SHENANDOAH — A local man will expound on his saga of discovering and reuniting with family from the “old country” during the next presentation meeting of the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society.
Paul Chowanski, “a good friend” of the society, will talk about “his amazing finds in regards to his Lithuanian heritage” at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at the society’s Main and Cherry streets museum, according to Andy Ulicny, society president.
Now of New Jersey, Chowanski “comes to visit the area and work (clean/preserve) the grave plots of his relatives up the Lithuanian cemeteries a few times each year,” Ulicny said, referring to the multiple St. George cemeteries in Shenandoah Heights.
Among the gravestones Chowanski “works” are those of the Racis family, including that of Frank “Champ” Racis, who was a key player on the fabled Pottsville Maroons 1925 professional football team that is at the 100th anniversary of its “stolen” NFL championship. A banner recognizing Racis is displayed at the society museum.
Ulicny said Chowanski uses his own special cleaning solvent to preserve the grave markers.
Regarding Chowanski’s heritage findings, Ulicny said that after the death of Chowanski’s grandmother, Tessie Kanick, in 1964 (in Shenandoah); and her brother, Juozas Kiaulevicus in 1965 (Lithuania), Chowanski “made staggering discoveries and reconnected with his grandmother’s brother’s families in Lithuania after 55 years!”
Ulicny said the public is welcome to attend the gathering. There is no fee; refreshments will be served after the presentation. For more information, call Ulicny at 570-462-9361 or email to aulicny@live.com.
Originally Published: July 28, 2025 at 1:46 PM EDT