The Capital Region and New York State Celebrate Polish Heritage Month

Throughout the month a number of special events will be held to celebrate Polish American heritage.

For more than two centuries, Americans of Polish heritage and Polish immigrants have contributed mightily to the well-being of New York State and the nation, sharing their customs, culture and strong devotion to American democracy. This year, Polish Americans mark the 399th anniversary of the arrival of the first Polish settlers in America at Jamestown, Virginia in 1608, when Polish glassblowers and craftsmen were called to save the colony. From Revolutionary War heroes, such as Kosciuszko and Pulaski, to international men of good will, such as His Holiness Pope John Paul II, the world has come to know and respect the rich heritage and spirit of the Polish people.

Lech Walesa co-founded Solidarity (Solidarność), a Polish non-governmental trade union which began in August 1980 at the Gdańsk Shipyards. Solidarity's influence led to the intensification and spread of anti-communist ideals and movements throughout the countries of the Eastern Bloc, weakening their communist governments.

Polish American Heritage Month is a time for festivals, parades and family gatherings. It is a time to honor not only our Polish heroes and famous contributors to science, art, sports, music, and literature but also ourselves. It is a time to share our pride in our own accomplishments as Polish Americans and to celebrate our culture and heritage with the world. A number of Polish heritage-related events are scheduled in the Capital Region as well as throughout New York State.

Upcoming events include:

Friday Oct. 12, 2007 - Albany, NY
Polish-American Buffet, Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave
Ext., Albany NY
tel: 518-456-3995

Sunday Oct. 14, 2007 - Schenectady, NY
Harvest Festival – Dozynki, St. Adalbert’s Parish, 550 Lansing Street,
Schenectady, NY
tel: 518-857-2331 OR 518-355-2207

Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007 Albany, NY
75th Anniversary Gala!
Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave Ext., Albany NY 12205,
tel: 518-456-3995

Outside the Capital Region:

Saturday, October 13, 2007
New York, NY -- Szymanowski Gala celebrating the 125th birthday of Poland’s greatest modern composer, sponsored by the Kosciuszko Foundation. Features the Penderecki String Quartet, Weill Recital Hall, New York, N.Y. 2:00 p.m. Tickets $25 and $15 with discounts for KF members and students. For details call (212) 734-2130.


New York, NY -- "Stas and Stella’s Mostly Traditional Polish Wedding."
Heartstone Manor, 222 Dick Rd., Depew, N.Y. 6:00 p.m. Tickets $33. For details call (716) 684-8850.

About PCC
The Polish Community Center in Albany NY is the perfect setting for weddings, wedding receptions, showers, banquets, corporate meetings, trade shows, dances, retirement parties and much more. We also offer parties in our 8 lane bowling alley, perfect private set up for kids, teenagers or adult birthday parties. Don't forget about the outside pavilion for picnics, steam clams and cookouts. PCC provides Polish dances and events, as well as traditional-American dances with top-name Polish bands!