We are thrilled that the short survey that we sent to our local Polish American organizations and institutions earlier in January was met with support and interest, with 20 out of 24 organizations we approached submitting their responses.
Our big thank you goes to everybody who responded! We very much appreciate the time and effort you put into reflecting on your work as well as your willingness to participate in this project. The 83% response rate tells us that the Polish American organizations see value in learning ABOUT and FROM each other. In addition, some stated their intent to collaborate more with other organizations in the future, and the encouragement of such collaborations was one of the goals of this survey.
Some information about this survey:
1. In the survey we asked two questions: Question number ONE. What do you consider your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2024? And question number TWO: What are you planning to accomplish in 2025?
2. Although we asked for succinct statements (150-250 words), some respondents provided us with detailed accounts describing their activities. After some deliberation, we decided to publish the answers in their original length.
3. Not included in the survey were the Polish language schools, the dance groups, and the parishes.
It goes without out saying that the work the Polish language schools, the dance groups, and the parishes have been doing is of vital importance to our community, and we recognize and appreciate them for it.
We decided to leave them out as we thought that the questions we were asking in the survey didn’t fit their profiles.
However, if there is a consensus that we need such a survey, we would gladly develop one. Please let us know.
We hope that by gathering the information and making it accessible, we are helping to foster better knowledge and appreciation of our local Polish American organizations’ activities, achievements and goals, as well as facilitate better collaborations between the organizations.
To this end, we included the links to the organizations’ websites (if they have one) or to active Facebook pages.
We are very interested in what you, our reader, think about the information revealed in this survey. Please let us know in the comments.
The request was sent to the following 24 organizations and institutions (in the alphabetical order):
- The American Polish Century Club
- Ann Arbor Polonia Association
- The American Polish Cultural Center
- The Copernicus Center for Polish Studies
- The Filarets Choir
- Friends of Polish Art
- The Kosciuszko Foundation Michigan Chapter
- The Polish American Congress, MI Division
- The Piast Institute
- The Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake
- The Polish National Alliance (did not reply)
- The Polish American Central Citizens Committee of Detroit
- Polish American Chapter of Commerce (did not reply)
- The Polish American Federal Credit Union
- The Polish American Sports Hall of Fame
- The Polish Century Club of Detroit
- The Polish Cultural Found – Ann Arbor
- Polish Scouting Organization
- The Polish Roman Catholic Union ofAmerica (did not reply)
- The Royal Eagle Foundation (Polish American Congress of Michigan Charitable Foundation)
- University of Michigan Polish Student Association (did not reply)
- Wayne State University Polish Culture Club
- White Eagle Sport Club
- West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society
Here are their answers:
1. THE AMERICAN POLISH CENTURY CLUB https://www.american-polishcenturyclub.com/
1. The American Polish Century Club has been very active in 2024, living up to our clubs founding principles to conduct activities that preserves and promotes our Polish heritage and inspires pride in our Polish history, customs and traditions. We accomplished these goals by hosting our American Polish Festival in June of each year. We invite six local Polish Dance Ensembles to showcase their talents during the festival. We also sponsor the Polish Day Parade Float, in which we participated in three community parades and showcased the float at the Jimmy Johns Polish Day Baseball Game. We joined or fellow Polish clubs at The Detroit Tigers Polish Night, Jimmy Johns Polish Night Baseball Game, The Polish Day Parade and several other Polish Club Golf Outings. We also awarded over $15,000 in Educational and Vocational Scholarships to the youth in our community.
2. We look forward to continuing are activities in 2025 and will work to straighten our commitment to Polonia.
Submitted by Arnold Beller, Past President, American Polish Century Club
2. ANN ARBOR POLONIA ASSOCIATION https://www.annarborpolonia.org/
1. In response to the first question, AAPA has continued our long-established tradition of organizing several community/social events during 2024, including our well attended annual summer picnic and fall bonfire. In addition, we have also participated for the first time in a large Polish festival organized by a Catholic church in St. Lyon where our Polish School in Ann Arbor and AAPA staff were able to reach out to the Polish/other local communities with information about our organizations to help promote Polish culture, language and invite those interested in becoming a part of our community here on “the West side of Detroit.” A newly organized event during spring of 2024, “Pisanki,” was also well attended by young and old to learn about the art of decorating traditional Easter eggs.
AAPA has also helped organize/support the Polish Film Festival that takes place in late fall annually in Ann Arbor where a large audience was exposed to recent Polish/Eastern European films.
