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In Grateful Remembrance of Pope John Paul II 1920—2005 May His Efforts on Behalf of The Church,The World, Poland and Polonia Inspire Us In Our Work and Earn Him The Recognition He So Richly Deserves, On Earth and in Heaven. And We Welcome His Faithful Successor Pope Benedict XVI As He Takes Up The Leadership of the Church |
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A Life Lived Well It is hard to find a person of Polish descent over the age of 35 who can’t remember exactly where they were when on October 16. 1978, they heard the news that Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Poland had been chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church. For those under age 35, it must seem that a Pole has always been the pope as he presided over an unprecedented papacy that spanned 26 years. Truly the first modern pope to utilize both modern means of transportation and communication, he shaped the expectations for the papacy for generations to come. Shaped by personal tragedy, the brutal Nazi occupation of Poland, and then the communist domination of his native land, Karol Wojtyla became a very introspective and humble soul. But, he clearly understood how to inspire those around him and how to rely on his deep faith to guide him and the decisions he would make. He showed the world the two sides of the papacy, the one inspired by the Holy Spirit, able to make decisions based upon moral principle and not opinion polls, and the humanity of the man in the white cassock, through his pilgrimages around the world, to his love of skiing and hiking and his extreme interest in the future, especially through the spiritual development of youth. His personal examples forced many political figures and the public to review commonly held precepts. An outspoken critic of capital punishment, he visited and forgave the man who nearly succeeded in assassinating him in 1981. A constant advocate of the sanctity of all life he carried on a grueling schedule despite Parkinson’s disease and other age-related infirmities. And, while he is associated with the fall of communism in Europe, he also must be remembered as a critic of rampant commercialism. His outreach to believers and non-believers set the tone for much improved relations among the denominations of the world. During his papacy 87 nations established diplomatic relations with the Vatican for the first time. He strengthened the bonds between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He used his childhood experience of growing up with Jews to warm relations. And, with growing world-wide Islamic fundamentalism, he was able to gain the respect of many Muslim leaders as well. In his own church, he clearly defined its role and the obligations of a practicing Catholic. While allowing the church to preach Christian principles that led to the fall of communism in Poland, he put restrictions on direct involvement of the clergy in political action such as the “Liberation Theology” experiments in South and Central America. His firm hand and guidance is sure to be a strong influence on his successor, Benedict XVI and beyond. And his contributions to religious understanding and devotion will continue to inspire and challenge us all as long as we too are alive. While we feel lose at his passing, we remember his life was dedicated to guiding us towards our end and the life to come. Milestones Of John Paul II’s Papacy |
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We are Very "Solid" Financially - Certificate Solvency is 143.09%
Each year, the staff of CPS Actuaries of Stamford, Conn., draw up a Valuation Report, part of the Annual Statement of Polish Union of USA which is filed with the State Insurance Departments where Polish Union is licensed.
The Annual Statement prepared by our CPA is a very important requirement of the State Insurance Departments. and must be filed promptly each year if the Polish Union is to continue doing business in the States where it is licensed.
The Valuation Report of the Polish Union contains valuable information concerning the state of solvency of its certificates in force.
The law requires that fraternals must be on a full 100 percent solvency.
A Valuation Report is an indication of the ability of the fraternal to pay the benefits promised under its certificates without change in benefits or in rates of contribution, and each fraternal shall be held to be legally solvent as long as the funds belonging to the fraternal are equal to or in excess of its matured liabilities.
On the basis of the Valuation Report for 2004 currently filed with the State Insurance Departments, the ratio of assets to liabilities of Polish Union of U.S.A. is 143.09% or 43.09% above the statutory standards. This is a test of the Polish Union’s ability to meet all of its present and future obligations.
An excellent report such as this is further evidence of the efficient and sound administrative policies of the Officers and Board of Directors. It is also, all the reason why we should continue investing our life insurance funds in the Polish Union of U.S.A. by inducing our relatives and friends to join the Polish Union of U.S.A. Also, not to cash surrender any Polish Union Certificates.
