The Polish Update began
in 2005 when Vice President Judith Blanchard started sending email reminders
to her friends of upcoming Polish events. Soon, friends of friends were
asking to be included on the mailing list. In 2007, the PACIM board asked
that their members who supplied email addresses be included in the mailing.
The Update also became a vehicle to inform people of events which came to
our attention after the publication of the current month’s Pol-Am Newsletter
and a way to highlight special events.
Now, in early 2008, our immediate mailing list contains 300 names. However,
we have heard from a great number of recipients that they, in turn, have
their own list of “Polish” names to whom they pass on the Update.
In this busy time, a person sees an event advertised which sounds
interesting but then forgets about it before it actually occurs. We try to
send out the Update just prior to the time when a number of events are
occurring. We have, in fact, seen an increase in attendance at the recurring
events spotlighted because of this simple reminder
Anyone wishing to receive the free Update (usually about twice a month),
should send their name and email address to Judith Blanchard at
judytam@usfamily.net.
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Caroling
PACIM members and friends
have been gathering to sing Christmas carols in Polish and English on the
Feast of the Three Kings (early in January), since 1996. They are, in the
true sense carolers. Whoever shows up contributes to the choice of songs and
to the performance.
We meet at 1:00 PM in the atrium of Catholic Eldercare, 817 Main Street NE,
Minneapolis to practice and decide which songs we do the best. We are
blessed in this endeavor by the presence of Bob Gacek and his accordion
which can cover up a multitude of wrong notes.
Over the years, our performance has changed quite a bit as the number of
people able to sing in Polish has declined. Bob has added some polkas and,
when the carolers are physically able, they dance up and down the halls. The
residents love that! We sometimes add well-known Polish-American songs like
“Who Stole the Kishka?” which really brings people out of themselves. But,
nothing brings out the emotion as much as the lullaby, Lulajże, Jezuniu
which is always requested.
In 2006, an epidemic of flu went through Eldercare. Instead of strolling
through the floors, we were only permitted to sing in the atrium. To make it
up to the singers, we arranged to go to RiverVillage just a short distance
away on 29th and Randolph Street. Residents of this assisted-living building
met us in their first floor gathering space and we all just sat around and
sang for about 45 minutes. This year (2008), we were again met with the flu
and could only sing on Eldercare’s third floor. We got to RiverVillage
earlier than expected and we met by an overflow crowd!
Everyone is welcome to carol with us. If you would like to join us next
year, look for our notice in the PolAm Newsletter, the Northeaster, the
Polish American Journal, the Kurier Polski, or the Holy Cross Bulletin.
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Parades
In 2004, the PACIM board
made the decision to participate in the Northeast Parade--one of the oldest
and largest parades in the state. The parade route goes directly in front of
our headquarters at 2514 Central Avenue NE. We were fortunate to find Peter
Lundwig who owned two two-seater Thunderbird convertibles. (Real honey of a
car.) Peter and his family have been our “ride” for the last several years.
At the same time, we instituted the policy of having our Appreciation Award
winners ride in the lead vehicle. Past riders were: Chester Róg and his
grandchildren; Marta and Chester Pachnik; and Bruce Rubin.
PACIM accepted an invitation to ride in the Columbia Heights Jamboree Parade
in 2005. Columbia Heights has a high population of persons with Polish
heritage. In addition, Columbia Heights is very active with its sister city,
Łomianki, Poland. Officials from Łomianki have ridden in the parade on
several occasions. Again, the Peter Lundwig family has graciously provided
our transportation throughout the years. The parade goes down Central Avenue
from 46th and turns onto 40th Avenue NE until it reaches City Hall.
For the first time in 2008, PACIM will take part in the Fridley 49’er
Parade. The parade route leaves from the Junior/Senior High complex on West
Moore Lake Drive, marches in a square and arrives at the same point about
two miles later.
2008 Parade Schedule
Fridley
June 12 at 6:30 PM
Northeast
June 24 at 6:30 PM
Columbia Heights June 27 at 6:00 PM
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Movies at the Library
Late in 2007, we started
showing free Polish movies with English subtitles in our
Headquarters/Library, 2514 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis. PACIM even
provides the pop and popcorn. At present, the movies are shown at 7:00 PM
the last Friday of every other month. The schedule is listed in the PolAm
Newsletter, the Northeaster, the Kurier Polski, and the Polish American
Journal.
The movies are chosen from our extensive VHS collection or our growing DVD
assortment. DVD’s are being added slowly because they are difficult to find
in the NTSC format with subtitles. Also, while we do get a small allowance
from PACIM to purchase materials for the Library, our actual funds are
limited.