During these and other events organized/promoted by AAPA in 2024, we have been lucky to attract new members and attendees, including several young families who have recently arrived from Poland, often to work at U of M or other local institutions.
2. For the upcoming year, AAPA plans to continue supporting our Polish community, help attract a younger generation of Poles/people of Polish heritage or “friends of Poland” to our organization so that we can continue our traditions and engage in other, new activities helping our members and friends feel connected to our culture and language.
Submitted by Dorota Poznanska, Board Member
3. THE AMERICAN POLISH CULTURAL CENTER https://www.americanpolishcenter.com/
1. APCC Major Accomplishments in 2024:
a. Cultural Events and Outreach
We successfully hosted many cultural and social events including Nicolaus Copernicus 550th Jubilee Exhibit, Chopiniana concert featuring renowned pianist Kamil Pacholec, 35th Anniversary Gala, “Spend the day with TVP from Poland”, meeting with Consul General from Chicago, Polish Day Parade, Scholarship Awards, Coin show, Scouting Organization Disco Party, WOSP, New Years Eve Celebration and many more private events. These events attracted over 2000 attendees and fostered a deeper appreciation for Polish heritage within our community.
b. Facility Upgrades
In response to community feedback, we completed significant renovations to our facility, including modernization of ballroom hall replacing carpeting, ceiling, and lighting and blinds, new kitchen equipment, and audio-visual technology. These improvements enhanced the experience for all visitors and guests.
c. Community Partnerships Strengthening collaborations with local organizations has been a cornerstone of our work this year. Partnerships with Friends of Polish Art, Polish American Congress, Filarets Choir, Polish Scouting, White Eagles, NSHOF, Dunajec, PNA and many more have allowed us to expand our reach and deliver impactful programs.
d. Financial Stability Through careful planning and successful efforts of our employees, we achieved our record in sales in 2024 and positive financial goals for the year. This stability helps us to invest in future projects that will benefit our community.
2. 2025 Activities
While 2024 was a phenomenally successful year we know we can always do better in each of the areas mentioned previously. We are carefully analyzing our strengths and weaknesses in each area.
There is one unifying concept that involves every aspect of the APCC. That is the dining experience of our guests (either in our restaurant, at banquets, meetings, or private events). We will always strive to make it better for all.
An important component of our success is constructive feedback from our guests. We deeply appreciate this.
As far as plans for 2025 we already hosted WOŚP, in February we will have Valentine Party with DJ Johann on February 8th, special Valentine Dinner on the Valentine weekend, and Radio Rozmaitości Ball on February 22nd. March starts with the Slavic Folk Dance Festival on March 1st. In May we will be celebrating Mother’s Day and awarding scholarships to deserving students. In August we will participate in Polish Day Parade and as every year in October we are organizing Chopiniana (a musical tribute to Fryderyk Chopin)
We are planning a couple of additional cultural events, however, since they have not yet been finalized, we cannot advertise them yet.
Submitted by Zofia Duniec-Dmuchowski, Ph.D., Second Vice President
4. THE COPERNICUS CENTER FOR POLISH STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
The Copernicus Center for Polish Studies
1. In the fall of 2024, we hosted Rafał Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, who delivered the 2024 Annual Copernicus Lecture. Additionally, we celebrated 50 Years of Polish Studies at U-M with a reception in Warsaw. In attendance were academics, artists, alumni, institutional partners, and prominent public figures, including Mayor Trzaskowski and Poland’s Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. Trzaskowski thanked CCPS for the center’s continued engagement with Poland and recognized CCPS as a leader in Polish studies in North America.
2. In Winter we are excited to host Professor Wojciech Sadurski, who will deliver the 2025 Annual Copernicus Lecture – The Post-Populist Predicament: On Redemocratization and Rule-of-Law Restoration in Poland since 2023. Mark your calendars for March 20, 2025!
CCPS is also pleased to announce the extension of the Dianne Widzinski Visiting Fellowship Program, which provides Polish scholars with opportunities to conduct and share their research at U-M. Established in 2023, the Dianne Widzinski Visiting Fellowship has already supported three Polish scholars and will allow five more to visit Ann Arbor in 2025. Their areas of focus and research include rule of law, freedom of speech, women’s rights, issues of equity, and social issues in Poland.
