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Sirenland 2011 writers conference

From One Story: Applications for Sirenland 2011 are now open, from September 15th to October 31st.

Join writers Dani Shapiro, Jim Shepard, and Peter Cameron, along with One Story magazine March 27-April 2, 2011 for the Sirenland Writers Conference. Experience advanced fiction and memoir workshops in an intimate, supportive environment at one of the most beautiful five star luxury hotels in the world – Le Sirenuse – in Positano, Italy.

Participation in this conference is limited to ensure individual attention and create a close, friendly community. Each day features an intensive, small group workshop with acclaimed writers Dani Shapiro, Jim Shepard, and Peter Cameron, as well as private time for writing, and excursions to nearby Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. Evenings will include talks about publishing and living the writer’s life, with Dani Shapiro, Jim Shepard, Peter Cameron, screenwriter Michael Maren and Hannah Tinti (co-founder and editor-in-chief of One Story), distinguished visiting authors, student and instructor readings, and fantastic meals overlooking the Islands of Li Galli, formerly called the “Island of the Sirens.”

To apply writers must submit a brief statement of purpose (about 250 words) and a writing sample (no more than 7,000 words). All applications will be taken online. Because this workshop will be limited, we encourage you to submit right away. The final deadline will be October 31st, 2010.

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Screening of Modjeska- Woman Triumphant

Polish Movie Nite is happy to announce the San Francisco premiere of Modjeska- Woman Triumphant, presented by Maureen Mroczek Morris, Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 3pm at the Delancey Street Screening Room, 600 Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94107

Modjeska- Woman Triumphant is presented by Maureen Mroczek Morris for the benefit of the Polish Club. Suggested donation: $5-10. Please call (415) 244-5252 to reserve your seat.

Modjeska- Woman Triumphant, 2009, 57 minutes

The stylized documentary Modjeska- Woman Triumphant is the culmination of six years of work by director Basia Myszynski, who has referred to the film as the “project of [her] life.” Probably most compelling is the narration by Beth Holmgren, professor at Duke University, who is currently working on a book about Modjeska.

Born in 1840 (arguably, but that’s a whole other story), Helena Modrzejewska was a famous Polish actress working in the second half of the 1800s. Although much literature and other materials exist about Modjeska (as she came to be known in the States), most notably about her life and career in Europe (Poland did not exist as a sovereign nation at that time), this is the first film to specifically focus on Modjeska and her life in Southern California, which she so loved.

In 2009, I attended a lecture by Marek Zebrowski (director of the Polish Music Center at USC), hosted by the Modjeska Art and Culture Club of Los Angeles, during which he spoke about Modjeska’s close friendship and intellectual exchange with composer Ignacy Paderewski. Zebrowski, who was also interviewed for Myszynski’s film, made the case that Modjeska left Europe for the US for largely political reasons. Interestingly, Woman Triumphant puts forth another thesis, namely that Modjeska also fled greatly for personal reasons. With an illegitimate son in tow (and her own legitimacy also frequently pointed out), she could reinvent herself in a new country without the stigma and gossipy journalism that publicly followed her every performance. No doubt, it was a combination of multiple pressures that pushed her out of the Russian Empire (although she had been born near Krakow under the more lenient Austrian rule, she had advanced quickly to play leads in Warsaw as well as in Russian cities). In a brief email exchange, Myszynski explained to me, “The film focuses on the most personal of reasons because [they] most affected her [and] me as a filmmaker.” Focusing on the personal in addition to the political reasons “would highlight the drama best in understanding why we make the choices we make – usually we are most affected by the personal,” she writes.

That said, Modjeska was not only running away from problems, but turning to new opportunities. She envisioned the formation of a utopian artist colony in the Wild West, where she and fellow ex-patriots would live off the land and at night could discuss art, literature, and music around a campfire. She would eventually call her property Arden, referring to the work of her beloved Shakespeare. After emigrating in 1876, she settled in 1888 in Orange County, in what is now known as Modjeska Canyon. She stayed at Arden until 1906, when she moved to Newport Beach where she would spend the last years of her life writing her memoirs…

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Events and happenings

Spaghetti Dinner: At Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 1040 Pearl St., Schenectady, NY from 4 – 7 pm on Saturday, September 11th.

