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Working Together Spells Progress for 2003
“No Man Is An Island”
If we go backward, it’s not one man’s fault—it’s everyone’s!
If we go forward, it’s not one man’s achievements—it’s everyone’s!
Our progress is the result of our unity.
Working Together in the Polish Union of U.S.A. Means Winning Together.
We are constantly looking for new members. In fact, our Membership Drives
are perpetual, for we desire to reinforce, to enlarge and strengthen our
fraternal. We can attain this, but only with your cooperation in
enrolling new members into the ranks of our Polish Union of U.S.A.
People can be divided into three groups: Those who make things happen,
those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. (When
you take time and enroll new members into Polish Union, U.S.A., you “Make
things happen.”)
Basically speaking, life insurance is nothing more than a systematic
method of saving with the added feature of a death benefit. Your dues to
the Polish Union are your insurance premiums. . . and each insurance
certificate has a cash surrender value attached to it. With a large
membership, we can do wonders for the benefit of our members offering more
scholarship grants, more social and civic activities for the young and
old. Human beings are like flowers: beautiful and fragile. They all
have their own season, and their own distinctive color. No two are exactly
alike, nor are they on exactly the same schedule. It takes patience, a lot
of love, and prayer to make a human being come alive in the best sense.
For Your Protection
If you are asked to drop
or “dilute” a life insurance policy you now own and replace it with other
insurance, insist that the proposal be made in written form and signed by
the individual making the proposal. In short: When it comes of life
insurance, it is not a good idea to change horses in mid-stream! We should
go slow. . . seek competent advice. . . take time to investigate. . .
protect and safeguard the values in our in-force life insurance. . .
Demand to be shown before replacing a policy you own!
Please, before thinking of replacing your valuable Polish Union of USA
life insurance certificate, contact us at the Home Office: Phone (570)
823-1611 or talk it over with your Group Financial Secretary.
How To Live A Hundred Years, Happily:
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Don’t be on the outlook for ill health.
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Keep useful at work
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Have a hobby
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Learn to be satisfied
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Keep on liking people
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Meet adversity valiantly
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Meet the little problems of life with decision
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Above all, maintain a good sense of humor, best done by saying something pleasant every time you get a chance
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Live and make the present hour pleasant and cheerful. Keep you mind out of the past and keep it out of the future
--From Uncle Ben’s Quote Book
Life is a two-way street, it will take you where you want to go, but you have to choose the direction.
Worry can be helpful, for I’ve learned that if I worry about something, it
usually won’t happen.
Androckitis Elected To Head Pennsylvania Fraternals
Charlotte L. Androckitis,
FIC, General Secretary of the Polish Union of USA was recently elected
President of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress. This is the first time
that anyone in the 112-year history of the Polish Union has received this
honor. She was installed at the 91st Annual Meeting of the
Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress that was held in the Hyatt Regency, Penns
Landing, Philadelphia, PA. Installing Officer was Rose A. Wartko,
President of the Polish Union.
Charlotte has been involved with the Congress for twenty years. During
that time she has chaired or been a member of most PFC Committees. She was
the Chairperson of the PFC 100th Anniversary that was held in 2001 at
Seven Springs. She has previously served as a Board of Director for seven
years, 2nd Vice President 1 year and 1st Vice President 1 year. Her
current position as President will be a 1-year term.
In 1994 Ms. Androckitis received the John Jordan Upchurch Award. This prestigious award is given to the fraternalist, who in the past years, best exemplified that “image, foresight, leadership, ingenuity and purpose contributing most to the advancement of the fraternal movement.” The award selection was started in 1977 and Ms. Androckitis was the first fraternalist in the northeast area to receive it. From this area other past winners of the award are, Bernard Golubiewski, FIC, Russian Orthodox Catholic Mutual Aid Society; John C. Andrzejewski III, FIC, Polish National Union of America; and Rita Simalchik, Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union.
The Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress, established in 1901, is a non profit organization that represents 62 member societies. Its mission is to unite men and women who are associated with the fraternal benefit societies operation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; also to promote publicity favorable to the image of the Fraternal Benefit System and to foster the true fraternal spirit among its members.
