Good News 2018 - 2019

GOOD NEWS 2018-2019

Poland is sending peace and love around the globe The American Institute of Polish Culture | Miami, Florida

Best Wishes to The American Institute of Polish Culture Celebrating

47

th

Anniversary

from:

Polish and Other European Specialty and Gourmet Foods LowellFoods.com

Message from the President Dear Members and Friends, These days I find myself thinking about the extraordinary life I have led; I am truly fortunate and blessed. And yet, I am not alone. There are millions of people who lead extraordinary lives. Obviously there are many definitions of what makes something extra or better, just as there are endless ways to reach for the stars and achieve a dream. But all of us have to start with an idea that has meaning to us, and we have to be willing to change directions until we are on the path we were meant to take all along. It is about finding what energizes us, what gives us joy, and what defines our purpose in life.

Lady Blanka Rosenstiel

ITHAKA Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you’re destined for.

But don’t hurry the journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years, so you’re old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.

Without her you wouldn't have set out.

I always knew that my purpose was to share my gifts and blessings. Once I was firmly established in America, I wanted to be in service to others in some fashion. It had to be something that would be beneficial to everyone involved and mutually supportive. And because of my Mother's wisdom, I was lucky enough to find the perfect way to make this happen.

My Mother knew I was yearning to find a cause close to my heart. She told me quite bluntly that I must devote my time and energy to Poland and the Poles in America...that there were very few national organizations interested in us or even knew much about us, and that I was in an excellent position to change that. It was as if a light bulb went on for me. She was absolutely right! What is that popular saying, "Do what you know?" By shining a spotlight on my native country men and women...what we have done, where we are going, and how we improve the world around us - I would be part of something I love while fulfilling my desire to help others.

I am so grateful that The American Institute of Polish Culture has accomplished what it was created to do in 1972. We continually recognize the achievements of Poles in the US and around the world, and we are committed to the ongoing support of those who are just starting out. Thousands of people have taken the journey with us making it that much more exciting and enriching.

My utmost appreciation must go to two women who keep the Institute moving forward.

A very special thanks to Beata Paszyc and Lynne Schaefer for their creativity, ideas, and thoughtful insights, and for working hard to make AIPC the best it can be. Thanks also to our dear members and dedicated volunteers for giving of themselves to help us stay the course.

Enjoy this issue of Good News. We strive to include articles that are informative, that applaud Poles from all corners of the world, and that showcase people who have found their purpose and gone after it.

I leave you with an excerpt from a poem by Constantine Cavafy that was published in 1911.

May you all reach your Ithaka.

Love,

Good News

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The American Institute of Polish Culture, Inc. Blanka A. Rosenstiel founded The American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) in 1972 as a non-profit, tax-exempt Florida Corporation. Our aim is twofold. First, to share with Americans the rich heritage of Poland which has contributed in so many ways to the history of the U.S., and second, to promote the scientific, scholarly, and artistic contributions of Polish-Americans. For almost fifty years our programs have received support from our members and friends, and the enthusiastic participation of other ethnic groups in the community which has helped to strengthen our leading role in the cultural life of Polonia.

We remain strongly committed to educating our fellow citizens about Poland and her people whenever and wherever we can.

Ongoing programs include:

The Harriet Irsay Scholarship was established in 1992 and every year it awards ten to fifteen scholarships to talented students. All majors and areas of study are considered and most applicants are of Polish descent. Over the years, AIPC has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to more than 300 worthy students.

In 1998, the Institute spearheaded the establishment of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the University of Virginia for research, education, and sponsorship of visiting scholars. In 2008, the Chair was moved to the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. where lectures and conferences continue to be presented on a regular basis. AIPC also established the lecture series at the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at the University of Virginia in 2005.

AIPC has sponsored hundreds of lectures at educational facilities throughout the years. As a result of four and half decades of collaboration with Florida International University (FIU), the Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland was officially established in 2010.

Topics focus on current affairs such as globalization, art, music, politics and economics. In addition, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) in Washington, D.C. has benefitted from scholarship funding from the Institute since 1999. Every summer, TFAS sends scholarship recipients to a 3-month international program in Prague, Czech Republic that explores dozens of world issues led by renowned historians, leaders, and scientists.

The first International Polonaise Ball was held in Miami 47 years ago and serves as the main fundraiser for the Institute. Every year a different theme explores the cultural ties between Poland and other countries, such as Spain, India, Greece, Japan, Italy, Great Britain, Argentina, Brazil, and China. Guests attend from all over the world. The Institute's Gold Medal has been awarded to many worthy recipients during the Ball, including Nobel Laureates President Lech Walesa and Dr. Andrew Schally; Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki; James Michener, author; Senator Barbara Mikulski; David Ensor, war correspondent and journalist; Professor Norman Davies, historian; Alexander Wolszczan, astrophysicist; His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida; Dr. Scott Parazynski, astronaut; sculptor Jerzy Kedzior; and many more.

In 1978, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel established an International Film Festival in Miami and presided over it for two years. By 1980, the name was changed to For the Love of Film Festival and AIPC presented Polish films and brought contemporary Polish film-makers and stars to Miami. Many of the films won major awards and some were screened for the first time in the U.S. The Institute continues to collaborate with the Miami Film Festival and the Polish Film Festival Miami in showcasing thought-provoking works from Poland.

AIPC has long been a champion of fine and modern Polish and Polish-American art and has sponsored and organized several solo and group shows. We also designed a visual history exhibit, Perspektywa Polska, which had its inauguration at Duke University, NC and in 1974 traveled nationwide to museums and universities for over 25 years. It was donated to the Orchard Lake Schools, MI.

Lady Blanka oversaw the publication and translation of 20 books about Polish culture and history, including the five volume history of Poland, Saga of a Nation written by Pawel Jasienica and translated by Alexander Jordan, and the rare Accomplished Senator

by Wawrzyniec Grzymala Goslicki (1530-1607). Our annual magazine, Good News, is distributed to members and friends, and the Institute houses a library with books in both Polish and English.

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Good News

Board of Directors Officers/Directors Founder, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Blanka A. Rosenstiel Vice President Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski Secretary and Treasurer Eileen Hall Directors Julia Gessner Steven Karski Janusz Kozlowski Rose Kruszewski Janine Lennox Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski Dr. Anna Pietraszek Joseph Mikolaj Rej Dr. Pat Riley Jaroslaw Rottermund Jacek Schindler Executive Director Beata Paszyc Executive Assistant Lynne Schaefer Committee Chairmen Nominating Blanka A. Rosenstiel Fundraising Joseph Mikolaj Rej Polish Studies Chair Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski Scholarship Jaroslaw Rottermund Honorary Committee Mercedes Ferre Conrad Lowell Iwona Lowell Dr. Tully Patrowicz Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk Tomás Regalado Alex Storozynski Loretta Swit

A Thought on Impermanence Impermanence: everything changes, nothing remains without a change.

Do you remember what happened yesterday, a month ago, a year or 5 years ago? Was every day the same or different? Have you gone to the beach to observe the waves?

Were they identical or did each have a special shape, move slow or fast, with or without a white crest? Have you seen the transformation of a fuzzy, slow crawling caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly flying gracefully? Or a rosebud blooming into a gorgeous flower with an intoxicating smell? A child into an adult; a day into a night...

Beata Paszyc Executive Director

Impermanence surrounds us and it is certain. Rest assured that change will happen.

Whether it is different scenery, mood, light, texture, people, or emotions filling our heart, we are always surrounded by impermanence. However, when we lose something precious or someone dear, we have a hard time coming to terms with it. Why? Because we are attached to the things we have and love and we do not want things in our lives to change dramatically. Somewhere deep in our soul we expect that what makes us content, what fills our lives with love, and what embraces us - essentially our comfort zones - should stay constant. This is what makes us fulfilled and happy. When the security blanket disappears and the proverbial rug is pulled from under our feet, we tend to become uneasy, perhaps even afraid, struggling to accept our new reality. Yet change is a fact of life that we need to welcome with open arms. Accepting impermanence helps us to cultivate our well being, to learn how to savor a moment, and live in the here and now.

I have been privileged to work for The American Institute of Polish Culture for 20 years now. I thank Lady Blanka for entrusting me with the Institute which she has lead for 47 years. Every year I have an opportunity to create new educational and cultural programs, lectures, exhibits, social events, and galas. Many change from year to year, but the the core programs stay the same. Each year I introduce the new edition of Good News and each year I do it in a different way.

Every year there are original stories that will speak to you and from the very first pages invite you to read on.

I am delighted to share with you this issue covering season 2018/2019. I hope you find articles that will inspire and educate you, and events described that bring pleasant memories of when you participated or they encourage you to join as a member to make new memories with us. Becoming part of our organization is to be part of a larger, dynamic group that preserves and promotes the rich heritage of Poland, and recognizes that with changing times, we need to move forward and teach new generations to take the lead.

When we realize that everything in life is in motion, that every moment is as a different image in a kaleidoscope of events that make up our lives, we can see each as a piece of art and beauty to be relished. Rather then viewing unexpected and unwanted surprises with fear or negativity, try to see them as blessings and challenges. This will give you a balanced and positive perspective on life and the ability to appreciate every moment as being precious.

Warmly,

Good News

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Credits

Contents

Editor-in-Chief & Publisher: Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Executive Editor: Beata Paszyc Assistant Editor: Lynne Schaefer Proofreading: Robert Bronchard Eileen Hall

Graphic Design: Maciej Fryszer Beata Paszyc Printer:

Barbara Muze Lynne Schaefer

StationAmerica, Miami, FL

Front Cover: "Red Rose Ship" by Rafal Olbinski Back Cover: "Castles Around the Baltic Sea" by Rafal Olbinski Permission to reprint paintings given by the artist, September 2019 Contributing Researchers, Writers & Translators: Eva Baker, Barbara Bilinska Bolec, Marcin Bolec, Maja Borowicz, Miroslaw Brozek, Christine Caly-Sanchez, Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz, Robert Joskowiak, Maria Juczewska, Zbigniew Klonowski, Wanda Kubrakiewicz, Dr. Kyrill Kunakhovich, Matthew Kwasiborski, Beata Paszyc, Lynne Schaefer, Robert Strybel, Thomas Swick, Katarzyna Zak All articles, including Did you know..., not given a by-line were researched and written by:

Beata Paszyc Lynne Schaefer

Student Essays:

Sophia Handzel

Camille Jamro

Elizabeth Zborek

Photography:

Betty Alvarez

Monika Demari

Beata Paszyc

Sources: The following resources were used for research and photos. For a detailed list, please contact our office.

The Chopin Foundation of the United States, Inc.; Embassy of the Republic of Poland; Florida International University; The Fund for American Studies; The Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at The Institute of World Politics; 60 Million Congress; University of Virginia Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREEES); White Eagle; Wikipedia Distribution: The American Institute of Polish Culture, Inc.

1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 Miami, Florida 33141 (305) 864-2349

www.ampolinstitute.org Co-Sponsored By:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland The Embassy of the Republic of Poland

A very special thanks to Rafal Olbinski for allowing the Institute to use his stunning paintings in this publication.

We are beyond grateful for his kindness.

2019 © The American Institute of Polish Culture, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Good News magazine is published by the American Institute of Polish Culture for educational purposes only.

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1 2 3 5 7 9 11 12 16 17 22 23 24 27 28 29 31 33 34 35 37 38 41 43 45 46 49 50 60 63 65 67 69 71 72 75 77 79 81 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 91 92 94 95 97 99 100

Message from the President AIPC & Board of Directors Thought on Impermanence Board of Directors Meeting Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund Filmdom's First Femme Fatale A Brief History of Poland A Century of Independence 60 Million Congress in Miami Kosciuszko Chair 2018-19 Kosciuszko Day in Virginia Shining Star Consular Information Consular Gatherings 80th Anniversary of Outbreak of WWII 75th Anniversary of Warsaw Uprising Germany's Formal Apology The Impossible Dream Cold War at Miami Film Festival Pro Patria for Nobel Laureate Polish Lectures at UVA Women of Influence III President Duda at the White House Polish Students at AIPES The Divine Plan The Cold War Love Story Save the Date 47th International Polonaise Ball Very Special Networking Brunch Poland's Nautical Ambassador Recognizing Outstanding Achievements Loving Van Gogh Your European Career Polish Film Festival in Miami Alicja in Wonderland Visionary Vistas Staying Engaged Last Goodbyes My Mother Chopin Foundation Highlander Life Polish Values Veganism in Poland Polish Dance Class at UM Polish Club of Denver Joyful Season LOT in Miami Easter Party Time!

Thanks to Donors Volunteers Thank You Members - Circle of Giving Membership Form Reading Pleasure

Mrs. Eileen Hall, Dr. Michel Pawlowski, Ms. Janine Lennox, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Jarek Rottermund, Dr. Anna Pietraszek

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING The annual Board of Directors’ meeting was held on April 25, 2019 at The American Institute of Polish Culture offices. Present were Board members Mrs. Eileen Hall, Mr. Steve Karski, Dr. Michel Pawlowski, Mr. Jarek Rottermund, and Mr. Jacek Schindler.

Mr. Chris Garvin and Mrs. Beata Paszyc also attended. Lady Blanka Rosenstiel opened the meeting by welcoming members and thanking them for their presence and ongoing support.

This year five Board members resigned due to time and logistical conflicts. Lady Blanka thanked Mrs. Danuta and Dr. Jerzy Kyparisis, Mrs. Teresa Lowenthal, Mr. Grzegorz Okon and Mrs. Roza Toroj for their service to AIPC. She then announced the nominations for Board - Mrs. Julia Gessner, Ms. Janine Lennox, Dr. Anna Pietraszek and Mr. Joseph Mikolaj Rej - and each was unanimously approved. In addition, some restructuring of the Board is in process with a few members moving to the Honorary Committee where they will continue to offer input and financial aid for AIPC. After the Minutes from the 2018 meeting were approved, Mr. Chris Garvin, a financial advisor for UBS who manages the Institute's special accounts, discussed the financial status of the Institute. He talked about what UBS has projected and accomplished over the prior six months, and how UBS plans to continue to grow the funds for the organization. Mr. Garvin emphasized that for the last 47 years, Lady Blanka has been the major financial donor for the Institute, and he stressed the key role Board members play in supporting a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote Polish heritage.

Vice President and Polish Studies Chair of the Institute, Dr. Michel Pawlowski, took the floor and spoke about the partnership

and endowment AIPC has with the Institute of World Politics (IWP) for the establishment of the Kosciuszko Chair occupied by Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz. The curriculum is primarily weighted towards training for government and intelligence services, and every year approximately 200 of these professionals study Polish history and culture. Dr. Pawlowski met with the Founder and President of IWP, Dr. John Lenczowski, to discuss the future of the Chair, and learned that they have succeeded in raising the agreed upon $1,000,000. The matching funds per the initial contract had been transferred from AIPC to IWP in April 2019. AIPC will continue to receive bank statements detailing the monthly activity of the endowment fund.

Dr. Pawlowski then explained that AIPC has been experiencing a lack of cooperation from the University of Virginia with whom an endowment fund was set up for the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland; it seems there is a reluctance to support Polish studies. He asked the Board to carefully consider the removal of the established monies from Polish studies and to decide if the Institute should apply it towards another program within UVA. For an example, because Kosciuszko's bequeathed his financial estate to Thomas Jefferson in order to free slaves, is there any advantage to encouraging students in the Black Studies Chair to promote Polish history?

Dr. Pawlowski also reiterated Mr. Garvin's comments about the importance of sustaining and growing the Institute's endowment fund. The Board of Directors' acknowledged their commitment to give at least $1,000 in cash or an in-kind gift to AIPC every year.

Dr. Pawlowski went on to say that it is an honor to be a Director in Good News

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guiding AIPC to yearly success, and that all should talk about the Institute's accomplishments when networking with others. Mrs. Hall offered to donate the printing of business cards for all interested Directors.

The Harriet Irsay Scholarship report was presented by Mr. Jaroslaw Rottermund. During the 2018/2019 academic year, 22 complete applications were received and from those, 11 students were selected to receive a $1,500 grant each. Articles placed in Polish newspapers were crucial in getting the word out to the public about our scholarship, and Mr. Rottermund noted that overall, it was a strong group of applicants. It was suggested that other Directors reach out to Polish organizations, clubs and the like about the scholarship, and Dr. Pietraszek offered to research Polish studies programs at US universities. Ms. Lennox, the new Board member, committed to a $1,000 per month donation to the scholarship fund.

Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Executive Director, outlined the projects and activities the Institute presented during the 2018/2019 season.

The first topic was the Institute's largest fundraiser, the International Polonaise Ball and the 47th one Celebrating the Historic Alliance Between Poland and Hungary was very successful. On February 9, 2019, over 300 people attended the gala, many first time guests from all over the world. The Institute collaborated for a second year with the organizers of the 60 Million Congress in Poland and several of their participants also attended the Ball and Brunch. An extra bonus this year was the arrival on February 8, 2019 in Ft. Lauderdale of one of the world's tallest sailing ships, Dar Mlodziezy. We were fortunate that some of the officers and naval cadets were able to attend the Ball and Brunch. Mrs. Paszyc thanked the Board members who financially contributed to it's success, and once again challenged everyone to be more involved by buying a table for the evening, encouraging friends and colleagues to attend, placing an ad in the Program, finding new sponsors and revenue opportunities, volunteering to help during the preparations, and, in general, by being more proactive in making the weekend a success.

Mrs. Paszyc then talked about the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland presented at Florida International University in collaboration with the European Studies Program of the Green School of International and Public Affairs. Among the events AIPC sponsored was a staging of The Polish Theatre of Toronto's original play, Pola Negri, at the FIU North campus and a film screening

Mr. Jacek Schindler, Mrs. Julia Gessner, Mr. Stephen Karski

of the inspiring, Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler. Mrs. Paszyc also presented the ongoing activities of the Institute - designing and publishing the Good News, updating the website and database, regular posts on Facebook, finding interns and volunteers to assist in the office and at events, and finding ways to increase new membership enrollment.

The final agenda item was the selection of the next Ball’s theme, and all agreed that honoring Polish contributions in technology is a very apt fit for the times. The 48th International Polonaise Ball and Brunch will be held at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach on January 25 - 26, 2020. Among the yearly preparations that this gala weekend requires, the Institute will again work with the organizers of the 60 Million Congress to create a few conferences around the technology theme and will promote attendance at both important events.

A unanimous decision was made to hold another working Board of Directors meeting in the Fall 2019. Lady Blanka adjourned the meeting.

THE LENNOX FAMILY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE Great News! The Institute is excited to announce a new addition to the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund! The Lennox Family Award for Excellence will begin in the 2020 - 2021 school year by granting a $1,500 scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in education. This specialty recognition allows us to identify students who are already proving they have what it takes to be top teachers, administrators, and policy makers

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Good News

who will effect meaningful and long lasting changes in American schools.

We are extremely grateful to Ms. Janine Lennox, a member of our Board of Directors, for her suggestion and generous donation in recognizing a special student every year in a field that is close to her and her family's hearts.

Thank you from the bottom of ours.

HARRIET IRSAY SCHOLARSHIP FUND “There are no short cuts to any place worth going.” - Polish Proverb We are fortunate to be able to award scholarships to worthy university students in the US every year. One of the key components of The American Institute of Polish Culture's mission is to encourage those who are willing and eager to learn, and who want to broaden their world perspectives and pass the knowledge on to the next generations. We truly believe that it is those who are thirsty for wisdom who will be the ones to do great things and accomplish what others think is impossible. We are thankful to have a scholarship fund that helps students make their dreams a reality. Our gratitude goes to Harriet Irsay, née Jadwiga Pogorzelski, for giving us this opportunity.

Ms. Pogorzelski, a first generation Polish American, was a firm believer in going after one's dreams. As a newlywed, she and her husband, Robert Irsay, lived modestly in Chicago, but they worked hard for 30 years and finally achieved great financial success. So much so that they were able to buy the Los Angeles Rams in 1972 for $19 million, then traded them for the Baltimore Colts (now in Indianapolis). It was Mrs. Irsay who finalized the deal of securing the team by signing the check in a Chicago bank.

A member of AIPC in Miami, Florida since its inception in 1972, she established the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund in 1992 because she believed in the Institute's efforts to foster education and culture in America. She also wanted to pay tribute to her Polish roots. Her passion was helping others in need and her philanthropy continues to touch hundreds of lives. Always farseeing, Harriet Irsay's dreams focused on the future of America's youth, most especially those of Polish heritage, and she believed that education was key to leading a fulfilling life where any ambition could be realized.

Mrs. Isray passed away in July 2008, but her legacy remains with the contributions she made to AIPC. She is greatly missed and remembered for her generosity.

New Scholarship Requirements

Scholarship Awards Since 1992, the Institute's Scholarship Committee has awarded 312 talented students of Polish descent who are studying in the U.S. We hope our readers will spread the word about the Scholarship and will continue to support the fund by making financial contributions. Pledges are invaluable in assisting the new generation of Polish-American students. All donations are fully tax deductible.

For the academic year 2018/19, AIPC awarded 12 scholarship grants of $1,500 each. Recipients were asked to write an article on a Polish-related subject for publication in Good News. You will find a few of these articles in this magazine. Congratulations to all the winners and best wishes as you go forward in your studies, careers and lives.

Please help shape the future of students, preferably of Polish descent, by making contributions to the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund. Additionally, we are always looking to establish new scholarships. Let us know if you are interested in starting a fund in your name at the Institute.

If you would like to be part of the scholarship committee who dedicates its time to reviewing applications and selecting the most worthy students, please contact the AIPC for more information.

To contribute to the Scholarship Fund, please see the Contribution Form at the back of this publication.

Fields

Required materials

Must be attending university/college full-time in the US. All areas of study are considered, including:

• Completed application • Original school transcript(s) sent directly from the school (US only) • Detailed resume or CV • An essay "Why I Should Receive the Scholarship" (200-400 words) • An original article (up to 700 words) or video essay (2 - 3 minutes) by the applicant on any subject about Poland • Three original recommendation letters from teachers or others who are familiar with the academic background and the applicant's plans for the future. These letters must be originals on letterhead stationery, signed and mailed by the faculty directly to the Institute. No copies, faxes or unsigned letters will be accepted • $10.00 check or money order made out the American Institute of Polish Culture as a non-refundable processing fee

• Communication • Education • Film • Music • History • International Relations • Journalism • Liberal Arts • Polish Studies • Public Relations • Graduate studies • Post Doctoral Scholarships are awarded on a merit basis to full time undergraduates or graduates who are American citizens or permanent residents, preferably of Polish heritage.

ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS MUST BE IN OUR OFFICES NO LATER THAN JULY 15TH EACH YEAR NO EXCEPTIONS PLEASE. The decision will be made by late Summer/early Fall each year. All applicants will be notified by mail of their status as soon as possible after the selection process. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 305-8642349 or write to assistant@ampolinstitute.org. Scholarship applications may be obtained by downloading them from our website at www.ampolinstitute.org or by sending a selfaddressed stamped envelope with a request to: Scholarship Applications, The American Institute of Polish Culture 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33141-3555 Please note that you may apply yearly if you are still in school; however, we can only award a student once.

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Scholarship Recipients 2018-19 Celebrating Young Talents

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Jos Brozek Music Edu. & Trumpet Northwestern

Michelle Ciepiela Accounting Rutgers

Sophia Handzel English & Family Soc. Sci Univ. of St. Thomas

Cornelia Iftimoaie Liberal Arts Middlesex County College

Camilla Jamro Communications & Econ.

Wellesley

Jasmine Kalano Public Diplomacy Univ. of Southern California

Kasia Lewicki International Relations Cleveland State

Anna Pieta Dentistry, Ph.D Penn Dental Medicine

Hannah Pirc Music & English Thomas Edison State

Agnieszka Rybak International Affairs The New School

Izabela Tyszka Public Affairs & Pol. Sci. Brown

Elizabeth Zborek Medicine, Ph. D Lake Erie Coll. of Osteopathic Med.

Good News

FILMDOM'S FIRST FEMME FATALE

by Christine Caly-Sanchez

On November 8, 2018, the Polish-Canadian Theater in Toronto treated an FIU audience to another riveting play presented in Polish with English subtitles projected onto the screen. Performed by esteemed mother and daughter actors, Maria Nowotarska and Agata Pilitowska, Pola Negri is an exposé of the life of the Polish American actress, Pola Negri (1894—1987). She was born Barbara Apolonia Chałupec and performed as a ballerina for the Imperial Ballet Academy of Warsaw, but her dancing career was derailed due to an illness. With her first marriage she became Pola Negri and she soon established herself as a successful stage actress, making her film début in 1914. A few years later she met German director Ernst Lubitsch and together they emigrated to Hollywood. In 1921 she signed a contract with Paramount, the first European actress in history to do so. She quickly became one of America's most popular and wealthy silent film stars, beloved for her seductive allure and tragic grand dame roles. She was also one of the few actors who was able to transition to speaking and singing parts.

