Rededication of the Restored Monument to Ignacy Jan Paderewski Cleveland Polish Cultural Garden July 16, 2011
Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a Polish pianist, composer, diplomat, politician, and the second Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland. These multifaceted activities along with his generosity as a philosopher distinguish Paderewski as one of the greats, not only of Poland, but the entire world.
Generous donors from Cleveland's Polish community contributed to the restoration of a monument to Paderewski in the Polish Cultural Garden.
The bust was unveiled in a ceremony on Saturday July 16, 2011.
Master of Ceremonies Ben S. Stefanski II began the program.
Ben S. Stefanski II
Stefanski introduced Eugenia Stolarczyk who sang the US and Polish National Anthems.
Eugenia Stolarczyk
Next a Color Gurad presented the Flags and marched to the covered Paderewski monument.
Rev. Placyd Kon, O.F.M. from Krakow Poland has been Associate Pastor of the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Cleveland for the last 5 years. He gave the invocation at the Paderewski monument rededication ceremony.
Rev. Placyd Kon, O.F.M.
Next Ben Stefanski spoke about the history of the Cultural Gardens and how they are being restored.
Stefanski recognized the two delegates to the Cleveland Polish Cultural Garden: Gary Kotlarsic and Irene Morrow.
Gary Kotlarsic hard at work (as usual)
Irene Morrow and Carol Purpura
Some of the dignitaries and generous donors to the restoration who were in attendance were recognized.
Lottie Lewek Szczotka Siek, pictured with Robert Rybka, will turn 95 in September. She made a generous donation to the monument restoration in honor of her son the late Richard G. Sheridan (Szczotka) Happy early birthday Lottie!
Generous donors George B. and Karen Sobieraj
Eugene Bak, Founder of the Polish American Museum, was also a generous donor.
Eugene Bak, Founder of the Polish American Museum, with Copernicus
The Pilch Family were also generous donors, honoring the late John S. Pilch who served as Cleveland Councilman, Mayoral Advisor and City Commissioner. His granddaughter Laurel Pilch spoke about her grandfather's Polish roots and his work to preserve the West Side Market in Cleveland.
Laurel Pilch
Next, Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson spoke and presented a certificate from the city.
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Ben Stefanski
