Polish American Congress Michigan Division Meets with Michigan National Guard Soldiers

Polish American Congress-MI

Meets with Michigan National Guard Soldiers

On September 8, 2020 a 15-member team from PAC-MI presented an orientation program to 69 Michigan National Guard soldiers, whose unit is being deployed to serve 10 months with NATO security forces in Poland. Upon receiving the invitation this summer from the unit’s commander, Captain Robert McNamara, our Division went to work to prepare a day of informational presentations about Poland- tourist, cultural, historical, language, music, social, and political- to help better prepare them for this experience abroad. Most of the soldiers had not travelled beyond Michigan before.  Each one received an informational folder covering many of the topics presented, as well as a bag of interesting reading about Poland and all things Polish, with pamphlets, brochures, and colorful reference materials.

The wide-ranging program included expert speakers with power point presentations, videos, audience participation, music, and sharing of personal experiences.  Among some of our presenters were: WSU Polish Studies professor, Dr. Alina Klin, who travels regularly to Poland with her students; the Honorary Consul for Poland, Richard Walawender; Stella Szczesny, from PNA and our Division’s National Director, who gave an interesting comparison from her visits to Poland of life under Communist times to changes and vast improvements in Poland today; Teresa Wiacek, of the Polish Scouting Organization, who prepared an interesting array of representative Polish music; and  (Retired) Col. Chester Szczotka who shared his life journey from a pre-war childhood in Poland, to surviving the Gulag in Soviet Russia, followed by growing up in Uganda, England, immigrating to Texas and Michigan, completing university studies and serving in the US Army Reserves, achieving the rank of colonel. We even had a member of the Polish Winged Hussars Re-Enactment Group visit in impressive full gear, sharing the strategies and significant contributions of these bold warriors to Polish history.

The soldiers were able to view interesting and informative displays about Polish culture and history prepared by our Executive VP, Barbara Lemecha. Together with the presentations, they were able to learn, probably for the first time, about Poland’s past and present, and what has influenced and shaped the country and the nation’s character.

The day was highlighted with a delicious luncheon featuring Polish style cuisine from Polish Village Café in Hamtramck and freshly baked pączki for dessert donated by Bożek Market. The afternoon’s program featured a motivational speech by (Ret.) Colonel Andrew Raczkowski, who impressed on the soldiers the importance of the mission for which they were being sent.

Our Division is especially grateful to all who participated, presented, donated, and lent helping hands to realize this unique project and opportunity. PAC-MI received a commemorative recognition plaque from the Michigan National Guard in appreciation of our efforts.

COVID-19 Update #2 to Polonia from Polish Consulate in Detroit

Dear Friends of Polonia!

I hope this message finds you and your family in good health. I am writing to update Michigan’s Polonia of some useful information in these challenging times.

As promised, I am providing some information for our Polish and Polish-American businesses, in order to spread the word how they should take advantage of the huge amounts of money that our federal government and state and local governments have made available to businesses and to pay their employees during this time.

Please excuse the fact that I am including certain information I authored from my law firm, but I am providing this to Polonia as a free of charge resource to make sure we take advantage of what is available to us. I am happy to answer any questions from any Polish or Polish-American business free of charge, to assist in applying for money (but don’t tell my other clients).

  1. Federal Government Financial Assistance. The U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed, the “CARES Act”. This provides two, very substantial financial aid programs to small business (under 500 employees). One program provides money that does not even have to repaid under certain conditions for businesses to pay their workers, rent, mortgage, utilities and debt interest. The other program offers very low interest rate long-term loans for businesses to pay working capital. Again, this is almost like getting free money to pay 2 months’ worth of a company’s operating expenses. Importantly, it is also available to sole proprietors, independent contractors, startups and very small businesses.  Polonia needs to take advantage of this!  Attached is memo in Polish and English that explains the two programs and how to apply.  Applications can be done online and through participating lenders and banks.
  2. State and Local Financial Assistance.  There are also smaller programs available through the State of Michigan (MEDC) and certain counties (e.g., Macomb and Oakland). The details of these programs are available on the website listed below.
  3. Website of Polonia Angels for Further Information.  Several of us have been in the process of launching an investor group to support Polonia businesses by providing investment funds. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 outbreak has forced us to pause this initiative, but in the meantime, we are building up a financial resource center for Polonia to understand the financial help they can apply for and receive. Please refer to: https://www.poloniaangels.com/small-business-relief-program-resourcesThis website will be updated on a regular basis.

