Posts by gjene

gjene

27 Mar 2012

Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

A lot of families did their best to keep their heritage alive and well in a foreign land. That way they have a little something of 'home' for a security blanket. In the process it gave them stability while making a new life. Also, in this process, by bringing the children up with it gives the kids the best of both worlds. Other families just wanted to get away from the horrors and hardships of the past. If it meant breaking away from and forgeting about family that stayed behind, guess who loses. The following generations that grow up are wondering where their families originally came from.

That is what I did at the end of September 2010 rychlik. I had a chance to meet family I never knew about because the old folks never talked about them before they died. As I have said, I am trying to play catch up and plan to visit them again this year. Hopefully at the end of June this year. It will give me a chance to dig up some paperwork that I want in order to fill in other paperwork to see if I qualify for dual citizenship. For I would like to return and settle down there and work.

gjene

26 Mar 2012

Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

I understand that now Peter. But even then when I was growing up, it still would have been nice to have been informed a lot better about the family heritage and where the grandparents grew up and whatever else that other families have managed to pass on before the old folks were dead and buried. Now that they are, I don't have the stories or whatnot about the family. I know my grandfather and a brother of his fought for the Polish military, but I don't even have any information as to what units either one belonged to or if either earned any medals.

Right now, all I have is a couple of conflicting stories about my grandfathers military service and without the military unit I can not verify what the truth is. All because everybody kept their mouths shut. Now all I can do is hope that I can obtain copies of his letters to a cousin that there might be clues in there for me to do my family tree and maybe obtain his military records.

Despite what happened between the WW2 and 1991, those of Polish descent in other countries did their best to keep alive their heritage and language skills with the kids. That way the kids, when growing up could be proud to be of Polish stock and where ever they are living now. That way, they have the best of both worlds. What of those that were not told of the family history? They lose out and most that have discovered the family secret most are struggling to find their way back and not have a clue as to where the family lived before emmigrating to foreign lands and not knowing the language. Or even knowing what kind of jobs the ancestors did during their lifetime. I am lucky I had a few clues to figure out and meet relatives I never even knew about after 30 years since my grandparents died. It certainly would have been nice to know about them long time ago. Now I have to play catch up to make up for the lost time. And I certainly would have loved to have visited sooner after the fall of communism. But even then, I was the first of the family to pay a return visit after all these years.

gjene

26 Mar 2012

Travel / Traveling within Poland into my destination city - Lublin (from Warsaw airport) [43]

That might be true Shamalah. But for some reason when I landed in Germany, continued by train into Warsaw and then flew out of back to Amsterdam to make a connection back to Canada my passport never got stamped nor was I asked where I was going or for how long. But I did have a trick up my sleeve about that and I still get a chuckle out of it after all this time since I only have the airline stubs and the train ticket and a few other odds and ends from the trip to prove I was there in Europe.

Best to ask to have the passport stamped anyways to make sure there is no problems if you don't have dual citizenship with a country that is part of the EU.

gjene

25 Mar 2012

Genealogy / Getting records from Poland (are records of Poles moved from churches to the archives)? [21]

I know my grandmother was married once before and all I have is the last name. I know when and where she was born and I can extrapolate when she would have gotten married. But I do not know what church it would have been in or if the civil registry would have access to the marriage records. She would have turned 18 in 1922 and the 1st child was born by 1928. Would the archives in Wlodawa help if I gave them whatever information I have? What is their address?

gjene

25 Mar 2012

Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

My mothers' side of my family came from Poland and emigrated to Canada in the early 1950's. When I was growing up I wanted to learn Polish, but my aunts had said what do you want to learn Polish for? it's a dead language. It seems they were embarrassed to be of Polish descent. I tossed that back in their face and they were not happy when I reminded them of their comments from years gone by. Especially now that I have re-established contact with family members there 2 yrs ago.

And I certainly could have used it more than French.

gjene

21 Feb 2012

Genealogy / Looking for family in Poland: Włodarski. [13]

Eduardo

Have you been able to find any reference to where he may have stayed in Germany after the war and emigrating to Brazil in 1949? If you can find that out, you may be able to request a copy of the inhabitants registry in regards to your great grandfather. That is what I did for my grandparents. But then I had a photo with their address and the town that they lived in and the year that they were there. If you can not read Polish, there may be someone here that may be able to translate for you.

