St. Joseph's School Cultural Voyage Fair

St. Joseph's School will be holding a Cultural Voyage Fair for the students and families on November 23, at the school.  Each class will have a different country to learn about.  The classrooms will exhibit information and materials about the county they are studying.  Each student is assigned a specific subject matter about that Country to research and will make a poster to display in their classroom for the fair.  On the night of the fair students and parents will visit the classrooms and will be able to taste different ethnic foods from the countries in the cafeteria.

Mrs. Walker’s 5th grade classroom of 28 was assigned Poland.  On November 18th Jean Podzielinski and I helped with the class by giving a talk about Poland and displaying a few items.  During the fair Podzielinski and I will set up a booth with some Polish items and be available to talk with people as they come through. 

On a side note, I went to St Josephs for first and second grade and will never forget the school, Mrs. Krughoff and Sister Virginia. It was a pleasurable to go back and visit!

WHITE EAGLE LODGE WIGILIA SUPER - DECEMBER 5, 2010

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Wesolych Swiat (Season's Greetings)

from the Polish National Alliance, White Eagle Lodge #3149

The Polish National Alliance, White Eagle Lodge #3149 invites you a to join us for Wigilia Dinner.  Our Wigilia dinner is planned to be an organized potluck of traditional Polish Wigilia dishes.  At 4:00 p.m. we will start, with time to come together and prepare for the Wigilia dinner which is to begin at 5:00 p.m.  Share Best Wishes together with the Opatek, enjoy the company of friends, and have Wigilia dinner together.

WIGILIA SUPPER
December 5th 2010 at 4:00pm
Aboite Township Fire House Community Room
11321 Aboite Center Rd, Ft. Wayne, IN
(Organized Potluck – Carry-in Dish)

Our Lodge will make provisions for Fish, (potato) Pierogi and Kapusta (sauerkraut), Wine will be served with dinner. Join us for Wigilia, exchange Best Wishes breaking Opłatek together and sing Koledy and traditional Christmas Carols together. There will be a visit from Święty Mikołaj (Santa Claus). Wigilia is traditionally a meatless dish except for fish. Carry-in-dish can can be a favorite Wigilia dish or if you are not sure, most any vegetable, meatless casserole, salad or desert works great for a Wigilia dish to bring in. Anything with eggs, cheeses or fish is fine for Wigilia.

We do need a RSVP, so we will have an idea of how many will attend, so we can organize and make preparations for Wigilia. If you can, send an RSVP to Jean Podzielinski, phone: 260-432-2414 or email jwilenski@netscape.net by November 28, 2010 and give us an idea of how many are attending and what dish you plan to bring, to the Wigilia. If you would like to help out in any other ways, please let us know. I hope to see you at the Wigilia and thank you for all your help and support. If you have questions or ideas, I can be reached at (260) 247-2888 or send an email to jwilenski@netscape.net   (see this event on facebook)

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FWSCI & LOCAL CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS 2010 EVENT CALENDAR

Fort Wayne Sister Cities International
and Local Cultural Organizations

2010 Events Calendar

Here are highlights of area events with ties to Fort Wayne Sister Cities International (FWSCI) and/or cultures of our sister cities. Check the listed websites for details as the date of the event approaches.

As a FWSCI member you will be on the “inside track” to fully participate and enjoy these cultural experiences!

Celebrate Polish-American Heritage Month in October! October 3 (Sunday)  Polish-American Heritage Month Picnic
 
- Presented by White Eagle Lodge -  At the Polish Friendship Garden, on the grounds of the Community Center, 233 W. Main St., Fort Wayne. View the new Polish Commemorative Garden, sing Polish songs, dance a Polonaise, have some kielbasa and play shuffleboard. Optional: bring a Polish or American flag, wear your favorite Polish or American shirt or wear red, white & blue. Free to the public. See the White Eagle Lodge on Facebook or http://www.whiteeaglelodge.blogspot.com/

October 2 (Saturday) October Fest presented by the Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor , 1:00-11:00 p.m., Park Edelweiss, Free Admission, Fun Games for the whole family all day long!
 
