Orange County Parade Committee Honors
This Year’s Marshal & Miss Polonias
NEW YORK – On June 1st The General Pulaski Memorial Committee of Orange County held their annual Presentation/Dinner Dance at the PLAV Hall in Pine Island, NY to honor this year’s 2013 Marshal and Miss Polonias for the General Pulaski Day Parade in New York City on October 6th.
The 2013 Marshal is Julie Culter of Slate Hill NY, daughter of Lorraine (Labanowski) Andryshak and the late Walter Andryshak. Julie grew up in a large family that follows many of the Polish traditions. Julie was selected for her involvement in many of the Polish, civic and church organizations in the area. Also honoring Julie were co-organizers from the PLAV and Pine Island Fire Co. Summerfest; Rich Labanowski, Ray Hogan and Fire Chief Daryl DeFrest, with a gift for her past support in the success of the event.
Presented and crowned the 2013 Miss Polonia is Ursula Hillman, daughter of John and Patricia Hillman of Westtown NY. She is a high honor senior at the Minisink Valley High School.
Also presented that evening were (2) Jr. Miss Polonias; Victoria Czereph and Madison Jadhembowski. Victoria is the daughter of Bagdam and Genowefa Czereph of Washingtonville, NY where Victoria attends the Middle School. Madison is the daughter of Frankie and Kathy Jashembowski and is in the 8th grade at Minisink Central School. Finishing the Miss Polonias court are (2) Little Miss Polonias: Lily Ann Beattie and Kya Stein. Lily is the 7 year old daughter of Rich and Melanie Beattie of Warwick, NY and Kya who is 8 years old, is the daughter of John and Nicole Stein of Warwick, NY.
The yearly function is proving to be a successful event for the Committee. The hall was filled beyond capacity, with friends, families and members of the New York Pulaski Day Parade Committee, including the Grand Marshal Mr. Michal Kulawik. A buffet dinner was served and music for dancing was provided by the John Stevens Band. Stanley Kocot, president of the organization, presided as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. He introduced the Miss Polonias and their escorts. And later in the evening he introduced them again with the help of the 2012 Little Miss Polonias Makenzie Jashembowski and Olivia Nixon to do a polka dance routine, followed by a tribute and memorializing of the late Barbara Morgiewicz, who was president of the HVPS and was a great supporter and visionary of dance groups. It was through her efforts the “Pokolenie” dance group was started. The evening finished with a exciting performance from the Pokolenie groups.
The General Pulaski Memorial Committee is looking forward to marching up 5th Ave. in the 76th annual Pulaski Day Parade on October 6th and joining the contingency this year is the Pine Island Fire Co. color guard and fire vehicles (formerly the Pulaski Fire Co.).
Anyone wishing to attend the parade in New York City can call (845) 651-4265 for more information and bus reservations.