Polonia News: The Tatra Eagle at 70, Piast Institute's Women's Hall of Fame, and Jan Jarczyk Fund

The 70th Anniversary of The Tatra Eagle, 1947-2017

Janina Gromada Kedroń and Dr. Thaddeus V. Gromada, Co-editors of the Tatra Eagle quarterly have announced that the Jubilee issue V. 20, no.1 has been released. The sister and brother team has been at the creation of the publication in 1947, Passaic, NJ when they were just completing their high school studies. Many scholars and critics have credited the publication for helping to maintain góral  (highlander) and folk culture not only in America but also in Poland during the Cold War. 

Prof. Thaddeus Gromada with his wife in gorale costumes

For the past seven decades the editors encouraged its readers in Polish and English to become more conscious and appreciative of the folk culture of Podhale and its impact on Poland's high culture. This folk culture was and still is a source of inspiration for many Polish creative artists. For more information write to Tatra Eagle Press, 31 Madison Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 or email thadgromada@gmail.com

The Piast Institute Creates The Polish Women’s Hall of Fame

The Piast Institute announces the establishment of the Polish Women’s Hall of Fame. The virtual exhibit, hosted at www.FamousPolishWomen.com raises awareness of and honors women’s lives and contributions to culture and history of Poland and the world. The project provides biographies, photographs,bibliographies, and articles on women in Poland and the diaspora. Ashley Fallon, the director of the virtual project, explained that the Hall of Fame will serve as a resource for the Polish community, for schools and universities, and especially for young Polish women—and for women everywhere. While individuals like Marie Skłodowska Curie are well-known, the overall story of the achievements and contributions of Polish women has long been overlooked. “We can never fully understand who we are until we join the stories of our mothers to those of our fathers,” said Dr. Thaddeus Radzilowski, President of the Piast Institute. 

Nominations from the general public are accepted in six categories: Science and Education, Arts and Humanities, Religion, Public Life and Service, Philanthropy, and Sports. Final selections for Hall of Fame inductees will be made by a distinguished international panel. For more information, please visit the website at: www.FamousPolishWomen.com or call Ashley Fallon at the Piast Institute at (313) 733-4535 ext. 105.

Jan Jarczyk Fund Honors a Polish-Canadian Jazz Pianist

On 24 March 2017 a Rush Hour Jazz Concert for Two Pianos / Six Hands was held at McGill University in Montreal to honor a Polish-Canadian Jazz pianist Jan Jarczyk. A jazz pianist, composer, arranger and all around musician, Jan Jarczyk, had a profound impact on his students and colleagues at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. He was at the heart and soul of the jazz program for almost three decades: even those who weren’t lucky enough to study with Jan are well acquainted with stories that speak of his formidable musical skills, powerful mind and humorous spirit.

To honor Jan’s devotion to his students and his love of music, the Jan Jarczyk Fund has been established at McGill University to provide financial support to outstanding jazz piano students. Jan has left great gifts for both the current and future generations to enjoy. His music will continue to exist through the wealth of his recorded material and in live performances of his compositions. His teachings will keep guiding all those that he touched. Above all else, Jan will serve as inspiration to artists around the world in their pursuit of what he loved most: music. To contribute to the fund, visit mcgill.ca/seedsofchange.