The Piast Institute invites the public to hear author Imogene Salva share the true-life story of her mother Jozefa (Ziuta) Nowicka, and her family, who survived the WW II ordeal of deportation from their homeland of eastern Poland to a Siberian labor camp. Her book is called, “One Star Away.” Salva, an educator, said, “I am honored to tell my mother’s story. Growing up in New York City, I realized that my mother’s wartime experiences were shared by thousands and remain relatively unknown to the rest of the world.”
 
Piast Institute is proud to host Salva, Thursday, March 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the Warren Civic Center Library, 1 City Square. A link to Eventbrite: https://rb.gy/gox7jk has been added for individuals to RSVP for this special lecture, although walk-ins are also encouraged to attend. Her appearance is the first of a two-part lecture series sponsored by Piast to mark its 20th anniversary year.
 
In the Soviet labor camp, the Nowicki family suffered near starvation, disease, separation and arctic temperatures, until the father Konstanty (Kostek) was further emboldened to secure the escape of his wife Teodora (Tola) and six children from the camp. Their love for each other and their strong faith sustained them through the arduous journey toward freedom.
 
Eventually, Ziuta, with her older sister, Jadwiga (Jadzia) and their brother, Jozef (Jozek) found a second homeland during the years of 1942-1947 in an unlikely part of the world – India. This major accomplishment was due to the efforts of Polish General Sikorski who reached out to other countries to take in 500 Polish refugee children. And a generous benefactor in the form of an Indian Maharajah responded to his request.

​Throughout her childhood, author Imogene Salva, traveled yearly to Poland. She studied in France and earned an M.A. in TESOL or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. A resident of Colorado, she has taught Spanish, Polish and French, K-12, in New York City and Colorado.
 
A nonprofit organization, the Piast Institute has grown for 20 years into a national research and policy center for Polish and Polish American Affairs and is one of 48 Census Information Centers in the country. For more information, call the office at (313) 733-4535 or visit www.piastinstitute.org.

Hamtramck, Mich. – The Piast Institute is proud to announce its 20th anniversary celebration. What started as a brainstorm in 2003 of Dr. Thaddeus C. Radzilowski and Ms. Virginia Skrzyniarz became a nationally recognized nonprofit research center that focused on Polish and Polish American affairs. Named after the first dynasty of Poland, the Piast Institute began its 20-year journey in Detroit, Michigan. In 2005, the Institute moved to Hamtramck where Polish immigrants had settled and flourished since the early 1900s.
 
In 2006, it was designated as an official Census Information Center (CIC) by the U.S. Census Bureau, one of 48 centers in the nation. The Institute’s mission and programming aim is to celebrate Polish contributions to America as well as world culture and history.
 
Over the years, the Piast Institute has grown its work to include community outreach and has become a strong voice in promoting prevention of substance abuse for the youth of the community.  As an integral part of the community, the Piast Institute supports and promotes the long history of diversity and cultural exchange that is still a vital part of Hamtramck. The Institute sponsors annual events that celebrate the rich history of Polish Americans and Poles and encourages healthy lifestyles for both the youth and the community at large.
 
Over the next 12 months, the Piast Institute will host several events to celebrate its 20th anniversary. In March, Professor Imogene Salva will present and discuss her book, “One Star Away” – the story of her mother’s journey from war-torn Poland to Russia, Iran and finally India. In May, Dr. Dominik Stecula will review his book, “Polish Americans Today”, giving a firsthand look at the current values and beliefs of Polish Americans across the country.  If you would like more information about the Institute or these and other upcoming events or would like to make a donation, visit www.piastinstitute.org.  

Happy New Year 2023! Below are some upcoming events and announcements from Piast Institute. 

The Piast Institute turns 20 in 2023!
2023 will mark 20 years that the Piast Institute has been in existence. Several events will be held throughout the year to celebrate. From its very modest beginning in a house on Talbot to its current location on Joseph Campau, the Institute has become a strong presence and a source of community pride in Hamtramck.
​
Two Author Series -Polish Americans Today and Yesterday
In March 2023 the Piast Institute will host, in the first part of a series, author Imogene Salva who will discuss her family’s experiences that she has related in her book, ”One Star Away.”
 
