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From Chaplain Stan Jasiurkowski

Greetings from Iraq

My name is Chaplain Stan Jasiurkowski, and I’m endorsed to the Army Chaplaincy by the Polish National Catholic Church.

As you know, I spent a year with my Battalion in Taji, just north of Baghdad in 2005.

Now, I’ve been in Mosul for 5 months , the second largest city in Iraq. During this time I have seen a lot misfortune, for instance, the homeless, the sick, the poor, the helpless and the hopeless.

Many people in the US are not aware, but the average Iraqi child of 8, looks as if he is a child of 6. Nurses tell me this is due to the malnutrition. I myself, have seen children on the streets of Baghdad and Mosul during school hours selling things to help the family survive. I have seen empty school rooms, because there are not enough students or teachers. Piled garbage seemed to be on maximized on every intersection street corner. These children walk in the garbage and sewage, many times without shoes at all.

Therefore, along with my Battalion we would like to organize a humanitarian mission to one of the schools in our neighborhood. In order to do that, we need some help form our fellow Americans. I pray that my friends will open up their hearts and support this very important charity mission.

I am asking your help in turning this goal into a reality, and play a vital role in bringing comfort to the local Iraqi children in striking a victory against a cold and murderous insurgency. Given the unique nature of the conflict we are embroiled in, sending something as simple as shoes, clothes, or school supplies to local children will aid your Soldiers in this fight. I feel I must warn you that these people will probably never know who you are, or recognize the role you played, but I can assure you that little boys and girls like the one pictured in this letter will be profoundly grateful for even the smallest bit of help from you. Please take a moment to clean out a closet or visit a store and do your part for our cause. A single pair of shoes, a T-shirt, a toy, a notebook, or a pencil may not win a war, but the difference it will make to the one child who receives them just might help push us in that direction. Feel free to forward this information to any family, friend, classroom, or civic group who might have asked you how they can help a Soldier in Iraq. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by E-mail.

Any and all donations are welcome. Please send them to:

CH (CPT) Stan Jasiurkowski
HHC, 87 CSSB
FOB East Marez
APO AE 09334

Poland - Polish - Polonia,

Stuart Dybek Receives MacArthur Grant

I’m catching up with some older news. Here one from the Chronicle of Higher Education: 8 Professors Are Among 24 New MacArthur Fellows

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation named eight professors today among the 24 MacArthur Fellows for 2007.

The fellowships, or “genius awards,” as they are commonly called, recognize people in a variety of fields for their creativity and promise. Each new fellow receives an award of $500,000, which is meant to encourage future exploration and comes with no strings attached.

Among the academic winners for 2007 are a medieval historian, biologists who study bees and spider silk, and several other professors working in the sciences.

The MacArthur Foundation does not accept applications for the awards. Instead, it invites approximately 100 professionals from nearly every academic discipline to submit anonymous nominations to the foundation’s 12-person selection committee. The committee, whose members also serve anonymously, reviews all nominations and then forwards its recommendations to the foundation’s Board of Directors for approval. Winners are then notified via telephone.

This year’s class of 24 brings the total number of MacArthur Fellows since the program began, in 1981, to 756.

…

Stuart Dybek, writer in residence at Northwestern University. His short stories pay tribute to the literature and iconography of the Old World while exploring the imaginations of contemporary American communities.

Here is Mr. Dybek’s profile from Western Michigan University where he is a professor of English.

Poland - Polish - Polonia, ,

Szymanowski Gala

Celebrating the 125th Birthday of Poland’s Greatest Modern Composer, Saturday, October 13 at 2pm, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall

Featuring:

The Penderecki String Quartet;
Pianist Anna Kijanowska;
Mezzo Edyta Kulczak (Metropolitan Opera) and Pianist Steven Eldredge and;
Violinist Hanna Lachert (NY Philharmonic) and Pianist Helene Jeanney

The Polish Sejm has declared 2007 the Year of Szymanowski, and the Kosciuszko Foundation is presenting a special concert in his honor, which I am inviting you to attend and support.

Marek Jurek, Speaker of the Sejm, described Szymanowski’s achievements:

After a period of stagnation in Polish music following Chopin’s death, it was he [Szymanowski] who provided it with an invigorating impulse for further development. Today he is recognized as the spiritual father of 20th-century Polish music. He developed his own musical style, introducing elements of folk music, which became a guiding star for generations of Polish composers. Without his output, which has been seeing a huge renaissance over recent decades, Polish music culture would not have achieved a standard that gives it a prominent place in the world.

To mark the 125th birthday anniversary of Poland’s greatest modern composer, the Kosciuszko Foundation will present a —Szymanowski Gala Concert—on Saturday, October 13, at 2 PM, at the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall.

