MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Dear Wisconsin PAC Members and Friends,
On Saturday April 18, our Wisconsin Polish American Congress held its regular annual meeting to elect our officers and directors. We had a very good attendance and an excellent meeting - short enough - at just two hours - to conduct all our business, enjoy some hospitality and then take advantage of the simply beautiful Summer-like weather!
We also had the opportunity to hear an excellent presentation from one of our own members, Mr. John Katzka, a retired career U.S. Foreign Service officer. John gave us a very interesting and insightful talk on U.S. Polish relations today. Following his remarks, we had a most lively and informed discussion and Q and A.
At our meeting we elected a new President and Board of Directors for the coming year. Our new President is Clare Ann Gaouette.
Congratulations and all best wishes go to Clare and her new Board, which includes Vice Presidents LuAnne Landgraf and Joe Dudzik, Treasurer Ted Cisek, and Sgt-at-Arms John Pienkos.
Back in December I notified everyone of my decision to step down in April as Wisconsin PAC president, after having served twelve years in this office. We have done a lot of good things over this time - most important - we have been a positive force in our Wisconsin Polish American community, supportive of every good initiative of other Polish American groups, and always operating in solidarity with the principles and policies of our national PAC.
Our annual Polish Independence Day/Veterans Day event - established back in 1998 - has been a great success. We have not only had very large attendances each year, we have properly honored the great anniversary of Poland's declaration of independence on November 11, 1918 and Veterans Day, while at the same time recognizing more than 60 outstanding individuals who have done so much good in advancing appreciation of our Polish heritage here in Wisconsin!
We are a financially strong organization with a dedicated membership and corps of officers and directors who fully agree on our mission. It is thanks to them all - to you - that our Wisconsin PAC is in such good shape!
At our meeting, John Pienkos and I were elected to be our two PAC national directors for the next two years. We will serve with President Gaouette in representing our State Division at the meetings of the PAC Council of National Directors to the best of our abilities.
Here I want to thank Carole Gillette for her outstanding service over the years as our Secretary General. Carole has been a tremendous asset to our PAC and we look forward to her continuing involvement in our organization!
We were proud to welcome a new organization into our PAC - we now have thirteen member groups - the Polish Heritage Society of Central and northeastern Wisconsin. Among those attending our meeting from the Heritage Society was its president, Mr. Rob Kaminski. The Polish Heritage Society is doing outstanding things in promoting interest and appreciation of our heritage and also publishes its own newspaper, which reaches more than 6,000 homes - and at no charge - six times a year. Best wishes to you and your members, Rob!
In closing, let me encourage all of you to continue our good work as a constructive and active Polish American organization under our newly elected team of officers. Together we ARE strong!
Don Pienkos
Other News:
Remember May Third is Polish Constitution Day in Milwaukee! For tickets - at $30 - to the luncheon that day at the Polish Center of Wisconsin, please contact Sharon Haberski at 414-228-4273.
Congratulations to the national leadership of the American Council for Polish Culture which recently met here in Milwaukee. They saw a lot of our rich Polish heritage here.
On Saturday April 25, one of our esteemed past presidents, Mr. Edmund Banasikowski, celebrated his 95th birthday in Lansing, Michigan, where he now resides. Ed was president of our Wisconsin PAC for seventeen years - from 1960 to 1977 - and was a dedicated leader of our organization through all those years!
"Katyn Movie showing is a giant success.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Theater was filled to capacity each night as the great Movie, "Katyn" was shown in Milwaukee for the very first time. Over 630 people were on hand for the showings with nearly half of them staying after the films to engage in lively discussions about the film and the events of Poland;s involvement in the Second World War and after. Thanks go to Drs. Neal Pease and Michael Pease for their expert leadership of these discussions!
Special Thanks also go to The University, to its Center for International Education, to the Polish Women's Cultural Club and the Polish Heritage Alliance in cooperating with our Wisconsin PAC in making this event such a success! Personal Thanks go to Waldemar and Susan Biniecki for their outstanding work in publicizing the film! Thanks to All!