When Soviet soldiers force their way into the Nowicki home at 3:00am, Ziuta has no idea why her family is being arrested, where they are going or when they will return. From the safety of home in Poland to the slave labor camps of Soviet Russia, Ziuta's family suffers starvation, arctic temperatures, and separation. At their most desperate hour, only a miracle would keep each family member alive. Could a kind-hearted Maharaja from faraway India be the one to rescue Ziuta and hundreds of other distressed Polish children? Imogene Salva reconstructs her mother's wartime experiences to expose us to a part of World War II history not familiar to most Westerners. This thought-provoking true-life story is sure to inspire, while reminding us that human compassion can be found in the most remote corners of the world.
 
In May 2023, we will host the second part of the series of Polish Americans Today and Yesterday.  Dr. Dominik Stecula will discuss the findings of the 2020 Polish American survey that resulted in the publication of second edition of Polish Americans Today in 2020. Dr. Stecula will offer insights and explanations of some of the unpublished data as well as discussion of the data from the book itself.
 
Piast Institute Building is 100!
The Piast Institute is located in the former Pieronek Photography Studio that was built in 1923. A celebration will be held in 2023 to honor the historic building and all the many events-weddings, communions, families-that were commemorated with photos. The building that was not only the studio but the home of the Pieronek family for many years was donated by Dr. Joann Pieronek to the Piast Institute in 2005. 

​HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN -- Thanks to the organizer, Piast Institute, thirty-two students participated in the STAMP4S exam for the Polish language, held November 5 and 12. They were tested for their knowledge of the English language and at least one foreign language in four categories; writing, reading, speaking, and listening.
 
Those who fulfill the criteria, including age requirements and scores as determined by the Michigan Department of Education, receive the state Seal of Biliteracy. Others who were not eligible for the state Seal due to their age or lower scores, but who still reached scores accepted by the Global Seal of Biliteracy, will obtain the certificate. The Department of Education of participating states issues the certificate, or it is issued by the Global Seal of Biliteracy examiners.
 
According to Marzanna Owinski, director of Cultural and Educational Programs at Piast, "The goals of the Seal of Biliteracy program are to encourage students to become bilingual and to honor their language skills. The Seal proves language competencies essential for future employers and when applying for colleges and universities."
 
For more information about the exam or Seal of Biliteracy, contact Marzanna Owinski at owinski@piastinstitute.org or call 313-733-4535.
 
The Piast Institute is a national institute for Polish and Polish American Affairs, a research and policy center and Census Information Center. Piast Institute will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Below is a link to Piast Institute's Annual Report which begins on October 1, 2021 until September 30, 2022. 

​On October 9, 2022 the Piast Institute invited a group of 35 Polish women to an afternoon of sharing and refreshments. The women were asked to bring a recipe and/or a memory that was meaningful to them. The afternoon was full of laughter and conversation that allowed the women to build a better understanding of their personal and family histories. Each attendee received a copy of the newest publication of Polish Americans Today as well as a gift bag from Inglot Cosmetics that is produced in Poland and distributed throughout Europe and the United States.

“This event celebrated the various facets of the contributions that Poles have made. Each woman had a very interesting and informative story to share.”  Geneva

​“I enjoyed myself and learned new perspectives about Polish culture… Good synergy... Common interests.”  Maria
 
Attached is a link to the recipes that were shared that day.

Konsulat Generalny RP w Chicago organizuje w Hamtramck w stanie Michigan dyżur konsularny w dniach 14 – 15 października 2022 r. (piątek-sobota).

Na dyżur obowiązują wcześniejsze zapisy telefoniczne. Zapisy będą prowadzone w dniach: 28, 29 i 30 września 2022 roku.

W celu dokonania zapisu na dyżur, prosimy dzwonić do urzędu pod numer telefon:    312 608 9229, w  godz. 11.00-1.00 EST.