Jowita Baran-Widzinski Research Fellow, Winter 2024
Ewa Klekot & Małgorzata Łukianow – Widzinski Senior Fellows, Winter 2024
Paweł Bagiński & Emilia Sieczka – Widzinski Research Fellows, Winter 2025
Agnieszka Mrozik – Widzinski Senior Fellow, Winter 2025
Elżbieta Durys & Magdalena Zdrodowska – Widzinski Senior Fellows, Fall 2025
Summer Internships
CCPS seeks applications from undergraduate and graduate students studying Poland at the University of Michigan for grants to support summer research projects or internships in Poland.
We are also pleased to offer a competitive fellowship for U-M graduate students.
The Copernicus Dissertation Fellowship will be awarded to an advanced doctoral student at the University of Michigan whose dissertation research focuses on Poland. CCPS will contribute up to $20,000 for this research award.
The Copernicus Master’s Fellowship will be awarded to an incoming or current master’s student at the University of Michigan whose research focuses on Poland. CCPS will contribute up to $20,000 toward tuition or a stipend.
Submitted by Gosia Kowalczyk, CCPS Program Coordinator
5. THE FILARETS CHOIR
The Filaret Choir (Chór Filaretów) has been in existence since 1935. Each year we sing at Masses and perform patriotic music at academies (cultural observances) sharing Polish song here on American soil to ensure that our Polish songs and language never disappear.
We started on January 6, 2024, with a concert of our beautiful carols at the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society, St. Colette, Livonia. The next day, we sang carols and participated in a special Polish Mass at St. Lawrence Church, Father Roman Pasieczny, pastor.
In February, as we do every 2 years, we held an election meeting and elected a new board. That same month, we sang in the Seminary Chapel at St. John Paul II Liturgical Center, Orchard Lake, for the Feast of SS. Cyril and Methodius where Rev. Dr. Bernard Witek, SDS, celebrated Holy Mass. During the Easter holidays, we also sang at Mass in Detroit at Transfiguration Church where the pastor is Fr. Andrzej Wesley.
On Sunday, April 7, we sang at Mass in the Archdiocesan Shrine Chapel of Saint John Paul II, Orchard Lake, for Divine Mercy Sunday. That same month, as every year, we sang at the Katyń-Smoleńsk Mass at St. Faustina in Warren which is sponsored by the Polish American Congress-MI. In May, we sang again in the Shrine Chapel of St. John Paul II, Orchard Lake, on the occasion of Polish Constitution Day which falls on May 3rd.
In August, we again sang at Mass on the occasion of Polish Soldier’s Day. The church was beautifully decorated, and our Polonia always has a very good turnout at each Mass where the Filaret choir sings. On October 13, there was a special Mass celebrated Downriver for Pułaski Day. The Filaret choir sang at Mass at Our Lady of the Scapular in Wyandotte, and later, after Mass, a short concert of patriotic songs for Polish Heritage Month. On October 20, we sang at the Archdiocesan Shrine Chapel for the Feast of St. John Paul II.
One of the most important events for the Filaret Choir was a ball organized by the American-Polish Cultural Center on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of this wonderful organization. The chairman of this organization is Zdzisław Ryszard Tarnicki. The Consul General of Poland in Chicago, Mrs. Bernadetta Pałka-Maciejewska, attended this ball and she presented awards to members of various organizations and also a Certificate of Appreciation for the Filaret Choir to the Choir President, Zdzisław Foryś, thanking him for the work that the Filaret Choir does to spread Polish song in America.
On November 10, Fr. Bernard Witek celebrated Mass at the Shrine Chapel, Orchard Lake, as we celebrated Poland’s Independence Day. On December 7, we participated in the Wigilia Celebration at Orchard Lake, singing during the Holy Mass and performing a concert of Polish carols (kolędy) at the Polish Vigil supper.
On December 8, we sang Polish carols for the guests at the American-Polish Cultural Center Christmas Buffet. The following week, we sang at Mass at Transfiguration Church, Detroit, and performed a concert of Polish Christmas carols after the Mass. This concluded 2024 for our choir.
I would like to inform you that in Orchard Lake alone we sang seven times this year for which I would like to thank everyone who invited us and all those who came to our concerts, Masses, and events.
In 2025, the Filaret Choir will celebrate its 90th Anniversary. For this occasion, we will organize a ball at the American-Polish Cultural Center to which we cordially invite you!
If anyone would like to join our choir or support our group, please contact me
at (586)-944-4211.
Submitted by Zdzisław Foryś, President of Club Filarets
6. FRIENDS OF POLISH ART https://www.friendsofpolishart.org/
1. FPA 2024 biggest accomplishments in my opinion:
– Partnering with PICROL on the Polish art exhibit held at MM-O-DD.