Finally, let me also remind you of the items I previously wrote to you about, and make another special request that you feel free to bring to my attention any Polish citizens who may need special attention or assistance in these times:

  1. U.S. Census Update. While the deadline to complete the 2020 U.S. Census questionnaire has been extended somewhat, please encourage your friends to complete online now. Instructions are set forth below (in Polish and English). See below for more details.
  2. Polish Citizens Returning to Poland.  Polish citizens in Michigan seeking to return to Poland, can find details about the Polish Government’s program through Polish LOT Airlines to take them back. Details and arrangements can be found and made online at this website: Link to LotDoDomu
  3. Polish Citizens Wishing to Prolong their Stay in US. This website has details: link to website
  4. Polish Citizens Needing Urgent Assistance. We will be working with our Polonian organizations and churches to coordinate assistance programs to our elderly and most vulnerable. In the meantime, if you are aware of any elderly Polish citizens who have nobody to care for them, or become hospitalized, please let me know.

Remain safe and know that our prayers are with you all,

____________________________________________________________

Richard A. Walawender

Honorary Consul

Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Detroit
150 West Jefferson, Suite 2500
Detroit, Michigan 48226 (USA)

T +1.313.496.7600

_____________________________________________________________

This electronic message and all of its contents and attachments contain information from the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Detroit. which may be privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure.  The information is intended to be for the addressee only.  If you are not the addressee, then any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this message, or its contents or any of its attachments, is prohibited.  If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify us immediately and destroy the original message and all copies.  To unsubsribe to emails, please reply with the message “unsubscribe”.

———————————————————

U.S. CENSUS INFORMATION

Not much time remaining to complete and submit U.S. 2020 Census Questionnaire Online. Each home should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census and to complete the 2020 Census questionnaire online, at https://2020census.gov/ and in Polish at https://2020census.gov/pl.html  Assistance is available in Polish or English by calling 1-844-479-2020. In completing the Census 2020 Questionnaire, remember to include your Polish ethnic origin.

Weź udział w Spisie Ludności online! Nie zostało dużo czasu! Kwestionariusz w wersji online jest już dostępny na stronie internetowej https://2020census.gov/pl.html  W celu uzyskania pomocy dotyczącej Spisu Ludności 2020 lub wypełnienia go telefonicznie zadzwoń pod numer 844-479-2020. Połączenia odbierane są także w języku polskim! Wypełniając kwestionariusz Census 2020, pamiętaj, żeby w odpowiedzi na pytanie numer 9 wpisać: POLISH. 

September Newsletter

PAC Newsletter Fall 2023

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

9/24/23 PNA “Dożynki” Autumn Harvest Polish Dinner ($25/adults; $15/children 12 and under) 1:00PM at PLAV Post 16 in Dearborn Hts., MI; call Christine for reservations, 313-522-2748.

10/1/23 Polish Sunday at Orchard Lake Schools- monthly Polish mass at 1:00pm with dinner to follow ($20); submit reservations a week earlier: bernardwitek@yahoo.com.

10/7/23 PAC-MI sponsored wreath laying, to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Copernicus’ birth, at 3:00PM at Mikołaj Kopernik statue, next to Detroit Main Library.

10/7& 8/23 Art on the Lake- Fine Arts Show and Sale; 10:00-4:00pm; on Orchard Lake Schools campus; for details, contact: abieciuk@picrol.org.

10/8/23 Pulaski Day observances (mass, program, dinner) Our Lady of the Scapular, mass at 1:00pm followed by PAVA Post 95 sponsored program in Pulaski Park and dinner at Post 95, in Wyandotte.

