News
Polish Heritage Festival
First weekend after Labor Day in South Lyon there was an annual Polish Heritage Festival organized by Knights of Columbus. The venue of the festival was on premises of St. Joseph parish in South Lyon.
AAPA, as well as Polish Language Center of Ann Arbor, were among the vendors during the event. As the crowd was mingling around during breaks between polka bands and folk dancers performances, AAPA had a chance to present the mission of our organisation to everyone interested.
AAPA provided for the event Polish basket as well as two opening gala vouchers for the 31st Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival, that will take place traditionally in the fall. The vouchers as well as flyers about the AAPFF were provided by the AAPFF committee.
We want to thank Alicja Bator- Naguib and Wanda Walasek for their time and support.
Summer Picnic 2024
On August 24th, AAPA hosted the annual summer picnic. Members and guests started gathering at Dexter Huron Metro Park early in the afternoon – the weather was beautiful to spend the Saturday afternoon in nature, chatting with friends and getting to know new guests.
Attendance was great, from youngest babies, through teenagers to seniors, from local members to guests from far Saginaw – it was fantastic to see the familiar faces as well as some new ones.
Our Grill Master Adam Filipiak took care of kielbasa, and everyone enjoyed the variety of food brought to the table – snacks, side dishes including pierogi, salads, desserts, fresh fruits and vegetables. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the potluck! Our younger generation, after playing games at the table, took advantage of the river to cool off and AAPA proudly presented new banner with the logo of the organization. We had traditional raffle where the main prize was Polish basked of the value of $80, arranged by AAPA Board Members. This time the lucky winner was Mr. Jerzy Petryniak – congratulations! After the raffle, groups gathered around tables to catch up and share stories with Polish music in the background.
AAPA would like to thank everyone who helped to organize this year’s picnic and set everything up prior to the event.We also want to thank everyone who joined the picnic this year! Thank you for being with us and for helping support Ann Arbor Polish community!
Elections for the new 2024-2026 AAPA Board
The Ann Arbor Polonia Association elected a new board on Saturday, May 11, for the term 2024-2026. The new board members are:
- Anna Uchmanowicz – Treasurer
- Bogusia Kocot – Board Member
- Dorota Poznańska – Board Member
- Wojtek Szeliga – Board Member
The previous board members, Alicja Bator-Naguib, Izabela Ostromecka, Jake Czyż, and Marcin Szczepański, will continue to serve as advisors.
We congratulate the new board and wish them all the best in their roles!
End of school year at Polska Szkola of Ann Arbor
On Saturday May 4th, we celebrated the last day of the academic year at the Polish Language School of Ann Arbor. It was a vibrant occasion as students presented poems, a rap song, and presentations highlighting Poland’s major cities and towns along the Wisła River. Parents and family members took pleasure in witnessing the talents and progress of their children. Teachers were acknowledged for their dedication, commitment and effort. Next academic year at the Polish Language School of Ann Arbor starts in September.
Pisanki Workshop
On March 23rd 2024, Ann Arbor Polonia Association in collaboration with the Polish Language School of Ann Arbor organised the first Pisanki workshop at Spiritus Sanctus Academy School, the designated location of the Polish School. It seemed like everyone had a lot of fun! We hope to establish a new tradition of Pisanki workshops in Ann Arbor each year. We would also like to thank our co-organizer, the Polish Language School of Ann Arbor, represented by Kasia Wilbe, for arranging the delicious babka, cold cuts and fruit and veggies table.
Additionally, we are grateful Pani Iwona Jedrzejczak was able to come to Ann Arbor to share her expertise in the traditional art of egg decorating with all of us.
We are planning to add this event to our annual calendar permanently and establish a new tradition.
Polish Student Association Wolverine Ball 2024
On Saturday, February 10, the University of Michigan’s Polish Student Association hosted its annual Wolverine Charity Ball, which saw participation from the local Ann Arbor and surrounding area Polish community. The event featured a delightful evening comprising dinner, a captivating performance by the Polanie Song & Dance Ensemble of Detroit, a silent auction, and a disco. Notably, all proceeds from this year’s Charity Ball were dedicated to supporting Avalon Housing.
