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For Immediate ReleaseJune 23, 2008Polish Festival at Syracuse's Clinton Square dedicated their profit to Outstanding Polish students The Polish Scholarship Fund (PSF), a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3), all volunteer organization based in Syracuse, New York, is very thankful to many for their continued support of the annual Polish Scholarship Festival.The Festival began at noon on the steps of City Hall with the Polish flag being raised with Common Council President Bethaida González, and councilors Van B. Robinson and William M. Ryan. County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney and Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll proclaimed the twentieth day of June 2008 as: Polish Scholarship Fund Community Recognition Day. The festival could not have occurred without loyal sponsors: Senator John DeFrancisco, city of Syracuse, Zywiec Beer, Charlie and Laurie Hollis of the Hollis Funeral Home, The Giminski-Wysocki Funeral Home and Price Chopper Supermarkets, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and The Polish Home. The local news media did an outstanding job promoting the festival. Thanks go to WSTM, WSYR NewsChannel 9, WSYR News 10, CBS News 5, WCNY, Mark Bostick at WAER, Art Kott at WOVA, Julian and Richard Noga at WIBX, Bob Pietrucha at WTLA, Gary Sroka at WRUN, Jas , Jas and Carolyn at WVOA and Polka Stony and Polka Happiness Mary Ann at www.polkasonline.com. Also The Post Standard, the Scotsman Press and Galaxy communications made a tremendous effort to get the information to the public. Joe Galuski and Jim Reith at WSYR radio helped to advertise the festival by having on their shows Nancy Cummings, new PSF Treasurer. The PSF will be forever grateful! The PSF staged one of the largest cultural events in the history of a very large Polish community in Central New York, the 54th Polish Festival in downtown Syracuse – Clinton Square on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 20, 21 and 22, 2008. This Festival is an annual celebration of Polish culture, heritage, history and traditions. In addition to a variety of children's entertainment, ethnic foods, arts and crafts, the 2008 Polish Festival presented a member of the Polka Hall of Fame: EDDIE FORMAN & HIS ORCHESTRA; the internationally known TATRY Polish Folklore Ensemble from Montreal, Quebec and for the first time in Syracuse, dancers SWARNI from Toronto, Canada. Also entertaining the crowds were FRITZ'S POLKA BAND, THE SALT CITY BRASS, MICKEY VENDETTI and the GOODTIME BAND, and Rock n Roll band SHELLY AND THE BARNDOGS. Singer ANYA and Sammy Music Award winner ASHLEY COX performed as well. Monika Majkowycz became Miss Polonia 2008 and Professor Tomasz Skwarnicki from Syracuse University was honored as Pole of the year 2008. This year during the Scholarship Award ceremony, the PSF awarded again, $10,000 to students of Polish descent who have made outstanding scholastic achievements. Scholarship winners include Agnieszka Bak, Julie Dmochowski, Sandra Dowiat, Matthew Filmer, Aneta Guzda, Karol Koziol, Bridget Lenkiewicz, Patrick Mast, Michael McCarthy and David Zurawski. The Figiel Brothers band from Albany, closed the festival Sunday evening, and Tad Szyszka, President of the Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc. thanked to all supporters and sponsors. Febrary 11, 2008Over $10,000 in scholarships The Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc. announces that the deadline for submitting applications for this year scholarships is March 15, 2008. Ten, one year, scholarships each valued at $1000.00 will be awarded at its fifty-fourth annual Polish Festival to be held at Syracuse's Clinton Square on June 20, 21 and 22, 2008. The scholarship can be used at any accredited college, university, or trade school.A nonprofit organization, The PFS has presented a Polish Festival for the past 53 years. Proceeds from the festival are the primary source of funding for the PSF scholarship programs. An all-volunteer organization, the Polish Scholarship Fund has distributed more than $280,000 in scholarship money to students of Polish descent. Scholarship applications are available on line at www.polishscholarship.com or contact Rafal Kulczynski through an e-mail