1. Whereas, We call on all Poles worldwide to celebrate The Year of Kosciuszko as designated for 2017 by the Polish government, UNESCO, and other organizations, bringing specific attention to the life, accomplishments, and virtues of this Polish and American hero;
2. Whereas, We laud the Polish Catholic Church’s successful celebration of 1050 years of Poland’s Christianity last year; success in carrying out a most inspiring World Youth Day; and this year, join all faithful Poles as we celebrate 300 years of the coronation of the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa at Her shrine at Jasna Gora, requesting Her intercession for the good of the faithful worldwide;
3. Whereas, We congratulate the new president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, wishing him and the new administration success in leading and serving our country and citizens, we anticipate that his governance will serve the Polish American community well, and that he remain mindful of Poland’s security as an independent nation and support her good standing in the free world;
4. Whereas, This year marks the 100^th anniversary of CzynZbrojny, the heroic and extraordinary formation of Haller’s army, where almost 25,000 Polish Americans volunteered and went to fight for Poland’s independence during WWI, we salute this huge military effort, the patriotism exhibited by these men and women, as well as the ultimate sacrifice discharged by many;
5. Whereas, Locally we recognize significant anniversaries of 2016 and 2017 celebrated by our division’s member organizations as well as those institutions and businesses serving the larger Polonia community: 125 years of Polish Falcons of America, Nest 31; 100 years of Queen of Apostles parish in Hamtramck; 100 years of Polish Century Club of Detroit; 80 years of Friends of Polish Art of Michigan; 50 years of KlubPolonia in Wyandotte,  25 years of American Polish Cultural Society in Troy; 20 years of Fr. Joseph Dabrowski Polish Language School at Orchard Lake School,10 years of St. John Paul Polish Language School at St. Florian parish in Hamtramck; the establishment and dedication of the Shrine of St. John Paul II at Orchard Lake; and Stan’s Grocery and Deli for years of service, we wish them all continued success in serving the community;
6. Whereas, We renew our appeal to Polish-Americans, to be informed and actively involved in social and political issues of the United States and in efforts promoting Polonian/Polish interests, e.g. the proposed Visa Waiver Program;
7. Whereas, we reaffirm the Polish American Congress national policy accepted in 1991, to stand neutral on issues relating to Poland’s internal politics, as a division we reserve the right to adopt positions, as approved by our membership, on political, social and cultural issues which effect, directly and indirectly, interests of Polonia, Poles, and Poland;
8. Whereas, We renew our appeal to members of Polonian organizations, as well as to anyone who is not yet part of organized Polonia, to actively support the work of the Polish American Congress, locally and nationally, and to join and become actively involved in work that can benefit us all and our community;
9. Whereas, We renew our appeal to parents to raise their children in a patriotic spirit through participation in Polish language programs and membership in youth organizations that foster and nurture our Polish values and instill an appreciation of our rich heritage and thus increase our children’s effectiveness to compete in American society;
10. Whereas, We continue to support efforts to promote books, films, and materials, which foster the good name and true history of Poland and our heritage;
11. Whereas, We again send best wishes to our local Polish media, for continued success in their efforts to keep Polonia informed and best serve our community: The Polish Weekly; Polish Varieties Radio Program; and Telewizja Detroit and appeal to Polonia to actively support these media and their sponsors.
12. Whereas, We renew our appeal to all who are of Polish descent, and to those who are supportive of our heritage, to stand united and in solidarity in promoting and protecting the good name and rich heritage of Poland and the Polish-American community, thus enriching American life;
13. Whereas, At this time of change in the Orchard Lake Schools, we thank Msgr. Thomas Michalski for his service as Chancellor and Recto,ralong with his leadership, and pray that the Schools find a leader able to achieve growth and a prosperous future in the tradition of its founder Fr. Joseph Dabrowski, for this great Polonian institution.

We therefore, as the Michigan division of the Polish American Congress, resolve to accept said resolutions, this 18^th day of March 2017, as agreed upon unanimously by the membership at its annual meeting of this day.

PAC-MI 2017 Resolution Committee: Ann Bańkowski; Władysław Bankowski; Dana Bielecki; Anna Huk-Glaeser

 

We invite you to join us for the Polish Day Parade, Monday, September 4 (Labor Day) in downtown Hamtramck.  The parade begins at 1:30 pm.  Marchers gather at the corner of Holbrook and Joseph Campau and proceed north on Joseph Campau to Commor.  It is considered one of the largest ethnic parades in the state of Michigan with many individuals and groups participating, including political figures.

The parade is organized Polish Day Parade Committee of the Polish American Congress Michigan Division.

A long, rich history is associated with the founding of the Polish Day Parade.  In the 1930s, the roots of the present day Polish Day Parade took hold with the May 3 Polish Constitution Day observances held on Detroit’s Belle Isle.  The Polish Day Parade evolved into the Pulaski Day Parade and was held in the fall of each year in downtown Detroit.

