GOOD NEWS MIAMI, FLORIDA
The American Institute of Polish Culture
2014-2015
"Have a heart and look into your heart"
The American Institute of Polish Culture, Inc. Mrs. Blanka A. Rosenstiel founded the American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) in 1972 as a non-profit, tax-exempt Florida Corporation. The aims of the Institute are 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, educational and artistic contributions of PolishAmericans. For over forty years our endeavors have received support from our members, donors, the enthusiastic participation of other ethnic groups in the community, and the friendly cooperation of the press, all of which have helped to strengthen our leading role in the cultural life of the community. AIPC will continue being a catalyst in promoting knowledge about Poland and PolishAmericans nationwide. Ongoing programs include: Each year, the Harriet Irsay Scholarship, established in 1992, awards ten to fifteen talented students $1,000 grants each. All majors and areas of study are considered and many applicants are of Polish descent. AIPC has awarded close to $300,000 in grants to worthy students over the last two decades. In 1998, the Institute spearheaded the establishment of the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the University of Virginia, for research and education and sponsorship of visiting scholars. In 2008, the Chair moved to the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. AIPC has sponsored hundreds of lectures at educational facilities throughout the years. As a result of four decades of collaboration with Florida International University (FIU) the Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland was established there in Miami in 2010. Lecture themes have included globalization, art, music, politics and economics. AIPC also established the ongoing lecture series at CREEES (Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies) at the University of Virginia in 2005. The annual International Polonaise Ball serves as the main fundraiser for the Institute and is attended by guests from around the world. Each year themes explore the cultural ties between Poland and other countries, such as Spain, India, Greece, Japan, Great Britain, Argentina, and Brazil. Gold Medals recipients have included President Lech Walesa; Dr. Andrew Schally, Nobel Prize laureate in medicine; James Michener, author; Senator Barbara Mikulski; David Ensor, war correspondent and journalist; and Professor Norman Davies, historian. Film: Polish film is a growing presence in international moviemaking, and AIPC helps to foster that growth in the U.S. by bringing contemporary Polish filmmakers and their work to Miami in collaboration with international film festivals. Many of the films have won major awards and some were screened for the first time in the U.S. Art: The Institute has long been a champion of fine and contemporary Polish and Polish-American art, and has sponsored and organized several solo and group shows. For example, our historical exhibit, Perspektywa Polska, traveled nationwide to museums, universities for over 25 years. Publications: AIPC has translated and published many books 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. Publications are also available online, www.ampolinstitute.org
Board of Directors Officers/Directors Founder, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Blanka A. Rosenstiel Vice President Barbara Cooper Secretary and Treasurer Dr. Jerzy Kyparisis Directors Agnieszka Gray Monika Jablonska-Chodakiewicz Steven Karski Janusz Kozlowski Rose Kruszewski Christopher Kurczaba Danuta Kyparisis Teresa Lowenthal Alexander Montague Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk Dr. Pat Riley Jaroslaw Rottermund Jacek Schindler Inga Luksza Senis Marjorie Sonderling Loretta Swit Executive Director Beata Paszyc Committee Chairmen Fundraising Barbara Cooper Nominating Blanka A. Rosenstiel Polish Studies Chair Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski Scholarship Jaroslaw Rottermund Honorary Members Michael Gastrom Astrid de Grabowski Edward Kruszewski Advisory Board Dr. Horacio Aguirre Hon. Maurice Ferre Mercedes Ferre Prof. Tadeusz Lapinski Dr. Tully Patrowicz
Message from the President Dear Members and Friends, As I write this letter to you, I am filled with gratitude and love for all the blessings that both I and the Institute have received during the past 43 years. We have achieved so much over the years and I would like to think we have made a positive impact in the world. We endeavor to stay current with the educational programs we offer and the scholars and experts who present them, and our cultural events highlight contemporary and sometimes controversial themes. Our success is largely due to the people who have been part of this organization in one way or another, and who have inspired the creativity and scholarship of what AIPC is all about. We have been incredibly fortunate in having so many wonderful people believe in what we do and support us through all the inevitable ups and downs of their lives, the sometimes shaky economy and the ever-evolving needs and interests of the world. There are really no words that can thank you enough for your generous hearts in giving us the financial means to accomplish the Institute's goals every year. Many thanks and words of gratitude go to Beata Paszyc, our Executive Director for the last 16 years, and Lynne Schaefer, Executive Assistant, for their creative spirits, strong work ethics and positive attitudes. With this issue of Good News we want to celebrate those who are living the life they want to live, who have the passion and drive to accomplish what they want to do and who possess the courage to go into unknown territories to realize their dreams. We selected a few people who have made an impression on us, whether by serving the Institute in some capacity or by building a dream into reality. So many Poles in America have made important advancements in their chosen field. We are, after all, a tenacious and resilient people - our centuries long history is proof of that. If we put our minds to something there is no end in sight for what we can accomplish! This year has brought deep sadness with the passing of four long time friends and members, one who was with us from the beginning in 1972. Their contributions are immeasurable and all are truly missed. I also personally experienced a profound loss when my beloved brother died in October 2014. Waldemar was by my side through all the years of developing a budding idea into the Institute we are today, and his insightfulness and knowledge were invaluable. I am truly grateful for the outpouring of kind and caring words from so many friends, and all the wonderful memories they shared with me. I know that every change marks the beginning of new opportunities and it is a comfort looking forward to the possibilities, people and passions we will continue to have in our lives. But life-changing events should also make us stop and appreciate what we have, where we are, and who we know. For that, I, and AIPC, are better for knowing each and every one of you, and are humbled beyond words that you have been part of what we have been doing over the years. With continued gratitude,
You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late. Ralph Waldo Emerson 1
Good News 2014-2015
Credits
Contents
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher: Executive Editor: Assistant Editor: Printed By:
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Beata Paszyc Lynne Schaefer StationAmerica, Miami, FL
Proofreading: Barbara Muze Graphic Design: Amanda Orr
Beata Paszyc
Lynne Schaefer
Front & Back Cover: Designed & photographed by Beata Paszyc. Shot in Miami, FL. Quote on front by Adam Mickiewicz Contributing Researchers and Writers: Dr. Peter Bogucki, Isabel Brador, Christine Caly-Sanchez, Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz, Jadwiga Gewert; Dr. Jack Hutchens, Dr. Piotr H. Kosicki; Matthew Kwasiborski; Beata Paszyc; Dorota Peszkowska, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel; Prof. Jeffrey Rossman, Lynne Schaefer; Pawel P. Styrna All articles, including Did you know..., not given a by-line were researched and written by:
Beata Paszyc
Student Essays:
Barbara Grabiarz
Photography:
Bartosz Branka Photography Betty Alvarez Beata Paszyc Sebastian A. Sobieszczanski
Camilla Ostrzycki
Lynne Schaefer
Amber Stahmer Alex Gort
Sources: The following resources were used for research and photos. For a detailed list, please contact our office. Adam Mickiewicz University; American Airlines Arena; The Autumn Man by Albert Slugocki (2013); The Chopin Foundation of the United States, Inc.; cosmopolitanreview.com; ELITA; Embassy of the Republic of Poland; Florida International University; Miami HEAT; Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science; The Fund for American Studies; The Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at The Institute of World Politics; The Walt Disney Studios; University of Florida; University of Virginia Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREEES); Wikipedia
Distribution:
The American Institute of Polish Culture, Inc. 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 Miami, Florida 33141 (305) 864-2349 http://www.ampolinstitute.org
Co-Sponsored By:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland The Embassy of the Republic of Poland
2015 Š 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 Message from the President 3 From the Heart... 5 Legacy of Sacrifice 6 Art of Doing Good 8 Harriet Irsay Scholarship 11 Board of Directors Meeting 13 Kosciuszko Chair 17 Polish Nights at AA Arena 19 "The Pianist" 20 A Life in Service to Others 23 Poland and Ukrainian Crisis 24 Consular Information 26 Consular Gatherings 27 Scientific Achievement Award 28 Polish Lectures at UVa 29 Christopher Columbus 30 Polish Movies are a Hit 32 Poland's Earliest Farmers 35 FIU Goes to UAM 37 Europe Week at FIU 39 PANGEA Magazine 41 43rd International Polonaise Ball 51 Entrepreneurial Spirit 53 Circle of Giving 55 Last Goodbyes 57 King of the Commercials 59 Polish Studies at UF 61 Dance in My Heart 63 Polish Students at AIPES 65 Joyful Christmas 68 Chopin Foundation 71 What Has Poland Been Up To 72 Polish Artists and Their Influence 73 Easter Spring Celebration 74 ELITA Artistic Enterprises 78 Passenger in Cabin 45 79 Mickey Mouse and Stokowski 80 Volunteers 81 New Members 82 Thanks to Our Donors 83 Delve Into a Book 84 AIPC Membership
From the Heart... The
Goods in Good News
Beata Paszyc Executive Director
It is very gratifying to present to you a new issue of the Good News magazine. This is the 16th one I have had the pleasure of designing and preparing. Every year we try to focus on an underlying theme, a topic that is prevalent throughout the pages. Last year it was embracing the past that took us through many historical anniversaries so important to Poland and the world; in earlier years we featured topics such as Polish spas, national parks and opera. This issue of Good News features articles about people who have followed their passion, their bliss, their calling, their heart. The inspiration for this year's theme was knowing personally so many people who have achieved success in life, not necessarily monetarily, but success in living happy and fulfilled lives. And I did not need to look far for this inspiration, because Lady Blanka epitomizes a life of passion and following a dream. Her unbreakable love for Poland and sharing the cultural and historical heritage Poles have given to the US and the world for over 40 years stands as a testament to living a life of fulfillment. Her dedication and clear vision is admirable and an example to follow in making your own dreams come true. Hard work, perseverance, determination and an undeniable charm have all certainly helped to build her accomplished life of service. But perhaps most important, Lady Blanka's devotion to her passion came from her heart. Words of gratitude and thanks go to her for enriching our lives with unforgettable events, cultural and educational programs. I hope reading articles in the following pages is like meeting the artists, scientists, businessmen, scholars and students in person. All of these people have one thing in common - that passion, that love, that drive, that enthusiasm and belief in what they are doing. They have discovered their purpose and live it fully. I encourage all of you to Find, Follow and Cultivate it. Whatever you do, DO it from the Heart. With love,
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A Legacy of Sacrifice By Isabel Brador citizens have commemorated this important event by painting murals, spontaneously singing at soccer stadiums and other such public displays. In step with Chodakiewicz’s lecture, the film brought to life both the past and the present. While parts of the film focused on a group of fictional teenagers participating in the very real drama of the insurrection, other parts honed in on the dilemma current Polish citizens face in balancing the commemoration of the past with the progress of the future. The producers of the film further reinforced the dual focus on past and present by incorporating contemporary hip-hop culture throughout the film. In an interview after the event, Chodakiewicz commented on how the themes of the Polish insurrection discussed in the film were still applicable to modern-day viewers, “This story has a universal dimension of sacrifice. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a spectacular type of a sacrifice where you face a Nazi tank with a gasoline bottle, but a sacrifice of a different type. You go to the beach and pick up garbage… You go and serve in the soup kitchen. You help.”
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he Miami-Florida European Union Center of Excellence (MEUCE) commemorated the 1944 Warsaw Insurrection by presenting a special event on September 25, 2014 which included the showing of the film The August Sky: 63 Days of Glory as well as a lecture by Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz. Dr. Chodakiewicz, a professor of history at the Kościuszko Chair in Polish Studies at the Institute of World Politics in Washington D.C., introduced the film by providing historical context for the Polish insurrection of 1944. He also discussed how the commemoration of the insurrection affects contemporary culture in Poland. He discussed instances where Polish
In the same interview, Chodakiewicz also added on how practicing this self-sacrifice contributed to the overall quality of life for the practitioner, “We live in the era of mass politics under the dictatorship of pleasure. There [in the film] you had kids who sacrificed. I’m sure in many places, when the time comes, teenagers, no matter what their background, will step up. Like Aristotle taught us, the unexamined life is not worth living; we’re not vegetables, we’re human beings.” Dr. Chodakiewicz has published various monographs and scholarly articles in Polish and English. These monographs reflect his interests in WW II, 19th and 20th century Europe, intellectual tradition, extremist movements and comparative civilizations among other topics. The event was part of the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland and was also sponsored by the American Institute of Polish Culture and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland.
What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. - Albert Pine
Ms. Beata Paszyc, Prof. Stanislaw Wnuk, Dr. John Stack, Mrs. Alicja Schoonover, Mr. Albert Slugocki, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Ms. Christine Caly-Sanchez, Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz
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The Art of Doing Good I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another. - Thomas Jefferson
By Beata Paszyc
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agree with Thomas Jefferson, but if its true that doing good makes our minds feel good, then why do we not see more goodness and kindness on TV, in the movies, books and articles, on the web and interactions of everyday life? Why is doing good not glorified to the level it should be, while the heinous deeds of murders and crooks find a place in the news and is broadcasted all over the world? The eternal battle of good and evil has always been part of the human condition. It has been written about in antiquity, it has boggled the minds of philosophers and scholars, and has been the central theme of endless stories, plays, songs, prayers and everyday conversations since the beginning of Time. I always felt that doing good was simply ‘good,’ that a good deed was something enriching, that a simple gesture of helping an elderly person was a respect shown to them, that giving a helping hand was like lighting a flame of hope to those who needed it most. I was brought up this way. My parents told me to be good, be kind, be compassionate, and be hungry for knowledge because it will set your mind free. They were so right! I live by this maxim and it really feels great.
Recently, I read an article in which Stephen Post, author of the book, Why Good Things Happen to Good People, revealed that new science shows giving -- money or time -- not only feels just as good as getting, but can actually improve your health. "Giving is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver. We'll be happier, healthier, and even -- odds are -- live a little longer if we're generous," Post said. "Public health isn't just about bugs and staying away from lead. It's about doing unto others and at the right dose. Science says it's very good for you."
There is a lot of evidence available nowadays that indicates that working at having a happy mind is the best thing you could do to yourself. By being generous and by committing yourself to a cause lifts your spirit, your heart beats more regularly, you explore things that calm you, and you avoid toxicities all around. Not only that, kindness is good to the giver and the recipient, and is also good to the observer of the act. I knew it intuitively before I studied philosophy. Since I was a little girl I was raised to be thoughtful, I was taught kindness and that doing good deeds were important. I instinctively knew
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deep inside that if I did something good it would lift somebody and it would make me feel good too. The trick was to do it and not talk about it. Not to bask in the glory of being a wonderfully kind or a generous person. The Art of Being Good is DOING good and not TALKING about it. I found the way to do it successfully was to do good daily in some way for family, friends and strangers. And to myself. If you need guidance I offer you a challenge… Each day wake up grateful for the day ahead, even if you slept poorly and feel groggy. Be positive whether its sunshine or rain. On your way to work, school or a store, smile to everyone you see. You never know how your smile can elevate somebody's mood. Each day help somebody - your child, friend, spouse, an elderly person. Teach a child something new, explain or show them something interesting. Call a friend and have a meaningful conversation, even just for 3 minutes. Listen, really listen to what they tell you. Do not cut them off or finish their sentences. Visit or call your parents if you are blessed to still have them and tell them
you love them. Tell them you understand how much they have done for you and that you value their advice and are grateful for their lives. Hug your child, be patient with your child, do not scream at them when frustrated. Screaming will not help, it can leave a wound on their psyche. Instead count to 10 and say to yourself, "Don’t sweat small stuff; it’s just small stuff." E-mail or Skype a friend who is far away and tell them that the distance between you does not diminish the intensity and strength of your friendship. Keep your friendships alive, for your friends are truly your found treasures. Dr. Wayne Dyer, an internationally renowned author and speaker in the fields of self-
development and spiritual growth, and author of over 40 books, including 20 The New York Times bestsellers, once said, " Your friends are God's way of apologizing for your family." Funny but often true, so appreciate them. And then appreciate them some more. At work pay a compliment to your boss, be kind to your coworker, hold the door for a stranger. When shopping say something nice to a cashier in a store. Forgive those who wronged you. Do not take on a heavy baggage of blame, guilt and hurt. These feelings have only been conceived by your brain and show up in moments of anxiety or sadness. We all have these moments, but it is best to not let them affect and infect you. Get
When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way.
There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart …pursue those.
rid of this ballast, like a sailor gets rid of unnecessary weight - sail light and free through the sea of life. Have a blast with your friends, give yourself 15 minutes a day just for you time. Daydream, soak in a nice bath, do some gentle yoga, take a quiet moment to meditate, read or write, exercise or just go out and about and look around and marvel of what universe has to offer. Whatever it is, do it with love for yourself because if you don’t, you won't be able to spread the good for others. Learn the art of doing good from being good to yourself. Be good to your body and soul. The Art of being GOOD will be good to you too.
NOTHING IS
IMPOSSIBLE,
THE WORD ITSELF SAYS "I'M POSSIBLE"! -AUDREY HEPBURN
Dr. Wayne Dyer
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Harriet Irsay Scholarship "I wanted to give something to people of Polish descent, so they would be able to improve themselves through education. We should help our own people, just like other nations help their students." - Harriet Irsay
About Harriet Irsay
Scholarship History
Mrs. Harriet Irsay, born Jadwiga Pogorzelski, was a member of the American Institute of Polish Culture in Miami, Florida, since its inception in 1972. Soon after that, she joined the Board of Directors where she remained until 2008. In 1992, she established the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund as part of the Institute's ongoing efforts to foster education and culture in America. Irsay, whose family owned the Indianapolis Colts since the 1970's, funded many charitable causes. This scholarship is a tribute to her Polish roots.
Since 1992, the Scholarship Committee of the American Institute of Polish Culture has awarded scholarships to over 230 talented American students of Polish descent. Within the last few years, the Institute broadened the scope of majors and other requirements with the intent of reaching a larger population of students. 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.
The Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to American students, preferably of Polish heritage, who wish to continue their education after high school and through college. With an eye toward the future and the distribution of information regarding Polish culture, history and people, the grants are given to students from a variety of majors and academic disciplines. Since the launch of the program, over $300,000 has been awarded to students from all over the country.
For the academic year 2014/15, AIPC awarded 16 scholarship grants valued at $1,000 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. Once again, we congratulate all the winners and wish them well in their future educational endeavors.
“I am still learning.”
Mrs. Isray passed away in July 2008, but her legacy remains with the contributions she made of over a quarter million dollars. She is greatly missed and remembered for her generosity.
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Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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. Please 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 us for more information. To contribute to the Scholarship Fund, please see the Contribution Form at the back of this publication.
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Scholarship Recipients Academic year 2014 – 2015
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14. 1. Nola Rae Berish, University of Tampa, History; 2. Robert Borowik, Marquette University, Education; 3. Paul Brazinski, Catholic University of America, Theology & Education (Ph.D.); 4. Magdalena Callahan, Mansfield University, Psychology; 5. Kelley Ebersole, California State Channel Islands, Fisheries (Ph.D.); 6. Barbara Grabiarz, NY School of Visual Arts, Fine Arts; 7. Natalia Kurpiel, College of Holy Cross, Neuroscience (Pre-Med); 8. Aleksandra Majka; University of Chicago, Economics; 9. Marcin Marszalek, Simmons, Archive Management & History; 10. Edyta Materka, Harvard Davis Center for Russ. and Eurasian Studies, Research Fellow: "Kombinacja"; 11. Camilla Ostrzycki, Pace University, Fine Arts; 12. Aleksandra Podowski, Illinois Institute of Technology, Biology; 13. Patrycja Sporschill, Loyola, Marketing; 14. Amber Stahmer, Western Michigan University, Education Pictures not available: Marek Luczak; Columbia College Chicago, Cinematic Arts & Science; Bianka Ukleja, Yale, Eastern European Studies 9
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Scholarship Requirements Fields:
Required materials:
Must be attending school full-time in the US for studies such as: • Communication • Education • Film • Music • History • International Relations • Journalism • Liberal Arts • Polish Studies • Public Relations • Graduate students in business programs whose thesis is directly related to Poland • Graduate students in all majors whose thesis is on a Polish subject • Scholarships are awarded on a merit basis to full time undergraduates or graduates who are American citizens or permanent residents, preferably of Polish heritage.
• Completed application • Original school transcript(s) sent directly from the school • Detailed resume or CV • An essay “Why I Should Receive the Scholarship” (200-400 words) • An original article written by the applicant on any subject about Poland (up to 700 words) • 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 nonrefundable processing fee
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“Knowledge is love and light and vision.”
Helen Keller (1880-1968)
ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS MUST BE IN OUR OFFICES NO LATER THAN JUNE 30th EACH YEAR NO EXCEPTIONS PLEASE The decision will be made by September 1ST each year. All applicants will be notified by mail of their status as soon as possible after that date. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 305-864-2349 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 self-addressed 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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Board of Directors Meeting
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applications were received and from the completed applications, 16 students were selected to receive a $1,000 grant. Articles placed in Polish newspapers were very helpful in bringing attention to our scholarship. He and Janusz Kozlowski will continue pursuing new ways to advertise the scholarship's availability and to solicit submissions from a broader spectrum of students and schools in the United States. Other members echoed the commitment to spread the word as well.
he Board of Directors’ meeting was held on April 9, 2015 in the American Institute of Polish Culture offices. Lady Blanka Rosenstiel welcomed the Board members and thanked everyone for their support. She formally introduced the newly elected Board members - Ms. Loretta Swit, Ms. Monika Jablonska and Dr. Michel Pawlowski. All three are very dynamic professional people with a worldwide network of friends and colleagues, and each will bring new perspectives, expertiseand experiences to the table. Lady Blanka then went on to discuss how fun the past year's holiday parties were and her hopes that even more guests will attend both the Christmas and Easter gatherings in the coming year.
