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.)