Barbara Lombardo, Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Carole Polacsek,Pamela Polacsek, Allan Polacsek, Assembly-woman Carrie Woerner, Judith Ehrenshaft and Rabbi Kenneth Blatt at Congreagation Shaara Tfille/The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga on Sunday.
Life has a funny way of changing our plans and sending us down unexpected roads. In these moments, our actions are determined by our values.
For generations, the Polacsek family has passed down a tradition of caring. In 1911, Minnie Silverhart (Allan’s maternal grandmother) was one of the 12 founding members of Congregation Shaara Tfille in Saratoga Springs.
To this day, the family has remained proud native Saratogians who are committed to honoring their Jewish faith, nourishing strong family bonds and contributing to the well-being of people locally.
On Sunday, the sunlight shined through the synagogue while they were recognized as a “Family of Valor.”
“They have always, and continue to, epitomize ‘tikkun olam’ (repair of the world), ‘tzedaka’ (charitable giving) and ‘gemilut chasadim’ (acts of kindness). They are an inspiration to all of us, showing us the importance of living lives that “make a difference,” said Judith Ehrenshaft, President of Shaara Tfille’s Board of Directors.
The Courage of Conviction
Minnie’s daughter Gertrude and husband Robert worked with their sons, Allan and Jack, at Polacsek Farms, Inc., their family-owned wholesale food service distribution company. Inspired by his father, upon Robert’s retirement, Allan became CEO and President of the company, while his wife, Carole took over Gertrude’s role as Executive Administrator. Together, they expanded the business to incorporate two locations – Saratoga and Albany. It grew into a $23 million enterprise.
Throughout their busy lives, Allan and Carole have been involved in many Saratoga civic, municipal and Jewish organizations. Allan was a longtime member and President of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Saratoga Springs YMCA, Trustee on the Hawley Foundation for Children and member of various financial, sports and community groups. Carole volunteered with Skidmore’s Alumni Association, Saratoga Hospital’s Flower and Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital and several other agencies.
The contribution they are most proud of however, is their family and their children, Bart and Pamela Polacsek.
“I can honestly say that I hit the jackpot of life to have parents like Carole and Allan,” said Pamela in a speech given at the event. She credits them for their steadfast character, saying that her empathy and inner strength is a reflection of their good example.
As a young adult, Pamela had a spinal cord injury that left her as a quadriplegic. And yet, because of her parents’ encouragement and assistance, Pamela lives a rich and full life. She has worked for more than 20 years as a Communications Specialist at Saratoga Bridges and volunteers extensively with the Hawley Foundation, Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, Soroptimists of Saratoga County, Camp Chingachgook and numerous others.
Pearls of Wisdom
Scores of volunteers and months of planning went into the event honoring the Polacseks. With 160 people in attendance to pay tribute to this distinguished family, including Congressman Paul Tonko and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, it was the largest gathering they have hosted in this building.
Grateful but overwhelmed to hear how they have touched individuals through their work relationships, a timely bit of advice or hours spent volunteering, the Polacseks share their vision for Saratoga Springs.
“I hope that future generations carry on the tradition of community involvement, so Saratoga continues to grow and prosper,” said Allan. Pamela adds, “My sincere hope is that the community continues to embrace differences, welcome diversity, create opportunities, offer affordable housing options, provide support for individuals who require assistance and remain a wonderful place to live, work, visit and socialize!”
