100TH ANNIVERSARY OF LODGE 1360

Lansing, Michigan - On October 22, 2011, PNA Lodge 1360 in Lansing, Michigan, celebrated their 100th Anniversary with a banquet and social dancing held at the Federated Polish Home.

The program began with Lodge 1360's President Barbara Banasikowski Smith welcoming all guests in attendance in Polish and in English. After the Polish Prayer before meals, a very delicious meal of golubki, city chicken, kapusta with kielbasa, green bean salad, rye bread, and for dessert, cherry and apple mazurek which was prepared by the Banquet kitchen committee headed by JoAnn Slabonek, Vice President and Financial Secretary of the Lodge, and members: Christine Hanson, Carolyn Hartsuff, Connie Tuma, Mary Hoar, Julie Savage and Sharen Furman was served. The hall was  decorated with Polish artifacts which members of the Polish Language Class, Connie Tuma, Sharen Furman and Patricia Shockley brought from a tour of Poland which the class took this past August.

Lodge 1360 President Barbara Banasikowski Smith, Mistress of Ceremonies, introduced Miss Cathy Hanson who sang the "Ave Maria" in honor of Matka Boska Czestochowska, Queen of Poland. The Greater Lansing Ballet Company performed the Polish Dances: Trojak, Kujawiak-Oberek, which was performed by Kailen Berry and Jim McEwen and ending in the Krakowiak.

President Smith then introduced our keynote speaker, National President Frank Spula, who spoke about the long existence of Lodge 1360, some of its memorable projects, the six generation span of one family, and how the National Office in Chicago has been providing a Health Community Service Program to those who are in need of health assistance during these economic times.

He then presented Certificates of Recognition to Evelyn Pfotenhauer, Patricia Lehman, Pat Shockley, Carolyn Hartsuff, and Bill Lepczyk for their service to the Lodge. Christine Hanson, Bernice Yonchewski and Marilyn Garner recieved the distinguished medal award, and Barbara Banasikowski Smith and JoAnn Slabonek received the Silver Medal for their 25 plus years active service to the Lodge.

Mrs. Barbara Martin, Director of Region "G" offered congratulatory remards. Proclamations from the State of Michigan by State Representative Joan Bauer and the City of Lansing Council Member Carol Wood were presented to the Lodge.

President Banasikowski Smith acknowledged the one family PNA membership that spans six generations and asked those members in attendance to stand. Boleslaw Lonczynski was an original organizer of the Lodge 1360 (deceased first generation); Joseph and Regina Kmiecik (deceased 2nd generation) their children, Patricia Kmiecik,-Lehman, JoAnn Kmiecik-Slabonek, and Marilyn Kmiecik-Garner (3rd generation); their children, Christine Slabonek-Hanson and Julie Slabonek-Hanson; Selena Garner-Horner, and John and Joseph Garner (4th generation); Michael, Matthew and Cathy Hanson (5th generation); and Norianna Hanson (6th generation).

President Banasikowski Smith then acknowledged all the distinguished members attending this festive occasion and asked them to please stand to be recognized. They were, Region "G" Director Elect Joseph Samreta from Hobart, Indiana, District X Hamtramck Michigan, members Stella Szczesny and Thomas Schemanski Commissioners Elect, Ron Martin, President of Lodge 53 and District X Sargeant at Arms; Mike and Joanne Ygeal, Chet and Nancy Szczotka, John and Joan Baritche, District X Secretary. Also in attendance from Battle Creek, Michigan, were Walter Noga, former PNA Director and his wife Lee Ann, and from Battle Creek, Lodge members Irene Mellich and Helen Huggett. Members of the Federated Polish Home Board of Directors; members of the Polish Falcons of America Nest 652 of Lansing, Michigan, and White Eagles Society of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America were also in attendance.

The program concluded with Cathy Hanson leading the singing of the Polish National Anthem, "Jeszcze Polska Nie Zginiela" and the American National Anthem' The Star Spangled Banner", followed by the Polonaise with audience participation led by President Barbara Banasikowski Smith.

The Leo Balcer Combo provided dancing for the remainder of the evening.

An enjoyable evening was had by all on this memorable evemt.

Submitted By:
JoAnn Slabonek
Vice President and Financial Secretary
Lodge 1360

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