Pola Negri was a style influencer and an undeniable trendsetter, popularizing red toenails, turbans and fur boots. She walked her pet cheetah on the residential streets of Los Angeles, and her passionate relationships with the leading men of the time, Charlie Chaplin and Rudolf Valentino, were daily fodder for celebrity followers. In the 1940s, she officially retired after her years as an important icon of cinema's golden era, and her contribution to film was recognized in 1960 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Mrs. Maria Nowatarska, Nel Velez-Paszyc, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Ms. Agata Pilitowska

Pola Negri

Ms. Angie Chirino, Mr. Michael Murawski, Ms. Anaide Govaert, Mr. David Skipp, Mr. Pedro Botta

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The play, written by Kazimierz Braun, took place at FIU-Biscayne Bay Campus – Mary Ann Wolfe Theater and marked a wonderful evening of theater and historical significance. A reception was held after the show and approximately 80 guests gathered in the lobby to meet the actors, take photos, and nibble on some canapés.

The Miami-Florida Jean Monnet Center of Excellence is grateful to The American Institute of Polish Culture, the Honorary Con-

Mr. Robert Bronchard, Mr. Alex Alibrandi, Ms. Jacqueline Manteas, Mrs. Christine Caly-Sanchez, Ms. Naiara Lopez, Mr. Alex Alibrandi

sulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU, The European & Eurasian Studies Program at FIU, the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, the European Student Association, and the Council for Student Organization (CSO) for making this event possible.

On stage ADVERTISEMENT

A BRIEF HISTORY OF POLAND

By Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz Our Veterans Day on November 11th invokes the end of World War I. For the

Poles November 11th is their Independence Day. In 2018 Poland celebrates its centennial.

No, Poland is not 100 years old. On November 11, 1918, Poland proclaimed its

return to the world scene as an independent state. It also affirmed the continuity of its history: almost 900 years of its statehood, nearly a millennium of Christi-

anity, and several thousands of years marking the presence of its people in the area around the Vistula River.

To tell the story chronologically, DNA research suggests that the denizens of

contemporary Poland descend from Eurasian settlers who originated in the Iranian plateau but put their roots down between the Vistula and Bug rivers some

3,000 years ago or more. A seminal watershed in Poland’s history was its Christianization in 966. That year also marks the official entry of the Polish state into the ranks of bona fide Christian European duchies.

It became a kingdom in 1025.

The medieval Crown of Poland eventually grew into the Polish-Lithuanian

Commonwealth (14th to 18th centuries), which was the largest, most powerful, and freest nation in Europe.

Kings and parliaments were elective.

Over one million citizens had a vote and it was pre-modern times. It exceeded

in number and freedom both Greek democracy and Roman Republic.

Habeus corpus applied since 1436; no taxation without representation was

enshrined in the con- stitution since 1505; and freedom of conscience, not only for Christians but also for Jews and Muslims from 1573. The Commonwealth of Poland-Lithuania, the Rzeczpospolita, was partitioned by its predatory neigh-

bors: Russia, Prussia, and Austria (1772, 1793, and, finally, 1795). The Poles nev-

er reconciled themselves with the loss of freedom. They rose up in arms multiple times at home and they fought abroad from Europe through North and Latin America.

From 1918 to 1921 they fought seven border wars, including defeating the

Red Army to stop the spread of Communism. Unfortunately, in September 1939,

after a brief interlude of twenty years, Hitler and Stalin destroyed the Polish

state as World War II broke out. Poland was driven underground, where its resistance units fought against both the Nazis and Communists. Abroad, the Polish army-in-exile never wavered in the service of the Allied cause.

In 1944-1945, the Red Army pushed the Wehrmacht out of Poland. There was

no liberation: red totalitarianism replaced the brown one, Stalin substituted for Hitler. An anti-Communist insur- gency persisted into the 1950s. Later, the Poles turned largely to non-violent struggle.

From 1980 to 1989 “Solidarity” led the greatest charge for freedom. It pre-

vailed and, eventually, Poland became a sovereign state and a parliamentary democracy once more.

Thus, November 11, 2018, Poland’s Independence Day, encapsulates the effort

of Polish generations to be free.

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Seated (l-r): Guests with Mrs. Virginia Taylor Standing (l-r): Mr. & Mrs. Suresh Kalani, Mr. Michael Chenoweth, Ms. Valeria Berk, Mr. Gul Moorjani, Ms. Julia Tirella

Mr. Jerzy Sieminginowski, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Dr. Irena Sieminginowska with a friend

A CENTURY OF INDEPENDENCE 1918 - 2018

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The year 2018 marked the centennial of Poland regaining her independence, inspiring Poles around the world to commemorate this important anniversary. On November 17th, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland, The American Institute of Polish Culture , the Chopin Foundation, and the Polish-American Club (PAC) joined together to celebrate in Miami.

A gala dinner took place at the Miami Magyar Ház/Hungarian Center for over 100 guests. The event started with a cocktail hour which was a great way to network and meet new people. With Douglas Evans as the evening's emcee, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner during which Lady Blanka Rosenstiel welcomed guests Beata Paszyc, Director of AIPC, said a few words about the Institute's activities; Jadwiga Gewert, Executive Director of the Chopin Foundation, spoke about the organization's upcoming plans; and

Greg Okon, President of PAC, talked about the Club's revitalization efforts. Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz, who flew in from Washington, DC where he is a professor at the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the Institute of World Politics, spoke about Poland's history and the resilience of the Polish people.

The real treat of the evening was a concert by world renowned pianist, Kevin Kenner, who beautifully played pieces by Polish composers, such as Szymanowski, Paderewski and Chopin. He also spoke eloquently about each composer and his work, and on a personal note, about his own love and admiration for Poland and her people.

It was a lovely evening honoring the rich heritage of Poland, remembering its history, and the perseverance of Poles throughout the centuries.

Mr. Kevin Kenner

Seated (l-r): Ms. Kontek, Ms. Sasha Staszewski, Mrs. Natalia Staszewski, Ms. Angie Chirino Standing (l-r): Mr. Thaddeus Kontek, Mr. Zygmunt Staszewski, Mr. Michael Murawski, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bolko

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Dr. Patricia Riley, Col. Jason Psaltides

Mr. Peter Kosinski, Mrs. Maria Kosinski

Ms. Deborah Rozniewski, Mr. Gerardo Quinones, Mrs. Ewa Quinones-Witek, Mr. Ignacio Guerrero, Mrs. Anna Lukaszek-Guerrero

Ms. Jadwiga Garbacik, Mr. Mark Greenberg, Mrs. Viga Gewert

Seated (l-r) Dr. Irena Sieminginowska, Mr. Jerzy Sieminginowski, Ms. Mirela Miron, Mrs. Kazimiera Rekosz, Mr. Stanley Bulski Standing (l-r) Mr. & Mrs. Dariusz Raczek, Mr. & Mrs. Roberto Tinnoco

Seated (l-r) Mrs. Eva Kordos, Ms. Susan Cox, Ms. Teresa Szczepanik Standing (l-r): Mr. Janusz Burzynski, Mr. Andrzej Bytnar

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Mr. Gregorz Okon, Mr. Stephen Karski, Mrs. Joanna Wiela, Dr. Mencia Gomez, Ms. Rikky Itzkowitz

Mr. Bartosz Piasecki, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Ms. Anna Maria Porowska

Seated (l-r): Mrs. Sonia Bauer, Dr. Grazyna Pajunen, Dr. Maria Kozlowski Standing (l-r): Mr. Mikolaj Bauer, Mr. Alan Pajunen, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz, Mr. Leonard Nock, Mr. Janusz Kozlowski, Mr. Douglas Evans

Ms. Margarita Garcia, Mrs. Olga Melin, Mrs. Viga Gewert, Mr. John Kolasinski, Ms. Kontek, Mr. David Melin

Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Albert Slugocki

Mr. Douglas Evans, Mrs. Sonia Bauer, Mr. Mikołaj Bauer

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60 MILLION CONGRESS IN MIAMI

by Mirosław Brożek On February 7 - 10, 2019 the 4th edition of the 60 Million Congress - the Global Polonia Summit was held in Miami, Florida. Over 200 participants from all over the world took part, and speakers and invited guests debated on relevant topics important to citizens of Poland and to Poles everywhere. A few of the questions that the representatives of Polish organizations from California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Virginia and elsewhere wanted to share and discuss were: »» What are the directions for building the Polish brand on the world map? »» What should we know about investing in real estate markets and what does that entail in Florida and Poland? »» What are the possibilities for developing logistics and trade between Poland, US, and Latin America? »» How can we effectively promote Polish culture abroad?

Consul General Maciej Golubiewski of New York City read a letter specifically to the participants from President Andrzej Duda of Poland. The President stressed the importance of an economic cooperation between Poland and the Polish community in America. He expressed his deep faith that the Congress will play a significant role in integrating Polonia in the US, will strengthen ties with other compatriots in the country, and will undertake new business partnerships and ventures. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also addressed the Congress via a short film in which he emphasized the importance of Poland's cooperation with the Polish communities throughout the world and that the country must utilize its great potential as other nations do.

In addition to numerous business meetings with experts, there were also exclusive events available for the participants in Mi16

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ami. Among them was a social golf tournament and golf academy, 60 MLN CUP, at the Normandy Shores Golf Club; a Welcome Meet and Greet with Florida entrepreneurs prepared by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and a tour of real estate for sale at the luxurious Acqualina Resort. The guests of the Congress were also invited to a unique banquet aboard the Polish frigate, Dar Młodzieży, which is on a global "Independence Cruise" and docked at the largest and most important ports.

Thanks to the support of Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and The American Institute of Polish Culture which has been promoting the cultural, scientific and artistic heritage of Poland and Poles in the US for 47 years, the Congress attracted not only many well-known figures of Polish origin but also Americans interested in our culture. It was also due to the collaboration with AIPC that the Congress took place on the eve of their 47th International Polonaise Ball and many of the Congress participants attended this prestigious black tie gala.

The entire conference was organized by the 60mln.pl LLC., ‘Wspólnota Polska’ Association and the Organizational Partner in the USA - Gram-x Promotions. The main partners of the event were Polish Airlines LOT, Fracht FWO Poland and Copernicus Center. The other partners are The American Institute of Polish Culture Inc., Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, SFLHCC, BETAMED, TRIAS, Marvipol Development, Premiere Multimedia Group, Ingressus, and The Estates at Acqualina.

Plans are currently underway for the 5th edition of the 60 Million Congress 2020 in Miami, and we are all looking forward to another fabulous event!

KOŚCIUSZKO CHAIR IN 2018-2019

By Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz and Maria Juczewsk a

INTRODUCTION In the academic year 2018-2019 we celebrated the most meaningful anniversary for Poland – the centennial of Poland’s regaining independence. The Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies contributed to the celebrations through scholarship, preparing lectures on topics related to Polish independence, and press publications of Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz. In addition to his usual academic activities, Professor Chodakiewicz continued his service on advisory boards of several prestigious institutions and periodicals in the U.S. and in Poland. He was also invited as a guest speaker to numerous American and Polish-American events.

Our expanded speaker series on Poland and the Intermarium Region at The Institute of World Politics (IWP) was continued. We organized the 11th Annual Zdzisław Zakrzewski Kościuszko Chair Conference and the 9th Annual Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Kościuszko Chair Spring Symposium. We followed and commented on the Polish-American relations and developments in the European politics. Dr. Chodakiewicz was interviewed as well by the Polish radio and TV programs in relation to American political life and the visit of the President of Poland, Mr. Andrzej Duda, to Washington, D.C., and his meeting with the President Donald Trump in the White House.

This academic year, Kościuszko Chair met the financial goals required to match the funds of our endowment. We are thankful to all our benefactors and friends for their generous support. We would like to thank in particular Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and The American Institute of Polish Culture for their great generosity and unwavering support. We are also grateful to The Tadeusz Ungar Foundation, the Hon. Aldona Woś, Mr. Adam Bąk, Mrs. Ava Polansky-Bąk, Mr. John Niemczyk, Dr. Magdalena Pogonowska, Mr. and Mrs. Władysław Poncet de la Riviere, The Polish American Veterans’ Association (PAVA), Mr. Bogdan Chmielewski and his team of the Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union, Mr. Jan Małek of PAFERE (The Polish-American Foundation for Economic Research and Education), and many others. We continue to raise funds for our on-going projects as reported. We would also like to thank our staff and interns for their help in running the daily activities of the Chair. Their involvement and support enable the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies to inform the American public about Poland and shed positive light on its history and culture.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA ACTIVISM Dr. Marek Jan Chodakiewicz, Kościuszko Chair Holder Dr Chodakiewicz regularly discussed political and social developments in Poland and America. Since June 2018, Dr. Chodakiewicz has published more than ninety articles in American and Polish electronic and press publications (The Wentworth Report, Crisis Magazine, American Thinker, Do Rzeczy, Tygodnik Solidarność, Najwyższy Czas!, Niedziela: Tygodnik Katolicki, Glaukopis). Major topics include Donald Trump’s policies, geopolitical developments in the context of China and the Middle East, centennial of Poland’s Independence and Polish nationalism, Islamist threat to Europe and the United States, and the offensive of the LGBT movement, as well as topics related to the study of history for Glaukopis.

Dr. John Lenczowski, IWP Founder, President, and Professor On May 21, 2019, Dr. John Lenczowski participated in a panel at the Polish Embassy to discuss the recently published A Covert Action: Reagan, the CIA, and the Cold War Struggle in Poland by author, Seth G. Jones. Dr. Lenczowski was joined by Ambassador Piotr Wilczek, who chaired the panel, as well as Dr. Jones with Harold Brown, Chair at CSIS, and Irena Lasota, President and Co-Director of the Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe.

Dr. Lenczowski has participated in similar panels discussing the politics of Poland during the Cold War. In April, he took part in a panel entitled Poland, the U.S., & NATO: Confronting the Russian Threat as a part of the Kuklinski Museum Discussion Series, 30 Years After the Fall of Communism in Europe. During the panel, Dr. Lenczowski again emphasized the significance of the U.S.’s cooperation with Poland and Poland’s part in the fall of Russian communism.

This academic year, Dr. Lenczowski frequently commented on threats from Russia, China, and Islamist ideology on the radio and TV (interAmbassador Piotr Wilczek (left) and Pres. John Lenczowski speaking at the Embassy

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views with Dr. Sebastian Gorka on the nationally syndicated radio show AMERICA First, Tabitha Smiles on America Daily, Frank Gaffney on Secure Freedom Radio, and Simone Gao on Zooming In). He also participated in a forum on Deteriorating Human Rights and Tuidang Movement in China in advance of Human Rights Day on December 10, 2018.

Dr. Lenczowski also participated in the Legatus Dinner at which he spoke on the topic Can Western Civilization Survive the Threats from Within and Without?, as well serving as a dinner speaker at a conference held in Washington D.C., Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II: The Partnership that Changed the World. He also chaired one panel and participated in another as a panelist.

AWARDS On November 6, 2018, Dr. Chodakiewicz received The Sentinel of National Remembrance Award of Do Rzeczy Magazine for 2018. The award is granted to individuals directly involved in the discovery, preservation, and promotion of the memory of Poland’s past. This year, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the rebirth of Poland in 1918, the award committee decided to honor persons who have been the most committed to sustaining Polish historical and cultural continuity, which allows Poland to foster its sense of national pride. Dr. Chodakiewicz was awarded in the Creative Minds category for his scholarly and journalistic activity.

The Sentinel of National Rembrance Award

At the splendid Sentinel of National Remembrance Gala Evening held at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Dr. Chodakiewicz was introduced with the following words: “He has been working for the Polish cause outside of Poland for many years – he has persuaded the undecided, he has taught the unknowing, he has gained new allies for Poland.

He has consistently used the force of arguments rather than the argument of force. A renowned expert in the field of Polish-Jewish relations, the history of communism, the history of conservative thought, and the latest history of Poland, Professor Marek Chodakiewicz is an ardent commentator of the present who, drawing from the past, does not hesitate to point to the Poles’ possible paths into the future.”

Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz

Although he was not able to receive the award in person, a video of his acceptance remarks was shown at the gala.

INTERVIEWS This year, Dr. Chodakiewicz gave a number of televised interviews in relation to the U.S. politics, including one about President Andrzej Duda’s visit to Washington, D.C.. He was interviewed by TVP Info, TV Republika, Polskie Radio and a number of smaller outlets, and his lectures and interviews are widely popular on YouTube.

THE EIGHTH ANNUAL KOSCIUSZKO CHAIR MILITARY LECTURE On September 12, 2018, the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies hosted its annual Gen. Walter Jajko Kościuszko Chair Military Lecture. The lecture was entitled Russian Military History and was presented by Mr. Geoffrey Seroka, a graduate student at IWP. He explored the military history of Russia, going back to pre-imperial times, in order to analyze the Russian Federation’s recent actions toward the U.S., NATO, and Europe. Russia has historically viewed war in a different light than the West, and recognizing this historical context is vital to determining how to respond to recent belligerent actions. The lecture was based on Mr. Seroka’s graduate research in Russian/Eurasian affairs.

WEST POINT VISITS In April 2019, IWP hosted two groups of cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Led by Col. Steve Olejasz

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West Point Cadets

and Professor Larry Mansour, the first group was the West Point Kościuszko Squadron's annual visit on April 5th. On April 9th a second group of three West Point cadets visited led by Dr. David Gioe, Assistant Professor at West Point and History Fellow at the Army Cyber Institute. Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz gave a lecture about U.S./ NATO joint activities with Polish Armed Forces at both visits. The West Point Cadets’ Visits are co-sponsored by the Kościuszko Chair yearly.

THE ZDZISLAW R. ZAKRZEWSKI 11TH ANNUAL KOSCUISUZKO CHAIR CONFERENCE On November 3, 2018, Dr. Chodakiewicz opened the 11th Annual Zdzisław Zakrzewski Kościuszko Chair Conference. This year the topics revolved around Polish independence as well as real and potential threats to it. Mrs. Maria Juczewska discussed General Haller’s Army’s diplomatic and military contribution to the rebirth of Poland, and Mr. Matthew J. O’Brien analyzed the dangers European countries are facing due to their immigration policies.

The second part of the conference last fall entailed a unique film screening. Mr. Robert Orlando premiered his documentary The Divine Plan about the extraordinary partnership between the President Ronald Reagan, and Pope John Paul II in fighting the Soviet Union.

Drawing on the discussions with scholars, politicians, historians, and journalists, Mr. Orlando delved into the religious and political history of the partnership between the Pope and the American President that overthrew communism.

Introduction Dr. Chodakiewicz introduced the main themes of the conference.

Saved from Overseas: Contribution of the General Haller’s Army to the Independence of Poland Mrs. Maria Juczewska, an Associate Director of the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies, gave a lecture commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Poland’s regaining independence. One of the factors that greatly contributed to the rebirth of Poland was the support of General Haller’s Army created on American soil. She discussed the Army’s diplomatic and military contribution to Polish independence.

Radical Islam and Resettlement Jihad: Are Poland and Its Neighbors the Next Potential Victims?

Mr. Matthew J. O’Brien, the Director of Research at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, explained how the nations of Europe are rapidly becoming the victims of their unnecessarily generous immigration. He further analyzed their – possibly too broad – concepts of religious freedom and unwillingness to defend Judeo-Christian culture from Islamic encroachment. In the conclusion he posited a question whether Poland and its neighbors would be the next casualties of this disturbing trend.

The Divine Plan – a feature film presentation Mr. Robert Orlando, author and filmmaker, takes viewers behind the scenes of the making, reviving and revising the history of the Cold War. Told in part as a graphic thriller, this highly stylized film pushes

beyond the bounds of conventional documentary and vividly shows the partnership that changed the world between Ronald Reagan, and John Paul II. THE NINTH ANNUAL LADY BLANKA ROSENSTIEL KOSCIUSZKO CHAIR SPRING SYMPOSIUM The Ninth Annual Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Kościuszko Chair Spring Symposium took place on April 6, 2019. Introduced by Dr. Chodakiewicz, five lectures focused on the present situation in Central Europe followed by a more historical perspective on the region.

Topics ranged from the Polish military under Tsarist Russia, Boris Smyslovski and his role in the Russian counterinsurgency and counterintelligence, the role of women in the Polish National Movement, the Polish involvement in the NKVD, and the back story of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty implementation. Below, a short summary of the lectures is presented.

For the Entente’s Cause in Tsarist Uniforms: Polish Military Formations in Tsarist Russia During WWI (1914-1918) Dr. Wojciech Jerzy Muszyński, a scholar for the Institute of National Remembrance in Warsaw and the Editor-in-chief of the semi-annual Glaukopis, discussed how Tsarist Russia utilized the Polish military during WWI. The Polish military were not allowed to use their own national symbols to represent their nation but wished to fight for their independence even though they were under Russian control. He further discussed how the Polish military under Russian control fought against the Polish under German control, and were involved in the Bolshevik revolution and other internal struggles that the Russians had during WWI. Boris Smyslovski: WWII, White Russian, Counterinsurgency and Counterintelligence Dr. Sebastian Bojemski, an independent scholar, discussed the life of Boris Smyslovski and his role during WWI and WWII. He fought for the Russian army in WWI, fought against the Bolsheviks, moved to Poland, but then was later recruited to be an army officer for the German military. He fought for the Germans in WWII against the Soviet Union and had his army elevated to the 1st Russian National Army.

His whittled-down army settled in Liechtenstein, with some returning to the Soviet Union and never heard from again, while others exiled to Argentina. Smyslovski was able to offer his expertise and knowledge of the Soviet Union to the U.S. Between Politics and Social Work: A Study of Women’s Activities within the Ranks of the Polish National Movement (1919-1939) Dr. Jolanta Mysiakowska-Muszyńska, a scholar for the Institute of National Remembrance in Warsaw and a Deputy Editor-in-chief of the semi-annual Glaukopis, wrote a lecture that was presented by Mrs. Juczewska. She discussed the role of women in the Polish National Movement during the Interwar Period and their contribution to Polish women’s political enfranchisement. The Polish National Movement benefitted greatly from the support of women at the time, proposing a model of women’s liberation alternative to the one posited by the supporters of socialism.

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The Polish Operation of the NKVD: The Victim Tally Dr. Tomasz Sommer, a Polish writer, journalist and publisher, and Editor-in-chief of the weekly magazine Najwyższy CZAS!, discussed the numerical data provided by his research on the Polish Operation of the NKVD – an operation which was a systematic, large-scale extermination of the Poles in the U.S.S.R. between 1937-1938.

The INF Treaty: Adventures in a Late Soviet-Era Town in the Urals Mr. Charles Winkler, a retired Department of Defense civilian analyst with more than 30 years of experience, discussed his experiences related to the implementation of the INF Treaty, including the reality of the late Soviet era in a Russian province as seen through the eyes of an American.

THE KOSCIUSZKO CHAIR INTERMARIUM LECTURE SERIES In this academic year, monthly lectures were given as a part of our Intermarium lecture series.

Monte Rosa: Memoir of an Accidental Spy (book presentation) Mr. Jaroslaw Martyniuk, a former energy economist with the IEA/ OECD and a retired sociologist, presented a sweeping panorama of his life from the outbreak of WWII to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The narrative begins in Ukraine and ends in Paris where he coordinated the work of fifty undercover interviewers engaged in unorthodox research with Soviet visitors in Western Europe, a chapter of Cold War history never before revealed in such remarkable detail.

The story includes the author’s narrow escape from Communism, an account of his extended family’s ordeal in the Soviet Gulag, life in post-war Bavaria, thirty years in Chicago and culminates with twelve years in France where he worked for the International Energy Agency and Radio Liberty.

E Pluribus Unum in Ukraine? Reconciling Conflicting National Identity in the Borderland Mr. James A. Rice, the Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, discussed the historical roots of the east-west divide in Ukraine currently being exploited by Putin’s Russia. It will describe the conflicting worldviews and mentalities of eastern and western Ukrainians and suggest how they can be reconciled going forward.

Russian Military History Mr. Geoffrey Seroka, a graduate student at IWP, once again presented his graduate research on Russian/Eurassion affairs in which he explores the military history of Russia and how Russia has historically viewed war in a different light than the West. Recognizing this historical context is vital to determining how to respond to recent belligerent actions.

