POLAND NEWS: U.S. Missile Shield Deferred

A Polish woman protested against a request by the U.S. to place a missile defense base in Warsaw, Poland in March 2007. (photo:Czarek Sokolowski)

The U.S. missile shield in Poland has been deferred.

Poland’s President Lech Kaczyński had wanted the system in place. The negotiations between Poland and the George W. Bush administration took so long that when Kaczynski signed the missile shield deal with Condoleezza Rice, the Bush team was already ending its administration.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk inherited the negotiations with the U.S. from his predecessor Jarosław Kaczyński, the president’s identical twin brother, and his aides.

Last year Tusk wanted to express his skepticism about the negotiations with the George W. Bush administration, and chose the 4^th of July for his long-awaited statement on the matter. The U.S. chose the 70^th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland to tell the country the project is canceled.

The Poland there is conflict regarding this issue. Pacifists in Poland wanted to stay out of the project, saying it would expose the country to terrorist threats and Russia’s outrage. Their point of view was reflected in opinion polls that showed the majority in the nation didn’t want the country to be involved.

When Russia began its loud protests, memories of Soviet dominance were brought back and swung the public opinion. Polls – as of August, had 58% of Poles in favor of the plan, according to the daily Rzeczpospolita.

In exchange for their agreement to host U.S. interceptor missiles, Poland wanted Patriot missile batteries and money to upgrade its own military capacities.

With this decision Poland is left without the missile shield and the extra funds, and its political relations with the U.S. administration may now be uneasy.

FOOD EVENT: Friday September 25, Polish Food Tasting – Washington, D.C.

Gołąbki is the Polish word for “little pigeons,” which also refers to the shape of the Polish stuffed cabbage rolls. Minced meat combined with long rice are used in varying portions depending on individual taste.

The National Polish Center in Washington, D.C. will offer a food tasting event! Enjoy gołąbki with a glass of wine and to learn how to make them.

$25 suggested donation, reservation required.

RSVP: assistant@polishcenterdc.org

-S.K.

EVENTS: World War II Tribute, Kosciuszko Foundation – NYC

Tribute to The Warsaw Uprising, and Poles that fought during World War II

The Kosciuszko Foundation,15 East 65th Street, New York, NY

September 17th, 6 pm
Warsaw, Paris of the North
An exhibition of prewar Warsaw photographs - on loan from the collection of the Warsaw Uprising Museum in Poland.

63 days - an exhibition of photographs taken by insurrectionists during the Warsaw Uprising against the Nazis, from the collection of the Polish Army Veterans Assoc. of America.

Warsaw. The City in images, words and music - a dramatic reading of poetry and prose accompanied by a slide show of the Uprising from the collection of the Warsaw Uprising Museum and a performance of patriotic songs of the period by Marta Wryk. Hosted by Grazyna Drabik

Awards ceremony for the historical essay contest on the worldwide significance of the 1939 invasion of Poland

September 18th, 6 pm

Screening of Betrayal: The Battle for Warsaw with commentary by the director, Andrew Rothstein. Questions and discussion after the screening.

Donations at the door.

September 19th, 6 pm

Theatrical performance of the play, Lightning about the famed radio program of the Uprising, by the Polish Theatre Institute in the USA, Inc.

Tickets $20, $15, $5

-S.K.

EXHIBIT: Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes Centennial Celebrated at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts – NYC

Diaghilev’s Theater of Marvels: The Ballets Russes and Its Aftermath

Diaghilev’s Theater of Marvels: The Ballets Russes and Its Aftermath, on view through September 12, 2009, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Ballets Russes and explores the company’s historical and cultural context and international influences.

Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes changed the face of modern ballet and influenced the course of the arts in the 20th century. The exhibition at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts focuses on the great impresario and the talents that emerged from his discerning eye for artistry.

These dance artists were not only Russian, but came from other countries, including many from Poland. Due to a policy during Poland’s Partition period, the powers were set to smother any signs of culture of the enslaved nation.

The names of Polish dancers did however resound throughout the world in connection with the art of foreign countries. In Russia, however, these names assumed a Russian persona.

Russian Ballet was enhanced in dance and choreography by the artistry of Feliks Krzesiński and his daughter Matylda Krzesińska (Mathilde Kshessinskaya,), the legendary Wacław Niżyński (Vaslav Nijinsky) and his sister Bronisława Niżyńska,, Leon Wójcikowski, Stanislaw Idzikowski, and many others. Most of these great artists were associated with the Ballet Russes.