Mr. Rottermund also discussed the sales of the Institutepublished books during the past year. Certain titles, such as the Black Madonna, continue to sell fairly well while other titles sell occasionally.
After the Minutes from the 2014 meeting were approved, Chris Garvin, a financial advisor for UBS who is managing AIPC special accounts, briefly discussed the financial statement of the Institute. He talked about what UBS has accomplished over the prior six months, and how UBS plans to grow the finances for the organization. Mr. Garvin encouraged Board members who did not pay membership dues to not only to fulfill this obligation, but to enroll their friends and family as Institute members. He reminded everyone that for the last 43 years, Lady Blanka has been the major financial donor for the Institute, and he stressed the importance of supporting an organization whose mission is to promote Polish heritage.
Beata Paszyc, Executive Director of AIPC, outlined the projects and activities the Institute presented during 2014/2015. The first topic was the Institute's largest fundraiser, the International Polonaise Ball. The 43rd Annual Ball, held on February 7, 2015 at the Eden Roc Hotel, was a big success. In celebration of Poland Fascinated with Brazil, the decor, music, entertainment, dancing and food were a hit. Ms. Paszyc thanked the Board members who financially contributed to the Ball’s success; however, she noted that the rising costs of putting on such a high-end, glamorous fundraiser prevents the Institute from making a large profit. She once again challenged the Board to become more involved by encouraging new sponsors and giving generously, with the goal in mind that the 44th Annual Ball will double the net funds raised for the Institute’s mission.
The Harriet Irsay Scholarship report was presented by Jaroslaw Rottermund. During the 2014/2015 academic year, 32
Think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege.
- John D. Rockefeller
Mrs. Barbara Cooper, Mr. Chris Garvin, Mr. Steve Karski, Mr. Jarek Rottermund, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Dr. Jerzy Kyparisis, Mr. Janusz Kozlowski, Mrs. Danuta Kyparisis, Dr. Michel Pawlowski, Mrs. Monika Jablonska-Chodakiewicz
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Ms. Paszyc also presented the ongoing functions of the Institute, such as creating and publishing the Good News, keeping the website current, posting regular updates on Facebook, ensuring that there are volunteers available to staff events when needed, and the importance of increasing new membership while maintaining the Institute’s valued curwe can rent membership. She explained that our books have been donated during do so little; the year, and how this helps keep AIPC together we in the public eye and is so appreciated by schools, organizations and libraries.
Ms. 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 School of International and Public Affairs. There were five very well attended and received events presented for the 2014/2015 academic year: Alone
• Showing of the documentary John Paul II: I was looking for you and a lively Q & A • Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz (Institute of World Politics, Wash. DC) lectured on the Warsaw can do so much. Uprising 1944 and showed the film August In closing, Ms. Paszyc thanked the Board Sky: 63 Days of Glory - Helen Keller members for all of their help and encour• Showing of Roman Polanski's film The Pianist • Author Manuel Rosa presented his controversial book, aged them to be as proactive as possible in getting more Columbus the Unknown Story people involved in the organization. • Krzysztof Jasiewicz lectured about “Ukraine, Polish Perspective” The final agenda item was a selection of the next Ball’s theme, and all were in agreement that a tribute to China's In addition, we renewed our collaboration with Miami Inrich, cultural heritage would be perfect. ternational Film Festival and featured two Polish films that were completely sold out! Lady Blanka adjourned the meeting.
Prestigious Recognition! It gives us a great pleasure to announce that Mrs. Barbara Cooper, the Vice President of AIPC, received the Cavalier’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. The ceremony took place on April 30, 2015 at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago and Consul General Paulina Kapuścińska presented Barbara with this prestigious distinction. The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland is bestowed or approved by the President of Poland on foreigners and Polish citizens permanently living abroad, who by their activities have made outstanding contributions to international cooperation and to bonds between the Republic of Poland and other nations and countries. Barbara is not only known for her charitable efforts by helping AIPC in Miami, but she has also been instrumental in sending medical equipment and technical help to clinics and hospitals in Poland for over 30 years.
Barbara has played an important role in meeting Institute goals for many years. We are so pleased she has been recognized with this esteemed award!
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Kosciuszko Chair in 2014-2015 By Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz and Paweł P. Styrna
Introduction During the academic year 2014-2015 the fruit of the labors of The Institute of World Politics (IWP) in general, and the Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies (KC) in particular, included many notable achievements, such as: • The co-editing of a document collection on the Polish anti-Nazi, anti-Soviet underground resistance movement during WWII. • The publication of eleven articles and book reviews, on both historical and geopolitical topics. • Five newspaper or television interviews. • Two major conferences on Polish and Central and Eastern European history, culture, and politics, in addition to a Kościuszko Chair Military Lecture. • Organizing four Intermarium Series Lectures and co-sponsoring two additional presentations on topics related to the Intermarium region. • Delivering eight more lectures or presentations at venues outside of IWP, including the Polish Museum in Chicago; the Second Polonia Forum; Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS); the US Army Europe Senior Leaders Forum; the Polish American Historical Association annual conference; and Yale University. • Hosting three KC Research Fellows and several guests from the realms of scholarship, politics, and business. • Continuing participation in the ongoing policy debate about the Russo-Ukrainian crisis. As always, we would like to thank and recognize all the benefactors, friends, staff, and interns who make possible the KC at IWP through their generous funding and hard work. We are most grateful to Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and the American Institute of Polish Culture, the Tadeusz Ungar Foundation, the Hon. Aldona Woś, Mr. Adam Bąk, Mrs. Ava Polansky-Bąk, Mr. John Niemczyk, Mr. and Mrs. Iwo Pogonowski, Mr. and Mrs. Władysław Poncet de la Riviere, the Polish American Veterans’ Association (PAVA), Mr. Bogdan Chmielewski of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, Mr. Jan Małek of PAFERE (The Polish American Foundation for Economic Research and Education), as well as many others. Last but not least, we owe our gratitude to our hardworking and diligent intern, Mr. Samuel Krawitz. Without the help of everyone mentioned here, the Chair cannot accomplish its noble mission of spreading appreciation for and understanding of the rich history and culture of Poland and the Intermarium. Publications and Media Activism Publications are an integral part of the KC’s activities and consist primarily of books, including monographs, document collections, book reviews and articles, both scholarly and popular. Below is a list of our publications and their descriptions in 2014 - 2015 by author. 13
Dr. Chodakiewicz lectures on “Ukraine: The Summer is Over”
Dr. Marek Jan Chodakiewicz Chodakiewicz and his work have been frequently cited by the media and scholarly journals. In spite of the fact that some of the citations are critical or outright distortions, the growing press is nevertheless an encouraging sign of the KC’s rising influence. • Compiled, co-edited and published a document anthology on the Polish underground during WWII. Entitled Narodowe Siły Zbrojne: Dokumenty, 1942 – 1944 [The National Armed Forces: Documents] (Lublin: Fundacja im. Kazimierza Wielkiego, December 2014) with Dr. Wojciech J. Muszyński and Leszek Żebrowski, the collection is the first in a trilogy of volumes on Poland’s antiNazi, anti-Soviet armed resistance documents. Most of the files, originally generated by the High Command of the National Armed Forces (NSZ), were locked away for more than six decades. They were finally rediscovered in 2008 and are now available for scholars and researchers in a convenient three-volume collection. • Analyzed the suspicious death of Russian opposition politician, Boris Nemtsov, in his SFPPR News & Analysis article, “Moscow’s ‘Spetsnaz Day’ is Everyday: Conspiracy, Assassination, and Disinformation,” on March 17, 2015. • Addressed the political situation in Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Hungary in a series of two SFPRR articles - “Hungary Abroad” (January 29), and “Hungary At Home” (January 21). He also spoke out in defense of Cuban freedom and against the Obama administration’s recognition of the communist regime in Havana in “Cuba Libre,” The Good News 2014-2015
• In the February 19th edition of The New York Review of Books, a spirited exchange between Gordon Black and Louis Begley occurred over Professor Chodakiewicz’s monograph, The Massacre in Jedwabne, July 10, 1941: Before, During, After (New York and Boulder, CO; EEM and Columbia University Press, 2005).
Ms. Emily Butler on “women’s liberation” in the Soviet Union
American Thinker, December 23, 2014. • His article on Russo-Turkish energy politics, “Russia’s Gift, Turkey’s Move” was published by SFPPR on December 17, 2014. This analysis focused on the significance of Vladimir Putin’s decision to export Russian energy to the EU via Turkey. • Published two articles on the post-Soviet Russian aggression against the Intermarium nation of Ukraine for the News & Analysis section of the Selous Foundation for Public Policy Research (SFPPR) web hub. In his September 15 article (“The Ukrainian Crisis: Theory vs. History”), Dr. Chodakiewicz challenged the claims of “realist” theory vis-à-vis Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which he considers ahistorical and therefore unrealistic. • His September 23 analysis (“Ukraine: What’s Next?”) emphasized that the Kremlin utilized its “ambiguous” invasion of Ukraine to test the resolve of the West and NATO in general, and of the United States in particular. He also offered a series of policy options that Western leaders can and should adopt if they wish to prevent further aggression and destabilization in a strategic region of Eurasia.
Dr. Karol Sacewicz on the Polish anti-Nazi, anti-Soviet underground
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Mr. Pawel Styrna, KC Research Assistant • On March 11, published an analysis entitled “Russia’s ‘Besieged Kremlin’ Mentality: Déjà Vu All Over Again” on SFPPR.org on postSoviet Russia’s hostile and paranoid view of the world and the West’s alleged attempts to “encircle” and “dismember” Russia. • Published a review of Roger Moorhouse’s The Devils’ Alliance: Hitler’s Pact with Stalin, 1939-1941 (New York: Basic Books, 2014) on April 29, 2015, on the Selous Foundation for Public Policy Research News & Analysis website (SFPPR.org). The British historian’s work is the latest book on the Nazi-Soviet Pact and the subsequent German-Bolshevik collaboration. • On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, wrote a piece entitled “Twenty-Five Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall: A Realist Perspective,” which was published on SFPPR.org on December 1, 2014. Dr. John Lenczowski, IWP Founder, President, and Professor • Published an analysis of US policy toward Russia in light of its aggression against Ukraine - “Deterring Russian Aggression,” (http:// john-lenczowski.com/2014/10/28/deterring-russian-aggression/). Interviews Dr. Chodakiewicz was interviewed several times, including: • Patrick Henry College’s Intelligencer journal (Spring 2015) in April focused on post-Soviet Russia’s grand strategy and was reproduced on the IWP and KC websites. • On February 15, a DC-based reporter for the English-language Russian website Sputnik News on the current Russo-Ukrainian crisis. In the end, it never made the cut, and Sputnik News decided not to publish the interview. No doubt the Kremlin sees things much differently than Dr. Chodakiewicz, but for the sake of media freedom, the interview was published on the IWP and KC websites. • His Intermarium: The Land between the Black and Baltic Seas (Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers, 2012) has been gaining increasing publicity in the scholarly and policy-analysis worlds since the monograph’s publication. In late 2014, Intermarium was mentioned by Dr. Dominik Smyrgała, a professor of international relations at the Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, in the Barcelona-based Spanish-Catalan scholarly historical journal Tiempo Devorado: Revista de Historia Actual (No. 1, December 2014, pp. 28 – 37). • On November 11, 2014 about the late Dr. Jan Karski to the largest Jewish newspaper of record in the United States, the Yiddish edition of the Jewish Daily Forward (the English translation is also available online. The interview concerned the failure of the Museum of Polish Jews in Warsaw to invite the relatives of Dr. Karski, the legendary Polish resistance courier who alerted the West about the Holocaust – and the possible reasons behind the omission. • On Ukraine and relations between post-Soviet Russia and the West by Yaser Alarami, the DC correspondent of Aljazeera Net. Dr. Chodakiewicz’s comments were incorporated into Mr. Alarami’s article, which was published in Arabic on September 13, 2014. Aljazeera 14
Net also asked Dr. Chodakiewicz about America’s position on Russia’s nuclear missile tests. • Last but not least, the news agency, RIA Novosti, one of the largest in post-Soviet Russia, has quoted extensively Dr. Chodakiewicz’s September 10 Intermarium Series lecture on Ukraine. Although KC is generally always happy to see its lectures quoted in the media, it must be pointed out that the RIA Novosti piece was Muscovite disinformation. To counter this post-Soviet manipulation, the IWP and KC websites reposted the actual text of Dr. Chodakiewicz’s advice. The Annual Kościuszko Chair Military Lecture In the fourth annual Kościuszko Chair Military Lecture on September 11, 2014, Dr. Chodakiewicz marked the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising and explained its history. During this great feat of martial heroism, the Polish anti-Nazi, antiCommunist underground resistance fought the German occupiers of their homeland for sixty-three days — from August 1 to October 3, 1944. As Soviet troops on the other side of the river Vistula stood by passively, Stalin hoped that the Nazis would destroy the Polish resistance for him. The Western Allies did little more than airdrop some small arms and ammunition, most of which fell into German hands. As a result, the city of Warsaw was almost entirely destroyed, and a significant element of the Polish Home Army slaughtered. In addition, the Germans and their auxiliaries massacred approximately 200,000 civilians as they suppressed the uprising. In spite of the toll and the defeat, Poles generally celebrate the tragic event to honor the bravery of the patriotic resistance. The Seventh Annual Kościuszko Chair Conference On Saturday, November 8, 2014, IWP hosted the Seventh Annual Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies Conference. The event addressed the general theme of “Issues in the History and Current Affairs of Poland and Central and Eastern Europe,” and was dedicated to the memory of the late Brigadier General and IWP professor, Walter/Władysław Jajko, USAF (1937 – 2014). Following a moment of silence for Gen. Jajko, the introductory remarks were delivered by Dr. Chodakiewicz. The conference commenced with a lecture entitled “The Female Dialectical Pawn: ‘Women’s Lib’ Soviet-style,” by Ms. Emily Butler, doctoral student at Catholic University of America. Ms. Butler pointed out that many feminist-oriented liberal scholars in the West continue to perpetuate communist propaganda by claiming that the Soviets liberated and empowered women. She debunked these assertions by demonstrating that not only did women serve merely as useful pawns in the Bolsheviks’ revolutionary agenda, but that the Soviet communist system inflicted great suffering on the women they claimed to be “liberating.” Dr. Tomasz Sommer discussed “The Polish Operation of the NKVD: New Findings.” He is the editor-in-chief of the conservative-libertarian weekly, Najwyższy Czas!, and the author of Rozstrzelać Polaków [Shoot the Poles], the first monograph on the “Polish Operation” of the NKVD and has just published another book on the subject. He argued that this genocidal ethnic cleansing of the Poles by the Soviets should not be viewed as simply another NKVD “national operation.” 15
Ms. Carol Harrison on Jan Karski
In the case of the “Polish Operation,” the Soviet secret police targeted not only those who identified as Poles, but also Soviet citizens of Polish descent who claimed a different identity. Even Polish communists and Jews born in Poland found themselves in the crosshairs of Stalin and his henchmen, who perceived Poles in ethno-racist and deterministic terms as inherently anti-Soviet and incapable of loyalty to Moscow. Delivering a presentation on “Remembering Jan Karski,” Ms. Carol L. Harrison shared photos she took of Dr. Karski and recalled her memories of the legendary Polish underground courier who warned the US government about the German-implemented Holocaust in his native Poland. Ms. Harrison is the owner of Carol Harrison/Fine Art Photography & Design and recently published an album of her photographs of Dr. Karski, which she took at her alma mater, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Mr. Paweł Styrna lectured on “Choosing the Lesser Evil: Polish Geopolitical Dilemmas during the First World War.” His paper focused on the competing Polish “foreign policies” during a time when Poland did not exist as a state, but was partitioned between three powerful empires - Russia, Austria, and Germany. During WWI, Polish patriots striving to restore their country’s independence were split into the anti-German camp, favoring an alliance with Russia and the Entente, and the anti-Russian camp, supporting the Central Powers against Russia. These geopolitical dilemmas have a long history in Poland and remain relevant. “The Counterintelligence Service of the Polish Underground National Armed Forces (NSZ) during the Second World War” was the subject of a presentation by Mr. Sebastian Bojemski, a scholar of the Polish anti-Nazi, anti-Soviet Good News 2014-2015
underground and the director of “Pracownia,” a Warsaw-based public relations firm. Mr. Bojemski pointed out the professionalism of the underground National Armed Forces’ intelligence and counterintelligence cells and dispelled many of the black myths about the NSZ, which was much-maligned by the communists. The conference concluded with an analysis of a current topic by Mr. Vilen Khlgatyan, an alumnus of IWP and Vice-Chairman of Political Developments Research Center (PDRC), a think tank based in Yerevan, Armenia. Speaking about “Ukraine: One Year Later,” he argued that Ukraine finds itself in a much worse situation economically than before the Maidan rising and that the EU is the biggest culprit responsible for the current crisis. Paweł Styrna on “Polish Geopolitical Dilemmas during the First World War”
The KC Annual Spring Symposium On Saturday, April 25, 2015, the KC hosted its Fifth Annual Spring Symposium, “Between Russia and NATO: Security Challenges in Central and Eastern Europe.” This year’s event was held at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City, just across the river from Washington, DC. The conference was made possible through the generosity of Mr. Jan M. Małek and the Polish-American Foundation for Economic Education and Development (Polsko-Amerykańska Fundacja Edukacji i Rozwoju Ekonomicznego, PAFERE). The conference was a great success and attracted about 100 attendees, including scholars, government employees, politicians, military officers, intelligence specialists, Polonia activists, and students. The symposium consisted of six panels, all of which were recorded and posted on the IWP and KC websites, and was moderated by Dr. Sebastian Gorka of IWP, who also delivered two presentations and the closing remarks. Dr. Gorka’s first talk addressed “US Interests in Central/Eastern Europe” and the need for US leadership in the world. The panel on “Foreign and Defense Policies of Central and Eastern Europe” consisted of lectures by Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz and the Honorable Žygimantas Pavilionis, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania. Dr. Chodakiewicz emphasized that the Intermarium has suffered from a lack of unity and called for solidarity between the nations of Central and Eastern Europe. Ambassador Pavilionis spoke about what he sees as insufficient US engagement in the region, including the woefully inadequate nature of US public diplomacy and broadcasting in the region.
intelligence official, spoke about Spetsnaz operations, active measures, and the “new hybrid warfare,” which, as he pointed out, was by no means “new.” The real problem was that the US government closed down the means we had at our disposal to counter these threats right after the Soviet implosion. Mr. Chris Zawitkowski of PAFERE focused on post-Soviet Russia’s military doctrine, which continues to view the US and NATO as its main “enemies.” Dr. Phillip Petersen of the Potomac Foundation, in turn, explained the nature of the post-Soviet “new hybrid warfare,” which the Russians call simply “new generation warfare.” During the “NATO and Central and Eastern Europe” panel, Dr. Phillip Karber (Potomac Foundation) emphasized the highly intensive nature of Moscow’s proxy war in the Donbas and offered practical policy advice on how most effectively to help the Ukrainians defend themselves. Shifting towards underlying trends in politics and culture, Prof. Joseph Wood’s presentation anchored our understanding of America’s role in NATO in natural law and transcendental moral values. He raised the question of whether it was possible for the United States and the West to
Dr. Ariel Cohen and Dr. Łucja Świątkowska-Cannon addressed the “Strategic Implications of Economic and Energy Conditions in Central/ Eastern Europe,” both pointing out that such impediments as onerous regulations and heavy taxation (“gas tax Sepuku,” in the words of Dr. Cohen) constitute serious obstacles delaying the ability of such countries as Poland and Ukraine to exploit fully their large shale gas deposits, thereby gaining energy independence. The panel on “Russian Foreign Policy and Military Developments in Central and Eastern Europe” consisted of four lectures. Prof. Andrzej Nowak from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, provided a historical survey of imperialist continuities in Russian, Soviet, and post-Soviet thought. Dr. Jack Dziak, longtime senior defense Good News 2014-2015
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Mr. Sebastian Bojemski on Polish underground intelligence
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Polish Nights at American Airlines Arena
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Nights" for basketball enthusiasts. The matches between the Miami HEAT and the Washington Wizards brought a big crowd of fans who wanted to see Marcin Gortat, a Polish national who plays center for the Wizards, in action.
n the nights of October 19 and December 14, 2014, something truly out of the ordinary occurred at Miami's 20,000 seat American Airlines Arena. Something that has never happened before. Illuminated on the stadium's jumbo screens was the name, The American Institute of Polish Culture.
And they were not disappointed. Both games were exciting, filled with high energy, enthusiasm and true sportsmanship. Gortat was excellent and scored high. After the October 19th game, he graciously showed his appreciation to his Polish fans displaying the white and red on jerseys, hats and scarves for coming to see him by spending 20 minutes with them - talking, giving autographs and posing for photos.
With it's breathtaking front facade of glass, the American Airlines Arena has been the home of the Miami HEAT basketball team since it opened at the end of 1999. Its one-of-a-kind scoreboard, designed by Christopher Janney, features underwater flora and fauna and changes colors depending on the atmosphere. The Arena has also served as venue for concerts and televised events, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Andrea Bocelli and MTV's Video Music Awards.
The "Polish Nights" were a huge hit. Many thanks go to Stephen Pettlon, Group Sales Manager for the Miami HEAT, for collaborating with the Institute in making these evenings unforgettable. Well played!