It is with great pride that we submit Polish Union’s Valuation Report of our reserves and surplus as prepared by CPS Actuaries of Stamford, Conn.
TO: Officers & Board Members of Polish Union of U.S.A.
FROM: CPS Actuaries, Stamford, Conn.
DATE: March 24, 2005
This will certify that we have completed a valuation of the outstanding certificates of the Society as of December 31, 2004 according to the schedules of insurance submitted to us, and have found the reserves to be as follows:
1941 CSO 3% 904,093
1980 CET 41¼2% 68,120
1980 CSO 41¼2% 1,610,772
1980 CSO 5% 642,253
1980 CSO 51¼2% 368,823
American Experience 3% 849,143
AM 3% 889,193
AM (5) 3% 124,349
Deficient Premiums Reserve 3,006
Non-Deduction of Deferred Premiumus 13,186
Unearned Premium Reserve 46,102
Adjustment for 1st of Month Dating 10,649
For AIDS Risk 18,100
Immediate Payment of Claims Reserve 104,655
Total Life Reserve $5,652,444
The Society’s valuation indicated that on the bases specified above, the future assessments of the Society, at the net rates then being collected, together with the admitted assets as they appeared in the Society’s 2004 annual statement, were sufficient to meet all certificates as they mature by their terms with a surplus of $2,870,934 (or 43.09%) above the statutory standards.
Ratios of assets to liabilities: 2004—143.09%; 2003—148.7%; 2002—155.4%; 2001 - 163.4%; 2000—169.2%
Seeking Candidates for Ms. Polish Union 2006
A new “Miss Polish Union, 2006” will be crowned soon. Any female member 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 August 12, 2005. Applications are available at the Home Office.
The crowning of “Miss Polish Union” and her court, comprised of the runners-up will take place on Sunday, September 18 at the Women’s Division #5 meeting to be held at the “After Five” Supper Club
“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.
The following sponsors or recommenders have enrolled new members whose application for membership in the Polish Union of U.S.A. were approved for the months of March and April, 2005.
Group, Licensed Agent or Sponsor, Number of Members, Amount of Insurance
District 1, Pennsylvania :
51 Anthony Strzelecki 1 9,000
70 Linda Howell 4 60,000
70 William Giebus 1 5,000
227 Chester Tracewski 2 10,000
293 Prospine K. Dende 2 7,000
320 Maryann Arnold 2 7,500
392 Carolyn Bednarski 4 35,000
395 Loretta Chiskowski 1 5,000
400 Rose Wartko 1 5,000
405 John Bednarski 1 20,000
407 Norbert Dembinski 4 80,000
TOTAL DIST. 1 23 $243,500
District 2, Illinois :
258 Kathleen Rosner 3 9,000
TOTAL DIST. 2 3 $9,000
Grand Total 26 $252,500
Our sympathy to the families of recently deceased members of Polish Union of U.S.A.
Group, Member, City:
Group Member City
385 Matthew Guzik Winfield, IL
395 Eleanor Darmofal Scranton, PA
182 Aniela Glaz Oil City, PA
270 Robert Lis Camp Hill, PA
131 Emilia Yankowski Nanticoke, PA
131 Marya Bobrowska Louisville, KY
3 Paulina Grady San Jose, CA
401 Stanislaw Jarusik Frenchburg, KY
163 Joanna Malecki Peckville, PA
73 Leokadya Brunetto Bayside, Queens, NY
258 Edward Wrona Chicago, IL
131 Edward Novick Nanticoke, PA
70 Chester Nowicki Linden, NJ
400 Felix Castanzi Scranton, PA
74 Floryanna Waslin Wilkes-Barre, PA
401 Jan Dedura Stamford, CT
182 Albert G. Potasnik Johnstown, PA
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.
Meseroll Spreads Magic Through the Community
Tom Meserool of souther California is the grandson of the late Sidney Grabowski who was the President of the Polish Union for many years. When he is not working as a Director of Systems Engineering at Boeing Satellite Systems he enjoys practicing magic, a love of his since childhood.