Renowned Polish artists are featured in a concert of chamber, vocal, and piano solo music giving an overview of Szymanowski’s work. The Penderecki String Quartet will play both of his quartets; mezzo soprano Edyta Kulczak, from the Metropolitan Opera, will sing two groups of songs, including the folk-based —Kurpian Songs—. Folk music from Zakopane was likewise the inspiration for Szymanowski’s Mazurkas, from which Anna Kijanowska will play a group; and violinist Hanna Lachert, of the New York Philharmonic, will perform his Violin Sonata.

Tickets: $ 25 / $15
Special Discounts for KF Members / Students
Information / Reservations / Details: Call the Kosciuszko Foundation 212-734-2130
Concert supported by the Cierpik Szymanowski Fund.

PNCC, Poland - Polish - Polonia, ,

One week to PolishFest ‘07

I extend an invitation to PolishFest ’07 to all of my readers.

PolishFest will be held on the grounds of my parish, the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa, PNCC, 250 Maxwell Rd., Latham NY 12110 (just outside Albany, Exit 4 off the I-87 Adirondack Northway) beginning at 5pm, Friday, September 21 and continuing through 6pm on Sunday, September 23.

PolishFest includes the Chopin Recital, Polish Craft Vendors, Free Polka Lessons, a Pierogi Eating Contest, Holy Mass, Children’s Games and Craft Activities, Bouncy Bounce, Cooking Demos, Genealogy, Raffles, Bell Jars, Polish Pottery, Amber Jewelry, Kielbasa Sandwich, Golabki (Stuffed Cabbage), Potato Pancakes, Pierogi, Kapusta, Bigos (Hunter Stew), Homemade Polish desserts, Polish Beer, Wine, take-out food and so much more…

More information, including the festival’s entire menu and schedule of events is available at the PolishFest website.

Note: Polka Bands performing this year include: The Rymanowski Brothers, The Mass Brass, The Maestro’s Men, and EFO (The Eddie Forman Orchestra)

Grace Smokowski will be on-hand signing her book “When I Last Saw You.”

Others appearing include a team from the Culinary Institute of America, Director Craig DeBiase, and Genealogist Cecile (Ceil) Wendt Jensen.

You have my heartfelt invitation to attend.

Serdecznie zapraszamy!

Poland - Polish - Polonia

3rd Annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival

The 3rd Annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival will be held at the Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral Parish Grounds, 6298 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086

Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival

FOR INFO CALL THE PARISH OFFICE 716-685-5766

Tickets: $4.00 PRE-SALE or $5.00 AT THE GATE
Children 14 and under free accompanied by an adult!! No coolers please!!

Tickets available at:
HMRC Parish Office, 5776 Broadway, Lancaster, NY (716) 685-5766
Salt Lamps Etc., 5274 Broadway, Lancaster, NY (716) 564-9286
Polish Union of America, 745 Center Rd., West Seneca (716) 677-0220
Am-Pol Eagle Newspaper, 3620 Harlem Rd. Cheektowaga, NY (716) 835-9454

All weekend long come and enjoy… Homemade Polish Food (American food also available)… Polka Music… Polish Folk Dancers… Polish Desserts… Cultural Food and Craft Demonstrations… Exhibits… “Jarmach” Polish Market with Polish Imports and Gifts… Theme Tray Auction… Cathedral Tours… Farmers Market… Children’s Tent with Games and Rides…. Polish Folk Tales and Activities… Cash Prize Raffle… Polish Tatra Sheepdogs… Pig Roast Sunday… Apple Pie judging contest on Sat. and so much more…Fun for the whole family!!!

(NOTE: Cross-posted to Polonia Global Fund)

Poland - Polish - Polonia, ,

Year of Szymanowski Concert in Philidephia

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation announces its third annual summer concert, taking place Sunday, August 19, starting at 3:00 PM, at the Ethical Society Building, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

This year’s concert is dedicated to Karol Szymanowski in the 125th year of his birth, declared the Year of Szymanowski by the Polish Sejm. On this auspicious occasion, the national Kosciuszko Foundation, headquartered in New York, joins the Phildephia Chapter in honoring this seminal figure of 20th century music by co-sponsoring the event.

The concert features noted virtuosi and Szymanowski scholars, Blanka Bednarz, violinist and Matthew Bengtson, pianist, performing a musical program drawn from a cross-section of Szymanowsk’s works, including Etudes op. 4, Myths for Violin and Piano op. 30, Masques op. 34 and Mazurkas op. 50.

Blanka Bednarz performs regularly as part of the Atma Trio and together with Sinfonietta Polonia, a unique orchestral training program based in Poznan, Poland. Closer to Philadelphia, Dr. Bednarz is Professor of Music at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, where she is also concertmaster of the Dickinson Orchestra.