AIPC partnered with the Miami HEAT and presented special "Polish
Polish and American fans with Marcin Gortat
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“The Pianist” Beata Paszyc, Honorary Vice Consul of the Republic of Poland introduced the film. “The film is based on the remarkable life of a famous pianist before World War II who wrote about it in his memoirs. During the war, there were many stories like his - of Polish Jews forced into captivity and often rescued by Catholic Poles who risked being killed for helping Jews. In Poland, under German occupation, it was decreed if you helped the Jews, you and your entire family would be executed on the spot. And yet, in Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial in Israel, there are more then 6,400 Poles who are recognized as Righteous Among Nations - the largest number of any other country in the world.” The movie tells the story of how Szpilman survived the German deportations of Jews to extermination camps, the 1943 destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the 1944 Warsaw Uprising during World War II. The movie, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Adrien Brody, won three Academy Awards, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Film Award, and the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Students and faculty were quite moved by the film and discussed it long after the showing.
Mr. Wladyslaw Szpilman
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n November 18, 2014 the Miami-Florida European Union Center of Excellence (MEUCE), the American Institute of Polish Culture and the Honorary Consulate of Poland proudly presented the film The Pianist, portraying the true story of Wladyslaw Szpilman, who was Poland’s and one of Europe’s most accomplished classical pianist in the 1930’s.
Ms. Christine Caly-Sanchez, Mr. Luis Sanchez, Ms. Beata Paszyc, Dr. Rebecca Friedman
Some of the FIU students and guests who enjoyed the film
Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art. - Frederic Chopin
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A Life in Service to Others Interviewed by Lynne Schaefer
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lbert Slugocki, I want to start by saying that you have lived a very interesting life by anyone's definition. Your autobiography, The Autumn Man (published 2013), takes the reader from your childhood until now, and it's a fascinating book about a life of adventure, valor, sorrow, and redemption. That you rose above horrific hardships and adversity time and time again to eventually find peace in your later years is a story many people want to hear. Just to give readers an idea of your start in life...your parents were well known in Polish society and did, in fact, have family connections to royalty. What were the connections? During the 17th century my ancestor, Dzierslaw Slugocki, a knight of distinction, Sotnik Lubelski (Commander of 100 Knights in the city of Lublin), served first as the Executor of Estate for Prince Jarema Wisniowiecki and then as Kasztelan (Keeper of Royal Castle) of Polish King Michal Korybut Wisniowiecki, son of Jarema. That's when my family became members of the Polish gentry class. Once WWII was over, you faced some incredibly daunting and unnerving situations, and yet as a child left to his own resourcefulness, you managed to escape. What do you think gave you such a resiliency to conquer difficult and sometimes truly horrible circumstances and essentially re-invent yourself over the years? As a boy I was not really aware of my social position in life. Life was good, to tell you the truth, but I was not impressed with being born into a social class of hereditary nobility. I was not interested. When war came our family was placed in immediate danger, as the Nazi government was determined to liquidate any and all members of our social standing, as well as all intelligent and educated Polish people. My personal life from that time is definitely not easy to talk about, to say the least. Being exposed to hunger, lack of freedom, living in occupied Poland, and our family always in danger, just existing from one day to next, I became very defiant. The hard times made me strong. In my mind there was no room for weakness or defeat. I endured all hardships; I was dependent on no one. With my family facing starvation, my older brother Richard and I stole from food stores catering to Germans only, and we stole coal from Warsaw’s rail yards to keep our family warm. Everything “German” not nailed down was a target for us. Any extra, we sold on the black market. The penalty, well known to all, was death.
Marian Slugocki, artist, sculptor and Albert's father
former German territories, now a part of Poland. They were not permitted to attend any institutions of higher learning nor could they hold a political office. Generally speaking, they were persecuted to the full extend of law. I came to United States of America not as displaced person or immigrant seeking a better life or fortune, but was officially admitted as a political refugee. I believed that my
You eventually landed in America. Why didn't you use your aristocratic title to your benefit to perhaps smooth the way for you? Quite frankly I never believed in titles and the benefits thereof, because by the time I arrived for the second time in the US (1949), you couldn’t get a cup of coffee with all the titles in the world. Having been persecuted because of my personal background in the country of my birth, firstly by German Nazis, secondly by Communist Soviet Union and finally by Polish Communists, all I wanted to do is to live in the US and forget Poland. Did you ever dream of returning to the land of your ancestors? After WWII, the communists began their reign. Former Polish aristocrats and nobles were detained and arrested, with a great majority murdered. Some, their land and properties confiscated, were exiled to Siberian gulags and forcefully resettled to the
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Albert Slugocki in the military
The way I feel now is I am an American of Polish birth. I am proud of my Polish roots, but I am most loyal to my adoptive country, the US. I don’t live in the past and I have virtually paid in blood to be an American. I was wounded a total of three times in Korea and Vietnam. You continued to lead a fascinating life during the first decades you spent in the States - you were a guard at President John F. Kennedy's funeral, were cast in a film, worked for the US Army Special Forces and on and on. All of your experiences add up to a very full and exciting life story, which you talk about in your compelling autobiography, The Autumn Man. But let's fast forward to the early 1990's after you had spent a number of years in service to America and began yet another career as a captain/owner of a riverboat. Albert in 2013 at the 50th anniversary ceremony of JFK's assassination
stay in the US would be temporary and Poland’s fate would change, so I could return to my beloved country. That was not to be. Unable to live under communist regime, and as an ardent anti communist, I escaped twice. I was unsuccessful the first time, but the second time, with assistance from the anti-communist underground, I did it. As a political refugee I could serve in the American armed forces, so I enlisted and fought in Korea. After my second combat tour I became an American citizen by an act of the US Congress in the city of Seoul, in the Republic of Korea.
What gave you the drive to start such a huge undertaking as Project Amazonas in 1994? Working aboard my riverboat on the Amazon River and its tributaries, I saw tribal people living in very remote areas of the Peruvian Amazonia were in dire need of medical help. Empathy was, and is, the word. So I began Project Amazonas, Inc. a not-for-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to the people and environment of the Amazon. Back then as now, we worked to ensure future biological research, conservation, and protection of Amazon rain forest, and provide medical care to indigenous people living in remote jungle areas. How did you initially fund and continue to fund the Project? For the first few years I used my personal funds. Now, 100% of the profits from the sale of my book goes to finance Project Amazonas, Inc. And, thank goodness, with donations from around the world. Large organizations, such as Siemens Corporation, Samariter Bund in Hamburg, Germany who sends us containers of medical supplies, and several US companies have been major supporters as well. There are several doctors and specialist involved in the organization. Where did you find so many qualified people to get on board with the Project? They came and still come from all walks of life - biologists, herpetologists, fishermen, bird watchers, university students of medicine, business people involved in all industries. Mostly were folks who traveled with me to these remote areas for whatever reason they had to be there. The world is full of adventure seekers and still there are others who are pure humanitarians. They saw the need and wanted to help, to do something positive about it and fill the needs. Can anyone volunteer to work with your organization? Does a volunteer need big credentials or is an open heart and willingness to help the most important attributes? Yes, anyone can volunteer. We always need doctors of medicine, tropical biologists, Spanish speakers, construction workers, skilled carpenters, and plumbers to name a few specialties, but we welcome anyone as everyone has something to give.
Logo of Project Amazonas
www.projectamazonas.org www.TheAutumnMan.com
How can our readers help? Naturally not everyone can physically visit our biological research stations on the Peruvian Amazon nor be able to enjoy jungle living in relative comfort. However, one can become involved by going to the Project Amazonas Inc. web site (www.projectamazonas.org) and educating themselves about the project. In addition, they can make direct financial contributions, purchase my book The Autumn Man (www.TheAutumnMan.com) online or buy our T-shirts with native species of snakes, birds and amphibians etc. This all helps to support the indigenous people of the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, and contributions are tax deductible. The website lists many different areas where one can donate. It is quite obvious you have a deep affection for the Amazon people and an abiding 21
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Any final words? I am a most determined man who wants to do good for mankind and I always want to finish what I have started.
love for the region. From when you first had the idea to do this until now, the success of Project Amazonas has brought much needed training and help to over 20,000 people during the last 21 years. That is quite an accomplishment. Is there anything more you believe the Project could provide to the Amazonians going forward? My biggest dream is to build a hospital ship on the Peruvian Amazon. I would construct a steel hull riverboat and fully equip it as a floating hospital/clinic, with the capability of reaching even farther remote areas of the Amazon River region of Peru then we already reach. The estimated cost to carry out such a project is estimated to be $350,000.00 USD.
Thank you, Albert, for spending time with us. Project Amazonas is a very exciting operation. My deepest respect and admiration go to you, your colleagues and all the volunteers who have made such a wonderful organization flourish and grow. You are an inspiration with your dedication and passion of purpose. The Autumn Man has been translated and edited in Poland and will be available for sale there in October 2015 under the title, Zycie na Krawendzi Smierci (My Walk Alongside Death). Preliminary discussions are underway for publishing the English version in England.
Albert Slugocki's life story is right out of a movie, and he recently published a book about it, The Autumn Man, that makes for a fascinating read. From his teenage years in Poland during WWII with imprisonment, torture and escape to joining the French Foreign Legion and combat in Indochine and then as a political refugee in the US who fought in Korea and Vietnam; from the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to the Funeral Guard of Honor Corps for assassinated President John F. Kennedy; from serving as a US Deputy Marshall in the special action squad to the jungles of the Amazon and owning and captaining a cargo service between Brazil and Peru; to founding a humanitarian organization supplying medical supplies and social services to over 20,000 people in South America's rainforest, Mr. Slugocki has lived a truly extraordinary life. In 2013, for the 50th Anniversary of JFK's death and as one of the last surviving guards, he was invited by the Kennedy family as a special guest to attend the formal ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC. In 2015, he was the recipient of a Special Recognition Award bestowed by Lady Blanka Rosenstiel at the 43rd International Polonaise Ball in Miami.
Did you know‌ In 2013, the Foundation for Polish Science and the American Association for the Advancement of Science established an award they will jointly grant every two years. The award, first given in 2015, is named the Poland-US Science Award and will honor a pair of a scientists - one working in Poland and the other in the US. The team of Prof. Mariusz Jaskolski of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland and Dr. Alexander Wlodawer of the National Cancer Institute, US received the award for their 27-year partnership in studying proteins with medical relevance and the development of new therapies to cure diseases, such as AIDS and leukemia. The scientists' collaboration began when the AIDS epidemic broke out in the early 1980's and the lack of information about retroviral proteins. They were able to develop breakthroughs that fundamentally changed how proteins were seen and treated. Since then, both Prof. Jaskolski and Dr. Wlodawer continue to explore structural biology of medicinally relevant systems.
Dr. Alexander Wlodawer and Prof. Mariusz Jaskolski
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Poland and the Ukrainian Crisis
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n Monday, March 2, 2015 FIU's Miami-Florida European Union Center of Excellence (MEUCE) had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Krzysztof Jasiewicz, Professor and head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Washington Lee University, as part of the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland. Dr. Jasiewicz, who has published extensively on elections, voting behavior, party systems and political attitudes in Poland and other central European states, gave a lecture entitled “Poland and the Ukrainian Crisis.” Dr. Rebecca Friedman, the co-director of MEUCE, opened the event, which was graciously held during Dr. Michael Brillman’s undergraduate European history course. Students in the class were given the opportunity to not only gain a deeper knowledge of the intricacies of the political system in Poland, but were also able to better understand how these politics affect the Ukrainian crisis.
Dr. Krzysztof Jasiewicz
Jasiewicz gave a brief overview of the differences in western and Russian ideologies, and offered solutions for how the European Union can maneuver or confront the challenges these created. “Certainly, there is a need for unity among the states in the EU. There is also a need for cooperation between them and the US. NATO must become more stringent about its borders...Poland should assume the role of Ukrainian spokesman.”
Jasiewicz, a native of Poland, began his lecture by giving an overview of the situation and its causes. During his introduction he specifically highlighted the importance of Russia to the overall discussion. “We cannot speak about this crisis without addressing the pink elephant in the room which is Russia, the country that is in open conflict with the Ukraine, no matter what the Russian leaders claim about it.” He included an analysis of the roles various European countries played in the crisis.
He pointed out that this ideological split was not a static one; that in fact, Ukrainian politics have been traditionally split according to the linguistic differences of the region and have been reorganized after bearing the effects of Russian politics. Dr. Jasiewicz attributed this to the population’s increased identification with government groups rather than ethnic groups.
Dr. Jasiewicz then focused on the importance of Poland and whether the country should try to negotiate with Russia or become an advocate for Ukrainian needs. He also discussed why Poland’s past could help determine the outcome of the crisis and the future of the Ukraine. “What drives Polish politics is the understanding that however painful past experiences with other foreign countries have been, reconciliation is still possible. This applies to the current Ukraine crisis even though certain other geo-political forces also drive politics in Poland."
The event closed with a question and answer segment with the students. The lecture was sponsored by the American Institute of Polish Culture, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland, and MEUCE.
Dr. Michael Brillman, Dr. Rebecca Friedman, Dr. Krzysztof Jasiewicz, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Dr. Martin Palous
FIU students attending the lecture
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Good News 2014-2015
Konsulat Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej Consulate of the Republic of Poland BLANKA A. ROSENSTIEL – HONORARY CONSUL
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland was established in October 1998. Honorary Consul Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and her deputy, Honorary Vice Consul Beata Paszyc, provide information and perform consular services free of charge.
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 Washington, DC (See special VIS announcement on page … ). 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.
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 (Polish version only):
The Embassy’s of the Republic of Poland motto:
“To serve Poland – to build Europe – to understand the world”
www.waszyngton.msz.gov.pl/en Consular Division of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in WASHINGTON, DC Head of Consular Division Piotr Konowrocki 2224 Wyoming Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20008-3992 phone: (202) 234-3800 fax (202) 328-2152 e-mail: waszyngton.amb.wk@msz.gov.pl
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, NEW YORK Consul General Urszula Gacek 233 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 phone: (646) 237-2102 fax: (646) 237-2105 e-mail: info@polishconsulate.org
The Consular Division in Washington D.C. serves residents of Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Virgin Islands and other US overseas territories.
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 Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA Consul General Mariusz Brymora 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 of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, ILLINOIS Consul General Paulina Kapuscinska 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 Los Angeles, serves residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, serves residents of Arkansas, Illinois, Indian, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin.
1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 Miami, Florida 33141 Phone: (305) 866-0077 Fax: (305) 865-5150 E-mail: polconsulfl@yahoo.com
Good News 2014-2015
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Consular Information
S
ince Poland joined the EU in 2004, many 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, the Consulate General in Washington, D.C. schedules visits of Consuls who are able to receive applicants in other states and cities in their jurisdiction, including the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami. Polish citizens can apply for passports. Consul Ewa Pietrasieńska and Mrs. Julia Konowrocki came to Florida in December 2014 and February 2015. 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 Polish version of the Embassy’s website: www.washington.mfa.gov.pl
The Honorary Consulate in Miami is a helping hand for the Consul in Washington, D.C. and, although documents cannot be submitted and issued, we assist in applications for a National Visa - mostly for students or people whose stay in Poland is longer than 3 months. Although we provide consular information, we have limited privileges as we are not employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland.
Honorary Consul Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and Vice Consul Ewa Pietrasieńska, Washington, D.C.
Here are some recent quotes from people we have helped: "Thank you so much for the wealth of information and brochures you provided for my upcoming trip to Poland as a visiting professor. I am grateful for your help in straightening things up and am looking forward to visiting your beautiful country." Alpesh Kantilal Patel, PhD August 2015 "I want to sincerely thank you for everything you've done. You were flexible on the day I could come, and you helped me get the extended stay visa for my mission work in Poland. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten." Joann Sifontes July 2015
As mandated by the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, as of May 15, 2014 all Schengen States’ consulates, including Poland, in the U.S. will use the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central database for the exchange of data on short-stay visas (up to three months), with the objective to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external borders as well as to enhance security.
For the purpose of the VIS, applicants will be required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a simple and discreet procedure that only takes a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded in the VIS central database. This technology will better protect visa applicants against identity theft and prevent false identifications, which in certain cases can lead to a refusal of a visa or entry to a person who is entitled to enter. Therefore, first-time visa applicants traveling to Poland who need a visa will have to appear in person when submitting an application in order to provide their fingerprints at the Consulate General. For any applications submitted within 5 years thereafter, the fingerprints already in the system can be used.
For more information on applying for a visa, please go to www.waszynton.msz.gov.pl/eng/
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Consular Gatherings
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he Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland frequently participates in Consular Corps meetings in Miami. These gatherings are an exceptional platform for Consuls from all over the world, as well as local business leaders and government officials, to talk about issues pertaining to consular activities and multinational collaborations. Speakers representing US government, local and state authorities, scientists, educators and representatives of various businesses provide valuable information in the areas of their expertise. Some of the fascinating speakers have included Cynthia Hudson, Senior VP and General Manager of CNN en Espa単ol and Hispanic strategy for CNN/U.S; Ms. Karen Gilmore, VP and Regional Executive of Federal Reserve Bank; George Piro Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Division of the FBI talking about Terrorism & Preventive Measures. On September 21st, Mr. Tomas Regalado, the Mayor of the City of Miami, inspired by his wife, Ana Christina, invited all Consuls to a "This is Miami" Forum in the Miami City Hall.
Ms. Magdala Arteaga, Customs and Border Protection, Mrs. Isabel Bucaram, Director of VIP Planning Production & Marketing Liason for CNN en Espa単ol, Mr. Stephen Sayle
This was a very informative meeting with Miami's Mayor; Horacio Stuart Aguirre, Ambassador at the Mayor's Office; the City of Miami Management Team; Emilio Gonzales, the Miami International Airport Director; the Customs and Boarder Patrol Chief; VP of Enterprise Florida; the Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority; Wynwood Business Improvement District; ACADEMIA - Charter Schools and Miami Dade College; and many more. During the Forum guests viewed new videos about vibrant and culturally diverse Miami and had a chance to meet with the representatives of agencies and offices who were on the panel.These meetings are a great occasion for Poland to be part of the energetic international community represented in Miami. Throughout the year there are also many diplomatic, commercial, cultural and social functions in which the Honorary Consulate participates and promotes Poland in South Florida and the US.
Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Honorary Vice Consul of Poland, Mr. Tomas Regalado, Mayor of the City of Miami
Mr. Mario J. Sacasa, SVP of International Economic Development Programs for The Beacon Council, Mrs. Jeannett Slesnick, Coral Gables Commissioner, Mr. Don Slesnick, Honorary Consul of Australia
Mr. Nabil Achkar, Consular Corps Secretary, Dean Kent Hippolyte, Consul General of St. Lucia
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Scientific Achievement Awarded
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n Monday, April 28, 2015 Lady Blanka Rosenstiel joined Dean Roni Avissar of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the 2015 Rosenstiel Award Dinner to honor Professor Tim J. Wright. Prof. Wright became the 41st recipient of the award in recognition for his cutting-edge research in how the Earth’s crust deforms in response to tectonic forces. Wright, a professor of satellite geodesy in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds, U.K., is the author of approximately 65 publications in scientific journals, most of them using satellite-based observations of crustal deformation. Among Wright's achievements are the discovery of a continental rifting event in Ethiopia’s Afar region, one of the few places on Earth where a mid-ocean ridge comes ashore. He was one of the first scientists to measure how plate boundary zones deform, solely relying on satellite observations using a technique called satellite radar interferometry, an extremely accurate technique that superimposes electromagnetic waves in order to extract information about the waves themselves. He investigated several significant continental earthquakes using geodesy, seismology and geomorphology, including the Izmit earthquake (Turkey, 1999), the Denali earthquake (Alaska, 2002) and the Bam earthquake (Iran, 2003). Wright led a major international research project conducted by the UK’s National Research Council to investigate continental rifting in East Africa. Currently, he is the joint principal investigator of a project to transform our understanding of continental tectonics and seismic hazard using the European Space Agency’s new Sentinel-1 satellite, and he
Dean Roni Avissar, Prof. Tim J. Wright, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel
also serves as the Director of the UK’s Centre for the Observation and Modeling of Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Tectonics. The Rosenstiel Award was created in 1971 through an endowment from the Rosenstiel Foundation under the auspices of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and was administered by AAAS through the creation of an annual selection panel. In 1980, the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami assumed all responsibility for the selection and designation of the yearly award. Annually, the nomination and selection process is established on a rotating basis for achievements in six broad disciplinary areas: marine geology and geophysics; meteorology and physical oceanography; marine and atmospheric chemistry; marine biology and fisheries; applied marine physics; and marine affairs.
Did you know… Katarzyna (Kasia) Sawicka, PhD (Stony Brook, NY graduate 2004 BS in Engineering Chemistry, 2005 MS in Chemistry and 2014 PhD in Biomedical Engineering) won first prize in the graduate division of the national Collegiate Inventors Competition in November, 2014. Her invention of the "ImmunoMatrix," a skin patch that uses tiny fibers to keep it in place while delivering a vaccine through a patient's skin, is a huge advancement in the field of infectious diseases. Painless, self-administered, easy to transport, stable at room temperature and producing no bio-hazardous waste, the ImmunoMatrix has rightly earned Dr. Sawicka a place among the most brilliant and innovative student minds in the US today.
Dr. Sawicka with her first prize medal for her ImmunoMatrix vaccination skin patch.
The patch has been tested to great success in combating the flu, whooping cough, anthrax and other antigens and macro molecules. Dr. Sawicka will continue to work in bringing ImmunoMatrix to the worldwide market, and hopes to see it used regularly in clinics and hospitals in the very near future. 27
Good News 2014-2015
The Polish Lecture Series at the University of Virginia By Prof. Jeffrey Rossman
D
uring the academic year 2014-2015, UVa’s Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) organized two events as part of the Blanka Rosenstiel Polish Lecture Series.
In the Fall semester of 2014, CREEES welcomed Dr. Kyrill Kunakhovich, a Mellon Faculty Fellow in European History at the College of William & Mary. Dr. Kunakhovich, whose visit was organized and sponsored by CREEES in partnership with the Slavic, History, German, and Art History Departments, explores cultural policy, artistic exchange, and communist politics in the Soviet Bloc. He is a co-editor of The Global 1989: Transcontinental Connections in a Revolutionary World, which is scheduled to appear in print in 2016.
