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PULASKI CLUB NEWSLETTER
We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax deductible
February, 2008
“HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL”
HUG YOUR SWEETIE TODAY!
NO MEMBERSHIP MEETING THIS MONTH.
Remember, the Pulaski Club serves food at all our dances.
Quote for the Month
“Happiness is celebrating the little things.
Friendship is a gift in itself.
Spending time is a greater gift than spending money.”
Please note: bands, dances, times, etc. are subject to change.
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*President’s Corner*
Dear Members and Friends,
Congratulations to David Bonczkiewicz, who’s been chosen by the Board of Directors as their new Chairperson. David has been performing the duties of Chair, but without the title, for quite some time. I thank him for his dedication and his effort as a member of the Board and now the Chairperson.
As promised, Mary Kiselus was able to repay the balance of the privately financed loans that had allowed us to complete the major remodeling project started a couple of years ago. I thank those who were willing and able to lend our club the needed funds to make it happen. We were able to repay these loans and still leave our bank account with enough operating funds. This was mainly due to hall rental income and rental deposits.
Our Pulaski Club “Charitable Fund”, which is an account we opened to manage the funds we collected during our Charitable Festival on November 17, 2007, currently has about $1800 in it. The effort was not a financial success. Not enough raffle tickets were sold to even cover the cost of the value of the donated raffle items. Also, the Mercedes Benz vehicle, offered by Mr. and Mrs. Ochocki, was withdrawn from the raffle due to the poor sales.
The car was then offered for another secondary drawing. This time with all the printed tickets in the raffle basket, each person who purchased a ticket received 1000:1 odds on winning the car. As no one drew the lucky number, the car is being sold on the open market to maximize the income for the Charitable Fund, as that was the original intent of the festival.
Again, I thank Donna and Wesley Ochocki for their generous contribution of the Mercedes Benz, as well as all the other contributors who donated jewelry, works of art, toys, bicycles, and other items. Thanks to all the folks who set up their vending booths; the musicians who performed for us; to David Bonczkiewicz who set up and operated the PA system all day; and to Donna and Wesley Ochocki who came up with the idea for the festival. They worked tirelessly in making it happen and then worked hard, all day, in running the event along with numerous volunteers. In addition, I’d like to thank all our local talent, who donated their time and talents to perform during the festival, including the children from the Polish Language School.
We are hoping that we can raise another $5000 with the sale of the Mercedes Benz car, as it is a collectible and then we will have a respectable amount of money to distribute to the benefactors of the festival.
To any folks who felt and still feel that the way this was handled was unfair, I apologize to you and regret that things didn’t turn out differently in the final outcome. All I can assure everyone is that the intent and the effort was genuine, from all those involved; and that the best interests of the intended recipients of the funds were always the main concern of the organizers and the donors.
We are also a recipient of another vehicle which was donated to the Pulaski Club for eventual sale. Mr. Frank Czyzewski is the donor, and I am very grateful for his generosity. It’s a 1990 Honda Civic with 135,000 miles on it, and the vehicle is parked on the Pulaski Club property. Anyone interested in purchasing it as basic commuter transportation can contact me. It has been well maintained by the previous owner, is in good driving condition, and is very economical on gas as well. We are asking $1850 for the vehicle, with all the money going into the Pulaski Club general fund.
Please attend and support our dances, and PLEASE be prepared to have your Sunday lunch at the Club. We are serving home cooked meals at very reasonable prices at all our functions.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL!
Casimir Kosinski
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*OFFICERS 2008*
PRESIDENT: Casimir Kosinski 623-487-9821
1st Vice President: Chez Falkowski 480-892-0737
2nd Vice President: Halina Kosinski 623-487-9821
Sergeant At Arms: Wieslaw Ochocki 480-612-3070
Recording Secretary: Danuta Ochocki 480-612-3070
Financial Secretary: Diana O’Loughlin 480-834-5484
Treasurer: Mary Kiselus 602-526-7321
*BOARD OF DIRECTORS*
CHAIRMAN: David Bonczkiewicz 480-380-8887, ends 12/31/10
Cindy Lofgren 480-710-4192, ends 12/31/08
Frank Tomaszkowicz 480-539-1995, ends 12/31/09
Frank Kanios 480-423-9480, ends 12/31/09
Bob Keith 602-510-7435, ends 12/31/10
*TRUSTEES*
Paul Chojnacki 480-961-4180, ends 12/31/09
Shane Prosser 480-814-9240, ends 12/31/10
Henrietta Nemecek 602-955-5509, ends 12/31/08
*COMMITTEES*
Publicity: Paul Chojnacki 480-961-4180
Sunshine: Shirley Sztuk 480-964-8275
Entertainment: Halina Kosinski 623-487-9821
*NEWSLETTER*
Editor/Publisher: Carol Ann & Norm Fritchie 623-974-4435
E-Mail: cfritchie@usfamily.net
*WEB SITE*
Web-Design: Sylvia Kosinski
Webmaster: Casimir Kosinski 623-487-9821
E-Mail Pulaski Club: pulaskiclubaz@yahoo.com
Pulaski Club Phone: 602-275-9329
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Messages from Officers & Committees
1st VICE PRESIDENT - Chez Falkowski:
During the membership meeting on Sunday, January 20, 2008, seven new Club members were sworn in. We warmly welcome our new members: Dennis L Allen, Greg O Jewell, Steven J Kovacevic, Eugene Labut, Christopher Petersen, Stan Sapinski, and Andrzej Sochacki.
