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Post by Bonobo on Sept 10, 2008 18:10:52 GMT 1
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 10, 2008 18:41:22 GMT 1
Crazy Horse Memorial marks 60 years of construction By Bob Retzlaff Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 9/6/2008 It's been 60 years since sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski started carving the Crazy Horse Memorial on a 600-foot-high mountain peak in South Dakota's Black Hills. When it's completed, it will be the largest piece of art in the world. The massive face of Crazy Horse -- nine stories high -- is the only part of the giant mountain sculpture that is finished. So when will the entire project -- showing an American Indian man atop a spirited war horse --be completed? Ziolkowski's widow, Ruth, directing the work on the sculpture in company with their children, doesn't know either, but she doesn't seem to be concerned. "Maybe," she has said, "it might be on a Tuesday." We visited the monument a few months ago, and our group's luncheon there included comments from Ruth, as well as others involved in the project. Lack of funding for the project -- only private donations and grants are used, with the Ziolkowskis turning down possible public financing -- has hampered the work. That may be changing, since philanthropist T. Denny Sanford of Sioux Falls has issued a $5 million challenge grant to raise $10 million to help answer the long- wished-for financial help to accelerate the sculpting progress. Sanford, who made billions in finance, is the same individual who has announced a $400 million grant to turn the former Sioux Valley Health Clinic in Sioux Falls into a medical facility that he hopes will rival Mayo Clinic. Millions of tons of granite have been blasted off the mountain so far, and the grant from the Sanford Foundation will speed things up, Ruth Ziolkowski recently told students at the Native American Journalism Career Conference. "But you have to temper (the idea of going faster) with 'do it right' and safety." A major step that involves the additional funding -- the first $1 million has been raised -- is that a heavy civil/highway construction and mining project veteran has been hired as the construction superintendent. Additional construction crew hiring also is scheduled. It is a historic year for the project, with various events hailing the start of construction 60 years ago. Korczak Ziolkowski died in 1982; his widow has led the project since then. Korczak, son of Polish parents, was invited by the Lakota Indians of the Black Hills to create the monument to honor American Indians. But they gave him few tools and no funding. The mountain is just a few miles from fabled Mount Rushmore, but at 563 feet tall and 641 feet long, it dwarfs the Rushmore memorial. Crazy Horse's Memorial will be as long as a cruise ship and taller than a 60-story skyscraper. All of Mount Rushmore could fit into just the face of Crazy Horse. The monument to Crazy Horse, the Lakota chief made famous by the battle of the Little Bighorn at Custer's Last Stand, is one of the staples of Black Hills tourism. The visitor center at Crazy Horse includes a large museum, American Indian crafts center, gift shop and eatery. There is an admission price to enter the memorial, and for an extra fee, you can go up to the monument and stand on the ledge, face- to-face with Crazy Horse, as we did. Both the Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore memorials are 20 miles or so from Rapid City, a good headquarters for touring the Black Hills.    |
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Post by valpomike on Sept 10, 2008 20:58:31 GMT 1
Thank you for the great photo's, again I say, Polish, even Polish-American women are HOT !!!!
Keep them coming, I need, and want more, please.
Mike
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Post by valpomike on Sept 10, 2008 21:01:27 GMT 1
She is hot, and smart, and my grandmother on dad's side, was born Grabowski, could she be my lost cousin, I hope.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 12, 2008 22:01:31 GMT 1
Wrestler "Killer Kowalski" dies at 81
Canada.com
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Photo by Renee Dekona
Theresa plants a kiss on her husband, Walter `Killer' Kowalski, at the nursing home where he spent his last days.
Killer Kowalski, one of Canada's most revered and feared professional wrestlers, died Saturday of complications from a heart attack.
He was 81.
Between 1947-77, the Windsor native, born Walter Spulnik, fought in a number of wrestling associations, including the National Wrestling Association and culminating in the World Wrestling Federation, where he won the tag-team championship.
Upon retiring from the ring in 1977, Kowalski opened an influential training school in Malden, Mass.
Among his students were World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars Triple H, Chyna, and Perry Saturn.
Kowalski's in-ring persona was typically that of a heel, or a villain, but when not sparring, the six-foot, seven-inch wrestler was known for his affable nature and being a vegetarian.
Longtime WWE ringside announcer Jim Ross praised Kowalski for lifetime of dedication to the sport.
"Walter was a staunch disciplinarian when he was actively teaching his students but had a heart of gold and a unique sense of humor," Ross wrote. "(He) was always considered too nice a guy by many promoters to be a wrestling "bad guy."
The lifelong bachelor married for the first time in 2006.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa.
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 13, 2008 22:35:34 GMT 1
UIC gets $10M gift to enhance Polish studies
Associated Press
September 11, 2008
CHICAGO - A University of Illinois alumnus has left the school a $10
million gift that's designed to enhance the study of Polish history,
literature and language at its Chicago campus.
The gift is a bequest from Romuald Hejna (RAH'-moold HAY'-nah), who died in July. UIC says he was a Chicago native who earned a
bachelor's degree in history from the university's Urbana-Champaign campus.
UIC says Hejna taught history at a public school and amassed his
wealth by investing in the stock market. He traveled often to Poland
and was active in Chicago's Polish community.
Dwight McBride is the dean of UIC's College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences, and he says Hejna's gift will help make the university's
Polish studies program a destination for those interested in
researching and teaching in the specialty.
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Post by jeanne on Sept 14, 2008 12:45:16 GMT 1
UIC gets $10M gift to enhance Polish studies
Associated Press
September 11, 2008
CHICAGO - A University of Illinois alumnus has left the school a $10
million gift that's designed to enhance the study of Polish history,
literature and language at its Chicago campus.