Also, if he emigrated to Brazil, enquire through the Brazilian Immigration and Naturalization Bureau. You may be able to obtain a copy of his entry form when he entered and/or obtained Brazilian citizenship. But as far as the translation goes, you will have to see about getting whatever letters you have scanned or photographed in order to upload for the person doing the translation for you to see what is written in the letters.

gjene

29 Oct 2011

Genealogy / Great Uncles' military records (and medals?) He died in 1939/40. [2]

Since my grandfathers' brother also served in the military and as far as I know was not married and did not have children, how easy it would be to get his records as well as my grandfathers? What I am trying to get at is this, would the military give me a copy of my great uncles' records since he never had any children? Besides my grandfather, there was another brother who had children. As far as I know those children may not be interested in the records or any medals this individual may have earned. Since I may be one of the few living relatives that are close enough of a relation to him and asking about him. All I know is that he was captured by the Soviets in 1939 or 1940. The only other information is that he died in 1940 after being released from a POW camp and was attempting to make it back home before dying somewhere enroute. So if there are any medals he earned, would the military issue them to me as the next closest relative?

While I may not have found out what unit or regiment my great uncle may have served with, I have finally broke through the wall and obtained information on the regiments my grandfather belonged to. I sent a request with that information to the Military Archives in Warsaw 2 weeks ago. How long would it take for them to respond to this request? If my grandfathers' brother served during the same time frame, even with a different unit or regiment would the Archives be able to retrieve the brothers' service records as well? thanks.

I am under the impression that the military archives is doing some renovation work and currently not answering emails. I am hoping someone can direct me towards a site where I can look up the history of the 1st or 4th Signals Regiment/Battalion. My grandfather served with the 4th Signals regiment of the Polish Armed forces from 1919-1922 (discharged in 1922) and then with the 1st Signals during September of 1939. The letter that I now have in my possession does not give any indication if he was a P.O.W. of the Russians or Germans. Nor does it indicate if and when he was discharged. He does mention some locations that he was in during his service in September. The last place is now called Cortkov, Ukraine. I can provide the names of the other locations if needed in order to track down the correct unit.

gjene

19 Oct 2011

UK, Ireland / UK citizen visiting Poland - any restrictions on entering the country? [22]

If your passport is due to expire less than 6 months from the travel date, would it not be better and safer to get a new passport anyways? Even if the UK may be part of the EU/Schengen zone why risk it if something happens while on holidays. If in doubt, double check with the appropriate authorities to make sure since they are (or may be) better informed than most people on any given website. Otherwise make sure that any and all id is up to date that you need and use in the UK.

gjene

23 Sep 2011

Travel / Would I have to worry about organ thieves when traveling into Poland alone? [36]

You have more to worry from having your wallet stolen more than your organs. The only time you have to worry about your organs, it will be to late to do anything about it, because what makes you will no longer need a physical body. Keep on your toes and a hand on your wallet and you will be fairly safe while traveling in Poland. I was there last year for 2 weeks and I had no problem whatsoever even with the problem with language. But then again, I did not advertise that I was tourist. I dressed down and acted like I belong there and I enjoyed the trip. Since I was the first of the family to return to the old country.

gjene

8 Aug 2011

Language / Too many English words in the Polish language! [709]

Why complain about a few English words in the Polish language? Chances are those words may not translate very well, if at all. Since sometimes a translation of a word may come out as something completely different in meaning than the original word. English is full of foreign words in it and you do not hear those people complaining. Study up on the history of the English language and the various languages that make it and you will see what I mean.

gjene

30 Mar 2011

USA, Canada / Dual citizenship - US doesn't care if you don't give up Polish passport [103]

I have dual citizenship and I am loyal to both countries. The only time that it might be an issue is if one country declares war on another, which then involves other countries. Like the 1st or 2nd world war or what is happening in the middle east. Then having citizenship from a country like that might cause you issues.

There are plenty of people in the U.S. and elsewhere that have dual and be loyal to the country they live in without having to give up their citizenship from the country of their birth.

gjene

30 Oct 2010

Genealogy / Vintage Photos of Polish ancestors [144]

The photo I posted that is on pg 4 I was able to get names to some of the others in that photo from relatives that I finally connected with in Wegrow, Poland this yr. After 50 yrs. since the family left Poland I was the first to return. Just wish I had done this over 15 yrs ago. I could have met up with my great grannies nephew before he died in 2000. He no doubt would have been able to recognize some of the people and places that his daughters were not able to recognize.

gjene

26 Oct 2010

USA, Canada / Giving up canadian citizenship for a Polish one? Cant be true! [20]

Hi LeAnne

You do not have to give up your Canadian citizenship in order to get the Polish. There are a few on the Polish forum found on 'Poland Foreigner' that obtained Polish citizenship and they did not have to give up their Canadian or American.

One way of your grandfather losing his citizenship would have been to join the Canadian military or to take a political office. Also, check the Polish citizenship acts of 1920 and 1951 and see how they affect your grandfather. One way of checking out if your grandfather renounced his Polish citizenship would be to enquire through the Polish Embassy or Consulate and make a request for that information. Check the 'Poland Foreigner' website and you may find further help there. Good luck.

gjene

19 Oct 2010

Law / Polish Citizenship for a foreigner whose parents was born in Poland [174]

Kath

Check the website known as 'Poland for All'. Then click on forums and scroll down to find 'Poland'. In that forum you will then find a 3 parter in regards to Polish citizenship. There, you will find others who are in the same boat as you. There you will find some who are older than you that have been able to prove citizenship based on one or the other parent. Or in some cases both.