Baker's Sale Fundraising at 30th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival 2023
This year, as in every preceding year, the Ann Arbor Polonia Association continued its tradition of hosting a Baker’s Sale fundraiser at 30th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival. The funds collected from this event contribute to supporting various activities organized by AAPA throughout the year, such as our annual picnic, spring and fall bonfires, and other events. We are always grateful for the support from our community, whether it be through baking delicious cakes or actively participating in the sale during the festival. This year, we received assistance from Karolina Okla, Natalia Skrzypczak, and Ania and Tomek Kułakowski, significantly contributing to the overall success of the fundraising.
Wieczorek Poetycki
On a chilly November night, members and friends gathered for a poetry event hosted at the residence of one of our advisors, Dorota Poznańska. We enjoyed a delightful evening by the fireplace, indulging in delicious potluck snacks, and immersing ourselves in the beauty of Polish poetry by renowned poets such as Wisława Szymborska, Julian Tuwim, Władysław Broniewski, Adam Mickiewicz, and Karol Wojtyła. AAPA extends its gratitude to Dorota Poznanska and Basia Alvarez for organizing this memorable gathering.
AAPA Fall Ognisko 2023
At this year’s bonfire, we were blessed with exceptionally beautiful weather. The fall sun was so sharp that we decided to move our gathering behind the cabin for some shade and protection. Our guests contributed an array of delectable dishes, from savory salads and cakes to hot dishes. In addition, they generously provided snacks, beverages, and sweets.
We can always rely on Adam Filipiak for his excellent organizational skills when it comes to managing the fire and preparing delicious sausages, and this year was no exception. Our wood supply remained plentiful throughout the event.
The children had a blast, spending the afternoon engaged in various activities like frisbee, colorful parachute games, and other activities, all thanks to the diligent organization and supervision provided by Anna Kulakowska and Anna Kucypera.
During the bonfire festivities, we held a lottery, with Zbyszek Robakiewicz emerging as the fortunate winner of two tickets to the Opening Gala of the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival. Congratulations, Zbyszek!
Our artistic program this year featured a medley of well-known folk tunes, bonfire classics, and other beloved songs. To cap off the evening in style, we were treated to a captivating acapella performance by the charming sisters, Helenka and Marynia Wierzbicki.
Summer Picnic 2023
On sunny Sunday afternoon, the Ann Arbor Polonia Association hosted our annual 2023 summer picnic. Members and a few newcomers alike gathered together to celebrate the fading summer season. The air was filled with excitement as we looked forward to indulging in a delightful array of traditional Polish and other potluck dishes. The picnic shelter by the Huron RIver radiated a nice atmosphere. The tantalizing aroma of grilled kielbasa and kaszanka permeated the air. We are thankful to Adam Filipiak for providing the grilling. As members of our community were catching up with their recent updates ,a mystery basket raffle was held. The winning ticket was drawn by Marynia and the fortunate recipient turned out to be a young woman named Olivia. The raffle proceeds will be dedicated to supporting the AAPA funds. As the picnic drew to a close, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible sense of community that the Ann Arbor Polonia Association fosters. It is through events like these that we forge friendships and create memories. Our next event is our annual Ognisko, a bonfire, taking place in our usual spot at Brighton Recreational Area on Saturday, September 30th. See you then!
AAPA Board Meeting and Spring Bonfire 2023
On the sixth of May, the Ann Arbor Polonia Association held our annual general members meeting, which, for the first time, we combined with a spring bonfire. The meeting consisted of a formal part, where we summarized last year’s events and plans for the coming year, reported on our finances, and elected the next year’s board, as well as an informal part, which included a potluck, sausages grilled on the campfire, and a great deal of warm camaraderie. We finished the evening off with many songs sung around the campfire to the accompaniment of our member and talented player Gabriel Ostromecki on the guitar. The meeting was held at our board member Marcin Szczepański’s home (which we are very grateful for sharing with us), and we had more than 50 attendees, including members, guests, and children.