The gift is a bequest from Romuald Hejna (RAH'-moold HAY'-nah), who died in July. UIC says he was a Chicago native who earned a
bachelor's degree in history from the university's Urbana-Champaign campus.
UIC says Hejna taught history at a public school and amassed his
wealth by investing in the stock market. He traveled often to Poland
and was active in Chicago's Polish community.
Dwight McBride is the dean of UIC's College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences, and he says Hejna's gift will help make the university's
Polish studies program a destination for those interested in
researching and teaching in the specialty.
__._,_.___Thank you, Romuald! |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Sept 17, 2008 16:39:06 GMT 1
 London Recalling Polish Dance Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Anna Spysz Last month, as part of the "Ukraine and Poland - Two Neighbours" festival, a group of Polish folk dancers performed on stage on the Market Square. While that alone is far from unusual for Krakow, the extraordinary thing about these performers is that they came all the way from London in order to dance traditional Polish dances (and occasionally sing some Polish tunes from days of olde) to an audience of locals and tourists.
The Mazury group, a folk dance company that calls the Polish YMCA in West London their home, stopped for a performance in Krakow on their way to the biggest festival of traditional Polish folk music, or Mazurek music, in Beskidy.
The over 120-member group is composed of first and second generation Poles living in London and dates back to 1949, when it was founded as the official dance group of the Polish YMCA. As such, it became the longest established and largest Polish dance group in the UK, featuring children and grandchildren of the post-war Polish immigrants who first strove to preserve this part of their homeland?s culture abroad.
However, according to the group's artistic director Wlodek Lesiecki, the group does not see itself as polonia (the Polish word for Polish expatriates), but rather as "Poles who happen to live in London." When performing in the UK and abroad, the Mazury group is "representing Poland, not London."
Lesiecki took over the direction of the group in 1972, extending the original repertoire of the group's dances to include regional variety. Lesiecki also established a junior group for dancers between the ages of 9 and 12 and a middle group for ages 12-15, in addition to the senior group that performed in Krakow and includes all dancers above the age of 15. For the past few decades, touring has also been a regular part of the Mazury heritage, and the group participates in several festivals in the UK and abroad.
In addition to the talented dancers on stage, the performance on the Market Square was accompanied by a string quartet, led by musical director Maryla Kolendo. As much care is given to the historical accuracy of the music as the dances themselves, and Kolendo trains the members of the group who also sing during the performance.
In keeping with the idea of preserving Polish traditions, each one of the intricate folk costumes is hand-made by members of the group. Lesiecki, who choreographs the group's performances based on traditional dances, also performs with the group, as does his daughter. In fact, during the group's performance it was not difficult to spot the comfort and familial trust between the members, as dancers of age groups varying from teenagers to middle-aged cooperate to bring near-forgotten Polish traditions to life for audiences around Europe.
www.krakowpost.com/articles/2008/09/03/1143.htm |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Sept 23, 2008 14:44:14 GMT 1
Mike - maybe you should celebrate your birthday at the Chicago salt caves?  Breathe in the brine at salt caves The Polish custom of relaxing in a salt cave finds a home in Chicago. Excerpt by Melanie Radzicki McManus September 21, 2008 I’d promised to take my dad somewhere special for his birthday. But five months after the fact, I still hadn’t thought of a good destination. A spa? Too girly. A museum? Too stuffy. A sporting event? Too common. And then I heard about Chicago’s salt caves.
They are common in Poland, where folks have been relaxing in salt caves and mines for centuries, believing it improves their health. Breathing in air saturated with the healthy mineral and its associated microelements (such as iodine, magnesium, potassium and selenium) is said to foster good sleep, alleviate symptoms of allergies and asthma, relieve hypertension and stress and even cure hangovers.
Since Chicago has a hefty Polish population — supposedly the largest outside of Warsaw — it’s no surprise the United States’ first manmade salt caves were created there. Crafted entirely from prime, natural salt harvested from the sea or earth, the salt rooms were an instant hit with local Poles. But recently the rest of us have caught on to their magic.
Dad, who happens to be 100 percent Polish and a Chicago native, was intrigued when I told him where we were going. Our first stop was Megi’s Spa, tucked in a strip mall near O’Hare International Airport. Megi’s cave features salt from Poland’s ancient Wieliczka mine near Krakow. Once one of the world’s oldest operating salt mines, it’s now a major tourist attraction, with more than a million folks annually trekking through it to gawk at its salt statues, chapel and underground lake, plus breathe in the brine.
To pay homage to this famous source, Megi’s cave resembles an elegant mine, with salt nuggets covering the floor and large, salmon-colored chunks tastefully imbedded in the walls. Old, wooden beams stretch around the door and are crafted into structures on the walls, including a faux dam over which a briny solution trickles.
Patrons can relax in one of the lounge chairs scattered around the room or reserve the entire cave for any of Megi’s massages save the honey massage. “Honey is sticky, and we don’t want to drop it on the salt,” explains owner Megi Stoklosa. Breathing easy in the salt air
When dad and I popped in, local Helen Filipek was sitting quietly in a chair. On her fourth session, she was already an ardent fan.
“Everything just opens up for you after a session in the cave,” she said. “I can breathe easier and my aches and pains go away. Plus, it’s just very relaxing.”
With the room’s dim lighting, soothing earth tones and the pleasant burble of the trickling brine, it was easy to see why. startribune.com
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Post by valpomike on Sept 24, 2008 4:43:31 GMT 1
I think I will try this place soon. I will give a full report after.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 24, 2008 19:21:52 GMT 1
Tom, a host of certain Polish forum, tells the story of Edyta Sliwinska, a dancer. groups.yahoo.com/group/polishamericanforum/message/18657Hi Polonians, It's Monday night and another season of "Dancing With The Stars." I hope you're all cheering on Edyta Sliwinska. This is her seventh season and she still is fighting for a title. Ross looks like too much of a lug to give Edyta any help. Tom
Dancing with the Stars 7: Jeffrey Ross and Edyta Sliwinska
BuddyTV
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Edyta Sliwinska and Jeffrey RossAnother day another Dancing with the Stars analysis. So far, we've looked at one Olympic athlete, a soap opera legend, a celebrity chef, among others. Today, it's time to look at the comedian on the seventh season roster.
