2023 Convention, July 26 -29, Troy, MI
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of ACPC
by Barbara Lemecha, ACPC Director
The American Council for Polish Culture is the preeminent organization in America that promotes Polish culture, history, and traditions. We celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its inception at a Convention on July 27-29 in Troy, Michigan, with the theme “Celebrating Our Rich Past – Looking to a Bright Future”.
A commemorative Convention Program Book, containing congratulatory letters and messages from dignitaries, Polish and American government officials, organizations, and individuals, as well as interesting articles on Polish cultural topic, was fittingly illustrated with facets of a diamond on its cover to remind us of the meaning of the 75th Anniversary of our organization. It tells us that we are like a diamond: strong at the core and brilliant with many facets that are our member organizations and individuals. It will evoke impressive recollection of our celebration as these Program Books are archived and preserved for future generations.
President of the host organization Ryszard Tarnicki, Convention Master of Ceremonies Mark Szpak and Consul General of Poland in Chicago, Paweł Zyzak
Among most notable moments of the convention was a visit to the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Southfield to view to the memorial honoring Polish-American World War I Veterans of General Józef Haller’s Blue Army popularly known as “Halerczycy.” Another event was a tour of the beautiful lakeside grounds of the Orchard Lake Schools, a true gem Polonia’s heritage. We were welcomed by Dr. John Radziłowski, Director of the Polish Institute of Culture and Research, who proudly informed the visitors of the amazing history and legacy of Orchard Lake.
Dorothy Gal with Music Committee Members Jarosław Gołembiowski (piano accompanist), Celia and Dick Larkin, and ACPC President Ray Glembocki.
The convention opened with welcome greetings by Richard Tarnicki, President of the host organization American Polish Cultural Society. Dr. Paweł Zyzak, Consul General of Poland in Chicago, gave a keynote speech praising the achievements of our organization and thanking all delegates for continuing the legacy established by our predecessors.
Henrietta Nowakowski, Ray Glembocki, Celia Larkin and Cecilia Glembocki
It is an annual ritual that at every convention we are entertained with a concert by the winner of the ACPC Marcella Kochańska Sembrich Vocal competition. Hence, we were charmed and inspired by the enormously talented soprano Dorothy Gal presented a beautiful program of songs and operatic arias, accompanied by pianist Jarosław Gołembiowski. The concert was followed an afterglow reception.
As is done every year, the convention ended with the Awards Banquet, where five distinguished individuals were recognized and honored for their contributions to promoting Polish culture and traditions. Following are the recipients of the ACPC Awards for 2023:
2023 ACPC Awards were given to:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Henrietta Nowakowski
Distinguished Service Award
Drs. Barbara and Waldemar Niklinski
Cultural Achievement Award
Krzysztof Zimowski
Founders Award
Carol Surma
Brian Malski