• Hayrides, Face Painting, Balloon Sculpture, Shooting Contest, Horseshoes
• Brats, Hot Dogs, & Snacks served all day
• Beer, wine, soft drinks, authentic German spirits
• Beer Stein Lifting contest
• Wiener Schnitzel Dinner
• Live music provided by Die Musik Machers and the Haus Musikanten

October 5, 12 & 19 (Tuesday evenings) - Fort Wayne Sister City Film Festival Fundraiser 

- Films at 7:00 p.m. from Japan, Germany and Poland at Fort Wayne Cinema Center. At 6:00 p.m., enjoy a food tasting & beverage from each country at Artlink Art Gallery. Films: 10/5 - Nobody Knows directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda (sushi tasting prior to film); 10/12 - Wings of Desire directed by Wim Wenders; 10/19 - Ashes and Diamonds directed by Andrzej Wajda. Tickets $20 each film/food tasting are available at Cinema Center and Artlink, 437 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. Questions: 260-424-7195, for film details Fort Wayne Sister Cities Facebook page or go to http://www.fortwaynesistercities.com/

October 17 (Sunday) - German Conversation - German Heritage Society Clubhouse, 1805 E Washington Blvd, N.E. corner of S Anthony & Washington Blvd, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Open to the public. This is a chance for people to keep their German language abilities fresh. Cash bar and juices available. Regular meetings are on the third Sunday each month. See German-Heritage-Society Facebook page.Sunday of each month

November 6 (Saturday) - Japanese Saturday School Annual School Play Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne, IPFW Walb Student Union Auditorium

- Enjoy this unique presentation of Japanese culture performed by the students of Fort Wayne’s own Japanese Saturday School. The play is performed entirely in Japanese with an English speaking narrator to keep the audience informed. Visit: www.ipfw.ed/jss/
 

November 21 (Sunday) - German Conversation - German Heritage Society Clubhouse, 1805 E Washington Blvd, N.E. corner of S Anthony & Washington Blvd, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Open to the public. This is a chance for people to keep their German language abilities fresh. Cash bar and juices available. Regular meetings are on the third Sunday each month. See German-Heritage-Society Facebook page. Sunday of each month

December 5 (Sunday) Wigilia Supper Aboite Township Fire House, 11321 Aboite Center Rd.
- Experience a traditional Polish Christmas Eve celebration with food, carols and a visit from Saint Nicholas. Sponsored by Polish National Alliance. RSVP by calling Stan Podzielinski at 260-432-2414 or see the White Eagle Lodge on Facebook go to http://www.whiteeaglelodge.blogspot.com/ 

December 19 (Sunday)  German Christmas Concert (Weihnachtskonzert)  3 p.m., St. Peters Catholic Church, 518 E. DeWald, Fort Wayne - Presented and performed by Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor. For other concerts and events open to the public throughout the year, check website for complete schedule: http://www.fortwaynemaennerchor.us/ 
 
December 19 (Sunday) - German Conversation - sponsored by German Heritage Society meets today at St. Patrick's Catholic Church today to experience German holiday songs sung by the Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor.
 
December - Breakfast with St Nicholas - sponsored by Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor. For information please check their website at www.fortwaynemaennerchor.us closer to December.

Szczesliwy Dzien Niepodleglosci!

POLISH NATIONAL ANTHEM SHEET MUSIC WITH LYRICS

Polish National Anthem Sheet Music with Lyrics:       

Polish National Anthem Sheet Music with Lyrics:  If you find any mistakes please comment below.

       During 1789 French Revolution, under Jan Henryk Dąbrowski's command in northern Italy, Poland hoping that making allies would help defend Poland, marched to a song composed for them by Józef Rufin Wybicki, now the Polish National Anthem!  Dąbrowski Mazurka, "Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła" which translates to "Poland is not yet lost" or "Poland has not yet perished", by Józef Rufin Wybicki (1797), was declared Poland's official "State Hymn" or Anthem in 1926, after Józef Klemens Piłsudski (1867-1935) took control of the country. The term "state hymn" has the same meaning as "national anthem" in Poland.

