Ron Kaminski Has Enjoyed Multiple Roles in Community
Herald Times Review, July 25, 2014
MANITOWOC – Friends are honoring attorney Ron Kaminski on Sunday on his retirement from 45 years in law.
The Manitowoc native founded Kaminski & Pozorski law firm in Manitowoc in 1973, four years after he earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"I was always impressed with the dedication he had to the people of the Manitowoc community. If anyone could be regarded as a man of the people, it would probably be him," said Joseph Pozorski Jr., now-owner of the law office.
"He gravitated to the causes of the common person. He truly felt a responsibility to the working man and the consumer and was fearless in advocating their interests," Pozorski said.
"Ron has influenced me tremendously in my legal career," said Andy Krajnek, attorney with the firm. "Most importantly, he has always taught me that in this profession it is critical at all times to treat people fairly and to maintain integrity at all times."
Kaminski retired from the law firm in early June. He said he plans to travel and remain active in the community he loves.
Anyone wishing to honor Kaminski is invited to gather from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Kathie's Stage Door Pub, 701 Franklin St. There will be a cash bar.
"I thought he has made so many very important contributions to the community, especially to the arts, its time to honor him," said James Protsman, a longtime friend.
"We've asked the mayor to declare the day Ron Kaminski Day and he's agreed to do that," he said.
Man of many interests
When Kaminski wasn't in court, he could often be found on stage.
"He is an excellent actor and if he had not chosen the practice of law for his life's work I believe he could have been a successful professional actor," said longtime friend Evelyne Keith, who has appeared on stage with him for many years.
Kaminski, 71, played a lead role in transforming the 1921 vaudeville theater into what is now the Capitol Civic Centre, which opened in 1987. He also ran his own playhouse, the Little Sandwich Theatre, for many years.
"He's been a great force in the community. The community should be thankful that we have someone with such forward vision," said friend Dolly Stokes. "He's been such a great promoter and supporter of the arts, music, theater and the historical society."
Kaminski was influential in the community even as a high school student. The statue of Abraham Lincoln that stands in front of Lincoln High School was donated by Kaminski's class of 1961 under his direction as class president, Keith said.
He went ahead with the project despite naysayers and that statue remains an icon in the community to this day, Protsman said. "He made it happen. He's a visionary," he said.
"His enthusiasm for projects never wavers and he galvanizes others to action," Keith said. He "makes dreams a reality," said longtime friend Kathie Bundy.
"I'm not much for receiving accolades. There are a lot of other people who do an awful lot for the community," said Kaminski, who praised area residents for their willingness to pitch in — even back in high school — when a project needed to be done.
Law practice
Kaminski was a general trial practitioner with concentration in family law and personal injury, including medical malpractice and business litigation. In addition, he was very active in criminal defense work in cases ranging from misdemeanors to felony homicide cases.
The Rohl murder case during the early 1970s, in which two young men were convicted of beating an elderly woman to death in her apartment across the street from Washington Park, was among the more difficult cases in his career, Kaminski said.
Another was that of a young girl who was found not guilty of killing her newborn baby and burying the child, he said.
With a master's degree in water resource management, Kaminski also was involved in environmental litigation, landfill site litigation and general contractor and general construction litigation.
He enjoyed membership in the the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Association of Trial Lawyers of American and the Manitowoc County Bar Association. He also has served as member of the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Little Sandwich Theatre
Kaminski's love of theater gave birth to the Little Sandwich Theatre in August of 1982.
"It's just a wonderful way to be able to express yourself and to improve many aspects of your own life. You learn as much as you teach others. And you meet wonderful people in theater," he said.
"Little Sandwich Theatre, as I remember it, started in my living room after the Masquers production, 'Under Papa's Picture,'" Bundy said. "It was such a congeal group that, when it was all over, they wanted to stay together and go on performing."
Kaminski first talked of his idea for presenting two one-act plays at the theater in early March of 1982, Keith said.
In September of 1983, the format shifted to full-length plays and she and Kaminski starred in "Same Time, Next Year," she said.