Recently he performed for children with cancer and Boeing wrote the following article about him which appeared in the Boeing paper as well as the monthly magazine from the Society of American Magicians.
More than 30 years after Tom Meseroll first adopted the magician’s creed, performing still holds a captivating appeal for performer and audience alike.
Among those awed by his mastery of magic are children stricken with cancer and other ailments at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, to whom, Meseroll, Director of Boeing Satellite Systems Engineering, offered a diversion last month during the holiday season.
“I take their minds of their troubles for a while and make them smile,” he said. He recalled arcing a ball of light around a young girl’s head, eventually “passing” it through. “Something sticky is going through my head,” she said happily.
Combining magic with his black-belt proficiency in martial arts, Meseroll puts on an energetic show aswirl in swords, lights, and rapid-fire tricks. “I really enjoy the immediacy of an audience’s reaction,” he said. “I love the curiosity and amazement: ‘That’s impossible. You can’t do that.’”
Meseroll has been levitating people, dancing with swords, and making cards and coins disappear and reappear since he was 12. Inspired in his teen years by the likes of Doug Henning and David Copperfield, he worked parties and other events, building his repertoire and even wangling a gig with noted performers Penn and Teller. Moving from his native New Jersey in the early 1980s to attend the University of California at Los Angeles and eventually join Boeing, he gave up his East Coast roots but not his devotion to magic. He has performed before up to 400 fellow employees at numerous company holiday functions over the years. Last month he took 75 system engineers to the exclusive Magic Castle in Hollywood for lunch and a private magic show.
Between work and family obligations, Meseroll stays sharp by mingling with his peers at the Magic Castle and other venues. He entertains his young children and their friends and enlivens staff meetings with an occasional card trick. He is a member of the Academy of Magical Arts and other international associations.
Magic has its hairy moments for Meseroll-such as using a samurai sword while blindfolded to slice a watermelon in half on his prostrate boss’s stomach-but has lost none of its appeal. “It”s just like when I started all those years ago. It’s great that I can still amaze an audience and enjoy myself too,” he said.
Dzien Dobry! Welcome to my kitchen. It is a cool day. The coffee has a delightful aroma, and the strawberry tarts, and spring cookies are ready. As our guests head for the refreshment table, a variety of emotions are obviously filling the minds of our guests. . . It is a sad day for all of us. . . today is the day our beloved Pope John Paul II left us on this earth to join our heavenly Father in heaven. Of course, we all know he will always be here in spirit. John Paul loved us. Surely he will be a saint. Since sadness fills all our hearts, I cannot forget that this column comes between Mothers Day and Father’s Day, therefore, I would like to tell you a mother day story, and a father day story. I think of every year at this time. . . the stories are very sad, but, since we are sad anyway, it is very fitting. A 75-year-old mother was having a birthday tomorrow. Her children rarely kept in touch with her, even though they lived in the same city. . . . she thought surely they would come on her birthday. . . so she ordered a cake. the following day, she made some tea and had the cake on the table for her kids and her to enjoy. . . the day came and she waited. . . three o’clock, came, 4 and 5 and 7 and 8 p.m. came and no one came. She sat on the porch for another hour but no one came. . . and as she put her nightgown on she thought, “How could they forget”?
The next story is about a spoiled young man, who was lucky to have a dad who was a comfortably successful business man. The boy was graduating from high school in a week and told his dad he wanted a convertible for his graduation. The father noticed that the son always had everything and the dad wanted the boy to know and appreciate the Lord more. So, on graduation day the father gave the boy a beautiful bible. . . The son was very angry and threw the bible down and informed the dad that he would never see him again and went away. Two years passed, and then the son got a message that his father passed away. The son went home, and decided to go to his old bedroom. As he walked in, he noticed the bible on the bed just the way he threw it. . . The son sat on the bed and opened the bible for the first time, and inside the bible he found a check for a new car
About Martha Stewart Seems that our Martha Stewart has become a much nicer person since her departure from prison. . . Sometimes we need a little “time-out” to realize the gifts God has given us and to use these gifts in a kind and giving way. We love the new Martha. . . she’s a great gal and we Poles are very proud of her.
