Fraternal Journal


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July-August, 2004 Index:

Letter From the President
Pagoda to Lead Paper and Publicity Efforts
Scholarships for Pennsylvania Members
In Memoriam
Maria Simone Namowicz to Chair Deb Ball
Coffee Klatch with P.K.
News from Chicagoland
Family Bowling Night
Join our Family Activities
Candidates for Ms. Polish Union 2005
Polkafest 2004

From President Rose Wartko...

Help for Your Life's Events

Time is very valuable, as we all know. There are different functions that we attend, are involved in, and care about. Yet, everyone’s life is full of many events that Polish Union can be very helpful with. It could be anew baby in the family, a first Holy Communion, a graduation, a wedding, or a funeral. Imagine Polish Union products being the answer to the participant of these events.

With this issue the Polish Union reminds everyone of its 3-year-plan available to all our members. It covers the ages of 0 to 80. Many of our members do not have enough insurance for funeral expenses, much less to help ease the financial burden of the family at a time of loss. This new plan offers a wonderful opportunity to increase your insurance coverage. Please contact your Group Secretary or the Home Office for more information about this plan or any of those in our portfolio.

Polish Union is a Fraternal Society which means that unlike commercial insurance companies, Polish Union members stand to benefit much more from membership. We offer fraternal insurance which besides providing life insurance, also offers benefits such as our scholarship program; debutante ball; holiday parties and community projects. However, to receive these benefits a person must be a member of our Polish Union of U.S.A.

Remember, our plans of insurance are competitive and are backed by our 114-year-history. Our members are more than just numbers. If you need to increase your insurance, please contact your Group Secretary or the Home office and they will be more and ready to help you.

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Pagoda to Lead Paper and Publicity Efforts

Christine Pagoda of the Home Office Staff, has been named Public Relations Coordinator by the Polish Union Executive Committee. The expanded duties include the production of the Fraternal Journal where she will ensure all important dates and activities are listed. She will also help publicize Polish Union events in other area newspapers.

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Scholarships for Pennsylvania Members

The Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress will again award at least one $500 scholarship and possibly more if funds permit for the 2004-2005 academic year.
Applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania and a member of a Fraternal Benefit Society that is a member of the Penna. Fraternal Congress, (Polish Union of U.S.A. is one).

Applicants must also be a 2004 High School Graduate attending an accredited college, university, trade school, etc. in the summer/fall of 2004 as a full-time student (twelve semester credits). Proof of attendance must be submitted with application.
In addition a letter of recommendation must be obtained from the candidate’s fraternal society and the candidate must write a 500 word essayon a designated topic.

Completed applications must be postmarked no later than September 1, 2004. Applications can be obtained by writing or phoning the Polish Union of U.S.A.

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In Memoriam

Our sympathy to the families of recently deceased members of Polish Union of U.S.A.

Group, Member, City:
Group Member City
321 Merle Noler Swoyersville, PA
321 Jozef Kotarski Garden City, MI
240 Helena Michalczyk Garfield Hts, OH
73 Marjanna Collins Bridgeport, CT
155 Micheal Reckage South River, NJ
400 Ann Mulkierin Dunmore, PA
258 Czeslaw Sobczak Schaumburg, IL
401 Helena Hniatiak Wilmington, DE
155 Wladyslaw Slaski South River, NJ
74 Leona Fiedorczyk Wilkes-Barre, PA
207 Anna Chervinak Dickson City, PA
385 Ignacy Bugajski Arlington Hgt, IL
73 Leon Filar Cranberry Twp., PA
405 David Sutnavage Wilkes-Barre, PA
100 Wojciech Wolak (George) Old Forge, PA
189 dorothy M. Bujno Rockville, MD
131 Anastazya Teter Jackson, PA
206 Annette Georgick Dupont, PA
258 Valeria Ballobin Bellevue, NE
131 Chester Kulesza Iselin, NJ
395 Dolores P. Oconnor N. Caldwell, NJ
405 Marta Drust Iselin, NJ
74 Margaret Kirkutis Plains, GA

May the Souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

A Mass for deceased members is celebrated monthly by Msgr. Bernard J. Toloczko, Chaplain of the Polish Union of U.S.A.