When Dancing with the Stars returns to ABC on September 22, we'll be able to see if any of our predictions actually had any truth to them. But until then, we just have to rely on some rehearsal photos, any prior knowledge of the contestants that we might have, and some still photos of their rehearsals. Today's subjects are comedian Jeffrey Ross and his professional partner Edyta Sliwinska.
Jeffrey Ross
Pros:
Jeff Ross, the New York Friars' Club's "Roastmaster General," doesn't have a whole lot going for him in terms of his physical prowess. But he's a popular personality among aficionados of "insult comics," so maybe he'll be able to garner some votes that way. Other than that, I'm not sure that there is much else positive that I can say about his perceived dance potential. I'm hoping that he'll surprise me.
Cons:
Jeff might be funny and good at insulting other people for laughs, but unless he can use this power to extract high scores from the judges and votes from the audience, I'm pretty sure he's going to have a tough time with this whole dance thing. He's not exactly a shining exemplar of physical strength, endurance or grace. Taking a look at the rehearsal photos here, Jeff clearly lacks good posture, which is the cornerstone of dance, and he just looks scared or out of it. He is definitely not filling me with an overwhelming confidence that he'll make it farther than week 1.
Edyta Sliwinska
I make it no secret that Edyta Sliwinska is my favorite professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars. I mean, all the pros are amazingly talented and they all come up with excellent choreography, but I think that Edyta sets herself apart with her creative costume and music choices. Somehow, her performance dresses seem to be made up of a teensy swatch of fabric but she manages to make them look glamorous.
Two of her paso dobles from recent years that exemplify the creativity she brings to costuming and music were with Cameron Mathison in season 5 and with Jason Taylor in season 6. She dressed Cameron in a blue skintight number with a big C emblazoned on his chest. For her paso with Jason, they both dressed up in Miami Dolphins colors, a nod to Jason's former team. Neither of these dances was necessarily perfectly performed, but they remain memorable because Edyta's willingness to eschew the norm.
That said, I don't think there is any hope for this particular team. Even Edyta can't make someone a good dancer if they don't have the aptitude for it.     |
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 1, 2008 19:40:29 GMT 1
Old-fashioned food Church's biggest fundraiser focuses on Polish
cuisine
By Donna Domin
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA
Monday, September 29, 2008
As though delicious homemade food and reasonable prices were not enough, St. Mary of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church, New
Kensington, has added a new dimension to its annual Polish Platter
Dinner on Sunday.
This year, the event will include a Country Store, featuring
handmade crafts and edibles. Irene Karrs, co-president of the
Christian Mothers and food committee chairperson, says parishioners have donated a variety of items for sale.
Browsing and shopping at the Country Store might be an entertaining addition, but the real star of the show remains the same -- traditional homemade food.
Now in its third year, the Polish Platter Dinner continues to grow
and promises to attract even more hungry Alle-Kiski Valley patrons
than the year before. Parishioners planned for 425 diners in 2006
and ended up serving 625 people. Last year, that number almost
doubled and reached 1,100. This year, dinner organizers estimate a
turnout of at least 1,200 people, which will make it the church's
biggest fundraiser.
The Polish Platter Dinner offers a sampling of traditional homemade
dishes, prepared "just like Mom used to make." From noon to 5 p.m., parishioners will serve the comfort food that people have come to know and love: galumpki, which are steamed cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground meat and rice and then baked; pierogies, those delicious little dough pockets filled with mashed potatoes; locally made kielbasa; haluski, a combination of fried cabbage, onions, bacon and noodles; and string beans polonaise, a Polish vegetable dish.
Although parishioners have been preparing for this dinner for weeks, most of the food is cooked the weekend of the event. The 2,400 cabbage rolls they'll make are fresh, not frozen. Food preparers will cook 250 pounds of kielbasa, and they have churned out 4,000 pierogies, ready to feed the masses.
Dinners, which cost $9, include all of the above plus rolls,
beverage and dessert. For children younger than 10, the cost is $5.
Homemade baked goods will be available for sale. Among other
goodies, expect to find lady locks, pumpkin rolls and Polish pound
cake.
The Rev. Richard Karenbauer, church pastor, who works alongside of his parishioners, has nothing but praise for the job that they do.
"Our people are willing to work very hard for this event,"
Karenbauer says. "Not only because it benefits our parish, but
because they are keenly aware of what it means to others."
Like his parishioners, he knows that not everyone can make these
traditional dishes, and they miss them.
"There are people throughout this community who look forward to and enjoy the ethnic foods we offer. And, there are many others who still want to try it," Karenbauer says.
Karrs believes the food and the socialization is a great
combination.
"People come and eat. They renew old acquaintances and meet new people," she says.
Church secretary Dorothy Perdeus agrees that the event brings the
community together.
"We draw in everybody, not just the Polish people. There is a great
ethnic mix in the Valley. Here, in the U.S., we get to try
everybody's food."
Karrs fondly recalls one young man from last year who bought six
take-out dinners and many desserts. Clearly, he had purchased enough food to last him a week.
Karrs says he left, smiling and proclaiming, "This is great. I'm
going to eat really good for a while."
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St. Stanislaus ruling delayed
By Jennifer Huberdeau
New England Newspapers
09/16/2009
ADAMS -- The Congregation of the Clergy in Rome has once again delayed a decision regarding the fate of St. Stanislaus Kostka, pushing back the date of its ruling until November 25.