The Ballets Russes is examined through visual, documentary, and recorded materials from various divisions of The New York Public Library. The films and videos in the exhibition include excerpts from documentaries about the Ballets Russes, revivals of its works by later companies, and rare footage.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza. Admission is free and exhibition hours are: Monday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (The Library is closed on Sundays and holidays). For further information, telephone 212,870.1630 or visit www.nypl.org/lpa.

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New York City Center’s Fall for Dance Festival (September 22 – October 3, 2009) will include eight companies presenting Ballets Russes classics or contemporary interpretations of these great works including faithful stagings of: Nijinska’s Les Biches by Ballet West; Nijinsky’s Afternoon of a Faun, performed by Boston Ballet; and the famous The Dying Swan, performed by Diana Vishneva, prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre. The Dying Swan was immortalized by the legendary Anna Pavlova. When Pavlova started her own company, she employed numerous Polish dancers and added many ethnic dances discovered during her travels to the repertoire including Polish, Mexican Japanese and Indian dancing.

The sixth annual Festival will once again offer all tickets for only $10. Tickets will go on sale Sunday, September 13 at 11:00 am.

– Staś Kmieć

THEATER: “Superior Donuts.” a Play about Chicago’s Diverse Communities Opens on Broadway – NYC

Described as a provocative comedy set in the heart of one of Chicago’s most diverse communities, Superior Donuts centers on Arthur Przybyszewski, who owns a dilapidated donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. The play explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

The full cast from the original Chicago Steppenwolf Theatre production will reprise their roles when the play makes its Broadway debut, including Michael McKean as Przybyszewski. McKean is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Squiggy's friend, Leonard 'Lenny' Kosnowski, on the TV sitcom Laverne and Shirley.

Superior Donuts begins Broadway previews Sept. 16 and opens Oct. 1 at the Music Box Theater (239 West 45th Street, NYC).

– Staś Kmieć

POLONIA EVENT: Polish Harvest Festival – South Boston, MA September 13

EVENT: Polish-American Festival, September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 – Doylestown, PA

WORLD WAR II: 70th Anniverary Commemoration held at the Polish Consulate – NYC

- Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Krzysztof Kasprzyk
- Author Jerzy Główczewski addresses the guest at the Polish Consulate

70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of World War II
reported by Staś Kmieć

Why reflect on the past? Because sometimes the past is too important to ignore or ever forget.

On Tuesday, September 1st, people all over the world paused to remember the 70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of World War II.

The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Krzysztof Kasprzyk commemorated this occasion with a special evening of reflection and remembrance with invited guests at the De Lamar Mansion - the residence of the Consulate in New York City.

Among the honored guests were Polish, Polish-American, British, and Russian Veterans, the Italian and Russian Consul Generals, representatives from Consulates of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Germany, and United States military cadets from West Point representing the Kościuszko Squadron.

“The day is full of memories about an event, which began the most horrible conflict in the recorded history. Here in this room, we represent different, nation-specific, historic experiences, including those connected with WWII,” said Consul General Kasprzyk. “However, I think we all agree that no other military conflict can match WWII in terms of scope and consequences for the fate of the world, especially because of the genocide accompanying it.”

Following a 25-minute documentary which utilized archival footage, guests shared their observations and reflections about the turbulent time period. "It is not how we managed to survive, but what lessons we can draw through the act that we went through this,” said Jerzy Główczewski, the author of The Accidental Immigrant. A Memoir.

Frank Milewski, New York City Division President of the Polish American Congress spoke about what it meant being an American of Polish descent during this time period. ”We were only able to see and feel the suffering through our parents and relatives as this was going on in Poland. As we learned of the sacrifices endured and the courage Poles displayed, how proud we were of this extraodinary heroism.”

Kasprzyk concluded by paying respect to all of the Veterans in attendance. “They are our common heroes. Your ranks are dwindling because so are the cruel laws of nature, but as long as you are here – give testimony! The world and humankind are not smart students. They forget about the mistakes of the past. Let us hope they will never forget the most tragic mistake of the twentieth century when the insane ideology of Nazism pushed such an apparently civilized nation as Germans to the greedy conquer of the world. Luckily, that horrifying goal has never been achieved. Good prevailed, but is it forever?”

WW II Commemoration at Consulate in New York

CONCERT EVENT: "Sztywny Pal Azji" Band, September 5th – Fall River, VA

220 N Washington Street

Coming out of the political unrest of late 80's Poland, Sztywny Pal Azji, a fusion of punk rock, reggae and pop, was formed by guitarist/songwriter Jaroslaw Kisinski.

