Activity Report – August 2015

Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division

Activity Report

The Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division supports and helps promote the activities and mission of the Polish Heritage Alliance of Wisconsin.  The PAC-WI Division continues to support organizations and their activities throughout Milwaukee, as well as the state of Wisconsin.  Also, besides attending the Pulaski Council of Milwaukee’s annual luncheon and the Milwaukee Society’s annual dinner, our organization has been active in the following:

Jan Karski Exhibit – PAC-WI Division continued its assistance of the Polish Consulate in Chicago by planning showings.  Sites were: Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda, U.W. – Milwaukee Library, U.W.-Marinette Library, U.W.-Parkside Library, Racine Public Library, Lake Geneva Public Library, and the Polish Center of Wisconsin.

Canonization of Pope John Paul II – The PAC-WI Division partnered with several area churches to provide hospitality at St. Mary’s Church in Burlington, WI on Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27^th the day Pope John Paul II was canonized.

70^th Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino – PAC-WI Division arranged a special Polish Mass on May 17^th at St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church in Milwaukee remembering this special battle of World War II.

Polish Fest – PAC-WI Division actively participates in this important festival with an informational table.  In 2014, our booth featured photographs of Polish cities.

Commemorated the Many Anniversaries in 2014 – PAC-WI Division planned with several Polish organizations throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, a fantastic event commemorating the many anniversaries Poland celebrated in 2015.  On July 13^th, Professor Neal Pease gave a very informative presentation and pianist Igor Lipinski performed Chopin.  92 people were in attendance.

Polish American Heritage Baseball Game – On August 22^nd, PAC-WI Division spearheaded this event at Miller Park.  The Brewers hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Paul Schramka, from the Milwaukee area and who played professional baseball (including a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs) was the featured Polish American.

Polish Independence Day/Veterans Day – Over 175 people attended our annual November event held at the Polish Center of Wisconsin.  In 2014, the following individuals and organizations were recognized with the Congressman Clement Zablocki “Civic Achievement Award”:  Judith Free, Alicja Newell, Paul Schramka, Bernadette Swider, and POLANKI – Polish Women’s Cultural Club of Milwaukee.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Mark Pienkos, President
markpienkos2012@gmail.com or 262-325-8039

2015 Elected Officers and Directors

Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division

Elected Officers and Directors

(Elected at the Annual Meeting in April)

 

2015 Officers:

Dr. Mark Pienkos – President

Kathy Wieczorek – Vice President for Public Relations

Stephen Pienkos – Vice President for Membership

Janice Klosowski – Recording Secretary

Ann Pienkos – General Secretary

Judith Free – Treasurer

Dan Klosowski – Sgt. At Arms

 

2015 Directors:

Stan Graiewski

Sharon Haberski

Jeanette Holmquist

Teresa Jankowski

Rob Kaminski

Luanne Landgraf

Ernest Litynski

Nina Nowakowski

Neal Pease

Hedy Rabiega

David Rydzewski

Anne Wal

Ron Witkowiak

Krystyna Zuzanski

 

National Director(s) – two year position (elected April, 2015)

President Mark Pienkos is the primary National Director

2015 EAlternate National Directors:  Professor Donald Pienkos and John Pienkos

2014 Congressman Clement Zablocki Civic Achievement Award Recipients

2014

Congressman Clement Zablocki

Civic Achievement Award Recipients

Judith Free of Milwaukee:  Long-time activist in the Milwaukee area Polish community and Vice President of the Polish American Congress – Wisconsin Division; chairs our annual participation at Polish Fest.

Alicja Newell of Milwaukee:  Long-time member of the Syrena Polish Ensemble; co-founder and instructor of the “syrenka: children’s folk dance group in southeast Wisconsin.

Paul Schramka of Germantown:  President of the Riverwest Community Association of Milwaukee’s lower east side’ past president of the Wisconsin Old Timer Baseball Association and respected figure in his profession: mortuary science.

Bernadette Swider of Milwaukee:  Long-time member of the Syrena Polish Ensemble; co-founder and instructor of the “syrenka: children’s folk dance group in southeast Wisconsin.

POLANKI – Polish Women’s Cultural Club of Milwaukee:  POLANKI was recognized for over 60 years of service to the Milwaukee area community.  POLANKI has been a leader in advancing our proud Polish heritage including Poland’s rich history, culture, and heritage.