On January 10, 2026, our Club’s Christmas and New Year gathering took place-an evening that will long remain in the memory of all who attended, filled with light, music, warmth, and a true sense of community. In the beautifully decorated home of Joanna and Andrzej Maleski, Members and Friends of the Club came together to reflect on the past year and welcome the New Year 2026 with hope and optimism. From the very threshold, one could feel the charming atmosphere, as Joanna and Andrzej Maleski opened not only the doors of their home, but above all their hearts. Their kindness and attention to every detail made the evening a genuine celebration of togetherness.
The event was enriched by a special artistic performance from the delightful and talented Olivia Kierdal. Her performance gave the gathering a unique character, leading guests into a mood of reflection, emotion, and joy. It was a moment when art united everyone in a shared experience.
We were deeply honored by the presence of Consul General Paulina Kapuścińska and her husband, Eriusz, who chose to celebrate this special day with us. Their presence highlighted the importance of the occasion and underscored the significance of our work within the Polish-American community. The tables were laden with a wide variety of homemade dishes and baked goods prepared by the participants. Each dish was not only a culinary delight, but also an expression of dedication and heartfelt effort.
Special thanks go to Magdalena and Dominik Golema, creators of The Best Donuts, who once again shared their delicious doughnuts with us. These sweet treats became a true highlight of the evening and disappeared from the tables in no time. We are also grateful for their delivery through the courtesy of the Consul General—a beautiful symbol of cooperation and goodwill.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to Ula Jaskółka-Beaudoin (Ula Designs / Indygo Studio), whose talent and aesthetic sensitivity give our initiatives a distinctive and recognizable graphic identity. Thanks to her, the Club’s image gains elegance and artistic coherence.
We cannot overlook the stunning and striking floral arrangements prepared by Krystyna Okuniewska. The flowers brought freshness, color, and subtle elegance to the interior, enhancing the festive spirit of the gathering.
We also extended our congratulations to Maja Trochimczyk, former President of the Club, on receiving the prestigious Polonia Award 2025 presented by the Polish American Congress.
Allow me a personal reflection as well—I wholeheartedly thank and congratulate the Board of the Helena Modrzejewska Culture Club for their dedication and mutual support. Working with you is both a true honor and a tremendous joy. Once again, we wish you all health, the fulfillment of dreams, creative energy, and many reasons for joy in the New Year 2026. May it be a time filled with goodness, inspiration, and many beautiful moments shared together.
January 10, 2026

For 55 years, the Helena Modjeska Art & Culture Club has remained actively engaged in numerous initiatives within the Polish community in Los Angeles, faithfully carrying out its mission of supporting culture, art, education, and strengthening community bonds.
Supporting other institutions and initiatives is not merely a responsibility for our Club—it is a gift we willingly share out of genuine care. Through our commitment to promoting and cultivating culture, art, and education, as well as helping others—especially younger generations, we help build the foundation for the future strength of our Polish community. It is the youth who will one day become its voice, its energy, and its hope.

This year marks a particularly significant milestone for Polish National Alliance-Lodge 700, which celebrated the 120th anniversary of its activity. On January 25, 2026, at the invitation of PNA President Zbigniew Grzelecki, a large group of our Club members proudly participated in the anniversary celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the organization’s longstanding dedication and contributions, and to extend heartfelt congratulations with wishes for continued success and fruitful service to the Polish-American community.

The Club was subsequently invited by our member Kasia Czerpak Węglińska, President of KrakArt Group, who helped inaugurate a new exhibition space on the upper floor of Vienna Woods Gallery. On February 7, 2026, the gallery hosted the opening of a new exhibition by artist Kasia Krzykawska Apolinarski, “Forest Within.” The strong presence of our Club members added distinction to the event and demonstrated our continued support for Polish art and cultural initiatives within our community.
Also on February 7, 2026, many of our members chose to support our Polish alma mater, Polska Szkoła w Los Angeles, by attending its Valentine’s Ball. Once again, we demonstrated how deeply we value solidarity and cooperation among Polish organizations. Above all, we recognize the School’s vital mission of teaching the Polish language, history, and geography to children and young people abroad, so that they may preserve their connection to their homeland, its culture, and its national heritage.

On February 7, 2026, many of our members chose to support our Polish Alma Mater, Polska Szkoła w Los Angeles, by attending its Valentine’s Ball. Once again, we demonstrated how deeply we value solidarity and cooperation among Polish organizations. Above all, we recognize the School’s vital mission of teaching the Polish language, history, and geography to children and young people abroad, so that they may preserve their connection to their homeland, its culture, and its national heritage.

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, a member of our Club, the distinguished pianist and professor at Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Wojciech Kocyan, invited the Polish community to an extraordinary musical event—the 2026 edition of the American International Paderewski Piano Competition.
The Winners’ Concert and Awards Ceremony took place in the elegant Murphy Recital Hall, creating an atmosphere of artistic celebration at the highest level. All those present were deeply moved by the technical mastery and interpretative depth displayed by the young musicians. Their performances were not only demonstrations of exceptional skill, but also expressions of profound musical maturity and passion. Once again, we had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary artistic feast—an experience that will remain in our hearts for a long time. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wojciech Kocyan for inviting us to share in such an inspiring and unforgettable musical celebration.

DAY 1: OPENING NIGHT GALA
Saturday, December 6, 2025
4:30–11:00PM
Writers Guild of America West
135 S. Doheny Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
DAY 2: SCREENINGS
Sunday, December 7, 2025
3:30–10:00PM
The Crescent Theater
100 N. Crescent Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 9021
RSVP: eventsmodjeska@gmail.com
LOS ANGELES

Marek Kamiński is a globally renowned explorer, entrepreneur, and social innovator, celebrated as the first person to reach both the North and South Poles in a single year without external support. This extraordinary achievement, recognized by the Guinness World Records, shaped his understanding of resilience—not merely as physical endurance but as a mental strength that can be cultivated to overcome life’s challenges. During his expeditions, Marek realized that “it’s not the legs that conquer the poles, but the mind.” This profound insight inspired him to dedicate his life to promoting mental resilience as a cornerstone of prevention in mental health and as a foundation for individual and societal well-being. As the founder of the Marek Kamiński Foundation and the Kamiński Academy, he has pioneered transformative programs such as Life Plan Academy, which equips young people with tools to build mental resilience, overcome adversity, and develop leadership skills. His foundation focuses on prevention by supporting children and youth from underserved communities and those at risk of mental health challenges. Marek’s work aligns closely with advancing social resilience and the United Nations; 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. His initiatives demonstrate how fostering resilience, particularly as a form of prevention, can drive inclusive growth, enhance mental health, and strengthen societies in an era defined by frequent and complex crises. His unwavering commitment to these principles makes him a valuable contributor to discussions on social policies designed to leave no one behind.
The members of the Helena Modjeska Art & Culture Club approved the new Board of Directors on September 6, 2025.
President: Katarzyna A. Smiechowicz
Vice President: Krystyna Bartkowska
Treasurer: Danuta Żuchowska
Secretary: Ewa (Violet) Kołakowski
Board Members: Anna Zalewska and Anna Dąbrowska
Helena Modjeska Art and Culture Club
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