Dr. Andrzej Nowak
His presentation at UVa was based on his current project entitled, Culture for the People, which examines the link between art and politics in two of Eastern Europe’s major cities - Krakow in Poland and Leipzig in (East) Germany. He gave his talk, “Beyond Socialist Realism: Rethinking Art and Politics in the Soviet Bloc,” before an audience of about twenty faculty, students, and community members. Dr. Kunakhovich's richly illustrated talk was followed by a lively discussion.
In April 2015, CREEES organized and sponsored a visit of Dr. Andrzej Nowak (Jagiellonian University, Krakow). Dr. Nowak is a leading Polish historian and an expert on Polish-Russian relations, as well as the author of more than thirty works on Polish, Russian, and East European political and intellectual history. His lecture, “Western Appeasement, Moscow, and Eastern Europe from a Historical Perspective,” attracted more than forty students, faculty, and community members, and inspired a spirited discussion, which served as fitting intellectual coda to the spring semester.
Prof. Jeffrey Rossman, Dr. Kyrill Kunakhovich
CREEES at the University of Virginia is deeply grateful to Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and the American Institute of Polish Culture for the continued support and generosity, without which these events would not have occurred.
Good News 2014-2015
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Christopher Columbus: Agent 007?
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n Tuesday, February 10, 2015 the American Institute of Polish Culture together with the Miami-Florida European Union Center for Excellence (MEUCE) hosted historian and author Manuel Rosa. The lecture “Christopher Columbus: A History of Fraud and Deceptions” was part of the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU. Rosa, who has spent the last twenty-three years researching the story of the European discovery of America, has published four books which focus on the mystery of the identity of Christopher Columbus. The books have been published in Portugal, Lithuania, Poland and Spain and an English edition is in the works. Rosa’s lecture highlighted the ideas and theories resulting from his years of research, which led him to conclude that Christopher Columbus was not Italian, but rather a descendant of Polish royalty. By consulting and interpreting medieval documents, Rosa has essentially proved that Columbus’ last will and testament was a forgery, making the document used by most scholars to verify Columbus’ Italian heritage useless. His research also concludes that the Santa Maria never sank, but rather it was purposefully marooned. Perhaps his most significant finding is that Columbus was always aware of his location throughout his voyage. Rather than mistakenly arriving in the New World, Rosa theorizes that Columbus was acutely aware that he was sailing in the opposite direction of India. Rosa stipulates that this was because of his secret ties to the Portuguese crown. After interpreting various documents, Rosa has determined that Columbus served as a double-agent for the Portuguese crown in order to safeguard the passage to India from Spain. Rosa hopes the investigations he’s conducted will not only popularize his theories, but generate enough interest to warrant additional genetic testing on Columbus’ remains.
In an interview after the lecture Rosa shared how else his work may impact the current opinion on Columbus. “I think the first impact is that we know the truth, we no longer feel confused when we hear the story of Columbus…The other thing is that we have to begin viewing Columbus as a genius of his time. We now understand what he was doing and why he was doing it.” He also challenged students to think critically when reading history, “If they read something that doesn’t make sense they should question it. They should find out more about the subject and not blindly follow what’s written.”
Dr. Rebecca Friedman, Mr. Paul Landrum, Ms. Beata Paszyc, Mr. Manuel Rosa, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Ms. Christine Caly-Sanchez
Students and community members were able to interact with Rosa and ask questions concerning his research method, sources and theories. It certainly stirred interesting discussions and showed how close examination of original documents may potentially change the course of history.
Manuel Rosa became fascinated by Christopher Columbus because of the many paradoxes of the man. He hoped to unravel the historical discrepancies surrounding Columbus and find real answers to the many reasonable questions that have never been explained. What Mr. Rosa discovered over an intensive two decades of searching the world has formulated his theory that Columbus is truly an enigma with a much more complicated personal and professional life than history has told, including the possibility that he was of Polish royal heritage. His books have garnered international media attention and inspired dialogue amongst scholars, historians and educators.
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Polish Movies are a Hit
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very year, the Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) fills up several local theatres by presenting new cutting-edge, beautifully done and highly regarded entries in the world of cinema. Produced by Miami Dade College, movies from all corners of the earth are shown and movie buffs, art house enthusiasts, and indie film lovers flock to Miami to see the offerings. Two dynamic and soulful Polish films were shown during the festival at the newly refurbished Tower Theatre in Little Havana and at the Cinepolis in Coconut Grove. The theatres sold out for all viewings, and the American Institute of Polish Culture hosted a light reception for a few showings. Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Jaie Laplante, Director of MIFF, Ms. Lynne Schaefer
Life Feels Good (2013) An inspiring story directed by Maciej Pieprzyca, Life Feels Good was a crowd pleaser when it was presented at the Tower Theater in Miami on October 19, 2014. Heartbreaking and humorous, the movie has thrilled international audiences with virtuosic acting from Dawid Ogrodnik as Mateusz, a romantic, good-natured man with cerebral palsy who yearns to be understood by his family and friends. Based on a true story, this award-winning film is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit. The audience was deeply moved and gained an appreciation for a full life that is often times taken for granted.
Did you know‌ Would you bicycle along a mountain wall at a point several hundred feet above flat ground by using a thin strip of limestone as your path? Twice? Michal Kollbek, a three-time champion of extreme bicycling, did just that in March 2015. A legend in Poland who now lives in California, Kollbek made world headlines with his feat of precision, sportsmanship and nerves of steel by tackling the White Line trail on Sedona, Arizona's Red Rock cliff. This thin naturally occurring line that looks like a long strip of paint on a sheer wall of rock was like the holy grail to him for many years it was a huge challenge he could not resist. In reflecting about his awe inspiring feat, Kollbek is forthright. "Conquering this ride was all mental...the key was to block out scary thoughts about the potential danger, so I just focused on the trail and not on the terrifying space around me." You can watch a video by drone of Michal Kollbek's amazing ride on Youtube.
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Warsaw 44 Thank you so much for the invitation to the film Warsaw 44. It was an amazing film that moved me beyond words. It stayed in my mind for many days …. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Thank you again. Gloria Johnson Young, thirty-one year old filmmaker Jan Komasa daringly took on rigid establishment views of a revered historic moment in order to tell the story of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising in a way that would be seen. And seen it was, out-grossing all American films at Polish box offices last year. Aiming more for the passion of Les Miserables – the love, the youth, and the battle, minus the bombastic musical approach – Komasa’s Warsaw 44 (2014) focuses on handsome Stefan, a chocolate factory worker who
joins the underground Polish Home Army and finds himself in a torrid love triangle with two young girls, Kama and Biedronka. Two weeks after Germany attacked Poland in September 1939, the Home Army looked at the approaching Soviet Army as a catalyst to stage the largest resistance attack by any occupied WWII society. Stefan, Kama and Biedronka are swept up in a historical incident that to this day still weighs heavily on Poland’s soul. Presented March 8 and 15, 2015.
"Cinema should make you forget you are - Roman Polanski sitting in a theater." "Many Institute friends and members attended the films, but the packed theatres were due to the avid MIFF fans who love the genre. They were not disappointed by these two unforgettable films." Mrs. Wieslawa Potocka, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mr. Zygmunt Potocki, Hon. Consul of Poland in Calgary, Canada, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Malgorzata Markowska, Mr. Jan Drozdz
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Good News 2014-2015
Forty Years of Research Poland’s Earliest Farmers By Dr. Peter Bogucki
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n August 2, 1976, Ryszard Grygiel and I sank our spades into the earth in a field just outside Brześć Kujawski, a town just outside the city of Włocławek in north-central Poland. I was an American graduate student of Polish descent who had begun Ph.D. studies at Harvard, while Ryszard was a young staff member of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography in Łódź. Together we had come to Brześć Kujawski to continue investigating a site that was already famous thanks to the work of Professor Konrad Jażdżewski before World War 2. Thus began a scientific partnership that has lasted four decades. Professor Grygiel is now the director of the Museum in Łódź, and I work at Princeton University.
radiocarbon dating to ascertain the age of the finds at Brześć Kujawski. Unusual for sites of this period in Europe, animal bones at Brześć Kujawski were exceptionally well preserved, so we were able to reconstruct the way that its inhabitants used animals. Earlier Linear Pottery occupants used mainly cattle, which is curious, since they would not be the most sensible animal to use in the forested environment if meat was the only desired product. Finding pottery sieves led us to suggest that perhaps they were used for making cheese, but we had no solid proof of this at the time. In contrast, the people of the Brześć Kujawski Group used a broad range of livestock in balanced proportions, suggesting a more integrated economy. Based on similar prehistoric sites as far away as Mesoamerica, we developed a model of household organization on which early European farming society was based.
Jażdżewski’s excavations had revealed a settlement that we now know had many periods of occupation. The ones that interested us the most were those of two early farming societies. The first we called the Linear Pottery culture, which spread throughout central Europe during the period between 5500 and 5000 B.C. to establish farming communities that used domesticated plants like wheat, barley and peas and domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Several centuries later, between about 4700 and 4200 B.C., a second, more developed farming society was found in the lowlands of north-central Poland. We called it the “Brześć Kujawski Group” because it was recognized by Jażdżewski during his investigations in the 1930's. It is part of a much larger cultural grouping, the Lengyel culture, found from Hungary to Poland during this period.
We then looked for a settlement similar to Brześć Kujawski that had not been excavated before. Having found pottery and stone tools that were being plowed to the surface by a farmer, we began excavations in 1989 at Osłonki, about 10 kilometers west of Brześć Kujawski, with support from the National Geographic Society and the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. Over the course of six summers, we exposed a large settlement of the Brześć Kujawski Group that had been previously unknown. In the area we excavated, we found over 30 houses and over 90 burials. Receiving continued support from the Polish Committee for Scientific Research enabled us to excavate part of the site that contained a fortification ditch, the first found in Poland from the fifth millennium B.C. A highlight of our excavations was a visit from U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Rey and Mrs. Rey in July 1994.
Our work was intended to expand the discoveries of Jażdżewski by applying the methods of modern archaeological research and to compare the discoveries at Brześć Kujawski with other finds elsewhere in Europe. We used
Osłonki is situated next to two ancient lakes, now dry, whose sediments contained an environmental record covering the last 10,000 years. With support from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and the American Institute of Polish Culture, Inc., we extracted cores from these sediments and began the analysis of the pollen, snail shells and water fleas under the supervision of Professor Krystyna Wasylikowa of the Institute of Botany in Kraków and carried out by Dr. Dorota Nalepka and her colleagues. Geomorphological research was done by the late Professor Bolesław Nowaczyk in Poznań. Rarely does such an opportunity present itself in central Europe where a major archaeological site is located so close to rich environmental evidence. This research showed that the households of the Brześć Kujawski Group had a major impact on their environment by clearing land around these
Osłonki excavations 1994. Peter Bogucki, Ambassador Nicholas Rey, Mrs. Lisa Rey, Mr. John Walsh, cultural attaché
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Computer-generated reconstruction drawing of the Neolithic settlement at Osłonki, with small neighboring settlements, around the lake about 4300 B.C. Note that only a few houses are occupied at any one time and the amount of cleared land is relatively small in comparison with the forest beyond.
lakes, which caused erosion into them. Moreover, high levels of nutrients derived from rubbish and human and animal wastes caused changes in the lake ecosystems. Such intense local impact on the environment may have eventually led to the abandonment of the settlement at Osłonki, after which the lake and the vegetation returned to its earlier condition.
milk lipids, indicating that they were in fact used for making dairy products like cheese. Chelsea Budd at the University of Oxford analyzed the carbon and nitrogen isotopes in the animal and human bone from Osłonki and identified variation in the quality of the diet eaten by different individuals, suggesting an early form of social inequality. Wiesław Lorkiewicz, a physical anthropologist at the University of Łódź, has studied the human skeletons from Brześć Kujawski and Osłonki and documented a significant level of interpersonal violence, evidence of nutritional and physical stresses, and the use of teeth for working twine or sinew. He is currently undertaking the study of the DNA in these skeletons to determine their affinities to each other and to other societies.
Brześć Kujawski and Osłonki are especially important because they have yielded some of the earliest finds of copper in this part of Europe - burials contained copper ornaments such as pendants, beads and even hair decoration. With no surface copper sources within hundreds of kilometers, these ornaments must have reached this area through trade. Similarly, flint from southern Poland was brought to these sites, again from very long distances. The people of the Brześć Kujawski Group were tied into exchange networks that extended throughout eastern Europe over 6,000 years ago.
Archaeological research projects like ours are taking place all over Poland. New discoveries are continually being made, from stone tools made by Neanderthals tens of thousands of years ago in Ciemna Cave near Kraków to medieval strongholds sites like Tum near Łęczyca that shed light on the early Polish state of the 11th and 12th centuries A.D. Modern techniques such as ground-penetrating radar and LiDAR enable sites that are invisible to the eye to be discovered. Even famous sites like Biskupin, always worth a visit, continue to yield new information. There is still much to be found beneath the soil of Poland, and archaeologists there will be busy for years to come.
Since finishing excavations at Osłonki, additional work has been done on nearby sites and we have continued the analysis of the finds. Several important new developments have taken place recently. The construction of motorways in Poland has led to the discovery of many more prehistoric sites (the route of the A-1 highway is just east of Brześć Kujawski). Rescue archaeology has resulted in the discovery of additional settlements from both the Linear Pottery culture and the Brześć Kujawski Group, permitting us to enlarge our understanding of their settlement system. Laboratory techniques have improved our understanding of prehistoric life. Melánie Salque, a chemist at the University of Bristol, studied Linear Pottery ceramic sieves that we found and identified the presence of bovine
Background photo: Excavations at Osłonki showing section of fortification ditch outlined against the natural clay subsoil. Approximate width of excavated area shown is about 100 feet (30 meters).
Peter Bogucki received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and his A.M. and Ph.D. from Harvard University. He taught at the University of Massachusetts in Boston and served as Director of Studies at Forbes College, one of Princeton University’s residential colleges, and is currently Princeton's Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Bogucki is the author of several books, including Forest Farmers and Stockherders: Early Agriculture and its Consequences in North-Central Europe (Cambridge University Press) and The Origins of Human Society {Blackwell Publishers) and many scholarly articles, as well as being co-editor (with Pam Crabtree) of Ancient Europe: an Encyclopedia of the Barbarian World, 8000 BC – AD 1000 (Scribners).
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PIASA has organized annual conferences since 1942. Their main purpose is to convene experts from the Polish-American community working in various disciplines of the humanities, arts, and sciences and to highlight their latest research and accomplishments. The conference offers multiple presentations and panels in both plenary and thematic sessions as well as a banquet and cultural and networking events. The conference also recognizes the highest achievements in the humanities, arts, and sciences with the presentation of the PIASA awards. The most recent PIASA conferences were held in Toronto (2015), Warsaw (2014),Washington, DC (2013) and Boston, MA (2012). The next, 74th Annual Meeting, will be held in Washington, DC (2016) To submit a paper or complete session, please send the name, e-mail address, institutional affiliation, and tentative paper title for all presenters to the chair of the program committee at jpula@pnc.edu. The deadline for proposals is April 1, 2016.
(954) 485 5922 Mowimy po Polsku
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FIU Goes to UAM By Beata Paszyc As a proud alumni of Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM) in Poznan, Poland, I felt it was only fitting to help establish a collaboration between Florida International University (FIU) and UAM. AIPC has sponsored the successful Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU since 2010, so it made perfect sense to introduce these two fine schools of higher learning. Professor Bronislaw Marciniak, President of UAM, invited Dr. Mark Rosenberg, the President of FIU, to visit Poland. With assistance from my Father, Professor of chemistry and former Vice President of UAM, we became the liaisons between these two fine schools. It took some time for both Presidents to find corresponding slots in their busy schedules, but finally on May 13, 2015, "the Eagle has landed" and President Rosenberg spent two busy days in Poznan. Beata Paszyc: You were in Poznan, Poland this past May to visit UAM. Could you please share with me some of your impressions? Mark Rosenberg: My visit to Poland was very impressive. I really liked Poznan. I think it combines the best of old traditions plus it's got an outlook and a modernity that is very animated. The University of Adam Mickiewicz (UAM) is energizing. It has many locations; I was in two of the locations - the main campus and Morasko campus. The Morasko campus is visionary and is going to be a very important European center for research and studies. The science facilities and recreation center they have built for 120 million Euros (US $131,850,000) will attract many of the best and the brightest from Europe to study there. I was also impressed with the credentials of the faculty.
President Mark Rosenberg, President Bronislaw Marciniak
demand, but I imagine we can find 10-11 students who would like to go.
I see a number of different ways that FIU can partner with UAM. We intend to send a delegation to Poznan in late October/early November this year to determine if we can identify specific partnerships that we can do together. And I have no hesitation in recommending that our students go there to study. The city has an old world charm but a freshness to it that was very alluring.
I see some interesting parallels between FIU and UAM. For instance, they do work on border studies and we do a lot on border studies; they have really good science and we have really good science. There are also some program possibilities in Political Science, particularly in national security and state government issues.
BP: Do you think a program like "Summer Abroad" would be a possibility?
I had a great tour of the city and I am glad I could finally visit Poznan. I am sure FIU will be able to collaborate with UAM.
MR: Yes, without a doubt. The key to Summer Abroad is to find a professor who is willing to take it on and find an appropriate host in Poland. I am not sure what would be the
BP: Thank you very much.
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My visit to Poland was very impressive
During the meetings I saw the great potential for a collaboration between the two universities on many levels. We are ready to explore mutual interests that will benefit our faculty and students, and are looking forward to receiving a delegation from FIU to discuss specifics.
Dr. Mark Rosenberg, Professor Stefan Paszyc
"It was a great honor and privilege to personally host Dr. Mark Rosenberg at Adam Mickiewicz University. I found him to be an energetic visionary who will no doubt propel a cooperation between UAM and FIU forward. I am grateful to him for this visit.
On a personal note, I wish to acknowledge the involvement of Professor Stefan Paszyc, who is my Professor of Photochemistry and mentor, and his daughter, Beata Paszyc, who was instrumental in making things happen.�
We arranged meetings between President Rosenberg and the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism, the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration and other scholars.
Professor Bronislaw Marciniak, President UAM
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, established in 1919, is one of the top universities in Poland. Its
reputation is founded on tradition, outstanding achievements of the faculty and an attractive curriculum offered to students. The University currently employs nearly 3,000 teaching staff, including 264 tenured professors, 439 associate professors and 1,617 adjunct professors with a Ph.D. title. Its current student population of approximately 49,000 includes over 1,000 who are international students. Students may choose between 180 possible professional specializations, and new educational projects include integrated studies in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and programs carried out in cooperation with other institutions both in Poland and abroad. Notable alumni include Jan AP Kaczmarek, internationally renowned and Oscar winning composer and musician; Stanislaw Baranczak, poet, literally critic, writer, translator, Dr. Jan Kulczyk, businessman who held a Ph.D in law and was, according to Forbes magazine, the most affluent Pole; Ambassador Hanna Suchocka, lawyer and former Prime Minister of Poland; and Marian Rejewski, mathematician and cryptologist who enabled the British to decipher the Enigma machine.
Jan AP Kaczmarek
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Stanislaw Baranczak
Jan Kulczyk
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Hanna Suchocka
Marian Rejewski
Europe Week at FIU By Christine Caly - Sanchez
O
n May 5, 2015, the Miami-Florida European Center of Excellence (MEUCE), the American Institute for Polish Culture and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland presented the 2014 Polish film Jack Strong as part of the activities for Europe Week. Students learned of the true story of a man who dared to challenge the Soviet empire. During the Cold War years between 1972 to 1981, Polish army colonel Ryszard Kuklinski, whose alias was Jack Strong, had access to top secrets while planning the maneuvers of the Warsaw Pact forces. He discovered that an American nuclear counterattack against Soviet forces was planned to be executed on Polish territory. Thanks to his determination, he embarked on a long, lonely and psychologically exhausting collaboration with the CIA. From the start, his life and that of his entire family was in constant danger as one careless move could lead to tragedy. This film was definitely appreciated by the audience! MEUCE would like to thank the American Institute of Polish Culture and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland for having given us the opportunity to enjoy and learn from this film.
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PANGEA Magazine
Showcasing a Super-Continent of Poles By Dorota Peszkowska PANGEA is the name of a world-wide consortium that unites Polish people in several continents into one strong and undivided nation – essentially creating a super-continent of Polish thought.
A
t the beginning, there was the germ of an idea - to find a straightforward way to show Poland as the entrepreneurial and intelligent nation it is, and to highlight how a country that has overcome brutal oppression and tragedy in the last century has become such a major powerhouse in early 21st century business and cultural communities throughout the world. That is how PANGEA came to be. In 2014, the dream was realized and businessmen, scientists and artists of Polish provenance from the UK, USA and Poland began working together to create the PANGEA brand. The mission statement is simple - to promote Poland and Poles outside the country's borders and to offer support for Poles who have emigrated. The flagship of the brand is PANGEA Magazine, a bilingual, bimonthly publication established in 2014. It presents an elegant, worldly and journalistic face for what is going on with Polish diaspora and organizations around the world. With a target audience of 21 million Poles who live outside of Poland and as an excellent font of information for everyone else, PANGEA Magazine has rapidly become an important resource presenting cutting edge Polish issues, as well as people in the news and on the move. Feature stories include the thoughts, passions and achievements of accomplished artists, celebrities, businessmen, travelers and diplomats whose lives are a testament that Poles can and do realize their dreams. The magazine's main focus is business networking and offering assistance with useful tips, new investment opportunities and working with people who are making an impact in their fields. PANGEA Magazine also rediscovers Polish history and presents the rich Polish culture. Its ranking is established by the active engagement and support of celebrities and stars, many with Polish ancestry. Author Rita Cosby, Karen Lynn Dixon of the American Academy of Hospitality and Andrzej Krakowski, a film director and an international producer from New York who has worked with multiple Oscar winners and actors, are among the magazine's fans. Respected financiers, advisers and long established businessmen also contribute articles, and young, up-and-coming movers and shakers are interviewed in every issue.