Harvest Festival: Holy Mother of Sorrows PNC Church will hold their 34th Annual Polish Harvest “Dozynski” Festival and Giant Flea Market on the parish grounds at 212 Wyoming Ave, Dupont, PA.

A flea market will be held on Saturday, Sept.11, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with many local vendors. Refreshments will be served throughout the day.

On Sunday, Sept. 12, the Harvest Festival will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until dusk The blessing of the harvest wreath will be held with a procession from the grounds to the church beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Live entertainment will be provided by Joe Lastovica and the Polka Punch from 3:00 to 6:00. On the menu will be homemade Polish favorites: potato pancakes, pierogies, haluski, piggies, American foods hot dogs, hamburgers, plus much more. There will be games for all ages, theme baskets, 50/50 bingo, art and crafts a children youth stand, baked goods, a parish raffle and a country store with fruits and vegetables. All are invited. Admission is free.

Chicken Barbecue Dinner: At the Polish National Catholic Church of the Tranfiguration, 135 Hathaway St., Wallington, NJ on Saturday, September 25th from 4 to 6pm. Eat in or take out. Tickets are $8. The reservation deadline is September 22nd. Please call Ed Kotula at 973-773-4090 for tickers and reservations.

Pasta Dinner: To Celebrate Jill Donovan’s Fight Against Cancer on Saturday, October 16th from 5 – 9pm at the Greenwood Hose Co. Banquet Hall, 3727-41 Birney Ave, Moosic, PA. Take-outs will be available from 4 – 6pm. For tickets or donation information call: Carol Shuminski at 570-343-0946 or Mary Ann Donovan at 570-346-3949.

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The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation 1st Annual Bands For Birthmarks – Family Fun Day in Albany

The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) will be celebrating its 1st Annual “Bands for Birthmarks” family fun day. Beginning at 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 29th, at the Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave Ext, Albany NY 12205. The event offers a fun and inexpensive end of the summer day for families to enjoy music, clowning, football and just being outdoors—while helping a worthy cause.

Three well-known local rock/party bands in the Capital District are donating their services to this worthy cause. Featured bands include: Prolonged Exposure, What-Ever!, and T.R.O.U.B.L.E. In addition, there will be three clowns from the group Heartfelt Clowning. These include: Happy Heart, Sweet Pea, and Hot Flash. Bouncey Bounce and plenty of delicious Polish and American foods will also be available for purchase. Local former NFL Player Tim Sherwin will be conducting a receiving clinic for the kids. There will be a limited number of free footballs that will be autographed for kids attending the clinic.

For more information, contact: Basia Joyce at (518) 495-3938, or you can register on-line, or just show up and have some fun. The weather forecast is for sunny skies, temperatures in the mid 80’s. Come join us ! ! ! Students admission is only $5.

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Upcoming and a first ever PNCC Webinar

Chicken Barbecue at St. Mary’s PNCC, Duryea, PA: One of the most enjoyable things about the summer is barbeques. Whether you enjoy them on your patio with your family or at one of the many local festivals, this summer favorite can’t be beat. Well, if you have room for just one more, and I know that you do, why not take a break from the kitchen next weekend and attend St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church’s annual chicken barbeque dinner in Duryea, PA? The parish committee of St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church will hold its chicken barbeque dinner Saturday, August 28th, from 2-6 p.m. at the church, 200 Stephenson St., Duryea, PA. The menu includes a half chicken, a baked potato, green beans, a roll and butter. Beverages and desserts are extra. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance by calling the rectory office at 570-457-2291. Takeouts will be available as well.

Parish and Community Picnic at Holy Trinity and St. Joseph in Linden, NJ: The annual parish and community picnic will be held on the Holy Trinity and St. Joseph PNCC church grounds, 407 Ziegler Avenue, Linden, NJ, Sunday, September 12th. The picnic is preceded by High Holy Mass in Polish at 11am, Rev. Jan Kość principal celebrant. The menu includes a featured a chicken dinner, as well as a full selection of Polish favorites like homemade pierogi, gołąbki (stuffed cabbage), and kielbasa. Other picnic favorites will be featured as well as fun and games. All are welcome.

