COUNCIL 120 CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY

Niles, Illinois - On Sunday, March 15, 2009, Council 120 of the Polish National Alliance celebrated their 90th Anniversary. It was founded in 1919 and is one of the largest Councils in Chicago.  The goal of Council was targeting to help new immigrants and Veterans during World Wars I and II. Their motto is "Unity means Power" and also that the youth is the future. The history of the Council was shown on display which was placed at the back of the hall.

The anniversary banquet was held in the afternoon at the Lone Tree Manor in Niles, Illinois. Among the guest attending the banquet included PNA National Officer, President Frank Spula, Vice Presidents Teresa N. Abick and Paul C. Odrobina, National Secretary Charles A. Komosa, Directors Christine Domalewski, Anna Wierzbicki, Cecelia Tomaszkiewicz and Arthur Trybek, Commissioners of District 13, Irene Hercik and Zenon Olejniczak (who also was the Master of Ceremonies), Commissioner of District 12 Roman Bucon with his wife Anna, former PNA Director Steve Tokarski, former PNA Commissioners Stanley Bogobowicz (District 13) and Joseph Samreta (District 15), Emily Leszczynski (WPNA and Dziennik Zwiazkowy), delegates and members from the Lodges of Council 120 and other PNA Lodges and Councils, President and Vice President of the PAC Illinois Division Camille Kopielski and Zygmunt Golinski, officers from various fraternal groups, church groups and the media.

Commissioner Olejniczak welcomed everyone and welcomed the flag bearers Jan Jablonski, Joseph Penar and Adam Kopacz. The anthems were sung by "Polonez" from the General Anders Polish School, accompanied by Janusz Pliwko. Invocation was led by Father Zdzislaw Torba, Pastor of St. Ferdinand Church in Chicago and who is also a member of a lodge in Council 120. Vice President of the Council Henry Ziemba delivered a toast to celebrates the 90th Anniversary of the Council. President Frank Spula spoke and congratulated the Council.

Vice President Teresa Abick administered the Oath of Office to the new officers of the Council for 2009 which includes: President, Zenon Olejniczak, Vice Presidents, Wanda Penar and Henry Ziemba, Recording Secretary Wanda Juda, Treasurer, Mary Srodon, and Sgt. at Arms, Joseph Penar. Medals were presented to Janina Kopacz, Wanda Juda, Wanda and Joseph Penar, Mary Srodon for dedicated service to the Council. Sophie Pernar of Lodge 3241 was presented a medal as recognition for the most new members enrolled in the Council. Certificate of Appreciation awards went to Zenon Olejniczak, Jan Jablonski, Stanislaw Jarosz, Jane Kulibaba, and Edwin and Jane Schultz for their contributions to the Council.

Two members attending the celebration were also honored for their 90th Birthday. Mrs. Helen Dudek and Mrs. Wladyslawa Kielar were presented a bouquet of flowers to mark the occasion.

Performances by many youth groups belonging to Council entertained the guest which included: General Anders Saturday Polish School, Gaik from Slowacki Dance Group, Lajkonik from Lodge 3241 and WICI Song and Dance Ensemble.

Story- Translated from Original text from Dziennik Zwiazkowy
by Krystyna Bialasiewicz and Robert Jadach

Photos - Courtesy of Wanda Juda

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