– Hosting our first Swieconka in 5 – 6 years where we honored Marcia Lewandowski
– Hosting the Annual Wigilia
– Hosting the Szopka Competition workshop.
– Continuation of the Scholarship and Folk Dance programs and bringing back the Literary Competition. In 2024, FPA awarded $23,500 in grants and scholarships.
2. FPA 2025 Activities/Events:
– Bring back/host the Kubinski Fine Art Competition at the Garleria.
– Host Swieconka & Wigilia with other Polonia organizations
– Host an afternoon concert and/or an art lecture program.
– Host Szopka and Beading workshops.
– Participate in another University/College festival or open house
Submitted by Brian Malski, President
7. THE KOSCIUSZKO FOUNDATION MICHIGAN CHAPTER https://www.facebook.com/kfmichiganchapter/
1. What do you consider your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2024?
– Launching the KF Michigan Chapter to encourage the appreciation of Polish heritage and culture and welcome everyone to explore the various facets of the rich Polish traditions and spirit was one of our greatest achievements in 2024.
Members of the Michigan Chapter and supporters from a number of Polish American organizations and several universities throughout the state came together for the elegant and well-attended KF Michigan Chapter inaugural event, which took place at the Galeria in Orchard Lake in March 2024.
– We are also proud that KF MI board members offered to represent the KF Michigan Chapter at the American Polish Festival in Sterling Heights in June 2024. At this event, we were able to highlight the amazing events, programs, and scholarships that the Kosciuszko Foundation offers while also providing information about the Kosciuszko Foundation and the advantages of becoming a member.
– A third accomplishment was the “Obtaining Polish Citizenship Seminar,” which was held in November 2024 at the Galeria in Orchard Lake. Our knowledgeable speakers, Dr. Andrzej Kiedrzyn, senior consul at Miller Canfield in Warsaw, and Richard Walawender, Hon. Consul of the Republic of Poland in Detroit, gave an overview of Polish citizenship eligibility and the application procedure.
– It was also most fitting that we co-sponsored the 31st Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival in November for the screening of Kos/Scarborn, a film set in 1794, follows our Polish hero, General Tadeusz ‘Kos’ Kosciuszko’s rebellion plan against the Russians in Poland. The AAPFF, organized by the Polish Cultural Fund- Ann Arbor and its collaborators brought together Polish film enthusiasts and provided them an opportunity to engage in discussions and meetings with Polish filmmakers, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Polish cinema and culture.
2. What are you planning to accomplish in 2025?
We intend to keep cultivating a committed network of supporters, organize activities that further our goals, aggressively seek out possible keynote speakers of Polish heritage, work with other Polish organizations, and investigate creative ways to reach a larger audience, with a particular emphasis on young people.
Although it is still in the planning stages, our current annual event schedule consists of the following:
– Let’s Talk with Paul: Paul Juda, a Polish American and bronze medalist for the 2024 Olympic squad, will discuss his journey, the Gold Over American Tour, and the Paris Olympics.
– Polish Business Networking Event: A “mix and mingle” where investors, entrepreneurs, and like-minded Polish business leaders gather to exchange ideas, form connections, and establish a collaborative and growth-oriented atmosphere.
– Cooking alongside Anna: As she cooks for her guests, Anna Hurning, the award-winning cookbook author and home chef at Polish Your Kitchen, will offer a personal account of her Polish American background with an emphasis on maintaining Polish history via food.
– The Kosciuszko Foundation Centennial: We will commemorate and honor the foundation’s 100th anniversary, its contributions to education, and its commitment to advancing Polish history, culture, and tradition.
Submitted by Barbara Wisniewski, Ph.D., and Annette Raczkowski, Co-Presidents of the KF MI Chapter
8. THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS-MICHIGAN DIVISIONwww.pacmi.org
The Polish American Congress was founded in Buffalo, NY in May 1944, out of concern for the fate of Poland and a determination to provide representation of Polonia’s interest in America. The Michigan Division (PAC-MI) held its first meeting on November 12, 1944. We will be hosting a banquet in celebration of our 80th Anniversary on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the American Polish Cultural Center, Troy, where our new office is now located. Last summer, PAC-MI relocated our office from Hamtramck to Troy in order to better serve Michigan’s Polish American community. This has sparked new interest in our organization, and we have gained new members.
