2011 Wigilia Dinner - December 4, at 4:00 p.m.

OCTOBER IS POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

FWSCI Film Fest Thursday, October 13, 7:00 p.m. Polish movie night: Polish Food at 6:00 p.m. & Film “Testosteron” at 7:00 p.m. for more information: http://www.fortwaynesistercities.org/event.php

Lech Walesa to receive the 2012 Lincoln Leadership Award in Chicago, IL

Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president of Poland will be in Chicago Feb. 9 to receive the 2012 Lincoln Leadership Prize from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. The black-tie dinner will be at the Four Seasons Hotel. Walesa is the co-founder of the Solidarity trade-union movement and while president spearheaded the fall of communism in Poland and Eastern Europe. Wałęsa, electrician by trade, was a labor activist at the Lenin Shipyards. In 1980, Wałęsa helped negotiate Gdansk agreement and co-

founded Solidarność. In December, martial law was declaied, stopping the Solidarity movement and Wałęsa was arrested. In 1989, Wałęsa helped negotiate the Round Table Agreement that led to semi-free parliamentary elections and served as president of the Third Republic Poland from 1990 to 1995.

PNA 46th QUADRENNIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION

PNA 46th QUADRENNIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION

August 17-21, 2011 - Hyatt Regency Hotel - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Official Site     -     Candidates for Elective Offices     -    Marian J Nowacki

Jeff Wilenski - Candidate for District XV Commissioner

- PNA Member for 30 years
- Officer of Lodge 3149 for 11 years
- Lodge Treasurer for 4 years
- Lodge President for 7 years to present
- District XV Director 3 years to present

- District XV 2009 Leadership-Star Award

Jeff Wilenski has been an active member of the Polish National Alliance and White Eagle Lodge 3149 for the past thirty years. He has served as an Officer for the past eleven years. Has served three years to present as a District XV Director. Has served as Lodge Treasurer for four years and has been President of Lodge 3149 for the past seven years to present.

Mr. Wilenski is very active, shows enthusiasm and leadership in the Polish community, Polish and Polish-American organizations and to its members.  He looks forward to strengthening and empowering the Lodges in District XV, the Fraternalism of the PNA and the Polish and Polish-American Community.

Mr. Wilenskis objectives as Commissioner will be to set a precedence of Leadership, show ambition and strength, reestablish the greatness of the PNA and our fraternalism, to lead by example, educate new generations, to provide effective ways and means of communication to collectively work together in the District as a whole, have organization in the District and to provide stability and reestablish and build fraternalism in the Lodges and in District XV.

The PNA is a great organization. Let’s provide the avenue together to revitalize and strengthen our Lodges, District XV and our Organization, its goals, and fraternalism, to keep in our tradition, have enthusiasm and pride in belonging to the Polish National Alliance, being a member and to our Polish heritage and culture for us and for our future members and it's generations.

THE HOLOCAUST HAPPENED TO PEOPLE LIKE US - Think!

MTV - Holocaust Commercial -		- History repeats itself -		- MTV Commercial - Think!

FOUR CONTINENTS TO FREEDOM

A biographical account of Millie Zygmunt Rytel's life. For over 60 years, Millie had kept her past private, she had not talked about it with anyone, even her own daughters. This is an important book about Mlilie's life that needs to be heard, about her persecution, determination and survival to make it from German occupied Poland to her Freedom in America.

At gunpoint, Russian soldiers force their way into the Walter Zygmunt house. They are herded into a cattle car, Millie Zygmunt, her parents and sisters are unloaded at a slave labor camp in Siberia. "The Devil," an ugly man, assigns jobs and sets quotas.

Millie Rytel is a very stong Polish woman and active Polish-American, a devoted member of the Polish National Alliance, President of Lodge 3095 and PNA Council 49 and a friend of mine who I respect dearly.

Contact me via Facebook or email to jwilenski@netscape.net about getting a personalized signed copy of her book.  View Millie Rytel inteview on Youtube.

