Nie jest nic ważniejsze do mnie w moim życiu, niż Polskie Obywatelstwo. Polska jest mój rodzimy kraj, i zawsze uwierzyłam, że jestem Polski obywatel. Całe moje życie byłam aktywana w Polonia (Polska-Amerykańska Wspólnota), promując Polską Kulturą przez programy Telewizję i Radia, przez Muzykę i Taniec, i przez różne Polskie-Amerykańskie Organizacje i Miłosierdzia.
Redaktor jednego Polskiego Publikacji w Stanach Zjednoczonych napisał o mnie, że jestem „typem osoby czyje oczywiste jakości życia robią każdy dumnym by być Polskie.”
Kocham Polsce więcej niż coś albo ktoś, i ten uczucie wzmacnia się jak czas przechodzi. Polska jest kraj, dla którego umarłabym. To jest mój rzeczywisty dom, ponieważ właśnie tam jest mój sercem i duszą. Krew, która leje przez moje żyły jest 100 % czystej Polskiej krwi. Jedyna rzecz to rozdziela mnie od mojej Ojczyzny jest fakt że nie urodziłam się tam. Ale, jeżeli urodziłam się w Polsce, nigdy nie zostawiłabym. Zamiast tego, to jest moja historia:
Urodziłam się do rodziny Polskich imigrantów w czerwcu 7, 1952, w Buffalo, Nowym Jorku, gdzie Polska społeczność powetowała sobie o jednej trzeciej populacji miasta. Byłam wychowana z Polskimi tradycjami, które były część mojego codziennego życia. Byłam ochrzczona w Św. Łukasza rzymskokatolicki (Polski) Kościół, i należałam do tamtej parafii tak długo jak to prowadziło nabożeństwo po Polsku. Nawet zaśpiewałam (jednoosobowy) w chórze kościelnym.
Też uczęszczałam parafialne gimnazjum Św. Łukasza , (które było prowadzone przez Siostry Feliciany, Polskie zakonnicy), od kindergarden przez 8. stopnia, ukończąc studia w 1966. Nawet gdyby to była Polska szkoła, tylko mieliśmy jeden rok Polskich lekcji języka. Byliśmy dość nauczeni, że moglibyśmy przeczytać i napisać i wypowiedzieć słowa właściwie po Polsku. W ten sposób moglibyśmy zaśpiewać piosenki w szkole i kościele. (Żałuję, że nie nauczyliśmy się więcej, ponieważ, nawet gdyby w domu dorośli wszyscy mówili po Polsku, dzieci tylko mówiły po angielsku. Dlatego, kiedy później zdecydowałam się, że chciałam mówić po Polsku, miałam trudny czas z gramatyką.)
Przez Polski Unii w Ameryce (Polish Union of America), braterska organizacja że należałam do wszystkiego z mojego życia, i przez szkoła i specjalnie kościół, Św. Łukasza, ja, jednak, wzięłam udział w działalności, które uwydatniły moje Polskie dziedzictwo. Też Św. Łukasza wziął udział z całym inne Polskie szkoły w Buffalo, w celebrowaniu 1,000 lat chrześcijaństwa w Polsce w 1966, z Tysiąclecia przedstawienia. To była cudowna okazja by nauczyć się Polskiej historii, chociaż to było przez moje własne badania jak dorosły, że naprawdę nauczyłam się wspaniałej historii tego naprawdę zadzwiącę narodu, i, jak wynik, przyszłam kochać Polsce nawet więcej.
Szkoła Średnia uczestniczyłam, Willi Maria Academie/Niepokalane Serce Maria Akademie (Villa Maria Academy = Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy), była szkołą Polskiej dziewczyny , też prowadzone przez Felicianny Zakonnice. Jak członek Narodowego Honoru Towarzystwa, specjalizowałam się w Matematyce i Nauce, i ukończyłam studia ze stanu Nowy Jork Regentów dyplomem od Willi w 1970.
W niedawno latach, zachęcałam ich by nauczyć klasy w Polskiej Historii i Języku. Dotychczas nie odniosłam sukces w tym usiłowaniu, ale oni chętnie przyjeli mój dar tysiące dolarów wartych Polskich książek, video, CD, i komputer oprogramowania dla ich biblioteki.
Pod pełnią, cztery rok, stanu Nowy Jork Regentów Stypendium, ja studiowałam przy Uniwersytet Stanach Nowego Jorku w Buffalo (State Univeristy of New York at Buffalo = SUNY/AB). Zmieniłam majorów kilka razy. Ci włączeni: Matematyka, Geologia, Geografia, Sztuki Historia, wtedy w końcu Nadając i Środki Masowego Przekazu. Też studiowałam przy Stanu Nowy Jork Uczelnię (Empire State College), też część Uniwersytetu Stanach Nowego Jorku, i przy Jagielloński Uniwersytet w Krakowie. Ostatecznie, otrzymałam Stopień licencjatu w zakresie nauk ścisłych w Nadanym Dziennikarstwie (B.S. degree in Broadcast Journalism) z SUNY w 1984.
Też ukończyłam studia od Współczesnego Instytutu Radiofonii (Contemporary Institute of Broadcasting), i otrzymałam Współpracownik Uczący Świadectwo w Amerykańskiej Sali balowej Tańczą (Associate Teaching Certificate in American Ballroom Dance) od Freda Astaire’a Tańczą Studia gdzie byłam nauczycielem przez dużo lat.
Studiowałam przy Jagiellońskie Uniwersytet Krakowa w 1974, pod Stypendium od Kościuszko Fundamentu (Kościuszko Foundation) gdzie studiowałam Polską Historię i Kulturę. Podczas studiowania w Polsce, pojawiłam się na Narodowym Telewizji programie, otwierając program jak „gościa gospodarz”.
Kiedy moje studia w Krakowie były zakończone, pozostałabym w Polsce, ale wiedziałam, że nie mówiłam po Polsku dość dobrze by dostać dobrą pracę. Złożyłam ślub, jednak, by wrócić tam by żyć, skoro tylko mogłabym dostarczyć czynić tak, nawet jeżeli to czekanie aż jestem emeritowana. To jest jeszcze mój plan.