Matthew Bengtson is a pianist, fortepianist and harpsichordist with a special interest in Karol Szymanowski’s music. His 2002 recording, “The Complete Mazurkas of Karol Szymanowski,” presents the subject of his doctoral dissertation, which was honored with the 2003 Stefan and Wanda Wilk Prize for Research in Polish Music.

Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) is regarded as the father of contemporary Polish music. Active in many genres, Szymanowski composed four symphonies, the opera “King Roger,” (which I saw when it was performed in Buffalo in 1992) the ballet “Harnasie” and his choral masterpiece “Stabat Mater.” Today these works enjoy a growing appreciation throughout the world.

Doors will open at 2:30 for refreshments before the concert. Following the concert, the artists will greet guests as they enjoy coffee and Polish pastries from Julia Bakery. Tickets are available in advance for $35 ($15 for students) from Fred Wolanin at 267-987-5347 or 215-752-9270, or at the door for $40 ($20 for students). Convenient off-street parking is available at the Parkway Corporation garage at 1845 Walnut St for a flat rate of $12 with validation at the concert.

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation gratefully acknowledges support from the Cierpik Fund administered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, Swift Mailing Services and the Szyszko Family, Julia Bakery and the Parkway Corporation.

Poland - Polish - Polonia

Vacancy announcement – Program assistant for East European Studies program

From the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C.

The position of Program Assistant for the East European Studies program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., is currently open.

Vacancy Announcement number: CK146427KM

Title: Program Assistant (OA)

Pay Plan./Series/Grade: GS-0303-05/06

Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens and U.S. civil service merit promotion eligible candidates.

How to Apply: You must apply for this position online through the Office of Personnel Managements website:

Duties, requirements, benefits application procedures and the full text vacancy announcement can be found at the above link.

Please note: application materials submitted to the Woodrow Wilson Center’s HR office can not be considered.

East European Studies
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027
tel: 202-691-4000
fax: 202-691-4001

Located in the Ronald Reagan Building Federal Triangle Metro Stop (Blue/Orange) Lines.

Poland - Polish - Polonia

On Eagles Wings Event

“Why are your children not here with you? Who will remember you, if they are not here, to learn what you have accomplished? Who will remember, if not they? What will happen to your legacy, if they forget?” — Colonel W. Perchal of the Royal Regiment of Canada, addressing Polish-Canadian World War Two veterans

A past correspondent, Mr. Henry Sokolowski, a member of the Board of Directors of the Polish Combatants Association, Branch #20 in Toronto, Canada announces a gathering of the generations to pay tribute to the Polish survivors and victims of World War Two.

These events are meant to connect the children and grandchildren of Polish World War Two survivors with their parent’s and grandparent’s memories and experiences. Part of the project is the documentation of these experiences.

This English-language, family oriented event will feature is Polish WW2 survivors themselves, as well as Polish WW2 experts who will help identify family documents, photos, and medals.

The event, On Eagles Wings will be held in Toronto on October 21, 2007. You can also refer to the Soviet Invasion of Poland During WW2 site for more information.

Poland - Polish - Polonia

Poles in New Britain, Connecticut eligible for job assistance

From the New Britain (CT) Herald: Polish American Foundation gets $90K grant

More city residents of Polish descent should be wage earners in the months ahead.

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the New Britain-based Polish American Foundation of Connecticut Inc. a total of $90,000 to help Polish-speaking people find jobs.

The foundation was selected as among the best of competing applicants in two competitions; $30,000 of the grant represents a renewal from the previous year.

According to the U.S. Census, roughly 14,000 people claim Polish heritage in New Britain.

“These grass-root grants are designed for specific communities,” said Ted Fitzgerald, the department’s assistant regional director in New England. He said a “tracking mechanism” is built into each grant to ensure that terms of the grant are met.

Foundation President Andre Blasczynski said the funds will be used to continue a program that began in 1996 to provide “training and employment for people limited in English proficiency.”

Some of the money will fund a part-time position at the city’s Spanish-speaking center, He added.

“Through the work of Polish-speaking job counselors at the employment office on Broad Street in New Britain, hundreds of Polish-speaking people have received employment and training services for the first time,” Gov. M. Jodi Rell said. “After completing English classes and employment skills training, people are able to find good jobs.”

“This money will help even more people enter our work force,” she said. “I want to remind the public these services are free of charge.”

Rell agreed with Blasczynski that the foundation’s goal “isn’t just job placement, it’s self sufficiency. I know the foundation’s job development capabilities are improving dramatically, and these funds will help them continue the momentum.”

Founded in 1996, the foundation enhances the cultural and economic development of the community by sponsoring cultural and educational programs and activities, improving access to and providing social and work force development services, promoting understanding among ethnic groups, fostering international exchange and providing humanitarian assistance.

Located at 121 Broad St. in New Britain, the foundation’s Employment Assistance Program is funded through a major grant from Capital Workforce Partners, the American Savings Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.

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