New Jersey Fraternalist Josephine Drazek Passes
Josephine Drazek, Secretary of Group #180, Lawrenceville New Jersey recently passed away. Josephine, who was a Group Secretary for over 25 years, was very active in the Polish Union having served on many Convention Committees and serving as a delegate to the National Convention on many occasions. The last time she served as a delegate was for the last Convention in September 2002. Two years ago she was honored as one of the top three persons in sales for the polish Union.
She attended Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ receiving a BS in Commerce in Management and Organizational Behavior. She retired in 1985 as Personnel Director of Gould, Inc., Langhorne, PA. Since 1984 she has been a member of Lawrence Twp. Senior Citizens Club #2 having been President for 2 years and corresponding secretary for 9 years. She was also President of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Secretaries Association for 4 years. She held a license as Notary Public in the State of New Jersey. She was a member of St. Hedwig’s Church in Trenton. She was an avid bingo player and played whenever she got a chance.
Her brother Walter C. Drazek, a former District Director for the Polish Union, predeceased her. She is survived by a nephew and several nieces as well as many great nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou Pirog, 89, and Charlotte Citko, 84, sisters, have been active with Polish Union for over 73 years. And why not, it was their parents who helped organize Group 378, “Pod Opiekan Sw. Sofia” in Chicago back in 1929. Charlotte has been Financial Secretary of the Group for the past 55 years, while Mary Lou has been Recording Secretary and Treasurer for the past 53 years.
The pair have been
delegates to Polish Union conventions over the past 45 years and are very
active members of Council #10 and the Women’s Division in Chicago. Both
help out at the Children’s Christmas parties and other activities. They,
their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are all 100% Polish
Union enrolled. Thank you to both for their dedication to Polish Union.
God bless you.
Limit On Yearly Fraternal Sales Raised
In legislative action, Pennsylvania has raised the amount of face value fraternal life insurance agents can write per year from $100,000 to $200,000. Additionally, the legislation allows the State Insurance Commissioner to review the cap beginning in 2007 and adjust it further upward to match any rise in the consumer price index. The legislation was sought by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress.
Polish Union of U.S.A. welcomes the new initiative on behalf of its group secretaries. We also remind members that while the yearly limit is placed on individual group secretaries, the Polish Union is capable of insuring you for any amount of insurance that your needs require. Ask your group secretary or contact the Home Office for details on higher coverages.
Dzien dobry! Welcome to my kitchen. My guests have arrived and our coffee choices today are hazelnut or chocolate rasberry. Everyone brought a newspaper and after their first dip mentioned how shocked they were that a mutual friend died very suddenly.
To all of you reading this column, I say STOP whatever you are now doing and grab the nearest chair for a moment. Take a deepbreath and exhale slowly. Now look at your hands. See the wrinkles? Everyone of them is from work you have done in the past and the pain you have endured. The lines are the characteristics of your individual life. While you look at your hands, start to recall an incident in your childhood. Now move on and recall some incident in your teen years, then think of something in your young adult life; and now if you are lucky enough to be over 50, do you feel that you no sooner get up in the morning and before you know it, it’s time to go to bed again?
How many times have we lost someone we knew or loved. Remember mama? Why didn’t I hug her more and tell her I loved her. Steve recently told me ( with tears in his eyes): “Why didn’t I take Carol on that weekend trip to New York?..... I could have given up that card game and the night with the guys just once. I’ll never forgive myself.” Jessie also told me in tears, “Why didn’t I have time to listen to my son before he left for his college class that morning. He wanted to talk then, and I said we’ll talk tonight’ He was killed in an auto accident that day.” Joy’s husband had a massive heart attack and died suddenly. How she regrets not telling him she loved him.
We are all too busy these days to concentrate on the real important things in life. While you were looking at your hands did you wonder where did those years go? Life is so short. It can and often is, snuffed out suddenly with no warning. Spend the energy you have left to love, not hate. Take time to listen. We are only here for a moment! I often recall the Gospel where Jesus visited Martha and Mary. Martha was so busy cleaning and cooking and angry that Mary didn’t help. Mary was listening to Jesus. Jesus called to Martha to stop working and sit and listen. It took me a long time to understand that gospel. Now I do. How about you?
My hint to you: Write a love letter
and file it with your will. It should say all the things you have felt
over the years. It should be a love note to your spouse. Also, write one
to your children. Update the letter whenever you desire. In this way there
will be no guilt that the spouse often feels over things left unsaid when
the other spouse dies....
