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Nest 52, Rochester, N.Y. Welcome to the Nest 52 home page. Check here for the latest updates regarding Nest 52 activities.
Recent Events [11/21/07] A number of Falcon members took part in the Mass. Andrew Smagin did the readings. Geraldine Wilson and Edward Urbanic were Eucharistic Ministers. Vice Presidents Lee Parks and Arthur Druzynski, Treasurer Barbara Smagin, and National Cultural Commissioner Dodie Piersielak carried the offerings. In addition, Vice President Arthur Druzynski, Board Member Arthur Streb and James Chodak carried the flags. Alison, Elizabeth, Laura and Nicholas Chodak were honor guards. Members followed the flags while the organist played the Falcon Hymn. It was truly a “Falcon Mass.” After Mass, there was a social hour with Nest 52 supplying the sweets and coffee for all in attendance. Caption: Pictured are Nest 52 members that were at this year’s annual Memorial Mass at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church.
In Memoriam [11/21/07] John was a member of Nest 52, Rochester, N.Y., and a Gold Legion of Honor recipient. He received his Bronze Star of Merit in 1973 and his Gold Legion of Honor in 2001. John lived around the corner from the Nest’s building. When he retired, he offered his services to Nest 52. He went there every day to make sure the Club was clean. If there was a banquet, which he most likely attended, the following morning he would get his two grandsons, Jim and Craig, to help him clean up and put away tables and chairs. The banquet hall was then ready for the weekly gym classes. If the Club had to be opened for deliveries or special gym classes, John would be there. He held the office of Sergeant at Arms for years. He was a man of few words but always had a smile for you. He will be greatly missed by his Falcon family. During the Depression in the 1930s, John was unemployed and signed up to work in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He was sent to Tennessee where he helped in the building of dams. At the CCC camps, he was also the cook and learned how to make his signature dish –– hot off-the-griddle pancakes. When World War II started, John joined the Navy and served for more than three years. In all the stories he ever told about the camp or the war, he never complained. He instead talked about all of the good times he had. In the pictures from that time, he always had a smile on his face and was surrounded by close friends. He went and did his duty as a proud American; he was the ultimate example of a member from the greatest generation. John showed how important it was to open your home to family and friends. His house at 1041 Hudson Ave., in the center of Rochester’s Polonia, was often the host for Christmas and New Year’s eve events, Easters, Thanksgivings and many other celebrations where he provided good food, plenty of drink and often loud polka music for anyone who walked through the front door. John also enjoyed sports. When he was younger, he was a boxer and liked to bowl. After he retired, he picked up a set of golf clubs for the first time. He golfed every morning in the summer and once achieved the ultimate goal in golf by hitting a hole-in-one. In the winter, he would go to the gym and walk on the treadmill. He believed in keeping physically active and even golfed nine holes the day before he died. While he suffered the death of his wife Gertrude and the early death of his daughter Margie, he was able go on living with their memories never far from his thoughts or his heart. John was a retiree from Eastman Kodak. He was able to raise his two children and watch them get married, see all three of grandchildren grow up and get married, and see six of his great-grandchildren run around and play. John Chodak lived a good life. Over his 92 years, he was a happy, healthy, independent and active man.
Recent Events [8/23/07] As with previous years, the Polish Falcons of America was there in full force. Nest 52 members talked to the public and handed out information on the Falcons. PFA National Headquarters also supplied pamphlets and copies of the Sokol Polski, which were put into folders that included a contact person’s phone number. All in all, this made for a nice presentation. Caption: Pictured from the left are Nest 52 Treasurer Barbara Smagin and Nest 52 Editor Dodie Piersielak at a Stanislaus Kostka Parish Festival booth.
Recent Events [8/20/07] Along with a variety of games for children and adults (excluding the yearly egg toss), there were a number of door prizes given out out all afternoon. In addition to door prizes, a raffle for Rochester Red Wings merchandise took place with the profits going to the St. Stanislaus Church Step Fund. (The Red Wings are the local minor-league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and hold an annual “Polish American Night” ballgame.) Our thanks to Dan Michalowski and his committee for giving Nest 52 another great event. Recent Events [4/18/07]
Meghan graduated this June from Spencerport High School and plans on majoring in the Forensic Science field. Lindsay graduated high school in 2006 and is currently attending college at Suny Gieneso College, which is located in New York. Her major is in Elementary and Special Education. In addition to these two checks, both young ladies were also recipients of $500 grants from the Dr. Starzynski Scholarship program earlier this year. Nest 52 would like to wish both Meghan and Lindsay the best in each of their respective career paths. Caption: From left to right are Meghan McNamara, Dan Michalowski and Lindsay Randall. Recent Events [4/18/07]
Nest 52 Chaplain Rev. Adam Ogorzaly and Deacon James Witulski officiated this religious tradition, which had standing-room only attendance at its 2 p.m. service. Afterward, Falcon members got together to wish each other Wesolego Alleluja and to take a few pictures of the occasion. This year, Nest 52 gave out 1,000 of the PFA’s Cultural Commission Easter Basket Brochures on Palm Sunday at St. Stanislaus. We also gave away 500 booklets at St. Cecilia Church, which is also located in Rochester. Member Spotlight [Updated 4/18/07]
Piersielak, who was honored for her outstanding fraternal service, met with members of Congress representing her home state and Congressional district. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time and energy to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors. “The NFCA salutes Dolores Piersielak as a true fraternalist,” said NFCA Board Chairwoman Janice U. Whipple. “As a Fraternal MVP, Ms. Piersielak embodies the heart of fraternalism through her hard work, dedication and generosity. She demonstrates how fraternalism is a force for good in American society.” During her Capitol Hill visit, Piersielak met with Representative Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), who was interested in learning what Piersielak and the Polish Falcons of America are accomplishing in her state and district. “Fraternals have a great story to tell, and no one can tell it better than the individuals who devote time to making their communities a better place by helping their neighbors and friends,” said NFCA Chair Whipple. “Dolores Piersielak went to Washington and was an excellent goodwill ambassador for the fraternal benefit system. Through her story, she demonstrated to members of Congress the good works performed by fraternalists every day.” Of the more than 10 million fraternalists nationwide, Piersielak was selected for this honor for her many contributions and long history of volunteerism. Her involvement in fraternal and charitable activities has been a shining example for others. Fraternal MVPs are part of the NFCA’s “Fraternalists-in-Action” program, which helps recognizes individuals whose unique stories best represent 21st century fraternalism. These fraternalists help demonstrate exceptional compassion and vision through their volunteer activities and community service.
Member Spotlight [3/26/07] The student’s parent said that her daughter’s asthma condition, plus the fact that she’s allergic to bees, means that a close eye must be kept on her, and Klein has always diligently worked to make sure she was healthy while attending school. Klein has been a Nest 52 member for more than eight years, and we congratulate her on this special honor and for her service as school nurse. Member Spotlight [3/26/07] Return to PFA Home Page |
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Nest Officers Meetings Did You Know That Nest 52... • has 6 members who hold offices or positions in District IX, and has 3 members who hold offices or positions in the National Falcon organization? • hosted 4 National Golf Tournaments, 5 National Bowling Tournaments, 1 National Dance Competition and 1 National Convention? • as of December 2005 has 358 members, 295 adults and 63 children? • has 42 members with 50 or more years of membership, including one with more than 72 years, and 83 members with 25-49 years of membership? • has 7 members 90 years and older and one member who is 102 years of age? • has a total of 25 "living" Legion of Honor members: 11 gold, 6 silver, 8 bronze? |