1. Poland is not yet lost, while we live. What foreign force has taken from us, We shall take back with the sword.
2. We will cross the Vistula and Warta Rivers, We will be Poles, Bonaparte showed us how to win.
3. Like Czarniecki to Poznan, after Swedish annexation, We will come back across the sea to save our motherland.
4. Father, in tears, says to his Basia: "Just listen, It seems that our people are beating the drums."

  1.- 4.   March, march Dabrowski, From Italy to Poland, Under your command, We will reunite with the nation. (x2)

       After World War II, Dąbrowski's Mazurka continued to serve as the official (State Hymn) anthem of Poland, and was meaningful for a generally disliked socialist government. However, the Solidarity Movement in 1980 chose another song for its "unofficial" hymn: Żeby Polska była Polską or "Let Poland be Poland", by Jan Pietrzak (1976). It is not a call to fight, but a recollection on past wars fought by generations.

notes: "How the Poles Romanticized the Napoleonic Wars'

NOVEMBER 11th IS POLISH INDEPENDENCE DAY!

NOVEMBER 11th IS POLISH INDEPENDENCE DAY!

On November 11, 1918, Joseph Pilsudski, as Commander in Chief of all
 Polish forces, proclaimed the Republic of Poland a free and independent
nation, after 123 years of  division among Russia, Prussia and Austria!

Some things to do on Polish Independence Day: Celebrate, get together with other proud Polish people, display a Polish flag, make your favorite Polish meal, wear red and white, learn about the history of Poland and it's culture, play and sing the Polish National Anthem, you can do trivia on Poland's history and culture, try my new blog with quizzes about Poland : http://polandquiz.blogspot.com/ - Szczesliwy Dzien Niepodleglosci!

POLISH CULTURAL TEST (Easy)

[NOTICE: THIS IS PRESENTLY NOT AN INTERACTIVE OR "ONLINE" TEST!]

I created this as a Easy Polish Culture Quiz for Polish-Americans.  It is not interactive at this time, though, I do have plans to make it interactive and as a online test.  I created it as a basic test that all Polish-Americans should be able to ace. [THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY OR QUIZ TO SEE HOW FAMILIAR YOUR CHILDEN OR GRANDCHILDREN ARE WITH GENERAL POLISH CULTURE.] I encourage you to use this quiz as a tool, if they are not familiar with the pictures and meanings; it gives you the opportunity to explain the significance. 

Ashes and Diamonds (1958) FWSCI Polish Film - October 19, 2010

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Fort Wayne Sister City International Polish Movie

 Popiól i diament "Ashes and Diamonds" (1958)

Fort Wayne Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St. 46802
October 19, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. - Admission: 20.00 RSVP FWSCI

Maciek, a young Resistance fighter, is ordered to kill Szczuka, a
Communist district leader, on the last day of World War II. Though
killing has been easy for him in the past, Szczuka was a fellow
soldier, and Maciek must decide whether to follow his orders.
   

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OCTOBER IS POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

OCTOBER IS POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

Polish-American Heritage Picnic
   

Plock, PL Friendship Garden, next to the Community Center
233 W. Main St., Fort Wayne, IN
October 3, 2010 - 2:00-5:00 p.m.

 Come by and take part in Polish-American Pride. View the new Sister Cities Plock Commemorative Garden, sing Polish Songs, join us in a Polonaise dance, have some Kielbasa, play shuffleboard!

Optional, but highly recommended! Bring a Polish and or American flag, be sure to wear your favorite Polish or American shirt. Wear red and white and blue!  Just have fun!