Dear P.K.
I am very upset and wonder if I am out of line or not. The problem is my children’s friends. . . They visit th e house to play with or visit my children ages 8 -15. . I have always taken pride in manners, please and thank-you. These kids leave a mess and don’t clean up. I am afraid to request anything from them, because they are my kids’ friends and don’t want to embarrass my children. Am I wrong to want politeness or is it something of the past?
—Nora
Dear Nora,
No it is not something of the past, but something very much of the present. It is time to tell your children to take some responsibility, by telling their friends they all must clean up. If their parents didn’t teach them this, then your children should mention that you are strong on manners. . . and please and thank-you are part of your household vocabulary. . . Good luck
—P.K.
GEORGE BUSH when you rearrange the letters of his name you can get some interesting results such as: HE BUGS GORE; For The Morse Code—Here Come Dot; For Slot Machines—Cash Lost In Me; For Mother-in-Law—Woman Hitler; For Earthquakes—That Queer Shake; For A Decimal Point—I’m A Dot In Place.
College Hazing This practice which started years ago, as a simple practice, has turned into a deadly and unbelievable practice. Students who wish to enter a fraternity must do unbelievable tasks such as drink a fifth of liquor, beat up people brutally, eat live fish, etc. They must do tasks we Americans would be ashamed of. . . and for what? Just to join a group of guys or gals (in their equal groups). I, and many others agree this practice of hazing should be abolished in America. . . because it has gotten out of hand. This is the time when students should rebel. . . Pickets and rebellion often win. . . so why not do it now before more students lose their lives with this terrible, disgraceful practice. Every honorable college should check the practices of hazing on their campuses.
Strictly Personal: birthday greetings to: Rose Wartko, Helen Lushinski, Alice Czyzyk. Special prayers go to John Paul II although I am not going to pray for him, I am going to pray to him. . . Anniversary greetings to Terri and Peter Rumensky, and to Charles & Helen Klem on their 50th on May 15th. Sto lat!
Special Notice: Miss Sarah Polk, former Miss Polish Union and a student of LaSalle University, will take a lead in the production of Cabaret which will be presented April 27-May 8.
- Send your gripes, questions and anything you want me to publish to: PK, 17 Laurel Drive, Scranton, PA 18505.
- Nicole Dawn Bienkowski, a member of Polish Union Group 395, is the daughter of Marie and Donald Bienkowski, has accepted a position at Ware and Malcomb in Irvine, CA. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, Gainesville and holds a Masters in Architecture from Texas A & M, College Station TX. The Polish Union joins Nicole’s brothers, Bret and Matthew and her grandmother, Mildred Zvonchenko on her most recent achievement.
- Dave Wolak, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wolak and grandson of Dorothy Zukoski, became the Bassmaster Rookie of the Year and will participate in the Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh. He also became eligible for the Elite Bassmaster. At age 28, Wolak is still considered young by bass fishing standards. He grew up in Scranton and apart from tournament travel, he always lived within a 20-mile radius of his hometown, where he lives with his wife. He began competitive fishing at age 15 and joined the Bass Tournament Trail three years ago.
Group 275 Report
Happy Mothers Day on May 8 to all our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers and all.
Celebrating Birthdays in May are: Adeline Fudala, Zofia Hazel, Michael Kotlarczyk, Thomas Kotlarczyk, Evelyn Martynowicz, Joseph McAdrian, Elizabeth Migut, Irene Pencak, Leanna Pittman, Mary Podrazik, Bernice Radek, Karen Roman, Chester Sendra, Scott Sims, Philip Strenski and Zofia Wojcik.
June Birthdays: Jonathan Cagle, Kardice Cardona, Jamie Dzialowy, Brighton Ferris, Jessie Ferris, Donna Gabriel, Peter Hiero, David Kotlarczyk, John Kotlarczyk, John Kusek, Theresa Laboda, Diane Martin, Raymond Migut, Patrick & Rachelle Nirchi, Florence Olczewski, Sarah Pittman, Josephine Regnier, Jeanine Roman, Eleanora Slapa, Emily Solinko, Ken Trzepiatowski & Sara Kacinskas turns three and big sister Valerie turns 5.
