Cultural Performances to Accompany Induction Ceremonies

The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame (IHHF) will add four more iconic contributors to the fabric of Connecticut and America representing Chinese, Jewish, Polish, and Puerto Rican heritage and culture at its 7th Annual Induction Ceremony and Gala on Thursday evening, September 26, at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The IHHF Class of 2019 will include distinguished individuals who have been pioneers, leaders and scholars in religion, education, science and public service. They are:

• Rabbi Philip Lazowski, philanthropist, spiritual leader and Holocaust survivor;
• Dr. Henry C. Lee, internationally renowned forensic scientist;
• Lucian Pawlak, former Mayor of New Britain and community leader;
• Dr. Zulma R. Toro, President of Central Connecticut State University, the first woman and Latino to lead the university.

“The IHHF Class of 2019 is a diverse group of remarkable individuals who embody the kind of perseverance, scholarship and achievement that have made our world a better place,” said Andre Blaszczynski, long-time Tunxis Community College Professor of Economics, co-chair of the IHHF Planning Committee and President of the Polish American Foundation of Connecticut. “Their noteworthy contributions serve to inspire and encourage future generations to excel.”

The evening will also feature an artistic program of cultural performances honoring the heritage of the four inductees. Performing will be:

• Walter Mamlok-Zev and the Eastside Klezmer Ensemble, performing authentic Klezmer music, the celebratory music of Eastern European Jews. Performing will be Walter "Zev" Mamlok, Michael Schiano, Roy Wiseman and Rob Gottfried.
• Asian Performing Arts promotes and retains Chinese and Asian cultural arts through providing a variety of programs in dances, martial arts, instrumental music, songs and other cultural activities. They will perform a Chinese Handkerchief and Silk Ribbon Fan dance. Master Malee Khow and Instructor Anthony Roberts from Malee’s School of Tai Chi & Kung Fu will be performing guests for the Lion Dance.
• Karolina Wojteczko is a Mezzo-Soprano who is earning a wonderful reputation as both a performer and educator. A Connecticut resident, she has been singing in New Haven area churches since shortly after immigrating to the US at the age of twelve, from the small town of Dabrowa Bialostocka, Poland. She is currently enrolled in Yale University, where she is pursuing a M.M. in Vocal Performance.
• Alisa's House of Salsa is located in New Haven, and their extensive area performances include having opened for Grammy-Award Winner Rueben Blades and Jose Alberto “El Canario;” Lead Back-Up Dancer for M&M Recording Artist Hector-Bonet; Choreographer/Dancer/Performer with the Concert Tour of Morning, Noon, and Night, Featuring A.W. Nardi; and Accompanying Dancer for Mi Cata and Marion Meadows

With the induction of this year’s honorees, the number of individuals and families honored by the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame since its inception in 2013 will total 31. Detailed inductee profiles are available on the IHHF website at www.immigrantheritage.org. The 2019 IHHF Induction Ceremony and Gala is open to the public. In addition to honoring each inductee, the evening will be highlighted by a keynote address by Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, who previously served as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State and as a State Representative.

Tickets, at $95 per person with discounts available for purchase of tables of 8, are now available. A wide variety of sponsorships are also available. For complete event, ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.immigrantheritage.org.

The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame is a program of the Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The IHHF celebrates the diverse ethnic heritage of Connecticut by honoring individuals and institutions who exemplify the best of their immigrant heritage and who have made outstanding contributions to the cultural, economic and civic development of our state and nation.

The IHHF preserves heritage through publication of biographies and histories, and strives to educate the public about the importance of immigrant heritage to the identity of America and about the contributions of immigrants and immigrant communities.

It is the IHHF’s vision to formally establish an institution in Connecticut, to be multi-ethnic and inclusive in its mission, structure and governance, which will promote and publish research, lectures and conferences on the many dimensions of Connecticut’s immigrant heritage and the role of immigration throughout the American economy and culture. Its work, and the annual Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame induction ceremony, would be supported by an endowment that would sponsor, support and provide research fellowships, to further these activities and expand public awareness and understanding.

For more information, visit www.immigrantheritage.org or call (860) 829-1215.