The League of Militant Godless Ms. Helen Lamm, a graduate student in Statecraft and International Affairs specializing in American Foreign Policy at IWP has an interest in the politics of post-communism with a focus on the interplay of religion and politics. She discussed the Soviet antireligious activism

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and propaganda, taking a look at the “volunteer” activism and analyzing the artistic renderings of religion in Bezbozhnik – the propaganda apparatus of the League of the Militant Godless.

Suki w Zakone: A Criminal Key to Putin’s Russia Dr. Chodakiewicz discussed how the criminal underworld was co-opted by the Bolshevik revolution, how it was tamed and broken by the Soviet state, how it coexisted with it and infiltrated it; how it became transformed in the post-Soviet realm, and how it became second nature within Putin’s system in Russia. Dr. Chodakiewicz stressed the historical continuities of Russia’s criminal underworld that have now infiltrated into the mainstream of its national life.

The lecture was preceded by a performance of Russian music on the prima/malaya domra (long-necked Russian folk string instrument)

by Mr. Charles Winkler. He was a Department of Defense analyst for more than 30 years specializing in Soviet, Russian, East European, and Middle Eastern matters, and threat analysis. Now in retirement, he applies his national-security analyst’s perspective and research skills to matters of domestic and foreign affairs.

The Future of the European Union Ambassador László Szabó, physician, businessman, politician and diplomat, is the current Hungarian Ambassador. He was a transplant surgeon, then shifted to the pharmaceutical industry and held several local and international leadership positions for more than 20 years. The Government of Hungary reached out to him to build the trade pillar of the Ministry until his appointment as Ambassador to the U.S. in July 2017. His presentation was about the political and cultural vision of Central and Eastern Europe and its implications to the region’s relations with the U.S. He discussed the migration crisis, Brexit, and the rise of new political ideas that surround the debate on the future of European integration.

Belarus Under Putin’s Radar Mr. Franak Viačorka, the Vice President of the Digital Communication Network, discussed how Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev made it clear to Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenka that Minsk must take steps towards deeper integration between the two countries. Polls have shown that, following the rise of Russian media presence in Belarus, pro-Russian sentiment increased within the society. He explored the questions of what is the situation in Belarus and what role does Belarusian civil society, the EU, and the U.S. play in the new paradigm.

The Challenge of Counterintelligence Cultures: The Counterintelligence State from Tsarist Russia and the USSR, to Putin’s Russia, the PRC, Cuba & Venezuela, and Resurgent Militant Islam Dr. Jack Dziak, a co-founder and President of Dziak Group, Inc. and an Adjunct Professor at IWP, discussed the concept of the counterintelligence state. From counterintelligence cum prevocational style of the Tsarist Okhrana’s near classic penetration operations against its indigenous Marxist revolutionary terrorists, through the long, ugly Soviet secret police period, and to the counterintelligence continuities and refinements of former KGB Lt. Col. and now Russian President, Vladimir Putin. He also briefly discussed the PRC counterintelligence

state, whose pedigree long antedates that of Russia, the highlight client counterintelligence state systems such as Cuba and Venezuela, and the unsurprising similarities between resurgent militant Islam and the Soviet/Russian counterintelligence state paradigm.

A Journey to the Gulag: Experiencing History Through Virtual Reality Mr. Štěpán Černoušek, a Fullbright scholar and the head of the Virtual Museum Gulag.Online and the Chairman of the Gulag.cz Association, spoke about the project documenting the Gulag camps and creating VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) experiences for the unique online Gulag museum. Around 20 million people went through the horrors of Soviet labor camps. At least 1.6 million of them died. Among the victims of Soviet repression were also people from European countries and the U.S. Currently, with the exception of the former Perm-36 project, there are no museums in Russia of former Gulag camps from Stalin’s era; however, hundreds of abandoned camps are still hidden away in the Siberian taiga. A small group of enthusiasts visit and document these sites to virtually preserve them to make them accessible to the public through virtual and augmented reality. The lecture began with a documentary from Mr. Černoušek’s expeditions, A Journey to the Gulag, after which the presentation of the virtual museum followed.

•

Geopolitics: U.S., UK, and Poland, POSK, London, July 2018;

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Geopolitics and NATO in the Intermarium, Tusnad, Transylvania, Romania, July 2018;

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Polish-Jewish Relations in History: Toward Some Definitions, Town Public Library, Węgrów, August 2018;

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What’s Going on in the World?, Fundacja Niepodległości [Independence Foundation], PASTA Building, Warsaw, August 2018; and

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The Polish War Time Experience at the World War II Museum in Gdańsk, World War II Museum, Gdańsk, August 2018.

Mrs. Maria Juczewska •

The War Effort of the Polish Emigration in America 19141920, Daemen College in Buffalo, September 2018. Mrs. Juczewska spoke about the creation of General Haller’s Blue Army and its contribution to Poland’s regaining independence in 1918 and keeping it throughout the border wars in 1919-1920.

LECTURES OUTSIDE OF IWP

GENERAL REMARKS

In the academic year 2018/2019, Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz was invited as a guest speaker to a number of prestigious events in Poland, Romania and the U.S. He lectured both on the topics related to Polish and Intermarium history and the contemporary geopolitical developments. Mrs. Juczewska presented a paper at For Your Freedom and Ours: Symposium on Polonia and the Struggle for Polish Independence organized by Daemen College in Buffalo.

In addition to the regular scholarly activity, The Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies has enjoyed continuous interest of visitors from the Intermarium Region as well as scholars, journalists, and others interested in the problems of the region.

Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz (selected lectures): •

Poland and the Geopolitical Battles in Europe and the World, Polonia Christiana, Warsaw, July 2018;

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Who shall organize the Intermarium?, Podlaski Instytut Rzeczypospolitej Suwerennej [The Podlasian Institute of the Sovereign Commonwealth], Białystok, July 2018;

PUBLICATIONS 2018/2019 We published dozens of articles during the academic year, including Missteps in Warsaw, The Wentworth Report, 7 March 2019; With Friends Like These Poland Needs No Enemies, Crisis Magazine, 20 February 2019; One Belt, One Road, Tygodnik Solidarność, 8 February 2019; No Reciprocity: On the Papal Visit to the UAE, Crisis, 28 January 2019; Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko: Martyred Freedom Fighter, Crisis, 27 December 2018; and Poland Celebrated Nationalism as Macron Derided It, American Thinker, 15 November 2018.

For a full list of publications, please contact IWP through their website.

For more information about the Institute of World Politics, the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies, publications and opportunities to donate, please visit their website at www.iwp.edu

Mrs. Maria Juczewska works as an Associate Director for the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC. She is a communication specialist with international experience who has earned her degrees in linguistics, translation, and communication in Europe. Her main research interests are topics related to Central and Eastern European affairs. Her natural curiosity combined with enthusiasm for history led to her current studies in international relations with focus on propaganda and disinformation at the IWP. She also writes journalistic reports for American NGOs’ portals.

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KOSCIUSZKO DAY IN VIRGINIA

by Robert A. Joskowiak

Ambassador Stephen Mull, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Hon. Consul Robert Joskowiak

Senator Anna Maria Anders

What a special year it has been in Virginia! First, we successfully worked with the Virginia House and Senate to pass a Resolution naming October 15th the official Thaddeus Kosciuszko Day in Virginia. Delegates were so impressed by the contribution of the Polish-American General that they also passed a Resolution recognizing the valor of General Casimir Pulaski and established October 11th as Pulaski Day in Virginia!

From now and every year in perpetuity, the memory of these two Polish-born heroes of the American Revolution for independence will be remembered.

We couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than to celebrate these landmark decisions with music and official presentations by members of Polish and American diplomacy. We hosted the celebration at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. The gala would not have occurred without the support and inspiration of Lady Blanka Rosenstiel.

Among the speakers were the Ambassador of Poland Piotr Wilczek, Senator Anna Maria Anders, former U.S. Congressman Dan Mica, and Ambassador to Poland Stephen Mull. Special comments were made by Delegate Nick Freitas, sponsor of the Resolution, and Ret. Lt. Colonel Steve Olejasz from West Point. We enjoyed beautiful music by Maestro Leonid Prymak, who trained under Nahum Binder and worked with the renowned musician, Isaac Stern. Mr. Prymak, now a retired violinist from the Richmond Symphony, delighted the audience with music by Paganini, Kreisler, and Wieniawski, performed on his custom violin crafted in Cremona, Italy.

Excerpted from the Spring 2019 Polonaise magazine the semi-annual publication of the Chopin Foundation of the United States (pg. 18)

Ambassador Piotr Wilczek addressing the guests

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SHINING STAR A personal milestone occurred to someone very close to us on July 9, 2019. It is hard to believe it could be possible because she has a never ending reserves of vitality, ingenuity and can-do attitude, but it is real.

Lady Blanka celebrated her 90th birthday at her home in Charlottesville, Virginia surrounded by close friends, laughter and love.

The challenge for the staff of the Institute and the Chopin Foundation was finding a memorable gift for our esteemed leader. What would be appropriate for a successful woman who lives a life filled with beauty and enrichment? We looked up to the sky for inspiration and it came to us.

Why not adopt a star in her name.

EPIC 211790538 is deemed a bright star, which means it can be seen without the use of a space telescope. Now named Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, it resides in the constellation of her zodiac sign, Cancer. (For astronomy buffs, it is located at [8h24m45.4s, +17°10'54"]).

We think it was the perfect way to recognize our brightest star who will shine forever!

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Florida was established in October 1998. Honorary Consul Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and Honorary Vice Consul Beata Paszyc provide information and perform consular services free of charge.

Although, the Honorary Consulate cannot by law issue, sign or verify any documents, it provides general information and serves as a helping hand to the Consulate General in Washington, DC. The recent changes in the law require that all passport applications MUST be submitted in person at the Consulates General in the appropriate territorial jurisdiction. However, the Consulate General in Washington, D.C. organizes trips to different locations including Miami, FL to enable Polish citizens to submit passport applications in person closer to their residence. The locations, dates and times are provided at the Embassy’s website in Polish only: http://www.waszyngton.msz.gov.pl/en/ Foreigners traveling to Poland who require a Schengen visa can also find all the information on the website and need to apply in person in a Consulate General. All documents are processed at the consular offices serving the state of residence in conformity with their territorial jurisdiction. Please refer to the list of Polish Consulates in the US. The Embassy’s of the Republic of Poland motto: “To

serve Poland – to build Europe – to understand the world”

Consular Division of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in WASHINGTON, D.C. Head of Consular Division Aleksandra Krystek 2224 Wyoming Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008-3992 phone (202) 499-1930, fax (202) 328-2152, e-mail: waszyngton.amb.wk@msz.gov.pl, www.waszyngton.msz.gov.pl The Consular Division in Washington D.C. serves residents of Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Virgin Islands and other US overseas territories.

Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA Consul General Jaroslaw Lasinski 12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 555, Los Angeles, CA 90025 phone (310) 442-8500, fax (310) 442-8515, e-mail: losangeles.polishconsulate@msz.gov.pl Consulate General in Los Angeles serves residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, NEW YORK Consul General Maciej Golubiewski 233 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 phone (646) 237-2100, fax (646) 237-2105, e-mail: info@polishconsulate.org Consulate General in New York serves residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont.

Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, ILLINOIS Consul General Piotr Janicki 1530 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610 phone (312) 337-8166, fax (312) 337-7841, e-mail: chicago.kg.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl Consulate General in Chicago serves residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Houston, TEXAS Consul General Robert Rusiecki 3040 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 825, Houston TX 77056 Phone (713) 993-9685, fax (713) 993-9685, e-mail: houston.kg.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl Consulate General in Houston serves residents of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas.

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CONSULAR INFORMATION

Mrs. Joanna Rybolowicz-Wozniak, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Consul Aleksandra Krystek

Many consular regulations and laws have been changed and amended; some of these changes relate to the application procedure for passports and visas.

Effective June 2009, there is a requirement to appear in person before the Consul General to submit one’s passport application since fingerprints are collected for the biometric database, which can only be done through Consulate Generals.

However, in order to assist Polish citizens in applying for passports, the Consulate General in Washington, D.C. schedules visits by Consuls to other states and cities in their jurisdiction, including the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami. During 2018/2019 Consul Marzena Gronostajska and Consul Aleksandra Krystek visited Miami and other cities in Florida.

To make an appointment, applicants must contact the Consulate General in Washington, D.C. All of the information about passport applications for Polish citizens is available on the Embassy’s website: www.waszyngton.msz.gov.pl

Mrs. Agnieszka Wisniewska, Consul Marzena Gronostajska ADVERTISEMENT

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Time to #VisitPoland

CONSULAR GATHERINGS Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are home to over one hundred Foreign Consulates which include Consulate Generals, Honorary Consulates and Foreign Trade Offices in addition to the bi-national Chambers of Commerce. Each of these institutions represent their country and each promotes and facilitates international cooperation and trade. The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami, covering the State of Florida, is proud to represent Poland and has been a Consular Corps member since its inception in 1998.

Every month, the Consular Corps holds meetings in Miami, gatherings that are an exceptional opportunity for consuls from all over the world to meet. Many local businesses, cultural organizations, scientists, educators and government officials are also invited to make presentations about key issues pertaining to consular activities, emergency situations and multinational collaborations; they all share important information in the areas of their expertise. Some of the outstanding speakers have included Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Florida State Attorney; Miami Dade County Aviation Director, Lester Sola; Dr. Allan S. Stewart from Baptist Health International; Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; and Southern Command Admiral Craig S. Faller. The Consular Corps also organizes a holiday celebration with music and caroling every December when each represented country shares its traditions and donates gifts that become part of a special raffle.

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland is privileged to be represented in Miami's energetic international community.

Throughout the year there are many diplomatic, commercial, cultural and social functions in which the Honorary Consulate can participate and promote Poland and Polonia in South Florida and beyond.

Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Erin Anding, Ms. Anahid Goveart

Admiral Craig Faller with Mrs. Marta Faller, Mrs. Beata Paszyc

Mrs. Beata Paszyc;Mrs.Katherine Fernandez-Rundle,Dade County Attorney General

Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Hon. Vice Consul; Mrs. Laurel Lee, Florida Secretary of State

Guests at the Consular Corps luncheon

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80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OUTBREAK OF WWII Eighty years ago, Germany's aggression on Poland began World War II. In the early hours of September 1, 1939, troops of the German Reich crossed the Polish-German border. The Polish Army immediately put up military resistance and expected the Allies to react as well. Two days later, France and the UK declared war on the German Reich but did not take any real military action.

Poland’s tragic fate was sealed on September 17, 1939 when the Soviet Union launched the invasion of Poland from the East. The attack of the German Reich and the Soviet Union resulted from the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed by the two totalitarian regimes, a secret protocol to which effectively divided Central Europe into the so-called spheres of influence.

On September 1, 1939 at 4:45 a.m., the German Reich army began their Fall Weiss plan, the Nazis strategy for invading Poland.

This code named attack on Poland unfolded along a 995 mile frontline. The military depot on Westerplatte, defended by a Polish garrison for one week, became a symbol of the first-day resistance. German commanders used the unprecedented tactic of “lightning war" (blitzkrieg) during the campaign. Overwhelmed by the enemy and at a technological disadvantage, Polish Army units were forced to retreat into the interior of the country during the first days of the campaign. However, owing to the Polish soldiers’ efforts, the timeline of the Fall Weiss plan was not carried out in full.

The Polish Army put up a stout resistance against the invaders. The campaign’s greatest struggle was the Battle of the Bzura which lasted until September 22nd. Despite Poland’s defeat, it forced the German Reich to change its strategy and delayed the surrender of Warsaw until September 28, 1939. The last Polish troops surrendered on October 6th; however some units continued to put up resistance, engaging in operations against the German invaders. The units were led by seasoned commanders such as Major Henryk Dobrzański’s (a.k.a. “Hubal”) who named his force the Separated Unit of the Polish Army; they struggled against the Germans until the mid-1940.

On September 17, 1939, another neighbor of Poland launched its attack – the Soviet Union. Polish authorities were still in the country at the outbreak of the attack and the army was still fighting the German Reich. The necessity to immediately mount military resistance on the eastern border weakened the Polish Army and doomed it to lose the Defensive War of 1939.

Both the German Reich and the Soviet Union wanted not only to seize the territory of Poland but also to carry out their plans to annihilate the intelligentsia and to gradually destroy the Polish nation. Many civilians were killed in the German Reich’s air raids in the very first hours of the war. The German Reich consistently implemented its plan of murdering the Polish intelligentsia as part of the so called Intelligenzaktion and AB (Außerordentliche Befriedungsaktion) campaigns. The occupiers started mass exterminations of the population inhabiting the Polish territories, and continued their mass killings until practically the last day of the Second World War in 1945. The Nazi invaders also carried out a program of mass extermination of the Jewish population. Unlike 28

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the other occupied countries of Western Europe, helping Jews in occupied Poland was punished with death.

On the Soviet territory, Poles were imprisoned and deported on a mass scale. They were forced into slave labor in horrible and unhygienic conditions, given starvation rations and constantly threatened by criminal prisoners.

Although Poland lost the Defensive War of 1939, they continued to put up resistance at home and abroad.

The structures of the Polish underground state were the largest in all of occupied Europe and included independent armed forces, parliament, the judiciary, and secret education organizations. The Polish Army was also revived in France and the UK, fighting on all European and African frontlines. Polish Armed Forces in the USSR were only established after the German Reich’s attack on the USSR on June 22, 1941 and upon the signing of the Sikorski-Mayski agreement. Poles greatly contributed to the Allies’ victory and the ending of the Second World War, yet 1945 did not bring freedom for Poland. Europe became divided under the arrangements made during the Yalta Conference. In a speech by Prime Minister Churchill in Fulton, he described the notion of the "Iron Curtain," the post-war division of Europe and the enslavement of Poland and other countries, now in the Soviet sphere of influence. Poland regained its full independence as late as in 1989.

Based on an article from the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland https://waszyngton.msz.gov.pl/en/

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WARSAW UPRISING Thursday, August 1, 2019, marked the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. Every year on this day at 5 in the evening, alarm sirens are heard in the streets of Warsaw and the city comes to a halt. By observing a minute of silence, Warsaw residents pay tribute to the fallen insurgents and to those who survived.

Yearly events commemorating the Uprising are held in various parts of Poland, but Warsaw marks the onset of the Uprising in the most unique way - through ‘W-Hour’ at 5 p.m. At that precise moment, alarm sirens are activated and a one-minute continuous signal is sounded. Public transportation, cars and residents of Warsaw stop in their tracks to pay tribute to the insurgents and murdered residents of the city.

The Warsaw Uprising broke out on August 1, 1944 and lasted 63 days until October 3, 1944. It was the biggest surge for freedom in the history of World War II. Almost 50,000 Home Army insurgents faced the might of the German forces who had occupied the capitol of Poland since 1939.

The passivity and inaction of the Soviet Red Army units stationed on the other side of the Vistula and the degree to which the insurgents were outnumbered in their fight against the Nazis led to the death of approximately 16,000 Home Army fighters and 150,000 Polish civilian victims. As a result, about 25 percent of Warsaw’s left-bank was destroyed, and combined with the demolition carried out by the Germans until January 16, 1945, the Nazis destroyed over 70 percent of the residential buildings and 90 percent of the historic buildings.

Flickr photo gallery from the Warsaw Rising Museum: https://www.flickr.com/photos/polandmfa/sets/72157656557804275

Based on the August 1, 2019 posting on the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington DC; https://waszyngton.msz.gov.pl/en/

The acclaimed historian, Professor Norman Davies, an AIPC Gold Medal recipient in 1998 and a longtime friend, wrote an extraordinary book in 2004 about the Warsaw Uprising and the heroism of the Polish people. In Rising '44, The Battle for Warsaw, Davies details the supreme sacrifices made by the tens of thousands of Poles who fought and were slaughtered during the sixty-three day battle, and how the Allies betrayed Poland by turning their collective backs. This 734 page book is a must read! Available at Amazon, www.amazon-books "A splendid book, long overdue, and a worthy memorial to its noble subject...Norman Davies tells this darkly magnificent story with his customary skill and controlled passion. He peppers his narrative with the evidence of eyewitnesses, and ingeniously contrasts the cold-blooded decisions of the great powers with the consequences for ordinary Poles."

Daniel Johnson The Daily Telegraph Good News

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GERMANY'S FORMAL APOLOGY On September 1, 2019, presidents and government officials from 40 countries attended a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the start of WWII when Germans attacked Poland.

Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally apologized to Poland for the crime that his nation will never forget.

“In no other square in Europe do I find it more difficult to speak, and to address you in my native language of German,” Steinmeier said at a ceremony in Pilsudski Square in Warsaw. “I bow in mourning to the suffering of the victims and I ask for forgiveness for Germany's historical debt. I affirm our lasting responsibility.”

Approximately 6 millions Polish people - 3 million Catholics and 3 million Jews - were among the 50 million people who died in the war, the deadliest human conflict in history. Poland's president Andrzej Duda said it is now difficult to even imagine that such a “cataclysm of history ... brought the most disastrous consequences in the history of mankind.”

He also admonished the rest of Europe for not standing up to Hitler sooner. “Perhaps the Second World War would not have broken out in the first place if the countries in the west had put up a decisive resistance against … the imperial ambitions of Hitler.”

Did you know....

Nazi Germany maintained concentration camps throughout the territories it controlled. The first Nazi concentration camps were set up in Germany in 1933 and were intended to hold political prisoners and opponents of the regime. About 170,000 people went through the camps

even before WWII started. Dachau served as a prototype and model for the other Nazi concentration camps.

After September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of the Second World War, concentration camps became literally dumping grounds

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

for millions of ordinary people who were enslaved as part of the war effort, often starved, tortured and killed. During the war, new Nazi concentration camps for "undesirables" spread throughout countries such as Germany: Bad Sulza, Bergen-Belsen, Buchenwald, Dachau, Esterwegen, Flossenbürg, Fuhlsbüttel, Gross-Rosen, Hinzert, Lichtenburg, Mittelbau-Dora, Moringen,

Neuengamme, Niederhagen-Wewelsburg, Oranienburg, Ravensbrück, Sachsenburg, Sachsenhausen; Poland: Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec, Kulmhof, Majdanek, Płaszów, Sobibór, Treblinka, KL Warschau; Czechoslovakia: Theresienstadt; Austria: Mauthausen-Gusen; France: Natzweiler-Struthof; Holland: Hertogenbosch; Lithuania: Kauen and many more.

In Poland camps were created near centers of dense populations, most particularly areas with large communities of Jews, Polish intelligentsia, Polish Catholics, Communists or Romani. Millions of Jews lived in pre-war Poland, so many camps were located in the area of German General Government in occupied Poland for logistical reasons - the location allowed the Nazis to quickly remove the Jews from within the German proper. In 1942, the SS built a network of camps to systematically kill millions of prisoners by gassing them. The extermination camps (Vernichtungslager) and death camps (Todeslager) were camps whose primary function was genocide. There were 18 million people who went through concentration camps; 11 million of them were murdered.

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Making a difference We salute the work of the American Institute of Polish Culture We would like to congratulate you on 47 years of commitment to sharing the rich heritage of Poland and working to establish a center of educational facilities and resources for the encouragement and promotion of the scientific and aesthetic endeavors of Americans of Polish descent.

Chris Garvin Managing Director–Wealth Management 954-468-2240 chris.garvin@ubs.com The Garvin Financial Team UBS Financial Services Inc. 401 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 2300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-525-5550 800-327-8218

ubs.com/team/garvinfinancial

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business and that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. © UBS 2019. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-128994874 Exp.: 05/31/2020

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

by Beata Paszyc

It was a hot July night in 2018 when my high school friend Anna and I sat down in the Rialto movie theater in Poznan, Poland. This historic theater has been through a lot since it was built in 1937 - it survived the war, bore witness to the rise of communism and oppression, and later became an art house movie theater. So the atmosphere for watching the film Cold War by Pawel Pawlikowski could not have been more fitting.

The film depicts a love story between Zula and Wiktor that spanned the post war years of 1949 to 1956. An impossible love in impossibly difficult and convoluted times. Pawlikowski was inspired by and dedicated the film to his parents, whom he described as, “the most interesting, dramatic characters I’ve ever come across … both strong, wonderful people, but as a couple, never-ending disasters.”

Without giving away too much of the plot for those who have not had a chance to see this brilliant movie nominated for an Oscar in three categories, this is a story of two people caught in an unbearable situation during times that made no sense. That even when the war ended, there was no freedom. That escaping from one's homeland and risking life to finally make it to the West was not a guarantee of living the dream. This is a not-so-rare story of longing, belonging, self sabotage, vulnerability, love and death.