An election of the board for the next term was held, and the board whose term ends in May 2024 will consist of the following AAPA community members:
- Jakub Czyż as board chair
- Alicja Bator-Naguib as board member
- Marcin Szczepański as board member
- Izabela Ostromęcka as board member
- Anna Uchmanowicz as board member and treasurer
We are deeply grateful to departing board member and treasurer Paweł Brański for two years of service to the community, and we are looking forward to working with Anna Uchmanowicz, who is joining the board after serving as a community advisor for many years.
The evening’s informal conversations, campfire songs, and delicious food capped off a productive and fun evening for the AAPA community, and we are grateful to all members and guests who were able to attend. We hope to have seen you or to see you soon, at our next two events: our summer picnic at the traditional location of Dexter-Huron Metropark (Central picnic shelter), on Saturday August 19, and the fall bonfire on Saturday October 1 (please mark your calendars!)
Błogosławieństwo Potraw Wielkanocnych - Święconka
Many Polish residents of Ann Arbor and surrounding area gathered on Easter Saturday for a Polish Tradition called Święconka. Święconka is a basket full of samples of traditional Easter foods that are brought to church for blessing. The basket usually contains colorful boiled eggs, smoked sausage, bread, salt, horseradish, and ham. These days in some baskets you can also find chocolate bunnies, olive oil and even wine! Thank you Father Thomas of Old St. Patrick church in Ann Arbor for continuing this tradition.
Pasterka 2023
On January 7, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Ann Arbor, a solemn Midnight Mass (Pasterka) was held with children’s Nativity Scenes, where Bishop Earl Boyea was the guest of honor. For many years, the Nativity Scen has been included in the calendar of celebrations organized in the community of the Polish community in Ann Arbor. The main point of the Pasterka program was the performance of young Polish artists – children of the Polish diaspora. Under the leadership of Mrs. Barbara Walkowc, who dealt with the development of the script, the selection of costumes and the organization of rehearsals, our little artists presented their vocal and acting skills. The huge commitment of the young actors paid off, as it made a great impression. Together with the children, the Polish choir, led by Marta Avery, graced the Midnight Mass with a beautiful performance of Christmas carols. It is worth adding that the choristers, having no rehearsals before this celebration, showed the peak of their vocal skills. After the mass, there was a traditional feast of Polish Christmas cakes baked by our community members. This treat, in the preparation of which Amy Olszewski put a lot of time, was indeed a feast for the palate. Perhaps, most importantly, it was an opportunity to integrate the Polish-American community by continuing and maintaining the Polish tradition of holidays and hospitality. Thank you, Amy for your contribution and effort.
Events 2022
2022 Bake Sale Fundraiser at the 29th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival
This year, as every year, Ann Arbor Polonia Association continued a tradition of running a Baker’s Sale fundraiser at the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival. The collected funds go to support the events organized by AAPA throughout the year, like our annual picnic, bonfire and other activities. Additionally, this year AAPA donated part of the proceeds to Ukrainian filmmakers; an organization that helps filmmakers and minorities in and from Ukraine and all people who are affected by the war. This was prompted by the fundraising efforts of Roxy Toporowich, the director of the film: Julia Blue, which was screened on the last day of the Festival.
Ognisko/Bonfire 2022
This year our annual Ognisko gathering took place on Saturday October 1st. We were very lucky with an amazing sunny and warm fall day. The turnout was great and we were very happy to see many familiar faces as well as new ones. Below are some photos from the event to share with everyone, especially those who could not attend. We hope that this AAPA tradition will always stay strong.
2021 Bake Sale Fundraiser
Every year Ann Arbor Polonia Association runs a Baker’s Sale fundraiser at the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival. Our last fundraiser brought in $560, not a small feat considering the ongoing pandemic.
The collected funds go to support the events organized by AAPA throughout the year, like our annual picnic, bonfire and other activities.
We are grateful to all who contributed to our fundraising efforts, especially to members who volunteered their time and energy to bake cakes and/or assist with the sale.
