THE
SUMMIT TIMESTHE
SUMMIT TIMESACPC FALL BOARD MEETING
The Executive Board of the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC), Richard Wiermanski, President, met in Elmira NY recently. Despite some bad weather conditions, Board members showed up for the meeting from California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, So. Carolina, and Virginia. Council board meetings are customarily hosted by Affiliates of the Council. This annual Fall Board Meeting was hosted by the Polish Arts Club of Elmira. The Club's warm and gracious hospitality, reflected in the genuine welcome expressed by both President John Bellinger and past President Ray Wisniewski, left the guests imbued with pleasant feelings throughout the busy weekend and appreciative of the efforts of these two dedicated Polonians and their Club members who have supported the ACPC as an Affiliate for over a quarter century.
As usual, the business sessions were fully scheduled. Much discussion centered on the very successful Youth Leadership Conference this summer and the need to maintain adequate financing for this invaluable youth program. Also under consideration were revisions to the Pulaski Scholarships for Advanced Studies application for 2003, which were submitted by Chairman Marion Winters and the Committee. The Board expressed its gratitude once again for the generosity of the Conrad R. Walas family, which has enabled the program to award $5,000 each to five students in each of the past two school years. The Committee is exploring ways in which the Pulaski Scholarship Endowment fund can be increased so that more Polish American students can be helped as costs of education climb relentlessly. New guidelines for the 2003 scholarship program will be released early in November.
A surprise donation of $1,000 for the Sembrich Vocal Competition award for 2003 by Financial Secretary Carolyn Maresky was warmly applauded. New Music Chair, Alexandria Copich reported that the winner will appear in concert at the 55th Annual Convention of the Council, which is being hosted by its Affiliate, the Polish American Cultural Institute of MN, Aug. 7-10. Mary Kosinski, Esq., new Chair of the Skalny Scholarships for Polish Studies, reported on plans for the forthcoming year. Board members were pleased to learn of the appreciative letters sent by this year's winners.
Paulina Migalska of Randolph MA, wrote that she will be using the award wisely while pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Eastern European Studies at Jagiellonian Univ. and plans to complete and defend her thesis by next summer. Barbara Szlanic of Jersey City NJ reported that this summer she made a presentation for a panel chaired by poet Anna Frajlich-Zajac at the annual meeting of the Polish Institute of Arts & Sciences and has been invited to submit an article based on that talk for publication in the Polish Review.
During the course of the business sessions, Peter Obst, Pres. Phila. Chapter KF, presented the first copies of his newly published translation, "A man who spanned two eras: The story of bridge engineer Ralph Modjeski" by Jozef Glomb. Members were delighted to obtain autographed copies of the richly illustrated book.
Paul Bosse, 2nd VP, reported on his highly successful fund raising efforts that culminated at the Krakow Convention, which go a long way toward covering administrative expenses including the publication of the Polish Heritage. Utilizing gift items donated by members at this meeting, Paul also raised a tidy sum toward the Jan de Rosen Memorial fund by the close of business on Saturday. Glowing reports of the Convention activities at Krakow this summer by Co-Chairs, Debbie Majka and Richard Wiermanski, were happily received as was their report of financial success.
A most welcome first-time participant at a Council meeting was Mrs. Florence Beane of Lake Forest CA. As president of the PolAm Cultural Network, Mrs. Beane is exploring the possibility of hosting the ACPC's 56th Annual Convention in 2004.
Saturday evening, Council Board members joined the members of the Polish Arts Club of Elmira at the Club's annual Polonaise Dinner/Dance. Council Directors Debbie Majka and Robert Maycan lead the elegantly garbed graceful women and debonair gentlemen in the opening grand Polonaise dance. Singing of the US and Polish national anthems was led by the rich and vibrant voice of Mrs. Valentina Kozlowski, Pres., Kopernik Polish Cultural Society. After a splendid dinner, guests danced away the evening to the lively music of Bob Melnyk's Orchestra.
The weekend was concluded at Mass, Sunday, in the beautifully restored St. Casimir's Church. ACPC members were moved by the mention of the organization in the Celebrant's prayers, as well as the stirring rendition of "Serdeczna Matko" by the choir, directed by Ray Wisniewski. Breakfast after Mass was hosted by the local Club in the congenial atmosphere of the White Eagle Club.
It was a weekend of accomplishments, of sharing in the brotherhood of our Polish values and of enjoying bountiful graces poured upon the visitors by the Polish Arts Club/ACPC members of Elmira.
The American Council for Polish Culture always welcomes new members. Readers who may be interested in the Council's rich cultural activities and fellowship, are cordially invited to join the ACPC, only $10 annually contact:
Mrs. Anna-Mae Maglaty, 35 Fernridge Rd., West Hartford CT 06107, tel. (860) 521-7621; amaglou@aol.com
© Copyright 2002 by Andrzej M. Salski