You can just drop by for a moment for some social time and meet people and say hi, or show all your Polish-American Pride and stay awhile.  If you prefer to have seating, bring a chair as seating is limited!  Restroom will be available with thanks to the Fort Wayne Parks Department, Community Center.  There is no cost to attend.  Open to all Polish-Americans and anyone interested in Polish heritage, PNA members, guests, family and friends.

POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH PICNIC - OCTOBER 3, 2010

October 3rd was fairly cool which led to the "picnic" actually being inside the Community Center. We were not prepared with signs for this, our presents was made by two Polish Flags at the garden, but apologize if anyone was confused at to where we were at if they were just dropping by.  There were 27 Polish Proud people in attendance. Everyone had a good time socializing, enjoying kielbasa on rye bread with grilled onions and green peppers, beet salad, Mazurek, and Makowiec and we sang the Polish National Anthem (Dąbrowski's Mazurka), Star Spangled Banner, Sto Lat, and America the Beautiful.

I encourage everyone to display a Polish Flag during the Month of October!

OCTOBER IS POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

The Month of October is celebrated as Polish-American Heritage Month. There are many things to be proud as Polish-Americans in the United States.

Did you know that the first Polish Immigrants were in American 12 years before the Pilgrims! Many Polish people have made great contributions to America such as American Revolution Heroes: Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Count Casimir Pulaski.       Sites to visit for more information about Polish American Heritage Month: Polish News and Polish American Center. Celebrate your pride and display a Polish Flag, learn about and share your heritage, customs and traditions, explore and document you Polish ancestry. I hope everyone will take time to explore, learn, share and celebrate Polish Heritage this month!

Zgoda: 'POPULARIZING POLISH SYMBOLS & LOGOS'

An article that appeared in the Polish National Alliance Magazine, the Zgoda on 08-15-2010, by Robert Strybel, titled, "Popularizing Polish Symbols and Logos" caught my attention.  I asked myself, what happens when a society isn't concerned about the past, doesn't understand it, and can't even comprehend any meaning of it?

Do you recognize any of these popular Polish symbol names and know the importance of their meaning?

1. Our Lady of Częstochowa and Jasna Góra
2. Fighting Mermaid of Warsaw
3. Polish Hussars / Winged Horsemen vs. Teutonic Knights
4. (variations) of The White Eagle 
5. "Si Deus Nobiscum __ __ __" or "If God is with us, then who __ __ __ "
6. Municipal / Heraldic Cost of Arms or Crests, and Family Coat of Arms /Crests
7. Drzymała's wagon vs. Grunwald Swords vs. Warszawianka
8. Polish Folk Dancers
9. Pan Twardowski vs. Pan Tadeusz
10. Wawel Royal Castle and Warsaw's Royal Castle
11. Baranek Wielkanocny vs Swieconka Basket
12. Wycinanka vs Pysanky and a Kiska
13. Boleslawiec (Bolesław I the Tall) vs.other Slovak regions
14. Dożynki Festival vs. Dyngus Day
15. Wigilia, first star, Oplatki wafer, Koledy and Midnight Mass
16. Cracovian Hymn or Hejnał mariacki
17. Solidarity Logo
18. 20 C+M+B 10 vs. 19 C+M+B 01
19. Pierogi vs. Gołąbki vs. zupa vs. paczki vs. Sernik
20. Dziadzia vs. Babcia

Make your comments in the comment section.  Including additional Symbolism!  (my guess is that Polish people will know 90% of these and non Polish will know only 10%) Note: that not looking for exact answers in this experiment / test but the recognition of the symbolism involved.

PNA District XV 2010 Convention 

 

August 28, 2010, 12:30 p.m.
South Bend Lodge# 83
2401 W. Western Ave., South Bend, IN

Registration 12:30 p.m., Afternoon Session 1:00 p.m., Awards Banquet 4:30 p.m.  Mandate Deadline August 14, 2010. (all times are Chicago time)

Plock, Poland & Fort Wayne, Indiana Sister Cities Partnership Established March 7, 1990

- Promoting International Understanding for a more Peaceful World -

The monument was finished by Birkmeier Monument Co. and set in place on August 2010.

