American Council for Polish Culture
Spring Board Meeting 2018

Rochester, NY - April 27-28, 2018
Hosted by: Polish American Heritage Society of Rochester

(l. to r.) Robert Synakowski, Tom Payne, Dorothy Styk (standing), Judi Tompkins, Ray Glembocki

Spring 2018 Board Meeting Report

Just after noon on Friday, April 27, participants started arriving at the pleasant Hilton Garden Inn in Pittsford, NY. There were representatives from Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington, Philadelphia, Syracuse, Rochester and Binghamton. Later there was an evening meeting followed by a reception at St. John Fisher College, Haffey Hall. Dorothy Styk greeted the board on behalf of the Polish American Heritage Society of Rochester. Coincidentally, we learned that her son Alexander was among the Pulaski Scholarship winners this year.

In addition to housekeeping items there were some major items under discussion.

Terry Kita a representative from Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM), this year's host organization, attended the meeting and presented overall information about the ACPC Convention in Minneapolis, MN. Details are posted on the ACPC website under: http://www.polishcultureacpc.org/Conv_2018

We were also informed that Ms. Jolanta Chojecka, the new Cultural Attache from the Polish Embassy, will attend the convention.

The autumn Board Meeting will take place in Washington DC, dates will be posted. A location is sought for the 2019 Convention. A suggestion was made that it be held in Jamestown to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the "work stoppage" initiated by the Polish workmen, which led to their enfranchisement with full rights as colony members.

The ACPC Scholarship program received a boost thanks to several bequests. Our Polish Studies Scholarship was revived, the Pulaski Scholarship was expanded (up to eight recipients), and a new Walter Zachariasiewicz Journalism Scholarship will be established.

Results of deliberations by the Awards Committee were read. Presentation of awards will take place at the convention.
- Founders Award - Judi Tompkins and Tom Payne
- Cultural Achievement Award - Carla Tomaszewski
- Distinguished Service Award - Richard P. Porembski

David Bryniarski, President of the Polish American Heritage Society of Rochester, briefed the meeting about his organization's cultural activities and the large number of scholarship awards they had given to deserving students.

Peter Obst was given the go-ahead to assemble a new traveling poster show, consisting of 24 Polish CYRK posters. (Currently available Cyrk Posters). Tom Payne presented each representative with a folder containing 31 ACPC officer and committee chair job descriptions.

The group toured George Eastman's House (founder of Kodak). The visit offered a glimpse into the life of "Gilded Age" turn-of-century high society. The house is a jewel (or "machine for living" if you prefer) complete with a large pipe organ, synchronized clocks, an elephant's head, electric lights and indoor plumbing. There George planned, worked and entertained (lavishly). Because of his entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts, he was even awarded the Cavalier Cross of the Polonia Restituta Order. It is unfortunate that, because of technological changes, the industry that was Kodak has gone into a downturn.

Afternoon Mass was at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church followed by a delicious Polish dinner at the Polska Chata restaurant. During the dinner a plaque of appreciation was presented to Mary Ann Skalny in thanks for her family's 19 years of support for the Polish Studies scholarship. Dorothy Styk received the check for her son Alexander's Pulaski Scholarship. Afterward, several adventurous souls went to see the High Falls on the Genesee River, and tasted craft beers at the nearby Genesee Brew House boutique-brewery.

There was a light snow on Sunday morning as participants departed for home. Though unusual, the weather did not impact the airlines. Many thanks to our hosts, the Polish American Heritage Society of Rochester, for providing such a friendly and convivial atmosphere for the meeting.

1. (l. to r.) Richard and Cecilia Larkin, Jaroslaw Golembiowski, Dave Motak, Marcia Lewandowski

-----

2. (l. to r.) Ray and Cecilia Glembocki, Mary and Robert Flanagan, Rik Lapham

Photographs by Jackie Kolowski

More photographs from the event by Jackie Kolowski

3. The spring board meeting was quite well attended

4. Henrietta Nowakowski talks abut the 1619 "work stoppage" by Polish craftsmen at Jamestown

-----

5. Ray and Cecilia Glembocki speak about the booth at the NCSS

6. delegates from various affiliates and supporting organizations filled almost all the available seats

7. (l. to r.) Carol Surma and Marie Hejnosz

8. (l. to r.) Robert Synakowski, Dorothy Styk, Barbara Lemecha, Peter Obst

9. (l. to r.) President of Polish Heritage Society of Rochester David Bryniarski, Dave Motak, Debbie Majka

-----

10. Dave Motak (right) receives a miniature hussar from Ray Glembocki

11. Jaroslaw Golembiowski plays as Barbara Lemecha listens

-----

12. A "Polska Szopka" creche at St. Stanislaw Kostka Church

At the Polska Chata Polish Restaurant

13. Terry Kita, Shawn Hartfeldt, Barb and Bob Pippin, Frank Lapinski

14. (l. to r.) Matt and Carolyn Meleski, Debbie Majka

15. David and Frances Bryniarski

16. Folksy decor at the Polska Chata

17. ________

18. Enjoying great Polish food at the Polska Chata

19. Mike Leach, Rik Lapham, Robert Synakowski, Jaroslaw Golembiowski

20. (l. to. r.) Dorothy Styk and Tom Payne

-----

21. (l. to. r.) Mary Ann Skalny and Tom Payne

At Genesee Falls and the Genesee Brew House

22. Jackie Kolowski at the Genessee Falls

23. Decor at the Genesee Brew House

-----

24. (l. to r.) Robert Synakowski and Carol Surma

25. It may be One for All, All for One, but every-body must taste the brewski!

Join us at the 2018 ACPC Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Go to ACPC Convention 2018 Information Page