In fall of 1990, the theater moved to the Historic Forst Inn in Tisch Mills — which he lovingly restored — opening with "I'm Not Rappaport" featuring Kaminski and Woody Shulander in the leading roles, said Keith, who directed the show.
The theater put on its last play in February 2012, she said.
Capitol Civic Centre
Kaminski became chairman of the Society to Preserve the Capitol Theater in downtown Manitowoc in 1987.
"Ron Kaminski is a man of many passions, including the worlds of arts and entertainment and making this community a better place ... he was among a talented band of intrepid visionaries who saw an opportunity to do something meaningful with the aging and much underutilized Capitol Theater," said Matthew Schliesman, executive director of the Capitol.
"Ron led the charge to acquire and then restore this historic building ...," Schliesman said. "To me he is the godfather of this place and this organization; his vision and commitment can be found everywhere. We hold him in considerable fondness and esteem."
Kaminski and other Masquers members, as well as community members and professional craftsmen, donated thousands of volunteer hours and material to the project, funded by local businesses, individuals and a gift from the Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation.
The Masquers become the Capitol's first resident company and Kaminski served as its first chairman of the board and continues to serve on the board.
Community activities
Kaminski also has been active in the community, having served on the Manitowoc Board of Education for 10 years, with two terms as its president. He served with the University of Wisconsin Board of Visitors as well.
He was fundraising co-chairman for the Manitowoc County Historical Society, helping raise nearly $1 million to transform the former Manitowoc County Normal School on Michigan Avenue into the Manitowoc County Heritage Center and officers of the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
Kaminski was honored in 1988 by the Wisconsin Music Educators Association for his sponsorships of jazz festivals at The Sting on Buffalo Street, which he owned for a time. The festivals raised funds for scholarships. He also received the prestigious Chamber of Commerce Speak Up award and the chamber's Cultural Achievement award.
He also played a big role in establishing the Inn on Maritime Bay, Protsman said.
Kaminski's passion for preserving historic places was evident when he and his late wife of 44 years, Sharon, bought the Charles Spindler home on North Sixth Street and restored it to its original grandeur.
Suzanne Weiss: (920) 686-2140 or [email protected]
MANITOWOC – Friends are honoring attorney Ron Kaminski on Sunday on his retirement from 45 years in law.
The Manitowoc native founded Kaminski & Pozorski law firm in Manitowoc in 1973, four years after he earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"I was always impressed with the dedication he had to the people of the Manitowoc community. If anyone could be regarded as a man of the people, it would probably be him," said Joseph Pozorski Jr., now-owner of the law office.
"He gravitated to the causes of the common person. He truly felt a responsibility to the working man and the consumer and was fearless in advocating their interests," Pozorski said.
"Ron has influenced me tremendously in my legal career," said Andy Krajnek, attorney with the firm. "Most importantly, he has always taught me that in this profession it is critical at all times to treat people fairly and to maintain integrity at all times."
Kaminski retired from the law firm in early June. He said he plans to travel and remain active in the community he loves.
Anyone wishing to honor Kaminski is invited to gather from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Kathie's Stage Door Pub, 701 Franklin St. There will be a cash bar.
"I thought he has made so many very important contributions to the community, especially to the arts, its time to honor him," said James Protsman, a longtime friend.
"We've asked the mayor to declare the day Ron Kaminski Day and he's agreed to do that," he said.
Man of many interests
When Kaminski wasn't in court, he could often be found on stage.
"He is an excellent actor and if he had not chosen the practice of law for his life's work I believe he could have been a successful professional actor," said longtime friend Evelyne Keith, who has appeared on stage with him for many years.
Kaminski, 71, played a lead role in transforming the 1921 vaudeville theater into what is now the Capitol Civic Centre, which opened in 1987. He also ran his own playhouse, the Little Sandwich Theatre, for many years.
"He's been a great force in the community. The community should be thankful that we have someone with such forward vision," said friend Dolly Stokes. "He's been such a great promoter and supporter of the arts, music, theater and the historical society."
Kaminski was influential in the community even as a high school student. The statue of Abraham Lincoln that stands in front of Lincoln High School was donated by Kaminski's class of 1961 under his direction as class president, Keith said.
