Fraternal Journal

Fraternalism sums up the major aim of our organization—-the Polish Union of U.S.A. The Polish Union isn’t only concerned with providing our members financial security, the Polish Union is interested in giving our members opportunities to enhance the quality of their personal and social lives. Joining and becoming active in the Polish Union can prove very beneficial for your life and others too.

Parents and Grandparents, this is a good time of the year (with the holidays to be soon here) to check if your children and grandchildren are members of the Polish Union. If so, do they have enough insurance? At present, in order to receive the $200.00 scholarship aid, the children must have $5000.00 of Polish Union of U.S.A. life insurance and must be a member in the Polish Union for five years. If your children are not members, now is the time to enroll them in our organization. Life insurance is one of the best way that a parent can demonstrate love to family members.

Our fraternal organization offers social and educational activities for all ages. The only way Polish Union members can really take advantage of all our fraternal benefits is by participating in Polish Union activities, such as the scholarship program for collage students, crafts, holiday parties for children and adults, family picnic, Miss Polish Union, and the annual Debutante Ball, the highlight of the season.

Have you checked the beneficiary on your insurance policy lately? Did you move recently—do you need to change your address? Did you get married recently—do you need to change your name? Do you know anyone who needs insurance? If the answer to any of the above questions is a yes, please contact your group secretary or the home of fice and Linda or Chris will be glad to help you. Home office telephone is (570) 823-1611.

Elizabeth Stefani, was selected as Miss Polish Union 2006 at a recent meeting of the Women’s Division # 5 held at the After 5 Supper Club in Dickson City, Pa. The event was sponsored by the Polish Union of USA. Elizabeth is the daughter of Suzanne Stefani and is a Junior at West Scranton High School.
Last years Miss Polish Union, Kimberly Attardo crowned Miss Polish Union 2006. 1st Runner Up was Samantha Page, a student at Bishop Hoban High School and the daughter of Robert and Nancy Page, Wilkes-Barre. Other participants in this years Miss Polish USA contest were Gabrielle Stine, Archbald; Mia Sottile, Scranton; Amy Zielinski, Scranton; and Jillian Rojek, Jermyn. All runner-ups were crowned with Polish Wianeks (a flowered crown). Page Boy, Jack Casarin and Page Girl Claudia Casarin were attired in authentic Polish Costumes and presented all participants with flowers and crowns to the winners.

Ms. Stefani, a Junior at West Scranton High School, is a member of the National Honor Society, Chorus, and Drama Club. Her athletic activities include Varsity Cross-Country, Track and Field and Swimming. Elizabeth was selected as the most versatile swimmer and most valuable player in 2004/2005.
While serving as Miss Polish Union 2006, Elizabeth will be participating in numerous activities sponsored by the Polish Union during the course of the year. She will assist the Polish Union in promoting Fraternalism, Financial Security, and Family Togetherness. Elizabeth will also serve on the Young Adult Committee of the Polish Union which plans and coordinates activities for the youth of Polish Union USA.

Rose Wartko, President of the Polish Union of USA presented each of the young ladies with a certificate, a letter of congratulations as well as a monetary award for their participation in this years event. Terri Rumensky, Activity Chair served as coordinator of the contest and awards ceremony for the event.
Judges for the event were Patricia Avery, teacher at Neil Armstrong School in Scranton, Joan McDonald a subsitute teacher and Suzanne Andres, retired schoolteacher.

The Polish Union of USA is celebrating it’s 115th year as a Fraternal this year. Anyone interested in learning more about the Polish Union Organization and it’s activities can contact the Headquarters in Wilkes-Barre, 53-59 N. Main Street (570) 823-1611 or Activities Chair, Terri Rumensky at (570) 489-6877.

This year the Polish Union of USA honored Barbara O’Neill as their 2005 Fraternalist of the Year. This award is presented annually to a member for their volunteerism and community service.

Mrs. O’Neill resides in Scranton with her husband Robert. They have three children living out of the area, Robert, Barbara Reinhart and Denise O’Neill along with 5 grandchildren.

Barbara is an Ombudsman for the elderly, a program in which trained volunteers visit Nursing and Personal Care Homes. The group assists residents, providing information to them, listening to their complaints and serving as a consumer representative and advocate. Mrs. O’Neill joined the program through the local Social Service agency, Serving Seniors, Inc. The agency administers for the state Department of Aging.