Fall Bonfire/Ognisko
The Ann Arbor Polonia Association enjoyed seeing dozens of our members and friends (along with lots of energetic kids, and several tired dogs!) at our annual bonfire (Ognisko!) last weekend in Brighton.
Although the rain came soon after we started, we were surprised and delighted to see not only a huge turnout but virtually nobody leaving when the rain got bad.
Instead, folks covered up the food on the picnic tables, some brought out umbrellas and raincoats, and one family graciously put up a portable roof tent, where a number of people huddled happily while the party continued!
After several rounds of sausage grilling (and smores!), as well as lots of potluck-style food sharing, much of the crowd gathered around the fire to hear our friends Izabella and Gabriel Ostromecki playing the guitar.
Playing guitar, they lead the group in singing several Polish folk songs, including Hej Sokoły, with lots of participation and enjoyment—including by some wide-eyed young kids, probably hearing such Polish singing around the campfire for the first time!
The event was a true success and ended up being one of the most well-attended bonfires in recent years, in spite of the gloomy weather.
Summer Picnic
We are happy to report that this year we restarted our annual celebration of the summer; Ann Arbor Polonia Association Summer Picnic, after a one year hiatus due to Covid-19. The picnic took place in the usual spot at Dexter-Huron Metropark. Over 50 people of AAPA members and guests gathered for a potluck, grilling kielbasa and kaszanka and a great conversation. We also had a raffle for a Mystery Basket. The proceeds from the raffle go to support AAPA. The winning ticket was drawn by Ania, a lovely little girl from our community. This year we also started a Book Fair for the exchange of Polish books, DVDs and even VHS tapes. Overall, it was a great weather, a joyous atmosphere and a chance to catch up on what everyone had been doing in the summer. We look forward to our next gathering at the annual Ognisko in the fall, October 2nd. Till then, we hope everyone stays happy, healthy and connected!
2021 AAPA Annual Membership Meeting
On a beautiful, sunny day this May 22nd, the Ann Arbor Polonia Association held our 2021 Annual Membership Meeting and had a change of the guard.
Several dozen members met at the home of our generous hosts, Amy and Michal Olszewski, to reflect on the previous year’s activities, to discuss association finances and plans, to thank and discharge the outgoing 2019-2021 Executive Board, and to elect a new board.
Between moments of laughter and camaraderie (as well as some delicious cheesecake, szarlotka and watermelon!), we heard a “State of the Association” report of AAPA activities over the last two years from our President, and we celebrated growth in our membership and resilience despite a difficult pandemic year. We also inducted our slate of association advisors, to whom we are grateful.
Our friends at the Polish Cultural Fund, via PCF President Andrzej Dolata, gave us an update on the organization, and we are looking forward to the Fund’s flagship annual event, the Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival, coming this fall for the 28th time!
The mood at the event was buoyant, with everyone glad to be exiting the muted period of association activity during the pandemic and looking forward to a more normal and active year ahead.
Our newly elected AAPA Executive Board includes:
Anna Bielińska* — President
Alicja Bator-Naguib* — Vice President
Jakub Czyz — Vice President
Marcin Szczepański* — Secretary
Pawel Branski — Treasurer
* returning to service, with much gratitude from the AAPA ranks!
We welcome our new board and look forward to working with them and the entire AAPA membership on making the 2021-2023 term successful and beneficial to our Ann Arbor Polish community and friends!
If you haven’t yet, please join us!
Events 2020
27th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival November 6 - 8, 2020
The Polish Cultural Fund and the Festival’s organizing committee had the pleasure to present the 27th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival (AAPFF). The Film Festival this year took place ONLINE starting Friday, November 6, till Sunday, November 8, 2020, and it was streamed from the Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor. The Festival was a great success and many enjoyed the four feature films: Europa Europa, dir. Agnieszka Holland, Ikar: Legenda Mietka Kosza/Icarus: The Legend of Mietek Kosz, dir. Maciej Pieprzyca, Jak najdalej stąd/ I never cry, dir. Piotr Domalewski, Wyzwanie/Name Code: Challenge, dir. Maciej Dutkiewicz, 2020. As every year, the rich program included curious and thought provoking documentaries and shorts (available for free), as well the interview by the Festival’s and the Copernicus Center (U of M) guest of honor, acclaimed Polish director, Agnieszka Holland.