February is for lovers: A few hints for you to use on your lover
this Valentine’s Day: —put a love note at your lover’s breakfast, lunch
and dinner plate.—have something chocolate and red for desert.—-call your
love on the phone and say “I love you”—massage his or her face, arms and
back when least expected.—have champagne, wine or cranberry juice in
candlelight.-put a candy kiss on his or her pillow.—Now you know why St.
Valentine is the most popular saint in February!
Dear P.K.: I feel like a sponge. All my friends call me whenever
they have a problem. I always listen and try to console them. However,
when I am troubled and need someone to talk to, they listen for a minute
and then go on with their problems again. I have no one I can truly call a
friend. No one will listen to me and what bothers me, including my
husband. What can I do?
-Cathy
Dear Cathy: You are one of these rare
persons who has the gift of making other people feel good. You help people
and they expect that of you. You are what God called the “peacemaker.”
Your so-called friends cannot help you, because you have trained them to
look to you as their healer. They are selfish, and they were not given the
gifts by God that you were. Who can you turn to with your problems? You
turn to God. Talk to Him. Cry to Him. Tell Him everything. In some
mysterious way you will find peace. ( and you will never have to worry
about Him “spilling” your secrets).
-P.K.
Quiz:
Mary Buchinski of Mayfield, Pa., sent in
the following quiz:
Q. At what sport do waiters excel?
A. Tennis. They know how to serve.
Q. How do you cook an alligator?
A. In a crock pot.
Group 275 Report
Our heartfelt sympathy to the families of Josephine Cmunt, Mary Kogut and
Anna Mizwicki, Group 275 members who recently passed away.
Happy Birthday in January to: Janet Abbott, Kyle Antene, Jan Dzialowy,
Paul Dzialowy, Weronik Falborski, Michael Gabriel, Erin Grand, Carol
Grochowski, Pearl Grochowski, Valeria Knapczyk, Helen Madaj, Geneieve
Novak, Jean Olakowski, Paul Pencak, Audrey Radek, Elaine Strenski and
Floren Wojtowicz.
And Celebrating Birthdays in February are: Debra Barker, Rita Cybulski,
Antoni Dzialowy, Mieczyslaw Klimek, Jarja Krozel, Keith Michalec, Gary
Migut, Michael Pencak, Richard Pencak, Charity Piet, Joyce Regnier, Judith
Regnier, James Waner, Emily Wisinski and Kurt Wood.
We are looking or new members. Call Joan Wisinski at (708) 361-4180 to
enroll all new members. A great gift for grandchildren and great
grandchildren for any occassion. We are also looking for news from our
members about their anniversaries, births, graduations, weddings, etc.
Send it it!
The Women’s Division held a meeting on October 17th as well as a penny
raffle. A variety of home-made cakes made for tasty refreshments. Prayers
were also offered for all deceased members with a special prayer for Mr.
John Solkowski, our dearly loved late District Director who left us
10-years-ago.
Lukas Lukacinsky, son of William and Margo (Bogusko) Lukacinsky of Mountain Top, PA, was recently awarded a $500 Scholarship from the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress. Lukas, a freshman at College Misericordia, Dallas, PA, is a Medical Imaging major. He was surprised by receiving his award during the Annual Polish Union Debutante Ball where he served as an escort.
He is a life-long member of the Polish Union enrolled in Group 265 where his mother serves as Group Secretary. Additionally, he is the grandson of Polish Union Director Aloysius and Marge Bogusko of Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Scholarships are awarded each year by the PFC on a matching funds program with the 62 member societies and associate members which donate to the fund. The program has been in existence for 12 years. Lukas is the third Polish Union member to benefit from the program. Previous recipients were Jennifer Zanghi of Scranton, PA and Katie Yamulla of Drums, PA.
The Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress was established in 1901 and is a non-profit organization representing 62 member societies. Its mission is to unite men and women who are associated with the fraternal benefit societies operation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; also to promote publicity favorable to the image of the Fraternal Benefit System and to foster the true fraternal spirit among its members. As part of the qualifications to receive the PFC Scholarship, Lukas submitted a 500-word essay which we proudly reprint below.
Congratulations to Lukas Lukacinsky from the entire Polish Union membership.