But the some 200 parish members who have sat watch within the century-old church built by their Polish immigrant ancestors for the last 264 are giving up hope. They believe the delay is a good sign.
"We received a letter [Monday afternoon] from the Congregation of the Clergy," Laurie Haas, one of several congregants spearheading an appeal to the Vatican, said Tuesday. "They gave themselves another extension until November 25. I notified the Friends of St Stan's at their weekly Monday meeting. They are guardedly encouraged by the news, and noted the time the Vatican is taking to carefully examine the particulars of our case."
The group had anticipated a ruling from the Vatican on August 18. This is the second time the ruling has been postponed by the Congregation of the Clergy, which had previously rescheduled dates set in February and May.
In a letter dated August 25, Monsignor J. Anthony McDaid, department head of the Congregation, wrote that it was "necessary to extend the time limits involved" so the group could "reach a studied decision in this matter." She said the group also is preparing to send a petition of support, which was started by North Adams resident Rachel Branch in April.
"She now has 4,242 signatures from literally all over the world," Haas said. This week Ms. Branch is sending an updated copy of the petition to save St Stan's to Cardinal Claudio Hummes, Congregation for the Clergy." The petition has 116 signatures from Massachusetts along with signatures from 31 states, and from 11 different countries, including 156 from Poland.
"It's nice to have such support," she said.
The Diocese of Springfield announced it would consolidate the parish of Notre Dame and St. Thomas Aquinas in August 2008 as part of a regional consolidation that shut down several dozen churches in Western Massachusetts. St. Stan's, St. Thomas and Notre Dame were consolidated into the newly formed parish of Pope John Paul the Great, formerly Notre Dame Church.
This decision was met with an outcry from St. Stan's parishioners, who immediately began the appeal process that September by appealing the closure to the Most Rev. Timothy McDonnell, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield. When the appeal went unanswered, the group moved on, filing appeals with Congregation for the Clergy. On Dec. 26, the group began occupying the church on a 24-hour basis, as a way to prevent the diocese from shuttering the building and removing the remaining relics and stained glass windows.
McDonnell and diocese officials have let the vigil continue uninterrupted, even allowing parishioners to celebrate parts of the Easter Mass.
While the Congregation for the Clergy is biding its time, Haas said the group isn't hinging all its hopes on the ruling or sitting by idly. Work continues on preparing an appeal to the Apostolic Signatory, the Vatican's "supreme court," should their appeal be rejected by the Congregation of the Clergy.
"Our Canon Advocate in Rome, submitted an extensive legal brief on July 10th, to the Congregation for the Clergy on behalf of the parishioners of St. Stan's, summarizing the facts of the case and canon law issues: particularly the procedure followed by Bishop Timothy McDonnell, the legitimacy of the suppression and the procedures followed within the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Springfield, " Haas said.
The group also joined in on a mediation request with eight other parishes, including Boston, in April, asking the Vatican bypass the appeals and start a process to overturn the closures.
Haas said the group also is busy supporting other parishes in the diocese who are considering the appeals process. The diocese announced the closures of an additional 19 churches in Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire counties last month.
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 1, 2008 20:32:18 GMT 1
CNN promotes Poland
Polish Radio
26.09.2008
The biggest advertising campaign to date presenting Poland kicked
off on CNN television today. Two spots presenting Poland as a "place to be" and a "place to invest" aim at promoting this country as an attractive destination for tourists and businesspeople.
Danuta Isler reports
The 12-week campaign aims at promoting the country as a destination both for tourists and businesspeople. The costs of 600,000 USD for air time and promotion were shared between four institutions - Poland's Foreign Ministry, Polish Tourist Organization, the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency and LOT Polish Airlines.
All in all, 620 spots will be aired from today til December and,
according to estimates, will reach 150 million households and hotel
rooms in over 90 countries where CNN is available worldwide.
El¿bieta W¹sowicz-Zaborek, deputy chairwoman of the Polish Tourist
Organization says the campaign is part of an effort to change often
stereotypical image of Poland abroad: 'The Polish Tourist
Organization has just finished preparing a special marketing
strategy for Poland and I hope it will be a new vision for tourism.
It will be mailny urban atmosphere, rather towns and cities
atmoshpere than folklore. We want to change this because in Poland
we have marvellous folklore but it's not everything we can offer to
tourists. We want to develop conferences, business tours, that's why CNN is a good channel to promote Poland in this way, especially combining it with investment promotion.'
One of the 30 second spots features a foreign businessman who has
just arrived to Poland and is showing the country through his eyes.
The other one includes snippets from most recognisable Polish
cities, including Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, Hel Peninsula and Zakopane
in the Tatra mountains. The spots were produced entirely by CNN.
Nina Kowalewska-Motlyk is a commercial representative of CNN
International in Poland: 'It's for the first time that CNN
organising an advertising campaign is working with such important
Polish clients. I spent two days with the crew. They were totally
enchanted with Poland and with the hospitality. I think they were as
surprised and impressed as most foreign viewers are when they see
the commercials that Poland is a country of such diversity, that we
have mountains, beautiful lakes, clean forests and a beautiful
seashore'.
The campaign also emphasizes important features of Poland from
investors' point of view, like highly educated work force, large
domestic market and central location in Europe - says Pawe³
Wojciechowski, president of the Polish Information and Foreign
Investment Agency: 'Those are the top things that are actually
mentioned not only by investors that we serve in Poland but also by
all the renowned world institutions which deal with investing
climate. What is important is also the timing. We live in very
turbulent times and financial crisis in some institutions and Poland
does not have it. We are a very stable country in terms of political
environment and in terms of economy. We have very good growth rates,
fairly low inflation under control so our hopes for investment are
justified. And we think this campaign will strengthen our image in
the global economy'.
In addition, a week-long presentation of this country called "Eye on
Poland" will be aired on CNN between 6 and 12 of October.