I also would like to share my thoughts regarding another topic. When I was a teenager my father told me “… you have to respect every honest man regardless who or what the man is …” and he did not refer to the US Constitution, but to his old fashioned belt – if you know what I mean. I do just that. But last month, I had a real opportunity to straighten up one of my perceptions. Within a week‘s time, rental of the Club’s hall took place for a Somali wedding, a quinceñera, and a New Years Eve party. Well, the hall required thorough cleaning in each instance. I had to agree with the statement by our Sergeant At Arms “the bigger crowd or more children brings more mess in the hall, and it happens regardless of race or culture”. Children spilled their sticky sweet drinks and dropped napkins and chewing gum on the floor. At the all-Caucasian’s party, adults spilled plenty of champagne, left quite a few bottles and confetti under tables, and so on. Each rental needed the same tedious, hard work for extensive cleaning.
On other occasions, I observed a very false perception among some young males that alcohol helps in picking up an acquaintance with girls. Young guys have a few drinks first, then ask girls to dance or only talk to them. Poor souls, those guys are surprised when most young, attractive girls excuse themselves to go to a restroom. It is a polite way of saying “you stink with alcohol, young man”.
I also encountered another false and surprising perception “the Pulaski bar is expensive – so bring in your own liquor”. Primo: It is obviously illegal. Secundo: Our bar treats our members and our guests very generously – bartenders almost double liquor in every drink. The reality is for every dollar the bar takes, the club’s gain is only about 30 cents, and the rest is the cost (70 cents) of alcohol, soda, juice, cherry, lime, etc. Let’s say that 4 misguided couples illegally brought liquor into the Club. Let’s assume they bought it for $50 in a grocery store. How much did they save? Here is the theoretical arithmetic. At the bar, they would pay: $50 / 70% = $71.43. They saved $71.43 - $50 = $21.43. How much did they save per couple? $21.43 / 4 = $5.36. The Pulaski Club could have gained added revenue for its renovation fund to modernize the hall so everyone could enjoy coming to the Club. Money to do the renovating is spent on materials & supplies. Volunteers do the work. In conclusion, it would be quite unwise to lose respect of peers, self-pride, and bragging rights by “wise guys” for as little saving of $5.36 per couple during an annual bash. Let us only mention the risk of shame, public stigma, and a monetary fine if security guards (off duty police officers) had caught them. I submit to “every liquor smuggler to be”; it would be unwise for anyone to do such a thing any time in the Club except for a real haggard. It is quite easy to spot even “the smartest liquor smuggler”. Gentlemanly manners and politeness by the Club’s officers or members do not mean we are blind or softhearted. Have a great Valentines Day.
2nd VICE PRESIDENT - Halina Kosinski:
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. No report this month.
TREASURER - Mary Kiselus:
Hello Pulaski Club members!! I hope 2007 at our newly remodeled Club was enjoyable to all our members. The Pulaski Club events along with rentals during the month of December showed:
Income for December .... $ 9,523.10 (Good month)
Actual Dec. Expenses ... $ 9,814.58
Repayment of re- ........... $10,500.00
modeling loansTotal Dec. payments ...... $20,314.58
Profit/Loss (operations).. ($ 291.48)
I am glad we were able to put the remodeling expenses behind us in 2007. Now we can have a fresh start for 2008. Thanks to all of you for your support in 2007, and we hope to see you all at the Club during our 2008 events. Have a fun Valentine’s Day.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY - Diana O Loughlin:
Thank you for all the renewals. Dues are $24.00 a year. Check your membership card, and send a check to the Pulaski Club. If you know of anyone with address changes, have them fill out the form in this newsletter or contact me with the changes. Have a good Valentine’s Day.