In 1977, Paul C. Odrobina as President of the Polish American Congress, Michigan Division ad as city council member saw the need for the Polish Day Parade to continue in Hamtramck.  Odrobina said, “I was happy to continue the tradition in the city of Hamtramck by having the parade committee agree to stage the parade on Joseph Campau Avenue during the city’s annual festival.”

He continued, “The Polish Day Parade is an annual tradition that celebrates Polish American life.  The parade brings out all that is good about one’s Polish heritage.  We all should be proud of who we are and what we contribute to America.”

This year the Parade will celebrate two extraordinary Poles who risked their lives under the banner of freedom, both in Poland and America, Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Kazimierz Pulaski.  A special float celebrating these figures is being prepared by the Parade Committee.

The Grand Marshal of this year’s Parade is Mr. Ray Okonski (pictured), a well-known and respected philanthropist, active supporter of Polonia for many years, especially in the area of scholarship programs.

Come and celebrate your Polish Heritage by participating in the 2017 Polish Day Parade!

 

Once again this year Polish American Congress of Michigan held its fund raiser to help bring in needed money for the Michigan division of the PAC. Maintaining its own building in Hamtramck (since 1978) with a part time staff, providing various services to Polish immigrants, promoting our cultural heritage, protecting our group’s good name, acting as an umbrella organization for organized Polonia and serving as its voice, requires ongoing commitment by volunteers and financial support. Fund raisers and donations are the key in providing a basis for continuing the division’s mission, especially in light of the fact that 80% of PAC membership dues go to the national PAC office.   This year this event was called Pierogi Palooza II and once more itwas held at the Polish National Alliance Council 122 Banquet Hall in Hamtramck, taking place on Friday, June 2.

What was different about this year’s event was that, though there were not the long lines  with guests waiting as there were at last year’s event, participants were treated to a more varied menu of 15 varieties of pierogi from area vendors: Polish Village Café, ŚrodekCampau Quality Sausage, Bożek Meat Market, and Old World Gluten-Free (which also features vegan pierogi), and, once again, kielbasa on a bun (with or without kapusta), tasty desserts of torte or pączki(Sweet Dreams Bakery and Bartz Bakery), and of course various beverages from the bar, including Polish beers.

The crowd was entertained all evening by the Kielbasa Kings Polka Band, providing listening and dancing pleasure for young and old.Earlier, Mr. StasiuŚmigielski entertained everyoneon his accordion with beloved Polish musical selections. Two young adult area Polish folk dance groups provided added fun with suites of regional Polish folk dances – the Wawel Polish Folk Dance Ensemble and the Polanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble.  The Polaniedancers, who are participating again this summer in the World Polish Folk Dance Festival in Rzeszow, Poland, also featured a lively and entertaining “Charleston”, which they will perform in Poland this year, representing an “American dance”.  This yearthePierogi Palooza guests came and stayed much of the evening, enjoying an authentic Polish American experience, even though food take-out was also available.Once again this year they were able to browse and purchase unique Polish souvenirs from the Polish Pride of Michigan kiosk or view interesting facts about PAC-MI, Poland, and Poloniafeatured in the Polish American Congress exhibit.Share the wealth raffle drawings and 15 attractive gift basket raffle drawings allowed a good number of guests to leave even more “enriched”.

Of course, as with any event, there were the financial sponsors, item donors, and volunteers who contributed materially as well with their time and talents.Appreciation goes out to the vendors: Carolyn Wietrzykowski; RadosławŚrodek; MichałBożek; AliciaBemiss; Sam Dahr; andthe proprietors ofBartz Bakery,who helped to provide us with delicious Polish style food. We would like to recognize and sincerely thank the others for their contributions here as well.

 

Sponsors:

Ray Okonski*

Barbara Gronet*

PNA Council 122

Polish Pride of Michigan

PAC-MI Senior Club

Polish Century Club of Detroit

Bożek Meat Market

Tadeusz and Eugenia Górecki

*Significant donations

 

Donors:

Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish

Wawel Royal Castle Restaurant

Polish Art Center

Polish Varieties Radio

Lawrence Chominski (Polonaise Chorale)

Stella Szczesny and Tom Schemanski

Michael and Christine Wilk

MałgorzataLorelli

John Dąbrowski

Janina Furman

Rik Lapham

Donna Bielecki

Barbara Lemecha

Ann Bańkowski
Pierogi Palooza II Committee:Ann Bańkowski, Barbara Lemecha, Stella Szczesny, Barbara Gronet, Donna Bielecki, Jacqueline Kołowski, Helena Żmurkiewicz, Sebastian Szczepański

 

A big “Dziękuje” goes out to thesePP event volunteers:

