Message from the President

Best wishes to all as this year we celebrate our 70th anniversary here in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Our Club reopened its doors on February 6, 2022, after being closed for nearly two years due to Covid. More than 150 people joined us for a fun-filled opening gala. Our Board of Directors and our volunteers remained active throughout the time the Club was closed, and we are thrilled to share some exciting news and accomplishments.

We are proud to announce that the St. Petersburg City Council voted unanimously on October 21, 2021, to approve our Polish Club application for Historical Landmark designation. Special thanks to Roger Telschow, our Club Treasurer, for leading the effort to obtain the Historical Landmark status for our Club. This recognition is a major milestone in the Club’s history, acknowledging the value of the cultural heritage we have created and preserved here for 70 years.

Under the leadership of Ken Jakubowski, this year we are celebrating our 3rd annual Paczki Day and our 6th annual Dyngus Day. Both events honor great traditions and have become very popular, filled with fun activities, live band music, dancing, and food.

We have other special events with live bands and dancing, including St. Joseph's Day, Hawaiian Luau Day, and Country Western Day. We also continue to host our Tea Dances. Carol Baker provides dance instructions, followed by ballroom dancing to the live music. The Tea Dances provide opportunities for everyone to learn new dances and introduce new members to our Club. 

On behalf of our Club Officers and Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of our Members for renewing their membership, supporting the Club with Booster donations, and bringing their families and friends to enjoy our events.

I also would like to thank our volunteers whose loyal support helps our Club to continue to thrive, and to make it the "Friendliest Club" around. Our Club will keep providing a welcoming place for all people to enjoy, socialize, and experience the traditional and contemporary Polish culture.

The 70th anniversary celebrates our members as we look back upon our rich heritage, and look forward to a vital future of our Club. We are now laying the foundation for another 70 years. Our Club grows because of each of you – our members and volunteers – and your dedication. Thank you and cheers to the next 70 years! Now, let’s dance.

Sincerely,

Your President, Gene Poplawski