The show will be open by a local band Don't Panic, a rock quartet, with the lead singer and song writer Lukasz Pinkowski, and his sister Dominika Pinkowska on the base

Tickets available at: http://www.poloniasiebawi.com/, 240-481-4953
-Kielbasa Factory1073 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, 240-453-9090
-Dona's Hair Salon1718 Fleet Street, Baltimore, MD, 410-327-1281
- State Theatre220 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 703-237-0300 http://www.thestate theatre.com/ events/e1235. xml

WORLD WAR II: 70th Anniversary Commemoration

On Tuesday, September 1, 2009, people all over the world will pause to remember the 70th Anniversary of the Invasion of Poland and the Outbreak of World War II. The Polish American community and various ethnic groups will mark this historic date with ceremonies and memorials.

In the Philadelphia area there will be a special ceremony on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 12 noon at the Polish American Cultural Center Museum, 308 Walnut Street in historic Philadelphia, PA, sponsored by the Polish American Cultural Center Museum in cooperation with the Polish American Congress, Eastern Pennsylvania District.

All those who resisted Hitler’s Nazi oppression, including the millions of civilians of many nations and faiths killed in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust and the millions of combatants who died in battle during the War, will be remembered during this special ceremony. Following the ceremony, you are invited to tour the exhibit of World War II photos in the Museum Exhibit Hall. Admission is free.

The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Krzysztof Kasprzyk will commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of World War II with a special evening for invited guests at the De Lamar Mansion - the residence of the Consulate in New York City.

BLOG – August 28th - Sto Lat!

Sto Lat! – It’s that time again!

Luckily birthdays come every year and then quietly slip away. I celebrate this special occurrence with a friend in Polish culture, my birthday brother – Ted “Tadek” Zdybał . Those who believe in zodiac qualities may find it interesting that both of us, although born on different years share an extraordinarily similar background, history, desire, passion, and mindset.

We were both born on August 28^th; both our parents were born in southern Poland: Ted’s – Górale; mine – Rzeszowiacy.

We met in Poland at the Course for Instructors in Lublin and immediately connected. We were in different years of study, but the spark of similar interests was ignited and the dialogue began.

We both came from classical dance training –Ted was an apprentice and student with National Ballet of Canada, later graduating from it's teacher's training program; and I realized my dreams as a member of the Boston Ballet.

I created my own Polish choreography with the Lublin Polish Song and Dance Ensemble, which I had founded; while Ted was a member and choreographer for Lechowia in Toronto. Ted has since been associated with numerous groups as choreographer - Kujawiacy (Kitchener, Ontario), artistic director and choreographer of Krakowiak of Boston , and currently since 1996, as the artistic director and choreographer of Toronto's Biały Orzeł Ensemble.

I had wanted to dance with Mazowsze – attended rehearsals and company class and began the discussion of taking residence with the company. Due to the government rules regarding this state dance company during the Communist era, I was denied entrance to company because I was not a Polish citizen and was not married to a Polish citizen. Ted had a similar desire to dance with Śląsk and realized that dream when Poland became a democratic nation.

Our interest in folk dance extended beyond Polish forms and we both danced with international folk ensembles - Ted professionally with The International Folk Danstheater in Amsterdam. We also had an interest in Polish dance beyond the known entities – we devoured the obscure dances and cultures of sub-regions and the traditional and seasonal customs (obrzędy). We thought alike on many subjects and it was uncanny when we would meet and discuss that we choose similar obscure costumes and repertoire for our presentations.

This, of course, gave us a palate of discussion during my visits to Toronto, when on a performance tour or to work with a musical theater project. We would stay up until the next morning “drunk” on the talk of folklore.

My direction shifted to Musical Theater and Broadway, while always keeping the Polish dance involvement alive; Ted stayed completely on the folk dance path.

We think alike and when we don’t, we fed off of each others knowledge and interests. We support each other – I traveled to Massachusetts to support Ted’s debut as artistic director of the Krakowiak Dancers and to Toronto to celebrate his achievements at Biały Orzeł ’s 40^th anniversary; and Ted traveled to Buffalo to see me perform during my last national tour of Fiddler on the Roof.

I was treated with courtesy, honor, and respect when I visited one of Biały Orzeł’s rehearsals and extended my words of praise and encouragement to the company.

It has been a period of time since we met, but calls and e-mails have filled part of that void. In the world of Polish dance in America, where often konkurencja (competiveness) is matched with zazdrość (envy/jealousy), and petty politics, it is unique that we celebrate our motives, achievements and passion for folklore.

Years have past, yet our paths cross periodically and like true connected friends, we pick up where we left off, without any forced sentiments.

I wish Ted was closer to New York City, so we could share more than fleeting folklore encounters, and perhaps join forces in our endeavors.

Happy Birthday! – Sto Lat! – May you live 100 years!