PNCC Webinar: The Western Diocese of the PNCC is hosting a Webinar on the history and organization of the PNCC. All that is required to attend is a computer with Internet access. The Webinar is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th beginning at 9:30am Central Time (10:30am Eastern Time). The main presentation will be about one hour and there will be a half-hour available for questions and discussion after the main presentation. Registration detail are not yet available. I will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Fall Social and Dinner at Our Savior, Lawrenceville, NJ: Our Savior PNCC, 2300 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ is planning for its first ever Fall Social and Roast Beef dinner scheduled for Sunday, September 19th. Call 609-882-7880 for more information.

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More good eats – and festivals

Ethnic Food and Bake Sale, hosted by Good Shepherd Polish National Catholic Church, during the Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Fest, August 27th and 28th, in front of Sport-Jes, 30 East Main Street, Plymouth, PA. Homemade pierogies, haluski and baked goods on the menu.

St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 West Oak Street, Frackville, PA will hold a bleenie sale beginning at 11 a.m., Friday, August 20th at the church. The church stages bleenie sales every other week throughout the summer.

Resurrection PNC Church will hold a Polish Crepe (Naleśniki) Dinner, 5 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, August 19th at 1835 West Temperance Rd., Temperance, MI. Carry out is available. Cost: $10. For more information please call 734-847-5052.

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Take me out to the ballgame, Polish Night, and poprawiny

Polish-American Baseball Night – ‘A Big Hit’ In Detroit by Raymond Rolak and courtesy of Polish Times/Czas Polski

DETROIT—“ Before the game, the players watched with amaze: both the A’s and the Tiger’s. They watched along with everyone else, the color and the authentic costumes. They watched the Polish folk dancing and listened. The show was spectacular and this all helped to make Polish-American Night at Comerica Park a giant hit.

Coordinated by the Polish American Congress-Michigan Division, the evening was a vision of color and the weather was perfect. For those in attendance, the Polish style music was a hit also. At game time, Comerica Park was standing room only.

The home team lost to the Oakland A’s, 5-4, but the post game fireworks presented by Pepsi got most in attendance in good spirits before they left the stadium. The accompanied Polka music during the fireworks show was a surprise and an added bonus.

It was the 40th Annual Polish-American Night with the Tigers and before the game General Manager, Dave Dombrowski was smiling, —We will have a full house and it will be a great pre-game show.— The Tigers and the Polish-American Night committee hit a home run with the presentation.—

At the Detroit event even —PAWS—, the Tiger’s mascot was dressed in Polish folk costume and the Press Box and staff commissary was serving Polish stuffed cabbage and kielbasa-n-kraut.

Early arrivals to Comerica were treated to the lively tunes of Big Daddy Lackowski & the La-De-Das, The Natural Tones and The Kielbasa Kings. Big crowds gathered outside of Comerica Park before the game and enjoyed the music. WDIV-TV weatherman, Chuck Gaidica highlighted Big Daddy Lackowski on the Channel-4 evening news.

Also, the first 10,000 people entering the stadium got vintage-style wool ‘Olde English D’ Tigers caps with the 1935 World Series highlighted. These were sponsored by the Detroit Medical Center. It is the 75th anniversary of that title. Furthermore, The Tigers and the Polish-American Night Committee presented tee-shirts to those that bought a pre-planned ticket package. Also, the Polish American Congress Foundation got $5 from every Polish Night pre-game ticket package sold.

There were 13 dance troupes and the Polish Scouts performing on the field. Representatives of sponsoring Polish fraternal groups were introduced before the game.

Before the game, Tiger radio broadcaster Jim Price hosted Wally Ozog, currently of Chicago and President of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, on his pre-game show. Price highlighted past Polish-American nights at Tiger Stadium. Throughout the Oakland-Detroit game broadcast, Price brought to light, anecdotes about former Major League Polish-American baseball players. He told humorous stories about Tom Paciorek, Frank Tanana, Ron Perranoski and Dick Tracewski. Price, who played for the Tigers said, —We always looked forward to Polish-American Night as we had Polish food in the clubhouse after the game and we always teased —Trixie— (Tracewski), for getting another plaque from the host committee. People forget he was on three World Series winners as a player and another as a coach. That’s four rings. Those are great memories.—

Price also mentioned that former Tiger Jim Northrup and his wife are sponsoring an orphanage in Poland.