Our headquarters is not only the meeting place for the division but serves as a gathering place for other Polonian organizations.
As an umbrella organization, we are the voice of the 700,000-900,000 Americans of Polish ancestry in Michigan, advocating for the cause of Poland and the interest of Polish Americans.
PAC-MI is supportive of many Polish American community activities and organizations including veterans, churches, and youth involved in Polish Scouting, Polish language schools, and dance groups. The Division’s Scholarship Fund has been providing annual scholarships since 1972. The Royal Eagle Foundation (The Polish American Congress of Michigan Charitable Foundation) supports projects and efforts of a humanitarian nature and promotes the Polish heritage and the good name of Poland and Polonia. For over 40 years, PAC-MI has sponsored the Polish Day Parade originally in Hamtramck and now, for the fourth year, in Warren (Saturday, August 23, 2025).
We would like to provide even better outreach to Poles and Polish organizations throughout Michigan. Come join us and help build a strong Polonia! Zapraszamy!
Polish American Congress-Michigan Division ,2975 E. Maple Rd., Troy, MI 48083
(313)-365-9400 email: office@pacmi.org
Submitted by Irene Dziechciarz, Vice President for American Affairs
9. THE PIAST INSTITUTE https://www.piastinstitute.org/
As the Piast Institute reflects on the past year, we are honored to share our accomplishments with the Polish Weekly community. Founded in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Piast Institute has proudly served our community with intentional integrity and respect for over 22 years. In 2024, we made significant strides in fulfilling our mission, supported by our team of 10 professional staff members, 4 interns, and dedicated volunteers across the country.
1. Highlights of 2024 Accomplishments:
Grant Success: Secured national and local grants totaling $546,000, strengthening our ability to serve the community, National Initiative: Established the national committee for the “Light Up Kosciuszko Monument” project in downtown Detroit, celebrating our shared heritage, Dekaban Foundation: Continued to manage the Dekaban Foundation at the University of Michigan, University of British Columbia, and University of Glasgow, fostering international collaboration, Cultural Enrichment: Hosted a lecture on Polish ornaments with Curtis Posuniak, enriching our understanding of Polish art and tradition, Acknowledging Excellence: Launched the “Top 25 Polish Americans in 2025” initiative to recognize the outstanding contributions of Polish Americans in Michigan, Research and Media Recognition: Gained international attention as media outlets sought our expertise on Census data and Polish American perspectives on the upcoming Presidential election, Launched Polish Americans Today III: a vital study capturing the current state and aspirations of Polish Americans, Youth Engagement: Conducted the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) survey among 7th, 9th, and 11th-grade students, contributing to youth well-being, Biliteracy Program: Supported Polish-speaking high school students in achieving biliteracy, promoting cultural pride and linguistic skills, Community Events: Hosted a pancake breakfast to express our gratitude for the community’s continued support, Supported Scouts: Supported the Polish Scouting Organization (ZHP) during their X Światowy Zlot (10th World-wide Jamboree) in North Carolina.
Collaborative Partnerships: Received generous support from the Polish American Federal Credit Union and Hamtramck Goodfellows, enabling expanded services, Consular Engagement: Continued hosting consular visits since 2011, allowing for metro-Detroit Polish Americans to apply for an renew Polish passports.
Health and Wellness Initiatives: Provided Narcan training and installed emergency Narcan boxes in the community, created educational videos featured on Comcast Channel 19 and YouTube, organized the Back-to-School Rally, backpack giveaways, and a Senior Holiday Giveaway, held the annual 5K Walk/Run with over 500 participants, conducted two Prescription Take Back events, disseminated Healthy Births Initiative information, facilitated bi-weekly meetings with youth, parents, and teachers in local public schools, established two local Little Libraries, and hosted monthly coalition meetings, serving 10,946 individuals in total.
2. In 2025, the “Light Up Kosciuszko Monument” committee will complete its project in collaboration with DTE and MGM Casino. The Top 25 Polish Americans in 2025 will be announced and honored at a spring banquet. We are excited to launch a youth program centered on the Krakow Dragon legend, featuring a cooking demonstration, crafts, a Polish glass ornament to take home, and storytelling. On May 17th, the annual 5K Hamtramck Health Hike will commence. Additional initiatives include ongoing surveys for the Polish American Study and Polish Americans Today III book, as well as events celebrating Polish Heritage Month in October. The next consular visit will be announced as soon as the date is established.