Marcia Lewandowski

Henrietta Nowakowski

Krystyna Kuczara

Thomas Schemanski

Janina Stanton

Irena Bańkowska

Władysław Bańkowski

Tomasz Wolski

Stanisława Rogal

Wanda Jagłowska

Mary Ellen Tyszka

Richard Konrad

Marianna Konrad

Chester Szczotka

Nancy Szczotka

Carol Bennett

Brian Malski

Alicja Foryś

Zdzisław Foryś

Anna Huk-Glaeser

Ms. Klaudia- visitor from Poland

MirosławHałoń

Lee Merritt

Jasia Żmurkiewicz

Ola Konopka

Iza Szczepańska

Krzysztof Adamczyk

Grażyna Adamczyk

Pat Bargowski

Norbert Golembiewski

Stefan Łopacki

Stanislaw Łopacki

Andrew Pietrzak

James Kaczor

Alicja Kaczor

Danielle Miller with friend „Mo”

JurekRóżalski

 

Of course we thank all who came to Pierogi Palooza II, showed their support of Polish American

Congress of Michigan and we hope had an enjoyable Polish American experience. See you next year!

 

MORE PHOTOS FROM PIEROGI PALOOZA ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1305306042858143&id=241433862578705

 

St. Anne De Detroit Church, located near Ambassador’s Bridge in Detroit, dates back to Cadillac’s settling of Detroit in 1701, and it’s considered the second-oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic parish in the U.S.  The current Neo-Gothic structure, the parish’s 8th church building, dates to 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What was once Detroit’s signature French-language parish – the old school building has the name “Ecole Ste. Anne” carved into it – now has a growing, vibrant, primarily Hispanic congregation.

But once a year, for 10 days, the church becomes a site for Ethnic Novena, catered to the diverse community of Metro Detroit.

On Thursday, July 20, a Polish Novena will be held, with Fr. Ostrowski as Presider, and featuring award-winning Filarets Choir.  Knights of Columbus, Polish dance groups will also be featured.

This year the Novena will introduce a special new tradition: carrying of flags – the flag of the nation represented, the Detroit flag, the American flag, and the Vatican flag.

Refreshments will be served after the Novena at the Parish Hall.

St. Anne De Detroit Church: 1000 St Anne St, Detroit, MI 48216.  Visit www.ste-anne.org for more information.

 

JULY 18 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 1 (Irish)

JULY 19 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 2 (Asian)

JULY 20 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 3 (Polish)

JULY 21 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 4 (Albanian)

JULY 22 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 5 (Mexican)

JULY 23 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 6 (French)

JULY 24 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 7 (Chaldean)

JULY 25 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 8 (African-American)

JUL 26 – Ste. Anne Novena – Night 9

 

(seb / photo: St. Anne de Detroit Facebook Page)

On Wednesday, August 9, 2017, the Polish American Congress of Michigan (PACMI) Scholarship Fund will host its annual Fund Raiser / Dinner, during which 2017 PACMI Scholarship Recipients will be presented.  The event will take place at Krakus Restaurant in Detroit (12900 Joseph Campau).  Doors open at 5:30 pm; dinner served at 6:00 pm.  Suggested contributions: $30.00 per person (contributions in excess of $20.00 are tax deductible).  For a contribution of $250.00 or more towards the Scholarship Fund, each donor will receive a document of their contribution.

Reservations can be made by August 2, by calling 313-365-9400 or 586-751-8168.

This year, the Polish American Congress of Michigan Scholarship Fund selected nine students which will be presented with scholarships.  They are: Danielle Miller (Oakland Univeristy; major: Health Science), Ewa Sztandera (University of Detroit Mercy; major: Nursing), Hanna Gove (Grand Valley State; major: Occupational Therapy), Agnieszka Miklasewicz (Western Michigan University; major: Law), Pamela Jablonski (University of Michigan; major: Business Admnistration), Natalia Jablonski (University of Michigan; major: Nursing), Karina Cieslak (Wayne State University; major: Bio-Chemistry), Evelina Kutyma (Unviersity of Michigan; major: Public Health).

 

We invite you to join fun crowd at the new and improved Pierogi Palooza II event , Friday, June 2, 2017, at the PNA Council 122 Hall, 10211 Conant in Hamtramck, MI 48212 (guarded parking).  Good food (including many varieties of pierogi to try) and your favorite beverages (all for very reasonable prices), lively entertainment, Polish merchandise for purchase, raffles, Polish heritage displays, and a true Polish American experience are all guaranteed from 4:00 pm to midnight. $2.00 gets you in with food and beverage options to purchase.  This is a FUNDRAISER for Polish American Congress Michigan, which is the umbrella organization of Polonia serving the Polish American community for over 70 years.  We were happy to host so many of you at last year’s successful event and hope to see you back this year.  Everyone is Welcome! Come Hungry and Bring your Dancing Shoes!  Feel free to share it with your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  See you on June 2!

 

 

For more information, please call 313-365-9400.