Byłam otaczana przez Polską Kulturę całe moje życie, żywność, tradycje święta, i tak dalej. Jak dziecko, ja często szłabym z moimi rodzicami do przedstawień Szopen Śpiewającego Społeczeństwo (Chopin Singing Society). Lubiłam mały zespół taneczny, „Tatry Tancerze” , którzy wystąpiliby przy tych pokazach, i pamiętam, że moja ulubiona piosenka była Mazur. Ale, to nie było aż zobaczyłam występ trupę tańca ludowego z Polski „Mazowsze” , że zakochałam się z Polską. To było wtedy, że znałam, którą byłam: Byłam Polakiem, i byłam dumna z tego. Od tamtego dnia naprzód, to było wszystko o czym mogłabym pomyśleć.
Unia Polska w Ameryce zrobili bankietów dla Mazowsze w Buffalo, NY, i w Albany, NY. Jak reprezentant, to było mój zaszczyt by przedstawić bukiet kwiatów do Mazowsze Kierownika, Miry Ziminska-Sygietinska. Też miałam dreszcz tańca z kilkoma członkami zespołem, nawet dwaj główni tancerze, i zrobiłam przyjaciół z kilkoma z nich.
Moje spotkanie z Mazowsze zmieniło moje życie na zawsze. Od ten czasu, zaczęłam się przez zakotwiczanie (spiker dziennikarza) codziennie Polska Wspólnoty Transmisja wiadomiości na Comcast stacji telewizyjnej w obszarze Buffalo,NY , wraz z (wtedy) Prezydentem Unii Polskiej Ameryki, Daniela Kija. Jak trwający całe życie członek Polskiej Unii (mój Dziadek, Jan Stasiak był Sekretarz, i moja Matka, Helen Ruszczyk była Narodowy Kierownik dla kilku dekad), byłam dobrze znana panu Kijowi, który, w 1973, mnie rekrutowałam dla tego 7 dnia Wiadomości program tygodnia, który zaprezentował pozycje ciekawy do Polskiej społeczności. Ten dwujęzyczny program trwał przez kilka lat we wczesnym 1970’s obszar Buffalo. W tym samym czasie, zrobiliśmy tygodniowy talk show: „Polonia Światło reflektorów” („Polonia Spotlight”), które zaprezentowało wybitnych Polaków, dyskutując ich uzdolnienia.
Też wyprodukowałam miejsca radia na języka angielskiego programie radia na WWOL w 1976, które było część ich Amerykańskiego Dwóchsetletniego programowania. Te segmenty zaprezentowały wkłady Polaków do Ameryki.
Podczas mieszkania w Buffalo, miałam dużo karier:
Byłam modelem (dla sklepów Pantastik przez 2 lat) modelującym w tygodniowo pokazy mody (przy Melodii Jarmark i Klub 747);
sali balowej tańca nauczyciel (we Fredzie Astaire Zatańcz Studia przez 4 lat);
spiker radiowy= dyskdżokeja i Reporter Sportowy (na WBFO przez 5 lat);
spiker radiowy (na WBLK przez 1 roku);
Wiadomości Radiowych Kierownik i Spiker (na WIRR przez 2 lata);
Telewizji Wiadomości Kotwica (Comcast Telewizii przez 3 lat);
i producent nadanej w telewizji Masy dla otacza (WUTV -telewizja przez 1 roku) , itd.
Jeden z programów radia robiłam był na WBFO, i zaprezentował muzykę teatru. Wzięłam okazja by robić kilka programów prezentujące muzykę „Mazowsze”, wprowadzając Polska Muzyka Ludowa do Amerykańskiej widowni.
W późnym 1970’s ruszyłam się do hrabstwa Orange, Nowego Jorku, gdzie jest wielka Polska gospodarująca wspólnota. Faktycznie, Sosnowa Wyspa, (Pine Island, N.Y.), cebula kapitałowa świata, okresowo trzyma „hrabstwa Orange Cebulę Dożynki”, gdzie cała społeczność bierze udział. Jest parada, koronowanie królowej, prezentacja wieńca do Państwo Gospodarstwo z Dworzem (w Polskim stylu), i dwa dni festiwalu prezentującego 300+ tancerzy w Polskich Strój, wykonując Polskie tańce ludowe. Każdy, młody i stary, dostaje szansa wziąć udział. Najwięcej z kostiumów są szyty ręcznie przez innych członków społeczności.
Podczas mieszkania w tym obszarze:
Byłam modelem (w Nowym Jorku);
i handlowy pokaz model (w New Jersey, Jeziora Przygoda reklamy = Lake Adventure w
Pocono Górach Pensylwanii przez 1 roku);
komiczna aktorka (występowanie przy Kawiarni Ricka w Północnym Bergen, New
Jersey, i Barbarze Ann w Nowym Jorku, N.Y. przez 1 roku);
tańca nauczyciel (nauczyłam sali balowej taniec we Fredzie Astaire Tańczą Studio w Ridgewood, New Jersey na 1 rok, w BLI Tańczą Studio w Nowym Mieście = New City, N.Y. przez 7 lat , i nakierował moje własne studio w Zielonego lasu Jeziorze = Greenwood Lake, N.Y. przez 1 rok);
Też wystąpiłam jak tancerz (w Krakowski strój) w kilku televsion reklamach (ogłaszać rekordów polki , i Pensylwanii turystyka);
Byłam Telewizji Wiadomości Sprawozdawcą i Kotwicą (na Ch. 6 w Middletown, N.Y. przez 1 rok - 1983,
i na Ch. 10 w Pouhgkeepsie, N.Y. przez 3 lat od 1984-1986);
i byłam dyskdżokejem, gospodarzem talku show , i sprawozdawcą wiadomości na stacji
WTBQ w Warwick, N.Y. przez 5 lat- 1978-1982.)