If anyone has any questions, you can always reach the Piast Institute at 313-733-4535 or by email at: info@piastinstitute.org
Submitted by Małgorzata Tulecki, Piast Executive Vice President
10. THE POLISH INSTITUTE OF CULTURE & RESEARCH AT ORCHARD LAKE https://picrol.org/
1. What do you consider your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2024?
The opening of the newly renovated Galeria and the creation of our first formal exhibition in the new space.
2. What are you planning to accomplish in 2025?
We wish to expand our partnerships in Poland and Polonia. We plan to find new audiences for the beauty of Polish culture and new ways to bring the story of Polonia to people in our region and across the country. We will also continue to preserve and catalogue the archival and museum collections in our care and make them available to researchers from the USA and Europe.
Submitted by John Radzilowski, Ph.D., Director
11. THE POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE (no reply)
12. THE POLISH AMERICAN CENTRAL CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF DETROIT
1. What do you consider your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2024?
Holding meetings and making decisions as a small, struggling organization, to keep a Polish organization, that was established in 1914, still alive.
2. What are you planning to accomplish in 2025?
To host an Easter or Swięconka celebration and the time-honored Annual Pulaski Medal of Honor Awards Banquet.
Submitted by Donna Kutylowski, Secretary
13. POLISH AMERICAN CHAPTER OF COMMERCE (no reply)
14. POLISH AMERICAN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION https://www.mypafcu.com/
1. In 2024, between member dividends and the interest rebate, we gave back more than $1.9 million to our members.
We supported Detroit’s Polish organizations by providing nearly $30,000 in donations.
We spearheaded the drive to aid victims of the flooding in Poland and sent almost $20,000 to Caritas.
2. In 2025 we look forward to supporting our members and local groups even more as we prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2026.
Submitted by George Kurzatkowski, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
15. THE POLISH AMERICAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME https://www.polishsportshof.com/
1. In 2024 the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame and Museum located in the American-Polish Cultural Center, 2975 E. Maple Road, Troy, Michigan celebrated its 51st Annual Induction Banquet. The NPASHF was founded in 1973.
More than 400 guests attended the June 20, 2024, induction banquet “To recognize and preserve outstanding achievement by individuals of Polish heritage in the field of sports.”
Boston Marathon Champion and long-distance runner Greg Meyer, Major League Baseball star Troy Tulowitzi, Olympic gold medal-winning pole vaulter Jenn Suhr, and NFL Minnesota Vikings legend Ron Yary were inducted. In addition, Ken Kal – radio play-by-play voice of the Detroit Red Wings was awarded the prestigious NPASHF Tony Kubek Media Award and Detroit Tigers Head Groundskeeper Heather Nabrozny was given the Matt Dobek Special Recognition Award. Sports broadcaster Jim Costa of WXYT-FM 97.1 The Ticket served as master of ceremonies. The annual presentation of our Stan Musial Scholarships went to a select group of deserving high school seniors.
2. In 2025 the NPASHF will again honor several world-class Polish American athletes at our 52nd Annual Induction Banquet, to be held on June 26, 2025, at the American Polish Cultural Center. Through our banquet, golf outing, and other community events, we continue to educate the Polish Community locally and around the country with the hope of encouraging and inspiring personal excellence.
Of course, none of this can be accomplished without ongoing and tireless assistance provided by our friends and supporters. We now can boast of 168 world class athletes, sports writers and broadcasters, and sports officials in our Hall of Fame.
In addition to the induction banquet, the NPASHF holds a very successful golf event. This outing helps raise monies for the Stan Musial Scholarships. It is scheduled for July 24, 2025, at Greystone Golf Club in Washington Township, Mich.
Submitted by George Eichorn, President
16. THE POLISH CENTURY CLUB OF DETROIT https://www.polishcenturyclub.com/
The Polish Century Club Inc. of Detroit (PCC) is celebrating its 109th anniversary in 2025. Throughout those years we have been stalwarts in supporting everything Polish. To answer your questions, we submit the following:
1. What do you consider your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2024?
– Awarded college scholarships to member’s children/grandchildren of up to $2,500 each to continue their education,
– Supported marching in the City of Warren’ Polish Day Parade held in August 2024,
– Supported Polish Night at Jimmy John’s field, June 2024,
– Awarded donations from the PCC Heritage Foundation to: Polish National Alliance, Polish Day Parade, Polish Language School, Polish Maki Dance Group, Halka Polish Dancers, Zajaczek Polish Dancers and St. Francis Camp on the Lake Penrickton School for the Blind.
