BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE POLISH HERITAGE DAY: CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Brooklyn, NY – The Board of Directors of the Polish and Slavic Center is delighted to invite you to join us in celebrating Polish Heritage Day on Thursday, October 9th, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The event will take place at 177 Kent Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222.
This special evening is dedicated to paying tribute to the rich cultural legacy and outstanding achievements of Polish immigrants and Polish Americans, who have made significant contributions to the social fabric, cultural diversity, and economic growth of Brooklyn, New York City, and the entire New York Tri-State area. The event is part of the nationwide celebration of October as Polish American Heritage Month in the United States.
We are honored to recognize three exceptional individuals who have made a profound impact on the lives of Brooklyn residents:
* Marek Wójcicki, owner of Greenpoint’s Markowa Apteka and dedicated philanthropist
* Zosia Żeleska-Bobrowski, accomplished photographer and journalist
* Katarzyna Drucker, renowned singer, conductor, art animator, and theater leader
“We are thrilled to celebrate Polish Heritage Day and honor the outstanding contributions of our three awardees,” said Agnieszka Granatowska, Executive Director of the Polish and Slavic Center. “Their dedication to our community and their passions have made a lasting impact on the lives of many, and we are grateful for their commitment to preserving Polish culture and traditions.”
The festivities will feature a captivating concert by local Polish American groups and will be attended by representatives from various Polish American organizations and institutions. The event will conclude with a reception featuring traditional Polish cuisine.
The Polish and Slavic Center is the largest Polish American social and cultural non-profit in New York, dedicated to serving our community with passion and commitment since 1972.
We have proudly taken a lead in organizing Polish Heritage Day for over a dozen years. Previously, the celebration was held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall, but in 2022, it was moved to the newly renovated auditorium of the Polish and Slavic Center, conveniently located in the heart of Greenpoint at 177 Kent Street. Each year, the event brings together close to 300 members of the Polish American community, elected officials, and representatives of over two dozen organizations.
“For over 50 years, the Polish and Slavic Center has served the community, providing crucial social and legal assistance. We have also promoted the rich culture of Poland in New York and have been a vibrant cultural center in Northern Brooklyn, welcoming immigrants and local communities. We are happy to be able to gather members of our community for an evening of celebration, music, and tradition as we pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Poland and the outstanding achievements of our awardees,” said Executive Director Agnieszka Granatowska.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT THE EVENT: use the QR code of the following link:
https://bit.ly/PolishHeritageDayPSC
Event Details:
* Date: Thursday, October 9th, 2025
* Time: 5:30 PM
* Location: 177 Kent Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact:
Aleksandra Slabisz
Polish and Slavic Center
pscea@polishslaviccenter.org, 908.612.2328
BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE POLISH HERITAGE DAY: CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
BIOS OF AWARDEES
Zosia Zeleska-Bobrowski
Zosia Zeleska-Bobrowski, a native of Cracow, has called New York City home since 1987. Her introduction to the world of art began with architecture studies at the Cracow University of Technology. In New York, she furthered her education at the New York Institute of Photography, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Queens College. As co-founder of the Polish American Photographic Club, established in 1998, she is now an honorary member. Known for her photojournalistic work, Zosia documents the vibrant cultural and political life of the Polish community in the United States.
A skilled press and portrait photographer, her images have been featured in numerous Polish and American newspapers, magazines, books, and album covers of renowned Polish musicians. Her talent was recognized in 1989 when she won a competition organized by the New York Institute of Photography in the News & Photojournalism category.
Zosia’s photographs have been showcased in various exhibitions in Poland and the USA, and she collaborates with several Polish-American institutions. Her dedication has been acknowledged with several awards, including a medal for her cooperation with Polish Daily News on the occasion of the magazine’s 30th anniversary in 2001. In 2008, she received the “Merit for Polish Culture” medal of honor from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, awarded to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Photography Club. She was also granted an Honorable Mention by the President of the Borough of Queens for her documentation of Polish life, awarded during Polish Heritage Month.
Zosia’s work has been featured in the documentary film “Actress” about the famous Polish actress Elzbieta Czyżewska, as well as in books about other prominent Polish figures, including composer Krzysztof Penderecki, singers Urszula Dudziak and Irena Jarocka, and performance artist Krzysztof Zarębski.