Podczas gdy we WTBQ, ja też robiłam „Polki” programy. Też pracowałam dla Starr Records (przez 5 lat), czyi klienci byli polskie kapeli polki; i pracowałam dla Zjednoczonych Polki Artystów (United Polka Artists) (przez 5 lat), rezerwującej agencji dla, nie tylko kapeli polki , ale też dla kilku Nowego Jorku obszaru Polskie Tańca Ludowego Trupy.
Jeden z nich był „Matusz Polskie Tańca Koło” (Matusz Polish Dance Circle). Tworzony przez Bronislaw Matusz w 1933, Matusz Tancerze poszli dalej stać się najbardziej popularnym Polskim zespół taneczny w Stanach Zjednoczonych pod kierunkiem Henry i Władzia Jaworowski, aż grupa poszła w rozsypkę w 1996.
To było przez moją pracę z Zjednoczonych Polki Artystów, że mogłam dołączyć Matusz. To było najbardziej spełniająca rzecz, którą kiedykolwiek zrobiłam w moim życiu. To było z czego śniłam od tego czasu ja pierwszy zobaczyłam Mazowsze. Jaki dreszcz to było tańczyć i śpiewać piosenki, które oznaczyły tak dużo do mnie! Należałam do Matusz (dla 4 lat), w późnym 1970’s i wczesnym 1980’s. Mieliśmy przynajmniej dwa przedstawienia każdy weekend. Mniejsze pokazy zaprezentowały tylko 8 par, ale duże pokazy zaprezentowały wszystkich 60 członków. Wystąpiliśmy przy miejscach jak Carnegie Sala w Nowym Jorku, i New Jersey Sztuki Środek (Garden State Arts Center in New Jersey). Nawet nagraliśmy kilka albumów Polskich Piosenek Ludowych dla Starr Records, włączając album Kolędy.
Niebawem po śmierci Henry Jaworowski, Matusz Polskie Tańca Koło poszło w rozsypkę. Władzia Jaworowska wtedy sprzedała kostiumy trupy , i umieścił Stypendium Fundusz, sprawował rządy przez Kościuszko Fundament Nowego Jorku, który wysyła nauczycieli do Polski by nauczyć się Polskiego Tańca Ludowego. Ponad przeszłością kilka lat zrobiłam roczne wkłady do tego funduszu, który, do mnie jest najbardziej ważną rzeczą, którą mogę zrobić by utrzymać Polską Kulturę żywą w Stanach Zjednoczonych Jeżeli młodzi mogą doświadczyć Polskiego Ludu tańczącego sposób, którą zrobiłam, oni, również przyszliby kochać ich Polskie Dziedzictwo.
Kiedy ruszyłam się do Południowej Kalifornii w 1986, pracowałam dla Freda Astaire’a Taniec Studio w Beverly Hills. Też pracowałam jak codzienny najem przy kilku telewizji stacjach w Los Angeles (Ch. 9 KHJ/KCAL, Ch. 13 KCOP telewizji, Ch.11 KTTV) jak redaktor video , i jak Wiadomości Pisarz ( Ch. 5, KTLA telewizja) przez kilka lat, aż zaczęłam pracowanie regularnie przy FOX Telewizji w Los Angeles.
W obszarze Los Angeles , poczułam że byłam w obcej ziemi, ponieważ nie byłam już w przeważnie Polskiej społeczności. Jednak, odszukałam Polaków faceta , i stałam się włączoną w kilka z ich działalności.
Jestem pomocnikiem miejscowych Polskich Tańca Ludowego trup, głównie, „Podhale Polską Tańca Ludowego Kompania”, którą wierzę być najlepszą grupą amatora, którą zobaczyłam.
Teraz pracuję dla FOX Telewizji, KTTV (jak redaktor video , i producent, od 1986), i dostałam Podhale program telewizyjny pół godziny w 1999: Populacja Los Angeles jest prawie 50 procent latynoamerykański, z bardzo kilkoma Polakami, więc widownia telewizji oczekiwała zobaczyć „Cinqo de Mayo” program, celebrując historyczne zdarzenia w Meksyku maja 5., ale, na meijsce, była potraktowana do „Trzeci Maj” celebrowania Polskiej konstytucji maja 3.. Poczułam dumna że mogłam przedstawić Podhale Polskich Tancerzy Ludowych do Południowej Kalifornii. Byłam równa więcej zadowolonej kiedy program był dobrze otrzymany.
Kiedy Podhale miał ich 10. anniversery występu w 2002, i dziękował tym, którzy pomogli, byłam zaskoczony i zachwycona, że oni podziękowali mi z bukietem kwiatów za moją pomoc.
W 2000 roku , wyprodukowałam program telewizji pół godziny na FOX prezentującym Polskiego śpiewaka, Maryla Rodowicz, który był wprowadzony do mnie przez kierownik Polskiego Festiwal Filmowy w Los Angeles, innym przedsiębiorstwo, do którego przyczyniam się rocznie.
Finansowe wkłady do różnych Polskich dobroczynne są jedna sposób, która próbuję promować Polską Kulturę. W dodatku do Unii Polskiej w Ameryce, należę do Polskiego Amerykańskiego Kongresu (Polish American Congress), Polskiej Amerykańskiej Kulturalnej Sieci (Polish American Cultural Network), Amerikańska Rada dla Polskiej Kultury (American Council for Polish Culture), i Amerykańskiego Centrum Polskiej Kultury (American Center of Polish Culture). Przyczyniam się do ich miłosierdzi rocznie, włączając program, który przyprowadza Polskie dzieci do Stanów Zjednoczonych Inne miłosierdzia popieram, włączam Fundacja Mam Marzien, które przyznaje śmiertelnie chory Polskie dzieci bardziej twoje życzenia.
Inna sposób próbuję promować Polską Kulturę, jest przez dawanie Polskich Historii książek, video, muzyka, itd. do ludzi, którzy mają wpływ na innych, jak spikerzy radiowi, redaktorzy magazynu , itd. w nadziejach, że oni, również, podniosą mój powód. I tamten powód ma pozwolić światu doświadczenie jaka wspaniała Polska jest, i jaka bogata kultura mamy.
