[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


OPENING OF THE POLISH CENTER OF DISCOVERY AND LEARNING AT ELMS COLLEGE 
                       IN CHICOPEE, MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2000

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to take 
a few minutes to recognize a significant event is my district that will 
both recognize and honor the impact the Polish American culture has 
made upon western Massachusetts.
  On Saturday, June 3rd, the Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts 
will open a new Polish Center of Discovery and Learning. This new 
center will address a need in the community that is not currently being 
met by other area academic research centers and cultural associations. 
The Polish Center will provide support materials for local schools and 
educational institutions to encourage and assist people in western 
Massachusetts and from throughout New England to learn about and 
discover Poland.
  The Polish Center will develop a permanent exhibit of historical and 
cultural materials which will be housed in an inviting community 
meeting space. The mission of the center will be to offer a variety of 
workshops, exhibits, concerts, conferences, films, plays and lectures. 
All of this will be done in an effort to make known the achievements of 
Americans of Polish descent and others whose relationships with the 
ethnic Polish culture has contributed to the economy, the arts and the 
sciences in New England.
  The resources at the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning will 
include a library collection of English language materials for 
undergraduate students and the general public on topics of Polish 
history and culture. The Center will also include a database of 
historical and statistical information with a concentration on Poles in 
the United States. Historical and cultural artifacts, as well as 
support materials and bibliographies will be available.
  What is most special about the Center, however, is that it will draw 
upon the collective experiences of people of Polish origin who live 
within the western Massachusetts area. Programming will be available 
for adults, children and college students, and traditional Polish 
customs and traditions will be passed down through the generations.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent such as interesting and unique 
Center dedicated to learning bans sharing the Polish American culture 
that thrives in my area. I look forward to working closely with the 
directors of this Center, and to participating in the many exciting 
programs and events that are to come in the future.
  Congratulations to Elms College for establishing the Polish Center of 
Discovery and Learning.

                          ____________________