading the effort to include Poland in the Visa Waiver Program. The US Sena-te has approved a Bill to expand the VWP to include additional countries in the program, and the House of Representatives must now vote on the bill, H.R.1354. We must all call or write our members of the House to support this bill.

As a part of the banquet pro-gram, an annual “Recognition of Achievement” award is presented to an outstanding Polish individual from Western Massachusetts area. President of the Polish American

Congress of Western Massachusetts, Joseph M. Kos, presented this year’s award to Kazimierz Barut.

Kazimierz Barut or Kazik, was born in 1924 in Poland. At the age of 16 he was separated from his family while being forced into a resettlement by Stalin in 1941. It took 6 years be-fore he was reunited with his family. In 1956 Kazik came to America and settled in Chicopee, MA to live with his uncle. At age 89, Kazik is a tall, strong, joyful man with a genuine sense of humor. He has a passion for history and can relate very accurately and clearly many historical occur-rences of events during his lifetime Kazik has many friends, is involved in many Polish organizations, has been honored as a veteran of the Polish Army, and has been a member of the PNA Lodge 711 since 1996. At this time of his life we honor Kazik for all he does for the community, educating children and adults whenever he has an opportunity. We salute Kazik for his spirit and enthusiasm for advising young people to keep obedience in life and to cooperate with others.

As part of the PAC’s agenda for 2013, the challenge is to craft an immigration system that reflects mi-gration realities, recognize the needs of employers, respect the U.S. work-force, and build public confidence in our nation’s security and immigration laws. The Polish American Congress believes that both military assistance and economic assistance will benefit our Polish allies who have taken a principled stance for freedom. May we never forget Poland’s sacrifices in an effort to promote worldwide peace and freedom!

Submitted by Teresa Struziak Sherman, (Edited)

Holyoke, MA. Pictured at the Polish American Heritage Banquet are left to right: Jeannie Zapala, Commissioner PNA District 1; former PNA National Director from Region “A”, Teresa Struziak Sherman; Teresa Barut, from Easthampton, MA, daughter of Award Recipient; Kazik Barut, Achievement Award Recipient for 2013; Timothy Barut, grandson of Kazik’s from CA; Mitchell Nowak, VP PNA Lodge 711 and long time friend to Kazik; Joseph Kos, President PAC of Western MA, and Frank Wolanin, Commissioner PNA District 1 and President PNA Council 82, and PAC Director.

33

Life of Polonia

Next year, the Polish American Congress (PAC), the largest Polish American umbrella organization, is going to celebrate 70 years of activities and efforts for the betterment of the Polish American community. To celebrate this important milestone, the organization plans to host a Jubilee Conference on May 30, 2014 in Buffalo, NY - the city where the PAC was founded seven decades earlier.

Today’s Polish American Congress is comprised of 20 National Orga-nizations, more than 300 local Polish American groups/associations, and thousands of members organized in 28 State Divisions in 19 states, and continues to expand to additional states as well.

The 70th anniversary Conference is going to be an important event and the organization invites all Polish Americans to participate in this milestone celebration. Details about participation and registration for the Conference will be available shortly on the PAC Web site at www.pac1944.org.

Former First Lady of Poland Danuta Walesa met with the media & local community at the Polish Consulate in Chicago on Novem-ber 22 She talked with the media as well as the representatives of the local community about Andrzej Wajda’s latest movie “Walesa: Man of Hope” and about her book “Da-nuta Walesa: Dreams and Secrets”, written by Piotr Adamowicz, who accompanied her during her Chi-cago visit.

While in Chicago, Danuta Wa-lesa collected the Wings Award on behalf of director Andrzej Wajda whom the organizers of the 25th Polish Film Festival in America honored for his special contribu-tion to the Polish cinematography abroad.

Danuta Wałęsa in Chicago

Photo by: Alicja Kuklinska

70th Anniversary70th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress

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Washington, D.C.: The grand event honoring Arch-bishop Carlo Maria Vigano, current Ambassador of the Holy See to the U.S., took place Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Apostolic Nunciature (embassy). The special dinner led off a weekend celebration ending with a next day special Mass and unveiling of mosaic of Bl. John Paul II. The mosaic is a gift from the Polish American Bishops for the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Altar of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Submitted by: Ben Filipczyk – Recording Secretary,PNA Lodge 848

Pictured is Brother Leonard Konopka with just a few of the many PNA members attending the dinner (left to right): Stephen and Constance Donnelly, Ben Filipczyk, Henry Rackowski, Konopka, Teresa and Brian Buckoski.

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Watican Embassy Hosts Friends of John Paul II Foundation’s Annual “Wadowice on the Potomac” Banquet.

Przyjęcie zostało uroczyście rozpoczęte powitaniem gości przez Nancy Szu-ba-McFalin oraz Józefa Cicherskiego, po czym Aleks Marcinowski odśpiewał Hymn Narodowy. Następnie Prezes klubu Leszek Bogush oraz zastępca preze-sa Elżbieta Hajlasz wręczyli nagrody osobom szczególnie zasłużonym. Wśród tegorocznych laureatów znalezli się Joe i Rose Piekarczyk, Emma Szczęch, Jo Ann i Raman Witer, Marysa Jones, Nina i Tomek Tederko, Lucy Skloss, Loyd B. Laskowski, Wszystkim wyróżnionym składamy serdeczne gratulacje!

Nadeslał Alan Bogusz, San Antonio, Texas

Grupa 2540 w San Antonio, Texas celebrowała Heritage Day

Life of Polonia

35

140 Lat ZPRKDuring a

celebration marking 140 years since the inception of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, Consul General Paulina Kapu-ścińska awarded PRCUA with the Gloria Artis Silver Medal of Merit for Cul-

ture, on behalf of Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage.

The Gloria Artis Medal of Merit for Culture is conferred upon individuals and organizations for their activities in popularizing the Polish culture and pro-tecting the national heritage of Poland. The celebra-tions marking PRCUA’s 140th anniversary were held on October 5, 2013.