PACIM recently purchased a DVD player and found it was more than worth the
expense. The picture is so clear and the subtitles are so easy to read. In
addition, the subtitles can be turned off for Poles who don’t need them.
This can’t be done on the VHS.
Anybody who is a member of PACIM may take out either VHS or DVD for home
viewing.
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Bal Karnawałowy
The tradition of a pre-lenten
celebration is centuries old in Poland. While here in Minnesota, it dates
from 2002. PACIM’s first Bal Karnawałowy (carnival ball) was held on
February 9, 2002 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Fridley. 135 people,
dressed in their formal best, took part in a dinner of Polish foods, songs
by the Topola Choir and dances by the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers who also
led the polonez, the official start of the evening of dancing. We considered
the event a real feather in our hat.
This evening was PACIM’s first truly spectacular affair. We had no idea if
people would pay the $35 ticket price needed to cover expenses. We even
arranged with the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers to hold a polonez class so we
knew that at least a few people would stand up for the dance. The class was
held one night in the middle of January. It was cold and icy and the wind
was blowing snow so hard you could hardly see where you were going. But, 25
people came to the class!
In the intervening years, the event became our signature event. The choice
of venues was upgraded as well as the food and the bands. Bonnie Frels now
plays a piano recital during our gathering time. A traditional Krupnik toast
currently starts dinner. We added a silent auction of Polish and non-Polish
items and recently started recognizing those of our members who were making
a contribution to PACIM and to their Polish heritage.
This year’s Bal was held on February 3 at the University Club in downtown
St. Paul. The 2009 Bal will be held on February21. If you would like to help
plan this outstanding event, please call Steven Ukasick at 612-822-2322.
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Kulig
What do Poles do when
it’s 20 degrees outside, there’s 12 inches of snow on the ground and it’s
Sunday afternoon? They go on a Kulig!
On Sunday, January 13, the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota
and its Polish Party Posse sponsored its first annual Kulig at Bunker Hills
Regional Park Horse Stables. For an event that was at first limited to
thirty people, it was an overwhelming success. We eventually accommodated
more than seventy people who climbed aboard the sleighs that afternoon. The
weather was sunny and brisk, with little wind; the horses were truly noble,
handsome and tireless; and the sleighs, with the many people crowed aboard,
were cozy.
Two roaring bonfires awaited the revelers when they returned from their
sleigh ride, along with sausages, hot spiced cider and other refreshments to
keep them warm.
Join us next year for this fun event.
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Festival of Nations
It’s been about 10 years
since PACIM took responsibility for the Polish heritage booths at the
International Institute’s Festival of Nations held at St. Paul’s RiverCentre,
175 West Kellogg Avenue. We’ve been very fortunate to have the support of
the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers who perform during the 4-day event and also
run a Polish bazaar. Last, year, families from the Adam Mickiewicz Polish
Saturday School took on the responsibility of designing and staffing the
Polish culture booth. PACIM retained management of the Polish kitchen headed
by Marta and Chester Pachnik and volunteers from our membership. The kitchen
is a huge undertaking requiring 20 volunteers per day and meticulous
planning and ordering of food. If the weather is nice, potential attendees
prefer to visit outdoor events leaving Festival kitchens overflowing at the
end of the weekend. If the weather is bad, people come flocking in and
workers are scrambling to find more pierogi and Polish sausage to last
through Sunday night.
This year, the Festival will run May 1-4. Work for four hours at the
Festival in the kitchen or the culture booth (sit down job) and receive free
entrance tickets. We need people for every day but especially for the
daytime hours on Thursday and Friday. PLEASE CALL Marta at 763-546-5686 if
you can work serving food or Renata at 651-428-9645 if you are interested in
the culture booth.
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Polish Chicago Trip
This is one of our most
popular events. We send a full bus of people to Chicago each May to
experience their Polish Constitution Day Parade, eat in Polish restaurants,
and shop in Polish stores. Each traveler is allowed one suitcase and a
cooler for their perishable foods. Sunday morning, the group stops at the
pierogi factory to pick up dozens of boxes of 20 different flavors of
pierogi. Then they travel on to Gene’s Sausage and Deli to pick up unusual
sausages, dried mushrooms, scrumptious baked goods and cheap Polish liquor.
The rule is no Polish sausage (or its derivative) on the bus but usually
somebody can’t control their urge to marry fresh Polish rye with Krakowska
to make a fabulous sandwich. The aroma gives them away immediately. Also, if
the bus stops too long at a light, the smell of 200 pounds of Polish sausage
stored under the bus migrates upward. The bus has to keep moving.
