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Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Showcases Music of Magda Kaminski

International Songstress, Magda Kaminski, to Showcase at the LCPB
By Raymond Rolak

DETROIT– To include some international flavor among the events at the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (LCPB), Ken Hoffman, the Executive Director of the LCPB is reaching out to Canadians to join the festivities. In celebration of Boxing Day, Windsor, Ontario songstress, Magda Kaminski will sing the Canadian National Anthem at the Holiday football event on December 26, 2013 at Ford Field. Kaminski, who is bilingual, is an award winning recording artist. She recently received another industry accolade from the Indie Music Association in California.

Hoffman was pleased to make the announcement regarding Kaminski at the Biz-X Magazine Holiday Party at the Ambassador Golf Club in Essex County. He said, “American football is so international currently, it is a global game with leagues now in Germany, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. It is natural to reach out to our Border City neighbors. We have so much global support with our major marketing sponsors. Detroit is so networked to Europe and around the world.”

This is just another way that the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl is celebrating the rich history between Windsor and Detroit sports. This year’s game will feature the champions from the Mid-American Conference, Bowling Green State, and an at-large team from the A.C.C., the Pitt Panthers (6-6). Pitt had quality wins over Bowl bound Notre Dame and Duke.

Coach Paul Chryst of Pitt and Adam Scheier of Bowling Green State University will take their charges to Ford Field in Detroit for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on Boxing Day, December 26, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST. Photo by Dan Bachorik, Rolco Sports Network
Coach Paul Chryst of Pitt and Adam Scheier of Bowling Green State University will take their charges to Ford Field in Detroit for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on Boxing Day, December 26, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EST. Photo by Dan Bachorik, Rolco Sports Network

Edward Gleich, Little Caesar Enterprises Sr. V.P. of Global Marketing, outlined some of the added value events that are going on alongside of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. Besides the enrichment tours, museum walks and bowling events, Gleich recently announced that two new homes will be given to army veterans at half-time of the LCPB game. He also said the Little Caesars Pizza Kitchens will make appearances in Bowling Green, Ohio and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to provide holiday meals for people of need.

The LCPB events are a celebration of excellence for the teams involved. Host hotels for the participating schools will be the Motor City Casino & Hotel and the Detroit Westin on Washington Blvd. Iconic football coach, George Perles, Chairman Emeritus of the LCPB invited the Detroit Goodfellows to be one of the charity partners with the Bowl. Perles, a native Detroiter and longtime fixture in Southwest Detroit and the Clark Park area is now an elected Trustee at Michigan State University.

Hoffman, who also coordinated the former International Bowl in Toronto added, “We hope Ford Field is the Boxing Day destination after some Detroit shopping and holiday fun. You will also be able to get a sneak peak at the outdoor ice rink going up inside of Comerica Park for the New Year’s Eve game between the Detroit Red Wings Alumni and the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni. We will have some added value fun events at the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, including a new collector’s pin. Plan to come early and stay late.”

“We’re excited for the chance to play in another game against such a quality opponent,” said Pitt head coach Paul Chryst. “Bowling Green was impressive not only in their MAC Championship win, but all season long and we have a competitive game of football ahead. We are grateful to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl and the City of Detroit for offering us this opportunity.”

The Bowling Green offensive line will have to contend with Pitt’s Aaron Donald. The standout senior defensive tackle for the Panthers added another award to his resume. Donald was awarded the 2013 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is given to the “nation’s most outstanding defensive player.”

A pregame LCPB party will be hosted at Bookies Bar and Grill at 2208 Cass Avenue, Detroit, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Special guests will include Philadelphia native son and football pioneer, Wally Triplett. Also the BGSU and Pitt spirit-squads will make an appearance. Drink and food specials will be available. Shuttle service to the stadium will be offered.

The game will be syndicated nationally on radio coordinated by the Spartan Sports Network. Will Tieman will handle the play-by-play. The Little Caesars Pizza Bowl will be on Thursday, Dec. 26, at 6:00 p.m. EST at Ford Field.

Art, Poland - Polish - Polonia, Xpost to PGF, , , ,

Michigan Arts Events and Awards

Polish Artists Shine at Gala
By Henryka Olbrot, Ph.D., President, Lakeland Society of Artists

Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Highlights “REMBRANDT and the Face of Jesus” Show

BLOOMFIELD— The presenting artists were front and center at the preview reception at the Festival of the Arts at Nativity Episcopal Church. It was the artwork that was the real stars though. Shining brightest was ‘Best of Show,’ a mixed media fiber piece by veteran gallery artist Cynthia Trevino-Bodene. The Farmington Hills artist was all smiles as she graciously accepted the many congratulations.