As one known as 'Know Poland' to refer you to his posting in part 1 about the documents you will (or may) need to document your connection to Poland and then obtain citizenship. In a similar related issue, I was able to prove German citizenship less than 5 yrs ago, long after the 21st birthday issue. Since obtaining the German citizenship is almost similar, but less complicated than the Polish.

Good luck.

gjene

23 Aug 2010

Genealogy / Re: Marska family connections [14]

Thanks anyways for all your help. I have made contact with a relative that recognized the photo and was able to inform me as to whom the deaceased was and what relation this individual was to me.

So, to the others that are looking for cpnnections, be patient. It will happen when it is least expected. That connection gives me the needed excuse to visit.

gjene

6 Aug 2010

Genealogy / Re: Marska family connections [14]

Thanks all for the help. I finally made contact with a Klemm clan member and the writing was explained. That also includes the other posting I have made in regards to the Klemm family. Now both sides have some catching up on 30 years.

gjene

12 Jan 2010

USA, Canada / Toronto Job Prospects [5]

Have you tried doing a google search for legal assistant in Toronto? I was able to find quite a few websites that might help to find jobs like that in Toronto. One was paralegal.job.ca. Otherwise that is the one method I can think of off hand and immediately.

gjene

9 Jan 2010

USA, Canada / I WANT TO LEARN TO SPEAK POLISH IN TORONTO ?? ANY SUGGESTIONS [13]

Check the store at 191 Roncesvalles Ave. It is called Artus. They have some books on learning Polish. There 5 different levels starting with A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1. It will cost about $150after taxes. Or go to the Biggest Bookstore on Edward St. It is just east of Bay St. within sight of Yonge.

gjene

1 Jan 2010

USA, Canada / Canadian wanting Polish Citizenship? [30]

To Deezee

First look into when your parents were born, emmigrated to Canada and when you were born. Then you will have to verify some facts in regards to the 1920, 1951, and 1962 citizenship acts and how each will apply to your parents and then you. This also can apply for you as well lsoltys.

On the website known as 'Poland Experience' there is a forum under Immigration to Poland where there is an ongoing discussion on how to obtain Polish citizenship. There is 3 parts to that discussion. In the 1st pt on page 5 is a posting by Naive Poland who mentions all the various documents you may or will need to have and prove connection to Poland in regards to obtaining citizenship.

gjene

28 Oct 2009

Law / Canadian born looking for help obtaining a Polish Passport [7]

First, check with the consulate there in Vancouver. They may be able to provide you information on this matter. If you wanted to try and obtain or prove that you were Polish, you would have to get your parents to help as well.

It would benefit them as well. The other thing is to get whatever documents that they have, if any, when they entered the country. This would include their any copies of Polish documents in regards to them. By going to the consulate, they may be able to deal with reaffirming your parents Polish citizenship.

I am not sure if it was legal in regards for your parents to have had to give up their rights as Polish citizens. If the consulate can not help, then check with the Embassy in Ottawa. Another website to check is the 'what to do in Poland.' Then go through the forums into the immigrating to Poland and check under the Polish citizenship area. Good luck. If you have problems with finding that information let me know.

gjene

9 Oct 2009

Law / What is the quickest and cheapest way to send money to a bank account in Poland? [37]

Did you check on the back of your bank card? There should or might be some symbols that will indicate that you can use other bank machines to withdraw money from your account. If that is possible then you might be able to withdraw money from your acount for nominal charges.

I was in the States and did that. I had to pay for exchange rate and using another bank machine. But it saved me the hassle of carrying travelers cheques or a lot of money in my wallet.

gjene

11 Aug 2009

Law / Can I take the Polish written test and obtain a Polish driving licence? [28]

I quite understand and get it. You are the one that has failed to get. If you check the 2 websites I have provided in a previous posting you will find the information. So far you have not provided the rest of us or me a way of checking into what you have said. So, either provide us a way of verifying your information or just let this go.

gjene

10 Aug 2009

Law / Can I take the Polish written test and obtain a Polish driving licence? [28]

Delphiandomine

You still have not offered any evidence to back up your claims. So far you just repeated what I have posted. It in no way, shape or form confirm that a PESEL is needed or referenced to.

The information I have provided in an earlier posting states 'reamining in Poland for at least 185 days in each calender year in consideration of work or personal ties. Nowhere does it state that I will need a PESEL. It just mentions 'To obtain a Polish driving licence an EU citizen should'...