at raf_k2000@yahoo.com Students are eligible who are of Polish descent, who have resided in Central New York in the following counties: Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego for a minimum of two years and who have been accepted for admission to any accredited college, university or training school as a full time student. Applications are also being accepted for Miss Polonia, who will represent the Polish community at various events and will receive a scholarship. These applications are also available on line at www.polishscholarship.com and the deadline is April 15, 2008. For more information on the Polish Scholarship Fund or Polish Festival, contact PSF President - Tad Szyszka at info@polishscholarship.com or call (315) 687-1076. June 11, 2007History and Traditions Was Accomplished Syracuse Mayor, Matthew Driscoll, opened the 53rd Annual Polish Scholarship Festival by raising the Polish Flag at City Hall on Friday, June 8 while PSF members sang the Polish National Anthem.The sunny warm weather brought the crowds out to watch the talented Lechowia Folk Dance Company from Toronto, The Tatry Polish Folklore Ensemble, the Little Poland Dance Ensemble, Lasowiacy Polish Folk Dancers from Syracuse and the Stella Polonia Dance Group. The headline performance Saturday night, Lenny Gomulka and the Chicago Push, had the audience on their feet dancing polkas and obereks. Stephanie and Her Honky Band, , America’s Polka Sweetheart, belted out polkas. Ashley Cox, Syracuse’s own and Anya, a raising star, wooed audiences with their voices. The sensational Punani CinCin Band from Syracuse added a little rock music while Fritz's Polka Band from Verona, New York had everyone's feet tapping. The Polish Scholarship Fund, a non-profit, volunteer organization would like to thank everyone who joined them at their 53-rd celebration of the Polish Festival, the weekend of June 8. Their mission, which is to provide financial assistance - scholarships, to talented students of Polish descent by organizing fundraising public events, that promote Polish culture, heritage, history and traditions was accomplished! The PSF could not carry on its mission without the help of its sponsors, such as Senator John A. DeFrancisco, who attended the Festival along with Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Price Chopper, Giminski-Wysocki Funeral Home Inc., Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Hollis Funeral Home, The White Eagle, The Post Eagle, The Pennysaver, poland.us from New York City, Candlewood Suites and the Polish News. Many thanks also go out to Laura Hand from WSTM , Chad Newton from WTVH, Alyson Megur from WSYR, Bill Carey from News Channel 10, Gary Sroka from WRUN Radio, Polka Stoney from polkasonline.com., Joe Jankowski from WTLA & WSGO, Richard Noga, from WIBX , and Mark Bostick from Jazz 88 WAER. Jim Reith and Joe Galuski helped spread the word of the Festival on their radio talk shows on WSYR radio by having Nancy Cummings, Public Relations Director of the PSF as a guest. The United Polka League was awarded the “Pole of the Year" on Saturday night. The UPL, which has been in existence for twenty-nine years, has as its goal to promote dancing of polkas, obereks and waltzes. The club also gives financial support to worthy charities such as the ARC, American Heart Association and the Ronald McDonald House. The Giminski-Wysocki Funeral Home was the proud sponsor of this award. Sunday brought the crowning of Kelly Kowalczyk, a member of the Lasowiacy Folk Dance Group, as the 2007 Miss Polonia. Kelly’s dream career is a secondary school teacher; she believes that this is the most important job in the world. Miss Polonia is sponsored through the courtesy of the Hollis Funeral Home. The main purpose of the Festival, the awarding of scholarships, took place Sunday afternoon. Bridget Lenkiewicz, Kevin Palmowski, Alison Stanulevich, Teresa Szlosek, Eva Sztechmiler, Melissa Bartoszewski, Mallory Jakaub, Nicholas Kirsch, Karol Koziol, and Michael McCarthy received $1000 each to help finance their education. Tad Szyszka, Chairman and President of the Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc. closed the Festival at 6 PM Sunday, at Syracuse's Clinton Square following Jasiu Klocek and his Salt City Brass playing their lively polkas.