In addition, PANGEA Magazine has set up many projects to support the Polish market and help in a free exchange of innovative thought. Exclusive business meetings, conferences and prestigious events are a characteristic mark of the magazine's creativity and planning. This past summer PANGEA Magazine organized the International Business Network (IBN) to bring together renowned firms and offer opportunities to help organizations create a strong brand and a flourishing Polonia.
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Kinga Eva Plich, Editor-in-Chief Photo credit: Bartosz Branka
IBN responds to businessmen's needs, whether they are Polish or considering investing in Poland. Its members can establish promising relationships and gain the respect of their colleagues – all thanks to the skill and experience they present at meetings and conferences in IBN. One of the publication's most prominent projects is the “Outstanding Pole” contest and gala, attended by guests from all over the UK and Poland who come to meet the winners – successful Poles who have achieved their dreams. For firms who want to improve their financial health and grow their monetary base, PANGEA Magazine cooperates with NAO Institute. Established over 20 years ago by Dr. Dariusz Tarczyński, a renowned psychologist in all aspects of business-related issues, the NAO Institute has gained the trust and admiration of several hundred firms, such as Leroy Merlin or Volvo. NAO trainers in the UK and Poland assist and guide managers, managing boards and employees
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in learning and using the right tools to reach international business standards and to successfully attain goals.
Born in Poland, Kinga Eva Plich has a masters degree in Business Management from Kozminski University in Warsaw. She is an experienced CEO, business advisor, publisher, journalist and editor-in-chief of the exclusive PolishEnglish PANGEA Magazine, a source of information about Poles from all over the world. The magazine's aim is to champion entrepreneurship, develop cultural awareness and promote education in order to connect and empower young professionals from all industries across the globe.
PANGEA Magazine exists to showcase a super-continent of Poles – at home and abroad– and provides a very visible and viable platform to get new ideas and innovative thoughts out into the world. www.pangeamagazine.com Facebook\PangeaMagazine
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Save the Date
The 44th international polonaise ball
Saturday February 20, 2016 7:00pm
Enchanted with Ancient China at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach
Sunday Brunch February 21, 2016 11:30am - 2:30pm
The American Institute of Polish Culture
Reservations and more information available at 305-864-2349 or e-mail us at director@ampolinstitute.org or assistant@ampolinstitute.org Please also visit our website for tickets at www.ampolinstitute.org
The 43 rd International Polonaise Ball In the Rhythm of Samba Saturday, February 7, 2015
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Jan Karaszewski, Mrs. Dorota Schnepf, Amb. Ryszard Schnepf
The International Polonaise Ball, established by
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel in 1972 and one of the most prestigious and elegant events of Miami's social season since 1972, is organized under the auspices of the Ambassador of Poland to the US, Ryszard Schnepf.
The 43rd International Polonaise Ball on February 7, 2015 was held at the glamorous Eden Roc Hotel on palm-lined Collins Avenue in Miami, FL. The Ball entwines elegance and style with world-class entertainment and cultural diversity. Each year the Ball celebrates Poland and a different country, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic ties and friendships of both nations. Over 300 guests from all corners of the globe celebrated Poland Fascinated with Brazil at the black tie event. And celebrate they did - from posing with a feathered and jeweled Carnaval passista to exuberant dancing with the hypnotic samba drum beats - it was loads of fun and an unforgettable evening. Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Dr. Jan Kulczyk
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Dr. Alma Kadragic, Amb. Ryszard Schnepf
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Andrzej Bukowinski
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. David Ensor, Amb. Ryszard Schnepf
Consul John Petkus, Consul Sabina Klimek with guests
Amb. Ryszard Schnepf, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Krzysztof Przybyl
Mr. Richard Hurwitz, Mrs. Klaudia Juniewicz, Mr. Karim Peter Guen
Mr. Albert Slugocki, Mrs. Adriana Sabino, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Monika Jablonska-Chodakiewicz, Mr. Manuel Rosa
Ms. Magda Gessler, Dr. Marek Pien Pienkowski, Ms. Loretta Swit, Mr. Keith Gray, Mrs. Agnieszka Gray, Mr. Krzysztof Porowski, Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper, Mrs. Liliana Komorowska, Mr. Jarek Rottermund, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Italo Torrese, Ms. Francesca Lowenthal , Mrs. Teresa Lowenthal
Dr. Pat Riley, Dr. Andrew Schally, Mrs. Maria Schally, Ms. Donna Francavilla, Dr. Marek Pienkowski, Honorary Consul
Mrs. Elzbieta Wnuk, Prof. Stanislaw Wnuk
Mr. Dominic Cieslak, Ms. Veronika Cieslak
Brazilian samba dancer who spends most of her early life perfecting the exuberant dance at a recognized samba school. With elaborate costumes, enormous headdresses, glittering footwear and choreographed moves, passistas create the dynamic energy of Carnaval - encouraging the crowds to join them in dancing along the streets of Rio.
Besides the Ambassador and his wife, many other distinguished personalities came from all over the world including Dr. Jan Kulczyk, a businessman who is, according to Forbes, the richest man in Poland. There were also guests from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Sweden and the US. Among them were local corporate leaders, artists, diplomats, and scientists, such as Dr. Andrew Schally, a Nobel Prize winner in the field of medicine. And each year more and more young people are attending, adding an exciting exuberance to the event. A stunning passista in a white and gold bejeweled gown with an ornate feathered headdress stood regally on the stage, and guests lined up to be photographed with her. A passista is a formally trained
Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mrs. Barbara Muze, Mrs. Jadwiga Gewert, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Maestro Grzegorz Nowak
After the traditional opening Polonaise, the award ceremony commenced with presentations of the Gold Medal for Andrzej Bukowinski, renowned Brazilian filmmaker and “King of commercials";" the Lech Walesa Media Award for David Ensor, journalist; and the “Amicus Poloniae” for Alma Kadragic, producer and journalist. Four individuals Monika Jablonska, Adriana Sabino, Manuel Rosa and Albert Slugocki -
Brazilian passista Ms. Loretta Swit, Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski
Ms. Claudine Smurfit, Dr. Marco Contreras
of carnival and samba while colorful feathers swayed on the dancers’ dynamically moving bodies. The energy was so vibrant that it moved everybody to the dance floor.
also received a Special Recognition Award from Lady Blanka for their entrepreneurial contributions to the Polish-American and Brazilian communities. Lady Blanka was also given with the "Outstanding Pole" award by Krzysztof Przybyl, President of the Foundation Teraz Polska, for promoting Polish achievements throughout the world. Mr. Przybyl came directly from Poland in order to present this prestigious award to Lady Blanka. During the artistic program, the Brazilian dancers and rousing drummers transformed the beautifully decorated ballroom into the streets of Rio, with the rhythms
Mrs. Sandra Zachariasiewicz, Mr. Walter Zachariasiewicz, Fr. Anthony Czarnecki with passista
The guests enjoyed a delicious dinner with Brazilian flavors, and danced and networked long after midnight. The following day, the Polish Folk Dance Company showcased the traditional mazurkas and krakowiak during the Special Bunch. Guests continued meeting new people, celebrating Polish and Brazilian cultures, and making plans to be in Miami next year for another fabulous gala Ball.
Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mr. John Frank Velez, Mrs. Anna Slabicki, Mr. Zbigniew Slabicki
Dr. Dapnarina Maharaj, Dr. Jacquelina Gouvea, Mr. Krzysztof Łoński
Italian and American guests, including Dr. Ewa Piencentile, Mrs. Jadwiga Palade, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Skibicki, Ms. Dominika Grzebyk Nicoli, Mr. Mario Castellan, Mr. Lucio Pntecorvi, Ms. Caterina Covolo
Seated (l-r): Ms. Lucia Schneegans-Puentes, Ms. Luccia Lowenthal, Ms. Annie Centurion, Ms. Francesca Lowenthal, Ms. Yesenia Hernandez and guests
Mrs. Roza Toroj, Mr. Jacek Trus, Mr. Grzegorz Okon, Ms. Irena Zytkiewicz
Mr. Zygmunt Stazewski, Mr. Matthew King
Mr. Alexander Smaga, Ms. Ania Navas
Ms. Marta Lefik, Mr. Nick Sadowsky, Ms. Dorota Kotowska
Polish American Folk Dance Company
Seated (l-r): Ms. Sylvia Skarbinska, Dr. Irena Siemiginowska, Mr. Jerzy Siemiginowska, Ms. Veronika Cieslak, Ms. Magdalana Gudat Standing: Mrs. Karolina Nowicki-Martinez, Mr. Amaury Martinez, Mrs. Eva Korzeb, Mr. Kazimierz Korzeb, Mrs. Frances Burzynski, Mr. Janusz Burzynski, Mr. Dominic Cieslak, Baron Andrew von Gelt
Mr. Patrick Misiewicz, Ms. Kinga Plich
Latin America Invest Corp. guests, including Ms. Irma Sanchez, Mr. Italo Torrese, Mr. Leszek Ladowski, Mrs. Maria Ladowski
Seated (l-r): Ms. Jolanta Knight, Mrs. Elzbiata Wnuk, Prof. Stanislaw Wnuk, Mr. Joseph Wolsztyniak Standing (l-r): Mrs. Jennifer Khan-Nowak, Mr. Karim Peter Guen, Hon. Undine George, Hon. Edward George, Dr. Jerzy Kyparisis, Mrs. Danuta Kyparisis, Dr. Michel S. Pawlowski
Mr. Jorge Villacampa, Mrs. Maggie Villacampa, Pres. Mark Rosenberg, Marquisa Maria Alonso, Marquise Alexander Montague
Seated (l-r): Mr. Greg Burzynski, Mrs. Monika JablonskaChodakiewicz, Mr. Krzysztof Lewicki, Ms. Elzbieta Green Standing (l-r):Mr. Krzysztof Pierscionek, Mrs. Adriana Pierscionek, Mrs. Anna Burzynski, Mr. Wojciech Bukalski, Mr. Mateusz Kosmowski, Mr. Witold Kosmowski
Ms. Nancy Savoie, Mr. Paul Landrum, Mrs. Karen Landrum
Mrs. Grazyuna Orawiec, Dr. Bronislaw Orawiec
Seated (l-r): Mr. Marcin Roszczyk, Dr Kornelia Król. Mr. Krzysztof Porowski, Countess Barbara Pagowska–Cooper, Judge Andrzej Huras Standing (l-r): Honorable Jerzy Stępień, Mr. Maciej Cybulski , Ms. Beata Korsakowska–Pryl, Ms. Anna Borzęcka, Honorable Tadeusz Jedynak, Mr. Konrad Borzęcki, Mr. Krzysztof Kasperkiewicz
Mr. Pedro Botto, Dr. Rebecca Friedman, Dr. Shlomi Dinar
Seated (l-r): Mr. Richard Hurwitz, Mrs. Klaudia Juniewicz, Ms. Liliana Komorowska, Mr. Bernard Poulin Standing (l-r): Mr. John Frank Velez, Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Mrs. Anna Pietraszek, Mr. Stefan Pietraszek, Ms. Lynne Schaefer, Mr. Jaroslaw Rottermund
Dr. Mark Tucci, Mrs. Krystyna Tucci, Ms. Anna Zwierzycki, Mrs. Patrycia Zwierzycki, Dr. Jerome Zwierzycki
Baron Andrew von Gelt, Dr. Ewa Buch, Mr. Roman Buch
Seated (l-r): Ms. Maria InĂŞs Dal Borgo, Mrs. Adriana Riquet Sabino, Mr. Marcelo Sabino, Ms. Dircineia Marchi Standing (l-r): Ms. Ivonete Leite, Ms. Gloria Johnson, Mrs. Beti Rozen
Mrs. Anges Ptasznik, Mr. Jochen Renz
Ms. Anna Porowski, Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper, Mr. Krzysztof Porowski, Ms. Ashley Porowski
A Very Special Brunch Sunday, February 8, 2015
During the brunch, several people in Chicago's medical field received a special award along with Lady Blanka Rosenstiel and Countess Barbara Pogowska-Cooper on behalf of the "Convention of Solidarity Seniors" in Poland. The International Group of Capoeira Abolicao, an
exciting dance group of adolescents and teens from Miami, performed a traditional Brazilian fight-style routine with acrobatics, jumping and dance movements to vibrant drumming. It was a great windup of another fantastic International Polonaise Ball weekend!
Mr. David Ensor, Ms. Loretta Swit, Dr. Ewa Piancentile, Dr. Jerome Zwierzycki, Dr. Mark Tucci, Hon. Walter Zachariasiewicz, Dr. Michael Hytros, Hon. Jerzy Stepin, Dr. Bronislaw Mazurek, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper, Dr. Jerzy Wrobel
Mrs. Sandra Zachariasiewicz, Mr. Walter Zachariasiewicz
Mrs. Klaudia Juniewicz, Mrs. Liliana Komorowska and friend
Mr. Manuel Rosa, Mr. Andzrej Bukowinski, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Andrew Nagorski, Dr. Alma Kadragic
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mr. Jerzy Stepien, Countess Barbara Pagowska-Cooper
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Mrs. Beata Paszyc, Nel Velez-Paszyc with Polish American Folk Dance Company
Mr. Vinod Doddamani, Ms. Kim Fontaine-Skronski, Mr. Patrick Bolarque, Ms. Amanda Rottermund, Mr. Jaroslaw Rottermund, Mr. Andrzej Bukowinski, Ms. Paula Bukowinski
Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Mrs. Maria Teresa Carrizo Sliva
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Polish dancers with the International Group of Capoeira Abolicao
Entrepreneurial Spirit By Beata Paszyc environmental organization in the world established by Mihalil Gorbachev; The CREED Institute, founded by Jan Kulczyk as an international thinktank aimed at promoting the achievements and the economic potential of Central and East European countries; and the Kulczyk Foundation which helps poor and underprivileged people in Poland through education and development projects.
D
r. Jan Kulczyk - Poland's most successful businessman and investor, a philanthropist, educated and knowledgeable with impeccable manners, whose motto in life, "Reach where sight cannot reach" - recently received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from AIPC during the 43rd International Polonaise Ball in Miami. He was beaming with pride and happiness, and spoke very kind words of appreciation when receiving it from Lady Blanka Rosenstiel. Little did anyone know that it would be the last time we would see him dancing the opening Polonaise. Jan Kulczyk was the founder and owner of Kulczyk Holding, headquartered in Warsaw, and the international investment house Kulczyk Investments with headquarters in Luxembourg and offices in London, Kiev and Dubai. According to Forbes magazine, Kulczyk was the most affluent person in Poland, with an estimated wealth of around 4.3 billion dollars. In 2013 he was ranked #384 on The World’s Billionaire list by Forbes, moving up in rank due to his continuously diversified portfolio of investments, notably in Africa where Kulczyk Investments holds a 40% stake in Neconde Energy Limited, a consortium who acquired an oil production license in Nigeria. He was the biggest private taxpayer in Poland of personal income tax. He received a law degree from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and a degree in foreign trade from the University of Economics. He also held a PhD in international law. Much of his business ventures were a continuation of a family business tradition for three generations. He often mentioned that he was fortunate to get his first million from his father who was a businessman himself. Regardless of all the high rankings and the huge amount of money he made, you could see that apart from a luxurious lifestyle, he felt it was necessary to give back. His many collaborations with organizations are a testament to that. On his website there are a number of them listed, including Strategic Sponsor of the Polish Olympic Team; the Lech Walesa Institute whose mission is to spread democracy all over the world; Green Cross International, the third largest non-profit 51
He was a great humanitarian and patron of culture, as well as a music lover and a generous supporter of National Theater Opera Houses in Warsaw and Poznan and many music competitions. For the last 25 years he also financially supported "Malta Festival," a phenomenon that started as an outdoor Theater Festival in Poznan, and developed into an event that is a fusion of modern art, concerts with international stars, experimental shows, installations, small and large projects, and round-the-clock meetings of great cultural minds. He gave PLN 20 million (over USD $5 million) for a Museum of Polish Jews in Warsaw, the biggest single donation to date. In an interview conducted 3 years ago, he talked about what inspired him to help build the museum was the fact that, "...this museum not only teaches history but also educates young people. This is to show and recognize that in this global world of coexistence that cooperation, common thinking, common ideas and unified plans are very important." A man at the top of the world and having almost everything at his disposal, Dr. Kulczyk was also compassionate, kindhearted and spiritual; a true entrepreneurial spirit. If it were not for him, none of the four hospices in the northern part of Poland would have been built nor would any of the housings for Good News 2014-2015
single mothers have been erected. He never revealed how much he gave on those projects. These were the gifts of the heart.
doing something to better the world. Be it in business, culture, history, religion or economy he was there whole heartedly, otherwise he would not have been so successful.
He once delighted an Olympic bronze medalist in sailing with a touching surprise. She had auctioned her medal to raise funds for a very sick girl, and Kulczyk bought it. During a meeting with all medalists at a later date, he gave it back to her saying, "You won twice - once in London and once in Warsaw when you auctioned it. It had to come back to you."
Nonetheless, he was recognized for his vast contributions and decorated by the Polish President with the Polonia Restituta Order, he received the Golden Medal of Saint Paul Fathers, and was a holder of the prestigious Kisiel Award and the Patron of Culture title by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. As the first Polish entrepreneur he was also awarded the title of a Friend of Nigeria by the Nigerian government.
When I heard on Polish television that Jan Kulczyk had died suddenly on July 28, 2015 at the age of 65, I could not believe it. Just 5 months earlier I had seen him and greeted him at our Ball in Miami. We took pictures together and Lady Blanka handed Lady Blanka the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award he so deserved. His passing was a shock and a realization of how fragile we all are.
Tam sięgaj, gdzie wzrok nie sięga
Yet, I believe that his life was best summed up in his daughter Dominika's moving eulogy. She spoke as if channeling her Dad's words. "Don't cry for me. I am not here. I have left the stage undefeated. (...) The genius is not to know more but to know earlier. (... ) Don't cry for me. I am not - Adam Mickiewicz The formal announcement of his passing here. But I am in your loving hearts, was somber and listed his accomplishments in your longing for my eyes. In every and many philanthropic gestures. It was also noted that the unforgettable memory. In a sun that warms your face, in the Pauline Monks were praying for his soul. Kulczyk financialgood weather I always brought you. (...) In the most beautily supported major renovations of Jasna Gora, the historic ful buildings, in philharmonics, in museums, in every temple monastery dating back to the 14th century in Czestochowa, of the world in which I prayed for so many years. (...) Don't Poland which is the most famous shrine to Virgin Mary, cry. I am not here. And believe me, because you need to becalled the "Black Madonna." lieve, believe until the end. And love unconditionally, because love is greater then death." I imagine that he did not do this for the applause and recognition, but because of a strong passion and dedication for
Reach where sight cannot reach
A Special Thanks to our Advertisers
We are truly grateful for your loyal and generous support. We love that you are able to join us for many of our events and that you contribute financially by placing an ad in the annual Good News. So to the advertisers who have appeared on our pages year after year and to the new ones,
We thank you all very much! We couldn't do it without you! Good News 2014-2015
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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.
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 has striven 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.
Author unknown
Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU and the University of Virginia, the Kosciuszko Chair at IWP, the publications and special projects, and the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund continue to flourish, and are made possible by our largest fundraiser, the annual International Polonaise Ball, and membership dues and donations received 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.
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 to develop new ones that enrich lives. Programs such as the Blanka
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To my dearest friend
Rev. Thaddeus Bocianowski
In loving memory
St. Stanislaw Church, The Mother Church of Polonia Buffalo, New York
of my Father,
God Bless You
Stanislaw Wlusek - Valeria Rosenbloom
Rita & Don D’Onofrio-Gretina
POLISH ASSISTANCE, INC. - POLSKA BRATNIA POMOC 1956—2016 60 years of providing assistance to the needy in our Polish American community
You are cordially invited to attend our 57th Bal Polonaise to benefit Polish Assistance on Saturday, February 6th, 2016 Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel, New York City
15 East 65th Street, New York, New York 10065 ,Tel. 212-570-5560 Fax 212-570-5561 e-mail: office@polishassistance.org www.polishassistance.org
Rich in tradition, generous in compassion
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Last Goodbyes It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our dear friends and Board members who played such important roles in our organization. Gerald B. Jaski (nee Jazdzewski) was born in 1935 and raised in Chicago's ethnic Polish neighborhood. Gerry became a respected attorney and practiced for years in Florida while also finding the time to teach. His dedication to and involvement in dozens of civic programs as an advisor, director and volunteer never wavered, and he happily took on opportunities in areas such as law enforcement, mental health and legal ethics. On top of all that, he was known for his rich baritone and acting ability and was seen in several stage productions throughout Florida. Gerry became a member of the original Board of Directors of the Institute and served for 43 years until his death in February 2015. He was instrumental in providing legal counsel to incorporate AIPC as a non profit organization and not only gave over 600 hours of pro bono work as a attorney to the Institute, but he was an enthusiastic participant in various lectures, conferences and galas. He was also awarded the Amicus Poloniae by the Ambassador of Poland in 2004 for outstanding efforts in promoting cooperation between the Republic of Poland and the US.