To enroll new members call Joan Wisinski at 708-361-4180. A great gift for all children and adults. Most people do not carry enough life insurance.
Any news about a special occasion in your family call Joan Wisinski, Secretary at 708-361-4180 or 708-448-6926 days.
Join us on our Russian River Cruise September 13-25 Call Joan Wisinski at 888-789-5182.
Contribute to the Henry J. Dende Educational Fund!
The Officers and Board of Directors of Polish Union of U.S.A. established the Henry J. Dende Educational Fund. Proceeds of this fund are used for Scholarship Aid to students who are members of the fraternal.
We appeal to our members to contribute to the Educational Fund on a regular basis. We also suggest to our members (as is the trend today) to make the beneficiaries of their present Polish Union insurance certificate the “Polish Union Educational Fund.”
Recent Donor
Msgr. Bernard Toloczko & Family $300.00
Send your donation to:
Polish Union of U.S.A. • Henry J. Dende Educational Fund
P.O. Box 660, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
Nearly every teenage girl, at one time or another, has had thoughts of becoming a debutante.
This dream can become a reality for young ladies who are members of the Polish Union of USA. Applications are available at the Home Office.
Polish Union will sponsor its 27th Annual Debutante Ball on November 19th, 2005.
Those interested in becoming a Deb, please contact the Polish Union Home Office at 823-1611 (in the Wilkes-Barre area), and in the Scranton area, phone: Terri Rumensky. Chairperson is: Emily Huber, a former Miss Polish Union.
Make It A Family Affair!
Polish Union members are urged to attend and encourage members of their families and friends to witness the colorful affair, when young ladies will be presented to society. The social affair will once again “Be the talk of the town—a social highlight” in the Scranton—Wilkes-Barre community.”
For reservations or patron listings in the souvenir booklet, contact the Polish Union Office, 823-1611
Help Us Find our Fraternalist of the Year!
The Polish Union of U.S.A. would like to honor one of its members as its “Fraternalist of the Year” for 2005.
We seek nominations of members who exemplify the spirit of fraternalism and volunteerism both within our fraternal and in the general community.
Regulations:
- The nominee must be a Polish Union Member
- Board Members of the Polish Union of U.S.A. are not eligible.
- A person can only be “Fraternalist of the Year” one time.
- All Polish Union members from all States can qualify.
- Applications must be submitted by July 1st of each year.
- Emphasis should be placed on volunteerism and community activities.
- There will be 3 judges. 2 Board Members and the last winner of the “Fraternalist of the Year” award.
- All judges will receive a copy of the application submitted to review. The point system will be used to select a winner.
- The Fraternalist of the Year selected shall receive a $100 cash award.
To nominated, provide Polish Union with the candidates personal data: full name, spouse if any, children’s names if any, home address, telephone number, occupation and e-mail address if applicable.
Tell us also the candidate’s Group number in the Polish Union and where it is situated along with the number of years the person has been a member of the Polish Union.
Provide a list of the candidate’s most significant achievements in the Society (awards, committee work, elected or appointed positions.)
Tell us about other organizations the candidate belongs to, what type of activities do these organizations conduct and what special achievements has the candidate received as a member of these other groups.
Finally, describe the reasons you have nominated this individual for this award. Provide as much background information as you believe important to have the person considered for this award.
Be sure to include your personal data such as name, address, phone number etc. and mail the information to:
Fraternalist of the Year Committee
Polish Union of U.S.A.
P.O. Box 660
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0660
Deadline for completed entries is July 1, 2005. If you would like an official entry blank to ensure you have covered all the required topics as outlined above, write to the address above or phone the Polish Union Home Office at (570) 8231611 or FAX (570) 829-7849 or E-mail us at
POLUNION@EPIX.NET