For Zosia, photography is not only a passion but a calling, and she is driven to capture moments that document history.
Marek Wojcicki
“Helping is the essence of being human.”
My name is Marek Wójcicki, and since 1990 I have been professionally, emotionally, and socially connected with Greenpoint in Brooklyn – a place that, for thousands of Poles, has become a true refuge after leaving their homeland. Although I do not live in Brooklyn, this neighborhood has been the heart of my daily life for over three decades. This is where I work, serve, and grow. This is where I give my time, energy, and heart to the Polish-American community. Greenpoint is not just a location on the map – it is a living, breathing space of human connection, care, engagement, and solidarity.
I arrived in the United States in 1990, at a time when Poland was undergoing historic change. The country was emerging from communism, and many families faced uncertainty and hardship. Like so many others, I came to America not only in search of work and better prospects, but also in search of meaning – a life with purpose and dignity. From the very beginning, I knew that if I found my place here, I would dedicate myself to helping others -those searching for understanding, support, and a safe place in this new world.
I am a graduate of the Medical University of Lublin, a pharmacist by training, a health educator by passion, and a community servant by calling. I have never viewed pharmacy as just a profession. For me, it is a noble field that unites science with empathy. I’ve always believed that a pharmacist should not only dispense medications, but also listen, explain, and uplift. This vision became my daily practice: answering questions, translating prescriptions, guiding people through unfamiliar medical systems, and often simply holding their hand in times of fear or confusion.
I founded Markowa Apteka Pharmacy, which has become widely recognized among the Polish community in New York. But those who walk through our doors know that this is more than just a pharmacy. It is a place of warmth, of trust, of conversation. My dream was to create a space where people don’t feel like numbers–but human beings with stories, struggles, and dignity. And I believe that this atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is what has made our pharmacy so special. It’s a sanctuary for both body and soul.
Over time, my work naturally extended beyond the walls of the pharmacy. I began organizing and hosting lectures for the Polish community-on topics ranging from healthy living and disease prevention to nutrition, natural remedies, and mental resilience. I speak often about balance, self-awareness, and empowerment. I like to repeat the timeless phrase: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Though well-known, it has never been more relevant than it is today, in an age of chronic illness and emotional exhaustion.
I emphasize not only physical health but also emotional well-being. I know how many people silently struggle with loneliness, anxiety, and stress. I try to be someone who speaks not only of pills and dosages, but also of hope, соurage and the healing power of human kindness. I believe that true health includes a peaceful mind and a fulfilled heart.Culture has always played a vital role in my life and work. For years, I have supported Polish cultural groups- cabarets, choirs, dance ensembles-and helped organize artistic events that strengthen our community. I believe culture connects us. It brings joy, relieves pain, and helps us feel less alone. A shared song, a moment of laughter, a memory of home-these are powerful tools for healing and unity. I see it as both a duty and a privilege to nurture Polish identity abroad, through language, tradition, and art.
I work actively with the Polish & Slavic Center and other local organizations. I take part in charity drives, health campaigns, and educational initiatives. I support young talents and community projects, offering guidance and encouragement where it’s needed most. I believe that true community engagement is not about grand gestures-but about quiet, consistent presence. It’s about being someone people know they can count on.
Helping others has never been a burden for me – it has always been a calling of the heart. Sometimes all it takes is a smile, a kind word, or a piece of honest advice. At other times, it’s a tangible act of support. Whatever form it takes, I see it as part of my daily mission – to uplift, to advocate, and to serve.
My world does not end at the Polish border. I strive to build relationship with people of all backgrounds, religions, and nationalities. I respect diversity and believe deeply in dialogue. To me, patriotism doesn’t mean closing ourselves off – it means sharing what is best in us with the world around us.
Receiving this nomination fills me with humility and gratitude. This is not about prestige-it’s about the opportunity to bear witness. To show that even in a foreign land, it is possible to create a home for others. That you can serve with an open heart. That values like kindness, respect, and responsibility – learned in childhood-can still guide us with strength and meaning.
I am not standing here alone. I owe everything to the people around me – my patients, colleagues, friends, and family. Especially to my wife, Małgosia, who has been my unwavering support and inspiration through every chapter of this journey. I also thank the Greenpoint community, which embraced me and trusted me, allowing me to grow and serve alongside them.
