Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
One hundred years of buses in Toruń
A real treat awaited lovers of public transport and vintage vehicles on Saturday, November 16, 2024. On that day, on the hundredth anniversary of the departure of the first city bus on the streets of Toruń, the Municipal Transport Company invited passengers for free rides on the Jelcz "Ogorek" and Jelcz 120 MM/1.
- Over the past hundred years, Toruń's public transport has gone through various events. It all started with four Fords in 1924, and today we have hybrid and electric buses in our fleet. They are becoming more and more comfortable and ecological - says Zbigniew Wyszogrodzki, president of the Municipal Public Transport Company in Toruń. - But today we wanted to remind the older and show the younger ones how people used to travel. Hence the idea of taking rides in old, historic buses.
There was no shortage of fans of retro travel. A total of several hundred people took advantage of the courses – older, younger, Toruń residents and others.
- In the 60s, I used to travel to school in a "Ogorek" and sometimes, in a version outside the city, to my grandparents in the countryside. I was happy that the bus was running and I didn't have to walk to class. Back then, I thought it was a comfortable ride. Only now, after today's ride, do I see the difference between those and today's buses - laughs Mrs. Maria. - It's nice to reminisce and go back to my childhood for a moment, but it's good that now you travel in a different, much higher standard.
Mr. Waldemar used to drive a "Ogorek" in PKS. His grandson, a great lover of vintage vehicles, told him about the Saturday rides. "It's great that I have the opportunity to ride in an old Jelcz again, even if only as a passenger. I really liked my job and after retiring I missed driving for a long time. Although it was hard at times. The frosts were so bad that the oil froze and we had to make a fire to heat it up. Or the starters - they often broke down. Those were hard times, but it's good to remember, " he says.
Oskar, a tall man, came to Toruń from Bydgoszcz for a ride. " I like history and I'm passionate about motoring, so when they fit together, I take advantage. In Bydgoszcz, I always take part in old car rallies, I was at the bus parade, and now I'm here. It was worth it, although I have to bend down so as not to hit my head on the roof. I have my wife and daughters with me and they like it too. This is our second ride, and if it works out, we'll do another lap ," the man announces.
- I'm here with my mother and for us it's a sentimental journey. My parents met in the 70s on a city bus, on their way to school. Sometimes on their wedding anniversary they would drive along their old route, it was their tradition. Unfortunately, my father passed away last year and my mother, when she found out that there were such historic routes, wanted to go. I was a bit afraid that she would be sad, but no, she's happy - says the woman, who is about 50 years old.
It is worth recalling that the first buses on the streets of Toruń appeared on November 16, 1924. These were four Ford vehicles running between Toruń Miasto Station and Toruń Przedmieście (Główny) Station. A year later, buses reached Podgórze and Jakubskie Przedmieście. Since then, city bus transport in the city of Copernicus has gone through various vicissitudes - from withdrawal due to unprofitability to a great boom caused by the possibility of obtaining EU funds, which Toruń diligently takes advantage of. Year by year, our rolling stock and the accompanying infrastructure are becoming more and more modern, comfortable, adapted to the needs of people with special needs, reliable and ecological.
In 2018, 14 modern, hybrid MAN buses appeared on the streets of Toruń, in 2022 electric buses appeared (currently there are 10) and further purchases of low- and zero-emission vehicles are planned. Next summer, four more hybrid buses will arrive in Toruń (from the municipality's own funds), and on October 31 this year, an agreement was signed for co-financing the purchase of 25 modern electric buses from KPO. The first delivery of vehicles is planned for the turn of 2025 and 2026. As external funds are obtained, the rolling stock will continue to be gradually replaced with new ones.
World Cinema Week in Torun
Two hundred films, world-famous guests, workshops and discussions, meetings with masters, equipment fairs – on November 16, the Cultural and Congress Center will host the grand opening of the 32nd International Film Festival EnergaCAMERIMAGE, which will last until November 24.
The event, organized since 1993, is primarily dedicated to cinematographers, which distinguishes it from other world events. It draws attention to the great role that the image plays in the reception of the work. However, this does not mean that beautiful photos are the only criterion for qualifying a production for the festival set. "The goal of the creators is to find the perfect compromise between an attractive and refined visual form of the work and intriguing and engaging content," write the organizers from the Tumult Foundation.
The opening will feature "Blitz" directed by Steve McQueen, with cinematography by Yorick Le Saux. The story is set during World War II. Nine-year-old George is evacuated from London to the countryside, but against the will of adults, despite the dangers, he decides to return to his mother. The closing film of EnergaCAMERIMAGE will be "Wicked" by John M Chu, with cinematography by Alice Brooks, who will visit Toruń once again. It is a visually beautiful story of two witch friends whose relationship is put to the test.
