[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E52-E53]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. BILL POLACEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, I enclose in the Record, an article from the 
December 27, 1999 ``Tribune-Democrat'', of Johnstown, PA, concerning 
the community involvement and efforts of Mr. Bill Polacek.
  It's these kinds of selfless acts helping individuals that are such a 
hallmark of the principles that have made our Nation great, and of the 
personal spirit that must dominate our Nation not only during the 
Holidays but throughout the year.
  I commend Bill Polacek, and I'm glad to enclose this article on his 
efforts.

                Area Man Makes Sure Needy Have Christmas

                             (By Tom Lavis)

       Bill Polacek of Richland Township learned the true meaning 
     of Christmas when he was only 6.
       That's the reason that for the last three years, Polacek, 
     38, has donated a Christmas present to each man, woman and 
     child who comes to Christmas Eve dinner at St. Vincent de 
     Paul Family Kitchen at 231 Bedford St., Johnstown.
       Polacek owns Johnstown Welding and Fabrication Industries, 
     1363 Broad St.
       A tall dark-haired man who towers over most people, Polacek 
     is one of nine children in a family where money was always 
     tight.
       ``When I was 6, my father shattered his ankle right before 
     Christmas and the only money coming in was 50 percent of his 
     supplemental pay from Bethlehem Steel,'' Polacek said, as he 
     and his family distributed gifts to the needy as they left 
     the pantry.
       ``We weren't going to have much of a Christmas that year,'' 
     he said.
       ``To this day, we don't know who it was, but someone left 
     bags of groceries, presents and a small amount of money on 
     our porch so that our parents could give us a nice Christmas. 
     That's why I do this. I'll never forget what that gesture 
     meant. My mother cried,'' he said.
       Joe Bartko, director of the kitchen, said he admires 
     Polacek because he and his family give without expecting any 
     fanfare. He said it is heart-warming to have people like the 
     Polaceks who think of the less fortunate.
       ``The people's faces say it all when they get a gift in 
     addition to a meal,'' Bartko said. ``It has gotten to a point 
     that many of these people look forward to this because this 
     is the only Christmas they will have. They have nothing.''
       After enjoying a traditional Christmas dinner that included 
     turkey with stuffing, ham steak, mashed potatoes, corn, salad 
     and pears and poppy-seed rolls for desert, people were 
     treated to a gift when they left.
       George Karadeanes, 61 who lives in the Solomon Homes, said 
     everyone appreciates what the Polaceks are doing.
       ``Last year, I got a sweatshirt and some gloves,'' 
     Karadeanes said, as he was sweeping his plate with a dinner 
     roll to finish a last bit of turkey gravy. ``I still have the 
     gloves and they keep me warm. I have no family and this is my 
     celebration.''
       Twelve-year-old Mikey Wiesinger of Kernville squealed with 
     glee as he was handed a stuffed Barney doll. He was at the 
     dinner with his parents, Brian and Diane Wiesinger, and his 
     13-year-old brother, Brian.
       If any of the 25 volunteers who prepared and served the 
     dinner or members of the Polacek family wanted to know if 
     their efforts were appreciated, they only had to look at 
     Mikey's face while he clutched the purple dinosaur to know 
     that they brought joy to the boy's Christmas.
       Ada Szewczyk, 62, of Johnstown, was chatting with friends 
     at one of the long tables, and I noticed that her gift was on 
     the table unopened. I asked her why.
       ``I'm saving it so I have something to open Christmas 
     morning,'' she said.
       This was the first year that Szewczyk attended the dinner 
     when presents were given.
       ``I was surprised, but that man (Polacek) knows that Christ 
     was born on Christmas and I hope God blesses him,'' she said.

[[Page E53]]

       A mountain of presents was stacked near the door of the 
     pantry and Polacek; his wife, Shari; and their four children 
     were busy distributing gifts to people who waited in an 
     orderly fashion.
       Mrs. Polacek said she is pleased that the family could 
     bring some joy to people, and she wanted her children to 
     learn that it is better to give than receive and that some 
     people are struggling. The children are Bill Jr., 10; Blake 
     7; Madison, 4; and Carter, 10 months.
       ``Last year, we lost track of Blake and couldn't find him 
     anywhere until we looked back at the tables where people were 
     eating,'' Mrs. Polacek said.
       ``There he was eating a turkey dinner and joining right in 
     with some of the folks. We try to teach the kids that in 
     terms of values, you get what you give.''
       Also on hand were Mr. Polacek's mother, Sarah, and 
     stepfather, George Mihalaki of Windber. Polacek's father, 
     John is deceased.
       Mrs. Mihalaki said that one act of kindness many years ago 
     has left an impression on the entire family.
       ``We created the Polacek Family Human Needs Fund, where we 
     all initially donated money to give to a charity,'' she said.
       ``Now we have fund-raisers during the year to raise a 
     little more. We usually earmark the money to one charity a 
     year.''
       But the St. Vincent de Paul effort is separate from the 
     family's donation.
       Mr. Polacek said he usually gives up to $2,500 for the 
     gifts.
       ``I buy from Boscov's and they generously give a discount 
     on each item,'' he said.
       ``That way we can give more gifts and the store even gift 
     wraps each present.''
       The dinner also marked the first time that someone spent 
     the afternoon singing carols for the people.
       Shawn McConville of Geistown entertained to the delight of 
     every one on hand.
       It was a wonderful Christmas celebration.
       There was good food, good music, laughter and fun. Most of 
     all, there was love.

     

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