Since I am an EU citizen with an opportunity to work in Poland, enough said. The work opportunity will have me meet the requirements of the 185 days fairly easily. Since I will meet those requirements, then I can go for a driver's licence in Poland.

So please provide evidence to back up your claims insteading of trying to twist other postings to suit your own ends. Until such time, I will take the information I have printed out from the website I have mentioned as truth. And you are able to read that website in regards to what I have mentioned. Nowhere does it state anything about a PESEl.

gjene

10 Aug 2009

Law / Can I take the Polish written test and obtain a Polish driving licence? [28]

As for the PESEL, the information I have says nothing about it, it just mentions valid address and proof of work. Unless you have an inside source. I have provided info Delphiandomine. Please back up yours, so we all can understand where you are coming from.

It will be greatly appreciated if someone would check the websites I have mentioned and get back to this posting with a report on what is actually needed in documentation. Sorry Delphiandomine, unless you can prove the information I have as wrong, I am going to assume it is correct. That is, until it is proven wrong and it would be nice to have an English translation.

gjene

9 Aug 2009

Law / Can I take the Polish written test and obtain a Polish driving licence? [28]

I just checked the 1st website and unfortunately I do not read Polish. Unless you do. Maybe someone who does, can provide us a report of the site and give us their opinion as well.

gjene

9 Aug 2009

Law / Can I take the Polish written test and obtain a Polish driving licence? [28]

Hi all

Some info I have found on eures.praca.gov.pl says something a bit different.
If you will permit me to quote:

Driving Licence

A driving licence issued in an EU member state is valid in the territory of Poland.
To obtain a Polish driving licence an EU citizen should:

1. Reach the age required a given category (16,18, or 21)
2. Obtain a medical certificate stating the absence of health considerations prohibiting driving and a psychologist's certificate on the absence of mental considerations prohibiting driving, if required.

3. Undergo the training required for a given category
4. Pass the national examination required for a given category.
5. Remain in the territory of Poland for at least 185 days in each calendar year in consideration of his/her personal or professional ties, or present a certificate evidencing that he/she has been studying in Poland for at least the past 6 months.

A B category driving license entitles the holder among other things, to drive passenger vehicles. A detailed description of the driving license categories may be found on prawojazdy.com.p and krbrd.gov.pl.

Good Luck and please look into this. From my understanding this, if I were to get a job teaching ESL and can proof that I will be there for more than 185 days and am an EU citizen then I can apply for a licence.

If you have a licence from another country outside of the EU, then an international permit and that country's issued licence, that will permit you to drive in Poland.

gjene

27 Jul 2009

Law / Polish Citizenship for a foreigner whose parents was born in Poland [174]

Also, check into the website known as 'News from Poland'. Look under forums for Immigration to Poland. In there you will find 3 different postings on the citizenship acts of 1920/1951/1962.

There is also 3 parts to the age old question about Polish citizenship. The first 2 are closed to any further postings, but still can be read. The 3rd is open to reading and posting of questions on inheritance through bloodlines of citizenship.

You will also find in this forum as to who may be the better legal representative for you in regards to applying for citizenship or in getting the needed documents for you and then applying on your behalf.

My posting of this information is not to put this section of this website down. It is just to inform people that there is another website, that has more information on this topic than maybe people that are the moderators or members of this website may know.

gjene

21 Jul 2009

USA, Canada / Southern Ontario (Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo) and Polish Women [32]

Slowianski

Did you try looking up the Polish Canadian club on the internet? You might be able to get the phone numbers to make contact. At least Grand River Transit is pretty good for the Waterloo/Kitchener/Cambridge area.

As for Pimpek, wish I could leave. But I need the money to go to Europe.

gjene

30 Jun 2009

Work / English qualifications to start Teaching English In Poland. Is degree of some sort needed? [123]

So far from what I have read, is that a lot of you think that one version or another is better. Our opinions on this are irrelevant. It is what the school prefers to use to teach. All that a teacher can do is to provide the accent so that those that are learning can distinguish the differences.

Not only that, how can any of you determine if one of the students that you have will actually immigrate to an English speaking country? If that person wants to immigrate to Britain, then teach them British terminology instead of American. Once the student leaves the school system (graduates) it is up to them to learn the differences between British, American and Canadian.

If a person expresses interest in wanting to know the differences, then they can be taught after school. Or you can provide them the direction needed to find the material on their own. For there might be a website that may have this type of material on it for ESL students to download and learn on their own time.

gjene

2 Apr 2009

Genealogy / Vintage Photos of Polish ancestors [144]

Greetings everyone

Here is a photo of an area that my relatives visited. But I am not sure where it is or when the photo was taken. Judging by the size, I would say that it was taken prior to 1970.

Near Wegrow
Reverse side of photo