This nomination is not just mine – it belongs to all of us who build the everyday life of the Polish diaspora in New York. If my story inspires even one person to reach out, to do good, to build a bridge instead of a wall-then this honor will have already served its purpose.
From the depths of my heart, I thank you for this recognition. And I promise – regardless of the outcome – that I will continue to serve, to educate, to encourage, to smile, and to listen. Because I know that it matters. And I know that Poland-both in the homeland and here in Greenpoint-deserves the very best of who we are.
Katarzyna Drucker
Kasia Drucker is the founder and President of the Theatre and Opera Society “THEOS”, soprano, actress, composer, poet and conductor. She is a promoter of Polish culture, strongly involved in the life of the Polish community and strengthening the Polish traditions in Brooklyn and the USA. She has been associated for years with the Polish and Slavic Center (PSC), as a consultant and cultural event animator and reviewer of cultural and theater events in NYC for Echo Polonijne and Nowy Dziennik. She is a teacher at the Maria Konopnicka School in Greenpoint and a founder and co-organizer of the Dyngus Parade in New York in Greenpoint since 2021.
She graduated from the Private Vocal Art School in Poznań and Computer Science at Queens College. Winner of the 1st degree award and the gold diploma in the solo singing category at the International Festival Competition “Together in the 21st Century” in Bulgaria entitled “Sofia invites the art of Faith, Hope and Love”. In Poland, she performed at the Poznań Philharmonic, Poznań Operetta and at the Grand Theatre in Poznań. Kasia was also a concert soloist with the AZM choir (Academic Music Ensemble from Gliwice) in Germany at the invitation of the cultural attaché and president of the German Education Association. She has lived in the USA since 2000, where she sang in the University of Chicago Choir and in the Oratorio Society of New York in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She also performed as a soloist at the Polish Embassy and the Kościuszko Foundation in Washington and at the Polish Drama Club. Kasia was a cantor at the OLC church in Jersey City, NJ. She performs at benefit concerts and festivals in New York and New Jersey.
Since 2018, she has been associated with her activities in Brooklyn. She has staged over 30 theater performances with THEOS Theater and Opera Society, directing and writing her scripts. First, she worked at the “Amber” Senior Club, where she taught music classes and English classes for seniors, and then at the “Krakus” Senior Center, where she became the conductor of the Krakus choir. Later, she performed at the Polish-Slavic Center and in nearby churches: St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Cyril and Methodius, St. Rose of Lima, Frances de Chantal, and Our Lady of Consolation. For years, she has been running events for children at the Polish-Slavic Center, such as “Lighting the Christmas Tree” and “Meeting with the Easter Bunny.” As a consultant, she teaches computer classes for seniors. She was also a teacher preparing for the “Citizenship Exam” as part of the PSC Immigration Services Program.
Performances such as “The Magic of Polish Christmas”, “In the Light of the Bethlehem Star”, “The Miracle of Christmas Vigil”, “The Vigil of Christmas Love”, “Passion and Resurrection”, “Oh, Lord I Grieve for This Country”, or “The Song of Independence” with the legend of Polish stage Stan Borys, in the role of Norwid, “Maria and Magdalena” a play directed by Anna Kucay with music by Mirosław Kucay, up to the latest projects such as the Festival of Polish Poetry “Song and Poetry Close to the Polish Heart” and “Song and Poetry in the Spirit of the Polish Nation”, “Grand Gala Carnival Feasting” has been a great success and loved by the audience. She participated, as a soloist and conductor of the “Krakus” Choir in concerts organized by the Polish-Slavic Center in the Festival of Polish Music and the “Christmas Carols Concert”.
She recorded the album “Ulubione Kolędy Polskie” in 2017 available online on iTunes, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify. She composed the music for “Ave Maria”, Panis Angelicus” and several of original songs of sung poetry. In 2023, Kasia Drucker recorded solo versions in Polish and English of Brian Webster’s Christmas hymn “The Son of Light” with Timberoo Records. Its premiere of the first public performance in Polish “Syn Światłości” took place on January 19, 2025 at the Polish-Slavic Center and the Church of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Greenpoint.