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Maria Simone Namowicz to Chair Debutante Ball

Ms. Polish Union of USA 2004, Maria Simone Namowicz, will chair the upcoming debutante Ball. Maria will be a Senior at Bishop Hoban High School and is a member of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Nanticoke. Maria is the daughter of Peter and Denise Namowicz of Nanticoke, PA.

Maria has announced that meetings for this year’s event will continue through the summer and asks if anyone is interested in serving on a committee for the affair to please contact Terri Rumensky, Activities Coordinator. The Ball will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2004 at the Best Western Genetti Hotel in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Music will be provided by “The Poets”.

All female Polish Union Members between the ages of 15 and 19 are asked to apply for a Debutante application by contacting the Home Office (570) 823-1611.

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Coffee Klatch with P.K.

Dzien Dobre!  Welcome to my kitchen. Summer is here and the ice coffee and mint tea are ready along with the melons as a dessert. We are having our annual garden party. The crowd is much larger than usual. As the guests browse through the rose garden and fountain waterfalls, they gather to enjoy the beauty of the nature they are viewing. Each of them seem to be enjoying nature more than ever before. I asked all of them to think about how they can make this summer different and special for their family and friends this year. Here are some of the ideas my guests had in mind as they surrounded the table for discussion.

Jane started by saying we should contact family members, especially grandparents. If you can’t reach them in person, do it by phone or letter. Tess wants to invite someone who does not have family close by to join them in a cookout or two and have conversations. Dan suggested that when the entire family is present for a cookout, to bury a family time capsule in the back yard that would contain written messages from each family member and enclose family photos. The capsule could be open in ten or fifteen years, or less at a festive family reunion. Don’t forget to record where the capsule is buried.

Remember we all have problems so try not to dwell on them at family cookouts or reunions. The best way to do this is to think of others and not ourselves. Forget our own self-centered problems just for one day. I suggested to forget your child’s or mate’s most undesirable characteristics, but instead center around their accomplishments or something nice or good they did. Maybe then, those wonderful cookouts this summer will be filled with a little more joy than usual. And, the hamburgers and hot dogs will taste better than usual.

Salt vs. Bones: Creighton University School of Medicine researchers found that too much salt may increase your risk of osteoporosis. To offset sodium-induced calcium loss, consider taking calcium supplements (with vitamin D) and cutting back on salt-rich processed foods.

Folic Acid Update: Noted also by the Creighton University School of Medicine researchers found that folic cid has been shown to alleviate depression. However, don’t take doses higher than 200 mcg. Or it may have toxic effects.

Protect Your Kids Against Pesticides: Insecticides and herbicides can do wonders for your yard, however; a recent study linked them to malignant tumors of the connective tissue in children. While one study is not conclusive proof, Ruth Etzil, MK, of American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends that parents take precautions when using theses products. If kids run around on the grass after lawn chemi cals were applied, the chemical can get absorbed through exposed skin and cause chemical poisoning. A child suffering from such chemical poisoning will have a lot of saliva and tears and may urinate frequently or have diarrhea. If noticed, call the doctor immediately.

The Awesome Power of Prayer: George Plagenz reports a story of Dr. Richard Cobot, of the Harvard Medical School, who believed in the healing power of God. In one of his books, he told a story of a 64 year old man who was struck by a car and died within an hour after arriving at the hospital. His family said he was never sick a day in his life. At the autopsy, Cabot stated that this man had four fatal diseases inside him, none of which had ever done him harm. The diseases had either healed themselves or the body found new ways to carry on the function of the diseased organs. Also, mind and body physicians Dr. Larry Dossey and Dr. Herbert Benson, Harvard’s best selling authors, claim that research has convinced them that the healing power of prayer is not confined to the one doing the praying.

When people enter a prayerful state of mind, good things happen not only to them but to those they pray for. This suggests that some part of us can extend through time and space. Believers have known all along that prayer can work at a distance and go through closed doors to reach others. The old-fashioned name for it is “intercessory prayer.”

Dear P.K.:
I am 52 and always thought I was attractive and never lacked male attention when younger. My husband tells me I’m attractive, but I can’t stand the lines under my eyes and the facial sag I am noticing. The gray hairs are also disturbing. I hate this getting old feeling and my morale is getting me down. Any suggestions?