We started this traveling tradition in 2002 with a trip to Milwaukee to view
a Polish art exhibit. It was a scary thing trying to plan all of the details
long distance. The Board said that we would try it and if we lost money, we
wouldn’t do it again. We sold out! The next year, we decided we would go to
Chicago if they would allow us to march in the Constitution Day Parade. The
Parade organizers were very gracious. Travelers who were more able, marched
in front of our bus decorated with banners and balloons. Others stayed
inside and waived. The announcer at the reviewing stand introduced us first
in Polish and English, saying the nicest things about us. We were ready to
burst we were so proud and happy.
We found wonderful Polish buffets, many with foods the travelers remembered
from their childhood. We bought books, fabric, flags, and other Polish
articles. We attended mass at the most beautiful churches built by Polish
immigrants. The word got out. People came year after year and told their
friends. The bus is always full and the travelers are always tired but happy
when they come home.
This year’s trip is May 2-4. The bus leaves Friday at 8:00 a.m. and returns
approximately 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. $255.00 pp includes bus, hotel (double
occupancy), 2 lunches and 2 dinners. To register, or for further details
call Phyllis Husted at 763-566-8812, or e-mail pahusted@aol.com or John
Bieniek at 320-746-2578 or
jvbien@msn.com
.
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Soup Festival
On Sunday afternoon,
October 26, 2008, PACIM will hold its 19th Annual Polish Soup Festival in
Kolbe Hall of John Paul II School located at 17th and Fourth Avenue NE,
Minneapolis. The school is located across the alley from and is part of the
Holy Cross Church complex. There is handicapped parking and an elevator down
to the hall in that alley. This is a change of location from the
International Institute which had finally become much too small.
The idea of holding an event serving a dozen Polish soups is credited to Ed
Rajtar, a former PACIM president. Each year, there are a dozen or more
soups—some old favorites and always some new to keep people’s interest. If
there is any left over when the event is over, soup is sold. We are always
looking for people who are willing to donate a pot of tasty Polish soup.
And, we always need volunteers to help set up and to clean up after. If you
are interested, please please email us at
pacim2006@yahoo.com.
Over the years, we have allowed different organizations to display their
wares at this event. The ladies of Sacred Heart Church sell their home-made
pierogi, the Polanie sell their books, and the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers
sell Polish merchandise. Sometimes, there will be an author or an artist.
Please watch the Pol-Am, the Northeaster, the Kurier Polski, the Polish
American Journal, or your local church bulletins for our advertisement next
fall.
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Chicago Shopping Trip
The first time this event
took place was last November 30 to December 2 when Director Irene Colston
led a group of ladies (I think she had one man) to Chicago’s Christkindl
Market. The group had a lot of fun and want to repeat the trip--when the
weather is warmer. The cost of this trip was $250 which included the bus,
hotel, two breakfasts and two dinners.
The travelers would like to go to Chicago in September or perhaps early
October. The plan is that they will attend several theater performances,
have some nice meals, and stop by the Polish stores for food to bring back.
The arrangements for this trip are in the very infancy. If you are
interested in attending the trip and want to give some input, call Irene at
612-729-5911.
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vWigilia Benefit for Polish Children
PACIM’s outreach to
Polish children started out as a collection site for used and new children’s
clothing which were sorted, packed, and sent to orphan homes all around
Poland. It was difficult for us to do this because we had only a small, old
garage to store the clothing and had to set up the sorting/packing outside,
hopefully on days when it didn’t rain. Located in Minnesota, it was often
too cold to ask volunteers to work outside. The project became very popular
and garbage bag after garbage came in until there was no place to store
them. As this occurred, the quality of the clothing people donated declined.
We often had to transfer a truckload of clothing to Goodwill because the
clothing simply was not in useable condition. About this time, we learned
that Jewel (similar to WalMart) had moved into Poland and people were able
to purchase clothing at reasonable prices. We decided to change our focus
from collecting clothing to collecting money that could be used by the homes
administrators to purchase clothing in the style and sizes needed.
This money is taken by various PACIM directors when they travel to Poland.
The directors tour the facility and talk with the staff to find out what
their needs are. Last year, we contributed $500 to Dom Dzicka in Wola
Galęzowska and $800 to the Zakład dla Niewidomych in Laski. The funds
collected at the 2007 wigilia and accompanying donations (over $2,500) will
be given to a facility for terminally ill children in Toruń and the
surrounding area called Hospicjum dla Dzieci Nadzieja.