The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America was established in Detroit, MI on October 3, 1873 and is the oldest Polish fraternal organization in the Uni-ted States. The organization’s jubilee began with the opening of the 140 Years of PRCUA History Exhibit on October 4th the Polish Museum of America. The exhibit displayed rare old photographs of the organi-zation and its members through 14 decades, historical documents from the 19th century and interesting artifacts. The exhibit was curated by Kathryn Rosy-pal and Lidia Kowalewicz of the Naród Polski publi-cation.

W październiku odbyły się w Chicago uroczy-

stości z okazji 140-lecia Zjednoczenia Polskiego

Rzymsko-Katolickiego w Ameryce najstarszej

polskiej organizacji bratniej pomocy w Sta-

nach Zjednoczonych.Uroczystości rozpoczęło

otwarcie w Muzeum Polskim w Ameryce w

Chicago wystawy poświęconej historii ZPRKA,

w kościele św. Stanisława Kostki w Chicago

odprawione zostało nabożeństwo jubileuszowe

oraz odbył się w bankiet z udziałem ok. 300

gości. Przemówienia wygłosili: JE kard. Francis

George, arcybiskup Chicago; prezes ZNP i KPA

Frank Spula; wiceprezes wykonawczy American

Fraternal Alliance Allison Koppel; prezes ZPR-

KA Joseph Drobot oraz Konsul Generalny RP

Paulina Kapuścińska, która w imieniu Ministra

Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego RP, Mu-

zeum Polskie w Ameryce Srebrnym Medalem

„Zasłużony Kulturze – Gloria Artis”, przyzna-

wanym za upowszechnianie kultury polskiej i

ochronę polskiego dziedzictwa narodowego.

PRCUAAwarded Prestigious

Gloria Artis Medal

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Polish Traditions Cracovian cribs (szopki krakowskie) are the

pieces of craftsmen work connected with Christmas repre-senting the miniatures of historical monuments of the City of Krakow and characters from Bethlehem.

Cracovian cribs have originated from the tradition of static cribs and Nativity plays which used to be displayed in churches during the Christmas period. The most often these were the Bethlehem stables with rocky landscape in the background and the figures of the Holy Family and shepherds, sheep, donkeys, oxen. On January the 6th, the Day of Three Kings (Three Wise Men, The Magi), their figures were added. The oldest Christmas crib figures are kept in the St.Andrew’s church, monastery of Poor Clarets in Krakow.

The first cribs were made in the middle of XIX century by carpenters and bricklayers from Cracow and its sur-roundings. During the Christmas time they were going from house to house with their Christmas cribs. Every year the famous group of carollers and crib makers of Michal Ezenekier would be the guest of Count Potocki’s residence- the Pod Baranami Mansion and the family of Estreichers’.

The source of inspirations was primarily St. Mary’s Church, but miniatures of the Wawel Royal Castle and Ca-thedral, the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall, the Barbican were

made as well. They were integral part of the folk theatre with the puppets. The characters have belonged to both, intertwining worlds: biblical - showing the Birth of Jesus, and secular - constantly changed and updated, rooted in the historical, patriotic, social and satirical motives. In the modern cribs the puppets have been replaced by static figures, which represent historical characters, as well as the living politicians, artists; they are inspired by folk, craco-vian legends (especially well known about Wawel’s Dragon).

In 1927 Antoni Wasilewski initiated the organisation of yearly competition for the most beautiful Christmas crib. Since 1937, on the first Thursday in December, the presentation and competition of cribs takes place at the foot of Adam Mick-iewicz monument in Market Square, followed by the exhibition in Krzysz-tofory (the premises of History Mu-seum of the City of Krakow). In crib constructions the whole generations of carpenters’ families are involved.

W pierwszy czwartek grudnia w Krakowie można podziwiać słynne na cały świat szop-ki - malownicze, barwne, radosne, inspirowane legendami i architekturą tego miasta konstrukcje. Od 1937 roku przyciągają na Krakowski Ry-nek pod pomnik Adama Mickiewicza mieszkańców dawnej stolicy Polski i mnóstwo turystów. Podziwiają oni bajecznie zdobione szopki, wytwór ludzkich rąk i wyobraźni. Najmniej-sze mają po kilka centymetrów, naj-większe nawet kilka metrów. Na znak hejnalisty z Kościoła Mariackiego pochód szopek kieruje się w stronę pałacu Krzysztofory. Tam jury wybiera tę najpiękniejszą i uroczyście otwiera wystawę szopek.

Opracowała Alicja Kuklińska

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History Pages

Wigilia – Polish Christmas Eve Dinner

Christmas trees, lights and color-ful ornaments usually come to mind when we think about Christmas. In Poland, Christmas celebrations are always related to feasting and unique dishes served only during the traditional Christmas Eve dinner. The preparations start many days be-fore Christmas because traditionally there are twelve dishes served during the Christmas Eve dinner. Today, not every Polish household follows this custom but even if there are not exactly twelve dishes, they are very unique and rarely served at any other time of the year.

During the Christmas Eve dinner pieces of blessed wafer or oplatek are handed around and broken. This beautiful tradition is kept not only in Poland but all over the world among people of Polish ancestry.

Wigilia dinner is traditionally a meatless fare. Fish, such as carp or herring is often served. Other typical dishes include cabbage stew with mushrooms, Christmas Eve borscht with dumplings or barszcz z uszkami and dumplings with various fillings or pierogi. For dessert, there’s poppy seed roll or makowiec, honey-spiced cake or piernik, fruit cake, fruit compote and gingerbread cookies or-pierniczki. In some parts of Poland, kutia is served, a very unique dessert with wheat and honey. Similar, but

not so sweet is makówki, a dessert made of bread, poppy seeds and honey. Makówki is a South – Western Poland delicacy and kutia is popular in Eastern and Central Poland.

All the dishes are put on a carefully set table. Traditionally straw is put

under white table-cloth. There is also an

additional seat kept for a stranger who may appear during the Christ-mas Eve and would be invited to join in the feast. After Wigilia dinner, families sing Christmas carols or kolędy and exchange presents. At midnight, many people in Poland, even non-Christians, attend the mid-night Mass, known as Pasterka – “the Mass of the Shepherds”.