Regarding ‘Best of Show’ art historian and commentator, Jan Waller added, “This award piece is a winner. It is very complicated with the layers. It has a great use of nature and is very accessible to the eye. She finished it brilliantly.”

The "Best of Show" was presented to veteran artist Cynthia Trevino-Bodene for her mixed media fiber piece titled "Rare-Remote-Irreplaceable" at the Nativity Episcopal Church, Festival of the Arts held recently in Bloomfield, Michigan. She attended Kendal School of Design in Grand Rapids, MI. -- Photo by T. Wittlinger
The ‘Peoples Choice Award’ voted on by the event patrons went to longtime Lakeland Society of Artists member Lauren Calhoun. Her painting “What Remains” was an oil with subtle yet colorful tones. She had recently completed a charcoal tutorial in Rzeszów, Poland.

My co-chairs of the event Tim and Diane Wittlinger checked and rechecked all the details and the opening reception was Bardzo Dobrze to the second power. They welcomed guests and gave everyone a comprehensive program booklet with all the details. The viewer’s responses and enjoyment were enhanced by the musical offerings of harpist Susan Behrens. “These are the best attendance numbers we have ever experience,” added Tim Wittlinger.

The three day event concluded with a concert by ‘Joyful Noise’ a musical group from Grace Episcopal Church in Southgate. In total, 43 artists presented in the long running showcase. Besides Nativity Episcopal Church, the event was supported by the Lakeland Society of Artists, Polish Mission and Yager and Associates, a financial group in Northville.

Evelyn Bachorski-Bowman of the Polish Mission Art Gallery in Orchard Lake won the first place in sculpture. Bob Nixon a clay artist got the ceramic blue ribbon and was very popular with his bowls. The former design chief at General Motors had items with great pastel combinations. Other top prizes went to Lidia Simeonova, Gerry Pas and Joe Pas.

The influence of the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Wayne State University was represented. The educational aspect of the festival fostered by Rayneld Johnson, Ph.D., and the honored juror, Professor Urban Jupena both of WSU was informative and ambassadorial for the future.

Jupena was popular describing his experiences presenting at the International Triennial Tapestry Exposition in Łódz, Poland. Dr. Johnson was explaining new genres such as ‘Art to Wear’ as highlighted by hand painted “The Coffee Filter Dress” by student Erica Woodliff. It demonstrated eco-friendly and sustainable art principals.

The comprehensive communication efforts of Raymond Rolak and the hospitality styling’s of Estelle Zelasko added a professional assurance to the event. Rolak also networked the support of the Detroit Institute of Arts and Zelasko coordinated the gala reception with Uptown Weddings of Chelsea. Her committee of Eva Barczynski, Michele Schindler, Ryszard Kosowicz and Krystyna Rizk made the evening elegant and tasteful. The wine tasting and mini-meatballs with dill sauce (kuleczki mięsne w sosie koperkowym) got enthusiastic responses.

Long time art supporter Joe Greenbaum said, “Everything is so stylish and attractive.” His wife Eva added how wonderful and delicate the dessert offerings were. Many asked where the fine pastries came from? It was easy; they came from Polonka Market in Livonia, Michigan.

The DIA highlighted their upcoming opening of a special exhibit, “REMBRANDT and the Face of Jesus.” It will run from November 20, thru February 12.

Many pieces in the gallery sold on the opening night. Bachorski-Bowman said as she mingled throughout the gallery, “Look at the red stickers, people are buying and of course this is what supports and validates the artists.”

The reception and prize announcements for the ‘Polish Mission Art Competition’ organized annually by the Friends of Polish Art are Sunday, October 2, at 3:00 p.m. at Orchard Lake Schools. This year’s edition (26th) is dedicated to the memory of Richard Kubinski, the veteran art and Polonia culture ambassador. The first prize will be given in his name.

In other art news, there will be a remembrance of longtime and celebrated Lakeland Society of Artists member and contributor, Donna Andruccioli-Vogelheim. Her special presentation is supported by the Providence Hospital Foundation. It is titled, “Donna Vogelheim – Healing Power of Art” and will run from October 6, through November 30, at the Providence Park Campus in Novi at the Assarian Cancer Center. The Nancy A. Fox Art Gallery will have selected Vogelheim pieces available as part of their fine arts show. There will be an artist’s reception on October 6, at 7:00 p.m. Vogelheim passed recently after a long and brave fight with cancer.

The Detroit Design Festival concluded on September 28. It is a not-to-miss event for next year. There were 85 separate happenings throughout Metro Detroit over eight days. Art shows, gallery presentations, competitions, installations and exhibitions were just some of the events. There were also fashion shows, studio tours, performances and networking events. Coordinated by the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, they showed that new art ideas are rooting throughout the Detroit area.