The festival's special screenings will include films such as "Maria" with Angelina Jolie as the greatest singer of all time, Maria Callas, and the western "Rust", associated with the tragic event on the set when actor and producer Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins with a prop gun.
The Golden Frog in the Main Competition will be competed for by, among others, “Emilia Pérez” (France/USA) by Jacques Audiard with cinematography by Paul Guilhaume, the fact-based “The Fire Inside” (USA) by Rachel Morrison with cinematography by Rina Yang, and the Danish-Polish-Swedish “Girl with a Needle” by Magnus von Horn, with cinematography by Michał Dymek.
Let us recall that in addition to the Main Competition and special premiere screenings with the participation of their creators, the festival also includes competitions for: Polish films, student etudes, documentaries, debuts, television series, music videos and advertising spots.
The truly international nature of the festival is evidenced by the numbers. According to the organizers, last year participants from 75 countries came to Toruń, including 823 cinematographers and 1,200 representatives of film schools from all over the world.
As always, the names of the stars visiting the festival cause a great stir. Let us recall that in previous years they included David Lynch, Edward Norton, Quentin Tarantino, Richard Gere, while last year Willem Dafoe, Adam Driver, Sean Penn, Peter Dinklage and Bob Geldof appeared in the hall at Jordanki. "The most important guests of this year's edition will include: actress Cate Blanchett, who will head the jury of the main competition, actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who was awarded the Award for Best Performance in a Television Series, cinematographer Ed Lachman, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and documentarian Gianfranco Rosi, who will be honored with the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Documentary Filmmaking."
The accompanying event of EnergaCamerimage will be the exhibition “Manifesto” by Julian Rosefeld – a film installation presented on multiple screens devoted to various artistic manifestos. The artist invited Cate Blanchett to create the work, who played several characters, including a teacher, a puppeteer, a news presenter, a factory worker and a homeless man. The artist will take part in the opening of the exhibition.
Those interested in participating in the festival can purchase an Entry Card entitling them to participate in all festival events, or they can also buy single tickets. However, they must first register on the website camerimage.pl
Autumn on two wheels. Jakuszycka Glade in a colorful robe – close to Boleslawiec
Instead of snow – colorful leaves, instead of skis – two wheels, which allow you to discover a completely new version of this unique place. Polana Jakuszycka, associated primarily with winter sports, in autumn tempts with picturesque bike trails leading through the Jizera Mountains.
Additionally, the rich infrastructure makes this place even more comfortable for two-wheeler enthusiasts. Next to it, but as an important element of this plan, is the Lower Silesian Sports Center, which perfectly complements the possibilities offered by the Jizera trails, providing cyclists with all the facilities needed for comfortable discovery of the routes.
- Polana Jakuszycka and the Lower Silesian Sports Centre are places where cyclists can fully enjoy the extensive infrastructure. The rental shop operating in our facility offers various types of bikes, including electric models, ideal for those who want to travel mountain trails more easily, but still care about physical activity. After all, such a bike does not ride itself, it requires commitment, but opens up new possibilities for anyone who wants to try their hand at the trails of the Jizera Mountains - says Wojciech Gęstwa , president of the board of the Lower Silesian Sports Centre.
The trails lead through peaceful meadows, peat bogs and forested hills, creating a unique mosaic of landscapes. Each route hides something unique: the route to Chatka Górzystów through Schronisko Orle tempts with silence and the wild beauty of nature, while the Jizera Society Route offers a 19-kilometre adventure on dirt roads with views of the Jizera Mountains and the Karkonosze Mountains.
– More experienced cyclists can tackle the “Gravelem through Jizerskie” route, a 64-kilometre loop that starts at the Lower Silesian Sports Centre on Polana Jakuszycka. The route leads through picturesque areas, towards the Orle Shelter and stops at the viewpoint on Samolot, from where there is a unique panorama of the Izera landscape. It also leads, among others, through Polana Izerska and Hala Izerska, to the charming Chatka Górzystów. This is a real adventure for lovers of mountain trails, combining sporting effort with the unique beauty of nature on every section. However, these are not all the cycling attractions of the Jizera Mountains. Cycling trails in the Jizera Mountains and Karkonosze cover almost 200 kilometres of various routes: from family trails to demanding technical sections. The areas around Jakuszyce offer peace and picturesque views, while at the same time being an arena of challenges for experienced cyclists. Singletracks in the vicinity of Świeradów lead through wild, mountainous areas, offering unique experiences and contact with nature at every turn – adds President Gęstwa.
What attracts cycling tourists and distinguishes Jakuszyce from other mountain regions is the gentle terrain. Thanks to the small elevations, even longer routes, such as the 30-kilometer loop, do not require much effort and allow you to enjoy mountain views without exhausting climbs. This is a great place for those who are just starting their adventure with mountain bike trails, they can discover their charms in a more accessible way.
