Civic Achievement Award

The Congressman Clement Zablocki Civic Achievement Award
Awarded annually by the
Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division

Annually the Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division awards the prestigious Congressman Clement J. Zablocki “Civic Achievement Award” to deserving individuals and organizations. These awards are presented at the Polish Independence Day/Veterans Day event.

Congressman Clement J. Zablocki served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Milwaukee’s Fifth Congressional District for 35 years. During his long tenure in office, he diligently and effectively responded to his constituents’ needs and concerns. In Washington, Congressman Zablocki was devoted to working on behalf of his country’s national security and defense. He was deeply committed to the freedom of Poland and the well-being of its people. Congressman Zablocki worked closely with the Polish American Congress in all of these areas.

 

2013 Recipients

Waldemar and Susan Biniecki, community activists

“Waldek” Biniecki served as president of the Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division from 2010 to 2012 before relocating to Kansas with his wife, Susan, and their son. As a PAC member and officer, Waldek made many valued contributions to advance the PAC mission in Wisconsin. Currently, Waldek is organizing a PAC state division in Kansas. Susan Biniecki worked at U.W.-Milwaukee for more than a decade and organized a number of excellent educational programs about Poland and its place in European affairs before her faculty appointment at Kansas State University.

Jeanette Holmquist, fraternalist

Jeanette is a long-time leader and officer in our Polish American fraternal insurance organizations. First, with the Federation Life Insurance of America where she served as President and then after its merger with the Polish Roman Catholic Union, another great fraternal organization. Jeanette has continued her strong leadership currently serving as the financial secretary of PRCUA Lodge 2308 (Young Milwaukeeans). Jeanette frequently shares her energies volunteering for various organizational activities. Jeanette is a stalwart activist and officer in the Casimir Pulaski Council of Milwaukee County and currently serves as a Director for the Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division.

Claude Krawczyk and Members of the Kosciuszko Monument Restoration Committee

Atty. Claude Krawczyk has played a key role with his dedicated committee to raise funds necessary to restore the great monument to General Thaddeus Kosciuszko in Milwaukee’s Kosciuszko Park. This magnificent monument, which was erected in 1905 by our Polish community, was in very poor condition and required massive repairs. Atty. Krawczyk and his committee worked for over three years on this project which will benefit the people of Wisconsin for generations to come.

Members of the Restoration Committee are: Judy Ramazzini (Vice Chair), Susan Mikos (Secretary/Treasurer), Cindy Arbiture, Diane Buck, Dan Diliberti, Clare Ann Gaouette, Russ Jankowski, Tamara Johnston, Donald Pienkos, Susan Plewa, and Kathy Wieczorek.

Scott Potopa, presenter of Polish culture

Scott, who lives in the Green Bay area, is not only a collector of memorabilia that highlights Poland’s great historical heritage, he is always ready to showcase these materials at school events and festivals. For example, Scott brought the armor and weapons of the famed Polish winged horsemen (heavy armored cavalry) of the 16th and 17th centuries to our Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division’s display at Polish Fest in 2012. Scott’s display received many fine comments from those guests visiting our cultural exhibit. Scott’s work is included in the book entitled: Polish Re-Enactors Handbook: A Guide To 17th Century Living History In The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by Eryk Stefan Jadaszewski.

Ron and Patricia Witkowiak, community leaders

Ron is a long-time Polonia activist in the Milwaukee Society of the PNA (Lodge 2159), the Polish Heritage Alliance of Wisconsin, and is a Director for the Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division. In addition to serving as an outstanding officer in the Milwaukee County Court system, Ron has made many valuable contacts with public officials that benefitted the Polish community in metro Milwaukee. Pat is very active in various Polonia organizations and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Polish Heritage Alliance. Ron and Pat have been an instrumental team working to advance Polish pride in our area.