W ostatnich latach, mój podróże przez Polskę były rozległy: od Masurskie Jeziora i Gdańska, do Tatr, Beskidy, i Bieszady, i od Białowieza do Płock. Podróżowałam przeważnie na moim własnym w samochodzie. Spędziłam wiele czas w każdym regionie, studiując historię regionu, odwiedzając stare kościoły, zamki, i pałacy, i zaprzyjaźniające się.
Też spędziłam czas w Lublin, gdzie mój dziadek, Jan Stasiak urodził się, w Goleszyn, gdzie moja babka Czesława Kozierowska urodziła się, i w Myszyniec Stary, gdzie mój dziadek, Józef Ruszczyk, i moja babka, Pauline Soliwoda urodzili się. Też, znalazłam się i odwiedziłam „moje wsie” Ruszcza (blisko Sandomierz) i Ruszczany (blisko Bialystok), i wioski „Ruszcza” (blisko Krakowa), gdzie ludzie pytali czy właśnie byłam oryginalny od tam. Chciałabym pomyśleć, że jakoś jestem połączona do tych cudownych miejsc. Tymczasem, wyśledziłam moją genealogię. Podczas gdy to nie jest łatwe by znaleźć starych rekordów, mogłam wywodzić jedną linię do około 1800, do Jagiełło!
Czas, że wydałam w Polsce była nagrodzona z głęboko, trwając przyjaźnie. Jeden taki przyjaciel jest młodą kobietą, która jest moja „bliźniaka”, ale 28 lat młodsze. Ewa właśnie stopniowała ze stopniem Dziennikarstwa od Warszawy Uniwersytetu i już wyprodukowała Telewizji Filmy dokumentalne i muzyki video (tele dyski). Odkąd spotkaliśmy się w 1998, staliśmy się jak siostry. Ona mówi, że ona jest „dotknięta” przez mój miłość do Polska, i z zapałem dzieli ze mną, życiowe doświadczenie. Mam nadzieję, że jestem dobrym wzorem dla niej.
Ale, najwięcej przejmującego dreszczem jest, że stałam się przyjaciele z kilkoma aktualni i poprzedni członkowie Mazowsze i Śląska! Najbardziej szczególnie, Mazowsze Główny Choreograf (dla przeszłych 50 lat), Witold Zapała, który jest bardzo dobry przyjaciel. Jaki zaszczyt mieć ludzie odnoszą się do mnie jak jego „kolega”, albo by spędzić czas z jego rodziną! Jak podniecające mieć śpiewaka Mazowsze , solisty Stanisław Jopek (też z grupą dla 50 lat) śpiewająć do mnie podczas próbę w Karolin (dom Mazowsze), albo by gawędzić z ich kierownik orkiestry.
Ci są moje marżenie ziszczają. Jedyna rzecz, która byłaby większa byłaby dla mnie by być urzędowo zdeklarowany Polski Obywatel. Jednak nawet jeżeli nie mam, że arkusz papieru, ja znam w moim sercu, że JESTEM POLKA, coś na wylot, i nikt może zaprzeczyć tamtemu. I kiedy umieram, to jest moje życzenie by być zakopane w mojej rodzimej ziemi. Faktycznie, już mam kawałek gruntu wybraną w Ruszcza Cmentarz. Wtedy, będę jednym z Polską na zawsze!
Wraz z koniecznymi dokumentami (włączając rodziny genealogia aż mogłam badać dotychczas), załączonymi są artykuły od Polskich Amerykańskich gazety, jak również (regularny) codzienne gazety z miast w stanie Nowy Jork, wraz z listami i fotosy, które ilustrują, mała próbka mojego wplątania w Polskiej Wspólnocie.
Becoming a Polish Citizen
There is nothing more important to me in my life, than Polish Citizenship. Poland is my native country, and I have always believed myself to be a Polish citizen.
All my life I have been active in Polonia (the Polish-American Community), promoting Polish Culture throught Television and Radio Programs, through Music and Dance, and through various Polish-American organizations and charities.
The Editor of one Polish publication in the United States wrote about me that I am „the type of person whose obvious life qualities make everyone proud to be Polish.”
I love Poland more than anything or anyone, and that feeling grows stronger as time passes. Poland is the country I would die for. It is my real home, because that is where my heart and soul lies. The blood that pours through my veins is 100 % pure Polish blood. The only thing that is separating me from my Homeland is the fact that I was not born there. But, if I had been born in Poland, I would never have left. Instead, this is my story:
I was born into a family of Polish immigrants on June 7, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, where the Polish community made up about one-third of the city's population. I was raised with Polish traditions, which were a part of my daily life. I was baptized in St. Luke's Roman Catholic (Polish) Church, and belonged to that parish as long as it conducted services in Polish. I even sang (solo) in the church choir.
I also attended St. Luke's parochial grammar school, (which was run by the Felician Sisters, a Polish order of nuns), from kindergarden through the 8th grade, graduating in 1966. Even though this was a Polish school, we only had one year of Polish language lessons. We were taught enough that we could read and write and pronounce words properly in Polish. This way we could sing songs in school and church. (I regret that we did not learn more. Even though at home the adults all spoke Polish, the children only spoke English. Therefore, when I later decided I wanted to speak Polish, I had a difficult time with the grammar.)
Through the Polish Union of America, a fraternal organization I have belonged to all of my life, and through St. Luke's school and especially the church, I did, however, participate in activities which emphasized my Polish heritage. St. Luke's also participated with all the other Polish schools in Buffalo, in the celebrating 1,000 years of Christianity in Poland in 1966, with a Tysiąclecia pagent. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn Polish history, though it was through my own study as an adult that I really learned the magnificent history of this truly great nation, and, as a result, came to love Poland even more.
The High School I attended, Villa Maria Academy (Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy), was a Polish girl's school, also run by the Felician Nuns. As a member of the National Honor Society, I majored in Math and Science, and graduated with a New York State Regents diploma from Villa in 1970.
In recent years, I have been encouraging them to teach courses in Polish History and Language. So far I have not been successful in this endeavor, but they have welcomed my contributions of thousands of dollars worth of Polish books, videos, CD's, and computer software for their library.