June 12, 2006Rain or shine, another successful festival! The 52nd Annual Polish Festival began on a high note with the Polish flag being raised at Syracuse’s City Hall by Mayor Matt Driscoll. Senator Hillary Clinton and Congressman Jim Walsh sent letters welcoming guests that heard the sounds of Syracuse’s own Arlene Crissan sing with Fifteen Grammy Award winner, Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra, sponsored by Drs. Juan and Dorothy Kozlowska-Kassab of Smile Solutions. On the same day, Anya, a student at the University of Connecticut, sang songs that she wrote unrolling her promising stage career. Her unique voice won the hearts of her new Syracuse fans as festival chairman and entertainment director, Tad Szyszka called the two acts, Jimmy Sturr and Anya the “crossing-of-generations."The beautiful Alizma triplets from Los Angeles, singing and playing the violins captivated the audience! The talented dancers from Toronto, Canada, the Lechowia Dance Company, the Tatry Polish Folklore Ensemble from Montreal, Quebec, and the Little Poland Dance Ensemble from Utica, New York had the crowd on their feet clapping as they watched the young people perform dances from various areas of Poland. Kasia Malinowska and Kava 4.2 warmed the square with their energetic electronic act and Joe Stanky and his Cadets had the audience dancing under the stars. Besides Joe Stanky, there were three additional polka bands: Syracuse’s Jasiu Klocek and the Salt City Brass with the lovely vocal of Susan Klocek, from Pennsylvania John Stevens and Doubleshot and from Massachusetts Grammy Nominee, Maestro’s Men. Local Punani Cin Cin Band and singer, Ashley Cox, Sammy award winner, added variety to the program. CNY Radio celebrities: Gary Sroka from WRUN, Joe Janowski, and Bob Pietrucha from WTLA, Richard Noga from WIBX, Polkastony from www.polkasonline.com and Mark Bostick from Jazz 88 WAER were the masters of ceremony. What is a Polish Festival without the delicacies from Poland? Seven Restaurants served food that included Polish kielbasa, pierogi golabki and real “American” food like pit barbecue. The Syracuse Polish Community Home, a festival sponsor, kept people warm with coffee, tea and homemade paczki. Besides the Polish flags flying everywhere, the white and green colors of Okocim umbrellas were seen on the grounds. Stawski Imports and Stawski Distributing Company of Chicago, the main festival sponsor provided Polish beer, Okocim, Perla and for the first time at the festival, Zamkowe, a dark beer, which gained new fans in Central New York. The Polish National Alliance, a festival sponsor was there with a booth along with other vendors selling Polish books, arts, crafts, jewelry and music. Children were not forgotten at the festival with face painting, a caricature artist, colorful toys and car/truck racing. Mary Hagen and Susie Mazzoni organized the children’s entertainment. The festival, the main source of funds for the Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc. distributed $10,800 to students from central New York. Thanks to Stanley Stawski, founder of Stawski Imports and Price Chopper, who were with the Polish Festival from the time the city of Syracuse invited ethnic festivals to downtown Syracuse. Ten Central New York students each received $1,000.00 to help further their education. Based on scholastic aptitude, financial need, career aspirations, extra curricular activities and participation in Polish community activities the following students received the award: Richard Adamczyk, Melissa Bartoszewski, Karol Koziol, Thaddeus Lenkiewicz, Joseph Lyszczarz, Monika Skwarnicka, Eva Sztechmiler, Ewa Szymanska, Agatha Wozniak and Piotr Wozny. Melissa Bartoszewski, a student at LeMoyne College, with aspirations to become a doctor, was named Miss Polonia 2006 and will also receive a scholarship. This award, directed by Kasia Prus and sponsored by Charlie Hollis from the Hollis Funeral Home is voted on by the general public at the festival. Dr. Elizabeth Mroziewicz-Janik was honored as Pole of the Year 2006 for her outstanding achievements in the field of medicine and her contributions to the Polish community. This award is given thanks to the continuous support of Giminski-Wysocki Funeral Home. Consul Tomasz Wielgomas from the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York and State Senator John DeFrancisco were present along with four area television stations, ABC News Channel 9, Time Warner News 10 Now, WSTM NBC Channel 3, CBS 5 News. Radio Station WVOA, with Jas and Jas and Carolyn reported live from the festival grounds. Journalists from one of the festival media sponsors, The Post Standard and Radio WSYR-570 were interviewing organizers. The Polish Media: The Post-Eagle from New Jersey, White Eagle from Boston, MA, the Polish News from Chicago, IL, www.Poland.us and www.NY.PL were also helping to spread the word of the festival. The Polish Scholarship Festival ended with the first 2007 scholarship donation by Lechowia Director, Dr. Andrzej Wichert. Tad Szyszka, festival director, thanked all sponsors, supporters and volunteers. Next year the Polish Scholarship Fund will welcome eleven time Grammy nominee, Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push to its stage with hope of another successful festival! For more information on the festival and Polish Scholarship, log onto www.polishscholarship.com, or contact PSF publicity director, Nancy Cummings at 315-678-2775 or CiocNancy@aol.com. May 02, 2006Jimmy Sturr headlines Syracuse Polish fest
The Post-Standard
The Syracuse Polish Festival, June 9 to 11 at Clinton Square, has landed arguably the biggest name in Polish music for its 52nd edition. The Jimmy Sturr Orchestra will play virtually through Saturday night of the event, with four sets starting at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:40 p.m. "This is the most expensive entertainment ever, because of the 15-time Grammy Award winner Jimmy Sturr," fest director Tad Szyszka said Monday during a news conference to announce the full lineup. Szyszka said it with a big smile because Sturr and his orchestra are known to draw big crowds at music festivals throughout the Northeast. Szyszka also said he's happy about the diversity of this year's lineup. "We have five Polish bands, but we also have pop music and dancers," he said. "We have Anya, a 19-year-old, on what I'm calling the crossing-of-generations Saturday, with Jimmy Sturr. We have 25 hours of entertainment nonstop." Sturr, who comes from the town of Florida, Orange County, has led his orchestra on 106 recordings. The latest of his 15 Grammy Awards came this year for his 2005 disc "Shake, Rattle and Polka!" Performing with Sturr's orchestra for some Polish-language songs will be Syracuse native Arlene Crissan. Teenager Anya was born in Glogow, Poland, and has been working to become a professional singer since she was 4 years old. Her debut CD, filled with songs she wrote, is titled "Meltdown." This tour comes during the summer break after her freshman year at the University of Connecticut. Also representing modern Polish music is Alizma, a trio of 22-year-old triplets (Aleksandra, Izabela and Monika Okapiec), who were born in Poland and lived there for 16 years. They first came to the United States as exchange students, and after going back home, returned for their senior year in high school. They specialize in vocals and string music.