Opłatek – Symbol ZgodyOpłatek jest symbolem miłości,

jedności oraz pojednania. To właśnie podczas wigilijnej tradycji dzielenia się opłatkiem ludzie godzą się ze sobą. Symbolizuje on również dobro materi-alne oraz duchowe. Polska jest jednym krajem kultywującym piękną, sięgającą XVIII wieku tradycję dzielenia się w wigilię Bożego Narodzenia opłatkiem.

Zwyczaj łamania się opłatkiem, wzi-

ął się ze starochrześcijańskiego obrzę-du polegającego na dzieleniu oraz rozdawaniu chlebów ofiarnych. Dary te, Kościół rozdawał wiernym podczas świąt. Ludzie dzielili się nimi na znak przynależności do wspólnoty Kościoła, choc zwyczaj ten nie miał wtedy żadnego związku z okresem Bożego Narodzenia. W średniowieczu pojawił się rodzaj pieczywa, który przypominał dzisiejszy opłatek. Opłatki te zawierały różne symbole oraz scenki związane z kultem chrześcijańskim.

Opłatek wigilijny jest dla chrześcija-nina przede wszystkim nawiązaniem do potrzeby spożywania Chleba biblijnego, z którym utożsamił się sam Chrystus, czyli Eucharystycznym chlebem.

Zasiadając do wigilijnej kolacji i łamiąc się opłatkiem życzmy więc sobie zdrowia, miłości i pokoju w naszych sercach i na całym świecie.

Opracowała Alicja Kuklińska


November 11 - Poland’s National Independence Day.

His

tory

Pag

es

This day marks the anniversary of the country’s independence in 1918 and is celebrated as a nation-wide holiday each year.

November 11 was announced a national holiday in 1937. How-ever, it was removed as an official holiday from 1939 to 1989. The holiday was restored in 1989 and has since been a national public holiday.

Ceremonious gatherings and parades are held in Polish towns and cities, including at Pilsudski Square in Warsaw. A change of guards also occurs at midday near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the capital city. Many churches celebrate Independence Day with a special mass. Another highlight is the Race of Independence, which involves thousands of participants.

Independence Day is an offi-cial public holiday in Poland, so

schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. Peo-ple intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.

Poland regained its indepen-dence on November 11, 1918, after 123 years of partitions by Austria-Hungary, Germany, and

Russia. On November 11, 1918, the Polish Military Organization’s secret departments, demobilized soldiers, and legionnaires disarmed the Germans in Warsaw and other Polish towns. The Regency Gov-ernment appointed Józef Pilsud-ski as commander in chief over the Polish forces and 3 days later he was given complete civil con-trol. He formed a new centralized government which on November 21 issued key measures including a manifesto of agricultural reforms. Pilsudski also brought in more fa-vorable conditions for the workers and called parliamentary elections.

The story of the modern free and independent Polish state is, in many ways, the story of General Józef Klemens Piłsudski, who would go on to be named “First Marshal of Poland”. A larger than life figure both within Poland

Józef Klemens Piłsudski

„Być zwyciężonym i nie ulec to zwycięstwo, zwyciężyć i spocząć na laurach to klęska.”

„ Jedynie czyn ma znaczenie. Najlepsze chęci pozostają bez skutku, o ile nie pociągają za sobą następstw praktycznych. – „Le petit Jurnal”, 1919.

„ Siła bez wolności i sprawiedliwości jest tylko przemocą i tyranią. Sprawiedliwość i wolność bez siły jest gadulstwem i dzieciństwem. - „Les Allies” 1924-25.

„W sercach szlachetnych nieszczęście i poniżenie kraju jest zawsze źródłem patriotyzmu. Nie jest to patriotyzm kastowy, patriotyzm, którego się tak często używa, jako ładnego parawanika, skrywającego za sobą moralne i społeczne zera i minusy, nie, patriotyzm ten wypływa „ani z soli, ani z roli, ale z tego, co mnie boli” - z realnego cierpienia i nieszczęścia ludzi.”- 10 maja 1893 r.

and later on the international stage, Piłsudski is now little-re-membered by the international community, but remains a hero to Poles everywhere.

Piłsudski’s tomb in the crypt of the National Cathedral at the Wawel in Cracow (Kraków) is a place of pilgrimage for many older Poles and for those who served in the military, where lit candles, fresh flowers and military wreaths are placed. So great is his legacy that his tomb merits a separate grotto all to itself, with the emblem of the Polish Legion forever stand-ing guard above it, a lasting tribute to the great champion of Polish freedom.

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BY-LAWS of the

POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA

Revised Pursuant to Amendment Approved by Referendum Ballot by the Delegates of the

46th Convention

ARTICLE I Organization

Section 1 - Definition of terms as used in these By-Laws. (a) The term "Convention" shall mean the supreme legislative, judicial and governing body. (b) The term "Supervisory Council" shall be the body consisting of the duly elected and serving Commisioners. It shall have the powers as delineated in Article VII mean the judicial, appellate and supervising body. (c) The term "Business Board of Directors" shall mean the executive and managing body. (d) The term "Alliance" when used to identify funds, money, property, assets or liabilities shall refer and relate to such funds, money property, assets or liabilities of the Alliance, which are under the control of the Board of Directors as distinguished and differentiated from the funds, money, property, assets or liabilities belonging to other constituent bodies of the Alliance. (e) The term "Commissioner's District" shall mean a geographic territorial area as determined by the Supervisory Council and approved by the Business Board of Directors and, from which Commissioners are elected for such District. (f) The term "Commissioner's District Assembly" shall mean a subordinate assembled body composed of delegates of councils in such Commissioner's District. (g) The term "Fraternal Director's Region" shall mean a geographic territorial area which is entitled to representation by one or more Fraternal Directors, as provided for in these By-Laws. (h) The term "Council" shall mean a subordinate body composed of lodges allocated thereto. (i) The term "Lodge" shall mean a subordinate body composed of men, women or men and women. (j) The term “Good Standing Council or Good Standing Lodge” shall mean a lodge or council that has duly elected officers.