Under a full, four-year, New York State Regents Scholarship, I attended the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY/AB). I changed majors several times. These included: Math, Geology, Geography, Art History, then finally Broadcasting and Mass Media. I also attended Empire State College, also part of the State University of New York, and the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. Eventually, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from SUNY in 1984.
I also graduated from the Contemporary Institute of Broadcasting, and I received an Associate Teaching Certificate in American Ballroom Dance from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios where I was a teacher for many years.
I attended the Jagiellonian University of Kraków in 1974, under Scholarship from the Kościuszko Foundation. There I studied Polish History and Culture. While studying in Poland, I appeared on a National Television program, opening the program as "guest host".
When my studies in Kraków were concluded, I would have remained in Poland, but I knew I did not speak Polish well enough to get a good job. I vowed, however, to return to there to live as soon as I could afford to do so, even if it meant waiting until I retired. That is still my plan.
I was surrounded by Polish Culture all my life, the food, the holiday traditions, etc. As a child, I would often go with my parents to performances of the Chopin Singing Society. I so enjoyed a small dance troupe, the "Tatra Dancers" who would perform at those shows, and I remember that my favorite song was a Mazur. But, it wasn't until I saw the folk dance troupe from Poland, "Mazowsze" perform, that I fell in love with Poland. It was then that I knew who I was: I was Polish, and I was proud of it. From that day forward, that was all I could think of.
The Polish Union of America hosted banquets for the Mazowsze in Buffalo, NY, and in Albany, NY. As a representative of the PUA, it was my privledge to present a bouquet of flowers to Mazowsze Director, Mira Ziminska-Sygietinska. I also had the thrill of dancing with several members of the troupe, including two of the lead dancers, and I made friends with some of them.
My encounter with Mazowsze changed my life forever. It was then I began anchoring a daily Polish Community Newscast on the Comcast Cable TV station in the Buffalo, NY area, along with the (then) President of the Polish Union of America, Daniel Kij. As a lifelong member of the Polish Union (my Grandfather, Jan Stasiak was a Secretary, and my Mother, Helen Ruszczyk was a National Director for several decades), I was well known to Mr. Kij, who, in 1973, recruited me for this 7-day a week News program which featured items of interest to the Polish community. This bi-lingual program lasted for several years in early 1970's the Buffalo area. At the same time, we did a weekly talk show: "Polonia Spotlight", which featured prominent Poles, discussing their accomplishments.
I also produced radio spots on an English language radio program on WWOL in 1976, which were part of their American Bicentennial programming. These segments featured Poles' contributions to America.
While living in Buffalo, I had many careers:
I was a fashion model (for Pantastik stores for 2 years) modeling in weekly fashion shows (at Melody Fair and Club 747);
a ballroom dance teacher (at Fred Astaire Dance Studios for 4 years);
a disc jockey and Sports Reporter (on WBFO for 5 years);
a radio announcer (on WBLK for 1 year);
a radio News Director and Announcer (on WIRR for 2 years);
a Television News Anchor (Comcast Cable for 3 years);
and producer of the televized Mass for Shut-Ins (WUTV -TV for 1 year) , etc.
One of the radio programs I hosted was on WBFO, and featured music of the theater. I took that opportunity to do several programs featuring the music of "Mazowsze", introducing Polish Folk Music to the American audience.
In the late 1970's I moved to Orange County, New York, where there is a large Polish farming community. In fact, Pine Island, N.Y., the Onion capital of the world, periodically holds the "Orange County Onion Harvest Festival" Dożynki, where the entire community participates. There's a float parade, the crowning of the queen, the presentation of the wreath to the Lord and Lady of the Manor (in Polish style), and two days of festival featuring 300+ dancers in Polish Costumes, performing Polish folk dances. Everyone, young and old, gets their chance to participate. Most of the costumes are hand-sewn by other members of the community.
While living in this area:
I was a fashion model (New York City);
and a trade-show model (in New Jersey, advertizing Lake Adventure in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania for 1 year);
a comic actress (performing at Rick's Cafe in North Bergen, New Jersey, and Barbara Ann's in New York City, N.Y. for 1 year);
a dance teacher (I taught ballroom dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Ridgewood, New Jersey for 1 year, at BLI Dance Studio in New City, N.Y. for 7 years , and ran my own studio in Greenwood Lake, N.Y. for 1 year);
I also performed as a dancer (in Krakowski costume) in several television commercials (advertizing polka records, and Pennsylvania toursim);
I was a Television News Reporter and Anchor (on Ch. 6 in Middletown, N.Y. for 1 year - 1983,
and on Ch. 10 in Pourhgkeepsie, N.Y. for 3 years from 1984-1986);
and I was a disc-jockey, talk show host, and news reporter on station WTBQ in Warwick, N.Y. for 5 years- 1978-1982.)
While at WTBQ, I also hosted "Polka" programs. I also worked for Starr Records (for 5 years), whose clients were Polish polka bands; and I worked for United Polka Artists (for 5 years), a booking agency for, not only polka bands, but also for some New York City area Polish Folk Dance Troupes.
One of them was the "Matusz Polish Dance Circle". Formed by Bronislaw Matusz in 1933, the Matusz Dancers went on to become the most popular Polish dance troupe in the United States under the direction of Henry and Władzia Jaworowski, until the group disbanded in 1996.
It was through my work with United Polka Artists, that I was able to join Matusz. That was the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. It was what I had dreamed of ever since I first saw Mazowsze. What a thrill it was to be dancing and singing the songs that meant so much to me!!! I belonged to Matusz (for 4 years), in the late 1970's and early 1980's. We had at least two performances every weekend. The smaller shows featured only 8 couples, but the big shows featured all 60 members. We performed at places like Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Garden State Art Center in New Jersey. We even recorded several albums of Polish Folk Songs for Starr Records, including an album of Kolędy.
Shortly after the death of Henry Jaworowski, the Matusz Polish Dance Circle disbanded. Władzia Jaworowska then sold the troupe's costumes, and set up a Scholarship Fund, administered through the Kościuszko Foundation of New York, which sends teachers to Poland to learn Polish Folk Dance. Over the past several years I have made annual contributions to this fund, which, to me is the most important thing I can do to keep the Polish Culture alive in the U.S. If young people can experience Polish Folk dancing the way that I did, they, too would come to love their Polish Heritage.