“Festival of the Arts” – Award Winners

  • BEST OF SHOW: Cynthia Trevino-Bodene, “Rare-Remote-Irreplaceable”
  • PEOPLES CHOICE: Lauren Calhoun, “What Remains”
  • FIBER: Cynthia Trevino-Bodene, “Dragonflies of the Desert”
  • PAINTING: Lidia Simeonova, “The Door 2”
  • SCULPTURE: Evelyn Bachorski-Bowman, “Portrait of a Soul #5”
  • CERAMIC: Bob Nixon, “Peacock Fruit Bowl”
  • OTHER MEDIA: Joe Pas, “Ciderhouse”
  • PHOTOGRAPHY and DIGITAL: Gerry Pas, “Running Free”
Poland - Polish - Polonia, Xpost to PGF,

Ś+P Roy Zurkowski

Exercise and Health Had His Star Shine In Hollywood: Also owned the trendy NYC Vertical Club
By Raymond Rolak

Photo courtesy of the family
BLOOMFIELD HILLS– He had a spectacular business model and it took him amongst the glamorous of Hollywood. Roy Zurkowski took his hobby to a success level that he never imagined was possible. The Chicago native passed recently and had turned 81 on October 10, 2010.

His marketing model was to use Hollywood spokespersons that were just on the edge of super-stardom. Some of the celebrities that he convinced to promote Vic Tanny’s on national television included Cher, Lynda Carter, and Farrah Fawcett. He also signed Raquel Welch, Victoria Principal and Arnold Schwarzenegger to market the health clubs. “I would sign them before they went galactic, I couldn’t afford them later,” Zurkowski had said. All went super-nova and all fulfilled their contracts.

Schwarzenegger, now the Governor of California said, “Roy was a great fitness leader, a great entrepreneur, and a fantastic friend. We had a wonderful friendship and Maria and I were sad to hear of his passing.”

Zurkowski was also a champion body-builder and won the Mr. Chicago and Mr. Illinois titles in 1953. When Vic Tanny, an early pioneer of New York health club franchises over-extended his expansion, Zurkowski and two partners bought the company.

Roy moved to Detroit in the 1960’s and kept the Vic Tanny brand and renamed the Illinois facilities as the Chicago Health Clubs. This became the nation’s largest health and fitness operation with more than 380 locations. Roy later formed a holding company called the Health and Tennis Corporation of America. He and partner Donohue Wildman also took over the Jack LaLanne clubs and the popular New York celebrity destination, the Vertical Club.

In 1983, the partnership sold to the Bally Entertainment Corporation for 72.4 million. Through 1987 there were contingencies for another 56.3 million, based on company performances. Both Wildman and Zurkowski stayed on as executives for a million plus per year, and they exceeded goals for the parent Bally Entertainment. By 1984, all the clubs became Bally’s Total Fitness.

After giving discounts to new club members and creating another wave of cash flow, expansion renewed. Bally’s acquired American Fitness Centers and Nautilus Fitness Centers.

Former Detroit Lion star, Mike Lucci, who was President of Bally’s said, “Roy was a dream to work with and after we acquired Lifecyle, (an exercise bike manufacturer), we got back into celebrity marketing.” Bally’s marketed a promotion featuring the slogan “Turn on Your Life” with television’s Terri Hatcher. She at the time was starring in the hit show ‘Lois and Clark’. She became another Hollywood ‘A’-lister that went super-nova after an inspired merchandising campaign.

A world traveler, he kept his mansion in Bloomfield Hills and after retirement in 1990, split his time in Florida at a luxury condo.
Roy served on several charitable boards including ‘Best Buddies’ in Washington, D.C., the National Special Olympics, the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Beaumont Foundation, and the Michigan Cancer Foundation.

He valued education along with fitness and donated exercise equipment to various institutions throughout the country. Zurkowski was a supporter at the former Orchard Lake St. Mary’s College and had special friendships with Walter Ziemba and former celebrity TV-Chef, ‘Duglass-Duglass’ Grech.

Zurkowski always tan and fit was adamant about his own workouts. “The atmosphere of a club should make you want to exercise,” he had said. He stressed the ambiance of a workout facility. “It should be, 90% environment and enthusiasm and 10% equipment,” he relayed in a People Magazine article about celebrities and their fitness regiments. “Changing up routines is the key.”

Longtime secretary, Janice Broniak said, “Roy was blessed to have great friends and caregivers and Rick Murphy was such a devoted friend.”

Zurkowski, also an army veteran is survived by former wife Lucia, a sister, Patricia, and a brother, Dan. A memorial was held at St. Thomas More Parish, Troy, Michigan.

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