SGSCA News

Upcoming Event: Art Show at Essential Bakery

2009-08-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

One of our SGSCA members has photographs on display at Essential Bakery (corner of Madison & MLK in Madison Valley). The photos are from a 2007 hiking trip in Italy, and are on display through the end of August. Additionally a reception will be held there on August 21st. Additional details to follow.

Announcement: Gdynia Business Week

2009-08-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

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SEATTLE-GDYNIA SISTER CITY ASSOCIATION announces Gdynia Business Week

The Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association, in cooperation with Washington Business Week and the City of Gdynia, will be presenting “Gdynia Business Week” from August 16th – 22nd, 2009.

Gdynia Business Week, inspired by Washington Business Week, is an intensive six-day program in which high-school aged students experience a simulated work environment, and develop business management skills. The City of Gdynia will host 100 Polish students, 5 Seattle students, and 11 representatives from Northwest corporations who will act as student advisors.

The cities of Seattle and Gdynia, and the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association, envision this program leading to the establishment of a long-term relationship between Washington Business Week, Polish and Seattle-area corporations, and students.

Speakers and guests throughout the week include: Gdynia Mayor, Wojciech Szczurek; Gdynia Deputy Mayors Michal Guc, Ewa Lowkiel, Boguslaw Stasiak, and Marek Stepa; United States Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe; former Polish Ambassador to the United States, Janusz Reiter; and Michal Jaworski from Microsoft, Poland.

To simultaneously honor the event, Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council have issued a Proclamation declaring August 16th – 22nd “Gdynia Week” in Seattle. Citizens are urged to celebrate the eighteen years of sister-city relations between Seattle and Gdynia (Poland).

The purpose of the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association is to promote educational, cultural, business and charitable exchanges between the city of Gdynia, and the greater Seattle area.

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Announcement: Polish Home Fundraiser

2009-08-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Polish Home received an $80,000 grant from the City. However, it is a matching grant and they need to receive new donations before the grant can match them.

This is a fantastic opportunity and we are calling on your support. No donation is too small! For additional information on the grant, the fundraising, and the project please visit The Polish Home Foundation's website.

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Update: Tall Ships Race

2009-07-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

The City of Gdynia was generous enough to extend an invitation to their city for the 2009 Tall Ships Race. Here is a website with additional information, and some photos Debra took while at the event.

TALL SHIPS WEBSITE

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Upcoming Event: Annual Picnic!

2009-07-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Come and join the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association at its annual picnic!

WHEN:
August 29, 2009
Noon until 5pm

WHERE:
Lower Woodland Park
Shelter #4

DIRECTIONS:
I-5 North/South Bound

• Take the NE 50th Street Exit
o (Turn left if on I-5 Northbound)
o (Turn right if on I-5 Southbound)

• Continue on NE 50th Street westbound

• Turn right on Stone Way N (Stone will turn into Green Lake Way W when you
make the right turn).

• Move into the left lane and turn left onto W Green Lake Way N (which is at the
Green Lake Pitch & putt Golf Course).

• Make a left into the first parking lot, turn right and go up the hill

• Shelter #4 is on the left-hand side.

Minutes: June 2009

2009-07-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Below are the Minutes from June's meeting. Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm at the Polish Home (although we are on summer break until September). For more information, visit the meeting information tab on our website.

June 2009
June 12, 2009
Call to order @ 7:43pm

***OLD BUSINESS***

Gdynia Business Week 2009: Based on the success of the Washington Business
Week (WBW) student exchange, SGSCA has created a similar program in Gdynia.
The City of Gdynia is prepared to sponsor students and instructors for a week-long
course from 16-22 August.
o Boeing grant has been submitted and we are waiting for a response
o Speakers for the program are being confirmed
o Mike is working with the Embassy to find judges for the program
o Glen is working with the City of Seattle on a proclamation of support for
this program.
o Debra and Janice will work on creating a press release

Washington Business Week 2009: This is an annual event; students from Gdynia
come to Seattle to attend Washington Business Week’s summer courses.
o Pacific Lutheran University session runs 6/22 – 6/28 - Homestays have been arranged for these two students
o Central Washington University session runs 7/20 – 7/26 - Homestays need to be arranged for these two students. Debra will send an email to the group and ask for volunteers.

