[Wiermanskis photo here]

Bernadette and Richard Wiermanski

Bernadette Melkowski Wiermanski was born on the Northwest side of Chicago where she was educated by the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth at St. Ladislaus Grade School and Holy Family Academy. She continued her education at DePaul University and the Mendelssohn/ Central Conservatory of Music. She holds a BA/Music Major.

She and her husband Richard were married in Chicago, May 3, 1952, they have five children, pursuing their professional careers in Illinois, Michigan/ New Mexico, Virginia and Maryland. They are the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Her professional career included teaching music at the Elementary School Level, Adult Education Program and private piano lessons. After their transfer to Washington, DC in 1978 she changed careers and became a member of the professional staff at the College of American Pathologists, a medical specialty association in the government affairs office.

Bernadette's involvement in Chicago's Polonia was with the Polish Woman/s Civic Club (of which she is still an active member) and the Polish Arts Club of Chicago. Her Polish/ American connections in the Washington, DC Area are many. She has served as president of the Friends of John Paul II Foundation and the Polish American Arts Association; she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Polish American Congress. Bernadette is a founding member of the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC. She has worked with the Polish Embassy on many projects including, Breast Cancer Awareness and Mental Health for Children in Poland. She has chaired many successful fundraising events for various organizations. For many years she has been a Board Member of the ACPC, as Financial Secretary, Director, Second VP and now 1st VP. She has been involved in organizing PAAA and ACPC Sponsored Conventions.

Besides her work in Polonia, Bernadette is very involved in civic, charitable and church related organizations/ serving as president and holding other executive offices.

Bernadette has received the following awards:
Pro Ecciesia Medal, The Knight Commander of Saint Sylvester Order, from the Holy Father
Cavalier's Cross for Service to the Republic of Poland
Award for Dedicated Service, Polish American Congress
Founders Award, American Council for Polish Culture
Catholic Family Award, Knights of Columbus
Award for Excellence, College of American Pathologists

From: Resume (2008)

Richard M. Wiermanski
President -- American Council for Polish Culture (2002-2003)

Richard M. Wiermanski was born on the northwest side of Chicago to Joseph and Antoinette Wiermanski. He was the youngest of eight children. Richard was educated at Holy Trinity Grade School, Holy Trinity High School and Northwestem University, majoring in accounting.

Richard served in the United States Army, Quartermaster Corp. He held positions as chief Financial Officer for corporations and professional associations. He also owned and operated businesses in Chicago and Maryland. He was transferred to Washington in 1978. He and his wife now reside in Edgewater, Maryland, a suburb of Annapolis.

Richard and Bernadette were married in Chicago, May 3, 1952. They have have children who are pursuing their professional careers and living with their families in five states, Mary in Michigan, Rick in Illinois, Ann in New Mexico, Kathy in Virginia and David in Maryland. They are the proud grandparents of six grand-children, Monica, Regina, Sarah, Hannah, Eric and William.

Richard's involvement in Polonia goes back over 40 years. He was Vice President, and is still a member of The Chicago Society (PNA Business and Professional Men's Organization.) He has been on the ACPC board for many years and has co-chaired three National Conventions in Savannah, Williamsburg and Krakow. In Washington he has served as President of both the Polish American Arts Association (ACPC Convention 1992) and the Polish American Congress and is currently a Vice President and National Director. He is a member and served on the founding committee of John Paul II Cultural Center, an active member of The Friends of John Paul II Foundation, a board member of the American Center of Polish Culture and a member of PNA and Polish Legion of American Veterans. Richard is past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and served as Faithful Navigator of the 4th degree. He has worked on church councils and various committees and has been an active participant in many civic and local activities.

Within the past year he has received the following awards:

American Council for Polish Culture, Founders Award, July 2002
Polish American Congress, Dedicated Service Award, November 2001
Knights of Columbus Catholic, Family Award, April 2001

From: Resume (2002)

[Wiermanski photo here]

Bernadette M. Wiermanski
American Council for Polish Culture, 1st Vice President (2007-2008)