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 1, 2008 20:34:13 GMT 1
'Little Poland' is official
By RICK GUINNESS
The New Britain Herald
9/24/08
NEW BRITAIN - The Common Council unanimously passed a resolution
Wednesday night designating Broad Street as "Little Poland" in
recognition of the contributions of Polish-American residents and
businesses "in blending their ethnic heritage with the thriving
commerce, culture and community on Broad Street."
The resolution said Mayor Timothy Stewart would be authorized to
work with the Polonia Business Association and other local
organizations to create "appropriate signage" and decide how to use the "Little Poland" designation.
About 30 members of the Polish business community attended the
meeting, at which lawyer Adrian Mark Baron, of the business
association, presented Stewart with a plaque in recognition of the
city's exceptional services and business incentives.
The association "is honored to name New Britain the most business-
friendly city," said Baron, who has a practice - Podorowsky,
Thompson & Baron LLC - on Broad Street.
"I am here as director of the Polonia Business Association, " he
said. "We came here to honor a city that exemplifies friendliness to
business, leadership and business incentives."
"We saw aldermen at our meetings, shopping at our stores," he
continued. "It is a place where people know you by name."
With that, he gave Stewart the plaque to applause thunderous for
such a small chamber.
The event will be shown on Nutmeg TV on Wednesday and Oct. 3 on Channel 21.
Stewart thanked Adrian and his firm for settling on Broad Street.
"It's a wonderful addition to the Broad Street area," Stewart said.
Alderman Mark Bernacki credited Broad Street business owners with
investing in and remake the area, from Mayor Lucian Pawlak's time
through Stewart's administration.
"Attorney Baron and all the people he mentioned took a chance, and the Broad Street area is now booming," he added.
Several council members said Broad Street is the true Main Street of
New Britain - high praise, given the level of commitment the city
has shown to developing downtown.
But Broad Street did it over time, business by business.
"To name Broad Street 'Little Poland' - everyone can continue to
market it and the whole city," Bernacki said. "Thank you for
believing in the city."
Alderman Larry Hermanowski said "It really is a pleasure that the
whole community which grows off of Broad Street is a vibrant
community. With the Polonia Business Association, we will continue
it and move the renovations along a lot quicker."
Majority Leader Michael Trueworthy noted that, "It is the small-
business owners who drive the economy. Hopefully we can bring in
more business down there and, as we continue the renovations, the groups can develop an appropriate signage."
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 14, 2008 21:14:48 GMT 1
General Pulaski Memorial Day, 2008
Whitehouse.gov (press release), DC
10/10/08
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we celebrate General Casimir Pulaski's selfless dedication to the cause of freedom during the American Revolution.
In our Nation's struggle for independence, brave individuals such as Casimir Pulaski came to our shores and risked their lives to help bring liberty to a new continent. General Pulaski fought first against Russian domination of his Polish homeland and later joined General George Washington's Continental Army. Pulaski's valor in battle and love of freedom earned him the rank of Brigadier General and authority to organize an independent corps of cavalry. Through his skilled leadership and cavalry tactics he became known as the "Father of the American Cavalry." During the siege of Savannah, General Pulaski was mortally wounded, making the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the cause of freedom.
General Pulaski's life exemplifies the courage and determination of the many Polish immigrants who have helped make the United States the greatest Nation on Earth. On General Pulaski Memorial Day, we recognize our time-honored friendship with Poland, and we are reminded of the great price our forefathers paid so that we might live in liberty.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2008, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I urge Americans to commemorate this occasion with appropriate activities and ceremonies honoring General Casimir Pulaski and all those who defend our freedom.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 14, 2008 21:20:39 GMT 1
By Lynne Klaft
Worcester Telegram, MA
10/9/08
FITCHBURG— There's a dragon in downtown Fitchburg.
And a witch, a scarecrow, a gardener, and a chimney sweep — all are ironwork sculptures created by Polish metal artist Adam Stachowicz and placed on Boulder Drive and Main Street to announce the fifth annual Blacksmith Forge-In Festival and competition on Oct. 18.
"Mayor Lisa Wong and I are very excited about the festival. It's a wonderful community event that many people contribute to," said Ken T. Jones, the mayor's chief of staff.
"The sculptures that are located around Main Street have brought a sense of excitement to downtown Fitchburg," said Mr. Jones.
Husband and wife business partners Achla Madan and Ashok Hingorany of Fitchburg brought the idea of a forge-in to Riverfront Park after seeing European competitions and craft shows.
"When we thought of offering hand-wrought iron garden and home furnishings in our business, we went looking for a good source in Mexico, India," said Ms. Madan, owner of Achla Design of Fitchburg.
Her sister, Manjula Taneja, was visiting from Germany at the time and knew of a group of Polish blacksmiths. She introduced the couple to them.
"This was about 1993 and Poland was just coming out of Communism and the economy was bad, the interest rate was 36 percent there," said Ms. Madan.
The craftsmen did not have enough capital to start a business on their own, and Mr. Hingorany helped them to equip shops as initial loans for future products.
The couple has been going to Poland since then, and attended forge-in competitions and craft shows there.
"So when we wanted to do something for the community, showing the art and craft of blacksmithing, this was a natural choice us," said Ms. Madan.
Through their contacts in Poland, the couple met metal artist Adam Stachowicz and commissioned him to make the custom pieces on display downtown.
The Fitchburg Forge-In will feature competitions among blacksmiths from across the state.
They will be making hooks, door pulls, trivets and other items on site with hammer and anvil and portable forges on Oct. 18, starting at 10 a.m. at Riverfront Park.
"I'm looking forward to watching Saturday's competition and enjoying the events surrounding the festival. Katrina Burton (of Community Development) works hard all year long and her efforts culminate in this terrific festival," said Mr. Jones.