"What Fraternalism Means to Me "
by Lukas Lukacinsky
With the many problems in our society and around the world, to use the word fraternalism would be to many an unknown word. However, fraternal organizations do exist. They are groups united by a common interest promoting family togetherness, brotherly concern, and overall care and compassion for its members and their surrounding communities.
One example, in which I have been a member since birth, would be the Polish Union of the U.S.A. Growing for more than 111 years, my family membership goes back to my great-great grandparents, aunts and uncles. We are 100% Polish Union members. What I’ve learned over the years is their commitment to family, to charity, and most importantly to tradition and family heritage. So many families lose sight of what or where they came from. To be a part of an organization which promotes such unity is something to be proud of.
Fraternalism therefore is about many things to each person. First of all, it is about becoming a member and experiencing the many opportunities the fraternal promotes. The educational seminars, the community involvement, the get-togethers at the many picnics, parties for children, and the holiday custom socials are just a part of what fraternalism means to me. It is about helping and being involved in a cause. Whether the cause is large or small, just the fact that you are involved makes it special.
As I head off to college very shortly, I cannot help but think about growing up over the years and taking part in the many children’s activities at the Polish Union. There were always the Christmas parties and meeting Santa personally. Of course, the Easter Bunny always came with his many chocolates to eat and enjoy. Halloween treats, fun and games each and every year for many years provided that special day we all could dress up. These are just a few of the many treats the children of the fraternal enjoyed.
During my teen years I became involved in the debutante ball program as an escort for the very excited young lady who gets presented to society by her dad during the annual ball. It was a special event where we formally dressed, tux and gown, and learned to dance the traditional waltz that was performed at the ball. This event was all about tradition, about togetherness, about meeting new people and making friends. It was about best wishes for the teens in our society. It was about making a difference. This is what fraternalism is.
Over the years I have witnessed many events the adult members enjoyed also. There were cooking classes, egg decorating, various travel events that many adults enjoyed and learned new things. Again, it is the connection, the closeness, and the involvement that keeps people of all ages committed to a cause - a fraternal cause.
I am very proud to be part of an organization, a fraternal that truly cares about its members and the people in the community. It has taught me about leadership and involvement. With the start of my college days approaching very shortly, I can only hope that my background, my upbringing and participation in the fraternal events will only enhance my performance in college. I have chosen a profession in the health care field and my goal is to be able to work with people in a kind and caring environment.
As we all continue to learn and enjoy life, my wish is that we all do it in a brotherly or fraternal way. May the fraternal organizations continue to strive and promote tradition, togetherness and security for all, for many more years to come.
Peter Purcilly, a member of Polish Union Group 358, marked his 95th birthday surrounded by a very extended family. Born February 1, 1907 he was the recipient of a grand party hosted by his children and grandchildren. The resident of Royal Oak Michigan remains very active and enjoys his family.
Our sincerest wishes for continued health and many more years of Polish Union membership.
The History And Features Of Our Home Office Building
The Home Office Building of the Polish Union
of U.S.A. is located at 53-59 North Main Street in Downtown Wilkes-Barre,
Pa. While it serves as the central office for the operations of the
fraternal, its very construction was symbolic of our rich Polish heritage
and the future and present of the Polish American community. We offer a
brief history and portrait of this grand structure which was prepared by
Office Staff member Chris Pagoda. She put together this tract for the
recent visit of Chicago delegates to the Home Office..
In l936 by action of the Board of Directors for the Polish Union of’ USA,
final plans were completed for a two-story structure on the site of 53-59
North Main Street. Architect Joseph E Fronczak of Buffalo NY designed the
building and construction was by Architect Anthony Grosek, Plains Pa. It
was designed and constructed to accommodate an additional three stories if
required. The cost of the building established in the contract was
for $ 79,238.00. The building is constructed of Indiana limestone, granite
and brick, with frontage of 77’ and depth of 89’. The building was
dedicated on June 5, 1938.
There are decorative pilasters by each doorway
and ends of the building front. The White Eagle, symbol of Poland, is over
the Central doorway of the building. ‘There is an ornamental frieze
between doors and near the top of the building. Oak doors and oak trim can
be found throughout the building.