Podczas dyżuru będzie możliwość złożenia wniosku o wydanie dokumentu paszportowego.

Dyżur odbędzie się w Piast Institute, 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212.

_______________________________________________________

The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago is organizing a consular visit to apply or renew Polish passports on Friday October 14th and Saturday October 15th. 

Registration for the visit will be held by phone on September 28, 29, and 30. 

Please call (312) 608 9229 between the hours of 11.00-1.00 EST on those registration dates.

The consular visit will be held at Piast Institute located at 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212.

Piast Institute is organizing the STAMP4S test for purposes of the Seal of Biliteracy in the Polish language. This exam will take place on Nov 5th at 11 am EST. The exam will be held online.

Applicants must complete the Seal Honor Pledge and send it to owinski@piastinstitute.org prior to the exam date. A link to the Pledge is included in the registration application.

The state Seal of Biliteracy can be received ONLY by students in the 11th and 12th grades. The global Seal of Biliteracy can be received by ANYONE in 6th grade and up. Those who want to take the exam are invited to fill out the registration form below. Registration is open until October 21st, 2022. The exam cost is determined based on the number of participants and will be announced a few days after the end of the registration. All details about taking the exam can be found in the registration link.

For questions - please call 248 613 6751 or write an email to owinski@piastinstitute.org

The registration form:  https://forms.gle/3MrxNpFyucEqwVuCA

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Piast Institute organizuje test STAMP4S dla celów Seal of Biliteracy, który odbędzie się 5 listopada 2022 r. o godz. 11.00 rano EST. Egzamin odbędzie się online. Rejestracja na egzamin otwarta jest do 21 października, 2022 r.

Zainteresowane osoby muszą wypełnić wniosek rejestracyjny i podpisać Seal Honor Pledge. Wszystkie szczegóły dotyczące zdawania egzaminu znajdują się w rejestracji, do której link znajduje się poniżej. Seal Honor Pledge należy wysłać na adres owinski@piastinstitute.org. Link do Seal Honor Pledge znajduje się we wniosku rejestracji.

Aby otrzymać stanowy Seal of Biliteracy należy być uczniem 11 lub 12 klasy. Global Seal of Biliteracy przeznaczony jest dla osób w wieku od 6 klasy+. Wysokość opłaty za egzamin będzie ustalona na podstawie ilości zgłoszeń i podana do wiadomości kilka dni po zakończeniu rejestracji.

​W sprawie pytań - proszę dzwonić 248 613 6751 lub napisać email owinski@piastinstitute.org.

​Rejestracja: https://forms.gle/3MrxNpFyucEqwVuCA

Looking to make a positive difference in the community? Interested in joining the workforce after some time off or if COVID has you rethinking your future plans?  Whether you’re in school or after graduation, had time after retirement, join our team at Piast Institute as an Americorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America).
 
This position is a one-year commitment to its “Education and Reduction of Opioid Use Initiative” program directed at the area’s senior citizens, immigrant, ethnic and racial groups. The duties will include a hands-on experience focusing efforts on increasing the awareness of the dangers of opioids and prevention of opioid use disorders and the impact on their lives and their community.
 
You will be working in the city of Hamtramck, a 2.1 square mile diverse, urban environment that is an enclave of Detroit. The district-wide school surveys list 31 different languages and cultures represented in the student body. It is the most densely populated city in Michigan with about 10,000 people per square mile. 
 
The Piast Institute created the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC) in 2007 in response to the rising rates of substance abuse. Through this coalition, Piast Institute has applied prevention efforts targeting mostly youth and business owners. The Americorps VISTA will be focusing instead on outreach and prevention to senior citizens who are more likely to be prescribed opioids due to long term chronic health issues. 
         
Applicants must be 18 years of age and have basic computer skills, excellent writing and speaking skills and ability to work with the public in general. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus in a diverse city such as Hamtramck.
 
VISTA members receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and a stipend for tuition or a monetary bonus after one year of service. For more information please contact Virginia Skrzyniarz, CEO/Co-Founder at (313) 733-4535 or skrzyniarz@piastinstitute.org.