She has devoted one night a week for the past 5 years, visiting residents at Angels Manor in West Scranton. The work she does as an Ombudsman fits right in with her personal motto “ Do for others, not for yourself.” It is no surprise that the organization Serving Seniors honored Mrs. O’Neill as the 2004 Volunteer Ombudsman of the year.

The Polish Union of USA is very proud to have Mrs. O’Neill as one of their own active members.
Rose Wartko, President of the Polish Union presented Barbara with a plaque for her outstanding service as a community volunteer, active member of the Zonta Club and valued member of The Polish Union.

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

Group, Member, City:
3 Florence Grabowski St. Paul, MN
74 Veronica Swienske Shavertown, PA
339 Michael Przyjemski Brentwood, NY
270 Joseph Kwiatkowski Chicago, IL
401 Barbara Allegretti Ridgway, PA
182 Mary S. Leshinski Windber, PA
155 Francis Migut Bradley Beach, NJ
230 Wiktorya Sucharski Chicago, IL
230 Wanda Jordan Scottsdale, AZ
51 Mary Stavetski W. Windsor, NJ
227 Piotr Bilski Mayfield, PA
51 Stanley Roslevege Kelayres, PA
258 Wanda Witczak Tuscon, AZ
275 Rozalia Czochara Lemont, IL
182 Helena Chrzanowska Erie, PA
74 Walter Swiderski Colora, MD
206 Walerya Roszko Dupont, PA
321 Clara A. Paltrineri Shavertown, PA

May the Souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

A Mass for deceased members is celebrated monthly by Rev. Patrick L. Albert.

The 27th Annual Debutante Ball sponsored by the Polish Union of USA will be held on Saturday November 19, 2005 at St. Mary’s Center on Mifflin Avenue in Scranton. The Debutante Ball is the social event of the year. The chair for this years event is Emily Huber of Moscow. The theme for this years event is “Time of my Life” Music will be provided by the “The Poets”. The affair will begin at 5:30 P.M. with the presentation of the Debutantes. Tickets are $ 30.00 which includes dinner and open bar. Anyone interested can contact the home of fice at (570) 823-1611 or Terri Rumensky at (570) 489-6877.

Emily Huber, chair of the event has reported that plans are well under way. Co-chair of the event is Kristen Romanko and Terri Rumensky Activities chair of the Polish Union is on the Tickets and Seating with Nancy Bachurek. Treasurer of the event is Joseph Pudlosky and William Giebus is in charge of the Video and Photography. The Program and Ad committee consists of Rose Wartko, Debra Zielinski, Charlotte L. Androckitis, and Mary Ann Arnold.

Decorations are being planned by Amy Zielinski, James Jurchak, and the current Miss Polish Union of USA Elizabeth Stefani. Members of the Reception Committee are Loretta Chiskowski, Sophie Dubiak, Florence Lohman and Alice Czyzyk. Assisting on the Dinner Committee is Prospine Dende.

Dzien Dobry!Welcome to my kitchen. The cinnamon coffee and pumpkin cake are ready for our guests. I started the conversation with, “I feel very nostalgic today, and it deals with Katrina.” Many years ago, when I was a flight attendant, my very favorite cities were New York and New Orleans. . . I couldn’t wait until my seniority allowed me my favorite trip of all. I lived in New York 3 to 4 days a week, and in New Orleans 2 to 3 days, at which time I flew several southern cities. I lived on Canal Street at the Claybourne Towers and had a wonderful suite provided by the airline. It overlooked Canal Street. I was one block from the shopping area nd 2 blocks from the French Quarter. The Mardi Gras parade passed by my lovely complex. New Orleans was greater in those days. I remember the Farmer’s Market, which sold beautiful and unusual clothes, jewelry and goodies. The stores in the French Quarter were so European, like no other city in the United States. The restaurants were awesome. I will never forget going to Brennans for breakfast. . . (no matter where you went for breakfast, grits was always served). No one made Oysters Rockefeller like “Brennan’s”. . .The poached pompano at Commanders Palace was great. French Creole cooking began here, with the French and Black influence. . . My favorite restaurant was “The Court of Two Sisters”. It was a beautiful French Garden with French Provincial furniture and live string music to accompany your dinner. . . The garden was lit with gas lights and candles. . . very romantic. At Mardi Gras, everyone walked the streets and always went to O’Briens for a hurricane drink which they walked the streets with. Everyone went to “Cafe du Monde” for beignets and coffee after a late date, or after Sunday Mass. . . I often went to Lake Ponchatrain to sit on the beach and watch the netters catching shrimp or crawfish. . . On Sundays, in the French Quarter, there was always live music from a Dixieland jam session. you could just walk in a take a seat and listen to the finest Dixieland music, with 4-5 impromptu musicians. There was a hat where listeners would contribute a few dollars. . . New Orleans was like no other city in the world. It will never again be the way it was many years ago after Katrina and Rita.