Gerald Jaski
Gerry was a kind and humble person with an avid curiosity about life and people, and his love Gerald Jaski of nature, great conversation, and his Polish heritage were always evident. He is survived by his Gerald Jaski beloved wife, Mary Lou Rajchel, and three children. •••••••
Mieczyslaw "Mike" Skronski was born in Starachowice, Poland in 1927 and in the early 1950's he immigrated to Canada after being freed by the Americans from a labor camp where he had spent several years during WWII. Settling in Montreal, Quebec, he operated his electrical contracting company until retiring in the mid-1990s. He became a seasoned Florida snowbird, heading south to Miami during Canada's heavy winter months, but his summers were spent at his lake home in the peaceful Quebec mountains. And always, he spent as much time as possible with his three children in Canada and his siblings in Poland. Mike was a shining light wherever he went. His good humor, positive "I got this" view of life, and all around joie de vive was infectious at any gathering. Even into his golden years, Mike remained very active and always available with a helping hand, a smile and his signature "Voila!" He was a Mike Skronski long time member of AIPC's Board of Directors where his dedication to celebrating Poland and Polish contributions in the US made a big impact at so many events and programs. Each winter he MikeMike Skronski Skronski ensured that the large feathered Polish eagle that hangs front and center at every International Polonaise Ball was spruced up and regal. Outside of the Institute, he kept busy attending recitals, concerts and ballets with his wide circle of friends, and he never passed up a chance to hit the dance floor. Mike passed away suddenly in Miami in December 2014. We truly miss his friendly greeting "Hello, everybody! Smile and be happy - life is beautiful." •••••••
A long time friend of the Institute who also sat on the Board of Directors, John F. Sullivan (December 1928 - July 2015) was born and raised in New York City, where he spent his career as an engineer and inventor, and raised his children. He relocated to Miami, where he became involved with AIPC because of a strong belief in helping others through charitable organizations. John and his wife Peggy, with their lovely, harmonious voices and large repertoire of songs, entertained hundreds of guests at many of our annual International Polonaise Balls. In later years, John, as a widower, became the companion of our Board member, Harriet Irsay, who funded the Institute's yearly scholarship program in honor of her Polish heritage, and whose family owned the Indianapolis Colts. John was always eager to lend a hand at our events, and his ideas, friendliness and deep baritone will be sorely missed. 55
John F. Sullivan
Good News 2014-2015
Count Ryszard Wilke-Janicki, a member of the Board of Directors, passed away March 2015 after a long illness. Like so many Polish citizens during WWII, he faced seemingly insurmountable events as a child, but went on enjoy a fulfilling life. Ryszard was proud of his involvement with the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 although his father was killed during the fight. After the war he traveled widely, became fluent in five languages, and amassed a wonderful collection of antiques and treasures. He lived for several years in Paris and Mexico before settling in Miami where he owned a very popular and lucrative antique business which he ran for several years. We were honored to have Count Wilke-Janicki as our friend and colleague. Ryszard Wilke-Janicki •••••••
My Brother, Waldemar On October 27, 2014, my beloved brother and closest confidante, Waldemar Dowiak, died peacefully in Miami after living for many years with a truly heartbreaking illness. I accompanied him to Poland where he was interred at our family's grave site in Wilanow Cemetery in Warsaw. Waldemar was afflicted with ALS (Lou Gehrig's) in 2004 and, as with everything in his life, he handled it with quiet courage and dignity. His kindness and gentlemanly ways never diminished and his resilience in the face of such a devastating disease spoke volumes about the strength of his will to live on his own terms. A native son of Poland, Waldemar was taken to a German labor camp during WWII. He survived the war, and moved to Brussels, Belgium before making his way to America in 1965, eventually settling in Miami. During the 1970's, he was the President of Progressive American Tours travel agency, and he also founded with me the American Institute of Polish Culture where he assisted in many cultural, educational and charitable activities. He was an ardent supporter of the Institute's mission to spread knowledge of the achievements of Polish-Americans and Poland's contributions in the US. In addition, he was an active member of the Chopin Foundation of the United States. He loved to spend summers at our estate, Blandemar, in Charlottesville, Virginia where his greatest joy was caring for his thoroughbred horses.
Waldemar Dowiak
Waldemar was loved for his compassionate heart and gentle soul, and admired for his ready generosity and a helping hand extended towards others. I always was and always will remain so very proud that he was my brother.
To
live in hearts we leave
behind is not to die. Thomas Campbell
Good News 2014-2015
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King of the Commercials By Beata Paszyc Andrzej Bukowinski, a world renowned filmmaker specializing in commercials, recently received the Gold medal at The American Institute of Polish Culture's 43rd International Polonaise Ball in 2015. His many others awards, including 25 Lions in Venice and Cannes Festivals, are as impressive as his iconic commercials in Brazil. I had a chance to sit with him and talk about his life's journey. Beata Paszyc: Let’s talk about your passions. What are they? Andrzej Bukowinski: My greatest passion is my work. I have been working for over 50 years and I still really enjoy doing it. I was lucky, or perhaps I have some talent, but I like most of my commercials and I am very proud of them. I feel invigorated when I am filming, when I am in action. I try to make the most positive atmosphere among those who work with me because it shows up on the screen. If people are fighting or are jealous the film captures it and it shows through. The better the atmosphere while filming and with a great idea, the better commercials. Ideas are what it is all about. I watch commercials today and I do not understand many of them. And if I, who is very familiar with this industry, can’t understand them who can? There has to be a plot; I hope that concept will come back and I think there is kind of a transition toward it again. The new generations have to show us something fresh, original, innovative. Working in this industry is a lot of fun and we won competitions, we were fortunate to make money and receive prestige.
Just keep on making commercials, this is your passion and your purpose.
AB: Film is a group of people, it is the definition of team work. The director is like a general - he has to lead an entire crew of 40-50 people according to his strategy. He has to show the way, even if he makes a mistake, he has to be convinced of what he is doing. There cannot be 2 or 3 directors; 2 generals leading one army would never win the battle. And I am not one of those directors who screams and yells. I lead people who all know what the goal is...the army of the crew's hard work will show.
BP: How did you decide to make commercials? AB: As everything in life it was a coincidence. I was always fascinated with photography and film since I was a young boy. I started with photography and by the age of 16 I made my first film. Ultimately I decided to study architecture because it was going to give me a solid basis to earn a living. However, at this time in Argentina (where we lived) there was something new that was emerging - TV commercials - I immediately liked them and I still do till today. My dream was to make a feature film, but somebody up there (he points to the sky) said to me, "Just keep on making commercials; this is your passion and your purpose."
BP: How do you think the commercials evolved from the mid-20th century to 21st century? Do you like them now? They evolved in the 1960s until the 21st century, especially in the US and the UK. In the late 60's, Argentina had a good performance, whereas Brazil started to pick up in the mid 70's and became the third most creative country in the world for commercials. Those TV ads had a plot, a story that was intelligent which made them very memorable. As I mentioned before, we are now experiencing a transition. The image has become the most important factor, losing the concept and ideas, and that is no good. So we are waiting for the next evolution.
BP: And you are great at it, so let others make films about you! And that is what happened - two documentaries. I hope to be able to present the one made by Polish TV, Stepmel (Stamp) Maestro, in Miami some day. 57
Good News 2014-2015
BP: I know you give lectures and talks around the world, so what do you tell your students is most important in this work?
Starting in the early 1960's in Argentina and then in Brazil from the 1970's until now, Adrzej Bukowinski's work in creative communications has earned him numerous accolades, countless awards and global recognition as a pioneer in the very competitive field of advertising. Having directed over 3,000 commercials, and 300 documentaries and remaining active in his field today, he well deserves the moniker, King of the Commercials. Bukowinski, who was born in Warsaw, opened his studio ABAFILMES in Brazil where he creates the work that has garnered international acclaim and respect throughout the advertising industry.
A good, healthy obsession is extremely important, along with hard work. If working hard gives you great pleasure, you are on the right track. BP: How did Argentina and Brazil influence your work? Was it easy to be an immigrant? Argentina, and later Brazil, had an immense influence on my work, and being a Pole I also had the Polish influence. Somebody once said that I am a 'Latino Polones' (he laughs). Both Argentina and Brazil treat all immigrants very well and appreciate newcomers to their countries. BP: You obviously returned the favor. Now for some penetrating questions.
Bukowinski won First Prize at the International Advertising Film Festival for a commercial he made for Renault, "Romance in 4L," when he was 24 years old. In 1999, he was awarded the most renowned international prize in advertising in New York, the CLIO. As an artist of Polish descent, he also received the prestigious Wings Award from the Polish Film Festival in America for the prolific and successful body of work he has produced outside of Poland. In 1999, he became a Knight of the Polonia Restituta Order, and in 2000 and 2006 he received the Titan, a Polish lifetime achievement award, for excellence in advertising and the Medal of Gloria Artis respectively.
• My biggest dream is…to know how play the piano. It is something my Father did - he loved playing Chopin.
• If I could I would…though I have my beloved daughter, I have planted a dozen of trees, I wrote a book, I still want to be more and more every day - this is the motor of my life.
• I wish I had…made a feature film and who knows - I still dream about it.
• If I could have the power of a super hero I would like
to…have peace in the world considering that I was born during WWII in Poland, and after the war Poland was oppressed for 45 years by communist Russia.
KON & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C.
KON
Malgorzata J. Kon
Malg
• My favorite book is...anything written by Norman Da-
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• People do not know that I am…an open book. I enjoy
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Malg
Attorney at Law
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KON
vies, such as God's Playground and Rising 44, and A Question of Honor by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud.
talking with everybody and I like to communicate, although I won't reveal my shortcomings.
• What matters most is...family and friends are the most important. Lots of friends are the biggest asset. BP: Thank you so much for spending some time with me, Andrzej. And I can definitely attest to you being an open book - you are a warm, friendly, enthusiastic person who has a great passion for life and your journey.
Good News 2014-2015
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Polish Studies Program at UF By Dr. Jack Hutchens
T
he Polish Studies program was founded in 2004 at the University of Florida in Gainesville as a joint undertaking of the Center for European Studies and the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages. The goal of the program is to develop an innovative curriculum of courses in the Polish language and culture in order to provide students with strong skills over a broad range of topics within Polish Studies, with a special emphasis on the society of contemporary Poland. The Center has received federal funding in the form of FLAS (Foreign Language Area Studies)* grants for the teaching of Lesser Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs), and we offer academic year fellowships in the amount of $15,000 plus tuition to study Polish. Polish ch 18, 2016 studies is central to the Center’s program, and we are always c.ufl.edu/sas looking for ways to promote it among our undergraduate and graduate students.
TUDIES
t 12, 2016
ON
The Polish Students Association (POLSA) is a registered student group at the University of Flordia. They engage in several activities throughout the school year, including the very popular “pierogi nights,” and often help the Center for European Studies promote Polish culture on campus. In order to promote the program outside the campus the Center has become associated with several regional and national organizations. In Gainesville we have worked with the Polish American Chamber of Commerce of the Eastern United States, through whose efforts Gainesville became a Sister City to Rzeszów, Poland last year. The Center has also recently become a supporting organization of the American Council for Polish Culture.
UF in Poland EUROPEAN STUDIES
We would like to express our gratitude to the AIPC for sup12, 2016 EUROPEAN STUDIES Summer B: July 1 - August| 12,Summer 2016 B: July 1 - August port in building our Polish library. We sincerely hope we can
work with the Institute in the future to further promote PolPolish Studies at UF has established itself not only as a naish culture in Florida and around the country. tionally competitive program, but as a cutting edge one. The program offers three years of language instruction—beginINTRODUCE yourself to Polish culture and society ning, intermediate, and advanced. It has also developed LEARN about Polish history, including the history of Jews Center for European several courses Deadline: onStudies the literature, politics, and films of Eastin Poland, Polish film, and Polish literature 2016 Application March 18, 2016 Courses are taughtFaculty by UF members faculty andare local faculty CLAS from Teaching ern Europe. awarded STUDY at one of the oldest universities in the world Summer B: Julyat:1 www.ufic.ufl.edu/sas - August 12, 2016 Please apply online Jagiellonian University Awards and students are interested in opportunities to learn about Polish culture and study Polish language. UF now offers both Certificate and Minor programs in East-Central European Studies (ECES), and European Union Studies, al,503 lowing students to combine their interest in Polish with 2016 Deadline: Seize the Application opportunity to study Europe in March the historic18, city of2016 Kraków! In cost of the program due any number of disciplines. The Center for European Studies —Please Open to allismajors apply online at: addition to a required European Studies course, you will take a Polish www.ufic.ufl.edu/sas re due no later thana 45 offers summer study abroad program in Kraków at Jagi— Students in good standing language and culture or elective course at Jagiellonian University. aid, you can defer payment ellonian University where students can take intensive Pol— 2.5 GPA or Immerse yourself in Polish culture, cafes, castles, and mountains and ased on the amount of higher aid Most financial aid thatculture you would receive on campus during the ish language as well as at classes onoldest Polish experience the growth courses, of Europe while studying one of the summer can be applied toward the cost of this study abroad and history. universities in the world. program. UFIC recommends that you speak with your financial aid advisor about your financial aid eligibility for study abroad. More Last year Center started work on creating a Polish library — Open to allthe majors information can be found at Student Financial Affairs. , room & board in Kraków and reading room. Letters were sent out to several Polish — Students inthegood standing Kraków is one of oldest cities in Poland, and its second largest, oughout the region, local Undergraduate Program and Fee:we$4,503 cultural have received kind dona— 2.5 GPA one ororganizations, higher home tomedical about million inhabitants. It is considered Poland’s cultural nd emergency tions such asWorld the Kościuszko Foundation, A $350 nonrefundable deposit toward the total cost ofsites, the program isthe due the capital and isfrom home groups to many UNESCO Heritage including UFIC offers summer scholarships for qualified students. This year’s at the time of application. The remaining fees are due no later than 45 Piłsudski Institute, the Chopin Foundation, the Polish Library largest medieval town square in Europe. To the south are the scenic Tatra summer scholarship deadline 11, 2016. days prior to departure. If you receive financial aid, you can defer payment in Washington D.C., and a very generous gift of books from is February mountains and the mountain town of Zakopane. Required Course: until the it disburses. Deferment decision will be Culture based on in theMiami amount (AIPC). of aid The Most aid that you wouldCities receive(3onUFcampus during the American Institute of Polish EUS financial 4950: Reading Polish GPA credits) nd personal expenses. Apply online at: www.ufic.ufl.edu/sas/scholarships/html to be received. summer can be applied toward the cost of this study abroad library has grown quickly, and$4,503 now boasts over 1,000 volUndergraduate Program Fee: program. recommends that you speak with your financial aid umes, as well as posters, films, and other informational maOptionalUFIC Courses: Excursions include visitsdeposit to Jagiellonian University in Collegium A $350 nonrefundable toward the total costMuseum of the program is due advisor about your financial aid 3eligibility study abroad. More For more information contact: terials. The Center is currently in the process of creating an Polish Language (any level, transferfor credits) Maius, old town, Wawel Royal Castle, Auschwitz-Birkenau at theKraków’s time of application. The remaining fees are due no later than 45 information can be found at Student Financial Affairs. Tuition for 3 UF credits and 3-6 transfer credits, room & board in Kraków Elective Course (3 transfer credits) internship for UF undergrads to work in the library. (former Nazitoconcentration camp), the Ancient or Pieskowa days prior departure. If you receive financialSalt aid, Mine you can defer payment UFIC Studylocal Abroad Advisor:Sample Titles: Post-Communist Faculty Program Director: Center for European Studies: (vegetarian mealplan available), excursions throughout theand region, Transformation in East-Central Skala Castle, the Pieniny Mountains (including a raft ride), the Tatra until it disburses. Deferment decision will be based on the amount of aid Most financial aid that you would receive on campus during the Jack J. Hutchens Lisa Booth Caroline CullyEurope, transportation, international health insurance and emergency medical *We have given 12 academic year FLAS fellowships to graduate students to Polish Art: Past and Present, The Jews in Poland, Mountains. to be received.lbooth@ufl.edu jhutchens@ufl.edu summer can be applied toward the cost of this study abroad ccully@ufic.ufl.edu study Polish. Of these FLAS fellows, 2 of them have received Fulbright felassistance. Contemporary Polandscholarships and Her Society UFIC offers summer for qualified students. This year’s 352-294-7152 352-273-1518program. UFIC recommends that you speak with your financial aid lowships for year-long programs in Poland. summer scholarship deadline is February 11, 2016. advisor about your financial aid eligibility for study abroad. More Total Number of Credits Offered: 6-9 Affairs. You will live a dormitory double rooms (with room one bathroom two Tuition for 3inUF credits andin 3-6 transfer credits, & board inperKraków 59 information can be found at Student Financial Good News 2014-2015 Round-trip additional personal travel, and Apply online at: www.ufic.ufl.edu/sas/scholarships/html (vegetarian mealplan available), excursions theexpenses. region, local rooms), fullyairfare, equipped with towels, sheets etc.throughout At personal the dormitory there is a transportation, international insurance and emergency medical club, cafeteria and post office,health as well as a newspaper and souvenir stall.
NTS
COLLEGE INFORMATION APPLICATION INFORMATION
EUROPEAN STUDIES
APPLICATION INFORMATION PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY | REQUIREMENTS
FINANCIAL AID
ELIGIBILITY | REQUIREMENTS LOCATION 2016 PRICING
SCHOLARSHIPS
2016 PRICING EXCURSIONS WHAT’S INCLUDED
COURSE INFORMATION FINANCIAL AID
FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS
HOUSING WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED WHAT’S INCLUDED
SCHOLARSHIPS
Become a Friend of the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU We count on your generosity and financial support to develop and advance the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland and continue the Polish Studies Program at Florida International University.
Corporate: $5,000+ Benefactor: $1,000+ Patron: $250+ Friend: $50+ Other:
Please make your checks payable to: 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 Miami, FL 33141 Or donate online on our website
Include in the memo line “Polish Lecture Series”6 at
, e-mail us at or call us at 305-864-2349
Did you know… The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) sponsored an international study of education systems of the world's democracies. OECD is a unique forum where the governments of 34 countries and more than 70 non-member economies work together to promote financial growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. For this study, 76 countries were assessed. Poland ranked 11th in the world and 5th in Europe, ahead of both Britain and the US. This very impressive ranking is credited to a myriad of comprehensive changes that have been made since the days of communism. Mathematics is now a required area of study for students during every school year until the university level, and science is heavily promoted. Not surprisingly, strong efforts to include girls in these curriculum has also led to a very healthy educational system in Poland. In fact, in the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a benchmark testing system in education, Poland shared first place ranking with the Netherlands, Estonia and Finland. Andreas Schneider, who heads up OECD's education division said, "For the first time we have managed to create a scale to compare the unique quality of education across the globe." He also stressed that the rankings spotlight a direct correlation between education levels and economic development and positive growth.
Good News 2014-2015
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Dance In My Heart By Camilla Ostrzycki
In addition to my fascination with polonez, I discovered the traveling, world renowned, folk dance group named Mazowsze, founded in 1948. My mother offered me tickets to watch them perform in New Brunswick, New Jersey when I was in middle school – from then on, I would try to see them as often as I could. This group's goal is to preserve folk traditions, as well as show the diversity in dances depending on region. These performances, featuring Polish traditional dances like oberek, kujawiak,
Essay Recipient S cholarship
Throughout Polish school, I took part in partnered national dances like polonez, and loved how graceful, slow, and civilized a completed number would look. It was so different in comparison to what I was familiar with, being so postured and primarily focusing on formations, rather than individual capacities. After further investigation, I learned that Poland has five national dances; many countries do not have even one. Polonez dates all the way back to the seventeenth century, and has been a popular dance for nobility and townspeople, performed to commence weddings and balls throughout history. What I also appreciated so much about polonez aside from its formality and elegance, were the costumes worn during its execution, called Kontusze. These outfits are admired for their detail and intricacy, and are often handmade.
I started to love them so much that I would bring new friends along with me every year - some being Polish and rediscovering their own heritage, and others stepping into a whole new world. Mazowsze is so acknowledged due to its groundwork resting on tradition and culture that still remains prevalent in the country today.
Irsay
Dance, in general, has always been an influential factor in my life. It taught me to express myself physically, to release my emotions in a way that was healthy, even beautiful. It also taught me discipline, body and mind control, organization, and heavily improved my teamwork and memorization skills. Overall, it taught me of awareness and perception – of myself, and those around me. I began dancing when I was three, and later I joined a competition team, taking classes such as tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, and jazz. Aside from these universal styles, what also fascinated me was the cultural aspect of dance, which led me to explore Poland’s roots.
The atmosphere in these presentations is filled with pride and raw, positive energy. Some songs are loud and exciting, and have a quick tempo, with dancers yelping with happiness and clapping to create emphasis. Dancers jump over canes and sticks, while women wave handkerchiefs and tap their ankles. Other songs incorporate props into the choreography like leafy, rounded, branches that they beautifully move to create illusions and shapes. The costumes also contribute to this aspect – they are all handmade, strewn together with a wide range of colors, textures, patterns, and vary in styles. Women will whirl continuously, constantly re-greeting the audience with smiles as they holler “Ho!” and turn into blurred rainbows. Other songs are slower, and both men and women will step out to sing a few powerful words about the region that they are from. Everyone will then return into a line and sing a chorus, swaying from left to right in unison. I found these songs to be so unique for the typical voice required to sing them. The men would sing low and deep, while women had hoarse, almost yodel-like voices. It is so unlike any other style of music and dance, creating an unforgettable performance.
Harriet
D
eciding what to write about regarding Polish culture was not an easy task. Because the country is so rich in history, culture, and tradition, I found it very difficult to pick just one topic, let alone narrow it into two pages. After some thought, I decided that it would be appropriate to write about something that Poland takes much pride in, while being simultaneously relevant to my personal interests national dance.
polonez, mazur, trojak, and many others, have truly gained a place in my heart.
