by Bea Peterson
The St. Stanislaw Society (The Polish Hall) began 100 years ago as an organization made up of Catholic males of Polish descent. The “Polish Hall” was a place for members to hear the language of their homeland, to maintain Polish traditions and to socialize. The St. Stanislaw Society Women’s Auxiliary was active and supportive as well. Over the years the Society has changed with the times. While the organization still remembers the customs of Poland and maintains St. Stanislaw, the Bishop, as the guardian of the Society, it has transformed itself into a service organization that provides a social atmosphere for any adult who wishes to become a member. Today the organization has a membership of almost 600 people in 11 states. Since 1996, the St. Stanislaw Society has donated almost half a million dollars to over 80 local and regional charitable organizations.[private]Events
On Saturday, August 18, the celebration began at noon with a tailgate procession. Hoosick Falls police cruisers, with lights flashing, began and ended the
procession of cars and trucks that wound its way through the Village. In the afternoon there was a community picnic, with hot dogs and hamburgers cooked by the Hoosick Falls Wrestling Club followed by a chicken dinner prepared by the North Hoosick Fire Department. The day ended with music by the well known Rymanowski Brothers, the Capital District’s premiere Polish band.
On Sunday afternoon, August 19, festivities concluded with an anniversary ceremony, honoring past and present members of the Society.
Master of Ceremonies Bob Frazier introduced the Society’s Board of Directors – Ron Hall, Jean Slingerland, Ginny Blinstrub, Terry Burdick and John Redden and Officers Recording Secretary Frazier, Financial Secretary Denise McMahon, Treasurer Rick Cuddihy and Vice President Bob Shiland. St. Stanislaw President Craig Colvin placed a wreath in the flower bed at the base of the new flag pole in memory of all past members. Then he led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Invocation was presented by Pat Hayes, followed by welcoming remarks from President Colvin.
Congratulatory Proclamations And Letters
Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino told the crowd she was very proud of them for maintaining their wonderful tradition. She well understands that tradition as her mother and mother-in-law and father-in-law are Polish and
were members of the Polish American Hall in Troy, “where they could follow their customs and traditions.”
Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote said he was proud to be from the community of Hoosick Falls and proud to be a member of the organization. “You can be counted on to donate money to everything. You are doing a great job; keep up the good work,” he said. He and Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell presented Society President Colvin with a proclamation from the Rensselaer County Legislature. Brownell echoed Goodermote’s words and congratulated the members for donating to so many organizations and providing a social atmosphere for the members.
Hoosick Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly, Deputy Supervisor Jeff Wysocki and Town Board Members Bruce Patire and Louis Schmigel presented President Colvin with a plaque from the Town commending the Society on its 100th anniversary.
Hoosick Falls Mayor Matt Monahan, accompanied by Village Trustee Dave Borge, said during his presentation that he has a soft spot in his heart for the Society as one of their avid darts players. Ten years ago, he said, he had no idea of the financial impact they have on the community and the manpower required to do what they do. “I’m amazed at how far you’ve come over the ten years,” he said.
Frazier read a letter from NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo commending the wonderful organization for its community spirit. In his letter, US Congressman Chris Gibson congratulated the Society on its 100 years and concluded that Rensselaer County is a great place to live. On Saturday a member of NYS Assemblyman Steven McLauglin’s staff presented the Society with a proclamation from the Assembly. At noontime on Sunday NYS Senator Roy McDonald stopped by to present a proclamation from the Senate to members preparing for the two o’clock event. The Senator had several events planned for the day and apologized for the early visit. He commended the members for their role in the community and for their wonderful history.
Donations
As part of the celebration the St. Stanislaw Society presented donations totaling over $1,500 to the Karen McGovern Fund, Hoosick Hometown Days, the Hoosick Falls Wrestling Club, the Hoosick Falls Kiwanis, St. Mary’s Academy, HAYC3 and the Ed Carknard Golf Scramble. Chris Marsh of the Wrestling Club told the gathering that, thanks to the contributions from the Society, the Club has been able to send over 100 kids to wrestling camps and clinics.
Membership Awards
Joe Ciuk was a very special member of the Society. An Award, named after him, was presented this year to Darren Kimball.
Bob Frazier said the Society stopped presenting “Good of the Club Awards” in 2006. However, in honor of this momentous anniversary, the practice was revived. Good of the Club Awards were presented to Ginny Blinstrub, anniversary event organizer, John Redden, Terry Burdick, Charlie Nealon, Mary Brott and Renee Trombley.
25 Year Members
Members with 25 years or more of service to the organization were recognized. Many of the women were transfers from the Society’s Lady’s Auxiliary. They were Sally Blinstrub with 49 years, Paulette Sukuskus and Kay Shiland-43 years, Diane Conway-35 years, Betty Ortolani-34 years. Men belonging to the Society for many years included Ed Sukuskus with 62 years, Bob Melesky-41 years, John Blinstrub-35 years, Chuck Prebble-34 years, Bob Frazier and George Colegrove-33 years, Tony Ciuk-32 years, Stan Remancus-31 years and Hal Cottrell-27 years.
Food was served at the conclusion of the program.
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