by Dawn Myszka,
PBW Historian
The Professional & Business Women of Polonia (PBW) wrapped up the year with its annual scholarship award and dinner meeting at Kloc's Banquet Facility on May 18. This year's basket raffle included beautiful hanging flower baskets from Seneca Greenhouse and smaller table-
The annual scholarship fundraiser, Scholar-
This year's scholarship recipient was Emma Marzec. She was joined by her proud parents, Christopher and Kathryn Marzec.
Emma is completing her dual major studies in psychology and Spanish at Canisius College where she is also on the Dean's List. Emma is a research assistant and lab manager at Canisius' Memory and Cognitive Lab. Outside of school she is a pool supervisor and lifeguard instructor at the Town of Tonawanda Aquatic & Fitness Center. If that isn't enough, she will be attending law school in the fall.
Every year, the scholarship committee carefully reviews the applications of scholarship applicants and conducts in-
PBW board members were also recognized: Vice President JoAnne Lewandowski, Treasurer Terry Tucholski, Secretary Barbara Wetzel, executive board members Patricia Greiner, Mary Zuk-
A special thank you went to Andy Golebiowski, host of the Polish American Radio Program on WEBR Radio, 1440 AM / 105.3 FM for promoting the PBW on his show. You can listen to Andy's show live Saturday mornings at 11:00 am or anytime online at polishprogram.com.
PBW member Michelle Kisluk announced that the Am-
Before giving the dinner prayer, PBW's own Sister Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz acknowledged that she will be receiving the Honoree of the Year Award on Aug. 15 during Polish Night at the Buffalo Bisons baseball game. Certainly a well-
After dinner, PBW members and guests were entertained by vocalist Mark Swarts. You may be familiar with his voice. He is the morning radio host of WNED-
He is hands down a seasoned vocalist singing the songs of beloved past crooners such as Sinatra, Martin, Perry Como and Andy Williams and contemporary crooner, Michael Buble. He did not shy away from a request to sing an Elvis song. He sang "Teddy Bear" and nailed it!
PBW board member Patricia Greiner got in the dancing spirit to Engelbert Humperdinck's "Blue Spanish Eyes." I was thrilled when he sang a song by The Osmonds -
"Sailing" by Christopher Cross got people swaying in their seats. A sing-
The next dinner meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Polish Falcons in Depew. The speaker will be Author Sophie Hodorowicz Knab who will talk about her book "Spirit of Place: The Roadside Shrines of Poland." Come join us.
by Dawn Myszka
In 1993, when Matthew Pelczynski, president of Buffalo Standard Printing Corp and founder and publisher of the Am-
Harzewski chose to continue Matthew's vision and purchased the company. In the ensuing years she learned that it was not easy to run a newspaper.
"The reason I started it [PBW], was I was overwhelmed in a male-
Two gentlemen friends suggested that she form a women's group. Renee gave that some thought and reached out to fellow Polish professional business women.
"I was amazed at how many women joined me to work together to better the community," Harzewski said.
On Nov. 29, 1994, Harzewski called to order the very first meeting of the Professional and Business Women of Polonia (PBW). The meeting was held in the community room at St. Joseph's Hospital bringing Polish-
Thirty years later, the PBW of Polonia is still going. On Sept. 17, 2024, PBW members and guests gathered to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary at Samuel's Grande Manor in Williamsville. The wonderful event was attended by PBW members, guests and representatives from other Polish organizations.
Current PBW president, Christine Lukaszewicz Kibler, in her opening remarks, thanked PBW member Sr. Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz for graciously saying the dinner prayer before PBW meetings through the years.
Past PBW presidents, Bette Hulley and Anne Kiss, reflected on how they each became involved with the PBW of Polonia.
From 1994 until 2001, Harzewski held the position as president of the PBW. In 2002, she passed the torch to Donna Kaminski. In 2003, Bette Hulley was elected president. Anne Kiss took over as president from 2004 to 2005. Since 2006, Christine Lukaszewicz Kibler has been president.
PBW strives to promote Polish heritage through its meetings, networking and guest speakers. Members are Polish-
Since 1997, PBW has been awarding annual scholarships to Polish-
Anyone who is interested in becoming a member or attending one of our dinner meetings, visit: www.pbwofpolonia.com or send us an email at: pbwofpolonia @gmail.com for more information.
by Dawn M. Myszka,
PBW Historian
At the November dinner meeting of the Professional & Business Women of Polonia (PBW) held at The Columns, members and guests welcomed former physician and now certified professional life coach, Dr. Michelle Walter, CPC. Dr. Walter presented "Declutter With Purpose: Practical Strategies for an Organized Life", a four-
The evening opened with a dinner prayer delivered by Sr. Rose Szymanski – a quiet moment of gratitude that set the tone for reflection and purpose. This carried naturally into Dr. Walter's presentation, reinforcing the idea of choosing what truly matters in both our surroundings and our daily lives.
Dr. Walter began by dispelling the idea that clutter is merely a physical problem. More often, she explained, clutter represents postponed decisions, emotional ties or unnoticed habits.