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE - Shirley Sztuk:
Sympathy cards were sent to Emily Szymanski for the loss of her husband, Stanley; to Jean Kalamasz for the loss of her husband, Ed; and to Henrietta Nemecek for the loss of her sister.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS!!
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Nickelcity Dave’s
NEWS & NOTES
LEAP YEAR MONTH: Get ready for another fun filled, special month of Polka Music, Polka Dancin’, Romancin’, and surprises!! Thanks to our Prez. for his generous donation of our new big screen TV, I know he was itching to get it out from his back patio. I don’t know how long it’s been there, but the remote still works. THERE WILL BE NO SUPER BOWL PARTY AT THE CLUB ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd.
Friday Night Soundz are back this month, and starting off will be February 15th with Top Country Hits beginning at 7pm. We are asking for a small donation at the door. This is mostly due to our patrons enjoying the Chi-Dogs and beer. Then we end that month with a “LEAP YEAR” Pre-Polka Weekend Dance night on Friday, February 29th with Polka Music Soundz… starting at 6pm to meet and greet Jerry Darla and the Buffalo Touch (Ken, Ray, Tadj, Mike, and Ricky) www.jerrydarlakandthetouch.com who will be playing the two days at our Pulaski Club on March 1st and 2nd. Their Saturday evening music is from 6-10pm with an admission of $10.00 at the door, doors open at 5pm. Then that band plays again on Sunday afternoon from 1–5pm, doors open at noon, admission $10.00 with drink specials all day and night, plus our Polish kitchen open for your convenience. Check our web site www.PulaskiClubAZ.org for more details.
We’ve had some inquires about our Polish History display wall. We will be working on collecting and finding the plaques, pictures, and other history items that used to hang in the Club. We will get them hung for all of us to reminisce about the old times and past history makers of the Pulaski Club. If anyone is interested in collecting these items, contact one of the board members, and we’ll get ya on our history list.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Event Coordinator contacted me a few months back about having a polka night at the ball park. I am working on a group function not only for our Club, but it will be for the other polka clubs here in the valley as well. What I have so far is the Pulaski Club will sponsor the event, and yours truly “Nickelcity Dave” with the Varitones band will perform at the ball park’s beer garden both before and after the game (plenty of room to dance, too). We will be able to sell Polish food and Polish beer. This will be a weekday event with tickets selling at a group discount of $17.00 for the regular $30.00 seat price. More information to come later.
As Chairman of the Board, I would like to address one issue that everybody needs to know. We have rules and regulations that the Club must follow. What has happened in the past, we can do nothing about now. However, we must move forward, and so our members and patrons need understand that State Law will be followed. “No outside beverages may be brought into the club.” If you are a Club member, remember you raised your hand to abide by the Bylaws of the Club and are held responsible for the actions you take. I hope from one club member to another, we can work together and make this club, and any future events, a respectful and enjoyable place to be.
FRIDAY NIGHT SOUNDZ… Feb. 15th Top Country Hits, Feb. 29th Touch Polkas’, Mar. 7th Top Country Hits, March 21st Oldies, Apr. 18th Top Country Hits, Apr. 25th Polka Soundz…. Tell your friends about our upcoming Friday night music, then come on out and support our Club events.
BARTENDERS WANTED: A schedule is posted inside the bar area. If interested, ask the bartenders to sign ya up. We still have some openings. Or call me, I’ll email you a schedule, David at 602-741-8214 (nickelcity_dave@yahoo.com).
BARTENDER: The Nun in Hooters: A nun, badly needing to use the restroom, walked into a local Hooters. The place was hopping with music and loud conversation, and every once in a while "the lights would turn off." Each time the lights would go out, the place would erupt into cheers. However when the revelers saw the nun, the room went dead silent. She walked up to the bartender, and asked, "May I please use the restroom? The bartender replied, "OK, but I should warn you that there is a statue of a naked man in there wearing only a fig leaf." She said, "Well in that case, I'll just look the other way." So the bartender showed the nun to the back of the restaurant. After a few minutes, she came back out, and the whole place stopped just long enough to give the nun a loud round of applause! She went to the bartender and said, "Sir, I don't understand. Why did they applaud for me just because I went to the restroom?" The bartender said, "Well, now they know you're one of us. Would you like a drink?" The puzzled nun said, "No, thank you. But I still don't understand." "You see," laughed the bartender, "every time someone lifts the fig leaf on that statue, the lights go out. Now, how about that drink?"