When I moved to Southern California in 1986, I worked for the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Beverly Hills, CA. I also worked as a daily hire at several television stations in Los Angeles (Ch. 9 KHJ/KCAL, Ch. 13 KCOP-TV, Ch.11 KTTV) as a video tape editor, and as a News Writer ( Ch. 5, KTLA-TV) for several years, until I began working on a regular basis at FOX Television.
In the Los Angeles area, I felt like I was in a foreign land, because I was no longer in a predominantly Polish community. I did, however, seek out fellow Poles, and became involved in some of their activities.
I am a supporter of the local Polish Folk Dance troupes, mainly, the "Podhale Polish Folk Dance Company", which I believe to be the best amateur group I have seen.
Since I now work for FOX Television, KTTV (as a video editor, and producer, since 1986), I was able to get Podhale a half-hour television program in 1999: The population of Los Angeles is nearly 50 percent Hispanic, with very few Poles, so the television audience expected to see a "Cinqo de Mayo" program, celebrating historic events in Mexico of May 5th, but, instead, were treated to a "Trzeci Maj" celebration of the Polish constitution of May 3rd. I felt proud to have been able to present the Podhale Polish Folk Dancers to Southern California. I was even more pleased when the program was well received by Poles and non-Poles alike.
When Podhale had their 10th anniversary performance in 2002, and were thanking those who helped them out, I was surprised and delighted that they thanked me with a bouquet of flowers for my help.
In the year 2000, I produced a half-hour televison program on FOX featuring Polish singer, Maryla Rodowicz, who was introduced to me by the organizer of the Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles, another cause that I contribute to annually.
Financial contributions to various Polish charities are one way that I am trying to promote Polish Culture. In addition to the Polish Union of America, I belong to The Polish American Congress, the Polish American Cultural Network, the American Council for Polish Culture, and the American Center of Polish Culture. I contribute to their charities annually, including the program which brings Polish children to the U.S. Other charities I support, include Fundacja Mam Marzien, which grants terminally ill Polish children thier wishes.
Another way I try to promote Polish Culture, is by giving Polish History books, videos, music, etc. to people who have influence on others, like radio announcers, magazine editors, etc. in the hopes that they, too, will take up my cause. And that cause is to let the world know how great Poland is, and what a rich culture we have.
In recent years, I have traveled extensively throughout Poland, from the Masurskie Jeziora and Gdańsk, to the Tatras, the Bekidy, and Bieszady, and from Białowieza to Płock. I traveled mostly on my own, driving, and spending time in each region, studying the history of the region, visiting the old churches, castles, and palaces, and making friends.
I also spent time in Lublin, where my grandfather, Jan Stasiak was born, in Goleszyn, where my grandmother Czesława Kozierowska was born, and in Myszyniec Stary, where my grandfather, Józef Ruszczyk, and my grandmother, Pauline Soliwoda were born. Also, I located and visited "my villages" of Ruszcza (near Sandomierz) and Ruszczany (near Białystok), and the hamlet of "Ruszcza" (near Kraków), where people asked if that is where I was originally from. I'd like to think that somehow I am connected to these wonderful places. Meanwhile, I have been tracing my genealogy. While it is not easy to find old records, I have been able to trace one line back to about 1800, to a Jagiełło!
The time that I have spent in Poland has been rewarded with deep, lasting friendships. One such friend is a young woman who is my "twin", but 28 years younger. Ewa recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Warsaw University and has already produced Television Documentaries and music videos (tele-disks). Since we met in 1998, we have become like sisters. She says she is "touched" by my love of Poland, and eagerly shares with me life experiences. I hope that I am a good role model for her.
But, most thrilling is that I have become friends with several present and former members of Mazowsze and Śląsk! Most notably, Mazowsze Head Choreographer (for the past 50 years), Witold Zapała, who is a very good friend. What an honor it is to have people refer to me as his "colleague", or to spend time with his family! How exciting it is to have Mazowsze singer, soloist Stanisław Jopek (also with the group for 50 years) sing to me during rehearsal at Karolin (Mazowsze's headquarters), or to chat with their orchestra conductor.
These are my dreams come true. The only thing that would be greater would be for me to be officially declared a Polish Citizen. However, even if I do not have that piece of paper, I know in my heart that I AM POLISH, through and through, and no one can deny that. And when I die, it is my wish to be buried in my native soil. In fact, I already have a plot picked out in the Ruszcza Cmentarz. Then, I will be one with Poland forever!
Along with the necessary documents (including family genealogy as far as I have been able to research thus far), attached are Newspaper articles from Polish-American papers, as well as (regular) daily papers from cities in New York State, along with letters and photos which illustrate a small sample of my involvement in the Polish Community.
All my life I have been active in Polonia (the Polish-American Community), promoting Polish Culture throught Television and Radio Programs, through Music and Dance, and through various Polish-American organizations and charities.
The Editor of one Polish publication in the United States wrote about me that I am „the type of person whose obvious life qualities make everyone proud to be Polish.”
I love Poland more than anything or anyone, and that feeling grows stronger as time passes. Poland is the country I would die for. It is my real home, because that is where my heart and soul lies. The blood that pours through my veins is 100 % pure Polish blood. The only thing that is separating me from my Homeland is the fact that I was not born there. But, if I had been born in Poland, I would never have left. Instead, this is my story:
I was born into a family of Polish immigrants on June 7, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, where the Polish community made up about one-third of the city's population. I was raised with Polish traditions, which were a part of my daily life. I was baptized in St. Luke's Roman Catholic (Polish) Church, and belonged to that parish as long as it conducted services in Polish. I even sang (solo) in the church choir.