On the field, right before the umpires declared, —Play Ball—, Barb Toboy, introduced Robert Szczublewski, who was dressed in traditional Polish costume. He had stirring renditions of the Polish National Anthem and the —Star Spangled Banner—. It transitioned to the honoring of a decorated U.S. Army veteran, Specialist Joe James, who was on leave from Iraq. They got standing ovations

Ceremonial first pitch throwers, Nicole Blaszcak and Jerry Lubiarz did commendable jobs and survived the tremendous applause. The PRCUA Zakopane Polish Folk Dance Group had the distinction of being the color guard.

The Tiger loss dampened a spectacular three home run night by Miguel Cabrera. It was the first time for the Tiger slugger that he had three in one game. Oakland reliever Andrew Bailey earned his 10th save of the year. The A’s are now 9-2, in the all-important, one-run games.

In the press-box, former Tiger great Willie Horton reminisced how honored he felt when presenting Paciorek into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. —I remember how great the mushroom soup was that evening. I love Polish food. Tom and I were teammates in Seattle. He had good years in Seattle. He always helped keep the clubhouse loose. He is a great baseball broadcaster, always prepared.—

Ray Fosse, former catcher for the Oakland A’s and now their flagship station broadcaster sent glowing reports of the evening to California during his call of the game. Mario Impemba of Fox Sports Detroit also painted the picture of Polish —“American Night with highlights on the Tigers TV-cast. Fox Sports Detroit had great camera work with their High Definition video of the pre-game show. The television camera’s highlighted all the color of the Polish-American Night extravaganza.

Most of the electronic media outlets mentioned the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony June 24, in Troy, Michigan which honored former Phillies Manager Danny Ozark. Ozark led the Phillies to NL-East titles in 76, 77 and 78. He was also a longtime coach for the L. A. Dodgers. Past Philadelphia slugger Greg Luzinski presented for the deceased Ozark (2009). Paciorek, the popular and veteran announcer, was the emcee. He was awarded a sports Emmy for his White Sox and Washington National’s baseball broadcasts.

NPASHF Chairman Jim Conrad said, We also inducted “swimming champion Kristy Kowal of Reading, Pennsylvania and Hamtramck, Michigan native and tennis great Peaches Barkowicz.— NPASHF board members manned an informational table near the right field foul corner.

During an after party (poprawiny) at the Coaches Corner Bar & Grill, in Harmonie Park, former University of Buffalo football player Gerry Ratkewitz over piwa (Polish beer), said, —I remember Al Kaline’s only three home run game, it was in 1955 against Kansas City. Steve Gromek was the winning pitcher.— Detroit native son, Gromek, pitched for the Tigers at the time and was inducted into the NPASHF in 1981.

Polish-American Night, the game and festivities, were dedicated to the memory of Poland’s President Lech Kaczynski and First Lady Maria Kaczynska and the 94 others who lost their lives in the tragic airplane crash of April, !0, 2010 in Smolensk, Russia. They were in route to the 70th anniversary memorial of the World War II, Katyn atrocity.

Polish-American Night in Buffalo was held at Coca-Cola Field on August 3rd, when the Bison’s AAA Team took on Lehigh Valley as part of Polish Fest. Polish American nights were also hosted by the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toledo Mud Hens AAA, Chicago White Sox, and from the first time on August 17th at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.

Mr. Rolak reports that Polish Heritage Night at Wrigley benefited the Chicago based Polish American Association.

Prior to the event, Matthew Wszolek, Director of Special Events for the Chicago Cubs stated: —We’re proud to present this as one of our special premium nights at Wrigley Field,— and —With the help of the Pepsi, we hope everyone will enjoy an entertaining night at the ballpark while supporting several community programs in the process. We have some great musical and pregame surprises planned.—

When the Ricketts family bought the Cubs, they had a mission statement of getting more involved with the community. —This is our first heritage night and I expect we will expand the program,— added Wszolek.

Those attending Polish Heritage Night were eligible to receive a special commemorative Cub’s cap embroidered with the Polish flag on its side. The cap was given to each game attendee who contributed $5 to Chicago Cubs Charities when purchasing their ticket.

Chicago Cubs Charities donated 100% of the cap sales to support the Polish-American Association programs.