We first meet Zula (played by Joanna Kulig), a bit innocent but feisty, as she auditions for a place in a coveted Mazurek ensemble inspired by the real-life Mazowsze folk dance group. There she meets and falls in love with Wiktor, the company musician and conductor. The traditional folk costumes they wear, that are colorful and vibrant in real life, are subdued and reduced to a black and white format, which is appropriate for the films and photography of the time. It also symbolizes the dullness of life under the extreme suppression of communism, with hues of gray and sharp contrasts between black and white, good and evil, love and hate.

Zula's sultry voice is enchanting and captivating. Music plays an integral part of the film; it is the soundtrack of the characters' lives, from plaintive folk songs of rural areas to smoky jazz arrangements in Parisian night clubs to the 50s tunes of communist Poland. The phenomenal music and spectacular cinematography by Łukasz Żal makes for a heart wrenching tale that can be summed up by its theme song's refrain..."The two hearts and the four eyes that could not meet."

Just like the Rialto movie theater, my family endured war, post war, and communism, where daily propaganda and threats were very real. And just like the characters in the film, they were faced with unimaginable circumstances. It is really hard to comprehend now what Polish people experienced then; often torn by what to do to survive, forced into oppression by the brutality of communism, and caught in the power struggle between the West and the East. Though I did not live through those times, somehow I feel because my parents did, I have absorbed the sentiments of those gloomy days. Maybe the family stories that circled around me have made me aware of what life must have been like in Poland.

And then, like Zula and Wiktor though in a different era, I got a first-hand taste of living abroad and becoming an immigrant.

Different times and circumstances, and yet the film's portrayal of longing for one's homeland and adapting to a new life truly resonated with me. The story is timeless because it is about the human condition in times of ambiguity, uncertainly and totalitarian cruelty.

Cold War's emotional rawness lingers long after the final credits have rolled. It makes you feel gratitude for being alive in much less complicated times. It stays with you.

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COLD WAR AT MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL The Miami Film Festival (MFF) has worked in partnership with The American Institute of Polish Culture for over three decades. On October 13, 2018, we sponsored a wine reception at the Tower Theater in Miami following the Polish film, Cold War. The show was sold out, and many friends and members of AIPC along with foreign film enthusiasts mingled at the reception where there was a lot of stimulating discussion about the film AIPC is proud to be a sponsor and collaborator of MFF which is committed to bringing wonderful inspiring and moving films from around the world.

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Ms. Danuta Walach with friends

Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mr. Jaie Laplante, Director of MMF

Mr. Zbyszek Slabicki, Ms. Agata Arakel, Ms. Lynne Schaefer

Mrs. Elzbieta Wnuk, Prof. Stanislaw Wnuk, Mrs. Danuta Kyparisis with friends

Mr. Daniel Olech, Mr. Marek Wojcik with friend

Ms. Lauren Cohen with friend

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Mr. Edmund Janniger, Dr. Patricia Riley, Dr. Andrew Schally, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Andrzej Bytnar, Mrs. Ela Piotrovsky, Mr. Mikolaj Bauer

PRO PATRIA FOR NOBEL LAUREATE On December 19, 2018, the 1977 Nobel Prize Laureate and The American Institute of Polish Culture's 2008 Gold Medal winner Dr. Andrew V. Schally received the Pro Patria medal from Poland's Minister of National Defense, Antoni Macierewicz, in our offices.

The Pro Patria medal is awarded to those who have supported the memory of the Polish people's fight for independence during and after World War II. The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami was selected as the appropriate place for Dr. Schally to receive the medal in the company of his family, colleagues from the University of Miami, and members of AIPC. Fellow scientist, Dr. Pat Riley, Founder and CEO of Clientele and an AIPC Board of Directors member, arranged the occasion with political analyst and the Minister's assistant, Edmund Janniger. A wine reception followed the presentation.

Below is the speech made by Dr. Schally's upon receiving the medal.

"Thank you Minister Macierewicz for your kind words about me and my father. Thank you Honorable Consul of the Republic of Poland, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel.

Distinguished authorities present, honored guests, collaborators and friend, I am deeply honored by the award of the Pro Patria Medal. It is a great honor and privilege to receive it. I am most grateful to Minister Macierewicz for coming to Miami to bestow this medal upon me and to Edmund Janniger for the kind arrangements. This ceremony is only possible thanks to the generous help and arrangements by Lady Blanka. Thank you so much, Blanka.

I particularly appreciate this Pro Patria award as a son of a Major General who devoted his life to fight for the independence of Po-

land in World War I, the Bolshevik invasion of the 1920s and who then served in General Eisenhower's Supreme Headquarters of allied Expeditionary Forces, fighting Nazi Germany in World War II. My father was also the first to protest the horrible murders of Polish officers in Katyn by the Soviets.

I am part of the post-World War II generation and my own very modest contributions to Polish causes can be considered to be based only on my scientific achievements. It was my good fortune to make the discoveries on the effects and the applications of the hypothalamic hormones of the brain in endocrinology, reproduction and cancer. The honors and recognition which I received previously from the USA, Canada, France and other countries and the Nobel Prize itself are for this work.

To justify the magnanimous award of the Pro Patria Medal from the Polish government, I hope that you can allow me to make a parallelism between my story and that of the great Marie Sklodowska Curie. As you well know, she was born in Poland but did her magnificent historic work on radioactivity abroad, in France, which was a center of science in Europe at that time. For her extraordinary achievements she received two Nobel Prizes, one in physics and the other in chemistry. I was also born in Poland, but did my work mainly in the United States of America, which is the present scientific-medical center of the world and where I received the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

I hope this similarity in Polish origin, respective scientific struggles in the work which had to be overcome, and the qualities of Polish intellect that led to a successful outcome and final recognition may help to justify this great Polish award.

Thank you."

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Dr. Patricia Riley, Dr. Andrew Schally

Mrs. Ana Maria Comaru-Schally with friends

Mr. Lech Zalewski, Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Mr. Zbigniew Staszewski

Ms. Ewa Jaworska, Mrs. Ela Piotrovsky ADVERTISEMENT

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THE POLISH LECTURE SERIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

by Kyrill Kunakhovich During the academic year 2018-19, UVA’s Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies organized five events as part of the Polish Lecture Series at UVA sponsored by The American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC).

The highlight of the year was a visit from Poland’s ambassador to the US, Dr. Piotr Wilczek on March 29. Dr. Wilczek was accompanied by three other ambassadors from the Visegrád Group of countries: Hynek Kmoníček of Czechia, Ivan Korčo of Slovakia, and Dr. László Szabó of Hungary. This was the first time all four Visegrád ambassadors had appeared together in the US, as well as the first time multiple ambassadors had visited the University of Virginia as a group. The four ambassadors spoke to a packed house at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Service, sharing their Perspectives on the US and Europe. The 200-person crowd included AIPC’s Vice President Dr. Michel Pawlowski and Robert Joskowiak, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Virginia. The visit was co-sponsored by CREEES, the Batten School, the Miller Center of Public Affairs, the Program in European Studies, and the Woodrow Wilson Department of Politics. It was one of the largest events in the fourteen-year history of the Polish Lecture Series at UVA. The Spring 2019 semester featured three talks related to this year’s Series theme, Crossing Borders. All three were organized

by CREEES and co-sponsored by the Corcoran Department of History and the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures.

The Series kicked off on February 28 with a presentation by Dr. Keely Stauter-Halsted, the Hejna Family Chair of Polish Studies and Professor of History in the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Stauter-Halsted is the author of two award-winning books on partitioned Poland, The Nation in the Village: The Genesis of Peasant National Identity in Austrian Poland, 1848-1914 (Cornell, 2001) and The Devil’s Chain: Prostitution and Social Control in Partitioned Poland (Cornell, 2015). At UVA, she spoke about her new project, “Internal Frontiers: Citizen Denunciations and the Construction of Belonging in the Polish Second Republic, 1918-1923.” The presentation attracted nearly forty students, faculty, and community members, including Dr. Pawlowski.

Our next presentation came on April 1, from Dr. Patryk Babiracki, Associate Professor of History in the University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Babiracki is the author of Soviet Soft Power in Poland: Culture and the Making of Stalin’s New Empire, 1943-1957 (UNC,

2015) along with two edited volumes about culture and travel in the Soviet Bloc. His talk was entitled “The Prussian Origins of Polish Socialism: The Upper Silesia Tower and the Poznań International Fair, 1911-1959.” Through the story of Poznań’s Upper Silesia Tower, Dr. Babiracki made the case for a vision of Polish national identity based on internationalism rather than martyrdom. Roughly thirty people were in attendance.

A week later, on April 8, the Series organized a special roundtable about Polish Politics on the World Stage. The roundtable was initially scheduled for mid-February but had to be postponed due to a snowstorm, and thankfully, all three participants were still able to present in April. They included UVA’s own Stephen Mull, currently the Vice Provost for Global Affairs and previously US ambassador to Poland from 2012-15; Dr. Aleksandra Sznajder Lee, Associate Professor of Politics at the University of Richmond and the author of Transnational Capitalism in East Central Europe’s Heavy Industry: From Flagship Enterprises to Subsidiaries (Michigan, 2016); and Dr. Krzysztof Jasiewicz, the Stephen P. Ames, Jr. Professor in Sociology and Anthropology at Washington and Lee University, who serves as editor of East European Politics and Societies, the leading journal in the field. The three speakers addressed Poland’s current political climate, the country’s relationship with the US, and its role within the European Union. Despite the rescheduled date, some twenty students and faculty members were able to attend.

Finally, on March 5, the Polish Lecture Series co-organized a film screening with UVA’s Program in European Studies. The film we chose to show was Cold War (Zimna Wojna, Poland 2018) directed by Paweł Pawlikowski. Cold War earned three nominations at the 91st Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Film and Best Director. At the Cannes Film Festival, where the film premiered, it earned Pawlikowski the Best Director award. Our screening was remarkably well attended, attracting over fifty people. We plan to continue the tradition of film screenings next year in collaboration with the recently formed Polish Students Association at UVA. None of these events would have been possible without the generous support of Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and The American Institute of Polish Culture. We are extremely grateful for their continued help and look forward to further collaboration!

Roundtable discussion with Ambassador Piotr Wilczek

Four ambassadors

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE III

By Lynne Schaefer

We have received a lot of positive feedback about this series of influential Polish women. Each woman has made a significant contribution through innovative thought that turned ideas into reality and all of them are fearless in challenging mainstream thought and lifestyle; they play by their own rules. Some are completely unknown outside of their community or field of expertise, while others are feted and adored; some lived a long time ago, while others are our contemporaries. Together all these women's wisdom, determination and risk-taking have had a lasting influence on all of our lives in one way or another. It is our pleasure to honor them.

THREE SISTERS Traveling the Superhighway Susan Wojcicki grew up in a family of educators who valued intellect, independence and innovation. Her grandmother, Janina Wójcicka Hoskins, was a Polish-American librarian at the Library of Congress who was responsible for building the largest collection of Polish materials in the US. Her Polish-born father taught physics at esteemed Stanford University and her mother founded the nationally recognized Palo Alto High School Media Arts Council. As intellectuals who were committed to fostering a thirst for learning in young minds, they wholeheartedly supported the need for their own children to explore budding interests and passions, and they did not stymie creative output nor dampen curiosity about the world. The Wojcicki children were encouraged to strike out, to forge new paths, and to discover the ways to achieve their dreams. So it is no surprise that Susan went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs and a top influencer in technology in the 21st century.

Ms. Wojcicki graduated Harvard University with honors with an eye to obtaining a doctorate in economics, but after attending a computer science class, she completely changed her focus.

She entered the corporate world in marketing, but her heart was in the rapidly growing field of the internet. In 1998 she got her chance to step into that world. She readily agreed to let two close friends use her garage as their corporate office for their new but burgeoning technology company while she did the marketing.

The company was Google.

Google took off almost immediately, becoming a phenomenal success, and Ms. Wojcicki's input was so significant that she was a top executive within a few years. Not only was her economic training a huge asset, her ability to predict the future of the superhighway, her shrewd handling of any issues that arose - and there were many in the early years - and her astute implementation of the company's objectives was instrumental in positioning Google as the premier search engine for millions of computer users the world over.

In 2005, a video application called YouTube began competed with Google's own video-sharing program. The next year, Ms. Wojcicki suggested and then oversaw the purchase of YouTube for Google. It was an audacious move during a time of many un38

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certainties cropping up on the Net, including the legal liabilities YouTube was facing due to licensing infractions. In addition, the extraordinarily high purchase price of 1.65 billion dollars raised many eyebrows and was considered an incredibly rash, if not outright misguided, decision. But ultimately Wojcicki's courage to trust her instincts was an astounding success - exponentially expanding Google's user base and blasting the financial gains through shared ad revenues into the cosmos. And today YouTube has an estimated worth of over 160 billion dollars and climbing.

Ms. Wojcicki has been the CEO of YouTube since 2014. She has restructured much of its original purpose as a place to upload personal videos by streamlining its formatting without losing the users' hands on involvement, linking each search on it into countless Google results, and diversifying available material content for a much broader appeal. For example, she is adamant that education be an essential part of YouTube's programming, and in the Summer 2018 she announced the initiative YouTube Learning which invests in grants and promotion to support education-focused creator content.

Susan Wojcicki will most likely enhance all of our travels through the internet with her visionary moves in the next few years. We cannot wait!

Mapping Chromosomes Pioneering entrepreneur Anne Wojcicki has put DNA testing into the hands of any person in the world who wants to know their ancestral heritage, genetic traits and tendencies, and the status of their health and how best to manage any potential risks they may be facing. Her company is at the forefront of a seismic shift in the medical/ healthcare field, taking high tech science out of the hands of experts and giving easy-to-understand historical and physical information directly to the consumer.

In 2006, Ms Wojcicki co-founded and launched 23andMe with a reasonably priced, FDA approved, at home testing kit that requires a saliva sample to be mailed to a lab for a DNA analysis that can generate over 125 reports. These include comprehensive health and genealogy data, evidence of a predisposition to specific diseases and the risks for carrying genetic anomalies. Kits for targeted diseases like cystic fibrosis, some cancers, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are also available, with more to come. And though Ancestry.com had been providing genealogical data since 1983, 23andMe took the findings several steps further.

Anne is the youngest of the three children of Polish-Americans Esther and Stan-

ley Wojcicki, intellectuals who prize education and free thinking. Raised in a positive atmosphere of "find what motivates you the most and go after it," she attended Yale where she majored in biology, competed in ice skating and played on the varsity women's ice hockey team. She then worked as a healthcare consultant and Wall Street biotech analyst, but within a few years grew tired of focusing on financial health and not human health.

So by 2000 she had returned to her initial love of hands-on biology and pure research, most particularly in the growing area of genomics. She believed there was a way that allowed people to participate in their own health decisions; that they did not need experts to interpret results of tests. Recognizing the infinite possibilities that would become available and could be life changing with gene testing, Ms. Wojcicki, with a biologist and a managing partner, created the 23andMe kit. Suddenly everyone in the world had a simple way to map their chromosomes and wellness without the guidance of a medical professional. It was a bold and revolutionary concept.

Most people who have received a DNA analysis relish their results and will act accordingly on what has been revealed. Many

are also willing to allow their DNA to be legally available the same way that fingerprints are made available to law and legal agencies. 23andMe findings have gone beyond discovering one's own chromosomal mix. Its database has helped solve high profile cold cases through DNA linking, and it has also brought families together in ways that are unexpected. A few kinks have arisen that could potentially damage another organization, but Anne Wojcicki is undeterred. 23andMe has proven to be game changer.

In the last few years, Big Pharma is lining up to utilize its massive database in drug discovery and development, and to track their products' effectiveness. Instead of running lengthy clinical analyses to determine how a new medicine affects the human body, 23andMe has made it possible to select specific genes to target and study, essentially circumventing whole body trials with possible side affects. Two obvious advantages of this pre-FDA approval approach is the savings for patients who will no longer bear the costs for such long research and development, and the turn around time in getting the drug on the market.

We may be seeing just the tip of the possibilities and benefits 23andMe will bring to the world. The future seems very bright for Anna Wojcicki...it is no wonder she has been called the most daring CEO in the world.

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Saving the Children A crusader for reforms and advancements in understanding childhood diseases and the relationship to diet, Dr. Janet Wojcicki has dedicated her life to healing. She was very much influenced by her parents' love of educating and helping young people grow to adulthood and achieve their full potential. She joined the world of academia as an Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. However, that is the least of what this dynamic woman has accomplished in her quest for curing diseases and staving them off before they strike.

Janet is the middle sibling of Susan and Anne, two of the most successful entrepreneurs in America. She was educated

Did you know....

Esther Wojcicki is a well-known educator, author, and Silicone Valley mother. She and her husband raised three incredibly impressive daughters who are each making an enormous impact on the entire world.

Susan, Janet, and Anne Wojcicki are effecting constructive changes with their creativity, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. How is it that one women can be responsible for so much positive energy and world altering passions?

The answer is summed up in a acronym that Esther coined - TRICK.

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She believes that giving children Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness is how a parent will instill the values for a life of confidence, security, and curiosity. Each of her daughters was swimming by the time they were 12 months old. Woj, as she is affectionately referred to by the students she has taught, says her children were never afraid to tell her anything, and they were empowered from an early age to make their own money and spend it however they thought they wanted.

at Stanford, UCLA, Berkeley and UC Davis, earning doctorates in epidemiology and anthropology, and is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. In addition, she also earned a Masters degree in African studies and speaks several of the continent's dialects. She has authored over 100 medical and scientific abstracts about her research results, and presents recommendations that could eradicate many illnesses by wholesome lifestyle habits in conjunction with medical and technical advancements.

Dr. Wojcicki has made it her life's mission to find viable cures for diseases and health maintenance programs for those who do not have a visible voice. She is particularly pas-

sionate about combating high risk issues, especially obesity in children, and she is adamant that the life long and long life values of a nutritious and balanced diet are essential. She also dedicates a great amount of time and personal funds to uncovering the causes of and finding solutions for the rampant outbreak of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in children and adults in underdeveloped and under supported communities.

Her global advocacy and hands-on research are positively changing the diets and health for individuals, communities, and countries. No doubt we are all benefitting in some way from Dr. Janet Wojcicki's commitment and compassion.

Mr. Andrew, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Dr. Marek Rudnicki, Mrs. Rita Cosby, Mr. Tomaczek Bednarek

PRESIDENT DUDA AT THE WHITE HOUSE On June 12, 2019, Polish President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda met with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House in Washington DC. The meeting was an acknowledgement of the long standing friendship and partnership between Poland and the United States and both countries' commitment to NATO. The discussions focused on a range of mutual interests, including security, energy, and trade matters. Both presidents signed the "Joint Declaration of Defense Cooperation Regarding US Force Posture in the Republic of Poland" that outlines strategic plans for building Poland-US defenses.

In the afternoon, a reception with the presidents and first ladies was held at the White House in celebration of this historic

occasion. Guests included a special, select group of influential Polish-Americans such as Ambassador Piotr Wilczek; Lady Blanka Rosenstiel; Archbishop Thomas Wenski; Mr. Frank Spula, President of the Polish American Congress; Mr. Bogdan Chmielewski, President of the Polish & Slavic Credit Union; and Prof. Marek and Mrs. Monika Chodakiewicz. The eloquent speeches expressing words of friendship between America and Poland delivered

by President Duda and President Trump were loudly applauded.

Then a few prominent Polish-American citizens were given recognition, including Ms. Rita Cosby.

A lovely reception followed. A variety of refreshments, desserts and some delicious Polish foods were enjoyed by all guests.

Press conference

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Join Lady Blanka Rosenstiel in

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF

POLISH LEADERS

LIVE & LEARN IN

PRAGUE This scholarship fund, created by Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, provides funding for college students from Poland to attend the American Institute on Political and Economic Systems (AIPES) in Prague, Czech Republic each summer. The premier leadership program, sponsored by The Fund for American Studies, is designed to explore the political, economic and cultural issues of the world as it grows under democratic principles. AIPES embodies diversity and culture as its cornerstone to educating future leaders. Make a contribution today, and provide a student from Poland with an unparalleled educational experience. Contact Ed Turner at 202-986-0384 or eturner@TFAS.org to contribute to the Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Scholarship Fund today!

Visit www.TFAS.org to learn about all of the programs sponsored by The Fund for American Studies.

CONNECT: @TFASorg

POLISH STUDENT SPONSORED AT AIPES 2019

by Matthew Kwasiborski Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, President, Founder and President of The American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC), has been sponsoring Polish students attending the American Institute on Political and Economic Systems (AIPES) since 1999. Thirty-five percent of the Polish students (46 of 129) who have benefited from this great academic and cultural experience have received scholarship support from AIPC. AIPES was launched by The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) in partnership with Charles University in 1993. The program takes place each summer in Prague, Czech Republic. It was the first international program organized by TFAS, which now hosts other programs around the world for students in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

This summer, AIPES 2019 welcomed 114 students from 67 countries to Prague for the 27th Annual Institute. The 2019 Institute began on July 13 and ended on August 2. We are pleased to have hosted Ms. Aleksandra Agnieszka Falba from Poland who

joined us for the institute, and she and the rest of the AIPES class studied conflict management, the political economy of liberty, and political philosophy. All participants take four exams in each subject and provided they are successful they will receive nine ECTS credits from Charles University.

We have four outstanding faculty members - two from Georgetown University and one each from California State University/San Marcos and Texas Tech University.

In addition to our core curriculum, AIPES welcomed Dr. Leszek Balcerowicz, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Poland. Dr. Balcerowicz spoke about his economic reform policies in Poland that catapulted the Polish economy to become one of Europe’s strongest post-Soviet Union economies.

And Poland was the only non-EU country not to experience negative growth after the Great Economic Recession that hit Europe, along with the rest of the world, in 2008.

Our Polish participants also had a great

Mr. Matthew Kwasiborski, Ms. Aleksandra Falba, Dr. Leszek Balcerowicz

opportunity (along with their colleagues) to present their cultural heritage to the rest of the group. Each year, AIPES hosts a cultural presentations evening so that the students are able to share their country’s history and culture.

On August 2, 2019, the AIPES 2019 students attended a formal graduation ceremony at the beautiful 14th century Carolinum, a great symbol of Charles University.

We were honored to host Dr. Leszek Balcerowicz as our recipient of our AIPES Freedom Award.

As a new graduate of AIPES 2019, Ms. Falba now joins the ranks of nearly 19,000 alumni of The Fund for American Studies, representing more than 100 nations around the world.

The Fund for American Studies wishes to thank AIPC, especially Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, for their continued support of Polish students attending AIPES. We are proud of all of our Polish alumni and we hope that the future leaders of Poland continue to attend AIPES.

Ms. Aleksandra Falba at the TFAS Prague Conflict Management Simulation held in the Czech Senate

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Dr. Anna Pietraszek, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mr. Robert Orlando, Mr. David Kramer, Mr. Pedro Botta, Dr. Markus Thiel, Mrs. Christine Caly-Sanchez

THE DIVINE PLAN To commemorate the 14th anniversary of the passing of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2019, the European & Eurasian Studies Program and the European Student Association at FIU, in collaboration with The American Institute of Polish Culture and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland premiered the film, The Divine Plan: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Dramatic End of the Cold War at the FIU campus on April 2, 2019. Mr. Robert Orlando, the writer and director of the film, was on hand to discuss how the film originated and to answer questions. Students, faculty and members of the local Polish community attended this special presentation.

A luncheon followed the event.

The Synopsis One of the least-known historical stories of the 20th century is about an unlikely pair - a President and a Pope - who shared a deep religious faith, political acumen, and high-octane star power. During their friendship, both Pres. Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II faced assassination attempts, KGB scheming, CIA intrigue, and played major roles in toppling the Sovi-

et Empire. This epic saga takes viewers behind the scenes of a partnership that changed the world, asking daring questions such as, was a pontiff and politician’s work overthrowing communism the result of inexorable political and economic forces, or could it have been part of what Reagan called “The Divine Plan?” Told in part as a graphic thriller, this highly-stylized docufilm pushes beyond the boundaries of a conventional documentary and into a world where one’s core beliefs can influence history.

Washington. Orlando has also provided innovative content and stylized storytelling that strengthens brands for commercial and corporate partners such as American Express, Unilever, The Wall Street Journal and Conde Nast.

The Director Robert Orlando, the founder of Nexus Media in NYC, is an award-winning film director, author, and public speaker with over 20 years experience as a storyteller.