40th Anniversary of August Agreements & establishing"Solidarność", August 31st, 2020
On August 30th this year, a group of members and friends gathered to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the August 1980 Agreements and the establishment of the Solidarność Movement. The event took place at Hudson Mills Metropark. The celebration was preceded by a 7-mile bike ride from Mill Creek Park in Dexter and some members took this opportunity to get there by cycling. The invited guest speakers: Kasia Kietlinska, Andrzej Myc and Andrzej Dolata shared their reflections on this important anniversary in Poland and their experiences during the turbulent times before and during the Solidarity Movement. We were also honored by the presence of Richard Walawender, Honorary Consul of Poland from Detroit, who highlighted the importance of peaceful protests and the power of people that became Solidarność and the eventual defeat of Communist regime in Poland.
Kawka (Coffee) with Film Festival Bakers
In February, we got together at Haab’s Restaurant in Ypsilanti to express our appreciation to everyone who helped make our Bake Sale at the 2019 Polish Film Festival a great success. The proceeds from the Sale provide valuable funding for our Ann Arbor Polish Association. Twelve people attended the gathering and we shared treats, drinks and good time.
Wolverine Charity Ball
The 2020 annual Wolverine Ball, organized by the Michigan Polish Student Association, was held on February 8th. The black-tie event is always warmly supported by AAPA. Many members of our community enjoy this special get together with its festive atmosphere of food, music and dance. A highlight of the event was the performance of traditional Polish folk dance by the group Rodacy. Significantly, the proceeds from the Ball are always used to support a worthy cause. For 2020, the beneficiary was Gift from the Heart Dar Serca Foundation.
Pasterka
Every year for many years our association organizes Pasterka – Shephers’ Mass at St. Francis of Assisi church. This year’s mass took place on January 20th in the main church, and as in previous years, we had the pleasure of listening to the Polish choir from Troy – Choir Filareci. The group performed traditional Christmas repertoire, including a couple of kolędy – traditional Polish Christmas songs. After the service, we also gathered for a light reception at the Parish Activities Center with traditional Christmas dishes prepared by volunteers from the church, in addition to those brought by the event attendees.
Events - 2019
The 26th Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival
8 - 10 November 2019
This year’s Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival lived up to the high level we got to expect over the years. The festival, which exhibited several well-made, thought-provoking films, brought together the Polish community in Ann Arbor and Michigan. It was a true celebration of Polish culture and included something for everyone: documentaries, short films and full features, films and a book sale for children, and even a taste of Polish cakes and pastries in a fundraiser for our very own Ann Arbor Polonia Association. Snapshots of the festival are highlighted below. More details, including a list of this year’s winners, can be found here.
Polish Bonfire
As in every fall, we held our annual Polish Ognisko (bonfire) in late September. We gathered at the Brighton Recreation area’s Migizi Cabin for a fun afternoon, roasting polska kielbasa and marshmallow s’mores, and sharing various potluck dishes. As children played in the meadow and surrounding woods, adults conversed and sang Polish songs to guitar music by the fire. Some even stayed overnight in the cabin! See photos from the event below.
Summer Picnic
Our summer, potluck style picnic at the Dexter-Huron Metro Park has become a wonderful tradition. This year, over 60 participants gathered to enjoy the beautiful weather and splendid company. While adults chatted on the bank of the Huron River, kids explored the shallow water, waded and collected all kinds of river treasures.
Celebrating Free Poland Bike Ride
Members of the Ann Arbor Polonia gathered at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the June 4 elections in Poland. The 1989 elections led to the peaceful transition to democracy and paved the way for the fall of the Berlin Wall. The gathering was proceeded by a bike ride from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti.
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