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DISTRICT
XII WOMEN'S DIVISION
75th ANNIVERSARY
Chicago, Illinois - District 12 Women's
Division of the Polish National Alliance celebrated their 75th
Anniversary at the Royalty West Banquet Hall in Willow Springs,
Illinois on Sunday, April 3, 2011.
Commissioner Barbara Wesolowski and her
Banquet Committee, Irene Spiewak, Irene Blair, Elizabeth
Kaminski, Therese Kopytko, and Loretta Waltee greeted the guests
as they arrived.
A short program before the dinner began with
Banquet Chairlady Irene Spiewak welcoming everyone. Commissioner
Wesolowski was the mistress of ceremonies for the afternoon. In
her remarks Commisioner Wesolowski honored the women who were
active from District 12 that served in a National Office to the
PNA. Honorary Vice PNA Presidents, Maria Sakowska & Casimiera
Obarska, active PNA Vice Presidents, Magdalena Milewska,
Frances Dymek, Maria Czyz, National PNA Directors, Maria
Sakowska, Frances Siniarska, Caroline Spisak-Maciak, Stephanie
Gondek, Catherine Ziemba-Dienes, Melanie Winiecki, Florence
Wiatrowski-Stawiarski, Helen Orawiec, Genevieve (Jean)
Wesolowski, Cecelia Tomaszkiewicz, & Christine Domalewski,
District 12 Woman Commissioners: Mary Majka, Stephanie Gondek,
Maria Jablonska, Maria Gierut-Szelag, Helen Orawiec, Genevieve
(Jean) Wesolowski, Jean Binkowski, Anna Kokoszka, Christine
Domalewski, and Barbara Wesolowski.
Next Barbara asked PNA National Treasurer
Marian Grabowski to sing the American and Polish National
Anthems. He was accompanied by Robert Dutka, D.D.S., who also
provided the musical entertainment throughout the day. PNA Vice
President Paul C. Odrobina was introduced to give the
Invocation, followed by a toast of congratulations to the
District 12 Women's Division given by National Secretary Charles
A. Komosa.
After the meal, Commissioner Wesolowski began
the second part of her program by asking PNA National Directors
Christine Domalewski and Cecelia Tomaszkiewicz to introduce the
guests, which included, PNA National Officers, Paul C. Odrobina,
Charles A. Komosa, and Marian Grabowski, National Director
Arthur Trybek, Commissioner of District 12, Roman Bucon,
Commissioners of District 13, Irene Hercik and Zenon Olejniczak,
former Director, Catherine Dienes, and forner Commissioners of
District 12, Jean Binkowski, Anna Kokoszka and Joseph Calka. A
poetic verse was read by former Commissioner Kokoszka of the
Women's Division. Remarks was given by Vice President Odrobina
who was the main speaker for the event. Mr. Odrobina spoke on
how the Women in District 12 demonstrated fraternalism for the
PNA and have become leaders for our organization in their busy
lives. He congratulated them on behalf of the Executive Board
and National Directors and wished them continues success for the
years ahead.
The last item on the agenda were recognition
awards given by Commissioner Wesolowski to seven deserving women
who contributed to the strength of District 12 and kept the
Women's Division going for the 75 years. Vice President
Odrobina, National Secretary Komosa and Chairlady Spiewak
distributed bouquets of flowers to each recipient. Honored was:
Catherine Dienes: a 5 term National
Director from 1951-1971 and the oldest active delegate to the
Women's Division of District 12, Mrs. Dienes still participates
in the District being a mere 97 years old. She also was the Past
President of Lodge 1876 and President of Council 34;
Florence Wiatrowski-Stawiarski: a 6
term National Director from 1967-1983 and again from 1991-1999,
President of Council 123 and former Treasurer of the PNA Youth
Camp Association of Districts 12 and 13 in Yorkville. Mrs.
Stawiarski was unable to attend the banquet and her daughter
Judy Trybek (wife of Director Arthur Trybek) accepted her award
for her.
Helen Orawiec: a 2 term National
Director from 1975-1983, 3 term Commissioner of District 12 from
1963-1975, Honorary President of Council 143, Financial
Secretary of Lodge 1577 and former President of the Youth Home
Association Corporation. Mrs. Orawiec was unable to attend the
banquet as well as her award was accepted be Stephanie Matelski
of Lodge 1577.
Christine Domalewski: This year, she
will be completing her first term as National Director, elected
in 2007, a 2 term Commissioner of District 12 from 1999-2007,
Financial Secretary of Lodge 1824 and Vice President of Council
80, and serves as Director of the Youth Home Corporation of
District 12.
Jean Binkowski: served 2 terms as
Commissioner of District 12 from 1983-1991 and currently
secretary of Council 39 PNA.
Anna Kokoszka: served 2 terms of
Commissioner of District 12 from 1991-1999, currently serves as
President of Lodge 2927 and is Vice President of the Youth Home
Corporation of District 12.
Cecelia Tomaszkiewicz: This year, she
will complete her first term as Nationa Director, elected in
2007, and is the President of Lodge 825.
Chairlady Irene Spiewak added one additional
woman to honor:
Barbara Wesolowski: This year
completing her first term as Commissioner of District 12,
elected in 2007, Secretary of Lodge 2368 and Vice President of
Council 143. She accepted the award and shares it in the memory
of her mother Genevieve Wesolowski, former 2 term
Director 1983-1991 and Commissioner 1975-1983.
Barbara thanked everyone for attending at the
conclusion of the Program.
Story and Photos by:
Robert M. Jadach
Total: 18 Photos
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