With a passion for religious and political history, he is committed to presenting factual stories about the compelling people who were central players in the key turning points of Western history. His credits include the documentaries, Apostle Paul: A Polite Bribe and Silence Patton: First Victim of the Cold War, each part of a series that also includes Caesar Augustus and George Good News

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THE COLD WAR LOVE STORY OF A SPY MANQUĖ

by Thomas Swick

In the fall of 1978 I left a promising career in journalism and moved to Poland. My girlfriend met me at the train station and told me her mother was dying. Three days later Halina Matraś was buried in Powązki Cemetery.

Hania’s ex-boyfriend stopped by the apartment with condolences. A handsome man with a dark goatee, he pulled me into the bedroom and opened a Polish-English dictionary. After searching for a few seconds, he indicated the word for “love” (kochać). Next he moved to “P” and showed me “pomagać” (help). Then, looking me in the eye, he pointed in the direction of the living room, where Hania sat. I had just gotten my first lesson in Polish gallantry.

This was not how I had pictured our new life beginning, but in retrospect it was a fitting start. I was given a sense of the shadows that hover at the edges of all life but seem somehow to intrude with more frequency into the Polish edition. I had read that the first business to open in Warsaw after the war had been a flower shop, and thought it touching – this triumph of the romantic over the practical – until I realized that the flowers were needed to adorn all the fresh graves.

I got a six-month work visa and a job teaching at the venerable English Language College on Plac Zbawiciela. It was assumed that, because I spoke the language, I could teach it. “Just walk in the door,” the director said to me, “and you’ll be fine.”

I did and I wasn’t. It was disconcerting to stand in front of a roomful of students, some of whom had a beauty one didn’t yet associate with Eastern Europe. Interesting how, in four decades, the stern, stout woman in a babushka has been completely supplanted by the stern, lithe supermodel.

On my free days I explored the city, quickly discovering there wasn’t much to explore. There were no neighborhoods to speak of; there were districts – Żoliborz (where we lived), Muranów, Mokotów, Wola, Ochota – to which Varsovians attributed individual characteristics but that appeared to me as mostly indistinguishable collections of drab apartment blocks. And there was little in the way of street life. Crowds filled the major shopping boulevards – Marszałkowska and Jerozolimskie – but they were purposeful, not spirited, their individual members unengaged in anything beyond their dogged pursuits. And, except for the young women who had gone abroad and enhanced their wardrobes, like Hania, they were as dowdy as the mannequins in the state department store windows.

Though there were two Polands. There was the public one of puddled sidewalks and drafty post offices and lusterless shops, and there was the private one. Since we didn’t have a telephone, we’d often just appear at someone’s door, where we were always invited in, given a meal, or at least tea and cake. I spoke French with most of the aunts – feisty anti-Communist Catholics – while getting a crash course in Polish manners. A man removed his hat as soon as he entered a building. In the vestibules of most people’s 46

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Warsaw, 1970s

apartments, one took off one’s shoes and stepped into an oversized pair of immemorial slippers. For greetings and farewells, one started with the females, and always the oldest, working one’s way down chronologically. Older men, and some younger traditionalists, kissed women’s hands. At meals, one kept both hands atop the table. (Hania had always found the unseen American hand at mealtimes suspicious.) On the street, a man walked on a woman’s left side. On buses and trams, if you were lucky enough to find a seat, you immediately relinquished it to any elderly person who appeared in the vicinity. At school, students never addressed teachers with their hands in their pockets. As a rule, all men kept their hands out of their pockets. Poles (Slavs? Europeans?) wanted to see what your hands were up to.

It was the home life that, for me, made Warsaw livable. And that interior world was so sacrosanct, the apartment door was such a barricade, that I rarely saw our neighbors. So I was surprised coming home one evening in October, to find people talking excitedly on the stairwell. Inside, turning on the TV, Hania and I heard the news, confirming the rumor that the archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, had been elected to succeed Pope John Paul I. The next day at school I walked into my classes and saw students beaming above copies of Życie Warszawy that, I knew, would not be discarded. The immense pride and delight were obvious, but there was also a sense that life as they had known it was about to change The teachers too were energized. We rarely talked shop and almost never touched on trivial subjects. Sports and pop culture, so dominant in the States, kept a refreshingly low profile in Poland.

The lack of junk food extended to the mental diet. TV was boring but it wasn’t puerile; bookstores carried classics instead of romances; movies, from directors like Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Zanussi, delved into history and questions of morality. This didn’t produce a humorless people – because of the despised system, there was always a fresh crop of political jokes – but it made them impatient with, or simply uninterested in, the insignificant.

The sun, which we rarely saw, was now setting in midafternoon. The light was like that at the bottom of an aquarium. It made Poles’ love for their hamstrung country all the more impressive, though most, even if they remembered the pre-war democracy, had never experienced a sunny Advent.

A few days after Christmas a storm arrived that would stamp the season as “the winter of the century.”

Temperatures dropped to well below freezing and brought with them a torrent of blizzards. I sat at the window and watched with dread as wind-whipped snow obliterated everything, including the belief that I was in a European capital. All I could see was a howling white emptiness.

On a snowy, blustery New Year’s Eve we headed out to a party at the apartment of one of Hania’s university friends. I had never seen so many smiles on buses. True to their forebears, Poles were exulting in the storm, at least the young ones were. Their monotone life had been turned into an adventure. A fellow teacher told me later of the Polish philosopher who wrote that Poles can be happy only in those situations when they have no reason to be.

At the end of January Hania and I made a nervous trip to Krucza Street to ask for an extension of my visa. The man who had gifted me the original was still there, a chunky functionary in a thick woolen sweater and curly blond hair. He didn’t look happy to see me.

Returning a few days later, we learned that my request had been denied. Hania wasn’t too worried; when refused favors from the authorities you waited a bit, she told me, and tried again. You might find your man in a better mood, or chance upon someone new.

On my second try, I received a second denial.

We went to dinner with friends, a Fulbright couple, at the Budapeszt Crystal, the best of the city’s few ethnic restaurants. Each one represented a Communist country, and while this could have meant great Chinese and Cuban food, it didn’t. Those countries were too distant and exotic for faithful recreations of their cuisines, and few Varsovians dined at Szanghaj or Hawana. Hungary, by contrast, was not only in the neighborhood, it was one of the few countries there that Poland had historically close ties with. (It helped, I always thought, that they no longer shared a border; the Germans and Russians were both despised – for obvious reasons – while the Czechs were mildly ridiculed.) Many Poles traveled to Budapest (the city) to celebrate New Year’s, and a perennial at parties, along with vodka, was Egri Bikaver, the Hungarian red wine known as “bull’s blood.” For my part, I liked Hungarian food because it took a lot of the bland things northern Europeans ate and spiced them up. But I wondered why, given the bias toward

Communist cuisines, a city like Bologna wasn’t represented. I could have gone for some spaghetti in meat sauce.

Over flame-heated bowls of goulash, we told Peter and Jeanne that I soon might have to leave the country.

On our third trip to Krucza Street, with three days left on my visa, Hania was kept downstairs while our man escorted me upstairs. This was new; she had always stayed with me to serve as interpreter. I was led into an office where a hefty man sat behind an empty desk. He summarized my situation, in heavily accented English, and then said, “If you help us, we can help you.”

I had not been expecting this, a scene from a movie. I asked him to explain.

He said that I was in a unique position, having contacts with Poles and contacts with foreigners. He said that all I had to do was come to his office once a week and tell him what these people were saying. He noted that it was not that different from the journalism I had been doing in the States. I found the comparison insulting, but reading years later of Kapuściński’s cooperation with the authorities, which helped earn him those long stints abroad, I finally understood my apparatchik’s thinking.

I told him I was only interested in teaching, work I had been doing for less than a year. I felt a little sheepish claiming the profession as my new passion, when my passion sat downstairs. The man knew all about Hania, and clearly hoped that I would do anything, including work as an informer (a word that was never mentioned), in order to be with her. If I accepted his offer, he said, my visa would be extended indefinitely. But I wouldn’t be able to tell anyone, including Hania, of my new avocation. This was the flaw in the proposition, even for people who, unlike me, felt no political or patriotic allegiance. In order to remain with your beloved you had to betray your beloved.

After several minutes, I told the man what I had felt from the start, that I wasn’t interested in his offer. He showed no emotion – I’m sure he’d heard my answer before – and said there was nothing then that he could do about my visa.

I walked down the stairs and found Hania waiting. I didn’t say a word, fearing repercussions if anyone heard me reveal what had just happened. I led her outside and walked until the noxious building fell out of sight. Then, finally, I told her why I looked so shaken. She was not impressed; friends of hers had had similar interviews when requesting their passports to go abroad. She jokingly asked what the salary would be.

Three days later, at the Central Station, Hania saw me off on the night train to Budapest, where I would get one to Bucharest, and then one to Sofia, and then one to Athens, thinking all the while of Warsaw.

Thomas Swick taught English at the English Language College in Warsaw from 1978-79. During 1980 through 1982, he wrote about his experiences in his first book Unquiet Days: At Home in Poland. From 1989-2008, he was the travel editor of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. His work has appeared in numerous national magazines and literary quarterlies, as well as in six editions of The Best American Travel Writing. His most recent book, The Joys of Travel: And Stories That Illuminate Them, contains a story about his return to Warsaw to visit the prison where his wife was born. He and Hania live in Fort Lauderdale.

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Long Live the Ball

The 47 th International Polonaise Ball of Miami

by Barbar a Bilińsk a Bolec

Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Commander Rafal Szymanski, Senator Anna Maria Anders, Minister Grzegorz Witkowski

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Swaying palm trees silhouetted against a blue cloudless sky, waves gently lapping the glistening, sandy shoreline and a light breeze delicately caressing the tawny faces of sun-bathers. This is Miami Beach, one of America's prime ocean side resort cities.

Miami is also where one of America's most renowned Polish social events, the glamorous International Polonaise Ball, is held every year. Ladies in stylish balls gowns accompanied by smartly clad gentlemen in full black tie adorn the grand ballroom among important figures from the world of diplomacy, culture, and politics. And everyone, especially the younger guests, fill up the dance floor with joy and energy.

That was the atmosphere at the tastefully decorated Pompeii Ballroom of the renowned, seaside Eden Roc Hotel on Saturday, February 9, 2019 for the 47th International Polonaise Ball. Organized since 1972 by the Miami-based American Institute of Polish Culture, each year the event features a different theme. This year

the gala celebrated the historic Polish-Hungarian alliance, melding old world charm and rollicking fun while promoting Polish heritage and international cooperation.

Over 330 guests from Belgium, Cuba, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Venezuela and every corner of the United States were in attendance. The youngest was 10-year-old girl from Boston and the oldest was a 94-year-old gentleman.

Ms. Beata Drzazga, Lady Blanka, Ms. Alicja Bachleda Curus

Lady Blanka, Ms. Coleen Paderewski, Mr. Mariusz Kotowski, Mrs. Bozena Kaminski

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A touch of Hungary

Hungary was celebrated at the Ball with decorations that incorporated their national flag and emblem, along with clever names for the dinner courses. In her address, Hungarian Consul Petra Schmitt recalled the centuries-old friendship between the Polish and Hungarian nations.

Mr. Robert Bronchard, Consul Petra Schmitt

Mr. Kevin Kenner, Minister Daniel Gromann

Mr. Conrad Lowell, Mrs. Ivona Lowell, Mr. Andrzej Bytnar

Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Lady Blanka, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Commander Rafal Szymanski

Lady Blanka, Senator Anna Maria Anders, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mr. Zbigniew Klonowski with the crew of Dar Mlodziezy

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Lady Blanka, Mrs. Malgorzata Markowska

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Mr. Maciej Swirski, Senator Anna Maria Anders

Lady Blanka, Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski

Mrs. Cindy Joskowiak, Hon. Robert Joskowiak, Ms. Barbara Miller

Mrs. Beata Róşycki with Friend, Hon. Darek Barcikowski, Mrs. Bozena Kaminski

Mr. Joel Cohen, Ms. Anaide Govaert, Mrs. Christine Caly Sanchez, Mr. Luis Sanchez

Mr. Marc Weinstein, Mrs. Olga Weinstein, Ms. Veronika Cieslak, Mr. Dominik Cieslak

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Official Opening Ceremony

In keeping with the name of the event, the festivities begin with the royal Polonaise, Poland’s national dance dating from the 17th century. The distinguished formal procession was led by Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, founder of The American Institute of Polish Culture and the Chopin Foundation of the United States. She is also Florida’s Polish Honorary Consul, a Polonian activist ,and well-known philanthropist – in a word, a legendary one-woman institution.

Lady Blanka was escorted by Commander Rafał Szymański of Poland’s majestic sailing ship, Dar Młodzieży (Gift of Youth). Other guest dancers included Polish Senator Anna Maria Anders, Connecticut’s Honorary Polish Consul Darek Barcikowski, filmmaker Mariusz Kotowski with his wife Heidi, and entrepreneurs Iwona and Conrad Lowell. After Wojciech Kilar’s Polonaise from the movie Pan Tadeusz ended, it was time for the traditional waltz.

Mr. Mariusz Kotowski, Mrs. Heidi Hutter, Mrs. Erika Hutter, Mr. Stephen Patterson

Ms. Anna Maria Porowska, Mr. John Schmitz, Mrs. Lucila Schmitz, Mr. Krzysztof Porowski, Mr. Fred Schmitz

Mr. Stefan Pietraszek, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Dr. Anna Pietraszek, Mr. John Frank Velez

Ms. Nancy Savoie, Lady Blanka, Dean John Stack, Senator Anna Maria Anders

Mr. Zbigniew Klonowski, Mrs. Anna Klonowski, Mrs. Edyta Stykowska, Mr. Rafal Stykowski

Irena & Jerzy Siemiginowski with friends

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Greetings & Awards

Lady Blanka was escorted to the podium by the Institute’s Vice-President, Dr Michel Pawlowski, for her greetings to all of the guests. Among those in attendance were Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation, Grzegorz Witkowski; Polish Embassy representative, Minister Counselor Daniel Gromann: Polish-American prelate, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, and Honorary Consuls Teresa Indelak Davis from Washington and Robert Joskowiak from Virginia. Representatives of LOT Polish Airlines who inaugurated direct flights from Miami to Warsaw on June 1, 2019 were also in attendance.

After the opening remarks, it was time for conferring prestigious awards. Each year, individuals who stand out as distinguished friends of Poland and Polonia are honored at the Ball.

Amicus Poloniae

The winner of this year’s Amicus Poloniae (Friend of Poland) award was Kevin Kenner, an outstanding American pianist known for his moving interpretation of the works of Chopin and Paderewski. In 1990, he won second prize in the National Chopin Piano Competition and was a top prize winner in the International Chopin Piano Competition.

Ms. Karolina Dehnhard, Ms. Joanna Staron, Mr. Mariusz Bernatowicz, Ms. Alexandria Kolodko, Ms. Dominika Latkowska

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Seated (l-r): Lidia Bolec, Mrs. Barbara Bolec, Mrs. Anna Guerrero Standing (l-r): Prof. Gedeon Werner, Mr. Milosz Gaida, Mr. Marcin Bolec, Mr. Mikolaj Bauer, Mr. Zbigniew Slabicki, Mr. Ignacio Guerrero

Gold Medals

Only one Gold Medal was awarded this year but two were presented: Mexican-born actress and singer Alicja Bachleda-Curuś had been awarded a Gold Medal a decade ago, but was unable to receive it the year when the Ball’s theme was Polish-Mexican Friendship. This year she was finally able to receive it from Lady Blanka in person.

The other awardee was Beata Drzazga, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Poland specializing in the medical needs of the elderly. In 2016, her medical organization, Betamed SA opened a branch in the United States.

Special Recognition Awards

Three people were honored with Special Recognition Awards at the 47th Polonaise Ball: New York activist Bożena Kamiński; film director, dancer and choreographer Mariusz Kotowski, and Coleen Jan Paderewski, promoter of the legacy of Ignacy Jan Paderewski.

Mrs. Ewa Przybył, Mr. Krzysztof Przybył, Mr. Tom Szynakiewicz, Mrs. Katrazyna Zak-Szynakiewicz, Count Joseph Mikolaj Rej, Ms. Alice Rodzoch, Col. Jason Psaltides, Mr. Mariusz Bernatowicz

Seated (l-r): Mrs. Nadya Olga Pearlman, Countess Mia Brestyanszky, Count Paul Brestyanszky Standing (l-r): Mrs. Maria Fishel, Mr. Kenneth Fishel, Mrs. Barbara Miller, Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski, Mr. Steve Gondos

Seated (l-r): Mrs. Frances Burzynski, Mr. Janusz Burzynski, Mrs. Agnieszka Wasilewski, Mr. Adam Wasilewski, Dr. Mencia Gomez, Mr. Steven Karski Standing (l-r): Mr. Patrick Misiewicz, Mrs. Maria Misciewicz, Ms. Malgorzata BorkowskaMisztal, Ms. Kasia DeMare, Mrs. Rose Brier, Mr. Corey Brier

Seated (l-r): Dr. Janine Styperek, Dr. Patricia Riley, Col. Jason Psaltides, Mrs. Erika Hutter, Mr. Stephen Patterson Standing (l-r): Dr. Januariusz Styperek, Mrs. Heidi Hutter, Mr. Mariusz Kotowski

Seated (l-r): Mr. Jacek Trus, Mr. Michal Komorowski Standing (l-r): Mrs. Roza Toroj, Mr. Grzegorz Okon, Mr. Robert Jas, Mrs. Karolina Jas, Mrs. Bolko, Mr. Richard Bolko, Rev. ZÂ Andy Rudnicki

Mr. Michael Murawski, Ms. Angie Chirino, Mr. Jacek Schindler, Mrs. Cherly Schindler, Mr. John Wasowski, Mrs. Helena Wasowski

Ms. Marilyn Seltzer, Mr. Walter Kotaba

Mrs. Maria Fishel, Mr. Kenneth Fishel

Mr. Andrew Kozlowski, Mrs. Elizabeth Kozlowski

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Ms. Sandra Brum, Mr. Edward George, Major Udine George, Mrs. Nadya Olga Pearlman, Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski, Lady Blanka, Count Paul Brestyanszky, Countess Mila Cangelosi Brestyanszky

A special tribute

Commander Rafał Szymański of Dar Młodzieży and Minister Grzegorz Witkowski honored Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Beata Paszyc, Executive Director of the Institute, and Zbigniew Klonowski, the organizer of Poland's 60 Million Congress with medals and beautifully bound albums of Dar Młodzieży. This recognition was completely unexpected!

Entertainment and dancing

The Polish American Folk Dance Company from New York City performed a medley of Polish national dances in traditional and authentic costumes. The New Century Dance Company from Miami presented a rousing Czardasz, the Hungarian national dance, followed by spicy Latin salsas. The ensemble was founded by Argentinean prima ballerina, Marie Carizo (a Gold Medal recipient at the Ball in 2014) whose husband Sliva is of Polish descent. For years both of these fantastic dance groups have added a terrific energy and excitement to the Institute’s annual balls. To round it out, the terrific Eight Note Band from Miami kept revelers on the dance-floor throughout the evening, first with big band classics that speak of another era, then onto pulsing pop music and disco favorites. At the conclusion of the evening, the Polish American

Ms. Janina Lennox, Lady Blanka

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Seated (l-r): Mr. Stefan Pietraszek, Ms. Veronika Cieslak, Mr. Dominic Cieslak, Mrs. Olga Weinstein, Mr. Marc Weinstein Standing (l-r): Dr. Anna Pietraszek, Mr. John Frank Velez, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Mr. Robert Bronchard

Folk Dance Company led all the guests in a Grande Finale Polonaise.

Gratitude, goodies and flowers

Lady Blanka Rosenstiel thanked and recognized the many volunteers and sponsors who helped bring the Ball to such beautiful success. These included Iwona and Conrad Lowell of Lowell Foods for their graciousness and generosity in supplying the seemingly endless Polish sweets in each guest's goodie bag. And finally, the greatest debt of gratitude was bestowed upon Beata Paszyc and Lynne Schaefer, the Institute's dynamic duo. Both ladies received richly deserved words of recognition and beautiful floral bouquets from Lady Blanka.

Goodbye until next year

As always, the brightest star of the Ball was Polonia's ever-elegant and deeply committed Grande Dame of Polish culture, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, who for nearly half a century has vigorously promoted Poland’s good name with class, elan, and her own inimitable style. So it’s not farewell, but see you at the 48th International Polonaise Ball in 2020, celebrating 20/20 Vision of Technology and the Future!

Ms. Anna Maria Porowska, Mr. Andrzej Bytnar

Archbishop Thomas Wenski

Mrs. Ewa Korzeb, Mr. Kazimierz Korzeb

Hon. Darek Barcikowski, Ms. Beata Drzazga

Mrs. Rose Kruszewski, Ms. Susan Cox

Beautiful Dancers

Mr. Tomasz Zahorski, Mr. Mariusz Poławski, Mr. Zbigniew Klonowski, Mr. Adrian Kubicki, LOT guest

Mr. Jonathan Brito, Ms. Sarah Okon, Ms. Mery Olivera

Dar Mlodziezy Crew Members

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A Very Special Networking Brunch Sunday, February 10, 2019 The annual International Polonaise Brunch is appreciated for many reasons and this year was no exception. It provides an ideal way to relax after a glamorous and exciting gala evening when you are just not ready to stop the party and want to network and see more of your friends and colleagues at a leisurely luncheon the next day.

Mr. Conrad Lowell, Mrs. Ivona Lowell

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Lady Blanka, Father Miroslaw Krol

Minister Grzegorz Witkowski, Mrs. Malgorzata Witkowska, Mr. Milosz Gaida

60 Sasha Staszewski, Mrs. Natalia Staszewski, Mr. Zygmunt Staszewski, Minister Grzegorz Witkowski

The Polish American Folk Dance Company, in beautiful embroidered costumes, were on hand to greet guests and pose for photos as they entered Eden Roc's grand Pompeii Ballroom. Master of Ceremonies, Douglas Evans, officially opened the day by introducing Lady Blanka who thanked everyone for attending. She also talked about the wonderful Polonaise Ball honoring the centuries

Mr. Douglas Evans, Mrs. Malgorzata Markowska

Mr. Jan Drozdz, Mr. Andrew Kaminski, Mr. Andrzej Bytnar

Ms. Agata Pilitowska, Ms. Iga Henderson, Mrs. Eva Baker, Ms. Katarzyna Weszczak, Ms. Agata Arakel

long friendship between Poland and Hungary. Mr. Evans then introduced the year's award recipients, VIP guests, the Institute staff, volunteers and others, such as Mr. Zbigniew Staszewski who received the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity awarded by the President of Poland.

Great food, smartly dressed guests, lively conversations, AIPC members and friends, children, laughter and camaraderie all made for another terrific Brunch and a great way to wind down a fantastic whirlwind weekend.

Mrs. Virginia Taylor, Mr. Gul Moorjani, Ms. Julia Tirella

Ms. Adriana, Senator Anna Maria Anders, Dr. Michel Pawlowski

Ms. Iwona Rachelski, Mr. Walter Kotaba

Polish American Folk Dance Company

Mr. Marek Rozycki, Minister Grzegorz Witkowski, Mr. Robert Bronchard

Mr. Ignacio & Mrs. Anna Guerrero with their children

Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Dr. Michel Pawlowski

Ms. Alicja Bachleda-Curus, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Nel Velez-Paszyc

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Ms. Alice Rodzoch, Count Joseph Mikolaj Rej, Ms. Anna Maria Porowska

Ms. Eva Kordos, Mr. Andrzej Bytnar with Polish dancers

Mrs. Kasia Gabis & Mr. Jacek Castro with their children Mr. Maciej Swirski, Senator Anna Maria Anders, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel

Ms. Barbara Zabrowska, Ms. Dominika Latkowska

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Mr. Mariusz Kotowski, Ms. Beata Drzazga

Mr. Douglas Evans, Mr. Mikolaj Bauer

Mrs. Cindy Joskowiak, Hon. Robert Joskowiak

POLAND’S NAUTICAL AMBASSADOR Tr anslated by Robert Strybel from an article by White Eagle

”Tell the world that Poland is beautiful!” Maritime Minister Marek Gróbarczyk told the crew of the Dar Młodzieży before it set sail on its round-the-world Independence Cruise in May 2018.

This beautiful, three-mast training frigate with a Polish ensign fluttering atop its main makes an impression on all who see the iconic sailing tall ship.

