Recapping a trip to Poland
Our man of many languages, Mike Kurtin, returned home last week from his trip to Poland. He attended his cousin's Confirmation in Gdansk and visited with family. Later he attended his class reunion in Lublin and was excited to see everyone again. There has not been a gathering in 3 years due to the pandemic.
In December last year, a group of musicians from Debica, Poland stayed with Mike in White Hall, so a trip to see them was on the agenda. They treated him like royalty. Thanks to the Czapla and Kaminski families for hosting him and arranging such great places to visit. Mike was treated to a day at a wellness spa, thanks to the President of Latoszyna Zdroj, Mr. Bogdan Wojcik, and Vice President of the township of Debica, Mr. Marek Mikrut. They were exceptional and very interesting to talk with.
A day trip was also planned to nearby Pustkow to visit Gory Smierci, a concentration camp complete with a museum, pictures and old barracks. Local historian, Mr. Marian Matkowski, was the guide and pointed out many interesting facts and his views on the current situation with Ukraine. The weather was cold and snowy in most places but that did not hinder Mike’s travels.
One last side trip to Chorkowka, the village of his grandmother was planned with the intent to try and locate the old homestead. Mike met the mayor, Mr. Stanislaw Liwosz, who offered his help and assistance. Many locals were excited to help with the search as well. After some hours and darkness setting, the search ended with no results. Hopefully the new GPS project in this area will be complete thus making the search a bit easier in the future. He plans to return are in the near future!
April is American Legion Family Month. Saturday, April 1, at 11 a.m. American Legion McCluskey Post 640 will host all family members of veterans for a special gathering at 415 Hill Street. They will also reflect on contributions made by American Legion Auxiliaries and Sons of the American Legion and the impact those organizations have on every community across America.
McCluskey Post 640 looks to revitalize their Auxiliary Unit and establish a new Sons of the American Legion Squadron. Guest speakers include past Auxiliary Officer Gail Sowell and Department of Texas Auxiliary Leadership Chair Leigh-Anne Stewart. Auxiliary membership includes grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of veterans eligible for American Legion membership. Sons of the American Legion members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership.
Whitehall Icehouse is hosting a BBQ Cook-Off April 29-30. Cost is $200 per team and all funds will be divided amongst the winners. Categories for best brisket, best beans, best overall and people’s choice. Sunday, the public can enter 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. for $20 and try all the entries. The monies will be divided 50-50 going to the White Hall Community Center and White Hall Community VFD. Sunday will include live music.
Please add our sick and homebound friends to your prayer list. These friends include Jean Fleischhauer, Sue Kolojaco, Mary Bauer, Rosa Finke, Mary Whatley, Billie Wittenbach, Alexander Hanna, Troy Weigand, Shawn Welch, Kimberly Weiser, Bib Kapchinski, Delores Mitschke, Charlotte Serres, Loyd Finke, Mark Shimshack and Betty Feldmann.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
March 30 – Laura Hertel, Brad Swarts, Charles and Margaret Falco; April 2 – Tatum Falkenbury; April 3 – Bethany Netardus; April 4 – Avery Seaback, Seith and Jodie Trullinger; April 5 – Farron Eickenhorst, Joe and Jane Clepper; April 6 – Kori Frenzel, Kathy Harris; April 7 – Cabe Busse, Carolyne Hooks; April 8 – Nancy Eppler. Congratulations to each of you!
Upcoming Calendar Events:
April 1 – WHCVFD BBQ Sandwiches, at station, 11 a.m. till sold out.
April 1 – YOGA for a Cause, Salem Lutheran Educational Bldg, 11 a.m.
April 3 – WHCVFD Monthly business meeting, 7 p.m. at the station.
April 22 – White Hall Community Center Annual Birthday Bash.
April 28-29 – Cook-off hosted by White Hall Icehouse and Café.
If you have any information you wish to share, please feel free to call at 936-870-5284 or email me at imhoff2home@yahoo.com and I will be happy to add to my column.