2011 DEBUTANT & SQUIRE BALL

District XV 2011 Debutant & Squire Ball  -  July 16th 2011 at the Orak Shine in Michigan City, IN

(see more pictures via facebook)



Father Steve Kosinski blessing and words of wisdom: What is happening in the United states - Crisis - Culturally adults pass many things to their children and grandchildren - Go with God - Don't be distracted - Role models and examples - What am I getting out of it - Virtues - If you say no (to God) your lying - your not being honest - Young people - some are thinking about the future, some have found it - others are lost - chili meth amphetamines - symbolism - Paul McCarthy - Let it Be - Janet Jackson - What's in it for me - Remember you are dust & dust you shall return - Stand by your faith - Listen to God - You are the Future of America - If you do not know what you are looking for in life - you will spend a long time looking for it - Don't be distracted - Live with Faith - Respect - Pride - Your Heritage - For the future of this Nation

THREE RIVERS FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE

We are excited to announce that the International Village is returning to the Three Rivers Festival in 2011! 

Mark your calendar for Fri & Sat, July 15 & 16 at Headwaters Park West Pavilion, 11 am - 9:00 pm.

Join us for this International affair and have some pierogi, kapusta and mazurka, enjoy music, dancing and entertainment from Poland and all the counties involved in this event.

Contries: Poland, Italy, Romania, Buma, Korea, Mexico, Loas, Vietnam, Dafur, Philippines

      Thank you Wellsfargo for sponsoring the 2011 Three Rivers Festival International Village!

      And much thanks to Christine Marshall the Coordinator of the event, the Three Rivers Committee and Staff and all the Counties who participated. We enjoyed working with you.

    We look forward to seeing you all next year!

Visit our Facebook page to see more photos from the 2011 International Village!

Visit our Facebook page to see more photos from the 2011 International Village!

2011 DISTRICT XV CONVENTION

District XV Convention - June 25, 2011 - Terre Coupee, Liberty Star Lodge 3078

       I would like to thank all the Committees, Delegates, Participants and Commissioners for a successful District XV Convention this year and thank Our Regional Director Barbara Martin for attending.  All Committees accomplished a great deal and had brilliant ideas reported this year; Heather Jacobs on Sports & Youth, Phyllis Murphy on Ways Means, Laurie Szczypiorski on Membership, Pat Gustas on Resolutions, Jeff Wilenski on Action Committee, and the Audit Committee did thorough job.
     
      Some great ideas that came about at convention: to offset the Debutant & Squire Ball from the Nation Convention, have younger age participation in the Ball, recruitment and training for Financial Secretary’s and PNA insurance informational seminar, Polish displays and exhibits, have more District events, the importance of fraternalism and having (fun) activities, to get more kids involved, have wii games / tournaments, online games, card night, bowling, implement a suggestion box, use of email, face book, websites, and the internet. District cookbook delay issues brought to attention and hopefully escalated.
     
      Congratulations to Man of the Year: Jason Newgent of South Bend PNA 83 Club, Woman of the Year:
Phyllis Dunajski of Silver Bell Club 2365 and the Leadership Star Award: Allison Abbott of New Carlisle Liberty Star Lodge 3078.
     
      Cheers to the Liberty Star Lodge for hosting the Convention and to the Cooks Marci and Louise for preparing the delicious lunch. Condolences to Lodge 3134, and all family and friends of Lottie Kubiak.

       2012 District XV Officers sworn in by Barbara Martin: Joe Samreta (2365, Gary), Jean Podzielinski (3149, Ft. Wayne), Heather Jacobs (83, South Bend), Betty Cellbazaar, Secretary (83, South Bend), Jeanette Filip, Treasurer (1120, La Porte), Nancy Teller (3134, Gary), Laurie Szczypiorski, (3078, New Carlisle), Allison Abbot (3078, New Carlisle) and Jeff Wilenski (3149, Ft. Wayne).