Polonaise Under the Open Sky by Kornelli Szlegel
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Good News 2014-2015
Join Lady Blanka Rosenstiel in
SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF
POLISH LEADERS
LIVE & LEARN IN PRAGUE
With The Fund for American Studies
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.
Polish Student Sponsored at AIPES By Matthew Kwasiborski
L
ady Blanka Rosenstiel has been sponsoring Polish students attending the American Institute on Political and Economic Systems (AIPES) since 1999. So far, thirty seven Polish students have benefited from this great academic and cultural experience and have received scholarship support from this generous program. AIPES was launched in 1993 by The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) in Washington, DC in partnership with Charles University. The program now takes place each summer in Prague, Czech Republic. It was the first international program organized by TFAS, which continues to host other programs around the world for students in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. This summer, Damian Polok was our Polish representative at AIPES 2015. His life experience has been very diverse and international. Born in communist Poland in April 1989, his family immigrated to Berlin because his father wanted a better future for his only son. Damian technically has German citizenship, but his loyalty lies in his true homeland, Poland.
Damian Polok
Damian is an impressive young man and after studying in the UK and China, he moved back to Poland to make a difference in the economy. He has launched a career in finance, but is also developing a leadership program among future young leaders in the field of economics. Damian values his AIPES experience as a prime example of how to connect with young future leaders. This model is motivating him to further expand his current goals of developing a global conference one day.
Damian was one of 118 students from 46 countries this summer at AIPES. He attended classes on conflict management, political philosophy, political economy, democracies in transition, ethics and society. The AIPES class also welcomed guest lectures from the US Embassy, the former Czech Ambassador to the USA, former Foreign Minister of Slovakia, US journalists, and Mr. Ivan Miklos, former deputy Prime Minister and finance minster of Slovakia.
The Fund for American Studies wishes to thank the American Institute of Polish Culture, especially Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, for 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 will continue to attend AIPES thanks to the generosity of our longtime supporters.
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Joyful Christmas
T
he American Institute of Polish Culture, the Chopin Foundation of the U.S. and Lady Blanka love to throw a party and what better reason to celebrate than Christmas and New Year! On December 15, 2014, we opened the doors to our freshly refurbished offices and welcomed 80 guests to join us in spreading yuletide cheer. The salon was festooned with the reds, greens, golds and silvers of the season, and ropes of twinkling lights were strung on every available branch of the Christmas tree. Scrumptious Polish style food, tasty wines, and mouth-watering sweets were enjoyed while everyone laughed, took pictures and sang carols. Pianists Mr. Emanuele Viscuso, Ms. Barbara Muze and Ms. Nel VelezPaszyc - a new performer with a lot of promise (hint: she's 5) - entertained with seasonal melodies. It was a joy-filled day!
Nel Velez-Paszyc, Sophia Hurwitz
Mrs. Barbara Cooper, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Mrs. Jean Warner, Dr. Michel Pawlowski, Ms. Iga Henderson
Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Miriann Meyeringh and Gianmarco
Mrs. Magdalena von Freytag, Mr. Ralph Piotrovsky, Mrs. Elzbieta Piotrovsky, Mr. Mark Greenberg
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Nel Velez-Paszyc
Mr. Patrick Misiewicz, Mr. Sebastian Misiewicz
Mr. Emanuele Viscuso
Mrs. Alicja Iwaszkiewicz, Ms. Rikki Itzkowski, Ms. Kasia Demare, Mr. Benjamin Laroux
Mrs. Maria Blacha, Mr. Mike Skronski, Mrs. Jadwiga Gewert, Ms. Lynne Schaefer
Good News 2014-2015
Mrs. Anna Slabicki, Mr. Albert Slugocki
Mr. Bernard Kmita, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Mrs. Kmita and daughter
66
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Good News 2014-2015
FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES Member, National Music Council, International Federation of Chopin Societies
The Ninth National Chopin Piano Competition was a great success. It attracted to Miami hundreds of music lovers from South Florida and all across the United States. After eight days filled with Chopin’s music and great emotions, the winners were announced March 1st, on Frédéric Chopin’s birthday! Eric Lu, a 17-year old from Boston won the First Prize of $75,000 and an international concert tour. The second prize of $35,000 was awarded to Rachel Naomi Kudo from Chicago, and 20-year old George Li, also from Boston, won the third prize of $20,000. Eric and Rachel are automatically accepted to go on to the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw where they will compete with the best young pianists from all over the world; the winners will be announced on October 21, 2015!
I would like to invite you to join us for seven concerts in our Chopin For All FREE concert Series in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables, and for the elegant Chopin Salon concerts at the La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach.
In November, the Chopin Foundation will start its “Season of Winners,” during which South Florida audiences will enjoy concerts by fabulous new and past competition laureates. See the details following this message and on the next page.
When in Florida, San Francisco, Los Angeles or Seattle, please join us to listen to the music of Frédéric Chopin live in concert. Please visit www.chopin.org to find out more on our events and other programs.
Jadwiga “Viga” Gewert Executive Director
Our regional Chopin Councils in: • San Francisco (www.chopinSF.org) • Seattle (www.chopinnw.org) and • Los Angeles (www.chopinswcouncil.com) will carry out our mission in their respective areas with music festivals and Young Pianists Competitions. For details, visit their websites.
2015 - 2016 SEASON of WINNERS! Chopin Salon Concerts featuring acclaimed master pianists & jurors of the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition
4 pm • La Gorce Country Club 5685 Alton Road • Miami Beach, Florida Salon Concerts with Wine Reception are FREE for Members. Non-Members are also welcome: $45 (concert + reception) Elegant buffet dinner optional: $55 (wine & tip included)
RSVP REQUIRED: 305-868-0624 • info@chopin.org
Jon Nakamatsu Nov 22, 2015
1995 winner of the National Chopin Piano Competition & 1997 winner of the Van Cliburn
Krzysztof Jablonski Jan 10, 2016
A laureate of the 1985 Int’l Chopin Competition & other competitions
Kevin Kenner
March 13, 2016
1990 top winner of the National Chopin Piano Competition & Int’l Chopin Competition
1440 John F. Kennedy Causeway • Suite 117 • Miami, FL 33141 (305)868-0624 • info@chopin.org • www.chopin.org
Chop2015-2016 in For All FREE Concert Series Presented by Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.
ALL CONCERTS ARE PRESENTED IN TWO LOCATIONS Saturdays at 3 pm
Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Sundays at 3 pm
Granada Presbyterian Church, 950 University Drive, Coral Gables
Eric Zuber Nov 7 & 8, 2015
Hana Chu Mar 19 & 20, 2016
George Li Dec 5 & 6, 2015
Apr 16 & 17, 2016
Joshua Wright Jan 16 & 17, 2016
Eric Lu May 14 & 15, 2016
A prize winner of the 2015 & 2010 NCPC* Also a major prize winner at the Cleveland, Rubinstein and other competitions
Semi-finalist of the 2015 NCPC & prize winner of the Korean Nationwide Music & New York International Piano Competitions
Young Pianists Concerts. Selected local piano students in an all-Chopin program
A prize winner of the 2015 NCPC* & Silver Medalist of the 2015 Tchaikovsky Competition
First Prize Winner of the 2015 NCPC*
A prize winner of the 2015 NCPC* plus the Washington, Seattle & New York International Piano Competitions
Feb 27 & 28, 2016
A Finalist of the 2015 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Poland
ADMISSION FREE! No Tickets Required. Seating on a first-come-first-served basis. Plan to arrive early! * National Chopin Piano Competition
Chopin at Key Biscayne
in partnership with the Village of Key Biscayne
March 6, 2016 • 5 pm Key Biscayne Community Center 10 Village Green Way, Key Biscayne
Free Admission
Artist TBA
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Good News 2014-2015
Did you know…
Proud to support
Two scientists who received AIPC's Special Recognition in 2008 just received prestigious awards in 2015. Dr. Tadeusz Malinski, Ohio University’s Marvin White Chair and Distinguished Professor, was awarded the Grand Gold Medal by the Society of Arts-Sciences-Letters on June 13 in Paris, France. The Grande Medaille d’Or is a very prominent international award given annually to three world-renowned recipients - one each from the arts, science and writing. Malinski received it for his contribution in biochemistry and medicine, specifically for his research and discoveries in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and for being a pioneer of nanomedicine. Among past recipients are Madame Maria Curie, Frederic and Irene Jolliet Curie, Louis Lumiere, and Yehudi Menuhin. Prof. Malinski has received more than 30 international scientific awards and distinctions. The Grande Medaille d’Or is his second major award this year, received after his fifth Doctorate Honoris Causa in medicine from Poznan Medical University in Poland.
The 43rd anniversary of the American Institute of Polish Culture
In January, Professor Stefan Paszyc celebrated a milestone - his 90th birthday. With his typical sharp mind and great sense of humor he says that this number is not correct and that "it is rather a 6 that made a desperate somersault and stood upside down." A special scientific symposium was organized to honor him at the Adam Mickiewicz University. His students, colleagues and friends also had a chance to speak about him and view a film about his life and work. During the celebrations Prof. Paszyc received the Homini Vere Academico from Bronislaw Marciniak, President of the University, and a Solidarity statute on behalf of President Lech Walesa from Tadeusz Jedynak.
The Garvin Financial Team UBS Financial Services Inc. 401 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 2300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-525-5550 ubs.com/team/garvinfinancial
We wish both professors health, success and happiness.
©UBS 2015. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. 7.00_Ad_3.5x10_JU0917_GarC
Good News 2014-2015
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What Has Poland Been Up Too Lately?
Recipient S cholarship Irsay
Economists are starting to look at Poland as an example of how to structure a successful free market economy. According to the Los Angeles Times (November 13, 2013, Don Lee), “streets that were once patrolled by soldiers and armored vehicles now teem with trendy cafes and trendy boutiques, not to mention grocery stores filled to bursting.” Middle class families can afford to buy all the comforts of life for their families. One family who lives in Poland recently visited Chicago, which is home to the largest Polish diaspora, and said that most of their friends can also travel wherever they wish, and can provide a good life and pay for education for their families. Communism is now over in Poland and they have spent the past 20 years embracing democracy and a marketbased economy. However unlike the U.S. economy, which has declined greatly and only now is beginning a period of re-growth, Poland’s economy has been growing at approximately 5% per year. Even during the wordwide recession a few years ago, Poland still boasted a modest 2% growth.
Harriet
P
oland is casually mentioned in school, usually in a history class where it is referenced as a poor country that suffered greatly during World War II. The people are portrayed as hard working and easily victimized, and all references to the country seem to be from at least 30 years ago. Those kinds of stories bring forth the same images from my own hardworking and well-meaning relatives who are trying to educate me on my heritage. Being curious about what Poland’s economy looks like now, and how it compares to the United States, I researched the subject and was incredibly surprised to find that Poland has been spending the past four decades on an upward growth trend. Even more astonishing is that the country has been quietly building an internal, self supporting economic system, with a healthy percentage of exports and a strong interdependence with Germany. It appears that Poland has grown with a quiet elegance and a low-key master plan, and not by focusing on how to emulate America, like many other countries have done. They never really had the huge growth boom that the U.S. did, so they did not suffer the great fall that the U.S. did either. Poland has quietly increased trade with other countries, made the zloty convertible and now can boast a 177% increase in its growth between 1989 and 2007 (www.businessweek.com, Faris, 2014).
Essay
By Amber Stahmer
Poland is continuing to move forward with new ideas, such as thoughts about completely changing the nation’s educational system, moving away from U.S. styled general studies and towards apprenticeships and vocational programs (www.businessweek.com, Faris, 2014). They have been trying to integrate and move towards cooperation with other surrounding countries in areas such as commerce and education. It will be very interesting to continue to follow Poland’s progress over the next 5 to 10 years, watch how they integrate and see if some of their methods will be utilized in the United States. It is always a pleasant surprise to make a discovery that has not been blasted all over the internet or television. I was strongly motivated by finding out that I did not come from genetic stock that stayed stagnant throughout the past 30 years. I was born from people that have worked hard, grown strong, have stayed close to traditional values and who keep busy planning for the future. Poland’s plans also include other countries in their growth, but in a healthy way for all countries involved, unlike some of the plans the U.S. has implemented overseas (recall the past several years of U.S. company closings, offshore manufacturing, child labor, cheaply made products and more). I am impressed with Poland’s moral stance and intend to stay connected to Poland’s news, so that I can learn more about my heritage and spread the word that Poland is “alive and well” and very dynamic.
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Good News 2014-2015
Polish Artists and Their Influence On My Life
S cholarship
Tadeusz Kantor is an inspiration to me for several reasons. To begin, he was not only a painter but truly a multi-talented individual working as a stage director,
Recipient
P
oland is the country of my origin and a source of inspiration for my artwork. For me, writing about Poland means writing about a Polish artist that I admire – not only for his or her artistic creations – but also for their courage and the spirit that they possess. I could easily write about any one of several accomplished Polish artists: Stanisław Wyspiański, Zdzisław Beksiński, or perhaps Jerzy Nowosielski. Each of these individuals has had an impact on me both as an artist and as a Polish woman. However, I simply cannot write only about one. And in this case, I choose to focus the reader’s attention on Tadeusz Kantor and Magdalena Abakanowicz.
Essay
By Barbara Grabiarz
Likewise, Magdalena Abakanowicz is an accomplished sculptor who has had a profound influence on my development as an artist. Her body of work speaks to me Good News 2014-2015
Through their actions and artwork, both Kantor and Abakanowicz have taught me the vitally important lesson to not set any boundaries, limits, or barriers for myself when it comes to creating my art. And so in my own work, I do not want wish to simply make a painting. I seek to utilize a broad range of materials and found objects, including tissue paper, pieces of wood, and pictures from a magazine, in order to create something authentic and new. I believe that these two Polish artists not only serve as a personal inspiration to me as a creative person, but also have the effect of enriching global culture in general. Their work and the lessons drawn from them were relevant in the time periods during which they were created, and they remain pertinent today. As a relatively young artist, I admire these two Polish artists for their sensitivity, courage, and strong dedication to their work.
Harriet
creator of happenings, set designer, writer, art theoretician, actor in his own productions and lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. During World War II, Kantor established an underground independent theater. In later years, during the Soviet occupation of Poland, Kantor courageously created the “Krakow Group,” a gathering of young artists who rejected calls to paint in the style of “Social Realism.” As a result, he disappeared from the public art scene for almost a decade. I feel compelled to recognize his abundant spirit as well as his ability to remain true to himself as a creative individual, even when facing the most difficult circumstances of war and occupation. Kantor, by his actions and fearless approach to life, gives me courage as an artist and human being.
Irsay
A Soldier Carries the Picture Displaying how He Carries the Picture ‘Battle Field’ 1987 by Tadeusz Kantor
through the organic character of the mediums she uses and the overall message that her artwork conveys. Her personal website notes that “…her art always address[es] the problems of dignity and courage.” I myself feel a strong connection with nature – one of the primary reasons being that growing up in Poland gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by beautiful nature, even close to the city of Krakow where I lived. As well, it is critically important to me that I use my hands when I work on my mixed media pieces. Abakanowicz herself emphasizes the physical connection she has with the materials she utilizes: “There is no tool between me and the material I use. I choose it with my hands. I shape it with my hands. My hands transmit my energy to it. By translating an idea into a shape, they will always pass on something escaping conceptualization. They will reveal the unconscious.’’ I relate to this statement on a deeply personal level. I find Abakanowicz’s headless sculpture, “The Group of Seven,” to be simultaneously beautiful and powerful. Her use of found burlap and bronze gives the statues the quality of aged human skin that makes them look almost as if they are alive.
The Group of Seven by Magdalena Abakanowicz
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Easter Spring Celebration
O
n Tuesday, March 31, 2015, AIPC and the Chopin Foundation hosted the annual Easter Spring party. At least 60 people gathered to snack, sip and laugh, and as more than a few guests commented, it was a very lovely afternoon. After Lady Blanka thanked everyone for coming to celebrate, Mrs. Jadwiga Gewert and Mrs. Beata Paszyc talked about what the Foundation and
Institute had in store for the coming year. Then Mrs. Barbara Muze and Ms. Nel Velez-Paszyc charmed everyone by playing a duet of light arrangements on the piano. It was a hard act to follow, but Mr. Gustavo Ponzoa, a Chopin competition winner in 1975, gave it his all and played several classical pieces with exuberance and style. It was a lovely afternoon indeed.
Mr. Yohann Montero, Mrs. Joanna Wiela
Mrs. Liliana Komorowska, Mr. Greg Okon, Ms. Iga Henderson
Mr. Gustavo Ponzoa, Lady Blanka Rosenstiel
Mr. Jacek Trus, Mrs. Danuta Toroj
Ms. Lynn Mahoney, Mrs. Carol Sadowski
Mrs. Roza Toroj, Ms. Lynne Schaefer
Mrs. Barbara Muze, Nel Velez-Paszyc
Mrs. Barbara Jaworska, Ms. Kasia Demare, Mr. Michael Alexander, Ms. Anna Navas
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Good News 2014-2015
ELITA Artistic Enterprises Presents The film recounts one of the most dramatic episodes of the twentieth century. The Warsaw Uprising of 1944 was the biggest battle of the resistance movement during WWII and an important contribution of Poles to the freedom of Europe. Coproduced with AIPC.
Honor of the City 49 minutes, 2015
The film tells the story of salvation in a simple and moving way, shedding light on the complex implications of a philosophical and theological nature hidden in fascinating paintings by Giotto through the beautiful symphony of colors. Giotto's frescoes became the way for seizing the profound meaning of the sacred, a visual itinerary along which we are guided by the sensitive, touching direction of Eugene Starky.
An unusual documentary depicting the courage and devotion of one man, an American documentary filmmaker, Julien Bryan, who influenced the course of history. He arrived in Poland at the beginning of WWII and filmed what he witnessed. The only correspondent to film the siege in Warsaw in 1939, he narrated events as they unfolded, giving the world Last Correspondent a first-hand account of 46 minutes, 2015 Hitler's new war against the civilian population. He continually and urgently warned the West of the coming danger and his photographs and accounts contributed to democracy in Europe being saved.
Bonus material of the Warsaw Uprising, 8 minutes
The film portrays the important role Polish immigrants played in the building of America. In 1608, Poles were present in Jamestown, the first English settlement in the US, and rescued the colony from complete failure. Giotto - The Story of Salvation 54 minutes, 2015
A few other offerings you may enjoy:
True Heroes of Jamestown 50 minutes, 2015
Heritage Trail of Polish Jews 40 minutes, 2006
Hej Koleda Koleda - Polish - English Christmas Carols 30 minutes, 2015, bonus CD - 40 minutes
Assembled with artistic flair, this travelogue takes us around today's Poland where Jewish tradition has long been part of the national cultural tapestry.
Essentially it is the talent of all the members and soloist of the Angelus choir from New York's Greenpoint that make up this warm, unique video. We hope that a dozen Christmas carols and the beautiful winter scenery of New York will become part of your wonderful holiday celebrations and an elegant gift for your friends and family.
"...This beautiful film collage is a morsel which tempts one to visit Polish soil to savor and honor the Jewish heritage there..." Kasia Buczkowska Journalist
For more informtion contact # 917-548-0484 or elitaartistic@aol.com, and visit the website at www.elitaart.eu Good News 2014-2015
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continued from page 16
during WWII, and her dedication first and foremost to her country enabled her to continue the struggle against the other enemy as well – the communists – for which she was arrested, tortured, and executed. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, Dr. Chodakiewicz delivered a lecture on the “Intermarium in song, thought, and action: Belarus, Ukraine, and Hungary.” During the presentation, he addressed the accusations that are often levied against the government of Viktor Orban in Hungary. He also spoke about the nostalgia for the Polish-Lithuanian-Ruthenian Commonwealth and support for greater cooperation among the nations of the Intermarium in Belarus and Ukraine.
