The 2013 Spring Board meeting of the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC) concluded with an invitation by the ACPC Affiliate, American Institute of Polish Culture, Tampa Bay, FL to participate in their 31st Anniversary Ball, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of famous Polish composer and conductor Witold Lutoslawski. ACPC members, formally attired for the prestigious event, as were all the guests, were very impressed by the very strong showing of the Institute’s membership when the cocktail hour opened.
Deborah Majka, President ACPC
The Institute’s program book describes extensively Mrs. Majka’s many years of service to Polonia causes. Mrs. Majka has served as president of the American Council for Polish Culture for fourteen of the last twenty years and serves as the Vice-President of Cultural Affairs of the Polish American Congress. In 2011 she was named Honorary Consul in Philadelphia of the Republic of Poland. The lengthy list of her achievements and honors includes the facts that her Saturday mornings are devoted to teaching Polish language to children and adults at the Adam Mickiewicz Polish Language School; produces and hosts a half-hour radio program, “Polonia Today” in English on Polish topics; and has received numerous awards and medals including Medal Zaslugi (Polish Army Veterans); Distinguished Woman of the Year (Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia; Polish American World Newspaper Citizen of the Year; and Poland’s Krzyz Kawalerski Orderu Zaslugi (Cavalier Cross of the Order of Merit).
The Institute presented the Achievement Award to Wladyslaw Poncet, Editor of the Polonian Echo in Sarasota, FL., and an outstanding Polish-American whose WWII experiences included serving in the Polish armed forces under Gen. Wladyslaw Anders in Italy. Together with the Anders Corps he was transplanted and demobilized in England. There he undertook serious studies in journalism, politics and technology. He became a radio reporter, specializing in Olympic and other important sports events. Residing in Florida since 1990 he became a very active member in Polonia groups serving in leadership roles. For over twenty years Mr. Poncet has served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Polonian Echo. The Institute paid special recognition and appreciation to Mr. Poncet for his radio and newspaper skills in keeping the public informed of the many Polish-American cultural, political as well as historical accomplishments.
The Special Republica Award was presented to Dr. Timothy Snyder, author, historian, and Yale University professor. Dr. Snyder’s work has served to shine new light on the story of peoples of Central Europe. Through books such as “The Reconstruction of Nations” and “Bloodlands” as well as through essays, editorials and lectures, Dr. Snyder has helped build a solid foundation for overcoming barriers and promoting understanding. This is an especially difficult task in an area where emotions run high and where scholarship has often been impeded by narrow national, religious and cultural interests.
The Institute’s 31st Polonaise Ball was formally opened with a recital by Polish-American composer/pianist Jacek Zganiacz. Mr. Zganiacz delivered a breathtaking piano performance of some of Poland’s most talented and world famed composers when he appeared in concert at the Institute’s Anniversary Ball. Mr. Zganiacz’s background reveals that he had continued his piano studies and earned his Masters Degree at the Juilliard School of Music. He was also granted Licentiate and Fellowship Degrees by Trinity College in London. Mr. Zganiacz’s piano concert was majestic, filled with high energy. Appreciating his mastery at the piano, the audience was brought to its feet for a prolonged ovation.
A sumptuous four course dinner followed and then the Polanie ensemble lead the guests in a traditional Polonaise dance. As the guests returned to their tables, the Polanie dancers put on a spectacular performance of Polish folk dancing – whirling, twirling, tossing, and stomping eloquently. The audience was thrilled and fascinated by the majestic performance.
Finally, the Christoph Olesinski’s band “Renoma” featuring vocalists Elzbieta Juraszek and Ireneusz Juraszek struck up the music to everyone’s delight. Some of the guests quickly took to the dance floor, whilst others relaxed at their tables excitedly recounting and reflecting on the outstanding happenings at the American Institute’s of Polish Culture 31st Anniversary Ball.
The Board Meeting in Florida was indeed enjoyed by the attending ACPC members. The ride from the airport in Tampa Bay to the hotel in Safety Harbor was enhanced by the remarkably beautiful scenery. As we sat back and admired the lovely views on all sides, full of sparkling greenery and bright sunshine flashing over the water, we were enchanted to be in such a beautiful locality. A number of the ACPC members came from Chicago and other areas where spring was late in arriving as snow storms continued into April. Not only did the scenery and weather cooperate to make our Florida visit a pleasure to remember, but more importantly, the Saturday evening Ball was highly significant in that the guests were able to honor and appreciate the distinguished individuals chosen to receive highly significant awards; to enjoy an outstanding piano concert; witness the exciting performance of Polish folk dancers; take part in the traditional Polonaise dance; and finally dance away the rest of the outstanding evening to the merry tunes of a delightful orchestra.
ACPC Pres. Deborah Majka and the attending ACPC members salute the American Institute of Polish Culture of Tampa Bay for providing a first hand opportunity to witness the rich results of their outstanding work throughout the State of Florida and beyond for the past three decades in highlighting the highly significant contributions of Poles and Polish Americans to American society. We thank the Institute members for the Polish and Polish-American hospitality that lives on deeply in their hearts.