BAR-STANDERS: Datin’ in the South: A young Alabama man goes to a drug store and says to the pharmacist: "I got a hot date tonight, an' I need me some protection. How much is a pack a' them rubbers gonna cost me?" The pharmacist responds: "A three-pack of condoms is $4.99 with tax." "TACKS!" the shocked redneck says. "Gawd a'mighty, don't they stay on by themselves?”
RENT THE HALL: The Pulaski Club is available for all your social events. Basic club price is $1,150.00; this includes a 6 hour rental, cleaning deposit, and damage deposit (refundable). In addition, we offer full bar service, a house “DJ” service (Nickelcity Dave), security, kitchen, and a list of available catering services for your event. To reserve the Club for your special event, call 602-275-9329.
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FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES
February 2: Saturday
Polish Highlanders Dance, 8pm-2am
P.O.C. Jan Gacek (602) 526-0294
“Sekret Band” (Secret) is playing
February 10: Sunday
Valentines Day Dance, 2-6pm
Sam Pecorilla & Variety Gems
February 15: Friday Night Soundz
7-10pm, Country Hits, DJ “Nickelcity Dave”
February 17: Sunday
Dance 2-6pm
John Filipczak & Arizona Classics
February 29: Friday
Dancing Kickoff for POLKA WEEKEND
Polka Soundz with DJ “Nickelcity Dave” - 6pm ‘til?
“Food is served at all our functions,
plan to enjoy these
culinary delights.”
Date, time, & bands are subject to change
March 1 & 2:
POLKA WEEKEND Dances
Sat. 6-10pm, Jerry Darlak &
The Touch (Buffalo NY)
Sun. 1-5pm + food, Jerry Darlak & The Touch (Buffalo NY)
March 7: Friday Night Soundz, 7-10,
“Nickelcity Dave” - Country
March 9:
Sunday,
Dance, Stan Blout Band (California), 2-6pm
March 15: Saturday,
“Early Easter” Dinner & Dance,
Dinner 5 PM, Dance, John Filipczak & AZ Classics, 6-10 PM
March 21: Friday Night Soundz, 7-10, “Nickelcity Dave” - Oldies
March 24: Monday, Dingus Day Dance, Varitones, 4-8pm
April 4: Friday, April In Paris, Dance, John Smoltz, 6-10pm
April 12:
Saturday, Polish Highlanders Dance, 8pm-2am,
P.O.C. Jan Gacek (602) 526-0294
April 18: Friday Night Soundz, 7-10, “Nickelcity Dave” - Country
April 20: Sunday, Dance, John Filipczak & AZ Classics, 2-6pm
April 25: Friday Night Soundz, 7-10, “Nickelcity Dave” - Polka
April 27: Sunday, Dance, John Smoltz, 2-6pm
May 4:
Sunday, Constitution Day, Dinner & Dance,
Dinner 1-3pm, Dance, Varitones, 3-7pm
May 10:
Saturday, Polish Highlanders Dance, 8pm-2am,
P.O.C. Jan Gacek (602) 526-0294
May 18:
Sunday, Membership Meeting 12:30pm,
Dance, Stan Blout Band (California), 2-6pm
June 8: Sunday, Dance, Bill Regina & Jolly Timers, 2-6pm
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Good things are worth repeating!
NINE COMMANDMENTS
OF VOLUNTEER WORK
1. A volunteer should never boast of his/her accomplishments.
2. A volunteer should not demand recognition for his/her accomplishments.
3. A volunteer should not be resentful or put on a sour face because his/her efforts were not recognized, in the manner he/she expected.
4. A volunteer should know that his/her actions will speak for them self, if they are worthy.
5. A volunteer should not judge his/her own accomplishments, since it is difficult to be objective when judging your self.
6. One should know that volunteer work is thankless, and that may be its most noble quality.
7. A volunteer should not expect any financial reward.
8. A volunteer should move back into the shadows, if his/her leadership role is causing feelings of envy or jealousy among other members, or his/her behavior is causing undue tensions.
9. One should not preach about the virtues of volunteer work, if he/she does not practice what he/she preaches.
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HOW CAN YOU BECOME A MORE LOVING PERSON?
Instead of judging other people, try to understand them.
Be more accepting of faults--especially those that you possess yourself.
Be willing to give more than you get back.
Love yourself the more self-love you have, the more love there is to give to others.
Have faith in God, have faith in yourself, and have faith in the goodness of others.
Be generous with your wisdom. We all know things that can help others on their journey through life.
Listen better, try harder, give more.
Reevaluate your goals be sure you are motivated by generosity and not greed.
Hang a giant heart from your roof to let everyone know you are friendly. It might even catch on in your neighborhood.
Be forgiving toward the world in general--share your love, not your anger.
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That’s all for this month!