I also attended St. Luke's parochial grammar school, (which was run by the Felician Sisters, a Polish order of nuns), from kindergarden through the 8th grade, graduating in 1966. Even though this was a Polish school, we only had one year of Polish language lessons. We were taught enough that we could read and write and pronounce words properly in Polish. This way we could sing songs in school and church. (I regret that we did not learn more. Even though at home the adults all spoke Polish, the children only spoke English. Therefore, when I later decided I wanted to speak Polish, I had a difficult time with the grammar.)
Through the Polish Union of America, a fraternal organization I have belonged to all of my life, and through St. Luke's school and especially the church, I did, however, participate in activities which emphasized my Polish heritage. St. Luke's also participated with all the other Polish schools in Buffalo, in the celebrating 1,000 years of Christianity in Poland in 1966, with a Tysiąclecia pagent. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn Polish history, though it was through my own study as an adult that I really learned the magnificent history of this truly great nation, and, as a result, came to love Poland even more.
The High School I attended, Villa Maria Academy (Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy), was a Polish girl's school, also run by the Felician Nuns. As a member of the National Honor Society, I majored in Math and Science, and graduated with a New York State Regents diploma from Villa in 1970.
In recent years, I have been encouraging them to teach courses in Polish History and Language. So far I have not been successful in this endeavor, but they have welcomed my contributions of thousands of dollars worth of Polish books, videos, CD's, and computer software for their library.
Under a full, four-year, New York State Regents Scholarship, I attended the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY/AB). I changed majors several times. These included: Math, Geology, Geography, Art History, then finally Broadcasting and Mass Media. I also attended Empire State College, also part of the State University of New York, and the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. Eventually, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from SUNY in 1984.
I also graduated from the Contemporary Institute of Broadcasting, and I received an Associate Teaching Certificate in American Ballroom Dance from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios where I was a teacher for many years.
I attended the Jagiellonian University of Kraków in 1974, under Scholarship from the Kościuszko Foundation. There I studied Polish History and Culture. While studying in Poland, I appeared on a National Television program, opening the program as "guest host".
When my studies in Kraków were concluded, I would have remained in Poland, but I knew I did not speak Polish well enough to get a good job. I vowed, however, to return to there to live as soon as I could afford to do so, even if it meant waiting until I retired. That is still my plan.
I was surrounded by Polish Culture all my life, the food, the holiday traditions, etc. As a child, I would often go with my parents to performances of the Chopin Singing Society. I so enjoyed a small dance troupe, the "Tatra Dancers" who would perform at those shows, and I remember that my favorite song was a Mazur. But, it wasn't until I saw the folk dance troupe from Poland, "Mazowsze" perform, that I fell in love with Poland. It was then that I knew who I was: I was Polish, and I was proud of it. From that day forward, that was all I could think of.
The Polish Union of America hosted banquets for the Mazowsze in Buffalo, NY, and in Albany, NY. As a representative of the PUA, it was my privledge to present a bouquet of flowers to Mazowsze Director, Mira Ziminska-Sygietinska. I also had the thrill of dancing with several members of the troupe, including two of the lead dancers, and I made friends with some of them.
My encounter with Mazowsze changed my life forever. It was then I began anchoring a daily Polish Community Newscast on the Comcast Cable TV station in the Buffalo, NY area, along with the (then) President of the Polish Union of America, Daniel Kij. As a lifelong member of the Polish Union (my Grandfather, Jan Stasiak was a Secretary, and my Mother, Helen Ruszczyk was a National Director for several decades), I was well known to Mr. Kij, who, in 1973, recruited me for this 7-day a week News program which featured items of interest to the Polish community. This bi-lingual program lasted for several years in early 1970's the Buffalo area. At the same time, we did a weekly talk show: "Polonia Spotlight", which featured prominent Poles, discussing their accomplishments.
I also produced radio spots on an English language radio program on WWOL in 1976, which were part of their American Bicentennial programming. These segments featured Poles' contributions to America.
While living in Buffalo, I had many careers:
I was a fashion model (for Pantastik stores for 2 years) modeling in weekly fashion shows (at Melody Fair and Club 747);
a ballroom dance teacher (at Fred Astaire Dance Studios for 4 years);
a disc jockey and Sports Reporter (on WBFO for 5 years);
a radio announcer (on WBLK for 1 year);
a radio News Director and Announcer (on WIRR for 2 years);
a Television News Anchor (Comcast Cable for 3 years);
and producer of the televized Mass for Shut-Ins (WUTV -TV for 1 year) , etc.
One of the radio programs I hosted was on WBFO, and featured music of the theater. I took that opportunity to do several programs featuring the music of "Mazowsze", introducing Polish Folk Music to the American audience.
In the late 1970's I moved to Orange County, New York, where there is a large Polish farming community. In fact, Pine Island, N.Y., the Onion capital of the world, periodically holds the "Orange County Onion Harvest Festival" Dożynki, where the entire community participates. There's a float parade, the crowning of the queen, the presentation of the wreath to the Lord and Lady of the Manor (in Polish style), and two days of festival featuring 300+ dancers in Polish Costumes, performing Polish folk dances. Everyone, young and old, gets their chance to participate. Most of the costumes are hand-sewn by other members of the community.
While living in this area:
I was a fashion model (New York City);
and a trade-show model (in New Jersey, advertizing Lake Adventure in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania for 1 year);
a comic actress (performing at Rick's Cafe in North Bergen, New Jersey, and Barbara Ann's in New York City, N.Y. for 1 year);
a dance teacher (I taught ballroom dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Ridgewood, New Jersey for 1 year, at BLI Dance Studio in New City, N.Y. for 7 years , and ran my own studio in Greenwood Lake, N.Y. for 1 year);
I also performed as a dancer (in Krakowski costume) in several television commercials (advertizing polka records, and Pennsylvania toursim);
I was a Television News Reporter and Anchor (on Ch. 6 in Middletown, N.Y. for 1 year - 1983,
and on Ch. 10 in Pourhgkeepsie, N.Y. for 3 years from 1984-1986);
and I was a disc-jockey, talk show host, and news reporter on station WTBQ in Warwick, N.Y. for 5 years- 1978-1982.)
While at WTBQ, I also hosted "Polka" programs. I also worked for Starr Records (for 5 years), whose clients were Polish polka bands; and I worked for United Polka Artists (for 5 years), a booking agency for, not only polka bands, but also for some New York City area Polish Folk Dance Troupes.