Film Festival: The Film Festival Committee is currently on summer hiatus. Recaps for the 2009
Festival are provided each SGSCA meeting as accounts receivable and payable continue to adjust.
o 2009 Ticket sale funds have been received from SIFF

SGSCA Annual Picnic: Join us for a day in the park at our annual picnic!
o August 29, 2009
o 12pm – 5pm
o Lower Woodland Park – Shelter #04
o Details and reminders to follow via email and USPS

***NEW BUSINESS***

2009 Tall Ships Race: The City of Gdynia generously extended an invitation to the 2009 Tall
Ships Race, running July 2-5.
o Debra to attend

TREASURER’S REPORT
SECRETARY’S REPORT
NEXT MEETING: September 11, 2009 at 7:30pm

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Minutes: May 2009

2009-05-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Below are the Minutes from May's meeting. Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm at the Polish Home. For more information, visit the meeting information tab on our website.

May 2009

May 8, 2009
Call to order @ 7:35pm

**OLD BUSINESS**

Gdynia Business Week 2009

Based on the success of Washington Business Week’s (WBW) student exchange, SGSCA has created a similar program in Gdynia. The City of Gdynia will sponsor students and instructors for a week-long course from 16-22 August.
Janice will speak with representatives from Boeing regarding a grant request
Mike provided an update on the grant request to the Embassy. The Embassy is very excited about the program, but is unable to provide funds at this time.
Speakers for the program are being confirmed
Steve and Janice are finalizing the curriculum
100 Polish students have been chosen; 4 Seattle students are also attending
Corporate Advisors will meet at the Polish Home on 16 May at 10am

Washington Business Week 2009

This is an annual event; students from Gdynia come to Seattle to attend Washington Business Week courses
Pacific Lutheran University session runs 6/22 – 6/28.
Two students will arrive on 6/19 and leave 7/6
Clarks and Golubiecs will help with homestays for the students

Seattle Polish Film Festival Recap

The festival ran from 10-19 April this year.
Attendance averaged 44 people per film
Motion: Create criteria for 2010 Festival; Seconded; Passed Unanimously
Motion: Include a thank you to Greg, our Festival Director, in the Minutes; Seconded; Passed Unanimously
Thank you, Greg!

Giant Magnet

The Seattle International Children’s Festival (now called Giant Magnet) provided 100 complimentary tickets to SGSCA again this year. The festival runs 12-16 May, and their website is: www.giantmagnet.org.
Tickets provided to Polish School in Seattle, and the Polish School in Bellevue

**NEW BUSINESS**

SGSCA Annual Picnic

Planning for the annual picnic should begin. Debra will research and report back to the group at the next meeting.

Salmon Statues

Smaller versions of the Coming Home statue were ordered a few years ago to hand out as awards at the Gdynia Film Festival and the Seattle Polish Film Festival. Debra will check on their availability and the potential for placing one in our City Hall display case.

TREASURER'S REPORT

SECRETARY'S REPORT

Meeting Adjourned

Next Meeting: June 12, 2009 at 7:30pm

Upcoming Event: Three Buddies

2009-05-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

More Polish cinema is hitting Seattle! Tomorrow, May 4th, there is a showing of Three Buddies at the Polish Home at 7:30pm.

For information about admission, please visit Polish News Seattle's website.

For information about the movie, please visit Polish Film Festival in America's website.

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Minutes: April 2009

2009-05-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Below are the Minutes from April's meeting. Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm at the Polish Home. For more information, visit the meeting information tab on our website.

April 2009
April 03, 2009
Call to order @ 7:35pm

**OLD BUSINESS**

Film Festival
The Film Festival committee meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. The festival will run April 10th – 19th this year.
Final committee meeting is April 5th at the Polish Home
Tickets will be available at the venue, or online at www.siff.net
Passes will be available at the venue, or at the upcoming Polish Bazaar
Schedule and film descriptions will be posted on www.polishfilms.org

Student Exchange Update - Gdynia
Based on the success of the Washington Business Week’s (WBW) student exchange, SGSCA has created a similar program in Gdynia. Gdynia is prepared to sponsor students and instructors for a weeklong course from August 16-22.
Mike and Janice presented a grant to the U.S. Embassy; status is pending.
Mike and Janice have been meeting with prominent Seattle-area businesses to talk about the program and how they can get involved.
Janice is working with WBW and the City of Gdynia on solidifying the curriculum.
A logo for the program has been created pro-bono by a local designer and sent to the City of Gdynia for finalization.
Next orientation meeting for Advisors attending the program is May 16th at 10am at the Polish Home.