2. In 2025 we plan to continue our support of incoming and returning college students through our scholarship program. In addition, our Heritage Foundation will solicit and review candidates for donations to worthy causes that support Polish culture.
Submitted by: E. Gary Urbanczyk, Chairman of the Board
17. THE POLISH CULTURAL FOUND-ANN ARBOR https://www.pcfannarbor.org/
1. What do you consider your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2024?
Polish Cultural Fund Ann Arbor supports cultural events in Metro Detroit and is the organizer of the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival. This year, our 31st year of the festival, we had over 450 participants in a four-day period, along with visiting directors and actors from Poland. In addition to feature films every night, we are the only Polish film festival in America providing free screenings of documentaries and short films, debut director awards and a children’s program with age-appropriate movies. We are proud to continue our support and partnership with the Metro Detroit Ukrainian community, this year sponsoring a Ukrainian film and a documentary. Our Opening Gala was attended by over 125 film enthusiasts, an event where we recognize our award winners and visiting cinema professionals. We are always proud to organize this bastion of Polish American culture for Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit.
2. What are you planning to accomplish in 2025?
In addition to organizing the upcoming 32nd Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival, to be held in November 2025, the Polish Cultural Fund Ann Arbor wishes to continue supporting visiting Polish musicians and artists. Keep abreast of upcoming concerts and events at our website pcfannarbor.org. There you can see programs, link to the film festival and donate to keep our rich and varied Polish heritage alive in the Metro Detroit area. See you in Ann Arbor in 2025! Our first event this year is a classical concert on February 17 at 7 pm; check our website for the details. Zapraszamy!
Submitted by Andrzej Dolata, President
18. POLISH SCOUTING ORGANIZATION https://www.facebook.com/p/Polish-Scouting-Organization-of-Michigan-Obw%C3%B3d-ZHP-Michigan-100090769713009/
1. Our biggest accomplishment in 2024 was the growth of our youth count as was evident in some of our participation rate. We had over 40 members strong, enjoy the nature in the World Jamboree in North Carolina. We are at the seams as far as our meetings go. Additionally, we are proud of a continued renovation of our Bialowieża stanica. The building is a testament to a collective faith and charity of a Polish Government and our Polonia.
2. What are we planning to accomplish in 2025: We have a plethora of events planned out with our youth here locally and away. Thanks to the expansion of our main Białowieża building, we will host a world training (kurs) week this summer. Furthermore, our youth are going skiing for the weekend, going for “złaż” in Canada, and of course, will be enjoying two weeks at Białowieża in July. Białowieża will be humming with activities in 2025.
Submitted by: Dh Tomek Cybart, Chairman, ZHP – Michigan
19. THE POLISH ROMAN CATHOLIC UNION OF AMERICA (no reply)
20. THE ROYAL EAGLE FOUNDATION (Polish American Congress of Michigan Charitable Foundation) https://royaleaglefoundation.org/
The Royal Eagle Foundation was founded in 2008 as the Polish American Congress of Michigan Charitable Foundation. We retain both names with preference given to the former.
In addition to our new and more wieldy name, we now have a web site listing activities that we have sponsored: https://royaleaglefoundation.org/
The grants we have made are characterized by our Mission Statement: Advancing the Spirit of Polonia. We support a wide variety of organizations including those who may have a low profile in Polonia but whose activities are deemed meritorious.
1. In 2024 we are very pleased to have granted the Polish Scouting Organization in Michigan a donation to refurbish an (on permanent display at the Scout camp but also traveling) exhibit highlighting the life of Polish-born Janina Odrzywolska-Gazdajka, scout leader, teacher and Auschwitz survivor who continued her commitments and leadership after immigrating to the United States.
The original exhibit was sponsored by the Foundation and recently required refurbishing to continue its mission in a manner consistent with its significance to Polonia.
2. Our goals for 2025 include continuing to expand our presence in Polonia both nationally and internationally via our web site and targeted advertising.
We most recently initiated a long-range goal of attracting philanthropists to create an endowment fund to ensure the sustainability of the Foundation’s mission of advancing the spirit of Polonia.
Submitted by Henry Tyszka, Ph.D., President
21. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN POLISH STUDENT ASSOCIATION (no reply)
22. WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY POLISH CULTURE CLUB https://www.facebook.com/wsupolishclub/
1. One of the WSU Polish Culture Club’s biggest accomplishments in 2024 was holding a successful Wigilia dinner on December 6, 2024. There were over 60 attendees, and over $500 was raised through a silent auction to be split between funding the Slavic Scholarship and the Polish Club’s fund to continue to hold free events for the public. Another accomplishment is growing the membership of the club and creating a large executive board with 6 members.