He went ahead with the project despite naysayers and that statue remains an icon in the community to this day, Protsman said. "He made it happen. He's a visionary," he said.
"His enthusiasm for projects never wavers and he galvanizes others to action," Keith said. He "makes dreams a reality," said longtime friend Kathie Bundy.
"I'm not much for receiving accolades. There are a lot of other people who do an awful lot for the community," said Kaminski, who praised area residents for their willingness to pitch in — even back in high school — when a project needed to be done.
Law practice
Kaminski was a general trial practitioner with concentration in family law and personal injury, including medical malpractice and business litigation. In addition, he was very active in criminal defense work in cases ranging from misdemeanors to felony homicide cases.
The Rohl murder case during the early 1970s, in which two young men were convicted of beating an elderly woman to death in her apartment across the street from Washington Park, was among the more difficult cases in his career, Kaminski said.
Another was that of a young girl who was found not guilty of killing her newborn baby and burying the child, he said.
With a master's degree in water resource management, Kaminski also was involved in environmental litigation, landfill site litigation and general contractor and general construction litigation.
He enjoyed membership in the the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Association of Trial Lawyers of American and the Manitowoc County Bar Association. He also has served as member of the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Little Sandwich Theatre
Kaminski's love of theater gave birth to the Little Sandwich Theatre in August of 1982.
"It's just a wonderful way to be able to express yourself and to improve many aspects of your own life. You learn as much as you teach others. And you meet wonderful people in theater," he said.
"Little Sandwich Theatre, as I remember it, started in my living room after the Masquers production, 'Under Papa's Picture,'" Bundy said. "It was such a congeal group that, when it was all over, they wanted to stay together and go on performing."
Kaminski first talked of his idea for presenting two one-act plays at the theater in early March of 1982, Keith said.
In September of 1983, the format shifted to full-length plays and she and Kaminski starred in "Same Time, Next Year," she said.
In fall of 1990, the theater moved to the Historic Forst Inn in Tisch Mills — which he lovingly restored — opening with "I'm Not Rappaport" featuring Kaminski and Woody Shulander in the leading roles, said Keith, who directed the show.
The theater put on its last play in February 2012, she said.
Capitol Civic Centre
Kaminski became chairman of the Society to Preserve the Capitol Theater in downtown Manitowoc in 1987.
"Ron Kaminski is a man of many passions, including the worlds of arts and entertainment and making this community a better place ... he was among a talented band of intrepid visionaries who saw an opportunity to do something meaningful with the aging and much underutilized Capitol Theater," said Matthew Schliesman, executive director of the Capitol.
"Ron led the charge to acquire and then restore this historic building ...," Schliesman said. "To me he is the godfather of this place and this organization; his vision and commitment can be found everywhere. We hold him in considerable fondness and esteem."
Kaminski and other Masquers members, as well as community members and professional craftsmen, donated thousands of volunteer hours and material to the project, funded by local businesses, individuals and a gift from the Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation.
The Masquers become the Capitol's first resident company and Kaminski served as its first chairman of the board and continues to serve on the board.
Community activities
Kaminski also has been active in the community, having served on the Manitowoc Board of Education for 10 years, with two terms as its president. He served with the University of Wisconsin Board of Visitors as well.
He was fundraising co-chairman for the Manitowoc County Historical Society, helping raise nearly $1 million to transform the former Manitowoc County Normal School on Michigan Avenue into the Manitowoc County Heritage Center and officers of the Manitowoc County Historical Society.
Kaminski was honored in 1988 by the Wisconsin Music Educators Association for his sponsorships of jazz festivals at The Sting on Buffalo Street, which he owned for a time. The festivals raised funds for scholarships. He also received the prestigious Chamber of Commerce Speak Up award and the chamber's Cultural Achievement award.
He also played a big role in establishing the Inn on Maritime Bay, Protsman said.
Kaminski's passion for preserving historic places was evident when he and his late wife of 44 years, Sharon, bought the Charles Spindler home on North Sixth Street and restored it to its original grandeur.
Suzanne Weiss: (920) 686-2140 or [email protected]