The crews of the Dar Młodzieży included winners of a nationwide competition, students of Gdynia’s Maritime University and of Poland's maritime schools in Szczecin and Świnoujście. The competition included a photo or film posted on Facebook. Those with the most 'likes' qualified to take a 30-question test on seamanship and maritime history. A total of 400 students made the grade, took part in a training session in Gdynia and had to apply for seaman’s papers. They were then assigned to different stages of the cruise.

The Centenary of Poland’s regained independence and World Youth Days in Panama provided unique opportunities to promote Poland’s history, and current affairs and perspectives in an attractive and unconventional way. That realization was the impetus to organize an around the world cruise aboard Poland’s iconic training frigate and the tallest sailing ship, Dar Młodzieży. The event was sponsored by Poland’s PKN Orlen oil refinery, Tauron energy firm and the Polish National Foundation. The cruise was organized by the Maritime Ministry, Gdynia's Maritime University, and the Pallotine Mission Foundation Salvatti.pl.

By December 2018, Dar Młodzieży had reached America’s coast and called at San Francisco just before Christmas and then docked in Los Angeles. By February 2019, it had reached the Florida coast, coinciding with the 47th International Polonaise Ball and 60 Million Congress taking place in Miami. The ship had initially planned to dock in Miami but was redirected to the Port of Fort Lauderdale, a 50-minute drive away. Nonetheless, the Polish community and guests of the two Miami events welcomed the beautiful Polish yacht I Love Poland docked at the Port of Miami.

On Sunday, February 10, 2019, The American Institute of Polish Culture's annual gala Brunch was held at the Eden Roc hotel. In addition, many guests had received invitations from the Institute and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami to attend a reception aboard the Dar Młodzieży. The novice seafarers on the ship scrubbed and polished the decks until everything shone and sparkled. Guests coming aboard were greeted with champagne and hors d’oeuvres underwritten by Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and the Institute, and they were able to explore and photograph to their heart’s content. The skipper, ship’s officers and many guests eagerly posed for photos.

Two days later, Dar Młodzieży embarked on the rest of it's remarkable global journey to the ship’s home port of Gdynia. Their arrival was scheduled in port on March 28, 2019.

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RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS Every year AIPC presents awards to a handful of people who make a difference and who have had a significant impact or gone beyond the norm to ensure that our world is a better place. We are honored to to acknowledge their accomplishments during our annual International Polonaise Ball and to celebrate with them all the wonderful contributions made by Poles and Americans. The Institute gives the Gold Medal and Special Recognition awards to exemplary recipients, and the Amicus Poloniae is conferred upon someone who has done a tremendous amount of good for Polonia and is considered a friend of Poland.

On February 10, 2019, we recognized four outstanding people, and we are proud they are part of the Institute family. Lady Blanka presented Gold Medals to Alicja Bachleda Curus and Beata Drzazga. Bozena Kaminski, Mariusz Kotowski and Coleen Paderewski were each honored with a Special Recognition from Lady Blanka, and Kevin Kenner accepted the Amicus Poloniae from Counselor Daniel Gromann from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

Gold Medals Alicja Bachleda-Curus is a Polish actress and singer who studied at both the National Ballet Academy and the National Academy of Music in Krakow. As a young girl, she performed in several musical theatre productions and represented her country at multiple singing contests around the world. To date, she has recorded five albums and continues to perform publicly.

Her silver screen debut was as Zosia in director Andrzej Wajda's 1999 film Pan Tadeusz which is the biggest box office success in Poland history. After acting in multiple Polish and German films such as 1683: The Battle of Vienna, Sommersturm and Hertz Im Kopf, she relocated to New York City to master her craft at the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Her most acclaimed films include Ondine (2009), a modern day fairy tale about a lonely fisherman who falls in love with a mysterious woman who may not be human; Trade (2007) about human trafficking and for which she received the Best Actress Award at the Boston Film Festival and the International Film Festival in Puerto Vallarta; and Spike Lee's crime

thriller, The Girl is in Trouble (2015). Ms. Bachleda-Curus continues to act in national and international productions, including the action-adventure Wolfstein game series.

Ms. Bachleda-Curus performances have been praised by film critics in Hollywood and she remains active in representing Poland during international film festivals throughout the world.

Beata Drzazga has always been passionate about helping oth-

ers, especially the elderly who require special care. She believes that every patient deserves the best treatment possible and she is an advocate for innovation in the medical field. That is why, in 2000, she founded BetaMed SA, the largest specialized care facility dedicated to senior citizens in Poland. The company is comprised of 3,000 employees who annually care for over 5,000 patients throughout Poland. Nurses, doctors, physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists and non-medical personnel are available to provide unique services that have been carefully developed for a demographic of citizens whose specific medical needs were largely overlooked in the past. Every aspect of improving the quality of life for an aging population is offered, such as traditional doctor care, hospital stays, low impact exercise programs in a club environment, and holistic and spa treatments.

Located in Katowice, BetaMed SA is the largest on-site facility at 26,246 square feet, while other locations and home visits are becoming more in demand.

BetaMed SA's success encouraged Ms.Drzazga to open BetaMed International in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2016, a first step in taking her brick and mortar business outside of Poland.

Aligned with her dedication to improving lives both inside and out, Ms. Drzazga's latest venture is the Drzazga Clinic in Chorzów, Poland, a laser therapy, cosmetology and aesthetic medicine clinic. The clinic offers exclusive facial and body treatments using state-of-the-art equipment for women and men.

Ms. Drzazga has received over 120 prestigious awards and distinctions in Poland and internationally for her work in the medical industry. Some of them include the Manager of the Year – Success of the Year 2017 and Health Protection Leader 2018 awards from the Minister of Health of the Republic of Poland; the Symbol of Modern Medical Services 2018 by Monitor Biznesu; she was ranked in the top 10 of the “100 Business Women in Poland” by the managerial newspaper, Puls Biznesu; and she received the title of Nevada Business Ambassador from the Governor of the State of Nevada for developing business relations between Nevada and Poland. Mrs. Drzazga also supports many charitable organizations and social campaigns for which she received the Medal of Social Solidarity from Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, the Archbishop of Warsaw.

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Amicus Poloniae Kevin Kenner’s achievements have won him critical acclaim throughout the world. He has been praised as "one of the finest American pianists to come along in years" (Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune). Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, who recorded with pianists such as Arthur Rubinstein, praised Kenner's Chopin interpretations to be the most sensitive and beautiful in his memory. The year 1990 was a milestone for him as he won three prestigious awards for his artistry: the top prize at the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, the International Terrence Judd Award in London, and third prize at the Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow. He had already received awards at the National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, Florida, the Van Cliburn International Competition in Fort Worth, Texas and the Gina Bachauer International Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Born in southern California, Kenner showed interest in the piano from a very young age and began to study with Polish pianist, Krzysztof Brzuza. As a teenager, he traveled to Poland to study with Ludwik Stefanski in preparation for the 1980 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. He was the youngest competitor there and received a special award from the jury.

Kenner returned to the US and continued his studies for the next five years with Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. During that time, he benefited from his involvement with the Tanglewood Music Festival in Massachusetts where he had the occasion to work with Leonard Bernstein. He then concluded his formal training in Hannover, Germany with Karl-Heinz Kammerling.

Special Recognition

Bozena Kaminski is an outreach activist and mentor in New

York City. She has been the President and CEO of the Polish and Slavic Center (PSC), the largest Polish-American organization on the East Coast, since 2007. The PSC is a non-profit organization providing social and cultural services to the Polish-American communities of New York City and the metropolitan area.

Mrs. Kaminski's experience and dedication has confirmed her belief that the power of change lies within the community's political and social involvement. She has served on the Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union Board, is an active member of the Polish American Congress Downstate, a Fraternal Director of the Polish

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National Alliance, and in 2016 she was re-elected as a National Vice-President for Polish Affairs of the Polish American Congress.

She has received several prestigious recognitions including the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland from President Bronislaw Komorowski, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and an award from New York Governor George Pataki.

Mariusz Kotowski is a Polish-born writer, film director and choreographer. He has gained a reputation for cinematic works that cleverly mix different approaches into a cohesive whole. His feature films are Pola Negri: Life is a Dream in Cinema, Esther's Diary, and Deeper and Deeper starring Emmy-winning actor David Lago. The films were released by his company, Bright Shining City Productions in Austin, Texas and each received notable acclaim at theatres, art houses and festivals throughout the world.

Prior to the launch of his directorial career, Kotowski was a renowned dancer and choreographer. He received a Master of Arts in Education in Poland before being accepted into the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in London, where he has the distinction of being the first Polish citizen ever to receive the rare Triple Fellowship in dance. He has also written three successful books about Pola Negri and is currently developing several theatrical pieces for US and Poland stages. Mr. Kotowski has received many awards including the Golden Halo Award from the Southern California Motion Picture Council and the Pola Negri Appreciation Award from the Pola Negri Cultural Society in Lipno.

Coleen Jan Paderewski is dedicated to continuing the legacy of the virtuoso pianist, composer, international politician, humanitarian and philanthropist, Poland's Prime Minister, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. She founded the Paderewski Music Festival in 2016 and serves as co-director of a four-day music festival held every November in Paso Robles, California - the site of Paderewski's home in the US. Concerts feature world renowned musicians, exhibits, lectures, master classes and film screenings. The festival is part of The Gifted Music School (www.giftedmusicschool.org) where many of its yearly 600 students have gone on to the finest conservatories in America.

Her book, Paderewski His Journey Home, is currently being published and is about the return of Paderewski's remains to Poland. In 1991 her father, C.J. Paderewski, met with Lech Walesa and President George Bush in Los Angeles to discuss the possibility of returning his remains. The next year, she and her family, President Bush, and General Edward Rowny returned Ignacy to a free Poland.

LOVING VAN GOGH

By Lynne Schaefer The paintings of Vincent Van Gogh are some of the most recognizable and admired artworks the world over. He was a master at elevating ordinary objects into the extraordinary by applying bold impasto strokes of brilliant, saturated colors and creating layers of depth and movement that gave each item a vibrant, energetic, and ethereal presence. His natural compositions set against lush backgrounds of sinuous curls and swirls create the magic and whimsy of a fairytale that have held art lovers' fascination for over 150 years.

Van Gogh's incredible influence on artists cannot be underestimated. That he could paint raw emotion into seemingly simple paintings was a huge achievement.

Countless books, movies, documentaries,

forgeries, posters, etc. have been made about his life, but perhaps the most ingenious output is the 2017 experimental animated biographical drama film, Loving Vincent. Over 125 professional artists from

"I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day."

Vincent Van Gogh

around the world painted in Van Gogh's style to tell the story of his last days, making 65,000 frames that were used to animate the story. Co-written and directed

by Polish filmmaker, Dorota Kobiela, it has been nominated for and won numerous international awards, and has earned over $40 million to date.

The American Institute of Polish Culture co-sponsored a free presentation of Loving Vincent on April 11, 2019 as part of Miami-Florida Jean Monnet Center of Excellence and FIU's, "Getting to Know Europe: Europe on the Big Screen" series. The film was projected onto New World Symphony's WALLCAST in Miami Beach with viewers sitting and picnicking in SoundScape Park.

It was a perfect starry night success.

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KREDYTY HIPOTECZNE JUŻ OD NASZEJ UNII % NA FLORYDZIE 3 WKŁADU WŁASNEGO

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Inne ograniczenia mogą obowiązywać.

YOUR EUROPEAN CAREER On March 28, 2019, Florida International University and the Miami-Florida Jean Monet Center of Excellence hosted the International Expo - Your European Career Starts Here. This one day event connected students, FIU alumni, and young professionals with European companies and organizations residing in South Florida.

The auditorium with over 100 students listened to the speakers and asked pertinent questions.

After official welcomes, the presentations started with a Consular panel who discussed International Careers in Diplomacy: European Perspectives. The panel included diplomatic corp members such as Volker Anding, (Ret.) former Ambassador of Germany, Montevideo/Uruguay and the Republic of Panama; Beata Paszyc, the Honorary Vice Consul of the Republic of Poland; Monique Quesada, Diplomat in Residence of South Florida and Puerto Rico; and Vanessa Selk, Cultural and Education Attaché, Cultural Services of the French Embassy.

Panelists gave a short overview of their career history and illustrated how their own education came into play when choosing the diplomatic career track. They all highlighted how extensive training helped them be prepared and what to do to move ahead.

Each also gave personal advice of what worked and what did not work in their professional life, and each reflected upon what the future might hold for newcomers entering the diplomacy fields.

Hon. Vice Consul Paszyc opened her presentation by asking general questions about Poland and she was happy to see many

students knew major dates in Polish history and about famous Poles. She then made a special Powerpoint presentation that focused on helping students to find the purpose in what they wanted to do in the future. Consul Paszyc stated that first asking oneself Why? is the most important step in defining the desired career and then the path will begin to take shape. Finding one's real inspiration and motivation was the key. She encouraged students to stop waiting for things to happen to them, but to grab opportunities, create their own path and to keep on going despite possible downfalls.

The next panel discussion, International Careers in Business: European Perspectives, was moderated by Dr. Anna Pietraszek of FIU, who focused on businesses in Germany, Spain, and France, and the goal of professional international cooperation.

After the formal panels, each represented country, including Poland, had a booth with promotional materials, books, tourist, educational and business information. Poland offered delicious Polish sweets courtesy of Lowell Foods as well; many students and faculty members dropped by to engage in conversation. A few students offered to volunteer at AIPC, including Pablo Menendez who subsequently became the Institute's summer intern.

Such networking events not only deepen the awareness and understanding of Poland's history and presence, but also promote the Institute and the Honorary Consulate in Miami.

Panelists

Ms. Vanessa Selk, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Amb. (Ret.) Volker Anding, Mrs. Christine Caly-Sanchez, Ms. Monique Quesada

Dr. Anna Pietraszek, Ms. Vanja Hajdukovic, Mr. Michael Bartelt, Ms. Arantxa Jordan, Ms. Pascale Villet

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original artwork by Maja Borowicz

All screenings at the O Cinema South Beach 1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Mr. Andrzej Seweryn, Mrs. Katarzyna Kubacka-Seweryn, Mrs. Agata Arakel, Ms. Agnieszka Mazanek, Mrs. Aneta Kulesza-Mestrinelli, Mrs. Eva Baker, Mr. Lukasz Bedkowski, Mr. Mirek Chudy, Mrs. Anna Slabicki

POLISH FILM FESTIVAL MIAMI

By Eva Baker The Polish Film Festival Miami (PFFM) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a platform to introduce, promote, and nurture the achievements of contemporary Polish cinema and the art of filmmaking itself. Included in the mission is special consideration for the cultural diversity of the cities of Miami and Miami Beach. PFFM serves as a base to promote Polish culture, history, art, and cinematography for a wide spectrum of local communities and visitors alike. It is an opportunity to enjoy, learn and discover as well as a place for community and friendship.

The inaugural Festival took place in November of 2018 in the heart of South Beach at the iconic Miami Beach Cinematheque.

This three-day event was greeted with enthusiasm from both the Polish and American communities of world cinema devotees, including members of Miami Beach Film Society, and movie professionals and students, who traveled from Florida cities such as Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Vero Beach to attend the sold-out screenings. We kicked off the gala opening night in true Hollywood style, complete with a red carpet and distinguished guests from Poland - Andrzej Seweryn, film and theatre actor, and executive director of Teatr Polski in Warsaw; Katarzyna Kubacka-Seweryn, co-founder of the annual Extraordinary Movie-Encounter Festival (Festiwal Filmow-Spotkan Niezwyklych); and Agnieszka Mazanek, documentary filmmaker.

After the screening of the acclaimed feature film The Last Family, the great energy continued with a fun reception sponsored

by Impero Wine Distributors and beer by Zywiec. Our guests left with goodie bags, Zywiec raffle prizes, and most importantly - big smiles on their faces.

On day two of the Festival, we screened Oscar-nominated Cold War, a masterpiece of Polish cinema and an incredible love story directed by Pawel Pawlikowski. The documentary Luxus. A Simple Story had its North American premiere at our festival, and the di-

rector, Agnieszka Mazanek, shared her stories in a lively Q&A session after the screening.

As part of the celebrations for 100 Years of Poland’s Regained Independence, PFFM presented the Polish cinema classic, The Promised Land, directed by the legendary Andrzej Wajda, a recipient of an Honorary Academy Award. The event was an opportunity for the star of the film Mr. Seweryn, to celebrate a fifty year artistic career, and we were thrilled to have him as our guest and self-proclaimed “Godfather” of PFFM. We could not have wished for more!

The Polish Film Festival Miami was founded by Miami-based Eva Baker and a business partner who were soon joined by an incredible team of super-women coordinators: Aneta Kulesza Mestrinelli, Agata Arakel, and Agata Jacek. However, PFFM would not have been possible without the help and generosity of our sponsors and supporters. The American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) and Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Founder and President of the Institute and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland; AIPC's Executive Director and Honorary Vice Consul of the Republic of Poland, Beata Paszyc; and the Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs. PFFM also closely collaborated with the Polish American Film Society and Polish Film Festival Los Angeles, whose founder and Director, Vladek Juszkiewicz, has been our mentor and industry expert since day one. Many local businesses offered their support as well: Maggie Sadowska (MegaLuxeHomes), Monika Aybar (Aybar Landrau & Nizio, P.L.), Wojtek Horak (Impero Wine Distributors Miami), Kasia Weszczak (Kasia & Co.), and Vice City Bean.

The Second Annual Festival scheduled for November 21-24, 2019 is shaping up to be even bigger and better. We invite everyone to be a part of this exciting initiative. See you at the movies!

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ALICJA IN WONDERLAND I’m grounded and loyal - family and friends are very important to me. The combination of both gives me a feeling of stability and strength. Of course my artistic side also makes me vulnerable; I won’t go to places that make me uncomfortable. My compass has never failed me in deciding what's wrong or right.

BP: Are you a risk taker and what was the biggest risk you took so far?

ABC: I do take risks. Sometimes that’s the only way to achieve something great, to grow. I'd rather try and fail then never give it a chance. I don't live with regret; I just try to find a lesson in everything that comes my way.

Alicja Bachleda Curus

Beata Paszyc (BP): The Gold Medal from AIPC was awarded to you ten years ago, during the Polish - Mexican Ball, in recognition of your artistic talents and because you were born in Mexico. Although you weren't able to attend the Ball that year, we were thrilled that a decade later you were able to come and receive the award at the 47th International Ball. Can you tell us why you were born in Mexico, where you grew up and where you live now?

Alicja Bachleda Curus (ABC): I was born in Tampico, a large city and port of the state Tamaulipas. Back in the 1980’s my father was working there as a geophysicist and geologist. Right after I was born, we returned to Poland as my mother wanted me to be raised among my large family in Kraków.

BP: During the Ball you expressed gratitude for this special Gold Medal and your love for Poland. What encouraged you to leave Poland and come to the America?

ABC: Growing up in Poland with a Mexican passport tucked away on a shelf, I always wondered about exotic and faraway lands.

When I was a teenager, my movie career in Poland and Germany was guiding me away from home. I decided to follow my ultimate dream and try my strengths at the most 72

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acclaimed acting school, the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York.

BP: It was a pleasure speaking to you on the phone and then meeting you during the Ball. I have to say that you are such a down to earth, kind and easy going person with a beaming smile and positive attitude.

I found out that our birthdays are just 3 days apart, so I was wondering - are you a typical Taurus? Persistent, generous, reliable, and friend-oriented with a passion for art and family? Although horoscope traits

BP: I'm sure a lot of people ask you about your relationship with Colin Farrell. I was impressed with your response when somebody asked how it felt to be a single mom.

You replied that you are not a single mom as Colin is very involved and you are both parenting your son. To satisfy our readers' curiosity, can you tell us how the shared parenting is going with Colin and how he is as a Dad?

ABC: I agree with Carroll on this one! But to give you an answer, I do find it very important to give your best to someone who is playing a significant role in your child’s life.

There is great pleasure in finding the right way despite the difficulties. I always knew what to do regarding raising Henry. I followed my intuition and my heart, and made all the decisions with my son’s well-being in mind.

And the rest came naturally.

" Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle.”

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland are generalized, how about telling me who you really are deep inside...what is your authentic self?

ABC: Haha, I believe that horoscopes are spot on! I always felt like a Taurus, as my stubbornness and persistence have helped me achieve new goals. At the same time,

BP: What do you think shaped you the most: your roots, family, or experience?

ABC: All of the above. My roots and my family gave me the base, and I was given values that guided me in the right direction, no matter when or where. And on that canvas I can build experience.

BP: Imagine you are living in your dream place - Alicja in Wonderland. Please describe it.

ABC: Ha! I see mountains, a plain of grass and a sparkling waterfall.

BP: Now who is with you?

ABC: I’m alone on that plain, but there is a whole house filled with my loved ones behind me.

BP: What's your favorite book?

“If everybody minded their own business, the world would go around a great deal faster than it does.”

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland ABC: The Little Prince BP: What kind of music do you listen to?

ABC: Recently classical. Chopin. And opera, my favorite being Puccini.

BP: How do you relax?

ABC: I relax in the mornings with my coffee and something to read.

BP: What inspires you?

ABC: My personal life is more stable and calm then it has ever been.

And it’s a good feeling. So if God permits, I’ll continue being happy.

Professionally I’m exploring the new waters of film production.

After 30 years of acting I decided to look behind the scenes, and it's a very exciting and humbling experience. But I’m still in love with acting, so I’ll be on a film set this September.

“What a strange world we live in...

Said Alice to the Queen of Hearts”

ABC: Inspiring people. When I witness some kind of genius. Art that moves me; the beauty of nature.

BP: What worries you?

ABC: The fragility of life. I know it sounds dramatic, but after becoming a mother I worry substantially more.

BP: What is in your near future both professionally and personally?

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland BP: It seems like Alicja has found her Wonderland in Poland and the US. And most of all in the perfect spot between her passion for acting and singing, and being with her beloved son, family and friends. We hope to see you on the screen soon, and please come back and visit us in Miami any time. Thank you.

Did you know....

Polish-Australian Mia Wasikowska is one of those people to whom acting seems to come naturally. It may have something to do with her parents being artists and photographers who also dabbled in movie making, By the time Mia was a teenager, she was accustomed to being in front of a camera. Plus the years training as a professional ballerina in her hometown of Canberra, Australia gave her the tools for discipline, movement, and artistic collaboration.

Her acting career began with small television and film roles, including US productions. But it was her performance as Alice in Tim Burton's smash hit film, Alice in Wonderland, starring Johnny Depp that shot her to stardom. Six years later, she reprised her role as an older and wiser Alice in Alice Through the Looking Glass. Nowadays, Mia enjoys acting in indie films, working with edgy, upcoming directors, photography, directing, and traveling to places like Poland as she speaks the language.

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Spectrum Miami exhibition with Maja Borowicz and her art on the left

VISIONARY VISTAS

by Wanda Kubr akiewicz and Maja Borowicz

Maja Borowicz is a talented Polish artist whose paintings are surrealist and magical, stunningly realized by her imagination, talent and traditional techniques. What is most striking to a spectator, apart from the beautiful craftsmanship, is the deep mysticism and emotionality of her works. You may feel that your soul is being taken on a journey through time and space where it experiences stories of the hope and heartbreak of her heroes and heroines.

Maja has gained worldwide recognition, bringing the contemporary art world in Poland into the spotlight, particularly in the futuristic themes of her work. Her paintings have been displayed in numerous exhibits in Europe, Asia and the U.S, and she has won multiple international artistic competitions.

In 2018, Maja once again exhibited her works in Miami at Spectrum Miami after winning a competition organized by the online gallery, Artavita, an influencer in the international art world. Her large paintings arrived securely with the help of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami. Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, the consulate staff, and volunteer, Małgorzata Sadowska, ensured that her pieces were safely transported to the exhibit where they were admired and photographed.

Spectrum Miami is a prestigious contemporary art show that is part of Miami Art Week which occurs every year at the beginning of December. In 2018, the expo returned to Miami's art district,

Ms. Maja Borowicz, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Malgorzata Sadowska

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Wynwood, and during the five day event, over 35,000 visitors roamed the 100,000 square foot exhibition space to admire and buy works by artists from all over the world. There were 1,000 plus pieces done by 200 world-renowned and young, promising artists - paintings, graphics, sculptures and photos.

Spectrum Miami is not only an exhibition; it is comprised of multiple accompanying events, such as the Spotlight Program, Art Labs, and Art Talks. The Spotlight Program focuses the collectors' attention on a few of the most interesting artists, and Spectrum Miami Awards are given to the most outstanding. The select jury recognized Maja’s unique vision, artistic craft and talent, and presented her with a special Selects Award for her painting, “The Fragility of Existence.” She received a plaque from Rick Barnett, the Director of Redwood Media Group who are organizers of Spectrum Miami.