(k) The term "Delegate" shall mean a member of the Alliance who is elected by a lodge or a council as its representative to another subordinate body of the Alliance. (l) The term "Representative" shall mean a member of the Alliance, who is elected by the Electoral Assembly of a Council to act as the Representative of the membership within the Council to the Conventions of the Alliance. (m) The term “member in good standing” shall mean any member who makes timely payments of all Lodge dues or assessments, if any. (n) The masculine gender includes the feminine; the singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular. (o) The term “Benefit Certificate” shall mean all life insurance policies and annuities. (p) The term “beneficial premium paying member” shall mean a member of the Alliance who has in force any life insurance certificate and/or annuity product. In the case of an annuity product, such member must maintain at least a $10,000.00 balance in said annuity or make at least a $100.00 annual contribution during the prior four (4) consecutive calendar years. (q) The term “Business Director” shall mean individuals elected to the Business Board of Directors. (r) The term “Fraternal Director” shall mean individuals elected to the Fraternal Board of Directors. (s) The term “Fraternal Board of Directors” shall mean the body responsible for the fraternal programs of the Alliance. (t) The term “Region” shall mean the geographic area represented by a Fraternal Director and approved by the Business Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III Funds of the Alliance and Investments

Section 39 - Fraternal Fund The Fraternal Fund shall receive such allocations from the Insurance Fund as approved by the Business Board of Directors the budget may provide. This Fund shall be used only for such specified purposes as the b Fraternal Board of Directors approves udget provides for and in the furtherance of the fraternal, patriotic, civic and philanthropic activities of the Alliance. Section 40 - Investment of Funds Funds of the Alliance shall be invested in securities and loans on improved real estate authorized by the State of Illinois and shall be made by a Committee of seven (7),consisting of the President, as chair, the two (2) Vice-Presidents, the Secretary , the Treasurer, Investment Manager and the Chief Financial Officer of the Alliance. In the event that there shall be only one (1) Vice President, then the Committee

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shall consist of six (6) members namely, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Investment Manager and Chief Financial Officer. Each investment shall be approved by a majority of the Committee.

ARTICLE IV Convention

Section 42 - Membership (a) The Convention is the supreme legislative and governing body of the Alliance and shall consist of Representatives, chosen in accordance with Article V of these By-Laws. (b) Unless elected as Representatives, the Censor, Vice-Censor, the President, all the two (2) Vice Presidents, the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Alliance, the Board of Directors, Commissioners, the General Counsel, the Chief Financial Officer, the Underwriter, the Director of Insurance Sales, the President of the PNA Bank and the non-resident Vice President of the Union of Poles Division of PNA, shall be entitled to a seat and voice in the Convention, but shall not be entitled to vote. Section 46 - Mileage and Per Diem Representatives to the Convention, the Officers named in Section 42 and employees of the Alliance designated by the Board of Directors to perform services thereat shall receive such per diem for the time in actual attendance at a regular or Special Convention, and the time in travel at each regular or Special Convention, as determined by a proper resolution approved by the Business Board of Directors prior to March 1st of the year in which the Convention shall be held at each such Convention. In addition thereto, they shall be reimbursed either for actual coach fare and connecting taxi or limo if utilizing air, train or bus for each way of travel to and from the place of the Convention or direct mileage, if travel by personal automobile of less than 500 miles radius, at a rate to be determined and fixed by the Board of Directors. Section 54 - Organization of the Convention Assembly (1) Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the regular Convention, T the Censor of the Alliance shall appoint a chairperson of the Convention and all other officers of the Convention from among the Representatives in accordance with the rules and regulations approved by the Business Board of Directors. The chairperson shall not be a current elected officer of the Alliance nor an individual seeking to be elected to an office. be the temporary chairperson of the Convention and shall appoint from the Representatives all necessary temporary Officers. (2) The Committee on Credentials shall deliver to the Temporary Secretary of the Convention the list of names of Representatives against whom no contest has been filed. The temporary Secretary shall read the names of such Representatives to whom the Censor shall administer the oath of office, and who shall then function as the initial Assembly of the Convention.

(3) The Committee on Credentials shall submit the list of Representatives against whom a contest has been filed together with its findings and recommendations thereon. The Convention Assembly may adopt the recommendations of the Committee, may amend them or may refer them to the Committee for further action. Immediately upon the determination by the Convention Assembly that a Representative on the contested list is entitled to serve as such Representative, the oath of office shall be administered to the Representative and the Representative shall become a member of the Convention Assembly. (4) The temporary Secretary shall verify the quorum. (5) The Assembly shall fix the compensation of the Convention Officers with the recommendation of the Budget Committee. (6) The Censor shall appoint the permanent Parliamentarian of the Convention. (7) . The Censor shall appoint five (5) Representatives to act as judges of the election of the permanent Officers of the Convention. (8) The Assembly shall nominate and elect the Convention Officers. (9)The Censor shall administer the oath of office to Convention Officers. (810) The Chairperson shall appoint a Committee on Rules and Orders of the Day. (911) The proceedings of the Convention shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised 10th Edition, except as modified by these By-Laws or by the appropriate action of the Convention. Section 55 - Officers of the Convention The Officers of the Convention shall beelect the following Officers from among its own members: a Chairperson and three (3) Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Doorkeeper, each of whom shall perform the duties incident to their office, and such as may be prescribed by the Convention. Each of the Officers of the Convention shall be Representatives. The Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms and Doorkeeper shall appoint such assistants as the Convention may authorize. Section 57 - Powers of the Convention The Convention shall be the sole judge of the election, qualifications and constituency of its own members, and in addition to other powers herein specified shall have power to: (a) Make laws, rules, and regulations for the government of the Alliance, which shall not be in conflict with the Articles of Incorporation of the Alliance, or the laws of the State of Illinois;

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(b) Exercise jurisdiction over all districts, councils, lodges, and all other subordinate bodies, provided in these By-Laws; (c) Fix the compensation for and elect Officers of the Convention of the Alliance as provided by these By-Laws; (d) Approve salaries of Elected Officers of the Alliance for the succeeding four (4) year period and donations for benevolent purposes; (e) Redress grievances and/or charges against any member, officer or body of the Alliance; (e f) Grant honorary membership to persons who rendered meritorious service in the furtherance of the objectives of the Alliance; (f g) Amend, enact or repeal these By-Laws or the Articles of Incorporation of the Alliance in the manner as provided for in these By-Laws; (g h) Approve the admission of any fraternal benefit society with similar purposes, aims and legal structure to the Alliance upon such terms as may be approved by the Department of Insurance in such States as the Alliance is conducting business. In the event such approval is necessary prior to the next Convention, the Board of Directors is authorized to have the delegates of the last National Convention vote by means of correspondence; (h i) Undertake and perform all other acts which it deems necessary or expedient for the welfare and continued existence of the Alliance and the realization of its objectives.