Student Exchange Update – Seattle
This is an annual event; students from Gdynia come to attend Washington Business Week’s summer courses.
Students have been selected and their information has been received
SGSCA will help sponsor two students for each session
Pacific Lutheran University session 6/22 – 6/28
Central Washington University session 7/20 - 7/26

Sister Cities Reception
Seattle-Gdynia will be a featured city at the 2009 Reception. The event is on April 23rd from 6pm – 8pm.
Featured cities are: Sihanoukville, Surabaya, Gdynia and Nantes.
Tickets are $20 for members, and $25 for non-SGSCA members.
Entertainment provided by the Polish Choir.
A sign-up sheet for volunteers has been passed around.
Motion: A contingency fund of should be established in the event that the choir is required to purchase tickets for the event. Seconded. Passed unanimously.

Polish Bazaar
The Spring bazaar will be held at the Polish Home on April 4th from noon until 7pm. SGSCA will have a booth at the event.
Seattle Polish Film Festival passes, and membership literature, will be available for sale at the booth.
A sign-up sheet for volunteers has been passed around.

Giant Magnet
The Seattle International Children’s Festival has provided 100 complimentary tickets to SGSCA again this year. The festival runs May 12th – 16th and their website is www.giantmagnet.org.
Polish schools in Seattle and Bellevue will be contacted
If any SGSCA members are interested in tickets, please contact Debra as soon as possible.

**NEW BUSINESS**

Polish Home Expansion
The Polish Home expansion is underway, and the Polish Home Foundation is accepting donations to assist with the project. Information is available at www.polishhomefoundation.org/new/remodeling.htm.
Motion: A donation of $1,000 to the Polish Home Foundation should be made. Seconded. Passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Reminder to pay 2009 dues!
$15 for individuals
$25 for families

SECRETARY’S REPORT: no amendments

Meeting Adjourned
Next Meeting: May 8, 2009 at 7pm

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Upcoming Event: Katyn

2009-05-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) will be showing Katyn from May 15th through May 20th.

In a forest named Katyn, near Smolensk in the Soviet Union, more than 4,000 Polish prisoners of war were methodically killed during World War II with a bullet to the back of the neck. The mass graves were discovered in 1943, but no one believed at the time they held so many dead. For 50 years the executions were hushed up or blamed on Germany. In turn, Germany blamed the Soviets, however, the question of responsibility remained unresolved, even in the West.

This film follows four Polish families on the home front as some beg their loved ones to flee with them before the invasion. Others wait in vain for news from the front. All are trapped in a web of lies, denial, and murder. Finally, in 1990, Russia formerly expressed "profound regret" and admitted that the Soviet secret police carried out the order to rid Poland of any high-level military personnel who might oppose the Communization of the country.

Directed by Andrzej Wajda

2007, 121 min.

SIFF is presenting this film in association with the Seattle Polish Film Festival. Schedules and ticketing information can be found on SIFF's website by clicking HERE.

Upcoming Event: Polish Folk Extravaganza

2009-04-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Polish Choir, Vivat Musica, and the dance group Mlodzi Polanie will be performing at the Central Public Library on Saturday May 16th at 2pm.

For additional information, please click here.

Upcoming Event: Sister Cities Reception

2009-04-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

The annual sister cities reception will be held at City Hall on April 23rd from 6pm - 8pm. Seattle-Gydnia is one of the featured cities so there is extra reason to come and enjoy the event.

The night will consist of remarks from Mayor Greg Nickels, City Council President Richard Conlin, Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani, and Council Mamber Jan Drago. Additionally, there will be silent auctions, raffles, appetizers and entertainment (our own Vivat Musica choir will be performing at 7:30pm).