February 16, 2006Polish Scholarship Fund continues support of CNY students The Polish Scholarship Fund Inc., will award $10,000 in scholarships, $1,000 each to ten young scholars, as part of the organization’s 52nd anniversary celebration in 2006. The PSF has been furthering the education of students of Polish descent for the past 52 years with scholarship money. The fund is currently seeking applicants for scholarships in the 2006-07 academic calendar year. Each applicant must have resided in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga or Oswego Counties for a minimum of two years and be enrolled or accepted at an accredited post-secondary educational institution. A panel of judges will determine the scholarship winners based on scholastic aptitude, financial need, career aspirations, extra-curricular activities and participation in Polish community activities. The fund is supported through proceeds from the annual Polish Festival, a celebration of Polish culture, heritage, history and traditions. The 52nd Polish Festival takes place June 9-11 at Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse. In addition to a variety of bands, dancers, children’s entertainment, ethnic foods and arts and crafts, the 2006 Polish Festival welcomes fifteen time Grammy Awards Winner JIMMY STURR and His Orchestra , the return of Toronto's award-winning LECHOWIA Polish Canadian Dance Company. The Polish Festival also proudly presents Polish music sensation, the violin trio - ALIZMA in addition to internationally known The TATRY Polish Folklore Ensemble from Montreal, Quebec and Grammy Nominee Maestro's Men from Connecticut. The festival also features the annual crowning of Miss Polonia, the naming of Pole of the Year, a chess tournament and photo exhibit. Scholarship application forms may be picked up at: The Rectory of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 927 Park Ave. and The Polish Community Home, 915 Park Ave., or downloaded from the PSF Web site at www.polishscholarship.com For more information please contact Festival Chairman Tad Szyszka at: (315) 687-1076 The deadline for submitting an application is March 15, 2006.
June 12, 2005 Polish Scholarship Fund Awarded Scholarship for the 2005-2006 academic year
Febraury 28, 2005
Polish Scholarship Fund
Expands Eligibility for 2005
The Polish Scholarship Fund is a non-profit, 501c-3 tax-exempt organization, in its 51st year of helping to educate students in Central New York. Over the past 50 years, the PSF has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships. For more information, please contact Polish Festival Chairman Tad Szyszka at (315) 687-1076, or e-mail to: info@polishscholarship.com June 25, 2004
Scholarships Awarded at 50th Anniversary of Polish Festival
February 18, 2004Miss Polonia Scholarships Available The next Miss Polonia will receive her tiara, flowers and scholarship at the 50th anniversary of Polish Festival, June 11-13, in Clinton Square. The Polish Scholarship Fund awards four Miss Polonia scholarships each year to young women for their service to the community, appreciation of Polish culture, and academic and social skills. Per tradition, Miss Polonia will be named at the Polish Festival after the final four candidates are introduced and a public vote. The Polish Scholarship Fund awards $500 to the winner of the election, with each of the three runner-ups receiving $100. The Miss Polonia scholarships are funding in addition to the more than $10,000 in scholarships the Polish Scholarship Fund will award to students of Polish descent in the 2004-05 academic year. The Miss Polonia Scholarships are available to young women who:
Miss Polonia Scholarship Applications are available to download at:
www.polishscholarship.com The Polish Scholarship Fund is a non-profit, 501(c)-3 tax-exempt organization, in its 50th year of helping to educate students in Onondaga County. Over the past 50 years, the PSF has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships. For more information, please contact Miss Polonia Committee Chair Karolina Zaczynski at: karolina@polishscholarship.com February 17, 2004Polish Scholarship Fund Doubles Awards in 2004 The Polish Scholarship Fund will award more than $10,000 in scholarships to students of Polish descent from Onondaga County during the 2004-05 academic year. This funding doubles the amount awarded in 2003-04, and is available to students who:
Each scholarship is worth $1,000, and applications are available to download at:
www.polishscholarship.com The Polish Scholarship Fund is a non-profit, 501(c)-3 tax-exempt organization, in its 50th year of helping to educate students in Onondaga County. Over the past 50 years, the PSF has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships. The PSF invites the public to attend the 50th annual Polish Festival, June 11-13 in Clinton Square. Through promoting cultural events that celebrate Polish and Polish-American culture, the PSF funds its scholarship programs. For more information, please contact Scholarship Committee at: info@polishscholarship.com January 30, 2004Masquerade Ball Cures Winter Blues SYRACUSE: The Polish Scholarship Fund invites the public to join the fun at its annual Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. The gym at Sacred Heart School, 1001 Park Ave., Syracuse will host the affair and be transformed into a grand ballroom as costumed revelers dance the night away to tangos, waltzes and a mix of traditional Polish music and hits from around the world. The gala serves as a benefit for the Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc., which is a 501c-3, non-profit organization that is celebrating its 50th year of awarding scholarships to students of Polish descent in Onondaga County. The PSF has awarded more than $250,000 over the past 49 years, and it will award more than $10,000 to students in 2004. The cost to attend the gala is $20/person in advance and $25/person at the door. Admission includes a few complimentary beverages and appetizers, in addition to free parking. Formal attire or a costume is strongly recommended. Advance sale tickets are available at APR Travel Agency, 908 Park Ave., and Roman's Agency, 1417 Milton Ave. The Masquerade Ball is just one of the cultural events the PSF will sponsor in 2004, culminating with the 50th annual Polish Festival, June 11-13 in Clinton Square. For more information on the Masquerade Ball, log onto www.polishscholarship.com/ball.html Media wishing to cover the event, or individuals wishing to make reservations, should contact Tad Szyszka at 687-1076.The POST-STANDARD Saturday, April 26, 2003Pop star Jarocka to sing at Polish Festival 2003 By Mark Bialczak Staff writer
Irena Jarocka will perform with The Allegro Band on the second night of the three-day festival. “She’s bigger in Poland than Barbra Streisand is in America,” says Tad Szyszka, vice president of The Polish Scholarship Fund. For the 49th year, proceeds of the festival will benefit the fund. There’s no admission to attend the three days of song and dance, but food and merchandise will be for sale. Officials from The Polish Scholarship Fund revealed the festival lineup Friday during a reception at Roman’s Tavern. The affair started with a parade that included members of Fritz’s Polka Band of Verona, Polish dancers in traditional costume, several holders of the Central New York Miss Polonia title and Salty Dog, the mascot for the new professional soccer team in the city. Fritz’s Polka Band, with father-and-son accordionists Fred and Fritz Scherz, will perform at the festival at 5 and 8 p.m. on June 20. Other headline performances include Lechowia from Canada, a dance troupe, at 4 and 7 p.m. June 21 and 1 and 4:15 p.m. June 22; Joe Stanky and His Cadets, from Pennsylvania, at 4, 7 and 9 p.m. June 20; and The Shoreliners Band from Pennsylvania, at 2, 6 and 9 p.m. June 21. As an extension of the festival, Krywan, from Zakopane, Poland, plays at 8 p.m. May 30 at the Polish Home, 915 Park Ave., Syracuse. Jarocka became a pop star in Poland in the 1960s. She emigrated to America in 1991. “I decided that here, what is important is to introduce Americans to international music, to songs from around the world,” she says. “I learned when you sing with your heart, they will feel your emotions, and they will feel your soul.’’ She’ll be accompanied by The Allegro Band, from Connecticut. Also performing at the festival will be the PNA Lasowiacy Polish Dancers of Syracuse, at 6 p.m. June 20 and 3 p.m. June 22; True Colors, a band from Rochester, at 2 and 5 p.m. June 22; Syracuse band Vorony at noon and 3:30 p.m. June 22, and the Little Poland Dance Ensemble from Utica at 3 p.m. June 21. The details: What: Polish Festival 2003. When: June 20 to 22. Where: Clinton Square. To hear Irena Jarocka on NewsLine: Call (315) 472-2111. Once connected, punch in 8865. The song is from her disc “Zlota Kolekcja.” E-mail: info@polishscholarship.com Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 2025, Syracuse, NY 13220 Copyright © 2002-2007 Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