ARTICLE V Elections of

Representatives and Nominations of Commissioners

Section 64 - Time, Place and Officers of the Electoral Assembly Each council shall fix a day and place between March 1st and March 31st before each regular Convention for the purpose of electing Representatives to the Convention and nominating a two candidates for District Commissioner. Notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Electoral Assembly shall be sent not later than ten (10) days before said meeting by the secretary of the council to the secretary of each lodge within the council and to the secretary of any council assigned to it as provided in Section 43. The secretary of the assigned council shall promptly notify each lodge of such council of the scheduled meeting. The officers of the council shall be the Officers of the Electoral Assembly, provided, that if any of such officers are candidates for Representatives or for District Commissioner of the District, they shall be disqualified from holding such office, and the Electoral Assembly shall elect a delegate thereof in place of such candidate as Officer of the Electoral Assembly.

In the event an Electoral Assembly meeting has not been called by the Council then the Secretary of the Alliance is authorized to direct the Commissioners of that District to call such meeting. The officers of the Electoral Assembly shall be as provided in these By-Laws. Section 67 - Primary Election – Necessity and Conduct If the number of nominees submitted by the lodges for Representatives to Convention exceeds double the number of Representatives to which the council is entitled or if there are more than two (2) nominees for the office of male District Commissioner or female District Commissioner, a primary election shall be held with respect to that office. In such a primary election, the first and last names of all the nominees shall be placed on the ballot under the respective captions of the office for which they were nominated in the numerical order of the lodges by which they were nominated. Those nominees who receive an absolute majority in said election shall in the case of nominees for Representatives be declared elected as Representative. In the case of nominees for District Commissioner be declared nominated by the council for that office. Nominees who were not elected as Representatives or nominated by the council for District Commissioner, but who received the highest number of votes to the extent of double the number of the offices remaining to be filled, shall be placed upon the final election ballot, all other remaining nominees shall be deemed eliminated. Section 75 - Credentials The Executive Officers of the Electoral Assembly shall issue credentials to the duly elected Representatives, and a nominating certificate to each of the nominees for District Commissioner, within five (5) days following their election or nomination, signed by at least a majority of its members, and a majority of the judges of election and shall forward duplicate copies thereof to the Secretary of the Alliance, no later than April 1st who shall transmit the copies of credentials to the Credentials Committee of the Convention, and copies of the nominating certificates for District Commissioners to the Nominating Committee of the Convention.

ARTICLE VI Officers of the Alliance

Section 76 - Elective Officers of the Alliance (A) Until January 1, 2016, Tthe elective Officers of the Alliance shall be a Censor, a Vice-Censor, a male District Commissioner and female District Commissioner elected from each Commissioner's District, a President, a female Vice-President, a male Vice-President, a non-resident Vice-President for the PNA/UPA Division, a Secretary, a Treasurer, four (4) Directors for Director's Region "H" and a Director for each Director's Region “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, "E", "F", "G", "I", "J" ,"K" and L. In the event that either the male or female Vice-President, is unable, unwilling or resigns from said office, then the remaining Vice-President shall serve as the only remaining Vice President.

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If a male is elected President, the elected female Vice-President shall be designated as the First Vice-President. If a female is elected President, the elected male Vice-President shall be designated First Vice-President. (B) Beginning on January 1, 2016, the Officers of the Alliance shall be Censor, a Vice-Censor, a President, a Vice-President, a non-resident Vice-President for the PNA/UPA Division, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Additionally, the Convention that takes place in 2015, shall elect five (5) Business Board of Directors and ten (10) Fraternal Board of Directors. One (1) Fraternal Director shall be elected from each Region by a majority of all of the Representatives to the National Convention. A candidate for an elective office shall have the qualifications stated in Article VI. Candidates from the Business Board of Directors shall also have the qualifications as set forth in Article VI Section 78 Paragraph A (5) and shall be elected at large. The Fraternal Board of Directors shall have the qualifications set forth in Article VI and shall be elected to represent the Regions of the Alliance as established by the Fraternal Board of Directors. Also, each District shall elect from its nominees a District Commissioner. (C) For purposes of the transition from the By-law provisions in effect prior to January 1, 2014 until January 1, 2016, the following shall be used to determine the Board of Directors:

(1) (1) Prior to December 31, 2013, the then Board of Directors of the Alliance shall meet and by secret ballot determine which current members of the Board of Directors shall be assigned to the Business Board of Directors with the remaining members being assigned to the Fraternal Board of Directors. At the Convention held in 2015, the Convention shall elect the members to the separate Boards in accordance with the above provisions.

(2) If a vacancy shall occur in either the Business Board of Directors or the Fraternal Board of Directors, the vacancy shall be filled by an individual qualified to hold office from the same Region wherein the vacancy occurred.

