Babiarz, Felicja

Felicja Babiarz
Teacher, Polonia activist
Felicja Babiarz: 75 years of Dedicated Service in the PNA
By Casimir Iwanski, President, Lodge 1887.
Fall River, MA - "Knights of Cracow Under the Care of the Sacred Heart of Jesus", Group 1887, of the Polish National Alliance, recently held its annual installation at the Polish National Home.
Felicja "Phyllis" Babiarz, the outgoing president, was honored and presented with a bouquet of roses and best wishes, along with remarks by various officials lauding her accomplishments.
Babiarz, a long time teacher, now retired, of the Fall River school system, had dedicated herself to fostering Polish culture through music, dancing and language to the Polonian generation of Fall River.
Beginning in her teens, she has been active in the lodge as troop leader, instructor of Polish culture and holding various offices, including the last 38 years as president. She studied Polish culture here and in Poland, making numerous trips to Poland over the years, the first being with the "Harcerze" Group in the early 1930s. After her retirement from the public school system, she volunteered as teacher of Polish culture at St. Stanislaus School for over 20 years.
Babiarz was instrumental in establishing the ongoing "Michael Babiarz" scholarship, which has enabled many young students of Polish descent to further their college education.
Babiarz was founder and director of the well-known "Krakowiak Dancers of Fall River" for over 20 years.
She continues to serve as senior Vice President of Group 1887 PNA, "Knights of Cracow under the care of the Sacred Heart of Jesus". She is also on the board of directors of the Polish National Home holding the office of recording secretary.
Newly elected officers of the lodge: President - Casimir Iwanski, 1st Vice President - Felicja Babiarz, 2nd Vice President - Casimir Babiarz, Recording Secretary - Wanda Wrobel, Financial Secretary - Ronald Sliwa, Treasurer - Stephanie Gula, Sergeant at Arms - Dolores Iwanski, Door Keeper - Celia Sherman.
Duly installed by installation officer, John Midura, a retired member of the Fall River Police Department. Entertainment was provided by Stephanie Gula, with accordion accompaniment. Polish songs and carols were enjoyed by members and guests.
Gula, a lifelong member, reflected on past history of the lodge, founded in 1910, at St. Stanislaus Church, her father Michael Gula, being one of the original eight members. It was originally known as "Society of St. Stanislaus B and M" later changed to "Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus" and finally to "Knights of Cracow Under the Care of the Sacred Heart of Jesus".

Source: Zgoda, May 1, 2000.