One of them was the "Matusz Polish Dance Circle". Formed by Bronislaw Matusz in 1933, the Matusz Dancers went on to become the most popular Polish dance troupe in the United States under the direction of Henry and Władzia Jaworowski, until the group disbanded in 1996.
It was through my work with United Polka Artists, that I was able to join Matusz. That was the most fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life. It was what I had dreamed of ever since I first saw Mazowsze. What a thrill it was to be dancing and singing the songs that meant so much to me!!! I belonged to Matusz (for 4 years), in the late 1970's and early 1980's. We had at least two performances every weekend. The smaller shows featured only 8 couples, but the big shows featured all 60 members. We performed at places like Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Garden State Art Center in New Jersey. We even recorded several albums of Polish Folk Songs for Starr Records, including an album of Kolędy.
Shortly after the death of Henry Jaworowski, the Matusz Polish Dance Circle disbanded. Władzia Jaworowska then sold the troupe's costumes, and set up a Scholarship Fund, administered through the Kościuszko Foundation of New York, which sends teachers to Poland to learn Polish Folk Dance. Over the past several years I have made annual contributions to this fund, which, to me is the most important thing I can do to keep the Polish Culture alive in the U.S. If young people can experience Polish Folk dancing the way that I did, they, too would come to love their Polish Heritage.
When I moved to Southern California in 1986, I worked for the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Beverly Hills, CA. I also worked as a daily hire at several television stations in Los Angeles (Ch. 9 KHJ/KCAL, Ch. 13 KCOP-TV, Ch.11 KTTV) as a video tape editor, and as a News Writer ( Ch. 5, KTLA-TV) for several years, until I began working on a regular basis at FOX Television.
In the Los Angeles area, I felt like I was in a foreign land, because I was no longer in a predominantly Polish community. I did, however, seek out fellow Poles, and became involved in some of their activities.
I am a supporter of the local Polish Folk Dance troupes, mainly, the "Podhale Polish Folk Dance Company", which I believe to be the best amateur group I have seen.
Since I now work for FOX Television, KTTV (as a video editor, and producer, since 1986), I was able to get Podhale a half-hour television program in 1999: The population of Los Angeles is nearly 50 percent Hispanic, with very few Poles, so the television audience expected to see a "Cinqo de Mayo" program, celebrating historic events in Mexico of May 5th, but, instead, were treated to a "Trzeci Maj" celebration of the Polish constitution of May 3rd. I felt proud to have been able to present the Podhale Polish Folk Dancers to Southern California. I was even more pleased when the program was well received by Poles and non-Poles alike.
When Podhale had their 10th anniversary performance in 2002, and were thanking those who helped them out, I was surprised and delighted that they thanked me with a bouquet of flowers for my help.
In the year 2000, I produced a half-hour televison program on FOX featuring Polish singer, Maryla Rodowicz, who was introduced to me by the organizer of the Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles, another cause that I contribute to annually.
Financial contributions to various Polish charities are one way that I am trying to promote Polish Culture. In addition to the Polish Union of America, I belong to The Polish American Congress, the Polish American Cultural Network, the American Council for Polish Culture, and the American Center of Polish Culture. I contribute to their charities annually, including the program which brings Polish children to the U.S. Other charities I support, include Fundacja Mam Marzien, which grants terminally ill Polish children thier wishes.
Another way I try to promote Polish Culture, is by giving Polish History books, videos, music, etc. to people who have influence on others, like radio announcers, magazine editors, etc. in the hopes that they, too, will take up my cause. And that cause is to let the world know how great Poland is, and what a rich culture we have.
In recent years, I have traveled extensively throughout Poland, from the Masurskie Jeziora and Gdańsk, to the Tatras, the Bekidy, and Bieszady, and from Białowieza to Płock. I traveled mostly on my own, driving, and spending time in each region, studying the history of the region, visiting the old churches, castles, and palaces, and making friends.
I also spent time in Lublin, where my grandfather, Jan Stasiak was born, in Goleszyn, where my grandmother Czesława Kozierowska was born, and in Myszyniec Stary, where my grandfather, Józef Ruszczyk, and my grandmother, Pauline Soliwoda were born. Also, I located and visited "my villages" of Ruszcza (near Sandomierz) and Ruszczany (near Białystok), and the hamlet of "Ruszcza" (near Kraków), where people asked if that is where I was originally from. I'd like to think that somehow I am connected to these wonderful places. Meanwhile, I have been tracing my genealogy. While it is not easy to find old records, I have been able to trace one line back to about 1800, to a Jagiełło!
The time that I have spent in Poland has been rewarded with deep, lasting friendships. One such friend is a young woman who is my "twin", but 28 years younger. Ewa recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Warsaw University and has already produced Television Documentaries and music videos (tele-disks). Since we met in 1998, we have become like sisters. She says she is "touched" by my love of Poland, and eagerly shares with me life experiences. I hope that I am a good role model for her.
But, most thrilling is that I have become friends with several present and former members of Mazowsze and Śląsk! Most notably, Mazowsze Head Choreographer (for the past 50 years), Witold Zapała, who is a very good friend. What an honor it is to have people refer to me as his "colleague", or to spend time with his family! How exciting it is to have Mazowsze singer, soloist Stanisław Jopek (also with the group for 50 years) sing to me during rehearsal at Karolin (Mazowsze's headquarters), or to chat with their orchestra conductor.
These are my dreams come true. The only thing that would be greater would be for me to be officially declared a Polish Citizen. However, even if I do not have that piece of paper, I know in my heart that I AM POLISH, through and through, and no one can deny that. And when I die, it is my wish to be buried in my native soil. In fact, I already have a plot picked out in the Ruszcza Cmentarz. Then, I will be one with Poland forever!
Along with the necessary documents (including family genealogy as far as I have been able to research thus far), attached are Newspaper articles from Polish-American papers, as well as (regular) daily papers from cities in New York State, along with letters and photos which illustrate a small sample of my involvement in the Polish Community.