In the event an employee of the Home Office shall be elected a Director or a District Commissioner, then such individual must resign employment with the Alliance prior to taking office. Section 78 - Qualifications of and other Provisions Relating to Candidates for either Elective or Appointive Officers of the Alliance A. Elective Officers A candidate for an elective office specified in Section 76 hereinabove, must possess the following qualifications: 1. At the time of application the candidate must be a Beneficial Premium Paying Member of the Alliance in good

standing, uninterruptedly, for at least five (5) years, immediately preceding election to office. In addition, a candidate for the office of Vice President of the UOP Division must be a member of a lodge assigned to the District and Region composed of the groups and/or lodges which belonged to the Union of Poles in America. In addition, a candidate for a Director of the Alliance shall be a member of a lodge for at least one (1) year in the region to which election is sought. 2. Be a citizen of the United States. 3. Unless an incumbent Officer, the candidate must have, since the last Convention, served for at least three (3) years as a Lodge Officer or as a council delegate. 4. Such candidate must have knowledge of the membership products of the Alliance. 5. A candidate for the position of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Business Board of Director must be either the incumbent for the position or demonstrate knowledge of insurance by passing the FMLI certification issued by LOMA, a certified public accountant, a chartered financial planner, hold a master’s in business administration or public administration or be a chartered underwriter. Additionally, an individual can be eligible if such individual has passed at least the first two (2) LOMA exams concerning insurance products and insurance operations and agrees to pass at least one additional exam each quarter after his or her election. In the event such a candidate is elected and fails to pass the additional exams as specified herein, the Business Board of Directors shall declare a vacancy in the position to which such candidate was elected at its meeting immediately following such failure. 6. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Candidates shall not be eligible if they have been convicted of a felony, been discharged in bankruptcy or if any federal or state statute, regulation or rule prevents such individual from holding such office. B. Appointed Officers

(No revisions in this section) Section 80 - Nominations by Convention Caucus of District Commissioners and their Election by Convention The Representatives to the Convention shall elect the District Commissioners at the same time, place and using the same voting procedures as for the other national candidates. The names of the candidates will be placed on the ballot. In the event no nominee receives a majority vote of the ballots cast, the Supervisory Council by mail shall cast ballots to break the tie. Each caucus shall report to the Convention the names of its elected Commissioner who shall be confirmed by the Convention. Section 84 - Compensation

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l. The members of the Business Board of Directors, the Fraternal Board of Directors and each District Commissioner Each elected Officer of the Alliance shall receive such compensation as recommended by the Budget Committee of the Business Board of Directors and approved by the each regular Convention may determine. 2. The Censor, Vice Censor, President, all Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer shall receive the compensation as recommended by the Budget Committee of the Business Board of Directors and approved by the Business Board of Directors.

3. Each appointed Officer of the Alliance shall receive such compensation as may be determined by the Business Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII The Supervisory Council

Section 93 - Powers

(The following addition is the only change to this section) 7. To determine the geographic area for each Commissioner’s District.

ARTICLE VIII Board of Directors

(The provisions of ARTICLE VIII shall be in effect until January 1, 2014)

(The only change in this Article is that the provisions of Article VIII will no longer be affective after December 31, 2013 prior to

that date, the article will be applied as approved by the prior National Convention)

ARTICLE VIII (A)

Business Board of Directors (The following provisions of ARTICLE VIII (A) and (B) will

be in effect after December 31, 2013)

Section 94 - Composition The Board of Directors of the Alliance shall consist of two (2) separate boards, namely the Business Board of Directors and the Fraternal Board of Directors. The Business Board of Directors shall consist of the President, two (2) Vice-Presidents, the Vice-President for the PNA/UPA Division, Secretary, Treasurer of the Alliance, and five fteen (1 5) Business Board of Directors, as provided in Section 76. The Fraternal Board of Directors shall consist of the President, all Vice Presidents and ten (10) Fraternal Board of Directors. Section 95 - Executive Committee of the Board of Directors

The President, the Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer of the Alliance shall constitute an Executive Committee, which, in the interim between the meetings of the Business Board of Directors of the Alliance shall exercise all of the authority and powers of the Business Board of Directors, as the orderly conduct of the affairs of the Alliance may require. Section 96 - Meetings - Quorum All members of the Business Board of Directors of the Alliance shall hold and participate in regular meetings once every quarter and such special meetings, as may be called by the President of the Alliance. A majority of the members of the Business Board of Directors of the Alliance shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In lieu of a special meeting, any business may be transacted by the Business Board of Directors by correspondence or telecommunication, fax and/or e-mail. If such business is transacted by way of telecommunications, a written confirmation of any action taken shall be submitted to the Business Board of Directors for their execution. Section 97- Compensation of Business Board of Directors Each Business Board of Directors member shall receive such allowance for attendance at meetings of the Business Board of Directors and for special services in the interest of the Alliance, authorized by the Business Board of Directors as shall be fixed by the Convention at which they were elected. Section 98 - Powers of the Business Board of Directors The Business Board of Directors shall be the executive body of the Alliance and shall supervise and control all of the affairs and business of the Alliance and exercise all power and authority incident thereto and shall provide and establish rules and regulations therefore as it may deem necessary and proper. Such powers shall include for particularization but not in limitation of the above, the power to: (1) Provide for the creation of various committees to exercise certain necessary functions of the Business Board of Directors in the interim between the meetings of said Business Board of Directors. (2) Organize and issue charters to councils and lodges and revoke or suspend the same for cause, without resort to disciplinary proceedings. (3) Exercise supervision and control over districts, councils, and lodges, and to direct various bodies of the Alliance to institute disciplinary proceedings in instances involving embezzlement or conversion of funds belonging to the Alliance. (4) Collect rates, dues and all other revenues and exercise control over persons authorized to collect insurance premiums and overall funds, investments and property of the Alliance with power of disposition.