10/14/23 Polish parliamentary elections in US for Polish citizens (locally at APCC in Troy); call PAC-MI office for information.

10/14/23 Klub Polonia social event-dance with refreshments- at Our Lady of the Scapular social hall; details to follow.

10/15/23 Chopiniana concert at 3:00 pm followed by dinner, at APCC in Troy; for information, call Jackie, 586-558-3624.

10/16/23 PAC-MI brainstorming meeting at PAC headquarters at 6:30pm (PAC-MI members, delegates, chairmen, officers).

10/22/23 PACCC Pulaski awards banquet at Barrister Gardens St. Clair Shores, MI 12:00-4:00 PM; advanced reservations and payment ($60/adults, $35/children); for info call Stella, 313-680-4548

10/24-25/23 PAC annual National Directors meeting in Chicago

11/11/23 PAC-MI annual radiothon 8:30-11:00; Call ins with pledges to Polish Varieties Radio, 248-557-3500

11/12/23 Polish Scouting Organization sponsored Polish Independence Day mass and banquet at Our Lady ofCzęstochowa, Sterling Hts., MI; details to follow.

12/2/23 Next PAC-MI quarterly meeting at 10:00 am at PAC-MI headquarters.

POLONIA KALENDARZ

CALENDAR OF EVENTS_September 2023

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

9/24/23 PNA “Dożynki” Autumn Harvest Polish Dinner ($25/adults; $15/children 12 and under) 1:00PM at PLAV Post 16 in Dearborn Hts., MI; call Christine for reservations, 313-522-2748.

10/1/23 Polish Sunday at Orchard Lake Schools- monthly Polish mass at 1:00pm with dinner to follow ($20); submit reservations a week earlier: bernardwitek@yahoo.com.

10/7/23 PAC-MI sponsored wreath laying, to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Copernicus’ birth, at 3:00PM at Mikołaj Kopernik statue, next to Detroit Main Library.

10/7& 8/23 Art on the Lake- Fine Arts Show and Sale; 10:00-4:00pm; on Orchard Lake Schools campus; for details, contact: abieciuk@picrol.org.

10/8/23 Pulaski Day observances (mass, program, dinner) Our Lady of the Scapular, mass at 1:00pm followed by PAVA Post 95 sponsored program in Pulaski Park and dinner at Post 95, in Wyandotte.

10/14/23 Polish parliamentary elections in US for Polish citizens (locally at APCC in Troy); call PAC-MI office for information.

10/14/23 Klub Polonia social event-dance with refreshments- at Our Lady of the Scapular social hall; details to follow.

10/15/23 Chopiniana concert at 3:00 pm followed by dinner, at APCC in Troy; for information, call Jackie, 586-558-3624.

10/16/23 PAC-MI brainstorming meeting at PAC headquarters at 6:30pm (PAC-MI members, delegates, chairmen, officers).

10/22/23 PACCC Pulaski awards banquet at Barrister Gardens St. Clair Shores, MI 12:00-4:00 PM; advanced reservations and payment ($60/adults, $35/children); for info call Stella, 313-680-4548

10/24-25/23 PAC annual National Directors meeting in Chicago

11/11/23 PAC-MI annual radiothon 8:30-11:00; Call ins with pledges to Polish Varieties Radio, 248-557-3500

11/12/23 Polish Scouting Organization sponsored Polish Independence Day mass and banquet at Our Lady ofCzęstochowa, Sterling Hts., MI; details to follow.

12/2/23 Next PAC-MI quarterly meeting at 10:00 am at PAC-MI headquarters.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

9/24/23 PNA “Dożynki” Autumn Harvest Polish Dinner ($25/adults; $15/children 12 and under) 1:00PM at PLAV Post 16 in Dearborn Hts., MI; call Christine for reservations, 313-522-2748.

10/1/23 Polish Sunday at Orchard Lake Schools- monthly Polish mass at 1:00pm with dinner to follow ($20); submit reservations a week earlier: bernardwitek@yahoo.com.

10/7/23 PAC-MI sponsored wreath laying, to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Copernicus’ birth, at 3:00PM at Mikołaj Kopernik statue, next to Detroit Main Library.

