From the Editor

Don’t ask what the community can do for you…

We all know this quote, and we all understand that making a difference in the community means getting involved. Seattle has many Polish community organizations that have been supporting people for decades. Over the next few weeks, I’ll highlight some of them. A shared challenge for all these groups is the shortage of volunteers. If you want to connect with fellow community members, give back, learn new skills, or share your knowledge, now is the

Events

Kinder Ball — Children’s Day Celebration

Kinder Ball — Children’s Day Celebration

June 7, 2026 2:00 pm

Polish Cultural Center

The Polish Home Association invites children and families to a special Children’s Day celebration on Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 PM at the…

Anda Rottenberg “Schyłek. Dziennik 2019-2022”

Anda Rottenberg “Schyłek. Dziennik 2019-2022”

June 12, 2026 6:00 pm

Book

Zoom by Polish Book Club Seattle

Anda Rottenberg, kuratorka wystaw, krytyczka sztuki, pisarka przez całe życie pisze dziennik. Publikuje cyklicznie fragmenty z różnych okresów. Ten dziennik…

News

Magdalena Balazinska elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Three University of Washington faculty members have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Their work spans environmental science, computing and engineering, addressing challenges ranging from climate resilience and ecosystem sustainability to artificial intelligence and accessible healthcare technologies.  Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences recognizes leaders across disciplines whose work advances research, public policy and the common good. The Academy elects roughly 250 members each year.  One of the scientists elected to this prestigious Academy is

POLONIA_CAMP 2026 – druga edycja wyjątkowego spotkania młodej Polonii w Warszawie

Światowe Spotkanie Młodej Polonii „Polonia_Camp 2026” to wydarzenie dla młodych Polaków z całego świata. Wydarzenie odbędzie się od 23 do 26 lipca 2026 roku na kampusie Szkoły Głównej Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie. Polonia Camp_2026 zostało objęte patronatem Marszałek Senatu Małgorzaty Kidawy-Błońskiej. Zgromadzi 1500 uczestników – studentów, liderów lokalnych społeczności, przedsiębiorców, aktywistów – ludzi zainteresowanych poznaniem kraju swoich przodków. Celem wydarzenia jest stworzenie przestrzeni do wymiany doświadczeń i budowania relacji między młodymi Polakami z różnych krajów,

Seattle Gdynia Sister City Association is looking for new members

Seattle Gdynia Sister City Association, an organization connecting Seattle with Gdynia, is looking for new members. SGSCA organizes the annual Seattle Polish Film Festival and brings students from Gdynia to Seattle to participate in Washington Business Week. The association also cooperates with other Seattle Sister Cities (there are 19 of them) on joint events. If you want to get engaged and help them with the work on these programs, or just simply want to support

“Outstanding Pole” (Wybitny Polak)” Award

Congratulations to Ryszard Kott for receiving the prestigious “Outstanding Pole” (Wybitny Polak)” award in a West Coast US edition of “Teraz Polska” Foundation contest. Ryszard was recognized in the Personality category for his outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions to the Polish community in Seattle over the last few decades. The official award presentation took place on April 30, 2026, in Los Angeles, bringing together community leaders, distinguished guests, and consular staff, during the Polish Constitution

2026 GiveBIG Fundraiser

2026 GiveBIG is quickly approaching! On May 5th, 2026, we are proud to once again participate in this global day of generosity that celebrates the vital work nonprofits bring to our communities.


This year, SPF invites you to support the Seattle Polish Foundation’s Cultural Fund. Your contribution does more than preserve our traditions—it ensures they remain accessible to everyone.
Thanks to your generosity, our programs offer free and open access to those who need it most, making Polish culture available to all members of our community, regardless of their circumstances.

Short Stories

Dr. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby

Dr. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby

Dr. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby was born in Warsaw into a life shaped early by loss and resilience. Her mother passed away before seeing her graduate from high school, and her father—himself a figure of remarkable strength—left behind a legacy forged in history. A member of the “Kolumbowie” generation and a soldier of the Armia Krajowa, he fought in the Warsaw Uprising, was wounded, captured, and ultimately escaped. From these beginnings, Ivona inherited not only endurance, but

Reviews

Walkkie

Walkkie

When you have guests from Poland visiting Seattle, instead of taking them only to the obvious tourist attractions, use Walkkie to show them the city’s hidden gems, local culture, and lesser-known spots that make Seattle feel more personal and authentic than a typical sightseeing tour. Walkkie is a location-based discovery...

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