Nothing like this has ever happened to us before, that I can recall. I keep getting a flash from the Bible. Do you remember the time when the Lord was fed up with people living their greedy, selfish, abusive lives? It was then that God ordered Noah to build a boat. . . and you know the rest of the story. However, God promised He would never do this again. . Now, look at today how children, women, and the elderly are often abused. Look at the non-mention of the Lord’s name in the Pledge, etc. Look at the name of God being eliminated from all courts. . . and no more manger scenes on public property. . . do you think He is giving us a message?

Things To Remember
Pam cooking spray will dry finger nail polish. . . and help sticky bicycle chains
Sunburn—Empty a large jar of Nestea into your bath water.
Minor sunburn—Colgate or Crest toothpaste.
Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!
Arthritis: WD-40 Spray and rub it in; kills insect stings too.
Bee stings–Meat tenderizer
Puffy eyes—Preparation H
Paper cut—crazy glue or chap stick
Stinky feet—Jello!
Athletes foot—cornstarch
Fungus on toenails or fingernails—Vicks vapo-rub.

Dear P.K.
I am a professional person in a very important position. . . I have a co-worker who constantly tries to degrade me and every chance she gets, tries to make me feel bad. The ironic part of this scenario is that I got the job for this gal. I finally lost my temper and told her (for the first time) to lay-off. I would not permit this kind of talk from her. . . She has since been a little quiet. . . Is this enough? Do you have any more advice for me on this issue?
Jen

Dear Jen,
You should have spoken up earlier. However, do not permit this person to do this to you again. . . I am sure (from your letter) that you are a prestigious professional and to allow this to happen is not a good thing. Have her removed from your office or have a private talk with her, and, if necessary, report this to a higher superior if there is one. Please do not allow this to happen again.

Strictly Personal:
Birthday greetings go out to: Mary Ann Arnold, Mildred Kowalcik, Teresa Volski, Josephine Adomiak, Marlene Fedak, Bernadine Gazinski, Christine Dudzinski, Anthony Shumski, Christopher and Jonathan Dende, and Linda and Jason Howell. Also, belated greetings go to Kevin Lynott. Sto lat!

- Send your gripes, questions and anything you want me to publish to: PK, 17 Laurel Drive, Scranton, PA 18505.

Marion Orloski Vrabel was an active member of Polish Union of USA who died December 6, 2001. Her daughters, Elaine Lorronde and Deborah Osborne created a Scholarship Fund in April, 2003 with a generous donation to perpetuate the memory of their mother, by providing scholarship aid to female members of the Polish Union of USA who were to become a debutante. Marion was especially proud of her granddaughters participation in the Polish Union Annual Debutante Ball.

The scholarship was established to encourage young women to further their education by attending a college, university, or technical school of their choosing.

This year’s recipient will be chosen by the daughters of Marion Orloski Vrabel, and a check of $500 will be presented to that debutant at the Annual Ball on November 19 at St. Mary’s Center in Scranton.

Council #10 of Chicago will hold its Annual Potluck Luncheon and Raffle on Sunday, November 6, 2005, 1:30 pm at St. Cyril and Methodius Hall in Chicago. Attendees are asked to bring a traditional Polish dish to share.

Group secretaries are requested to donate a raffle prize. Raffle tickets will be sold during the luncheon. If you are a member of Council #10 and are interested in attending this event, please call Kathleen Rosner at 847-991-4242 or Lauren Obrzut at 708-452-5102.