10/7& 8/23 Art on the Lake- Fine Arts Show and Sale; 10:00-4:00pm; on Orchard Lake Schools campus; for details, contact: abieciuk@picrol.org.

10/8/23 Pulaski Day observances (mass, program, dinner) Our Lady of the Scapular, mass at 1:00pm followed by PAVA Post 95 sponsored program in Pulaski Park and dinner at Post 95, in Wyandotte.

10/14/23 Polish parliamentary elections in US for Polish citizens (locally at APCC in Troy); call PAC-MI office for information.

10/14/23 Klub Polonia social event-dance with refreshments- at Our Lady of the Scapular social hall; details to follow.

10/15/23 Chopiniana concert at 3:00 pm followed by dinner, at APCC in Troy; for information, call Jackie, 586-558-3624.

10/16/23 PAC-MI brainstorming meeting at PAC headquarters at 6:30pm (PAC-MI members, delegates, chairmen, officers).

10/22/23 PACCC Pulaski awards banquet at Barrister Gardens St. Clair Shores, MI 12:00-4:00 PM; advanced reservations and payment ($60/adults, $35/children); for info call Stella, 313-680-4548

10/24-25/23 PAC annual National Directors meeting in Chicago

11/11/23 PAC-MI annual radiothon 8:30-11:00; Call ins with pledges to Polish Varieties Radio, 248-557-3500

11/12/23 Polish Scouting Organization sponsored Polish Independence Day mass and banquet at Our Lady ofCzęstochowa, Sterling Hts., MI; details to follow.

12/2/23 Next PAC-MI quarterly meeting at 10:00 am at PAC-MI headquarters.

 

Quarterly General Meeting

Polish American Congress

Michigan Division

Quarterly General Meeting

Monday, September 18, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

 at PAC-MI Office

11333 Jos. Campau, Hamtramck

Office:(313) 365-9400 

Please notice, there is no charge for

 parking in Hamtramck,

POLISH DAY PARADE INVITATION!

Greetings PAC-MI Members and Polonia Friends!

On behalf of the Polish American Congress-Michigan and the Polish Day Parade CommitteeI invite everyone to join us at the parade this Saturday in Warren. The parade’s assembly will take place at the Cousino High School parking lot at 3:00 and the parade starts at 4:10pm.

This year’s new parade route begins at 13 Mile Rd. and Hoover, continues onto Common Rd (which is 12 1/2 Mile and will be closed to traffic during the parade, starting at 3:00pm). The Parade will culminate at the Warren Civic Center grounds, where the Warren Birthday Bash is taking place. The Civic Center stage will serve as the reviewing stand featuring the Parade Committee Chairman, Hon. John Chmura, and other dignitaries, along with this year’s Parade Grand Marshal, Vinnie Dombroski, band leader of Sponge. See map and more info on parade website: www.polishdayparade.com.

We invite all PAC members and friends of Polonia to march with us behind the parade banner or ride in the decorated 12 passenger van (if marching does not suit you). We want everyone to get into the Polish Day Parade spirit which celebrates our Polish pride and heritage. You will be impressed by the newly built float (artistic creation of the Parade Company) made especially for this year’s occasion.

It promises to be a fun event!

Kindly let me know by email, text, or phone (313-663-6046) if you plan to join us and if you will be marching or riding in the van (12-person limit). This year bleachers will be provided at the beginning of the parade route on Common Rd. for all who wish to view it and cheer us on from there. Bring a friend and family if you wish-all are welcome.

I look forward to seeing all of you this Saturday!

DO ZOBACZENIA!

Ann Bankowski, President

Polish American Congress-Michigan

2ND ANNUAL “ART ON THE LAKE” SHOW AND SALE

Polish American Congress Scholarship Dinner

Polish American Congress of Michigan

Scholarship Fund, inc.

‘Invest in the Future’

Annual Dinner

Pac of Michigan Home Office

August 16, 2023

This year we decided to host this event at a different venue…the PAC office in Hamtramck, Michigan. This is a way of introducing the home office to the scholarship recipients with the hope that they may be aware of what the Polish American Congress is about and possibly get interested and become involved.

