The View Behind the Curtain
Show time was just minutes away. I tried to appear calm as I glanced toward the stage, angling just enough so as not to pressure Tibor who was tangled in a maize of wires to connect my pc to a newly installed television monitor. Then another fear struck me. All the program material is stored in my pc. Me, the guy who kills pc’s and destroys files, is carrying the entire show’s contents. I reached into my pocket for the umpteenth time and at least I hadn’t yet lost the wireless remote presenter. But what good is that if we can’t view the slides, and our climactic video leads us to the unveiling. When I calmly arrived three hours earlier to set up and begin the slide show (with the photos stored on my pc), I was surprised to learn that we had no power on the stage. No problem, still plenty of time. Two hours later I was relieved to learn upon escorting Ambassador Anna Maria Anders into the Center that we finally had power. But the newfound spring in my step quickly vanished. I smiled at the enthusiastic guests who were settling in anticipation of the program, but the tv monitors remained dark, and I had no idea how to make this newly installed system work. The room’s energy continued to grow and I could see the cast gathering on the stage ready to begin. I could feel sweat rolling down my back as I prepared to tell Tibor thanks but it’s too late, we need to get started. It wasn’t supposed to be this way, everything had been running so smooth.
Six weeks earlier we had a productive meeting that I felt that was an excellent omen. We sat down only knowing that Ambassador Anna Maria Anders would join us for an event that combines the official unveiling of our beautiful new statue with a twenty-year celebration that Covid took away from us in 2020. We walked away that evening with a clear vision for how the day will unfold, and I quickly learned to simply allow such qualified people to do what they do best. Gene’s broad experience with so many programs, Agnieszka’s musical and directing skills, Grazyna’s artistic touch, and Darek’s willingness to do whatever was required.
As the weeks crept by more people stepped in. A team of board members spend hours stuffing envelopes, Monika and Bernadette handled all the food purchase and preparation, Rafal magically brough color and style to the program content, Connie reached out to community leaders and welcomed the Consul General, the monitors were installed… and much more.
Having managed formal events before, I was expecting to feel much more stress as we neared the big day, but things were going surprisingly well. The print programs arrived right on time, my former student made all requested changes to the video, and I received a valuable lesson in grocery shopping from Bernadette just days before the event. I was in awe as I wheeled the bulky cart around Restaurant Depot and watched her closely inspect every item, selecting only the best, while deftly purchasing random items on sale for later use. I had a number in mind as they rang up the loaded cart, and was shocked to learn the price that Bernadette managed to purchase such high volume and quality of goods. I don’t think I’ll ever view grocery shopping the same again.
All this hard work, yet I was prepared to grudgingly accept the reality that some of it will go to waste as I inched toward the stage. Then I observed Tibor walk away in his unassuming manner below a tv monitor brightened with the Polish and American flags, the first slide in our program. Without missing a beat, I felt a giant weight removed as I glided up to the stage, took the microphone from a smiling Agnieszka, and welcomed our guests.
It was only when I viewed the attentive audience listening to Alina Stepien’s beautiful voice singing the Polish and American anthems that I could finally relax and enjoy the program, somehow feeling more an audience member than a participant. The next few hours flew by surrounded by happy faces.
I can now share that there was one omission made during the program, and it was a deliberate choice that speaks volumes about our Center. Just days before the event and after the print programs arrived, several vocal members shared a need to recognize the many members who have volunteered and contributed so much over the past twenty years. They came up with a list of names in several categories, and had the names handsomely printed in fancy script on high quality stock paper.
When I arrived early Saturday, I noticed that each copy was neatly folded and inserted inside the print programs that were placed at every table setting. However, as more eyes viewed the list it became apparent that some key names were missing. As good as the intentions were to recognize the hard work of so many, the possible rejection that even one person might feel for being inadvertently excluded was too much to bear. The decision was made to remove the list from the programs so as not to offend some deserving contributors. Therein lies the problem. How can you possibly recognize everyone when so many people have contributed in such meaningful ways over the years?
Perhaps we will one day find a way to recognize all those deserving members, but for now we can take solace in the words of Andrzej Stepien during his remarks. Why are we here (at the Center)? It is because of love for the Center, its founders, of Pope John Paul II, our rich heritage, and for one another. One need only be present at the Unveiling to observe this first hand. We can indeed all be proud of our collective accomplishments over the past twenty years, and look forward with excitement and anticipation toward the next twenty years.