2020 Annual Meeting

Anderson, Texas

Click here to see the event flyer.  Click here to see the event program.

Polish American Council of Texas Holds 2020 Annual Meeting in Anderson, Texas
Story and photos by Elaine Mazurek Stephens and Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz

The Polish American Council of Texas (PACT) held their Annual Meetings on Nov 14, 2020 in Anderson, Texas.  Each year the event is held in a different community in Texas. This year, the all-day activities were hosted by St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church which was founded by Polish settlers in 1880, however, the Grimes County Census shows 70 individuals originating from partitioned Poland in 1867. 

With many health precautions in place, including free masks, hand sanitizer, temperature testing, and screening forms, despite the COVID-19 epidemic, the celebrations attracted almost 200 people.  They practiced social distancing while enjoying an annual meeting, a warm and outstanding welcome at the Grimes County Courthouse, Holy Mass, and a festive gala including an awards ceremony.

L-R: PACT Directors, Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz with Annual Meeting Host Chairman, Michael Kurtin, and Susie Kotara.

This year’s Host Committee Chairman was PACT Director, Michael Kurtin (center, above).  He and his committee with the parish did an outstanding job planning a beautiful event!  We greatly appreciate their work and great ideas!!

The first event of the day was the PACT annual membership meeting in the beautiful parish hall at St. Stanislaus Kostka. 

Following the business meetings in the beautiful Texas setting where the parish is located, the crowd gathered at the Grimes County Courthouse in Downtown Anderson.  Opening remarks were given by emcee, Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, President of PACT.  The Grimes County Commissioner, David Dobyanski welcomed PACT with fascinating comments about Anderson and the Polish community.  A Welcome address was given by Michael Kurtin, Chairman of the Host Committee for the parish.


Singing of the American and Polish National Anthems was performed by Ed Winiarski.  A reading of the Proclamations from the Texas State Legislature was given by Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, along with historical and cultural information about the Polish settlements in Texas, their contributions to the heritage of Texas, especially music, and the rich Polish-Texan culture shared by hundreds of thousands of Texans.

The Honorable Karen McDuffie, Mayor of Anderson welcomed all attendees.  Gabriel Podniesinski, President of the Texas A&M Polish Association addressed the crowd and expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for the future of the Polish heritage in Texas.

Consul General Robert Rusiecki, of the Republic of Poland in Houston, was the Keynote Speaker.  His comments are available to read here.


A traditional gift of Bread & Salt was presented to Grimes County Elected Officials by the St. Stanislaus Parish.  A group photo in front of the historic Grimes County Courthouse was taken.  At 10:30 a.m., the attendees departed for St. Stanislaus Kostka church, a short distance from the Courthouse, in private vehicles.

Mass was held at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church at 11:00 a.m and was celebrated by Monsignor Chester Borski along with con-celebrants, Monsignor Adam McClosky, Reverend, Dr. Jozef Musiol, SDS, JCD, and Father Tadeusz Rusnak.

The procession into the church included attendees in beautiful traditional Polish attire.
The soloist and organist was thirteen-year-old Elli Kline.
Following Mass, the attendees gathered for a group photo in front of the church and then walked a short way to the parish hall on the beautiful parish grounds. The blessing of the meal was said by Fr. Jozef Musiol, Pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill, Texas.

The meal included a special Polish dish, Czarnina, prepared by the Sechelski family. The meal also included delicious barbeque and sides which was catered and served by the Chappell Hill Bakery & Deli.

Ed Winiarski sang traditional Polish songs during the meal. The Silent Auction, a traditional part of every annual meeting, included many tables of donated items.
Texas A&M Polish Assn. members offer t-shirts to Angelica Docog, Exec. Director of the Polish Heritage Center at Panna Maria.

Student members of the Texas A&M Polish Association offered their t-shirts and items for fundraising for their organization and assisted with the silent auction, chaired by Maureen Brown (not pictured). The Silent Auction proceeds benefit the PACT Scholarship Program. 

Jola Dryden had a booth offering traditional Polish items. Another family sold ornaments made in Poland.
At 1:00 p.m., the “History of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church” was shared by Tommy Szymczak. Dr. John Hittinger, with the University of St. Thomas in Houston then delivered his comments on “The 100th Anniversary of St. John Paul II”.

Following reports by the PACT members, the presentation of four Polish Texan Lifetime Achievement Awards were awarded.
Congratulations to the 2020 Polish Texan Lifetime Achievment Award recipients: L-R: Msgr. Chester Borski, Father Joseph Szymaczak (awarded posthumously; accepted by his brother), PACT Vice President Elaine Mazurek Stephens, and Msgr. Adam McClosky (Mikołajczyk).

Musicians, Brian Marshal and his band, entertained the crowd and dancers throughout the afternoon.
Many people enjoyed dancing to his lively music and enjoyed his great sense of humor!

The Silent Auction closed at 4:00 p.m. followed by much socializing and the making of new friends. 

Dr. Mazurkiewicz announced that next year’s PACT Annual Meeting will be held in New Waverly, Texas at St. Joseph Catholic Church on November 13, 2021!! 

More photos from the event:

Right: Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz meeting PACT Scholarship winner, Andrew Christy (second from right) and his family.
PACT has a state-wide membership of people, families, organizations, students, and businesses. Our  nonprofit organization distributes a colorful annual directory free of charge to 3,500 people across Texas at events and festivals. The directory can be viewed on the directory page from the menu.

 

Smiles on faces of attendees who enjoyed the entertainment, food and new friendships!
Left: Ted Zawistowski, Bill Orodowicz. Right: John Zientek, Gerome Bielamowicz.
Ted Bystry, Consul General Robet Rusiecki, Father Jozef Musiol.
PACT President, Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz and his wife, Kathy; with Annual Meeting Host Chairman, PACT Director, Michael Kurtin.
Keith Rekieta family from Bremond, Texas.

We look forward to seeing YOU next year in New Waverly!