PNA District 10 and the Polish American Congress Michigan Division joined forces to present a Polish Heritage Program at the Novi Public Library in Michigan on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
Gail Anderson, Programming Coordinator at the Novi Library worked with the committee to schedule and develop the afternoon program.
The Program began with a presentation by the “Winged Hussars”, Char Zawadzinski and Michael Ostrowski. Mr. Zawadzinski was dressed as a nobleman warrior and gave a presentation on Polish History, the Winged Hussars and how they played an important role in various battles. He described the various weapons and equipment and provided an opportunity for the audience to handle these items.
Mr. Ostrowski was dressed in the Winged Hussar Uniform. He also elaborated on the various pieces of equipment and their functions.
Following the Hussars, the Wawel Folk Dance Ensemble took to the floor and entertained the audience with a selection of various Polish Folk Dances. Donna Skurski, Wawel’s Artistic Director, provided information on the various pieces of the Polish folk dress. Both Donna and her husband, Thomas Skurski, Wawel’s Managing Director, are members of the Polish National Alliance.
Ann Bankowski, PAC Michigan Division President, gave an overview of Polish History and its current relationship with the Ukraine.
Donna Bielecki, PAC Vice President for American Affairs, gave two very informative presentations. The first, “Amber”. She discussed the uses and the historical significance of the Baltic’s gift. Donna also enlightened the group of the importance of Storks and their significance to Poland’s agriculture and culture.
Barbara Lemecha, PAC Michigan Division Executive Vice President, gave a presentation on Polish Crystal and provided samples of stemware, bowls, vases, goblets, and dishes.
Stella Szczesny, PNA Fraternal Advisor, gave a presentation on the various types of Polish Pottery from the Bolesławiec factories and “Fajans” from Włocławek. She also provided an anecdote of how the CIA commissioned the Bolesławiec pottery company to be made encompassing its’ logo.
Following all the presentations, a door prize raffle was held for a piece of Polish pottery. Guests were then invited to a sampling buffet of various Polish foods. Pierogi, kielbasa, cheese, kapusta, sałatka jarzynowa, bread, Polish cookies and candy were on the menu.
Guests enjoyed the afternoon and thanked the presenters for a wonderful afternoon.
Submitted by Stella Szczesny
PNA Region “E” Fraternal Advisor