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(5) Prescribe forms of applications for membership, and forms, conditions, rates and amounts of benefit certificates and riders, and authorize the issuance thereof when approved by the Insurance Department of the State of Illinois and of other States wherein the Alliance is authorized to transact business. (6) Appoint a Budget Committee. The Budget Committee shall prepare a detailed budget in writing of the anticipated expenses and income on an annual basis. Said Budget will be submitted for approval by the Board annually. During the Quadrennial National Convention year, the Budget Committee will present their Budget to the National Convention for informational purposes only. The Budget Committee shall also, make recommendations to the National Convention for the salaries of the members of the Business Board of Directors, Fraternal Board of Directors and District Commissioners Elected Officers for the four (4) year period between National Conventions. The Budget Committee shall meet at least semi-annually to prepare, review and revise the budget, if necessary. (7) By a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the members of the Business Board of Directors present at any meeting, deprive any member in attendance thereat of his right and privilege of participating in the proceedings of said meeting when the conduct of such member at said meeting is unbecoming an Officer of the Alliance and impedes the orderly transaction of business. (8) Suspend any member of the Business Board of Directors for malfeasance or misfeasance of his duties by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members of said Business Board of Directors with the right of appeal to the Supervisory Council. The suspension shall be in force until reversed. (9) Make such contracts, as it deems necessary, in connection with the business of the Alliance, subject to the provision, that no contract, except for solicitation of new members for the Alliance, shall be entered into with any member of the Business Board of Directors or of the Supervisory Council, or with any Officer of the Alliance, or with any person with whom he is related, or with a firm or corporation in which he possesses a financial interest. (10) Fix and approve bonds of Officers and employees of the Alliance as it shall determine, and the expense thereof shall be paid from the Insurance Fund of the Alliance. (11) Provide and cover the costs of bonds for all persons authorized to handle funds that are the property of the Alliance. (12) Prescribe the forms and provide for the distribution of all blanks, books and other documents, which may be necessary in the conduct of the business of the Alliance. (13) Reserved. (14) Exercise full power, supervision and control over all persons who collect or have in their possession money or property belonging to the Alliance.

(15) Determine admission of any ethnic or religious fraternal benefit society to the Alliance with similar purposes, aims and legal structure, upon terms as may be approved by the Departments of Insurance in such States as the Alliance is conducting business. (16) Fill a vacancy caused by any reason in the elective office of Director by a majority vote of the Business Board of Directors at their next regular meeting, or at a special meeting. Provided, however, that vacancy shall be filled not later than ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. Applications shall be filed with the Secretary of the Alliance within thirty (30) days after the announcement of the vacancy in the official Publication of the Alliance. Announcement of a vacancy shall be published in the official Publication of the Alliance in the issue next following the occurrence of the vacancy. Section 99 - Duties It shall be the duty of the Business Board of Directors to: (1) Select banks of deposit for the funds of the Alliance. (2) Appoint, within sixty (60) days after each regular Convention or at the next regularly scheduled Business Board of Directors meeting, whichever is earlier, a Medical Director, General Counsel, Underwriter, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Insurance Sales, and within ninety (90) days appoint an Actuary. (3) Employ or remove any or all employees of the Alliance, fix their compensation, exercise supervision and control over them. (4) In the event of the disability or inability of the Secretary or the Treasurer of the Alliance to perform his official duties, or in the event of a vacancy in said offices, to appoint a temporary Secretary or temporary Treasurer of the Alliance, who shall perform the duties of such office until the vacancy is filled by the Supervisory Council, as provided in Section 93(4)(a). (5) Examine and pass upon all claims against the Alliance and direct the payment thereof. (6) Furnish the Convention all necessary information, certificates, documents and papers which may be necessary in order that the Convention may verify the financial condition of the Alliance. (7) Print all reports of Officers and mail them to each Representative to the Convention not less than twenty (120) days before each regular Convention. (8) Prescribe the ritualistic practices in the Alliance and publish the same in a manual for the use of the subordinate bodies thereof. (9) Perform such other duties as these By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, and the laws of the State of Illinois prescribe.

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ARTICLE VIII (B) FRATERNAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 100 - Composition The Fraternal Board of Directors of the Alliance shall consist of all Vice Presidents of the Alliance, and ten (10) Fraternal Board of Directors members. Section 101 – Duties of the Fraternal Board of Directos The Fraternal Board of Directors shall be responsible for coordination and promotion of fraternal, social, cultural, charitable and membership activities of the Society Section 102 - Meetings - Quorum All members of the Fraternal Board of Directors of the Alliance shall hold and participate in regular meetings once every quarter and such special meetings, as may be called by the President of the Alliance. A majority of the members of the Fraternal Board of Directors of the Alliance shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any meeting may be conducted by electronic means so long as the method used provides for instantaneous communication. In lieu of a special meeting, any business may be transacted by the Fraternal Board of Directors by correspondence or telecommunication, fax and/or e-mail. If such business is transacted by way of telecommunications, a written confirmation of any action taken shall be submitted to the Fraternal Board of Directors for their execution. Section 103 - Compensation of Fraternal Board of Directors Each Fraternal Board of Directors member shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred for attendance at meetings of the Fraternal Board of Directors and for special services in the interest of the Alliance, authorized by the Business Board of Directors. Section 104 - Powers of the Fraternal Board of Directors

(1) From January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2016 the First Vice President shall serve as chairperson of the Fraternal Board of Directors. In the absence of the First Vice President, the Second Vice President shall serve as the Chairperson. After December 31, 2016, the Vice President shall serve as Chairperson of the Fraternal Board of Directors.

(2) Provide for the creation of various committees to exercise certain necessary functions of the Fraternal Board of Directors in the interim between the meetings of said Fraternal Board of Directors.

(3) Organize approve and promote fraternal activities in the various Districts and Regions of the Alliance. (3) Exercise supervision and control over districts, councils, and lodges fraternal activities.

(4) Fill a vacancy caused by any reason in the elective office of Fraternal Board of Director by a majority vote of the Fraternal Board of Directors at their next regular meeting, or at a special meeting. Provided however, that vacancy shall be filled not later than ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. Applications shall be filed with the Secretary of the Alliance within thirty (30) days after the announcement of the vacancy in the official Publication of the Alliance. Announcement of a vacancy shall be published in the official Publication of the Alliance in the issue next following the occurrence of the vacancy. (5) Submit a quadrennial report to the Convention.

