LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Polish
American Cultural Association of Port Washington on November 22, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 80th Anniversary of the Polish American Cultural Association
of Port Washington, celebrated with a Dinner Dance on Saturday, November
22, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Polish American Cultural Association (PACA) was founded
on December 1, 1933, and received its charter in March of 1934; like
other ethnic groups in a new land, the Polish people sought comfort and
reassurance among their own people; and
WHEREAS, Originally called the Polish Immigrants Society, the members
held their first meeting at 11 Orchard Street, Port Washington, in what
was then a bakery; its purpose was to develop community pride and
promote their cultural heritage through holiday gatherings, lectures and
concerts, ethnic exhibits, as well as classical and Polish American
musical entertainment; and
WHEREAS, In addition, assistance was available in applying for Ameri-
can citizenship or with immigration proceedings; translators were also
available when needed; and
WHEREAS, Eight decades later, PACA continues to be actively involved
in functions benefiting the Polish American, as well as a wider communi-
ty; benefits are held for the PIP, cancer organizations, church func-
tions, PWEF, Moving-Up Day for the Middle School, Battle of the Bands
fundraisers for medical equipment, an Annual Children's Christmas Party,
and the building continues to serve as a district polling place for
local elections; and
WHEREAS, One of the organizations most successful social events is its
Annual Miss Polonia Pageant, where young ladies of Polish descent
compete for the honor of representing Nassau County at an annual banquet
at the Marriott Hotel in New York City, followed by the Pulaski Day
Parade in New York City on the first Sunday in October; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, under the luminous direction of its President,
Irene Wierzbicki, PACA offers scholarships to senior students of Polish
descent entering college each fall; and
WHEREAS, Today, many of the descendants of those early Polish immi-
grants still live in Port Washington, and they continue to keep the
proud spirit alive; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Polish American Cultural Association of Port Washing-
ton, past and present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and
improve the quality of life for the community it serves; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Polish American Cultural Associ-
ation of Port Washington on November 22, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Polish American Cultural Association of Port Washington,
New York.