Maja's brief stay in Miami concluded with the annual Christmas party in the offices of The American Institute of Polish Culture, the Chopin Foundation, and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland. She and her husband mingled with guests, members and friends and were treated to a piano recital and holiday cheer.

Mr. Rick Barnett, Ms. Maja Borowicz

You can learn more about Maja Borowicz and her art on www.majaborowicz.com

ADVERTISEMENT

STAYING ENGAGED

by Beata Paszyc

The American Institute of Polish Culture and the Honorary Consulate of Poland stay engaged and participate in events happening in Miami. In this way we not only help promote Poland's businesses, technology, tourism and culture but we also broaden the activities of the Institute. Here are some of the highlights of 2018/2019 season where we participated as invited guests:

Food Expo Poland's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with food companies such as MLEKPOL, MLEKOVITA, AGROL, ANTONIUS - Caviar, BIOPOLAND, SOKOLOW, KUPIEC and more, participated in the 22nd Americas Food and Beverage Show in Miami Beach October 1-2, 2018.

The Polish exhibition booth was very impressive and included many items such as organic fruit juices, chesses, honey, caviar, gluten free products and preservatives that could be tasted on the spot. The delegation from Poland, including government officials, company owners and marketing professionals, worked diligently to make new contacts, meet "one on one" with some of the top decision-making food executives, and network with other companies. They certainly gathered a diverse amount of sales leads and increased their sales.

This event is the largest food and beverage focused trade show in the western hemisphere. The show's goal is to assist companies in growing their market share and increasing two-way trade within the US and throughout the Americas. It provides exhibiting companies and visitors unparalleled opportunities to discover new markets and creative new products, ideas and innovations.

Miami is recognized as the "trade hub of the Americas" and Poland's presence at this Food Expo was a great way to promote the country's delicious foods and beverages.

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Seatr ade Cruise Global

Mr. Grzegorz Dyrmo, Mr. Adam Meller, Mr. Maciej Krzesiński, Mr. Patryk Misiewicz, Mr. Michał Stupak, Mr. Marcin Osowski, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mr. Adam Hoppe, Mr. Sławomir Michalewski

The 35th edition of the world's leading business-to-business cruise conference, Seatrade Cruise Global took place on April 8-11, 2019 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Each year, Seatrade Cruise Global draws more than 11,000 registered attendees, over 700 exhibiting companies from 113 countries, and more than 300 international journalists to become the epicenter of the cruise industry.

This year, for the first time, the cities of Gdansk and Gdynia from Poland participated in this prestigious fair to promote their ports to the cruise lines around the world. They had prepared an informative and beautifully rendered presentation to highlight the central location of Poland in Europe, as well as the excellent infrastructure, innovations, and modern technologies at sea ports and tourist opportunities for travelers.

It was a pleasure to welcome the delegations from Poland and hope their business grows in many industries.

eMerge Americas eMerge Americas is an event that is all about technology, an ecosystem that is transforming Miami into the tech hub of the Americas and beyond. It is a unique assembly of the global enterprises, top startups and government leaders focused on innovative digital solutions transforming industries. Florida International University, The American Institute of Polish Culture's educational partner, was part of this exciting expo and they invited us as their guests to meet with leading technology gurus and businesses.

Dr. Anna Pietraszek, Pres. Eduardo J. Padrón, Mrs. Beata Paszyc

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The Last Goodbyes OUR DEAR MARIA Chef, decorator, florist, seamstress, organizer, and friend. Maria Blacha, or Pani Maria as she was known, was a respected and integral member of AIPC and the Chopin Foundation. Over the course of 35 years, her creativity was an indispensible asset for organizations who present many elegant and prestigious events. She made thousands of tasty open-faced Polish sandwiches served at parties, office get-togethers and meetings. She could prepare a banquet that would rival any professional caterer, and her floral creations produced gorgeous centerpieces and tabletop arrangements for the yearly International Polonaise Balls and Brunches. The Polish White Eagle that has adorned walls at Ball venues was her responsibility as well - she assembled and dissembled it yearly. At Christmas time, she would unpack all the seasonal decor, including a 10 foot tree and gaily wrapped boxes, and decorate the office. And no one could prepare gift baskets filled with goodies as beautifully as Maria did.

She also oversaw the library and archives for the Institute, and handled much of the large mailings both organizations have throughout the year. Maria also made sure that the offices were kept neat and clean.

On top of all her 'office' work, Maria prepared wonderful meals at Lady Blanka's residences in Miami and Charlottesville.

This was no small task as Lady Blanka has entertained hundreds of guests over the years, many who eagerly dined on Maria's delicious homemade food and desserts. Her accomplishments were truly appreciated.

Maria lived in Miami most of the year and spent vacations at her hometown of Szczyrk, a beautiful resort village in the mountains of southern Poland popular for its winter sports like skiing, and hiking in warmer weather. It was there she passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at the age of 86 surrounded by her loved ones.

There are very few people who visited Lady Blanka's offices and homes who did not know Pani Maria, and admired her

devotion and talents. Each of us at the Institute and Foundation will be reminded of her when preparing for future holidays, parties, and important events. We will miss her smile, her willingness to help and her professionalism. Our dear Maria will be forever in our hearts.

A CHARMED LIFE If charm, graciousness, and humor could be bottled and sold, Andrzej "Andrew" Bytnar would have been a chief manufacturer.

Andrew found enjoyment in all occasions.

Whether it was skiing in the Alps, grilling at a picnic, raising funds for charities, or waltzing around a ballroom, he always radiated a positive attitude. His aura of joie de vivre was disarming but it did not hide his sharp mind and business acumen.

Mr. Bytnar was born on February 4, 1953 in Albigowa, Poland. He eventually relocated to Palm Beach, Florida where he worked and became quite involved in fundraising events for worthy causes and organizations, such as the Catholic Charities, the Cancer Society, and The American Institute of Polish Culture. He was a dedicated member of St. Edwards Roman Catholic Church, an integral participant in the current revitalization of the Polish American

Club of Miami, and he was always open for new projects and investments.

Mr. Bytnar died unexpectedly on July 28, 2019. He is survived by four children and a brother. His children remember him as a stern yet fair father who gave them the tools, skills, and inspiration to succeed in life. For those of us who had the pleasure of spending time with Andrew during the last few years, he will be remembered for his friendly manner and smile, his willingness to lend an ear and talk things over, his ready compliment for a job well done, and his warmth, wit, and commitment to getting things done.

It will be bittersweet for all of us to picture Andrzej's natural elegance and smooth artistry on the dance floor during our Ball. He will be truly missed.

Rest in peace, friend.

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INNOVATION AND INGENUITY Long time Institute member, Ralph Piotrovsky, always had a smile when you saw him at events, such as AIPC's holiday parties and the International Polonaise Ball and Brunch.

He was a friendly, active man who enjoyed socializing with his wife Ela throughout South Florida and during their international travels. It was a lifestyle that suited them both, and one in which he was very familiar.

Ralph was born in Lodz, Poland in 1928 and graduated as a mechanical engineer from the Lodz Institute of Technology. He founded a company that

specialized in advancements in plastics manufacturing which eventually took him to Paris where his skills were put to use in developing a super molding machine for plastic brushes.

After some years there, he relocated to California to work for Mattel, the renowned toy manufacturing company.

Ralph flourished at Mattel, redesigning the plastic technologies and streamlining the production processes for one of their most famous toys, the Barbie doll. His expertise took him around the world as a high-level consultant, working with Mattel facilities

to modernize their existing equipment and revamping how this incredibly successful toy was made. Ralph's innovations earned Mattel millions of dollars, and his major contribution earned him the prestigious Mattel President's Award.

Not long afterwards, Ralph retired early to Florida where he met Ela and together they lived full and rewarding lives for many years in their Miami and Poland homes. On March 2, 2019, he died with his beloved partner by his side. Rest in peace, Ralph. You will be missed.

A LOVE OF LIFE Whether he was communing with nature in Canada, avidly fishing, boating, sailing, or golfing, or just relaxing on a cruise with his lovely wife, Frances, he did it all with a passion. Not many know that he was once the senior gold medalist for skiing in Manitoba and this competitiveness served him well throughout his life.

Both Frances and Janusz loved a black tie gala and they regularly attended the Institute's International Polonaise

Ball. They always took part in the regal Opening Polonaise procession dance and throughout the glamorous evening, they were out on the dance floor or laughing with old and new friends.

Janusz passed away peacefully after a brief fight with cancer on May 13, 2019, and was laid to rest in the Lake of the Woods Cemetery in Kenora, Canada amongst the lakes and nature he loved. He will live on in our memories.

was a long time fixture on the nightclub scene, especially in Miami, playing jazz, the big band tunes of the 1940s and 50s, waltzes and so much more.

Led by the talented and energetic Frank Hubbell, the band played at over 30 of AIPC's International Polonaise Ball weekends.

After his Naval service and graduation from university, Frank formed and led

The Village Stompers in New York City during the 1960s.

Their hit record, "Washington Square," launched several tours throughout North America and Japan and appearances on popular TV shows like The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Mike Douglas Show. By the 1970s, Frank had relocated to Miami and left his mark as a goto professional musician. His silly sense of humor, natural

With his booming voice and easy confidence, Janusz Burzynski never stayed a stranger to anyone long. He was curious about the people he met and would not hesitate to recount his own adventures in the Caribbean or his latest ski trip. And he was always eager to share news of his five grandchildren - each one his favorite! He was also the proud father of Roland Burzynski and Janet Doorma.

Janusz had a true zest for life.

MUSIC MAN

There is probably no one who has attended a black tie event in South Florida who has not heard the Frank Hubbell Orchestra perform. The group 80

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kindness and innate integrity made him and his bands very popular.

Frank continued performing many live shows until his late 80s, including the last time for the Institute's gala in 2016. He died on November 10, 2018 and is survived by his son, daughter and other family members.

MY MOTHER - MOJA MAMUSIA

by Beata Paszyc

Elżbieta Anna was born 3 years before World War II started in Poland. During wartime, her family was forced to escape from Wrzesnia, near Poznan; they left for southern Poland where they thought they would be safer. However, one day the Germans ordered her family to leave their house and everything in it, except for one suitcase per person. My Grandma Felicja, in sheer desperation and knowing that their home would be taken by the Germans, pulled down all the lamps from the ceilings. She did not want the enemy to occupy the cozy place she called home.

My grandfather Wojciech Deckert worked at the passport office; he claimed to have issued a handwritten passport for Wladyslaw Reymont, the Noble prize winner for literature in 1924. Grandpa, a decent, hardworking, and noble man, stood in fear for his life as he, his wife and two children awaited the train that was undoubtedly going to take them to either a labor or concentration camp. Their destiny was approaching as the locomotive grew closer with white puffs of steam. The train came into a stop and people were herded into it by the Germans. But in a moment of serendipity, one of them who knew my Grandpa from the passport office allowed him and his family to leave the platform. They were saved and survived.

Post war years under the communist regime were difficult, but the family was able to make it back to Poznan. Elzbieta studied, worked and helped her parents. She even entered a beauty pageant and won the runner-up title for the Wielkopolska region.

She later worked part-time as a model and

full-time as an economist, and also served as a volunteer special juror in court.

Her elegance, beauty and distinctive style were striking. She stood out against the grayness of buildings and dullness of the socio-realism environment. Somehow, she managed to find beautiful fabrics with vibrant colors and unique textures for her clothes which she helped design, and she wore them as if she were walking the catwalks in Paris.

Elżbieta loved to travel. She went to Russia, Yugoslavia, East Germany and Bulgaria (the only Eastern Bloc countries one could visit at that time). She also attended adult education courses, where she met a chemistry teacher named Stefan Paszyc. Their paths crossed again years later and they exchanged their travel stories over coffee at a local cafe. Stefan, a PhD graduate at the University by this time, was taken by her charm, modesty and beauty. Over the next couple of years, their courtship grew stronger and eventually they married.

Years later they welcomed me, their only child, Beata. Life was not easy under communism, but Mom made sure it was full of her smiles, generosity and kindness. And, as always, she filled our lives with her distinctive style!

I do not remember Mom ever complaining. She was one of those women who said 'Yes' to life and made the best of any situation. She worked professionally as an economist, but it was at home where she was a magician. She knew how to make the best parties with delicacies beautifully served, even though food was scarce.

She organized amazing receptions, baked, decorated our apartments, knitted, and sewed. I dare to say, had she been born in the US, she would have been another Martha Stewart.

When it was finally possible to visit the West, she traveled the world with my Dad and me. She visited England, France, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, United States, Canada, Caribbean Islands and more. She always found time for family and friends, offering a helping hand.

She looked adversity and tragedy straight in the eyes and dealt with them in a calm and collected manner, keeping an open heart full of understanding and warmth.

Elzbieta, Elżunia, Elżka, Ela. She was called all of these names by family and friends who loved her. I called her Mamusia, Mommy, and I still do as I feel her pres-

ence all around me. When I think of her, it is not in the past tense because I see her in the eyes and the smile of my daughter. All the values she instilled in me and the lessons she taught me - patience, thoughtfulness, kindness, modesty, resourcefulness and, most of all, unconditional love - are always here with me.

My Mom is my inspiration, the whisper of the voice of reason, a dash of optimism, and the power, creativity and love I feel every day.

My Dad and I wrote the following words as part of her eulogy: .....You left, but will always stay in the hearts of those whom you touched with your goodness, in the memory of those whom you helped, and you will be remembered for your charm, elegance and modesty. It was this modesty that did not allow you to look into the eyes of Pope John Paul II as you were giving him flowers at a private audience in the Vatican. He then said, "Thank you for the beautiful flowers" and only at that moment did you look at his Holiness with your blue eyes whose sparkle will never be dimmed.

You were a wonderful, tolerant, ingenious and loving wife. The best Mom and Grandmom.

We will remember you for all you gave us, but most of all for your love for us, this gift that we will carry in our hearts. You will live on in the hearts of those who love you...

I see her in every aspect of my life. The best legacy is to try to be as great of a Mom as she was and as devoted a wife, daughter and friend. To be as kind, open-minded, dedicated, innovative, compassionate, and loving as she. I send you, Mamusiu, my undying love until we meet again.

Love, Beatka

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I am honored and humbled to write this message as the new Executive Director of the Chopin Foundation. I am following in the footsteps our recent past ED, Jadwiga Gewert, who enjoyed a 25 year career with the organization.

The rich and well established traditions of the Chopin Foundation and its important mission are very close to my heart.

This is a very exciting time for the Chopin Foundation. In February of 2020 we will present the 10th National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami. The history surrounding this extraordinary event that has taken place every five years since 1975 is quite rich. So many exemplary artists have graced our stages since then and we have helped launch the careers of scores of pianists. In 2020, the next group of young American pianists will come to Miami, each believing that they will be the winner and we welcome them all! The unprecedented first prize will be $100,000 and is sponsored by the Rosenstiel Foundation.

Much of what we do today stems from the clear vision our Founder, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, set forth over 40 years ago. It is my intention to keep true to her dreams of supporting young American pianists and making classical music, especially the music of Frederic Chopin, accessible to everyone. Helping me accomplish these goals is the Chopin Foundation’s Assistant Director, Robert H. Smith, Jr., whose experience in the world of classical music has already proven to be invaluable.

To help us celebrate the 10th edition of our Competition, the Chopin Institute from Warsaw (NIFC) will be joining us for a very special event and concert on February 28. This Miami/ Warsaw partnership will also promote the 2020 International Competition later in the year. We will be cheering for our American contestants who will be automatically accepted to compete in Warsaw.

Barbara Muze, Executive Director

Please visit our new website, www.Chopin.org for dates and details about all of our events.

We hope to see you in Miami!

Chopin for All

Chopin Salons

La Gorce Country Club, Miami Beach

Chopin Partnership

Competition Prizes

First Prize $100,000 Underwritten by Blanka A. Rosenstiel and the Rosenstiel Foundation Second Prize $30,000 Underwritten by Brenda and Mark Fountain Third Prize $20,000 Three finalists/non-medalists $5,000 each Underwritten by Anne E. Leibowitz Fund, Keith Gray & Vivianne Swietelsky Semifinalist not advanced to the finals $1,000 each Underwritten by Sasha Gorodnitzki Foundation Special Prizes $2,000 each Best Mazurka, Best Polonaise, Best Sonata, Best Concerto

Other Awards

First Prize Winner Concert tour in the United States and abroad First and Second Prize Winners Automatic admission to the XVIII International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in October 2020 Third Prize Winner Automatic Acceptance to the Preliminary Round of the XVIII International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, April 2020 Other Finalists All-expense-paid trip to Warsaw, Poland, to attend the Preliminary Round for the XVIII International Chopin Piano Competition All Finalists’ trips to Poland underwritten by Isabel Leibowitz, in memory of Marvin Leibowitz

HARRIET IRSAY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ESSAY 84

HIGHLANDER LIFE

By Elizabeth Zborek Mountainous regions often provide the perfect environment for distinct cultures and dialects to evolve. Such is the case with Polish highlanders, also known as “Gόrale,” who live in the southern mountainous region of Poland. Their culture and dialect varies between the villages dotting the countryside, and is distinct from Polish culture and dialect. However, their rich culture still contributes to the beautiful and rich history of Poland.

Although the region has been inhabited for thousands of years, the Gόralski culture and dialect truly began to take shape in the 1600s. There are many distinct groups of gόrale such as the “Gόrale żywieccy,” who live in the Beskidy region, and “Gόrale podhalanscy,” who live in the Podhale region of the Carpathian mountain range. The style of dress and “gwara” (also known as dialect), vary amongst the many groups of Gόrale. However, the overall dialect is influenced by Slovak, Vlach, Hungarian, and Balkan languages.

One can also witness how the history of the region influenced the development of lively music. The main components of a “kapela” (highlander band) include a first violin, second violin, and cello. While playing, the fiddlers oftentimes hold the violin in a unique way where the bow moves vertically instead of horizontally. Many highlanders also play shepherd’s horns, which highlight the influence of Vlach shepherds on highlander music.

Dances usually begin with singing, and dance partners move closer to each other with their feet moving quickly as they circle each other, resembling two birds dancing. Men’s dancing tends to be more powerful and fast paced and may even feature the famous “ciupaga” or shepherd’s axe in which a man dances with an axe in hand and daringly tosses and catches it.

One can find a live band at various restaurants or inns in the evenings where gόrale will perform traditional songs while wearing traditional outfits. Men wear linen shirts with ornate metal studs on the chest and felt pants decorated with a “parzenica” which is an embroidery on the front of the pants.

The parzenica design varies between regions and will indicate where the highlander is from in the mountains. They also wear heavy, wide leather belts with metallic buttons and felt hats that are decorated with sea shells and sometimes eagle

feathers. Over the years, the female dress has evolved with changing fashions, but it can also indicate the region a female is from.

A traditional female outfit will include a long skirt made of “tybet,” a material with flowers on it, a white blouse (which varies based on the region), a flowery corset, leather shoes called “kierpce,” and “korale,” red coral necklaces. Although sea shells and coral are not native to region, they became a staple of the highlander outfit which indicates that trade was active in the region.

The unique highlander style also influenced architecture in the region. Most notably, the Zakopane style was inspired by the regional art of the many skilled inhabitants who carved intricate highlander style motifs into their wooden homes and furniture.

Glass paintings also adorn many of these homes. Today, one can find many Zakopane style chalets in the region and restaurants around the world have imitated the architecture.

Driving through the countryside, one may encounter a “bacόwka,” which is a shepherd’s station where one can buy “oscypek,” smoked sheep cheese that also has ornate designs on it. One can also purchase “korbace,” string cheese that originated in Slovakia, or try “zyntyca,” which is sheep milk. Another regional favorite are “moskole,” which are the highlander version of potato pancakes. They are often served with another sheep cheese called “bryndza,” or animal lard, which is known as “smalec.”

Although this is just an overview of the unique culture of highlanders in Poland, their culture is well preserved by Polonia in the United States where many folk dance groups and ensembles are flourishing. This charming region has influenced many Polish artists and writers, especially during the Young Poland modernist period between 1890 and 1918. With the emigration of many highlanders, their culture will surely continue to influence future generations of artists and writers not only in Poland, but all over the world.

By Camilla Jamro In the last few years, there has been a lot of talk about values.

Europeans have been bringing up European values in recent fervent discussions. Americans as well have been fighting and arguing over values. Perhaps the 100th anniversary of regaining Independence by Poland provides a good opportunity to talk about Polish values.

Poland is one of the world’s oldest democracies. Personal freedoms and protections were enjoyed over centuries. Poland can boast the second oldest world constitution going back to 1791, and the origin of Polish parliament Sejm goes back to the 15th century. Poland has been a haven and shelter for those escaping religious and political persecution since the Middle Ages. Also, since those times, Poland has been a true melting pot in Europe.

Poland’s union with Lithuania was the first major multi-state union in Europe, 400 years before the European Union! Throughout the centuries Poland has been proud of its multiculturalism, the bounty of languages spoken, and the complete freedom of religion. No wonder that Poland had the highest Jewish population anywhere in the world often called Paradisus juadeorum.

The Polish Muslim population goes back to 14th century. Recently Poland admitted vast numbers of refugees fleeing conflicts in Ukraine and Chechnya.

Polish craving for freedom and independence never died. After regaining independence in 1918, apart from rebuilding the war-torn country and nation, Poland was faced with wave after wave of totalitarian aggressors. In 1920, Poland was attacked by Bolsheviks eager to bring communism to Poland and further to Western Europe. Poland’s victory at the Battle of Warsaw saved Europe again, this time from a hateful new totalitarian ideology.

Twenty years later Poland defied another totalitarian wave, this time from the West. Germans attacked Poland looking for Lebens-

braum. Two weeks later, Soviets from the East attacked Poland again, stabbing it in the back. The simultaneous onslaught of two barbaric totalitarian aggressors brought Poland to its knees. Poland was the first country that was attacked by brutal German and Russian forces working in unison. Even though Poland was the first to be attacked and so stood alone, Poland's answer to brutal aggression was no.

Despite the invasion, Poles fought bravely and were the fourth largest military effort among the Allies after the US, Great Britain and Soviet Union. Poles fought courageously and were the only military that fought on all World War II fronts.

They fought on the Western front, Battle of Normandy, Southern Front including Monte Cassino, and Northern campaigns in Norway as well as the Eastern Front. Despite death threats from its German oppressors, Poles risked everything to save their Jewish compatriots. Some 30,000 paid the ultimate price with their lives.

The price that Poland paid during World War II was enormous. Twenty percent of the Polish population was killed and the whole country was in rubble and ruin. Poles were yoked with the new communist oppression; however they never gave up. After numerous battles, they were the first to remove the communist bondage in 1989. Once again, Poland led European nations to freedom which in turn brought global peace, a decisive factor in the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War. In 2018, 100 years after Poland’s regaining independence we can reflect freely on Polish values that have formed throughout centuries of a proud people and history, and of the deep traditions respecting freedom and personal rights of all inhabitants of that beautiful land.

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HARRIET IRSAY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ESSAY

POLISH VALUES

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HARRIET IRSAY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ESSAY 86

VEGANISM IN POLAND

by Sophia Handzel Although I don’t speak the Polish language, there is one thing about Poland that I do understand thoroughly – the food. Since my grandmother passed down her recipe for Polish gołąbki, that has been the closest connection I have to my Polish heritage. Gołąbki was for special occasions: birthdays, Christmas, or when family visited. My parents would make a special trip to the store for cabbage, beef, and tomatoes. Then they spent hours in the kitchen burning their fingers on the boiling cabbage for the sake of perfecting the delicate rolls. Once all the rolls were in the oven, the painful waiting started. Over the next two and a half hours, our mouths would all water as the house filled up with the familiar smell of gołąbki. Finally, the rolls would be ready to devour. Gołąbki was the perfect treat to share with our family. However, we often crave comforting and warm gołąbki without wanting to spend hours in the kitchen. Recently, we started making “lazy gołąbki”– a casserole version of the cabbage rolls. This past Christmas, we brought the dish to our family celebration and enjoyed it while our aunts and uncles shared stories of their trip to Skomielna Biała in the 1980s.

When I think of Polish food, I think of rich and hearty dishes. The center of these meals is almost always meat. My father often took me to Kramarczuk’s, an Eastern European deli in northeast Minneapolis, when I was growing up. He would purchase delicious kielbasa, yummy poppy seed bread, and buttery pastries. I grew up eating these savory treats – I was often jealous when I heard that my dad took a trip to Kramarczuk’s without me. However, I will not be eating kielbasa, poppy seed bread, or those buttery pastries any longer. I have decided to follow a plant-based based diet.