Whether it has been one year or many years, we thank you for coming to this event and supporting the students who apply and have received scholarships.

We also appreciate all of our “Invest in the Future” donors. This fundraiser was organized in 2015 and since then has raised over $33,000.00. Those who have donated $100.00 or more will be acknowledged on a plaque which will be displayed here at the home office. Last year’s plaque is still up, so stop and look at it. Donations are still accepted.

A special thank you to Barbara Lemecha. Although she has a busy calendar, she still volunteered to prepare a delicious meal for you, our special guests. We also appreciate the delicious desserts prepared by Kerrie Westphal and Barbara Kulas, relatives of our Scholarship Recipients, Alec and Olivia Westphal.

Thanks is also extended to PRCUA, PNA and Joann Ozog for donating the complimentary items that each of you received today, Grace Ozog for formatting the program booklet and Eleanor Bielenda for the donation of raffle prizes.

Enjoy the evening! Meet the Scholarship Recipients! Socialize and relax with one another!

Officers of the Michigan pac scholarship fund, inc.

Ann Bankowski (Chairman of the Board)

Wallace M. Ozog (President)

Christopher Adamczyk (Vice-President)

Robert Bielenda (Treasurer)

Joann S. Ozog (Recording Secretary)

program

Welcome

Mark A. Ozog-Master of Ceremonies

Invocation

Alec Westphal- Scholarship Recipient

DINNER

Introduction of officers & special guests

Mark A. Ozog

Introduction of recipients

Gabriela Andrzejewski presented by Ann Bankowski

Alec Westphal presented by Christopher Adamczyk

Olivia Westphal presented by Stella Szczesny

Abigail Frances Wrzesinski presented by Mark Ozog

Brief remarks

Wallace M. Ozog-President

Ann Bankowski-Chairman of the Board

raffle

Christopher Adamczyk -Vice-President

Stella Szczesny-Member

With assistance of scholarship recipients

 

 

Introducing our 2023 pac of Michigan

Scholarship recipients

Gabriela Andrzejewska is in her first year at Central Michigan College of Medicine. Her major is Dr. of Medicine (M.D.) and her GPA is 3.85. During her undergraduate studies, she was in Honors College where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree and also a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Gabriela has worked as a translator for companies, community schools, hospitals, individual-families, Polish patients and doctors. She has promoted the Polish language at the CMU library by reading Polish language books to children.

At school, she volunteers at My Mich Health Center, Phi Delta Epsilons, ER Department and Infusion Cancer Surgical Center. She also volunteers at the Physical Therapy Unit in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Gabriela has the ability to integrate her exceptional knowledge and skills with her Medical training and interests. Gabriela has received the Dr. Stanley A. Ozog Grant.

Alec Westphal is in his last semester at Oakland University and is majoring in Elementary Education with a Minor in Social Studies. His grade point average is 3.56. Alec is a very involved individual. He assists PRCUA Zajaczyk Dance Ensemble, as well as, PRCUA Zakopane Dance Ensemble wherever and whenever they need assistance.

He volunteers at Blessing House at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church by setting up tables and arranging food and clothing that is provided to those in need. On outdoor clean up days, you will see Alec helping out at St. Albertus Catholic Church. He also helps at Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church Fish Fry events. Alec volunteers as a Catholic Youth League Basketball coach at St. Mary Catholic School, his alma mater and after graduation will be one of the Varsity Basketball coaches. He helps his 94 year old neighbor with anything she needs in order for her to continue to live independently.

Alec tries to help wherever he can and as much as he can because he knows, what comes around, goes around and he has been fortunate to receive so much from others. Alec has received the Dana Witkowski Grant.

Olivia Westphal is in her third year of college at the University of Detroit Mercy. Her major is nursing and her GPA is 3.89. Olivia is a member of PRCUA and is a former member of Zajaczyk Dance Ensemble and presently, a member of the Zakopane Dance Ensemble. During her dancing years, she has proudly shown her Polish heritage by performing at many festivals, Detroit Tigers Polish American Night and Jimmy Johns Polish American Night.