If you are interested in attending or volunteering, please let one of our board members know.

Tickets are $20 for SGSCA members, and $25 for non-members. Proceeds benefit Seattle's sister city programs.

Upcoming Event: Polish Bazaar

2009-03-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

The Polish Bazaar will be held on Saturday, April 4th from noon until 7pm. This is a great chance to buy baked goods and crafts, along with learning more about the organizations affiliated with the Polish Home.

SGSCA will have a booth set up and will be selling passes to the Seattle Polish Film Festival.

Upcoming Event: Seattle International Children's Festival

2009-03-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Seattle International Children's Festival (soon to have a new name) will be held May 12-16 this year. For anyone who has been to any of the performances, you can attest that this is not just a festival for children; it's a cultural festival for everyone.

Take a look at their website for information on performers, locations and times.

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Minutes: March 2009

2009-03-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

Below are the Minutes from March's meeting. Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm at the Polish Home. For more information, please visit the meeting information tab on our website.

March 2009
March 13, 2009
Call to order @ 7:40

**OLD BUSINESS**

Film Festival
The Film Festival committee meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. The festival will run April 10th – 19th this year.
Final committee meeting is April 5th at the Polish Home
Tickets will be available at the venue, or online at www.siff.net
Passes will be available at the venue, or at the upcoming Polish Bazaar
Schedule and film descriptions to be posted on www.polishfilms.org

Student Exchange Update - Gdynia
Based on the success of the Washington Business Week’s student exchange, SGSCA has created a similar program in Gdynia. Gdynia is prepared to sponsor students and instructors for a weeklong course from August 16-22.
Mike and Janice presented a grant to the U.S. Embassy
Orientation meeting for advisors held on March 14th at the Polish Home

Student Exchange Update – Seattle
This is an annual event; students from Gdynia come to attend Washington Business Week’s summer courses.
SGSCA will help sponsor two students for each session
Pacific Lutheran University session 6/22 – 6/28
Central Washington University session 7/20 - 7/26

Sister Cities Reception
Seattle-Gdynia will be a featured city at the 2009 Reception. The event is on April 23rd from 6pm – 8pm.
Featured cities are: Sihanoukville, Surabaya, Gdynia and Nantes
Tickets are $20 for members, and $25 for non-SGSCA members
Entertainment provided by the Polish Choir

**NEW BUSINESS**

April’s SGSCA Meeting
The second Friday in April is Good Friday. The Sister City Association will more than likely change our meeting date to the first Friday in April (April 3rd).

Polish Bazaar
Will be held on April 4th from 12pm until 7pm. SGSCA will have a booth, and will be promoting the Polish Film Festvial.

Seattle International Children’s Festival
The festival (now called Giant Magnet) will run May 12th – 16th. Comp tickets will be available; details to follow at next meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Reminder to pay 2009 dues!
$15 for individuals
$25 for families

SECRETARY’S REPORT: no amendments

Meeting Adjourned
Next Meeting: April 3, 2009 at 7:30pm

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Upcoming Event: Paczki Challenge

2009-02-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

The West Seattle Metropolitan Market location is hosting an event that might be of interest to our community. Please explore the link below for additional information.

The Paczki Eat & Run Contest will be held on February 24th in honor of Fat Tuesday. The festivities begin at 11am. More information can be found HERE.

Minutes: February 2009

2009-02-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

Below are the Minutes from February's meeting. Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm at the Polish Home. For more information, visit the meeting information tab on our website.

February 2009
February 13, 2009
Call to order @ 7:43

**OLD BUSINESS**

Film Festival
The Film Festival committee will began meeting in October. Meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. The festival will run April 10th – 19th this year.
Poster competition deadline is February 15th.
Committee will meet next on March 8th.

Student Exchange Update - Gdynia
Based on the success of the Washington Business Week’s student exchange, SGSCA has created a similar program in Gdynia. Gdynia is prepared to sponsor students and instructors for a weeklong course.
Mike and Janice are writing a grant to present to the U.S. Embassy
List of companies participating in the event will be finalized soon.