—Kay

Dear Kay:
You are giving to much attention to your still young age. It is you that is giving power to those few lines and gray hair. Replace those hurtful comparisons with thoughts of seeing yourself as the beautiful person you truly are. Remember beauty can deepen with age. Confidence may be the best beauty secret ever. In the mean time, get a new hairdo and color the gray. Get a facial and some eye concealers and a more sexy shade of lipstick. While you are at it, get a “funky” pair of shoes and some practical “in” line of clothing for the season, and enjoy your life.

—P.K.

Strictly Personal - Birthday Greetings to: Bernard Kolodziej and grandson Jacob; Loretta Chiskowski, Terri and Peter Rumensky, Al Bogusko, Jack Bednarski, Florence Lohman, Alicia Meredick, Geri Sherwood, Olga Smith, Dorothy Zukoski and or course, Msgr; Bernard Toloczko....Anniversary greetings to Kathy Donovan and hubby. . . . Sincerest condolences to Sophie Dubiak on the loss of her dear husband, William.

(Note: if you wish your birthday or anniversary or any other event mentioned in Koffee Klatch, please inform me)..

Please keep on sending me your letters and comments. I also enjoy your calls. Write: P.K., 17 Laurel Drive, Scranton, PA 18505..

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News from Chicagoland

Group 275 Report

On May 22, Emily Wisinski danced in her first recital. The 3-year-old group danced to “Mr. Sandman” with their teddy bears. The second dance was to “Dance with My Father”. Tom Wisinski and Emily in their first dance recital together. Congratulations!

Happy Birthday in July to: Margaret Antene, Thomas Bednarke, Jennifer Cybulski, Mary Glusak, John Krejczyk, Anna Krydynski, John Liszka, Jonathan Majka, Helen Malinowski, Kevin Michalec, Patricia Moskal, Joshua Piet, Lottie Puzio, Joan Roman, Kimberly Ryan, Robert Udziela, Anna Waner, and to Barbara (Orolow) Strahl, happy 65th and to Thomas J. Wisinski, President of Group 275, happy 40th.

Celebrating Birthdays in August: Kevin Antene, Karen Blizniak, Jesus Cardona, Dennis Deptula, Alice Dziedzic, Robert Gabriel, Helen Babryel, Bernice Gorz, Maureen Goulding, Audrey Grand, Helen Halaj, Helena Kosinska, Adam Kotlarczyk, Christine Kotlarczyk, Douglas Kotlarczyk, Dawn Krejczyk, Danielle Luna, Micael Mcevilly, Bonaven Nawrocki, Michael Neuman, Frank Novak, Brian Patoska, Douglas Platt, Terrance Radek, Joan Sims, Carol Trzebiatowski, Karol Zielinski and Jacqueline Zielinski.

Welcome to our newest member, Heather Dzialowy.

To enroll new members call Group Secretary Joan Wisinski at 708-361-4180. A great gift for your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Do you carry enough insurance to protect your family? Consider a Polish Union Insurance Policy for Christenings, communions, confirmations, graduations, birthdays, etc.

Any news about a pecial occasion in your family, call Joan Wisinski.

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The Young Adult Committee of the Polish Union
Presents An Event To Benefit St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton
Family Bowling Night

Tuesday, August 3rd — 6 - 9 p.m.
Chacko’s Family Bowling Center
195 North Wilkes-Barre Blvd., Wilkes-Barre

Children: $2.50 per game • Adults $3.50 per game with free rentals!
Slice of Pizza and Soda Provided By The Polish Union
Free Drawing That Night
Automatic Strikes in 3rd, 6th and 9th Frames!
Bumpers For Lanes Available
Call the Polish Union of U.S.A. at (570) 823-1611 to Reserve a Lane
Event open to Members and Non-Members

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Join our Family Activities

Members are entitled to participate in all educational, cultural, civic and social activities sponsored by Polish Union of USA. The following activities are yours for the taking. They are designed for all ages. We urge you and your family to participate in them.

September:

  • 19th Mini Convention and Crowning of Miss Polish Union 2005 Convention Hall, Pittston, PA.