Opening Ceremony for Fort Wayne Sister City, Plock Poland

The Opening Ceremony for Fort Wayne Sister City, Plock Poland Commemorative Garden
Dedication Ceremony, July 13, 2010.  The Wisla Song and Dance Ensemble sing America
the Beautiful.  Nellie Wood of the Polish National Alliance, White Eagle Lodge, Welcomes
the Plock Poland City Officials with bread, salt and vodka tradition.

Zespół Pieśni i Tańca „Wisła” - Wisla Song and Dance Ensemble

The Wisla delegation arrived at the Chicago O’Hare airport July 8th and came to Fort Wayne by bus to be paired with the Host families.  On the 9th they visited the ACPL, Coney Island and Jefferson Point.  Later they preformed at Crazy Pinz.  They participated in the 3RF Parade on Saturday then visited the Zoo. On July 12, they toured the courthouse and Art Museum and Later to perform at Parkview Ball field.

Click on the thumbnails below to see clips of their 2010 preformance at the Foellinger Theater.
    

July 13th 2010, prior to the Plock Garden Ceremony, the Wisla Song and Dance Ensemble group was able to tour the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Gardens, as one of the groups planned activities while in Fort Wayne.

              

The Plock City Officials departured on July 14th and the Wisla group preformed at Canterbury High School.  On the 15th the Wisla group toured Sweetwater Sound and DeBrands and the 16th they went to Cedar Point.

On Sunday, July 18, 2010, the FWSCI hosted a "going away" party for the Wisla group and the Host Families in the Aboite Township Community Room.  I want to thanks all the Host families for making the time and the endeavor to Host this group. I know it is not as easy as one may think and a lot of provisions and scarifies has to be made, so thank you for all you have given.

The party had changed locations several times and the menu provisions finalized just days before the party.  All things considered, despite putting it all together in the last few days, everyone had a most enjoyable time.  Jean Podzielinski really worked hard to collaborate to whole ordeal.

Our Lodge helped with food, Jeff Wilenski made (brudny grzyb i wołowina Joe's) beef & mushroom sloppy Joes, home-made kettle corn, and brought loaves of Brownberry breads, and a pineapple pudding bunt cake.  Nellie Wood made orange sherbet punch, and brought iced tea.  Richard Pacer made Makowiec (poppy seed cake) and Joyce made a vegetable dish.  Jean Podzielinski, functioning for the FWSCI, made BBQ sloppy Joes and had trays of rolled up ham for ham sandwiches with condiments.  The Host families brought in many wonderful salads and deserts.

The group sang several of their song and didn’t “miss a beat” with their enthusiasm and professionalism. This is a very talented group.  We are fortunate to have had such a gifted group here in Fort Wayne.

The group plans to visit the Fox Island Nature Preserve on Monday, July 19th.  They will depart Tuesday morning by bus to perform in N.C. for the Folkmoot USA International Festival. (www.folkmootusa.org)

Article on the PNA Home Office (www.pna-znp.org) website: http://www.pna-znp.org/content/newsarticles/fortwayne10.htm
(Corrections for the PNA Article: the Plock City Delegates left on July 14th for Plock, PL and the Wisla group departed on the 20th to N.C., USA.  Photos by: Jan Odrobina, Jeff Wilenski and Gabe Delobb.)

Wisla Song & Dance Ensemble (Zespół Pieśni i Tańca „Wisła”) website: http://wisla.pokis.pl/

July 12, 2010 - Fort Wayne Tin Caps vs. South Bends Silver Hawks Game

July 12th 2010 Paul Odrobina and his wife Jan participated with our Lodge for the Fort Wayne Sister City International "Picnic Pavilion" event at the Fort Wayne Tin Caps vs. South Bends Silver Hawks game.  Renee of Barrett & McNagny was good to provide us accommodations for our Chicago Home Office guest accommodations in their Suite at the Ball Park.