- Jeff Wilenski

THE 2011 CONVENTION ACTION COMMITTEE LETTER & QUESTIONNAIRE  Read more

Indiana-Poland 4-H Exchange Program

The Indiana-Poland 4-H Exchange group arrived on May 31 and returned to Poland on June 17. The group included 19 4-H youth and 11 adults from southern Poland. Families from 15 different Northern Indiana counties were hosts this year. Lodge Members Richard and Joyce Pacer hosted two of the delegates from the group, Jozef Siwek and Bogdan Sobon. The Pacers were willing to take the two on a trip to Toledo for the Echoes of Poland, a visit to the Fort Wayne’s Children’s Zoo, to see Science Central, and a nature hike at Mengerson Reserve, while they stayed with them. Joyce and Richard really enjoyed the time they spent with the two during the visit.

The group enjoyed many activities and occasions while in the US. There was a Fort Wayne day which included the Polish guests having a presentation at the IPFW Allen County 4-H Extension Office. Afterwards the group enjoyed a Fort Wayne Tin Caps game at our new Parkview Field Stadium. On June 14th in Middlebury was a “Amish Experience Day” trip including a tour of Jaco RV Factory, Dass Essenhauss, Dutch Kase Cheese Factory, Orie Lehman Farm to learn about Amish life, Shipshewana market, BBQ, and see some of the 4-H farm animals in the area. 4-H Camp Mack, Albanese Confectionary in Merrillville IN, While in Chicago on June 16 and 17 the group toured the area including: Navy Pier, Giordano’s Pizza, Sears Tower, a Walking Tour, Visit of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Polish Museum, Red Apple Restaurant and the O’Hare Airport for their departure flight to return to Poland.

I would like to thank Krystyna Bialasiewicz from the PNA Home Office for meeting with the group and presenting them with PNA tee shirts and things while they were in Chicago on June 17th.

(also see Wells County 4-H on Facebook!)

VISA WAIVER ACTION ALERT

Please help and Sign the Poland Visa Waver Action Petition, Sponsored by the Polish American Congress.  The Visa Waiver Program will help facilitate the ability of travels, visits and exchanges between the United States and Poland.  Sign Petition Here. Click on green box to the right labeled, "Add Your Signature".

Compare:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfi--8mcSGE  vs.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVxFfyBA6WM   27:46 - Polish President Komorowski asks VWP question - Obama evades the question and abruptly ends the meeting.  Which is it Obama?  Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is also a leader in Europe. Why isn't Poland being treated as such? Why has Poland been treated so horribly by Obama and the Obama administration?

Frances Lillian Tryc Kierzkowski Zych

       Frances Lillian Tryc Kierzkowski Zych, 98, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2011. Funeral service 11:00 a.m. June 6, at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church.  Burial in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN.  Visit the Tributes.com Memorial for Frances.

       As Msgr. Bruce Piechocki said, she lived until the day she died. She was very active right up to the end.  Full of humor and energy, the most excellent personality, devoted and hard working, and always saw the good in life.  She was such a wonderful woman. A very active Polish National Alliance White Eagle Lodge Member and proud of being Polish and loved to polka!  Our condolences to all family, friends and loved ones, she will be missed by all.
 
       The picture to the right shows George and Frances ready to serve at one of our Polish Days, which took place annually during the Three Rivers Festival, International Festival in Fort Wayne.  She also always joined members days before the event to help make the pierogi, golumpki and kupusta.  (I believe this picture is from 1987 at the Hilton Downtown.)

Pysanky Eggs April 19, 2011

          After our regular monthly Business meeting on April 19, 2011, our Lodge participated in a project of making Pysanky eggs.  Everyone made wonderful eggs in such a short time that we had during this project.  We all had a great time doing the project.  We hope this may be a yearly project and to expand of efforts to inculde more people interestend in Polish culture and traditions.