After cycling, it's time to take a breather in the Lower Silesian Sports Centre, which offers excellent opportunities for relaxation and regeneration. You can find solace in the pool or sauna, and strengthen your tired body with a solid meal in the Jakuszycka Restaurant. Its windows overlook the picturesque Polana, and the menu - varied and tailored to different needs, will work well both after a demanding workout and intensive relaxation.
It is impossible not to get the impression that Polana Jakuszycka opens a completely new chapter in autumn. The abundance of bike trails and the full infrastructure of the Lower Silesian Sports Centre make it a place that invites you to discover mountain trails in a colourful version. This is the perfect time to look at Jakuszyce from the perspective of two wheels and feel the magic of the Jizera Mountains anew.
On November 29th in Bolesławiec at the Old Theatre we will see an excellent World Music Concert
World Music Concert! This is another concert series under the slogan from Operetta to Hits of Stage Music. An exceptional 10-person group of musicians and soloists from different European countries will take us on this musical journey. We will hear and see unique arrangements, previously unknown versions of well-known and beloved songs live!
The artists will present, among others, Libertango (Accordion), Arias from Fiddler on the Roof, operetta hits, music from the film "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Scent of a Woman", French Song (Edith Piaf), Charming Georgian Ballads as well as Italian hits in a medley Volare, My way and many others, which will remain a surprise until the day of the concert.
Tickets can be purchased HERE
Weekend 23-24.11.2024 in Żagań and the surrounding area. There will be great concerts and a festival!
The weekend of November 23-24, 2024 in Żagań is expected to be cloudy and rainy, but that doesn't mean you have to stay home! There will be a lot of cool events and concerts. Among others, there will be jubilee events on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Octava choir from Żagań, as well as the Great Hunt in the Żagań Forest. There will be a great plant festival in nearby Bolesławiec. It is worth saving time and going to an event in the area.
Saturday, November 23, 2024 in Żagań
- The running group from Żagań invites you at 9:00 for the 61st edition of parkrun in the Żagań park, over a distance of 5 km.
- The Octava Choir invites you to extraordinary concerts, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of its existence. The first concert will take place on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Żagań, at Klasztorny Square. We will hear Igor Jankowski's Decalogue, a cantata for choir, soloists, organ, strings and narrators.
- The Żagań Palace of Culture invites you to the Crystal Hall at 6:00 PM for the Grand Royal Ballet "Swan Lake". Tickets for buy a ticket.
Żagań artists invite you at 6:00 PM at the Żagań Palace of Culture to the opening of the exhibition "9th World - vision". Admission to the event is free.
The Grind & Roll team will finally come to Żagań and show up at the Power Plant!!
- Grind & Roll is a traveling circus, bringing together a lot of friendly bands from different corners of Poland! The Elektrownia Music Club on Konopnicka Street offers a treat for rock lovers. They will perform: 7:00 PM Carnis - GrindCore - Olsztyn, 7:45 PM Humanity Abortion - Progressive Death Metal - Kalisz, 8:30 PM Witchrite - Thrash Death Crust - Landsberg, 9:15 PM Anal Tonda - GrindCore - Osterdam/Warsaw, 10:00 PM Final SIx - Power Grindcore - Poznań. Tickets PLN 50.
Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24, 2024 in Bolesławiec
- On Saturday and Sunday in Bolesławiec there will be a treat for plant lovers. The Plant Festival, the largest such event in Poland. It will take place in the sports hall of SP1 im. J. Kusociński in Bolesławiec, on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 24, 2024
- The Great Hunt in the Żagań Forest, or a hunting festival in the Żagań palace. 9.30 am Hubert mass in the Church of Peter and Paul (near Żagań City Hall). 10.30 am march to the palace courtyard, 11.00 am introduction of standard-bearers, awards and decorations. 11.30 am tour of the hunting exhibition in the Turquoise Hall, 12.00 pm show of the art of deer luring, 12.30 pm performance of the Representative Ensemble of the Polish Hunting Association conducted by Mieczysław Leśniczak, summary of the "biodiversity around us" art competition, 2.30 pm spectacle in three acts "The Lady and the Hunt" based on the script and directed by Liliana Nowak, 3.30 pm birds of prey show, 4.00 pm hunting dogs show. 10.00-17.00 hunting fair, hunting food, stands, etc.
- The second jubilee concert of the Octava choir will be on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 4:00 PM at the Żagań Palace of Culture. The Octava choir will perform under the baton of Emilia Wójcik, the Res Musica choir conducted by Nina Salamon-Franczuk. Guest performances will include Professor Iwona Wiśniewska-Salamon and the Ocean Dźwięku chamber orchestra.
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