Council #10, Chicago-Area will celebrate Christmas with Annual Christmas Party Saturday, December 3, 2005 from 1:00- 4pm. All children of Council #10 members birth to age 10 are invited to attend. The children will be treated to lunch, crafts, face painting, and a special visit from Santa Claus. There will also be a storyteller joining us this year to tell Christmas stories from the Polish tradition. Anyone interested in attending should contact their Group Secretaries or Lauren Obrzut at 708-452-5102 to reserve their child(ren)’s name(s) for this once-a-year special event by Nov. 14.

Birthdays celebrated in November include: Claire Antene, Renee Bielunski, Denise Ferris, Gary Gabriel, Jason Gabriel, John Jendras, Janice Kwaske, Timothy Potempa, Shannon Reberski, Wanda Winiarska and Stefania Zappia.

December Birthdays are observed by: nora Antene, Odilia Borkovec, Autumn Eklund turns eight, Carly Ferris, Linda Hainlen, Dolores Kaczmarski, Wladysla Kanapczyk, Genie Lanucha, Janet Liszka, Phyllis McEvilley, Carol Michaels, Frank Nowak, Kevin Parkinson, StanleyPencak, Bronislawa Pikus, Reeka Potempa, Edward Radek, Joan Regnier, Adrienne Ryan, Jason Sims, John Strenski and Eric Wisinski turns three.

Our Heartfelt Sympathy fo the family of Helen Wisinski onher passing onSept. 5, 2005. Her 91 years was truly a blessing to her children Thomas and Dolores and the late Raymond. Her grandchildren Debra Grbantov, Thomas J. Wisinski, Mark and Sheri Wisinski, Cheryl Kacinskas and Lynn Eklund. Her great-grandchildren: Thomas S. Wisinski, Autumn Eklund, William T. Grgantov, Valerie Kacinskas, Emily Wisinski, Brian Grbantov, Sara Kacinskas and Eric Wisinski. All members of Group 275.

Make plans now to cruise on Holland America to the Panama Canal 10 Days beginning Oct. 30, 2006. Join Joan & Tom Wisinski along with the Bright Side Travel Group for a great journey. For more information call Joan Toll Free at 1-888-5182.

The Polish Union of USA will be holding their annual “Wafer Supper” (Wigilia) on Saturday January 7, 2005 at the Polish Union Building on 53-59 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre. The Chair of this year’s event will be Elizabeth Stefani, Miss Polish Union of USA 2006. The event will begin with a Social Hour from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. The program and dinner will begin at 6:00 P.M. full course traditional Wafer Supper meal is planned. Polish Union members, family and friends are invited to attend. For more information or to make reservations please contact, Terri Rumensky (570) 489-6877 or the Polish Union Home Office at (570) 823-1611.

Christmas Parties

Women’s Div. 5

Sophie Dubiak, President of Polish Union USA’s Women’s Division # 5 would like to remind all members of the Christmas Party to be held on Sunday November 27, 2005, at 1:00 P.M. to be held at La Trattoria Restaurant on Moosic Street in Scranton. Reservations can be made by contacting Sophie at 570 346-1131 by November 24th.

Zonta Club

The Annual Zonta Christmas Party will be held Sunday, December 4, 2005 at The After Five Supper Club, Dickson City, PA. Chairperson is Alicia Meredick and Stacia Forish is co-chairperson. Cocktail hour is 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. followed by the breaking of the Wafer followed by a family style dinner at 4 p.m.
Members in charge of the exchange gifts are Mary Ann Arnold, Josephine Adomiak, Barbara O’Neill and Helen Wisneski; Games, Mary Martini, Loretta Chiskowski, Sophie Dubiak, Irene Prazych and Mary Dzwonczyk.

This event is limited to Zonta Club members. Dinner is $21.00 per person and the exchange gift is $5.00. Invited guests are Polish Union General Secretary Charlotte L. Androckitis and Rev. Joseph Brozena, pastor of St. Michael’s Church, Old Forge, PA. Entertainment by Stan, the one-man-band from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Reservations are necessary and can be made with Alicia Meredick at 457-9125 or with Rose Wartko at 347-3620. Reservations will close November 25, 2005.