We try to make our wigilia dinner as authentic as possible. We want
attendees to have an experience that they can repeat in their own homes. To
that end, we supply a pamphlet with directions, oplatki, and hay for people
to take home. What they can’t replicate is the wonderful food served by
Marian Pierzchalski of the Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit Restaurant:
Starter: Cucumbers in sour cream, herring, and pickled beets
Soup: Red beet soup with little mushroom dumplings;
Pierogi: Sauerkraut and mushroom pierogi
Entrée: Walleye Pike, boiled potatoes with onions and Christmas oil, carrot
salad
Dessert: Walnut torte
Beverages: White wine, coffee, tea, water
Before dinner, we share the oplatki with our neighbors. After eating these
traditional foods, musicians lead the diners in singing Christmas carols in
Polish and English. Words are provided.
This is a very warm, friendly evening which benefits Polish children $5 of
each ticket sold.
The 2008 wigilia will take place at the first star on December 14. Where
else? Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit Restaurant.
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1900’s Polish Village Wedding
On Sunday, September 10,
2006, the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM) hosted the
first-of-its-kind in the Twin Cities reenactment of a turn-of-the-century
rural Polish wedding at St. Maron’s Cedar Hall in Northeast Minneapolis. It
was a truly awesome event due to the assistance of the Dolina Polish Dancers
who played the young people in the wedding party and members of PACIM and
the Polish community who played the older relatives. Mounds of tasty food was
provided by Marian Pierzchalski of the Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit Restaurant.
John Filipczak & The Classics played much of the old music for the guests to
sing and dance to. Members of St.Maron’s, even though they were Lebanese,
were very excited and involved in our project.
Irrespective of religion, weddings are a festive and cheerful event.
Extravagant parties are more and more popular these days, but traditional
weddings are still highly celebrated. This September wedding was no
exception. Guests had the opportunity to participate in an old ritual of the
couple getting together, including all of the traditional formalities, i.e.,
swiady, marsz weselny, oszczepiny and tance z Panem Mlodym I Panna Mloda za
pieniadze, and a wonderful Polish meal.
Many of these old customs are still alive in Poland. A wedding in the Polish
countryside is an amazing mixture of these old customs and contemporary
Polish culture.
The parents still bless the young couple, treat them to bread and salt, but
the guests now dance to more contemporary music.
As one of the guests put it, “It was like a real wedding; it reminded me of
home and the stories my grandparents told me when I was a child. I hope
everyone gets to experience the traditional Polish wedding; it is a
quintessential Polish custom.”
It may be possible that more people will be able to enjoy the experience of
the reenactment. After the wedding took place, the committee of eleven who
had researched and worked on putting together the event said, “Never again.”
However, lately there has been some talk about “next year.”
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Urban Expedition
Our participation at the
Ubran “Expedition: Poland! at the Landmark Center was more successful than
we had hoped. The Landmark ran four countries last year and one before us
this year. So far, we Poles have brought in the most attendees: 675 people
interested in Polish culture and traditions. It was a great opportunity to
let the wider public know that Poles and Polish-Americans live and thrive in
Minnesota.
PACIM gives great thanks to other Polish organizations for their
participation: Dolina Polish Folk Dancers, Adam Mickiewicz Polish Saturday
School, Polanie Club of Minneapolis.
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Magnificent Mazowsze
Have you heard of
Mazowsze? Of course you have! No surprise - our mothers, grandfathers,
granddaughters, great, great cousins - everybody in our Polish family is
familiar with Mazowsze's thrilling display of movement, vibrant color and
stunning beauty.
Fifteen years since its last appearance in the Twin Cities, Mazowsze,
Poland's preeminent national song and dance troupe, was back with a one-time
performance on November 19, 2007 at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in Saint Paul.
This was the Event of the Year!
The incomparable Mazowsze whirled, leaped and glided in a glorious out -
pouring of sound and motion, rhythm and music to celebrate the cultural
legacy of Poland. An ensemble of 90 dancers and singers performed in a
seemingly unending display of hand-made traditional costumes - more than
1,000 in total - a dramatic and colorful spectacle. Some weighed as much as
30 lbs, making their energetic gravity-defying leaps, twirls and lifts even
more impressive. Mazowsze's choreography and musical arrangements
represented 39 regions of Poland with traditional performance styles.
A full 23-member orchestra performed music ranging from Chopin to simple
folk melodies beloved by the Poles for centuries, featuring among others
“Kolem, Kolem” (In a Circle, In a Circle), songs an dances from Jurgow in
the Podhale mountain region, and “Cyt, Cyt” (Hush, Hush) sung in costumes
from the Lowicz region.
Mazowsze’s performance in the “Twin Cities was presented by the “Dolina
Polish Folk Dancers and the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota,
and co-sponsored by the Minnesota International Center.
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