LODGE 1577 CELEBRATES 100TH
ANNIVERSARY AND INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS

Chicago, Illinois - The King Boleslaw Chrobry Society of Lodge 1577 Polish National Alliance held their annual Installation of Newly Elected Officers along with the celebration of the Lodges 100th Anniversary on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the Mayfield Banquet Hall.

Mr. Joseph Gierlasinski, President of the lodge emceed the program. PNA National Director Arthur Trybek gave an enlightening toast to mark this special occasion, and Former Commissioner of District 12, Anna  Kokoszka delivered an inspirational blessing. After the meal, a short cheerful greeting by National Secretary Charles Komosa, and Vice President of the Lodge Irene Spiewak and Preisdent Gierlasinski gave Helen Orawiec, the financial Secretary a lovely large bouquet of flowers for the time and hard work she has done for many years for the lodge and council.

Guests were introduced including; National Secretary Charles Komosa with his wife Agata, National Treasurer Marian Grabowski, National Directors Arthur Trybek with wife Judy, and Christine Domalewski, former National Director Catherine Dienes, Commissioners of District 12 Barbara Wesolowski and Roman Bucon with his wife Anna, Commissioners of District 13 Irene Hercik and Zenon Olejniczak, former Commissioner of District 12 Anna Kokoszka, and the Polish Army Veterans and Women's Auxiliary Post members.

National Director Christine Domalewski officiated the oath of office to the elected officers, who include Joseph Gierlasinski, President, Irene Spiewak, Vice President, Helen Orawiec, Financial Secretary, Stephanie Matelski, Recording Secretary, Eleanore Gierlasinski, Treasurer and Eleanore Jasiorkowski and Loretta Waltee as the Audit Committee.

PNA National Treasurer delivered best wishes and greetings from President Frank Spula and Vice Presidents Teresa Abick and Paul Odrobina. He also spoke of how hard the members of this lodge worked together to keep this lodge so strong for the 100 years. Mr. Grabowski and Mr. Komosa gave awards of appreciation to Joseph and Eleanore Gierlasinski, Irene Spiewak, Joseph Kokoszka Sr (Anna accepted the award for him), Stephanie Matelski, Eleanore Jasiorkowski, Loretta Waltee, and Bernard Romel, for the many years of service to Lodge 1577 and to the PNA. Financial Secretary Helen Orawiec received a special crystal award for 50 years of service as an officer of the lodge, a former Commissioner of District 12 and Former National Director and for signing over 300 new members to the PNA since becoming a sales representative.

Mrs. Orawiec addressed the guests and thanked them for attending and the support to the lodge in this wonderful celebration. She welcomed the members of Lodge 1400 who recently joined into their group and hope that they become an active part of the lodge and in the Council 143.

Story and Photos by:
Robert M. Jadach

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