Olivia has volunteered at the Pope Francis Center by providing vital services to individuals experiencing homelessness and also, assists at the Blessing House at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church by setting up food and clothing to those in need.

Besides dancing with PRCUA Zakopane Dance Ensemble, Olivia is also on the University of Detroit Mercy Dance Team and Volleyball Team and the National Student Nurses Association, Inc. Olivia has received the John and Victoria Kushel Grant.

Abigail Frances Wrzesinski is attending Oakland University. Her Major is Sociology and she has intentions of attending Law School. Abigail is a member of PRCUA and PNA. She enjoys sharing her Polish heritage with others because she feels that it is very important to preserve our culture for future generations. In her younger years, she became a member of PRCUA Opole Dancers which gave her the opportunity to experience many beautiful Polish customs and to appreciate her wonderful Polish heritage. She believes that many her age, don’t know what their heritage is, let alone, even care to celebrate.

For six years, Abigail has volunteered for the American Cancer Society and for three years, she was on the Anchor Bay-Bay Rama “Art on the Bay” Committee. Abigail has received the Frank and Sophia Filipek Grant.

 

Congratulations!

To our 2023 PAC of Michigan Scholarship Recipients.

Wishing you much success and….

When the time comes, remember to give back so that you can make a difference for some future student.

 

2023 “Invest in the future”

Make a difference scholarship donors

As of August 9, 2023, the following donors have donated $100.00 or more in the “Invest in the Future” Make a Difference Scholarship Appeal. Their names will be displayed at the PAC office for one year. Thank you to everyone who made a donation, whether large or small. Donations are still being accepted.

Donna bielecki

Stanley & stephenie bienkowski

Lawrene chominski jr.

Tadeusz & Eugenia gorecki

Sally klamerus

(In Memory of Thaddeus Klamerus)

Mandzuik & Son Funeral Directors, Inc.

Daniel & Jolanta Misteravich

Wallace & Joann Ozog

(In Memory of Mary Ellen Tyszka)

Waldemar & Annette raczkowski

Patricia sikora

Suzanne sloat & ray okonski foundation

Chester & nancy szczotka

Henryk & Stephanie szkolnicki trust

Rev. Stanley A. Ulman

Janina H. Zmurkiewicz

(In Memory of Helena Zmurkiewicz)

 

Polish Day Parade Invitation

Greetings PAC-MI Members and Polonia Friends!

On behalf of the Polish American Congress-Michigan and the Polish Day Parade CommitteeI invite everyone to join us at the parade this Saturday in Warren. The parade’s assembly will take place at the Cousino High School parking lot at 3:00 and the parade starts at 4:10pm.

This year’s new parade route begins at 13 Mile Rd. and Hoover, continues onto Common Rd (which is 12 1/2 Mile and will be closed to traffic during the parade, starting at 3:00pm). The Parade will culminate at the Warren Civic Center grounds, where the Warren Birthday Bash is taking place. The Civic Center stage will serve as the reviewing stand featuring the Parade Committee Chairman, Hon. John Chmura, and other dignitaries, along with this year’s Parade Grand Marshal, Vinnie Dombroski, band leader of Sponge. See map and more info on parade website: www.polishdayparade.com.

We invite all PAC members and friends of Polonia to march with us behind the parade banner or ride in the decorated 12 passenger van (if marching does not suit you). We want everyone to get into the Polish Day Parade spirit which celebrates our Polish pride and heritage. You will be impressed by the newly built float (artistic creation of the Parade Company) made especially for this year’s occasion.

It promises to be a fun event!

Kindly let me know by email, text, or phone (313-663-6046) if you plan to join us and if you will be marching or riding in the van (12-person limit). This year bleachers will be provided at the beginning of the parade route on Common Rd. for all who wish to view it and cheer us on from there. Bring a friend and family if you wish-all are welcome.

I look forward to seeing all of you this Saturday!

DO ZOBACZENIA!

Ann Bankowski, President

Polish American Congress-Michigan