Janina (Jean) Babiec (Kiluk)
Teacher, Polish and local community leader
Born Nov. 23, 1929, New Bedford (MA), U.S.; daughter of Joachim and Honorata (Sieroslawska); married Francis Babiec; children: Daniel, Cheryl.
Education: B.S., University of Rhode Island, Kingston, 1971.
Career: home economics teacher (handicapped and mentally retarded), Providence schools. (RI).
Author: research paper, Home Economics - Handicapped, 1970.
Member, i.a.: past chairman and commissioner, Pawtucket Bicentennial of the Constitution, and City of Pawtucket Planning Commn.; Polish subcommittee chairman, past commissioner, Rhode Island Heritage Commn.; chairman, Polish Holocaust Committee (RI); commissioner, past secretary, Rhode Island American & Polish Cultural Exchange Commission; board trustee member of, Mother's Hospital Lodz (Poland); Kosciuszko Foundation; Friends for Poland, New Bedford (MA); Boston Malacalogical Club, Harvard (MA); Pawtucket Preservation Society; Pawtucket Arts Council.
Honors: fellowship, M. Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin (Poland), 1980; Honorary Guest (issuance of Rhode Island statehood commemorative U.S. postage stamp), U.S. Post Office, 1990; One of the Outstanding Poles in Rhode Island, 1991; award at recognition diner, Pawtucket Chamber of Commerce; numerous citations for promoting Polish ethnicity and culture; listed in: Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in Rhode Island.
Served with: Democrat. Roman Catholic.
Languages: English, Polish, French.
Hobbies: cooking, sewing, collecting sea shells.
Home: 293 Prospect St, Pawtucket RI 02860
From: "Who's Who in Polish America" 1st Edition 1996-1997, Boleslaw Wierzbianski editor; Bicentennial Publishing Corporation, New York, NY, 1996
Janina (Jane) Babiec
Polish-American historian, writerBook About Polish History In Rhode Island Available
Rhode Island - Complimentary copies of the recently-published "The Polish in
Rhode Island, A Proud Legacy" by the Polish Subcommittee of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) are being made available to public and college libraries in the state.Distribution of the 103-page publication, a historical account of contributions and achievements of many Polish settlers and their descendants in Rhode Island, is being made during October and November in connection with the observance of Polish Heritage Month.
The book, a joint effort by Polish Subcommittee members, is based on information provided by Polish-American families in Rhode Island and an assortment of historical documents.
"The Polish in Rhode Island" traces the first Polish arrivals, some as early as 1848, the assimilation into Rhode Island communities, the role of Polish parishes, sacrifices by Polish Americans in World War I and World War II, public service contributions, and athletic and cultural achievements.
In the conclusion of the book, the writers note, "The story of the Polish Americans in Rhode Island is an important part of the Rhode Island cultural history and in the brief account we have tried to highlight their impressive contributions to the state".
"It is hoped the focus on the contributions and sacrifices of earlier Polish Americans will help provide future generations a greater understanding of the pride that comes with being a Polish-American."
Work on the book was undertaken several years ago at the urging of Jean (Janina) Babiec of Pawtucket, a former Polish Subcommittee chairwoman. She was assisted by David M. Chmielewski and Frank Babiec, also of Pawtucket, and Stanley Cyganiewicz of Cumberland.
The book, in its second revised printing, is dedicated to "the Polish pioneers who left their homeland, overcame hardships and discrimination to build a better future for themselves and their families."
It is the latest addition to a lengthy list of other publications under the auspices of RIHPHC focusing on ethnic groups in Rhode Island.
A limited supply of additional copies are available by calling (401) 723-2952 or (401) 722-1103.
Source: Post Eagle, Dec. 13, 2000.