The Oct. 18 events will also include the Great Pumpkin Carve, with cash prizes, live music, seasonal food, children's activities, a live auction of winning Forge-In pieces, crafters and antique dealers.
For more information on the schedule of events and locations, go to www.DiscoverFitchbu rg.com.
A photo of the dragon images.telegram.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=WT&Date=20081009&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=810090426&Ref=AR&Profile=1003&title=1&MaxW=700&MaxH=600
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Post by Bonobo on Oct 14, 2008 21:22:38 GMT 1
Police Make 'Hot Kielbasa' Drug Bust In Brooklyn
By Jonathan Dienst
WNBC, NY
October 10, 2008
NEW YORK -- A butcher shop in Greenpoint called it "Hot Kielbasa."
But the FBI said the food was code for cocaine.
Investigators said livery cabs were used to deliver the illegal drug
shipments. The FBI said Polish and Dominican crews teamed up to run the ring.
Investigators said whenever members of the ring had to discuss
shipments, they referred to the drugs "Hot Kielbasa." Police said the
suspects were caught on hundreds of hours of wiretaps.
NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly said, "the `kielbasa' was really
cocaine, and thanks to outstanding police work it's no longer
available at the meat market."
In all, 27 suspects were charged and they are expected to be
arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn late Friday.
Officials said the Sikorski Meat Market along Manhattan Avenue in
Greenpoint was the headquarters for the operation. The so-called "Hot Kielbasa" was then shipped from there and sold across the city as well as parts of Northern New Jersey.
Andrzej Filipkowski, James Murphy William Murphy are accused of
helping run the operation.
"This case began with a single report that cocaine was being stored
at a neighborhood meat market in Greenpoint," said United States
Attorney Campbell. "Through diligent investigation, we and our law
enforcement partners were able to identify and subsequently dismantle a wide-ranging cocaine distribution ring operating throughout our city."
Also charged was an NYC Department of Sanitation police lieutenant
who investigators said is the nephew of Louis Eppolito - the so-
called "Mafia Cop" convicted for helping the mafia commit murders and deal drugs.
Rolando Vasquez, a limousine driver, was also charged for allegedly
using his limousine to deliver the drugs.
FBI Assistant Director-in- Charge Mershon said, "This investigation
clearly reflects that today's criminal enterprises have diverse
backgrounds and will cross multi-ethnic lines to conduct criminal
activity."
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Oct 24, 2008 16:34:41 GMT 1
October - Polish American Heritage Month
Polish American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1981 in Pennsylvania. Originally, August was the month selected to focus in on the contributions of great Americans of Polish descent that were often not recognized. Michael Blichasz of Philadelphia, a fourth generation Polish American, started in an effort to bring to the forefront the strong pride he believed all Americans of Polish heritage should have in the successes that Polish Americans have made in America.
Polish American Heritage Month became a great success in Pennsylvania and in 1986, it was made a national campaign and the date moved into the month of October. The change was made to allow school children to take part in the month long celebration. Polish Americans and Poles in America now had a way to express their spirit in a truly American way. In Chicago, streets, parks, schools, government buildings, have been named in recognition of the contributions of Polish Americans but now an entire month focuses the attention of all on ourselves. It is important not to single out those like Pulaski and Kosciuszko, heroes to both Poland and America, but to focus in on your friends, family and yourself.
As everyone of us have contributed to the success of America, now is the time to show others who you are, where you came from, and what you do. Teachers, scientists, athletes, businessmen, politicians and diplomats, artists, writers, actors,.. the list goes on for ever and in it, include yourself.
Speaking to others, let them know you are proud of your heritage, from where you, your parents, grand-parents, great grandparents come from. The contributions made to America, from the first Polish settlers in Jamestown, Virginia as craftsmen and artisans, and leaders in the fight for representation, to astronaut Dr. James Pawelczyk, third generation Polish American and mission specialist for the latest missions of the space shuttle, are immense.
Just an example of a few:
scientist/inventor - Mieczyslaw Bekker, moon rover, first vehicle on the moon;
baseball - Stan Musial and Carl Yaztremski;
diplomacy - Zbigniew Brzezinski;
religion - John Cardinal Król;
music - Leopold Stokowski, conductor, and Bronislaw Kaper, Hollywood composer;
engineering - Tadeusz Sendzimir, steel production, and Ralph Modjeski, bridge builder including the San Francisco Bay Bridge;
football - Chicago Bear Bronko Nagurski.
The list is endless - from the first governor of Alaska, Wladimir Krzyzanowski, to actress Stefanie Powers.
polishnews.com
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Oct 24, 2008 16:37:19 GMT 1
Do you really know your Polish heritage?
By Robert Strybel, Our Warsaw Correspondent
According to the latest US Census, just over nine million Americans have been identified as having Polish ancestry, or about 3.3% of the total population. In states known for their sizable Polonian concentrations (including Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut) we are speaking of 10-12% of the overall population and in certain metropolitan areas it may be higher than that. But even in those heavily Polish-populated areas, are 10% or even 3% of the things people see around them and come into contact with conspicuously Polish? That, of course, is a rhetorical question, to which everybody knows the answer!
Polish things, concepts, names, logos, symbols, artifacts and foods are largely unfamiliar not only to non-Polish Americans. They are also widely unknown to the legions of Heather Nowaks, Keith Kowalczyks, Ashley Lewandowskis, Brian Wisniewskis, Tracy Szymanskis -- people of unquestionable Polish lineage who know little if anything about their cultural legacy.