October:

  • 3rd Pulaski Parade Bus Trip to Philadelphia, PA. . . 22-24

  • Polka Fest Scranton Cultural Center . . . 29th

  • Children’s Halloween Party 6 pm, Polish Union Community Room, 53-59 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA. . . . 30th

  • Children’s Halloween Party 1 pm, Sacred Heart School, 1217 Prospect Ave., Scranton PA.

November:

  • 20th, Annual Debutante Ball 6:30pm - Chairperson: Maria Simone Namowicz, Miss Polish Union USA 2004 at Genetti’s in Wilkes-Barre. Entertainment by the “Poets” . . . To Be Announced

  • Christmas Craft Classes Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, . . . 27th 29th

  • Annual Holiday Fair Luzerne County Court House, Wilkes-Barre, PA.  Sponsored by Heritage Council of Northeast PA

December:

  • 4th Children’s Christmas Party 1 pm, Sacred Heart School, 1217 Prospect Ave., Scranton PA . . . 11th

  • Children’s Christmas Party 1pm, Polish Union Community Room, 53-59 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA.

All Dates and Times Are Subject To Change. For the latest revisions or additions, or to register on-line go to www.PolishUnionUSA.com

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Seeking Candidates For Miss Polish Union, 2005

A new “Miss Polish Union, 2005” will be selected soon. Any girl between the ages of 15-19 is eligible to reign as “Miss Polish Union.” The Home Office is in the process of mailing invitations to known eligible ladies, but we do not want to miss anyone.

If your daughter, niece or granddaughter is eligible and interested, please send a recent photo of her and some background information about her to the Activities Committee, c/o Polish Union of USA, P.O. Box 660, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703 by July 30, 2004.

The crowning of “Miss Polish Union” and her court, comprised of the runners-up will take place on Sunday, September 19th, 2004 at Convention Hall in Pittston as a part of Polish Union’s 2004 Mini-Convention.

“Miss Polish Union” will partake in various activities throughout the year, including area parades, Wafer Supper, Children’s Christmas and Easter parties, Easterfare, St. Joseph’s Party and other activities.

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Scranton Cultural Center Hosts
POLKAFEST 2004
Polish Union To Be A Part Of The Fun

Activities

Friday, October 22
7 - 9 p.m. — Voloshky Ukranian Dance Ensemble
All seats $8 — Advance Sales: $5
All persons require a ticket for this mainstage performance.
9 - 11 p.m. — Stanky and the Coalminers
Admission $4 — Advance Sales: $3
Fun and festivity in the newly renovated Grand Ballroom. Cash bar and Chicken Dance Contest
Best Chicken Dance Couple takes hom $100 and a trophy!

Saturday, October 23
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Jolly Joe & The Bavarians
Youth Activities — Shopland Hall — Free Community Event
Storytelling • Games for Kids • Arts and Crafts • Chicken Dance
Tickets for Saturday are $20 at the door / $17 in advance
Grand Ballroom Entertainment
1-3 p.m. — R.B.O. Band
WVIA will tape a “Pennsylvania Polka” program
4 - 6 p.m. — Lynn Marie & The Boxhounds
Three-time Grammy Award nominee!
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. — Ed Forman Polka Band
Live WVIA “Pennsylvania Polka” program—Be on TV
9:30 - 11 p.m. — Lynn Marie and The Boxhounds
“This is not your grandfather’s polka” —US WeeklyMagazine

Sunday, October 24
Polish Heritage Mass—at Noon
St. Peter’s Cathedral—Scranton
Admission is free. Arrive early for best seating
Grand Ballroom
Tickets $5 at the door — $4 in advance
Polka Quads 1:30 - 6 p.m.
Polka Dance Contest 1:30 p.m.
Win Cash Prizes!
Best Pierogi in PA Contest 3 - 5 p.m.
Win Cash Prizes, Bragging Rights and Ribbon!

BEST DEAL: Weekend Pass $25 advance $30 at door
Children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Ethnic Foods • Trolley Rides • Coal Mine Tours • Crafts
Hotel Packages Beginning at $86 per person
Call 1-800-22-WELCOME
Online at: www.visitnepa.org

October is Polish American Heritage Month

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