       There is an old tale that explains the reasoning of bad worldly events or evil in the world, that it's related to Pysanky, because there is not enough people making Pysanky to replace any of the eggs that break, referring that we need to make more Pysanky eggs for good to happen in the whole world!

Wigilia Super

       

       Our 2010 Wigilia was a success, and of course as a tradition, the weather was a challenge for us,  we set up the room, decorated, shoveled snow and salted the walks to help guide our friends to the door to share a lovely Wigilia once again with us.  Thank you to all who helped make our Wigilia special and such a great occasion.

      We look forward to next year's Wigilia on December 4, 2011 at the Aboite Township Fire House Community Room, 11321 Aboite Center Rd, in Fort Wayne IN.  Opłatek should be available for 1.00 a package to send to family you may not be able to see on Christmas, inquire Jean Podzielinski for details.

      Hope to see you next year ice, snow, sleet, hail, rain or shine!  (Pictures courtesy of Gabe Delobbe, photographer FWSCI)

OFFICERS APPRECIATION BANQUET & INSTALLATION CEREMONY 2011

The date for this event has been changed.  Details to come soon, as we are still in the preparation and planning stage.

Polish-American Heritage Month "Picnic"

     "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."
  
     We erected 3 Polish flags along with some adornments of red and white decorations at the garden. October 3rd was a cold day and we were able to move the event to the indoors of the Parks and Recreation’s Community Center. I hope there was no confusion about this. This worked out very well and we had a great time.

     George Wilenski grilled Kielbasa, onions and green peppers which made the most excellent kielbasa sandwiches on Rye bread with plenty of horseradish! Cucumber salad, Mazurek, to name a few of the amazing good foods there. Met some new friends, sang the Polish and American National Anthems, Solidarity Anthem, Zeby Polska byla Polska, Sto lat with some wino czerwone, again a great time was had by all attending.  (Pictures courtesy of Gabe Delobbe, photographer FWSCI)

Looking Forward to 2011!

The New Year is now here and looking forward to 2011!

  Planning of events for 2011:

  • Officers Appreciation Banquet
  • Pysanky tutorial or instructional
  • PNA National Convention
  • District XV Convention
  • Polish American Heritage Celebration
  • Wigilia Supper

Every four years a National Convention of the Polish National Alliance is held for Elections of our National, Regional and Home Office Board of Officers. I have heard word that the City of Fort Wayne has plans to construct a International Garden consisting of our Sister Cities. As more planning and meetings come, we likely will have additional events.

Best Wishes to everyone and may 2011 bring unto you all you wish and more,
Jeff Wilenski, Lodge President

White Eagle Lodge Report 2011

Polish National Alliance White Eagle Lodge #3149

The White Eagle Lodge 3149 year has been full of Polish cultural activities and has brought forth much fraternalism despite the economy. We are looking forward to the new year coming for 2011! We have a presence on Facebook and believe this will help keep other informed about our Lodge and will give the ability to make new connections.

We also have a Lodge blog where we can share our Lodge events, functions and activities. Also we are compiling photo albums from past events to be able to preserve and share.

www.facebook.com/White.Eagle.Lodge    http://whiteeaglelodge.blogspot.com/  

We hold our Lodge’s Monthly Business Meetings every third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. We welcome our newest PNA Lodge Officer John Chodacki. John is a great guy. He is smart, easy going and yet has grate wit. He is very enjoyable to be work with and has enthusiasm and a Pride for Polish culture and its traditions.

2011 Slate of Officers is a Follows:

Jeff Wilenski, pres.

Richard Pacer, vice. pres.

Nellie Wood, rec. secy.

Jean Podzielinski, fin. secy.

George Wilenski, tres.

John Chodacki, sgt.-at-arms

Our Lodge and its Members support the Visa Waver Program for Poland and encourage all Lodges and Members to give your support and help this pass. Read more about on the PAC website.

-Jeff Wilenski