PNA’S FIFTH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Chicago, Illinois - The Holiday Season officially started at the Polish National Alliance on Monday evening of December 7, 2009. The eighteen Christmas trees were in the front of the Home Office awaiting their lights to be illuminated before the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Seventeen of the trees represent the seventeen Districts of the Polish National Alliance and the eighteenth tree placed alongside the others represented the Sauganash Chamber of Commerce, the local community where the PNA resides. The entire PNA was decorated so beautifully inside, outside, in front and back for the members and neighborhood to enjoy. Even those driving by on the Eden's Expressway could view trees on the roof of the building as well.

Those who helped to create the magic of the decorated Christmas Trees inside and outside included Mary Srodon, Wanda Penar, Adam Maj, Chester Iwan, and others within the Home Office Staff. Victor Modlinski set up the sound system and provided the ceremony with a mixture of festive Holiday Music in both English and Polish languages.

The fifth PNA Tree Lighting Ceremony took place in front of the Home Office Building at seven in the evening. The weather was cold, but not as frigid as it has in the past on the days of the lighting ceremony. Gathering for the ceremony were the National Officers, President Frank Spula, Vice Presidents Teresa Abick, Paul C. Odrobina and David Milcinovic, Secretary Charles Komosa and Treasurer Marian Grabowski, the entire PNA Board of Directors, the Censor Wesley Musial, Vice Censor Irene Grabowy, PNA Commissioners of District 12 Barbara Wesolowski and Roman Bucon, District 13 Zenon Olejniczcak and Irene Hercik, PNA Controller Jim Gura, Sales Director Joseph Magielski, PNA Bank President Larry Chlum, Polish Women's Alliance Vice President Sharon Zago, Alderman 39th Ward Margaret Laurino, PNA employees, PNA lodge and council members, and the members of the Sauganash Chamber of Commerce Committee and the community.

Vice President Teresa Abick opened the program and thanked everyone attending on the cold night. She asked for the assistance of Alderman Margaret Laurino to help in the countdown and lighting of the trees. President Spula spoke thanking everyone including the Community and Chamber members for their participation. The guests were all invited to the PNA Cafeteria to enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, hot tea and Christmas sweets.

Story and Photos by: Robert M. Jadach

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