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So now that I follow a plant-based diet, how do I stay connected to my Polish heritage? I restrain myself from eating any animal products - meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and honey are among non-vegan foods. These products are found in so many of the Polish foods that I grew up loving. However, it turns out Polish food can be very vegan friendly. Happycow.net, an online traveller’s guide to finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants, listed Warsaw, Poland as the 3rd top vegan city in the World in 2017.

Recently in Warsaw, there has been an explosion of vegan restaurants opening. As of June 2018, happycow.net lists 48 fully vegan restaurants in Warsaw. Not all of these restaurants serve traditional Polish foods, although some have “veganized” traditional Polish dishes. For example, popular restaurant Lokal Vegan Bistro has veganized schnitzel. Another restaurant, Vege Miasto, offers vegan pierogi and vegan gołąbki; according to their menu listed on happycow.net, this gołąbki contains millet groats, mushrooms, and cranberries in tomato sauce. Clearly, Warsaw has been able to adapt to the demand for more vegan options throughout their city. It is comforting to know that if I ever visit Warsaw – or Skomielna Biała, like my aunts and uncles – I can enjoy traditional Polish foods while staying true to my values.

However, with no plans to visit Poland in the near future, I will replicate vegan alternatives for Polish dishes in my own home.

I can still uphold the strong tie I have to my heritage through food by introducing these dishes into my own diet and sharing them with my family. Although I will not be eating the meat-filled gołąbki that my family adores, I will continue to honor the tradition of Polish food that my relatives have passed down to me.

POLISH DANCE CLASS AT UM The Polish American Folk Dance Company has been performing for over 30 years at the annual International Polonaise Ball in Miami. Their beautiful and specially choreographed dances are the highlight of the artistic program of the gala. Not only do they present the Polish dances wearing rich and authentic costumes of the era at the Ball, but they have also mastered national dances of other countries such as Tarantella - Italy, Minuet - France, Zorba - Greece, Kabuki -Japanese, and more. Recently, the company was

invited to lead Polish folk dance workshops during the Chopin Festival at the University of Miami. Robert Bronchard and Martyna Grochecki lead the workshops and taught youth about Polish history, costumes, and dances such as the Polonaise, Krakowiak, and Mazur. They engaged the students and faculty and had them all dancing for hours. It was a fun way to bring a piece of traditional Polish heritage to Miami.

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THE POLISH CLUB OF DENVER

By K atarzyna Zak The Polish Club of Denver was founded in 1950 by Polish immigrants coming to the United States in pursuit of a better life, and it quickly became the place where many of them could cultivate and preserve strong connections with the homeland they left behind. In October 2020, the Club will be celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Club’s efforts to support and promote Poland and Polonia in Colorado and throughout the US. The Polish Club plays an integral role in sharing Polish heritage with Poles and Polish Americans living in the Rocky Mountains. It must be noted that it has been an ongoing and collaborative effort shared with Saint Joseph Polish Catholic Church and School in Denver with whom we have established long lasting partnerships. Collectively we aim at preserving the history, the language, and the good name of Poland in Colorado.

The Club hosts a variety of events showcasing Polish culture, traditions, language, history, literature, music, theater and politics. We care deeply about Polish affairs and aim to be a platform for exchange and discussion between the local Polish community and visiting Polish diplomats,

Did you know....

...that the grandmother of the three Wojcicki sisters was responsible in ensuring that AIPC's hardcover publications were catalogued and shelved in the Library of Congress? In the 1970's, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel got to know Mrs. Janina Wojcicka-Hoskins through their mutual dedication and participation in the American Council of Polish Culture (ACPC). During that time, Lady Blanka gave a copy of each book published by the Institute to her to be part of the Library's Polish collection.

In the late 1940's, Janina fled from Poland to the US with her two children because of mounting communism. By the early 1950's she was working for Polish-American US Representative John Dingell, and volunteering at the Library of 88

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government officials, artists, authors, historians, etc. Last year, we spearheaded the official commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Poland Regaining Independence by inviting several local Polish organizations to participate in planning this important celebration.

The most well attended events, however, are the very traditional Polish holidays.

This is especially true at our Polish Christmas Eve “Wigilia” which brings over 200 guests to the Club each December, and for national holidays like Polish Independence Day, “Akademia Niepodleglości,” when children from The Polish School of Denver present lively performances.

Every year, we proudly award college scholarships and professional training grants to applicants of Polish descent. In addition, as a result of a close cooperation with the Consulate General of Poland in Los Angeles, the Club hosts regular Consular outreach visits assisting Polish citizens in applying for Polish passports. We also host the official Parliamentary or Presidential elections for the region. And last but not least, the Club houses a library with a wide selection of books in Polish, and we continue to add new titles every year.

Congress to assist in building the collections of the Polish division.

She compiled a vast inventory of books, other published materials, and important ephemera related to Poland, as well as created lists of Polish-language abbreviations and reference materials. By 1955 she was a full time specialist for the Library, supervising book exchange programs with numerous Polish institutions. She brokered an especially successful exchange that resulted in Public Law 480, in effect 1972 to 1979, in which Polish debt to the US was partially discharged by directing Polish materials to a number of American institutions. In 1963, Mrs. Wojcicka-Hoskins was awarded a Meritorious Service Award by the Library of Congress. She retired in 1989.

At the Polish Club, we are delighted to salute and support the efforts of The American Institute of Polish Culture. I am thankful to Lady Blanka Rosenstiel for establishing the Institute, and for Beata Paszyc and Lynne Schaefer for their efforts in promoting and sharing Polish heritage with the world. I look forward to seeing them in Miami at the Institute's next International Polonaise Ball.

More information about the Polish Club of Denver can be found on our website www.polishclubofdenver.com

A JOYFUL SEASON On Thursday, December 13, 2018, AIPC and the Chopin Foundation heralded in the Christmas season at our Miami offices. Over 60 guests chatted with friends, snacked on delicious Polish canapés and chocolates, sipped mellow wines and listened to charming piano recitals. Nel Velez-Paszyc, who is a regular performer at our holiday parties, treated us to a lively Christmas tune. Then pianist Robert Bronchard played both Polish and English Christmas caroles, inspiring the guests to happily sing along.

We also raff led some wonderful items - baskets filled with sweets, t-shirts, CD's, and vodka, tickets to a Chopin Salon Concert at the renowned LaGorce Country Club in Miami, and tickets to the 47th International Polonaise Brunch on February 10, 2019. The winners were thrilled -- they won great gifts for themselves and friends!

Ms. Eva Kordos, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Jolanta Brzozawski, Dr. Irena Sieminginowski

Ms. Maria Blacha, Mrs. Rose Kruszewski

Ms. Ewa Jaworska, Ms. Renata Ryan

Dr. Krystyna Bronchard, Nel Velez Paszyc, Mr. Robert Bronchard

Ms. Barbara Martin Stevens, Ms. Jacque Tuozzolo

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Mr. Zbigniew Slabicki

Mrs. Natalia Staszewski, Ms. Sasha Staszewski

Mrs. Eileen Hall, Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Ms. Iga Henderson

Mr. Bill Nigh, Ms. Phyllis Locker ADVERTISEMENT

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On June 1, 2019, LOT Polish Airlines launched a new non-stop route from Miami

to Warsaw that operates 4 days a week on the most cutting-edge aircraft in the world, the Boeing Dreamliner. The launch was celebrated with an inaugural flight ribbon cutting ceremony and a party that included local agents and LOT representatives.

With the launch of the Miami to Warsaw flight, passengers now have an additional option to easily connect to destinations beyond Poland. The Warsaw Chopin Airport is an efficient and competitive transfer hub for Poland and CEE - it has a well-designed flight network, fast transfers, convenient departure and arrival times, plus an optimal location in the center of Europe with user-friendly airport infrastructure. These

advantages enable LOT to guarantee extensive transfer opportunities and connectivity for the region.

LOT’s passengers can travel in the style that suits them best. Thanks to a wide range of seating classes, fares, products, and services, passengers have the opportunity to plan a journey that meets personal preferences with useful and helpful elements. This also makes LOT the firstchoice for a growing number of airline passengers in the region.

To book a LOT Polish Airlines flight, simply visit lot.com, call reservations at 212-789-0970, or contact your local travel agent. You choose the direction!

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Nel Velez-Paszyc, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel

Mrs. Julia Gessner, Maximillian Swietelsky, Mrs. Vivianne Swietelsky

EASTER PARTY TIME!

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We love a party here at the Institute. Along with the Chopin Foundation, AIPC hosted the annual Easter-Spring celebration in our offices on April 16, 2019. There were so many new faces among the 70+ guests which is rewarding. We encourage people to join the Institute and we enjoy seeing them at our events throughout the year.

This year we were pleased to once again welcome nine-year old Nel Velez-Paszyc who performed two lovely piano pieces

by Polish composers - Alexandre Tansman and Fryderyk Chopin - with precision and grace. Next up was Maximilian Swietelsky, a 16 year old pianist on the rise who is also a found-

ing member of Rising Stars Miami. His playing impressed the guests.

The raff le was a big hit with Polish sweets and other goodies, and free tickets to hear classical music at a high end venue, to enjoy a day at the Perez Art Museum or to attend a sumptuous Polonaise Ball brunch. Our office get-togethers owe much to the help of Institute friends and members. This year thanks go to Zbigniew Slabicki and Maria Blacha for their food and beverage expertise, and Agata Jacek, the energetic raff le master. It was a pleasure to see three generations of families and so many youngsters have another fun day with us.

Mr. William Kaufman, Ms. Iga Henderson, Mrs. Wanda Pryba

Children with Easter palms

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Guest, Mrs. Ela Piotrovsky, Mrs. Leda Kwiatek

Mrs. Anna Lukaszek-Guerrero, Mr. Ignacio Guerrero with their children

Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Mr. Robert Smith with Friend

Mrs. Natalie Staszewski, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mrs. Klaudia Juniewicz

Dr. Irena Sieminginiowska, Ms. Teresa Szezpanik

Maximillian Swietelsky

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THANKS TO OUR DONORS...

The Institute has been very blessed for 47 years because of the high caliber of people who support us with generous, thoughtful and much appreciated donations. We are truly fortunate to have so many wonderful people as dear friends and colleagues, and we are humbled by their kindness and good hearts. Thank you!

Donors in 2017 - 2018 Mrs. Ruby Bacardi Mrs. Joanna Benson, III Mr. Walter Chruscinski Mr. Chris Colon Count Paul Laszlo Gyula Brestyanszky & Countess Mila (Pawlowski) Cangelosi Brestyanszky Mr. Craig DeFrancisco Ms. Beata Drzazga Florida International University Ms. Sheila Gibbs Mrs. Eileen Hall Ms. Iga Henderson Mr. & Mrs. Zbigniew Klonowski

Mr. & Mrs. Mariusz Kotowski Mrs. Rose Kruszewski Ms. Janine Lennox Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Lowell Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski Mrs. Nadya Pearlman Mr. Ian C. Pilarczyk Mrs. Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk Ms. Anna Maria Porowski Drs. Marian & Maria Pospieszalski Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Skibicki Ms. Irena Szewiola Mrs. Kasia Zak-Szynakiewicz

Other Donors Lowell Foods Rosenstiel Foundation Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits StationAmerica 60 Million Congress

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

Aesop

AÂ SPECIAL THANK YOU...

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...to Mariusz Kotowski and Heidi Hutter

for their belief in what the Institute does and for generously being a part of our mis-

sion. Their substantial monetary gift to us in December 2018 has allowed us to en-

hance our lecture series at FIU, defray the

publishing costs for this issue of the Good News, and ensure that the 47th Interna-

tional Polonaise Ball in February 2019 was as exciting and glamorous as always. Mar-

1657 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33136

portant impact on AIPC and we are proud

VCB @ THE CITADEL 8300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33138

iusz and Heidi's philanthropy made an im-

to call them friends. Thank you both many times over!

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VOLUNTEERS

During 2018-2019, we relied on the skills and efforts of these terrific volunteers:

Volunteers are the 'angels' of many non-profit organizations and events. At AIPC, we rely on their dedication, skills and generous donation of their time which we believe are beyond measure and essential to our success. P consider becoming a volunteer for us. Typical duties include proofreading our publications, preparations for the Annual International Polonaise Ball, promoting Institute activities and events, recruiting new members and students for the scholarship program, and archiving documents and other materials. Volunteers are welcome to use the Institute's library and other educational resources. We support and appreciate the help from students who need intern/volunteer hours for their school. It's a winwin for us all!

Nadia Ashkenazi Mikolaj Bauer Maria Blacha Jonathan Brito Robert Bronchard Nathaniel Castallenos Luis DePrada Douglas Evans Agata Jacek Ewa Jaworska Eva Kordos Pablo Rafael Menendez

Barbara Muze Alex Okon Grzegorz Okon Sarah Okon Mery Olivera Michel Pawlowski Ela Piotrovsky Anna Porowska Zbigniew Slabicki Teresa Szczepanik Slawomir Szymczak Marek Tomecki

OUR INTERNS My name is Pablo Rafael Menendez. I live in Miami, but was born in El Salvador. I graduated high school in 2017 and became a full-time student at Florida International University majoring in International Relations. I consider myself a very driven person; I push myself harder every day in order to succeed in life while keeping in mind all the values and knowledge I have accumulated over the years. I thank Hon. Vice Consul Beata Paszyc and The American Institute of Polish Culture for the opportunity to work with them as an intern to learn and grow, not only as a student but as a future professional.

Robert Bronchard is currently a doctoral student at the University of Miami where he studies classical piano performance and pedagogy.

In his free time, Robert is an active volunteer/ intern at The American Institute of Polish Culture. He helps organize and prepare for annual events such as the Christmas and Easter parties, and performs on the piano for AIPC members. Robert was also involved in organizing the welcome parties for the 2019 “Dar Mlodziezy” tall ship's Ft. Lauderdale visit, as well serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the annual International Polonaise Ball in February 2019.

"I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.”

Please call if you would like to donate some of your time.

We would love to see you!

Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1926)

Contact: (305) 864-2349 or director@ampolinstitute.org

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We believe great places contribute to the sum of human happiness.

Find Paderewski His Journey Home in paperback or Kindle on Amazon.com and on paderewskibook.com

Tel: 917-780-0257 plgosia@yahoo.com

MALGORZATA TIGHILT

English ↔ Polish Translator / Writer NY Court Certified Interpreter Certified Medical Interpreter

THANK YOU MEMBERS! September 2018 - October 2019

Our members are truly the backbone of our organization!

We thank you all for being part of our past and part of our future.

We are proud that our members continue to be interested and excited contributors in the Institute's programs and collaborations. Currently we have a great mix of old and new friends and colleagues who inspire us to keep doing what we have been doing for 47 years. Their support and generosity allows us to bridge generations and nations by promoting Polish heritage and helping to build a strong Polish presence in America.

We are especially thrilled that the guests of our Annual International Polonaise Ball and Brunch automatically become members when they purchase tickets to these fantastic events. We love that many are from the United States and that those from Europe, South America and other parts of the world are growing in number every year. Their participation at this glamorous fundraising weekend is a testament that events like this are needed and appreciated.

For only $50 per individual and $75 per family (that is about 20 cents a day), you will be part of almost five decades of promoting Polonia and the vast accomplishments of Poles. Invite your family and friends. Be part of our thriving, wellestablished and prestigious organization.

Visit our website at www.ampolinstitute.org or send us a check to become a member.

Membership contributions and donations are tax-deductible.

THE CIRCLE OF GIVING "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

Author unknown A personal favorite of Lady Blanka, this quote is a simple yet eloquent sentiment for a life of giving back. It is a truth that Lady Blanka strives to live by and it clearly defines what she envisioned for The American Institute of Polish Culture when it was founded in 1972. The numerous educational and cultural programs presenting new ideas and scholarship that the Institute has offered for over four decades, stand as a testament to a lifelong commitment in giving that lifts others up and brings untold benefits to thousands of people.

But the Institute's mission could not have been achieved without the truly generous support of friends and members who opened their hearts and never thought twice about giving. Their contributions have ensured that AIPC can continue with current programs and events, and continue to develop new ones that enrich so many lives. Programs such as the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU and

the and the fund created for Polish Studies at the University of Virginia, the Kosciuszko Chair at IWP, the publications and special projects, and the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund continue to flourish. All of these worthy programs are made possible by our largest fundraiser, the annual International Polonaise Ball, membership dues, and donations we receive from around the world.

Another way to contribute is through an individual's estate planning. Once a family's needs have been taken care of in a will, a thoughtful bequest to the Institute would be deeply appreciated. Bequests are critically important to AIPC; they provide a source of support that is not subject to fluctuations in the economy and are essential to the future of our work. Bequests come from individuals whose belief in what we do has always been integral to our success. By creating an endless circle of giving, we all leave a legacy of hope, passion and love for future generations.

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a national research center devoted to Polish and Polish American affairs. It is also a United States Census Information Center (CIC) and is certified by the Department of Homeland Security as an Immigrant Assistance site.

With gratitude to Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Founder and President The American Institute of Polish Culture  Member of the Board of Directors Polish Assistance

Contact the Piast Institute for:

Notary Research Coalition Building Immigration Services Help with 2020 Census Count Trip to Poland May 2020 Biliteracy Exam in Polish Language Development of public programs Antidefamation, to counter inaccurate or defamatory information about Poland, Poles, or Polish Americans.

11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI

313.733.4535

www.PiastInstitute.org

POLISH ASSISTANCE 15 East 65th Street, New York, New York 10065 ,Tel. 212-570-5560

www.polishassistance.org Thank you for your support We provide assistance to persons of Polish origin who are at risk or needy

To donate www.polishassistance.org

The Jan Karski Educational Foundation invites all people interested in Polish history to read the award-winning graphic novel Karski’s Mission: To Stop the Holocaust (Jan Karski Educational Foundation, 2015), based on the true story of Jan Karski (1914-2000), a Polish Catholic and member of the Polish Underground during World War II. Karski risked his life to carry his eyewitness account of the ongoing slaughter of the Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland to Allied leaders. The fast-paced narration by Dr. Rafael Medoff and engaging illustrations by Dean Motter will appeal especially to middle, high school and college students, as well as to those who want to expand their knowledge about the legendary emissary, the Holocaust, and European history. We offer the book at a discounted price, in two language versions, English and Polish.

For more information, visit our website at www.jankarski.net. To order, please contact us at info@jankarski.net.

The mission of the Jan Karski Educational Foundation is to instill in people – especially youth – the values of leadership, courage, and integrity, as exemplified by the life of Jan Karski, through educational programs, including: promoting books, movies, and exhibitions about Karski; sponsoring participation of young Polish scholars and civil servants in the Georgetown Leadership Seminar; honoring those who demonstrate the values represented by Karski with the Spirit of Jan Karski Award; organizing and participating in conferences and panel discussions to advance understanding and cooperation between Poles and Jews; educating Americans about Polish history, particularly Poland’s contributions to the Allied effort in World War II.

The American Institute of Polish Culture Membership and Contributions Title (Please check one): Mr.

Mrs. Miss Ms. Dr. Other:

First Name

Last Name

Address City

State_______________ Zip ______________

Home Phone ______________ Work Phone ____________ Cell Phone ______________ Fax ______________________ Email

Membership

Tax Exempt Donations Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law

Yearly Membership Fees (tax deductible) Please check one:

 Student

free

 Individual

$50

 Family

$75

Membership includes a free copy of the Good News publication, a discount on books published by AIPC, member-only open-houses and announcements for all cultural events organized by the Institute.

(in the following categories) Please check one:

 Patron  Benefactor  Sponsor  Super Sponsor  Other Amount

$150 $500 $1,000 $2,000 $ ______

Please designate the amount and the programs which you would like your donation to fund:

 40th Anniversary Chronicle  Polish Lecture Series at FIU  Publication Fund  Visiting Professors Fund  Special Projects Fund  Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund at AIPC

$ _________ $ _________ $ _________ $ _________ $ _________ $ _________

 Blanka Rosenstiel Scholarship at

The Fund for American Studies $ _________

Many of our supporters have remembered AIPC in their will while also providing for their family. A bequest will provide the continuing financial support necessary for AIPC to further its mission. For more information about charitable giving, please do not hesitate to call.

Signature ________________________________________ Date____________________________ Please make checks payable to: The American Institute of Polish Culture, Inc. 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33141, Tel: 305.864.2349, info@ampolinstitute.org www. ampolinstitute.org

DUES, DONATIONS and ALL OTHER PAYMENTS CAN NOW BE MADE ON OUR WEBSITE

FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE AIPC has published about Polish culture, history, science and ties with other naForseveral Yourbooks Reading Pleasure tions that are part of libraries, homes, schools and organizations across America. Every title listed below is available from us or in Kindle version through Members AIPC in hashardcover published several books about Polish culture, history, Amazon. science and ties with other nations that are part of will receive a 40% discount on the prices listed when purchasing from us by using this form or libraries, homes, schools and organizations across America. Every title listed below is available in hardcover from us via our website, ampolinstitute.org. or in Kindle version through Amazon. Members will receive a 40% discount on the prices listed when purchasing Each of these books reflect a love Poland, her website, people and the contributions that they have from us by using this of form or via our ampolinstitute.org. made the world over. You can learn about the great 19th century writer, Joseph Conrad, who was Each ofand these booksnovels reflectand a love of Poland, people and the contributions that they have made the world over. a beloved son of Poland whose short storiesher remain international classics today. th century writer, Joseph Conrad, who was a beloved You can learn about the great 19 Who has not heard of Maria Skłodowska Curie? Her research into radioactivity and her discov-son of Poland and whose novels and short stories international classics today.the Who has not of Maria Skłodowska Curie? Her research eries of the important elements ofremain polonium and radium changed world.

For heard over 600 years, radioactivity and discoveries of the important elements of poloniumand andthere radium changed the world. For over the Black Madonnainto of Częstochowa hasher imbued her believers with a sense of protection 600 years, the Black Madonna of Częstochowa has imbued her believers with a sense of protection and there have have been many stories about this iconic image throughout the ages. And a great Polish statesbeen many stories about this iconic image throughout the ages. And a great Polish statesman's sage advice is man’s sage advice is beautifully presented in a handsome volume worthy of the words of wisdom beautifully presented in a handsome volume worthy of the words of wisdom that are said to have inspired President that are said to have inspired President Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson.

Add to your own book collection, help young students broaden their horizons, or donate to a local library. Your purchases will go toward the Institute’s commitment to provide of wonderful and or cultural universities Add ongoing to your own book collection, help a variety young students broadeneducational their horizons, donateprograms to a localatlibrary.

Your and in cities across America.

We are dedicated to the investing in a future with knowledge and and we believe you are too! purchases will go toward Institute's ongoingfilled commitment to provide a beauty, variety of wonderful educational and cultural programs at universities and in cities across America. We are dedicated to investing in a future filled with knowledge and beauty, and believe you are “I assure youweto leave offtoo! reading was like tearing myself

away from the shelter of an old and solid friendship.”

“I assure you to leave off reading was like tearing myself away from the shelter of an old and solid friendship.”

Joseph Conrad Joseph Conrad (1857-1924)

I am interested in learning more of Poland's history and culture.

Please send the following book(s) to me at the address below. Thank you!

The Saga of A Nation, 5 volume set, by Pawel Jasienica: The Piast Poland - out of print; Kindle version available only through Amazon.com Jagiellonian Poland I. The Silver Age II. Calamity of the Realm III. The Tale of Agony Boxed set of The Saga of A Nation - very limited - only a few left Conrad and His Contemporaries, by J.J. Retinger Madame Curie-Daughter of Poland, by Robert Woznicki Meetings with the Madonna, by Jan Dobraczynski Polish Contributions to Latin American Culture, by E.S. Urbanski The Accomplished Senator, by Wawrzyniec Goslicki - gilded volume The Accomplished Senator, by Wawrzyniec Goslicki - no gilding The Constitutions of Poland and of the U.S., by Joseph Kasparek-Obst; Kindle version available only through Amazon.com The Polish Presence in America by Julian Zebrowski; Kindle version not available at this time True Heroes of Jamestown, by Arthur Leonard Waldo - out of print; Kindle version available only through Amazon.com Sub-Total Discount TOTAL PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING AND HANDLING, so please call us for information before you place your order

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ALL OUR BOOKS CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE AT www.ampolinstitute.org Mail your order to The American Institute of Polish Culture 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33141 Or fax it to 305-864-5150 or email to info@ampolinstitute.org If you have any questions, please call 305-864-2349

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