Dr. Tomasz Gajownik on the Polish-Lithuania intelligence war
implement the practical and sound policies recommended by Dr. Karber so long as Western culture continues to be so permeated by moral and cultural relativism and alienation from the philosophical principles that have long undergirded the West. The final panel, “US Foreign Policy Options,” featured the speeches of Dr. John Lenczowski and Dr. Sebastian Gorka. Both scholars-practitioners argued that the interests of the United States and its allies throughout the globe are undermined by our lack of a sound and coherent grand strategy and offered suggestions on how this can be remedied while citing the works of the ancient Chinese military strategist, Sun Tzu, and the experiences of the Reagan administration in defeating the Soviet Union. The Intermarium Lecture Series On Saturday, February 28, the KC hosted an event commemorating the anti-communist insurgents and freedom fighters in Poland and the Intermarium, “Poland’s Anti-Communist Insurgents: Pro Memoriam.” The program commenced with a lecture by Dr. Chodakiewicz, who presented the history and significance of the Polish anti-Nazi, antiSoviet resistance movement in particular, and the anti-communist underground throughout the Intermarium and Central and Eastern Europe in general. He interspersed many individual stories of freedom fighters, including many women, who were killed, tortured, and imprisoned by the Soviets and their puppets in Poland. Dr. Chodakiewicz’s remarks were followed by the showing of the Polish film Inka 1946: Ja jedna zginę [Inka 1946: Only I will perish]. The movie, produced by Polish Television in 2006, tells the tragic story of Danuta Siedzikówna, nom de guerre “Inka,” whose life was brutally cut short by the communists (1928 – 1946). She joined the Polish underground to fight against the Germans
On September 24, 2014, Dr. Karol Sacewicz and Dr. Tomasz Gajownik gave a presentation entitled, “Anti-Communism and Counterintelligence: Poland, 1918-1944.” The lecturers are scholars affiliated with the Department of History and International Relations at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland. Dr. Sacewicz spoke on “The Home Army and the Soviets: Polish strategic planning from 1941-1944.” He discussed the relationship between the Polish Government and the Soviet regime during WWII. Dr. Gajownik gave a presentation entitled “A Spy Joust: Poland and Lithuania,” about the military rivalry between the two Intermarium nations during the interwar period. The Polish-Lithuanian relationship was strained due to a conflict over the Wilno/Vilnius region, which had a Polish majority but was nevertheless claimed by Lithuanian ethno-nationalists as the capital of their new state. The two nations did not have diplomatic relations but nevertheless wanted to know more about the other’s activities, movements, and plans. Spies and intelligence stations were thus created by both Warsaw and Kaunas. On September 10, 2014, Dr. Chodakiewicz delivered a lecture entitled “Ukraine: Summer’s Over.” Having explored the crisis-riven Central and Eastern European country in July, he shared his observations on the situation in post-Maidan Ukraine, including the eastern Donetsk region plagued by a Russian-supported irredentist insurgency and the area of the MH17 crash site. The presentation attracted a great deal of attention, including the media. Russia expert David Satter – a former Moscow Correspondent for the Financial Times of London, a current Fellow at John Hopkins University SAIS, and a Senior Fellow with the Hudson Institute – delivered a talk on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict on October 1, 2014. Lectures at outside venues. Throughout the year, Dr. Chodakiewicz also delivers many lectures outside of IWP - in the United States and Europe, Poland in particular. On May 7, 2015, he participated in a panel discussion at a conference on “History’s War: The Political Uses of WWII.” The event was organized by the “realist” Center on Global Interests and co-sponsored by Johns Hopkins University SAIS and Georgetown University. The panelists were tasked with answering two broad questions about the Second World War regarding Europe's celebration of the 70th anniversary of Allied victory, the Ukrainian crisis and the broader reemergence of nationalism have increasingly politicized the war’s narrative. 1) What role has the war historically played in Russia and Eastern Europe? 2) How is it currently defining modern politics? 75
Good News 2014-2015
On April 18, Dr. Chodakiewicz took part in the Second Polonia Forum, a Polish-American conference held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa in Doylestown, PA, and was sponsored by the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee. His lecture, which was part of the panel on the Katyn Crime 75 Years Later, was entitled “The Legacy of Hopelessness: Katyn and Smolensk.” It addressed the historical and political contexts of the Katyn Forest Massacre in the Spring, 1940, the genocidal Soviet extermination of 22,000 Polish officers and other members of the national elite, and the suspicious Smolensk Crash on April 10, 2010, which saw the deaths of Poland’s President, the late Lech Kaczyński, and 95 additional members of his entourage, who constituted Poland’s patriotic pro-Western elite. More specifically, Dr. Chodakiewicz spoke about the feelings of helplessness that these two historical disasters engendered and the ways to remedy them. Dr. Chodakiewicz participated in a two-day (March 23 and 24, 2015) Asymmetric Operations Working Group (AOWP) collaborative analysis at the Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. The topic of the analytical conference was “Assessing Russia’s Influence in the Baltic States” and participants included US Army officers, academics, think-tank experts, and diplomats. During the exercise, which consisted of the assessment of eight different hypotheses which might explain post-Soviet Russian behavior in the Intermarium, he clarified that while Moscow may view itself as a “besieged fortress,” and therefore perceive its own aggressive moves as “defensive,” it is in reality acting offensively to reintegrate the postSoviet zone under its own hegemony. On February 8, Dr. Chodakiewicz delivered an address at the Polish Museum of America in Chicago during the opening of the exhibition “Katyn: Truth and Remembrance.” His remarks, which focused on the importance of collective memory, were published online. Dr. Chodakiewicz was invited to speak at the US Army Europe Senior Leaders Forum which took place from January 12-14, 2015 in Wiesbaden, Germany on the topic of “Strong Europe.” As one of the only non-government experts to participate, he gave remarks at a panel entitled “Russian Military Modernization, Influence Operations, and Russian Operational Art from Georgia, ZAPAD-13, to Ukraine and Donbas.” Other panelists included high level intelligence officers, a senior civilian defense specialist, and a diplomat. The leadership conference included NATO allies - Germans, Spanish, Belgians, British, and others. The bulk of the audience consisted of brigade and some regiment commanders, generals, State Department officials, Defense Department representatives, and senior officers and NCOs, including those from the units slated to be deployed to Ukraine. On Sunday, January 4, 2015, Paweł Styrna delivered a presentation at the annual conference of the Polish American Historical Association (PAHA) in New York City. The lecture, entitled “Paralyzing the Polonia From Within: Communist Secret Police Infiltration of the PolishAmerican Community,” constituted a brief outline of a much more detailed scholarly article, which will be published in a forthcoming anthology. Having explored the historical roots of communist secret police operational tactics, Mr. Styrna discussed the various manners utilized by Warsaw to divide, recruit, and co-opt the Polish-Americans Good News 2014-2015
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and analyzed the extent of the penetration. He pointed out that the communist secret police treated Polonia either as an enemy or as a potential asset. He also showed how some of this work continued even after the collapse of communism in Poland. He concluded that scholars should not underestimate the impact of secret police “disintegration” work on the American Polonia’s gradual loss of political influence during the beginning of the twenty-first century. On December 7, 2014, Dr. Chodakiewicz spoke at the American Polish Advisory Council’s conference on “Poland’s Emerging Role in Shaping Global Security & the US-Polish Partnership” at Yale University. He participated in a panel discussion on panel on “25 Years of Democracy in Poland and the US-Polish Partnership: Military Cooperation, Trade, and Common Objectives.” Other speakers at the conference included the Honorable Bogusław Winid, Poland’s Ambassador to the United Nations, and Jarosław Stróżyk, Poland’s Defense Attaché in Washington. Dr. Chodakiewicz delivered a presentation on September 25th at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. Entitled “Warsaw ’44: A Legacy of Sacrifice,” the event was part of the Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland. The holder of the KC also lectured extensively in Poland during the summer of 2014 to promote his new book on post-communism in Poland, Transformacja czy niepodległość? [Transformation or Independence?]. He spoke in many cities throughout Poland, including: Warsaw (where he also lectured on the anti-Nazi, anti-Soviet Polish underground resistance), Kraków, Tarnów, Lębork, Tczew, Gdańsk, Chojnice, Miastko, Bytów, Łódź, Wyszków, Skarżysko-Kamienna, Kielce, Radom, Łeba, Szwajcaria Kaszubska, Szczecin, and Elbląg.
David Satter on Russia and Ukraine
KC visiting scholars and research fellows Every year, the KC traditionally hosts research fellows, visiting scholars, and interns. Their work consists of research and publications on topics in which they have a particular interest and is a significant contribution to the work of the Chair. During the 2014 – 2015 academic year: Mrs. Nathalie Vogel, KC of Polish Studies Fellow, published an article on December 11, 2014, on the website The Interpreter, which is “a dailyupdated online journal dedicated primarily to translating media from the Russian press and blogosphere into English and reporting on events inside Russia and in countries directly impacted by Russia’s foreign policy.” The article, entitled “In This Info-War, The Problem Is Not Only Russia,” quoted three IWP professors - Dr. John Lenczowski, Prof. Paul Goble, and Dr. Chodakiewicz. Throughout her sojourn at IWP, Mrs. Vogel also conducted a research project on Cossack military history. Two visiting scholars from the Institute of History and International Relations of the University of Warmia-Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland – Dr. Karol Sacewicz and Dr. Tomasz Gajownik – arrived at IWP (during the fall semester of 2014) to collaborate with the KC and conduct research on US intelligence and the Polish anti-communist underground. They delivered a lectures on “Communism and Anti-Communism in the Second Republic, and Intelligence and Counterintelligence in Interwar Poland” in September 2014, both at the Kościuszko Foundation in Washington, D.C., and as part of the Intermarium Lecture series at IWP. Mr. Bolesław Piasecki, a former intern of the KC of Polish Studies at IWP, published a report (in December 2014) on “Offensive Counterintelligence and the Challenges Facing the Polish Intelligence Services.” The analysis, which was the product of Mr. Piasecki’s research and studies during his internship at IWP, was published by the Warsaw-based National Center for Strategic Studies (NCSS) and is available on the thinktank’s website. Notable Guests The KC’s guests this year included Mr. Zbigniew Jagiełło, the President of the Management Board of PKO Bank Polski, the largest financial institution in Poland; Dr. Kazimierz Nowaczyk, a previous guest speaker and a scientist involved in an independent investigation following the suspicious Smolensk Plane Crash; The Hon. Antoni Macierewicz, a former anti-communist activist, Interior Minister, intelligence and counterintelligence expert, and current member of the Polish parliament and Chairman of its committee to investigate the Smolensk Airliner Crash.
Prof. Paul Goble on This Info War
Plans for the Future The Kościuszko Chair of Polish Studies has numerous plans for the near future. These include: • The publication of monographs on Polish history, such as the biography of industrialist Leopold Wellisz, The New York Times and Poland, and Stalin’s Underground in Poland. • The publication of Natalie Grant’s (Natalie Wraga’s) books on communist disinformation. • The translation into English of an extremely insightful but forgotten counterintelligence manual from the days of the Second Polish Republic (the interwar period). • The continuation of the Intermarium Lecture Series, including a lecture by Paweł Styrna on June 23 on post-Soviet Russia’s “besieged Kremlin mentality” and “Great Patriotic War” propaganda. • A lecture circuit in Poland by Dr. Chodakiewicz, commemorating the Warsaw Uprising, in August 2015. Last but not least, the KC is also preparing to host its Military Lecture in September 2015 and its annual conferences in November 2015 and April 2016. We are confident that our scholarly efforts will continue to make the KC one of the most productive institutions dedicated to Polish studies in the United States.
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 77
Good News 2014-2015
Passenger in Cabin 45
I
magine being on a cruise, peacefully skimming through the sparkling sea with your diplomat husband. You are starting a new, exciting chapter of your life and all is well with the world. Now imagine your serenity is interrupted by what sounds like the voice of a woman whom you tormented and tortured when you were a guard in the women's cell block of Auschwitz during WWII. You are confronted. What would you do?
Zofia Posmysz today
instance, she knew it was time to write about what she went through. But instead of a forthright retelling, Posmysz gave it a twist that perhaps allowed her to remain somewhat objective. She placed her characters on the contained environment of a cruise ship and told the story from the point of view of the prison guard. Her radio play was a smash hit in Poland.
This is the dilemma that inspired Polish reporter, Zofia Posmysz, to write a radio play, Passenger in Cabin 45, in 1959. That it is based upon an actual incident makes it even more compelling; however it didn't happen the way Posmysz presented it. As one of the hundred thousands of Polish Catholics who were forced from their homes and families and thrown into death camps during WWII, Posmysz suffered extreme brutality and witnessed scenes of unimaginable horror at the hands of the Nazis. There was one particular woman overseer whose cruel manipulations she could never forget, and well after the war the memory of her was always with Posmysz.
Posmysz quickly followed that success with a made-for-TV movie, a never-finished screenplay and an autobiography. In 1968, composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg became intrigued by the story and wrote the opera, The Passenger. It was scheduled to open in Moscow, but it never happened, and by 1996 Weinberg had died never seeing his opus performed. Another ten years would pass before it finally premiered in Moscow, and soon thereafter British director, David Pountney had the libretto translated into English. The opera has now been performed on many of the world's great stages.
During a job in Paris in the late 1950's, life came to a standstill for Posmysz when she heard the voice that had haunted her for so many years. It turned out not to be the guard, but because of the terror and desperation she felt in that
Also this season, The Barber of Seville, Norma and Don Pasquale.
The Passenger, written by a Warsaw-born Polish Jew and lauded as one of the great masterpieces of the 20th century, tells the story of a passenger on an ocean liner, who is en route to a new diplomatic post in Brazil. She believes one of the other passengers may have been a prisoner in Auschwitz, where she had served as a overseer.
“A perfect masterpiece”
--Dmitri shostakovich
Tickets Are On Sale Now! FOr tIckets please call
800.741.1010 MOn - FrI, 10 a.M. tO 4 p.M.
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perFOrMances at
www.FGO.OrG select your own seat
Photo: The Passenger © Lynn Lane for Houston Grand Opera.
April 2 THrU April 9
Mickey Mouse and Leopold Stokowski By Lynne Schaefer
S
eventy-five years ago, producer Walt Disney released an astonishing and truly wondrous animated film. Fantasia is a feast for the eyes and ears and it continues to delight audiences throughout the world. Disney's beloved Mickey Mouse and other animals, flowers and plants with human-like characteristics are depicted enjoying full lives accompanied by stunning symphonic classics. Disney Studios had been using classical music in several comedic, slapstick cartoons, particularly the Silly Symphonies, but Mr. Disney had the idea to match a beautifully drawn, serious animated short to some of the most gorgeous music in the world. So when a chance meeting between Disney and Leopold Stokowski, of English-Polish descent, happened at the iconic Chasen's restaurant in Hollywood, California, it marked the beginning of a successful collaboration between a cartoon producer and one of the world's greatest conductors. Stokowski was known as a musical showman. His flair for theatrics included grand gestures such as throwing his sheet music on the floor to prove he did not need to conduct from a score, and new lighting special effects. He liked to conduct in a dark concert hall with only his head and hands lit, or set up the lights in a semi-lit hall so the shadows of his head and hands would be cast upon the walls. He preferred a free-hand conducting style - no baton - and he was a master in obtaining a lush, sumptuous sound from the orchestras he directed. Stokowski was so taken with Disney's concept that he offered to conduct the music for free. As an ardent fan of the newest and most experimental techniques in recording, he also insisted on overseeing the recording of the soundtrack. By using an early and crude version of multi-track stereophonic sound recorded on photographic film - the only suitable medium available at the time - Stokowski achieved his characteristic full and rich symphonic soundtrack for the first segment (or short) that was considered astounding for the late 1930's. He continued to conduct and record live orchestras for almost the entire film.
Walt Disney with Leopold Stokowski
The first short released in 1940, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, was such a smash hit that Disney employed thousands of animators, directors, specialists and all the top technology available over the next years, eventually turning Fantasia into a full length and high-grossing film. Among all the beautiful visuals were live action scenes of orchestra members, including Maestro Leopold Stokowski, gathering against a blue background and preparing for a performance in half-light/half-shadow. Although technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since the midtwentieth century, Fantasia remains one of the most groundbreaking films of all time. The film is released every dozen years or so with minor changes, and Stokowski's re-mastered soundtrack in DVD continues to be a best-seller in classical music.
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Volunteers V
olunteers are the backbone of many non-profit organizations and events, and their dedication, skills and generous donation of their time are beyond measure and essential to the success of AIPC. We hope you will consider becoming a volunteer for us. Typical duties include proofreading our publications, preparations for the 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.
“
Mateusz Nowak Sarah Okon Greg Okon Ela Piotrovsky Jaroslaw Rottermund Mike Skronski Anna Slabicki Zbigiew Slabicki Jacek Trus Jacqueline Tuozzolo
Please call if you would like to donate some of your free time. We would love to see you!
The interior joy we feel when we have done a good deed is the nourishment the soul requires.
“
Contact: (305) 864-2349 or director@ampolinstitute.org
Albert Schweitzer
Good News 2014-2015
Maria Blacha Yanique Freckleton Jadwiga Gewert Jan Karaszewski Michal Komorowski Mateusz Kosmowski Witold Kosmowski Patrick Misiewicz Sebastian Misiewicz Barbara Muze
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New Members August 2014 - September 2015 W And to all members....
e welcome our new members, appreciate their support and sincerely hope that they enjoy the events and publications of the American Institute of Polish Culture in Miami. We are always ready to embrace new ideas and projects, and continue to sponsor, organize and produce new events. But we do need all of our members’ help.
We are especially honored to have many long-time members who, throughout the years, have helped us grow the Institute into a respected resource for Polish history and culture in the U.S. and abroad. Your dedication to our mission, participation in events, and ongoing interest in our publications is greatly appreciated and we thank you all for being part of our past and part of our future.
We ask that you encourage family members, friends and colleagues to join AIPC. And students (up to 30 years of age) get a free membership. If each member brought at least five new members into the Institute, there’s no doubt we could expand our scope of works throughout America even more!
...thank
New Members
Sponsor membership for your friends and family
Ms. Janina Borokowski Ms. Eldris De La Torre Ms. Maria Piasecki Hon. Marek Pienkowski Ms. Kinga Plich Drs. Marian Pospieszalski Mrs. Mary Lou Rajchel
for a year! www.ampolinstitute.org
you!
Mr. Matthew Richard Mr. & Mrs. Francesco Senis Mr. Jan Skladnik Mr. & Mrs. Zygmunt Staszewski Ms. Loretta Swit Mrs. Magdalena Tomasino
The Sea Concerto - Black and white photo of a conductor directing the sea while the audience listens from deck chairs on the beach - a Tadeusz Kantor "happening"
Did you know… UNESCO has declared 2015 as Tadeusz Kantor Year, as April 6, 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of his birth. Kantor, a Polish national, is consider one of the world's great visionaries in the arts during the mid 1900's until his death in 1990. His avant garde, almost revolutionary paintings, 3D pieces, set designs, and theatrical productions continue to influence and inspire countless artists and performers in progressive disciplines today. This year, a variety of events will be held to honor Kantor, including presentations, exhibitions, conferences, lectures, and publications in all corners of the globe. Since 1956, UNESCO has participated in commemorating a specific person, work or event that has contributed to the enrichment of international cultures and promoted peace and unity. The yearly anniversary draws attention to historic events and worthy personalities who have made a significant positive impact in the world. This year's UNESCO honor will help ensure Kantor's accomplishments and his legacy in the world of art are remembered and enjoyed by future generations.
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Good News 2014-2015
Thanks to our Donors... ...for opening your hearts and never thinking twice about giving. Your generosity makes it possible for us to continue with our current programs and to develop new ones that enrich lives, such as the International Polonaise Ball, Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU, publication and special project funds, as well as the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund. We are truly grateful.
Thank you
Donors in 2014-2015 Mr. Juan Carlos Avila Mrs. Ruby Bacardi Mr. & Mrs. Ellsworth Benson III Mr. Allen Bozek Mr. William W. Cooke Mrs. Barbara Cooper Ms. Beata Drzazga Mr. David Dziekanski Mr. & Mrs. Keith Gray Mr. & Mrs. Amadeo Guazzini Ms. Iga Henderson Mr. Steven Karski Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kelly Mr. Janusz & Dr. Maja Kozlowski Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lowenthal
Other Donors
Lord Ricardo Mansur Mrs. Maria Alonso & Mr. Alex Montague Dr. Marek Pienkowski Mrs. Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk Dr. Pat Riley Mr. & Mrs. Marek Raczkowski Mr. & Mrs. Jan Romer Mrs. Valeria Rosenbloom Ms. Alicja Schoonover Dr. Maria Swiecicka-Ziemianek Hon. Consul Tad Taube Mrs. Jane Urbanski Robbins Dr. Damien Valenzuela Mr. & Mrs. Henry Williams III Dr. & Mrs. Jerzy Wrobel
Cardio-Care, Inc. Centro Cultural Brasil USA Clientele Florida International University Gray and Sons Jewelry Latin American Invest Corp. Mercado Brasil Ornare ReMax Executive Realty South Beach Wines Southern Audio Visual StationAmerica Taube Philanthropies The Consulate General of Brazil Toroso Investments
“ I wondered why somebody didn’t do something. Then I realized, I am somebody.” Unknown
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Delve into a Book members. from Conrad And His Contemporaries; general history; American Culture The Accomplished Senator, which might have
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." ~Saint Augustine
famous , in which you can read about the history of Poland from the inception of the state to the 19th century. Please look over the list on this page and order today to take advantage of our current
ALL OF OUR BOOKS CAN BE ORDERED AND PURCHASED ONLINE: www.ampolinstitute.org I am interested in learning more of Poland’s history and culture. Please send the following book(s) to me at the address below (prices do not include postage): ___ The Piast Poland, by Paweł Jasienica (out of print) ___ Jagiellonian Poland, by Paweł Jasienica The Commonwealth of Both Nations, by Paweł Jasienica: ___ I. The Silver Age ___ II. Calamity of the Realm ___ III. The Tale of An Agony ___ The Polish Presence in America, by Julian Żebrowski ___ The Accomplished Senator, by Wawrzyniec Goślicki ___ True Heroes of Jamestown, by Arthur Leonard Waldo (10 in stock) ___ Madame Curie-Daughter of Poland, by Robert Woźnicki (10 in stock) ___ Conrad and His Contemporaries ___ , by Jan Dobraczyński ___ , by E.S. Urbański ___ Boxed set of 5 Volumes, by Pawel Jasienica (6 in stock)
$25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $35.00 $35.00 $20.00 $20.00 $14.00 $12.00 $22.00 $125.00
Sub-Total _______ Discount (______) Florida residents add 7% sales tax _______ CHECK FOR TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED $ _______
NAME _______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________ CITY_______________________________STATE________________ZIP___________ More info: (305) 864-2349 fax: (305) 865-5150 or mail your order to the AIPC 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33141
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Good News 2014-2015
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
(in the following categories)
Annual Membership Fees (non-tax deductible)
Please check one:
Sponsor Supporter Patron Benefactor Angel Other Amount
Please check one:
Student
free
Individual
$50
Family
$75
$250 $500 $1,000 $2,500 $5,000 $ _______________
Please designate the amount and the programs which you would like your donation to fund:
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.
Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland at FIU
$ _________
Harriet Irsay Scholarship
$ _________
International Polonaise Ball
$ _________
Publications
$ _________
Special Projects
$ _________
Visiting Professors
$ _________
Many of our supporters have remembered AIPC in their will while also providing for their family. A bequest will provide the continuing
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 Good News 2014-2015
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The American Institute of Polish Culture 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 Miami, Florida 33141 USA $15.00