Larry Flood, Vice President of Chicagoland-Wisconsin Pepsi said. —Pepsi has a great tradition of aligning with the community. We’re happy to partner for such a positive event. This heritage night should welcome many new fans to Wrigley Field and Chicago Cubs baseball.— Pepsi is supplying the embroidered Cub’s hats.

The Polish American Association has been in operation since 1922 helping Chicago’s Polish community. The PAA provides a range of bilingual and cultural programs in the areas of social services, employment, education, and immigration services.

The event also celebrated all the Polish-Americans that excelled in Major League Baseball. Included is Cub’s coach Allan Trammell. He was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. The NPASHF Museum is in Troy, Michigan. Stan Musial was the first inductee in 1973.

Chicago Black Hawk broadcaster, Ed Olczyk sang —Take Me Out to the Ball Game— during the popular Cub’s tradition at the 7th inning stretch. Olczyk was a NPASHF inductee in 2004.

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Summer — food and festivals

Minneapolis, MN: From the Twin Cities Daily Planet: Two Polish festivals for Minneapolis

For Polish families in Northeast Minneapolis there is the Twin Cities Polish Festival – and then there is THE Polish Fest. The latter, sponsored by Sacred Heart of Jesus Polish National Catholic Church, was Saturday, August 7, at the church at 420 22nd Ave NE. Parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus know that their fest long preceded the neophyte Twin Cities Polish Festival which is coming up August 14-15 at St. Anthony.

The bottom line: you just can’t have enough Polish festivity.

The Twin Cities Polish Festival, new on the festival scene, features a wide range of cultural, historical and educational displays, musical and dance entertainment and traditional foods and beverages. Attendees of whatever ethnic persuasion will enjoy “all things Polish,” presenting a kaleidoscope of unique cultural and educational displays, food and entertainment. Highlights include the Kresy-Syberia Exhibit, a literary display featuring Polish writer Joseph Conrad, a major Chopin performance, a whirlwind of polka, and a Polish Film Festival co-sponsored by Minnesota Film Arts.

Albany, NY: The Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave Ext, Albany is sponsoring a Polish-American buffet, Friday, August 13th from 4 to 8pm and a Polka dance – picnic with Rymanowski Brothers Band on Sunday, August 15th from 2:30 to 6:30pm. Call 518-456-3995 for more information.

Wilkes-Barre, PA: Takeouts-Only Chicken Barbecue on Saturday, August 14th from 1 to 4pm at Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church, Sheridan Street, Heights, Wilkes-Barre. Dinners are $8. Tickets sold at the door.

Buffalo, NY: Annual Dozynki Harvest Festival and the Third Buffalo’s Best Pierogi Contest at Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark Street, Buffalo, NY on Saturday, August 21st from 12:30pm till 11:30pm and Sunday, August 22nd from 12:45pm until 5:30pm. The Pierogi Earting Contest will take place Saturday at 4:30pm.

So come watch or particpate!!! The Church’s Pierogi contest has grown to become a big hit. This year they will have three categories… traditional, non traditional, and for the first time commercial (restaurant, businesses, etc.). The judges…Steve Watson (Buffalo News), Greg Witul (Local Historian), Tom Kerr (Executive Director of the Broadway Market), Alan Bedenko (The Buffalo Pundit and restaurant reviewer for Buffalo Spree), Marc Poloncarz (Erie County Comptroller), Marty Biniasz (Dyngus Day Buffalo/Forgotten Buffalo), Christina Abt (Local Author and host of Buffalo Style On WECK), Mark Lewandowski (President, Central Terminal Restoration Corporation), And Josh Boose (WGRZ-TV)…

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Cathedral events – block party and flea market

Giant Indoor Flea Market at St. Stanislaus PNCC Center from Friday, August 20th to Sunday, August 22nd. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., 530 E. Elm St., Scranton. The market features antiques, collectibles, furniture, toys, jewelry, tools, clothing, household items; and of course, homemade Polish food.

St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral will hold a Block Party, August 27th and 28th from 5-10 p.m., Pittston Avenue and East Elm Street featuring kielbasa, potato pancakes, pierogies, noodles and cabbage, pizza, steak and cheese sandwiches, clams, drinks, games and music. Call 570-961-9231 for more information.

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