2. In 2025, the Polish Culture Club hopes to hold a successful event every month for the advancement of the knowledge of Polish culture on WSU’s campus. In January, a movie night is planned. In February, a trip to the National Polish American Sports Hall of Fame is in the works. In March, a pączki sale and dance workshop will be held, and our annual pisanki/pysanky workshop will be in April. To stay updated on dates for these events, follow the group’s Facebook page: WSU Polish Culture Club.
Submitted by Elise Lubiarz, President
23. WHITE EAGLE SPORT CLUB https://whiteeaglesc.com/
Our accomplishments can be categorized into two segments, one being on-field accomplishments as well as upholding our Polish traditions, off the field of play.
Our soccer team finished in second place in league play, and participated in a Canadian tournament conducted in London Ontario, which was an all-Polish tournament with teams mostly from Canada. We were able to make the semifinals, and our intention is to win it in 2025. We also are striving to win the league championship in our home state of Michigan this coming season.
Our off-field accomplishments were hosting Polish picnics which were very successful. We hope to host even more successful picnics in 2025, featuring our excellent Polish cuisine, music, dancing and our fine hospitality. We will again conduct our annual fundraiser, that along with our picnics will extend the longevity of the White Eagles, a club that was founded in 1951.
Submitted by Jerry Kala, President
24. WEST SIDE DETROIT POLISH AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY https://www.detroitpolonia.org/
1. Personally, I believe our Society’s greatest accomplishments in 2024 were fulfilling our mission of “acting as a medium for research, public education, education, preservation, dissemination and publication of Polish and Polish American history and culture,” specifically through our programs. We were able to do this through the commemoration and grave marker blessing of World War I Polish American U.S. Army veteran Joseph Frank Bigos, whose grave marker our treasurer, Barbara Misiolek Gamble, facilitated the procurement and placing of. We achieved this through two lectures, one at the Bigos grave marker event on July 28, 2024, at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, which was presented by Karen Majewski, Ph.D., on Polish Americans in Detroit during World War I.
The second lecture we presented was specific to our west side Detroit Polish neighborhoods. It was presented on August 3, 2024, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Farmington by Professor Martin Hershock of the University of Michigan – Dearborn. The title was “Seems to Me You Have Plenty of Nerve: Polish American Women, Detroit’s Federal Screw Works Strike of 1938, and the Fate of the UAW.” The lecture and PowerPoint presentation told the story of the violent strike by workers at the Federal Screw Works plant, which was situated in the heart of our Polish American neighborhood at 3401 Martin Street. The strike was important because of the many Polish American workers who were involved in it and was memorable not only for its intensity, but also because of the involvement of a large part of the community, including many women. The Polish American workers who participated in the strike contributed toward the growth of Detroit’s labor movement and the UAW. It was a groundbreaking event in Detroit’s history and the history of our nation.
Finally, we culminated the year with our tradition of honoring community members and/or organizations for their contributions to the growth and betterment of west side Detroit’s Polonia and the community at large. This year, we honored the Felician Sisters of North America on their 150th anniversary and St. Hedwig Cemetery & Mausoleum of Dearborn Heights on their 100th anniversary, in keeping with our mission of commemorating historic buildings, churches, and individuals. We did this at our traditional Annual Opłatek, which took place on January 4, 2025, but which is our annual Christmas event. The public and our members and families are invited to join us for entertainment, a meal, camaraderie, to view our archives collection in our Heritage Room, and the sharing of the opłatek wafer. We featured three Polish entertainers: “Siostry Folklorystyczne,” DJ Doug Faillace, who led our kolędy sing-along, and accordionist Frank Urbiel, who played Polish music during dinner. In addition, one of west side Detroit’s longstanding Polish caterers, Veronica’s Catering, provided our meal.
In all of the above ways, we fulfill our mission of disseminating our work through public programs and public education.
2. Our goal is to continue to fulfill our mission and all of the above traditions in 2025. We plan to continue to introduce programs of interest to our members and the community in keeping with our Society’s mission and our Polish traditions. Specific programs and events are being planned by our board of directors and will be announced as details are finalized.
Submitted by Laurie A. Gomulka, Vice President & Executive Director/Secretary