ARTICLE IX

Censor, Vice-Censor and District Commissioners

Section 105 0 - Offices and Powers of the Censor

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 106 1 - Duties

(The following addition is the only change to this section) (9) Appoint all Convention Officers as provided in Article VI Section 54. Section 107 2 - Vice-Censor (The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 108 3 - Duties of District Commissioner

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 109 4 - Commissioner's District Convention

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 110 05 - Vacancy In the event of a vacancy or inability to perform, it is the duty of the remaining Commissioner to carry on in the interim. All applicants for a vacancy in the elective office of Commissioner shall file an application in writing in the same manner and form as prescribed in Section 78. Such application shall be filed with the Secretary of the Alliance remaining Commissioner within thirty (30) days after the notice of vacancy appears in the official Publication of the Alliance. Publication shall be in the issue next following the occurrence of the vacancy. A District Convention shall be called by the remaining Commissioner within 60 days of the notice of vacancy and the

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current District-Council Representatives to the latest Convention will elect a Commissioner from the declared candidates.

ARTICLE X President/Chief Executive Officer and

the Vice-Presidents of the Alliance

Section 111 06 - Powers and Duties

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 107 - Vice-Presidents - Right of Succession (1) In case of temporary inability of the President to act, the President's duties shall be performed by the First Vice-President, or in case of the latter's inability to act, then by the Second Vice-President. In case of the death, resignation or removal for cause of the President, the First Vice-President, or in case of inability to act, then the Second Vice-President shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the President, with all rights and privileges of that office, until a successor has been elected in the manner provided by Section 93-(4). After December 31, 2016, in case of temporary inability of the President to act, the President's duties shall be performed by the Vice-President. In case of the death, resignation or removal for cause of the President, the Vice-President shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the President, with all rights and privileges of that office, until a successor has been elected in the manner provided by Section 93-(4). (2) The Vice-Presidents shall perform such duties as are imposed upon them by these By-Laws, the President and by the Fraternal Board of Directors. (3) Both of the Vice-Presidents shall respectively devote their entire time and attention to the affairs of the Alliance, provided, however, that they respectively shall not be prohibited from engaging in any civic, charitable and philanthropic activities which are in furtherance of the objectives of the Alliance. They, or either of them, may not engage in any other occupation for pecuniary profit.

ARTICLE XI The Secretary of the Alliance

Section 11308 - Duties

(The only revision in this section is the numbering)

ARTICLE XII The Treasurer of the Alliance

Section 11409 - Duties

(The only revision in this section is the numbering)

ARTICLE XIII

General Counsel, Medical Director, Chief Financial Officer, Underwriter, Director of Insurance Sales Section 1150 - General Counsel

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 1161 - Medical Director

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 1172 – Chief Financial Officer

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 117A3 - The Underwriter

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 1184 - Director of Insurance Sales

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) Section 115 - Reserved Section 116 - Reserved Section 117 - Reserved Section 118A - Publications

(The only revision in this section is the numbering) FOR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE BY-LAW REFLECTING ALL OF THE ABOVE CHANGES PLEASE VISIT THE POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THE U.S OF N.A. WEBSITE AT: PNA-ZNP.ORG

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Send all articles, pictures and correspondence to:

[email protected] mail to:

Alicja KuklinskaZgoda Magazine


November 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013

C Phristmas romotions

Christmas is for children of all ages. So, PNA has decided to brighten up your children’s Christmas. We are offering with all new permanent Juvenile Life Insurance Certificates issued between November 1 and January 31st, 2014* the following gifts:

• For Ages 0-5 PNA-ZNP Plush Stuffed Panda Bear • For Ages 6-10 Angry Birds Card Game by Mattel• For Ages 11-15 A $10.00 iTunes card

To ensure your child’s gift to be deliver by Christmas day please send in completed applications no later than December 16, 2013.*(Applications must be post marked no later than December 31, 2013 to qualify for the promotion)

Remember Juvenile Permanent Life certificate’s of $10,000 or above will qualify

for our New Tuition Rewards Benefit program introduced this year. This benefit can provide tens of thousands of dollars towards tuition payments to private College and University’s. The early the child enrolls the more Tuition Rewards he or she can earn each birthday, before age 17.

Also new Juvenile members who enroll in a $10,000 or above

permanent plan of insurance for 3 or more years and their certificates remain inforce can apply their freshman year in college’s for our scholarship awards. There awards are in addition to the Tuition Rewards, and are awarded Sophomore, Junior and Seniors years for any College or University.

So, don’t delay, enroll today, to take advantage of these member benefits. Please call your local sale representative, financial secretary or the home office at:1-800-621-3723 for further information, and ask for an application.

Merry Christmas to All!

The PNA emblem is a relic from the January 1863, uprising of Poland against Russia. It was designed by the Revolutionary Government as a remind-er thet the Royal Republic of Poland was a commonwealth of three nations who shared the glories and misfortunes of the state.

Thus the white eagle on red shield represented crown lands, or Poland proper; the white knight on blue shield known as Pogon (the Chase) was the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania while Michael Archangel symbolized the Duchy of Ruthenia.

In using this symbol of unity, the Revolutionary Government hoped, without much success, to engage Lithuanians and Ruthenians in the common struggle against Russia.

The January Uprising failed. But a member of its Revolutionary Government, Agaton Giller inspired the founding of the Polish National Alliance. Consequently, the founders of the PNA adopted this symbol for its ftaternal emblem.

The Polish National Alliance has been protecting the financial futures of their members for over 133 years.

Through a wide array of life in-surance products, PNA can provide tax-free life insurance proceeds to provide for final expenses, mortgage cancellation, emergency funds, col-lege funds, child care, and a monthly income. These same products that protect our members’s families in the event of premature death also provide tax-advantaged method for accumulating additional monies for cash needs and/or retirement.

CIVIC ACTIVITIESSCHOLARSHIPSORPHAN’S BENEFIT PROGRAMYOUTH PROGRAMSSPORT ACTIVITIESPRESS PUBLICATIONSWPNA RADIO STATION

Listen to our WPNA 1490 AM radiopro-gram (24 hours every day, all over the world)via internet: www.wpna1490am.com

PNA BANK

Now is the

time for you,

your family and

friends to take full

advantage

of the PNA’s

insurance and

annuity programs

On behalf of the Executive Officers and Employees of the Polish National

Alliance - Merry Christmas!

Photo by: Alicja Kuklińska

zgoda - pna-znp.org · zgoda“together – we can and we will ... niech anioł podrze każdy...

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