Let us take Dożynki (Polish harvest fest), Andrzejki (St Andrew's Eve celebration), Swiety Mikolaj (St Nicholas), opłatek (Christmas wafer), St John's Day (blessing of wine), Kolędnicy (Polish caroler-masqueraders). Or how about Zapusty (pre-Lenten revelry), Tlusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday), Ostatki (Shrove Tuesday), Swiecenie Pokarmów (Easter food blessing), and smigus-dyngus (Easter Monday drenching). How many Americans, Polish or otherwise would think of Easter at the sight of the Baranek (flag-wiedling jamk) or pussywillows, or of Christmas at the sight of a plain white wafer lying on a bed of hay? How many would recognize the shimmering szopka krakowska (Kraków Christmas crib) or the Podhale-style chalet?
Does the average American youngster -- whether of Polish or any other extraction -- learn in school that a group of Poles arrived at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608, 12 years before anyone had even heard of the Mayflower? Is he or she told that the Jamestown Poles not only laid the foundations for America's first industry (the manufacture of pitch, soap and glass) but also staged America's first civil-rights strike? Are American school children ever informed that medieval Poland was the largest country in Europe, straddling the continent from the Black Sea to the Baltic? That it provided a safe haven for Jews fleeing persecution in Spain, France, Germany and other countries of the 'enlightened' West? That on at least four occasions it changed the course of history. Thrice it helped saved Europe from invading hordes from the east: the pagan Mongols at Legnica in 1241, the Moslem Turks at the gates of Vienna in 1683 and the Bolshevik Red Army outside Warsaw in 1920. In 1980 Poland's Solidarity movement unleashed a force that eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet empire.
Does today's American youngster learn of the contributions to America made by millions of Polish immigrants who, without the benefit of today's hand-outs and minority privileges, pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps through hard work and sacrifice? They worked hard, paid their taxes, built clean and safe neighborhoods, maintained their property, kept their kids out of trouble and in general helped to build America up rather than trying to tear it down. These and other facts, still largely absent from the US mainstream, could go a long way towards building up the ethnic self-esteem of Polish Americans.
polishnews.com
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 6, 2008 20:14:08 GMT 1
Polish Post (Poczta Polska) has released a new stamp marking 400 years since Poles arrived in America.
The year 1620 is generally established as the foundation date of the first American colony, when the so called "founding fathers" stepped off their ship, the Mayflower, and started the Plymouth settlement. However attempts to settle the land had been made as early as 20 years before that. It isn't common knowledge, though, that some of the earliest settles in America were Poles!
In 1607 the British Virginia Company established the Jamestown colony, which served as a trade centre. It needed qualified workforce, who were recruited not only England. Among the new settlers to reach Jamestown on 1 October 1608 on board "Mary and Margaret" there were such new settlers. The group included Dutchmen, Germans, and also Poles (probably five). Their work included manufacturing tar, potash, wood tar, lye and glass. They were also employed in carpentry.
The Jamestown settlement was administered by captain John Smith, whose exciting adventures have survived in stories such as that of Pocahontas. It is likely that he had come in contact with the Polish people many years ago, e.g. when battling Turks in Transylvania. The surviving records and testimonies of captain Smith imply that the Poles were outstanding craftsmen, renown for their commitment.
Apart from manufacturing the first export goods, the Poles were responsible for the first industrial action in the history of America. When in 1619 Jamestown announced its first local election, foreigners were left out. As a sign of protest, the Poles abandoned their workstations, which convinced the London central to accede to their demands - the Poles received rights equal to the ones held by the other settlers. Additionally, they were instructed to train journeymen in order to pass on their priceless skills.
Within the following decades the colony was devastated as a result of war with Indians and very harsh living conditions. Many of the settlers died, while others moved away in search of more peaceful places to live.
New postage stamp and First Day Cover.
The Polish Post presents an anniversary postage stamp issued to commemorate the 400 years of Polish settlement in America. An Indian profile, accompanied by a drawing symbolising a Polish settler from 1608, are placed against a background containing an outline of both continents. Sets of six stamps are printed on decorative sheets. The First Day Cover presents a map of America and an outline of a sailing ship. The same decorative motive is present in an occasional date stamp, used in Warsaw I Postal Office.
Philately
In October 1958 the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the first Poles to America was celebrated. The Congress of the Polish Community in the United States (Polonia) received regards from US president Dwight D. Eisenhower. To commemorate that event, the Polish Post had issued two anniversary postage stamps, one of which contained a picture of "Mary and Margaret", and the other - a group of Polish settlers.
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Post by locopolaco on Nov 6, 2008 20:19:52 GMT 1
you do know that leif erikson was here way before columbus was even conceived, right? they were here 3-4 seasons around the area known today as new foundland (CAN)
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 6, 2008 20:46:11 GMT 1
Warsaw Philharmonic begins US tour
thenews.pl
31.10.2008
The Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra – the National Orchestra of Poland begins a tour of the U.S. East Coast tomorrow with a concert in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The tour comprises 17 concerts and ends in Maryland on 21 November. On 17 November the orchestra will perform at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. All the concerts are conducted by the orchestra's Music Director Antoni Wit.
The brilliant Ukrainian-born pianist Valentina Lisitsa appears as
soloist. The tour is organized by Columbia Artists Management, with
support from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of
Poland.
The history of the Warsaw Philharmonic goes back to 1901. Its
inaugural concert featured the world-famous pianist, composer and
future statesman, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Over the years the orchestra has attracted such guest conductors and soloists as Yehudi Menuhin, Kurt Masur, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Igor Stravinsky, Martha Argerich, Arturo Benedetti-Michelang eli, Teresa Berganza, Nigel Kennedy, Anne- Sophie Mutter, David Oistrakh, Svyatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostropovich, Isaac Stern and Pinchas Zuckerman.
The orchestra has made over 100 foreign tours and participated in
prestigious international festivals, including those in Athens,
Bergen, Berlin, Bordeaux, Brussels, Florence, Lucerne, Moscow, Prague and Vienna.
