INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

A centenarian doyenne who worked in a sugar factory for four decades, a Home Army officer and a keen sailor with a twinkle in his eye talking about his passion – these are just some of the heroes of the touching anniversaries of residents of our region. Five centenarians: Helena Żywica from Aleksandrów Kujawski, Helena Głuszak from Kruszwica, Stanisława Afelt from Chełmża, Wiesław Piernikowski from Bydgoszcz and Feliks Smyk from Skepe joined the group of those honoured with the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal.

 

On behalf of the regional government, representatives of the region’s authorities met with the jubilarians. Vice-Marshal of the voivodeship Aneta Jędrzejewska visited Helena Żywica, Stanisława Afelt and Feliks Smyk, the President of the Regional Parliament Elżbieta Piniewska presented the medal to Helena Głuszak, and Vice-Chairman of the Regional Parliament Przemysław Sznajdrowski handed over congratulations and the award to Wiesław Piernikowski.

 

Helena Żywica – Aleksandrów Kujawski

Born in 1925 in Krotoszyn. During the Second World War she lost her family and was deported to forced labour in Germany, where she met her future husband. After the war she returned to Poland and together with her family ran a farm in Bądków (Aleksandrowski County). On the occasion of her jubilee, the senior citizen was visited by Deputy Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska, who presented her with the Unitas Durat medal on behalf of the regional government. The mayor of Aleksandrów Kujawski, Arkadiusz Gralak, also took part in the meeting.

 

Feliks Smyk – Skępe

Born in the Lublin region, an officer of the Home Army, a participant in the Operation Tempest. From 1952, he was associated with Skępe, where he worked as a veterinary surgeon for decades. He was also a councillor. Decorated with many military medals. A well-known community worker, dedicated to the residents of his municipality. In recognition of his special merits, Mr Feliks received the gold Unitas Durat medal from the Marshal. The award was presented by Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska. The doyen was also wished good luck by the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Family Affairs, Labour and Social Policy, Małgorzata Baranowska, the Lipno starost, Krzysztof Baranowski, and the Mayor of Skepe, Rafał Gołębiewski.

 

Stanisława Afelt – Chełmża

A native of Dębiny, Stanisława was deported to forced labour in Germany when she was only 16. After the war she brought up four children on her own, working in agriculture. Today she can boast a large family – she has twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. The doyenne lived in the Łubianka municipality for eighty years, but now resides in Chełmża. The Unitas Durat medal was presented to the jubilarian by Vice-Marshal Aneta Jędrzejewska. Mrs Stanisława also received wishes from the Łubianka Municipality Mayor, Dagna Całbecka.

 

Helena Głuszak – Kruszwica

Born in Kruszwica, as a teenager she was deported to Germany for forced labour. After returning to Poland, she worked in the local sugar factory for 42 years. She is an active senior citizen and a member of the Senior Club. On behalf of the regional government, the Unitas Durat medal was presented to Mrs Helena by the President of the Regional Parliament, Elżbieta Piniewska.

 

Wiesław Piernikowski – Bydgoszcz

Economist, educator and tourism enthusiast. Brought up in Włocławek, for many years associated with the local branch of PTTK, where he served as president. Excursion organiser, sailor, teacher and accountant. To this day, he remains an active person, independent and full of life energy. On behalf of the regional authorities, the medal was presented to the jubilarian by Przemysław Sznajdrowski, Vice- President of the Regional Parliament.

 

The regional government has been honouring centenarians in the region since 2018. Families of the region’s residents who are about to turn one hundred years old, as well as those who are older, are encouraged to contact us at 56 62 18 344 and at the following email address: stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

 

Beata Krzemińska

Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

 

13 May 2025.