SEPTEMBER IS
NOVA SCOTIA POLISH HERITAGE MONTH!
SEPTEMBER 2023 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS
-The CBU screening of the film “EO”, originally scheduled for the morning of Friday, September 15, is moved to Tuesday, September 26, at 1 p.m, at CBU’s Royal Bank Lecture Theatre (which is also a different venue on campus). Lunch and refreshments will be available. There is no charge for entrance or lunch, but please RSVP to me by return e-mail if you are attending.
-The research cafe (including info on how you can take a short, field-work course in our sister city Walbrzych as a continuing education student) is moved from Tuesday, September 26, in the afternoon, to Wednesday, September 27, at 10:15 a.m. at the Polish Village Hall.
2023 THEME: “COPERNICUS 550”
THROUGHOUT THE MONTH:
- Polish menu items at Flavor Restaurants in Cape Breton
- Free raffle tickets for basket of books by Polish Nova Scotian authors
- Free Polish recipe bookmarks at all branches of Cape Breton Regional Library
- Free “imieniny” (Polish name day) cards (while supplies last) at Glace Bay Library
A donation has been made to all library regions in Nova Scotia to purchase a book (with special inscription) in honour of the Copernicus 550 theme.
DAY-BY-DAY
Friday, September 1: Release of Lieutenant Governor’s statement and video for Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month
Friday, September 1 – 6:15 a.m. – – sunrise – St. Mary’s Polish Church: special service (and release of doves) – solemn 84th anniversary of the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II. Special thanks to Pier Community Funeral Home for the doves!
Saturday, September 2: – 12 noon – Polish Emigration Memorial Monument, Pier 21 – wreath-laying ceremony
Wednesday, September 6: Special column on “Copernicus 550” – theme for 2023 Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month – Cape Breton Post.
Thursday, September 7: Official release of book recommendations poster for Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month.
Friday, September 8 – 7 p.m. – by invitation — Polish Village Hall – opening night reception for exhibit featuring Pogoria Polish Folk Ensemble, featured artist for 2023 Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month. The ensemble is marking its 20th anniversart this year. R
Saturday, September 9 – 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Public open house, Pogoria Polish Folk Ensemble – featured artist for Nova Scotia Polish Heritage Month. Free admission. Opportunity to sample some Polish food and refreshments. Learn some crafts and dance steps.
Sunday, September 10 – 11 a.m. 110th anniversary Mass – St. Mary’s Polish Church. All welcome
-followed by outdoor blessing of Twin City Pocket Park at the corner of Victoria Road and Frankin Street.
Free reception, café and program at Polish Village Hall
Sunday, September 10, 2 to 4 p.m., Halifax Central Library: Film screening of “EO” (2022 film directed by Jerzy Skolimowski – Polish nominee for Academy Award)
Tuesday, September 19 – 4 p.m.: Polish after-school activities day – Glace Bay : Learning Polish games
Wednesday, September 20 — 10:15 a.m., Cape Breton University. Presentation by authors Lech and Grazyna Galezowski on conserving Polonia heritage in Canada, including material from their latest book In the Footsteps of Polish Pioneers on the Canadian Prairies. RSVP to [email protected]
Thursday, September 21 – 4 p.m. “550th birthday party” for Copernicus. Cake, science experiments, games, colouring contest and more – in collaboration with Glace Bay Library.
Saturday, September 23 – 1 to 4 p.m.– Polish Day at Halifax Central Library. Displays highlighting Polish culture, including costumes, crafts, travel, and jewellery. There will also be music, fun activities, free giveaways, recipe cards, and door prizes. Authors William Kowalski and Lech and Grazyna Galezowski will be on hand.
Saturday, September 23 – Copernicus 550th birthday commemorative sundial unveiling – Gabarus, Cape Breton – mini exhibit on the life and work of Copernicus (courtesy of our colleagues in Windsor, Ontario). For people wishing to walk to the lighthouse, please meet at the Gabarus Fire Hall at 1:30 p.m. Sundial-unveiling ceremony at the lighthouse will begin at about 2:30 p.m. / St. Mary’s Polish Parish retreat in Gabarus (10 a.m.)
Monday, September 25 – 7 p.m.: On Paper Books, downtown Sydney. Stanisław Lem (Polish sci-fi) book club. Recommended book for this gathering: Stanisław Lem, The Master Voice. More details: [email protected]
Friday, September 26 — 1 pm, Cape Breton University. Film screening – “EO” — followed by discussion – Multi-purpose Room (Yvonne LeVert Hospitality Suite). Lunch and refreshments will be available. There is no charge for entrance or lunch, but please RSVP to me by return e-mail if you are attending. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Wednesday, September 27, 1 p.m. – Polish Village Hall – research café — student photo exhibit on the recent, pilot summer field school in Wałbrzych, Poland (sister city of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality) / discussion on growing the educational collaborations between the sister cities.
Friday, September 29 – Polish take-out meals at St. Mary’s Polish Church. Advance tickets only. Details to follow.