Antoni Wit has served as Managing and Artistic Director of the Warsaw Philharmonic since 2002. He studied music in his native Kraków, conducting with Henryk Czy¿ and composition with Krzysztof Penderecki. He also graduated from the law departament of the Jagiellonian University. He has conducted such famous orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic, Staatskapelle Dresden, Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich, the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Symphony and the NHK Tokyo.
His discography includes almost 150 records on labels such as EMI-
HMV, CBS, Naxos, NVS Arts, Pony Canyon, and Polskie Nagrania. He has recorded for Naxos all of Witold Lutos³awski's symphonic works.
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Post by valpomike on Nov 6, 2008 22:01:24 GMT 1
Loco,
Canada is not here, New Foundland, is not a part of the great U.S.A. Do you understand?
Mike
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Post by locopolaco on Nov 6, 2008 22:17:23 GMT 1
Loco, Canada is not here, New Foundland, is not a part of the great U.S.A. Do you understand? Mike are you that freaking clueless? i thought you said you were a PI? have you ever found anything?? anything??? how can you be so blind to clues that are all over??? |
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Post by valpomike on Nov 6, 2008 22:19:49 GMT 1
Thank you for the fine words, but I still think you don't know anything of which you speak, and now am sure.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 6, 2008 22:32:13 GMT 1
Loco, Canada is not here, New Foundland, is not a part of the great U.S.A. Do you understand? Mike are you that freaking clueless? i thought you said you were a PI? have you ever found anything?? anything??? how can you be so blind to clues that are all over??? Guys, relax. Take it easy. |
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Post by valpomike on Nov 6, 2008 22:35:07 GMT 1
O.K. boss if he does.
Mike
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Post by locopolaco on Nov 6, 2008 22:44:40 GMT 1
are you that freaking clueless? i thought you said you were a PI? have you ever found anything?? anything??? how can you be so blind to clues that are all over??? Guys, relax. Take it easy. i am relaxed and taking it easy.. believe me you would know if i wasn't. |
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Post by valpomike on Nov 7, 2008 4:52:40 GMT 1
Loco,
Slow down before you have a stroke, or something, you are to old, that stuff is for old guys like me.
Mike
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Nov 26, 2008 15:07:17 GMT 1
 photo from peacediaries.org Thanksgiving –– Polonian StyleBy Robert Strybel Thanksgiving Day, celebrated in the US on the fourth Thursday of November and in Canada on the second Monday of October, is obviously not a Polish-rooted holiday, but it has been eagerly observed by Polonians since way back when. This author’s late Uncle Jan Ciosmak, who returned to Poland after spending several years working in a “car shop” in Erie, PA, prior to World War I, once told me that the most important American holiday (as he remembered it) was something he called “cziken dej”. I can only assume that the word “Thanksgiving” was probably too much of a mouthful for many Polish peasant immigrants of the day, so to make things easier someone started calling it “Chicken Day” (It should be remembered that before World War I chicken was a special treat reserved for Sunday dinners and turkey was a once-a-year luxury.) Speaking of tongue-twisters, probably quite a few Americans, including some of Polish extraction, would likewise have problems with the likes of “Swieto Dziekczynienia”, the way the American holiday is referred to in Polish.
Some recent arrivals to America may have initially viewed the Thanksgiving tradition as a typical WASP occasion – something unfamiliar or even alien. After all, it commemorates the activities of a group of English refugees, who arrived in America in 1620, so why should it concern later arrivals of different backgrounds? An interesting answer was provided by Polonian columnist Andrzej Hetnal, who a few years ago wrote in Chicago’s Polish-language daily “Dziennik Zwiazkowy”: “Thanksgiving is above all the holiday of the ‘wayward traveler’ who made it over to that safe haven known as the United States (...) It reaffirms America’s immigrant heritage and inclines every inhabitant of this country to briefly reflect upon not only the uniqueness of that first Thanksgiving dinner in the early 17th century but also upon all the other such feasts that followed with the participation of newcomers from distant, alien climes.”
Far less commercialized than Christmas, Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the most beautiful uniquely American holiday in the calendar, a time set aside to thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed. It is also a very family-oriented occasion, a holiday when one simply has to be with one’s nearest of kin. It is therefore the closest thing America has to our Polish Wigilia. Like Polish Christmas Eve, the menu is also rather structured: roast turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc. But even there the immigrant experience has helped to enrich the spread. The difference between those who are ‘just plain Americans’ and those of us fortunate enough to have strong ethnic ties is that they eat “just turkey and the traditional trimmings”. We ethnics likewise have turkey but the feast is often embellished with one or more national dishes as well.
In this author’s Stateside family “kielbsa z kapusta” (baked fresh Polish sausage and sauerkraut) as well as “klopsiki w sosie grzybowym” (meatballs in mushroom gravy) were often served on Thanksgiving. Other Polish-American families sometimes serve “babka”, “szarlotka”, “placek” and/or “sernik” in addition to or in place of pumpkin pie, and many bring in the bigos as a late-evening pick-me-up. Italo-American regularly include some of their wonderful antipasti and pasta dishes at the feast as well as their traditional wines, desserts and pastries. Other ethnic groups behave similarly. If you don’t already do so, perhaps this year is the time to consider enriching your family’s Thanksgiving fare with a few additions from our Polish culinary treasure chest.
This also holds true for Thanksgiving dinners organized by Pol-Am clubs and parishes as community events. Such organized festivities open to the general public might go over especially well in places with many temporary residents (students, trainees), retired couples or people living alone. Perhaps the officiating clergyman’s introductory remarks or a printed program could recall the fact that Polish immigrants were no newcomers to America’s shores. In fact, a group of them managed to set up the nucleus of America’s first industry at Jamestown, Virginia, and even stage the country’s first civil-right protest several years before anybody had heard of the Mayflower pilgrims.polishfalcons.org |
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