WEST END PULASKI - LODGE 1052
CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - West End Pulaski Lodge 1052 has a reputation of hosting special events for the benefit of their members and guests. The one hundred year anniversary of the organization that occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2009 exceeded all expectations. All of the officers, except for Emily Barger who wore a red cocktail dress, were dressed in tuxedos with red vests and bow ties. The offers greeted the guests and escorted them to their banquet tables. With Pianist Jack Nicollete playing in the background, the guest enjoyed a wide variety of Hors D'oeuvres in the social hour which included a viewing of a variety of photograph collages of many of the lodge's events and sharing memories of members and friends from the past.

Dinner began with the Reverend Robert Staszewski giving the invocation. A toast in both Polish and English was given by Vice President Keith Smith for the continued success of the lodge over the next one hundred years. While dining, the guests were entertained by the North Allegheny High School Strolling Strings. They played many musical selections while strolling throughout the ballroom. Upon the conclusion of their musical selections, they were given a standing ovation by those in attendance.

Guest speaker of the night was National Vice President Paul C. Odrobina. Vice President Odrobina congratulated the members on their achievements in PNA Sports. He also paid tribute to the past Insurance Secretaries Jake Czepiel, Raymond Twardy and the also the present secretary Jeff Twardy for their enrollment of many members into the PNA. He also wished the members continuous success in keeping their lodge active for the next one hundred years.

President of Lodge 1052, Val Pawlos, also welcomed the members and guests to the one hundred year celebration. He related how his father, Ed Pawlos, encouraged him to become a members and show respect to the lodge and to the membership. He then requested all of the officers and the Board of Directors to come to the podium to be individually introduced. After their introduction, they shared in presenting National Director and current lodge Treasurer Joseph Kaminski and his wife Marlene al all expense paid trip to Poland for their many years of service to the lodge. Mr. Kaminski was pleasantly surprised and thanked the officers and the Board of Directors for this fantastic gift. He included in his remarks that the West End Pulaski is not strictly a Polish Club and that many other ethnic members have also been responsible for the success of the Lodge.

The following esteemed out of town guests were introduced: PNA Censor Wesley Musial from Philadelphia, PA; PNA Sales Director Joseph Magielski from Youngstown, Ohio, National Director Allan Szuflada from Cleveland, Ohio, Commissioners Normand Vadnais (District 1) from Coventry, Rhode Island, Anne Marie Gdula (District 9) from Bridgeport, Ohio, Frances Lisowski and Mark Relovsky (District 17) from Cleveland, Ohio, Lodge representation included David Bertrand from Lodge 1001 in Covewntry Rhode Island, former Director Steve Tokarski from Lodge 2365 in Crown Point, Indiana, Frank and Max Tokarsky from Lodge 1935 in Dayton, Ohio, Ralph Bodziony from Lodge Q33 in Cleveland, Ohio and former President of the Polish Falcons Wallace Zielinski was also in attendance.

Local guest included Lady Commissioner of District 8 Irene Nickel, William White of Lodge 1243, Robert Squires and Frank Ruccio of Lodge 352, Cynthia Malecki of Lodge 599, Roy Winkler of Lodge 841, Ted Haluch of Lodge 1540; Polish Cultural Council President Merle Addams and Chairman Rick Pierchalski; Polish American Congress Polonia of the Year Rich and Ruth Orlowski.

State Representative Daniel Deasy and Pittsburgh Councilwoman Theresa Smith each presented the Lodge with a special proclamation from the state of Pennsylvania and the City of Pittsburgh.

Following the dinner and program, everyone enjoyed dancing the night away with music by Johnny Angel and the Halos. Upon conclusion, everyone was invited to the West End Pulaski Club to continue the celebration that went into the wee hours of the morning.

Special thanks to Lodge President Val Pawlos for his time and effort in promoting this anniversary. Thanks also go to the Officers, the Board of Directors and members of West End Pulaski Lodge 1052 who helped to make this a fantastic celebration.

Thank you and Bog Zaplac!!

Story taken from Lodge 1052 Website

Photos - Janice Odrobina

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