3rd May, 1791 Remembrance - A picture depicting various scenes related to
the 3rd of May, 1791 Constitution of Poland can be found on the first
landing in the foyer.
Stained Glass Window
Located in the front of the building represents an allegorical concept of
the rebirth of Poland following World War I. The window was erected as a
Perpetual Reminder of the Polish Union’s commitment to preserve the
history, culture, religion and heritage of Poland amongst its membership.
The words “In honor and Glory of the reborn fatherland” are inscribed
under the picture.
Symbolic elements portrayed in the window include:
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The winged figure of a knight clad in armor, but garbed with a white cloak of the guardian of peace, rises majestically over the slain dragon of despotism and tyranny.
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The wings of the figure are the wings of the White Eagle.
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The broken shackles signify the newly acquired freedom.
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The shield represents the victorious Polish legions.
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The sword - “Szczerbiec” is the symbol of bravery and Polish courage.
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The laurel wreath signifies the reward of a glorious victory.
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The rainbow evolving from the coats of arms for the United Stales of America and Poland reveals the alliance and hopes maintained by these nations for generations.
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The radiance of this white figure on a background of red, depicting the national coat of arms, reflects the honor and glory of the rebirth of the fatherland.
The white spiral border on a background of blue represents the Polish army.
2nd Floor Foyer
An Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness John Paul II dated October 1978 is
displayed in the foyer.
The present picture of the Board of Directors of the Polish Union is
scheduled to be updated soon since the completion of the 2002 Convention.
Library
The refurnished library holds over 300 books used for reference on Polish
History, Culture and Language. It is also used a meeting room for the
Executive Committee and various other committees that meet at the Polish
Union.
General Office
This includes a private office for the General Secretary and open office
for the two full time office staff members. A large area is available as a
luncheon area and work space when needed for mailings and special
projects.
Board Room
The elegant boardroom is illuminated by soft indirect lighting. there are
160 light bulbs in the ceiling; there is a little niche carved for each
light bulb.
The walls arc of solid oak paneling. A fireplace on the inside wall
has a bas-relief carving made of limestone, of the White Eagle symbol of
Poland, set above the mantle. The Conference table 16’ in length and
red leather padded chairs are made of solid cherry.
Pictures on the wall include:
His Holiness Pope John Paul II; Rt. Rcv. Msgr. Dominic Majer- founder Emil
Malinowski-President 1918-1921 & 1927- 1933 Dr Edward J. Kielar M.D. -
Medical Examiner 1933-1985 B.C. Rydzewski - Treasurer 1944- 1968 Most Rev.
Stefan Woznicki - Bishop of Detroit Rt. Rev. Msgr. S F. Szpotanski -
Chaplain 1924- 1943 Stanley Warakomski - General Secretary 1923- 1961
Atty. Sidney Grabowski - President; Alice Meredick - Vice President Framed
copy of the US Constitution; Ignacy Paderewski - President of Poland,
Composer and Honorary Member; John Cardinal Krol - Honorary Member,
celebrated Polish Union’s 100th Anniversary Mass in 1990.
Basement
Following the Agnes Flood of 1972, the basement was completely renovated.
Recreation Room
The recreation room has a Wet Bar and Stage. Seating capacity is
approximately for 60 and standing room for cocktails approximately 100.
Community Room
The Community Room is the site of various classes, seminars and social
affairs sponsored by the Polish Union.
A mural of Polish Union of USA on one wall depicts the various affairs,
classes and seminars sponsored by the Polish Union and also a depiction of
the Polish Union Building.
Two other murals depict a typical Polish Farm setting in the countryside
and ladies and gentlemen in typical Polish Costumes. These murals were
donated by a member of Group # 392 from the Madam Curie Society.
Hallway
Displays various pictures including those of Conventions - Wilkes Barre
1906, Milwaukee 1912, Pittsburgh 1921, Detroit 1937 and Chicago 1950.
Kitchen
The kitchen has full facilities for preparation and storage of meals.
There are also four retail units on the first floor and one unit on the second (floor. Three units are presently rented out on the first floor. The rental unit on the second floor was previously used as offices for the Attorney, Medical Examiner and Editor of the newspaper. Negotiations are presently being conducted to rent out the second floor unit. The first floor unit is also being looked at by potential customers. The income generated from the rental units helps the building maintain its status as a sound financial asset.