Student Exchange Update – Seattle
This is an annual event; students from Gdynia come to attend Washington Business Week’s summer courses.
SGSCA will help sponsor two students for each session
Pacific Lutheran University session 6/22 – 6/28.
Central Washington University session 7/20 - 7/26.

2009 Sister Cities Reception
Seattle-Gdynia will be a featured city at the 2009 Reception. The event is on April 23rd from 6pm – 8pm.
Featured cities are: Sihanoukville, Surabaya, Gdynia and Nantes.
Entertainment is still needed, as are items for the City of Seattle’s display cabinet.

Art Galleries
The Gdynia City Museum had requested an art exchange. Potential for 3 or 4 local artists to exhibit their work in Gdynia.
This project will be placed on hold until 2013 when Gdynia completes construction of a Mediateka. This will allow us to have a larger venue and more time to plan.

**NEW BUSINESS**

April’s SGSCA Meeting
The second Friday in April is Good Friday. The Sister City Association will more than likely change our meeting date to the first Friday in April (April 3rd).
Confirmation to follow.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Reminder to pay 2009 dues!

SECRETARY’S REPORT: no amendments

Meeting Adjourned
Next Meeting: March 13, 2009 at 7:30pm

Update: Poster Competition

2009-02-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

The poster for the 17th Seattle Polish Film Festival has been chosen. For more information visit the festival's website.

Thank you to all who participated and voted!

Poster Competition

2009-02-16T14:50:00.001-08:00

Each year, the Seattle Polish Film Festival (produced by the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association) holds a poster competition. The winning design is displayed throughout the festival, including on the cover of the programs.

We received eleven submissions this year; please take a moment to review the entries and to vote on your favorite by emailing submissions@polishfilms.org. Remember: one vote per member, and be sure to include your name.

Posters may be viewed HERE.

Upcoming Events: Seattle Trade Alliance

2009-02-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Trade Alliance is hosting two events that might be of interest to our community. Please explore the links below for additional information.

The Ethnic Chambers and Business Organizations Reception will be held on February 23, 2009 and the International Washington Day Reception will be held on February 25, 2009.

Seattle Trade Alliance

Minutes: January 2009

2009-01-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

Below are the Minutes from January's meeting. Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30pm at the Polish Home. For more information, visit the meeting information tab on our website.

January 2009

January 9, 2009
Call to order @ 7:40pm
14 in attendance

Elections

President: Debra Markert
Vice President: Tom Clark
Treasurer: Ron Golubiec
Secretary: open position

**OLD BUSINESS**

Film Festival

The Film Festival Committee meets the second Sunday of each month. The festival will run April 10 - 19, 2009.

The poster competition is underway. For more details please visit www.polishfilms.org

Student Exchanges - Gdynia

Based on the success of the Washington Business Week's student exchange, SGSCA is now working on creating an similar program in Gdynia. The City of Gdynia is prepared to help sponsor students and instructors for a weeklong course.

Glen and Janice met with Washington Business Week and the Chamber of Commerce to further discuss the program
Janice and Steve (WBW) will continue to develop the program's curriculum.

Student Exchanges - Seattle

This is an annual event; students from Gdynia travel to Seattle to attend Washington Business Week's summer courses.

Home-stays will be needed for the next program
SGSCA will help sponsor two students per each session
Pacific Lutheran University session 6/22 - 6/28
Central Washington University session 7/20 - 7/26

Sister-Cities Reception, 2009

Seattle-Gdynia will be one of the four featured cities at the 2009 Reception.

Featured cities are: Sihanoukville, Surabaya, Gdynia and Nantes.
Auction items, a raffle item and entertainment need to be provided.

Art Galleries

The Gdynia City Museum has requested an art exchange with Seattle. There is a potential for three or four local artists to exhibit their work in Gdynia.

Debra to work with Monika on the details of this project.

**NEW BUSINESS**

Polish Heroes Exhibit

This event is running at the University of Washington. For more information, please visit www.polishstudiesuw.org

Book Information

Jim shared a book titled "Trapped in Freedom" by Kruszewska.

Treasurer's Report

A new year has begun, don't forget to pay your 2009 dues!

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Friday, February 13th at 7:30pm