Philadelphia - Events
During the fall 2009 and winter 2010 seasons, the activities of the Philadelphia Chapter have increased the visibility and outreach of the Kosciuszko Foundation in the City of Brotherly Love. On the first Sunday in October, the Chapter participated in the Philadelphia Pulaski Day Parade. The Chapter's contingent featured Tomaszkiewicz-Florio Scholarship winner Lukasz Dziurzynski and Frances E. Wyszynski Memorial Scholarship winner Marcelina Hollender.
On Sunday, October 25, 2009, the Philadelphia Chapter hosted its first Imieniny Celebration for our organization's beloved namesake. With its elegant Victorian ambiance, the Silverstonestay Bed & Breakfast in Chestnut Hill comprised the perfect setting to pay tribute to Kosciuszko. Chapter Board member Yolanta Roman and her husband Romuald served as consummate hosts for the Imieniny party. Classical guitarist Lukasz Kuropaczewski delighted all with an outstanding recital. The finest Polish pastries followed a delectable dinner of Polish cuisine. Gathering with friends to observe the beautiful Polish tradition of "imieniny" and at the same time honor the memory of Thaddeus Kosciuszko proved to be an exquisite way to spend an unforgettable autumn afternoon in Philadelphia.
Following a long-standing custom, the Philadelphia Chapter co-sponsored the Polish Poetry Reading of the Overbrook Poets Society at the Polish American Cultural Center. This year's featured artist was Juliusz Słowacki. On November 13, guests enjoyed hearing texts (poems and acts from plays) in English translation and in their original Polish.
Despite a formidable snowfall the day before, the Chapter's Annual Polish Christmas Celebration enjoyed great success on Sunday, December 20, 2009. The highlight of the event consisted of an exceptional concert by Polish violinist Kinga Augustyn. The Christmas celebration also included Christmas caroling, sharing of the opłatek Christmas wafer, a buffet of Polish cuisine, and basket raffle.
In January, the Chapter celebrated the Chopin bicentennial with a group outing to the Kimmel Center for "Keyboard Conversations: Chopin the Storyteller" by Jeffrey Siegel. Mr. Siegel coupled his performance of Chopin's works with insightful commentary which allowed audience members to gain a deeper appreciation for the compositions.