PIEROGI SERIES: Pierogi at the Fair – Millie’s Pierogi Delivers!

Milie's Pierogi - Anna Lopuk ("Millie")

Part of a continuing series on Pierogi

Pierogi at the Fair
Millie’s Pierogi Delivers!
by Staś Kmieć (reprinted from Polish American Journal - August 2009)

It was a balmy August Saturday last year when I had the urge to visit the Dutchess County Fair in upstate New York. I had been there a few years prior and had the delight to see Millie’s Pierogi prominently displayed among the many food vendors and country fair offerings. I coaxed my friend Lee to venture out with me and along the way we were stuck for a lengthy time in the fair traffic. Was the fuss to get there worth it? Would Millie be there again or would it be a day of fried dough and farm animal prize winners?

Just beyond the entrance gates and around the corner I saw the rotating signature red-and-white sign with Poland’s crowned eagle. Millie was there! With an appetite, I went over to the counter manned by red and white capped and shirted attendants, and made my order of three samplings: farmer’s cheese, kapusta/cabbage and prune. Each one with a different dough consistency due to the filling; each one delicious!

My Uncle John in Sparta, NJ initially told me about Millie’s Pierogi, which he ordered so he could keep a proper supply in the freezer at all times.

I had experienced many a pieróg at fairs, but never had they tasted like Millie’s. This was the real thing - delicate dough with delightful, tasty fillings! Part of the secret of Millie's pierogi is that they are entirely hand-pinched; this enables thinner dough, unlike machine-made products. Upon my return past the booth, I ordered another round, but this time a double order and an addition of potato and cheese with kiełbasa bits to the mix.

I asked if “Millie” was there and I was introduced to a cheerful woman. I would later find out that this was the matriarch Anna (Tauscher) Lopuk. Everyone seems to claim to “Millie” at the booth, even the men.

There was a Millie originally, but she owned a different establishment. She sold it when her son died, and there were a couple of owners before the Lopuks bought it in 1976. Daughter Ann was in college and when her parents told her of their purchase she couldn’t understand the logic, since the joint was known more for pizza than pierogi. Her father, Walter Lopuk said, "because it can't go anywhere but up!"

The first year was a real struggle for the couple. Anna said that “it was lots of long days and nights and hard work,” but that determination and willingness to commit the time and energy paid off. Today, Millie’s more than quadrupled the number of stores that they deliver to – the size of the physical plant, and has initiated a successful mail order and concession aspect to the business. Their visits to festivals and fairs allow them to meet the public and put a personal face to the brand name.

So where did this family recipe derive from? Walter Lopuk was no stranger to homemade pierogi. His mother came from Poland, and his father from Russia. Living in the predominantly Polish area of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, even the German-born Anna knew all about pierogi, or so she thought.

Trying to impress her new Polish mother-in-law, she attempted to make pierogi for her husband, and ended up in tears, with a mess all over the kitchen. "I'm never going to try to make another pieróg,” she told him. Little did she know?

Anna fully understands the frustration of mail order customers who try to replicate their cherished family recipe. She considers it an honor to have their brand be considered close enough to a relative's to stand in its place.

As a married couple, the Lopuks had a background in the food industry, having run two 24-hour diners for 25 years. After Urban Renewal swept through downtown Chicopee Falls they turned toward a pierogi business.

At the beginning, Millie's consisted of a small restaurant, and a delivery truck held together with baling wire and prayers. They delivered to about 50 local supermarkets, employing a few pinchers, a couple of waitresses, and a driver. It was a family affair with Dad doing the cooking in the diner, Mom – the bookwork, brother Gary handling the deliveries and the preparation of the cabbage filling, and daughter Ann – waitressing, delivering, and pinching pierogi.

With patience and perseverance, growth came steadily as they expanded into the farther reaches of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and then parts of Rhode Island, swelling the number of stores serviced to over 200. They purchased a concession trailer and made the rounds to the local fairs. They have now crossed the ethnic barrier, as people of all nationalities have been introduced to and enjoy pierogi.

Family members have departed and there have been new additions such as Ann’s “Polish working” Irish husband.

What are Millie’s (I mean Anna’s) favorite pierogi? Farmer's cheese with a little sugar sprinkled on top.

Their upcoming busy schedule consists of The Dutchess County Fair, Aug. 25-30, (Rhinebeck, NY); and The Big E, Sept 18 - Oct. 4 (West Springfield MA).

Visit the Millie’s concession stand, sample the delicious pierogi, and say hello to “Millie!”

For orders and additional information: http://www.milliespierogi.com/.

Milie's Pierogi - A Family Affair