Ziggy & Ziggy
The completion of the Olympic Finish Line project was commemorated Tuesday morning by honoring the idea’s creator, Ziggy Wilczynski. A bronze bear named “Ziggy” was unveiled as a monument to his efforts. Mr. Wilczynski became an employee of the MV Company in 1972.
He subsequently was involved in creating Casta del Sol Golf Course and Lake Mission Viejo. Ziggy has since participated in many Mission Viejo activities. He was Grand Marshall of the former MV St Patrick’s Day Parade, and he portrayed Joseph in the live MV Nativity Scene for twenty years. In 1989 he was recognized as MV Citizen of the Year.
The Olympiad Road finish line poles and inlaid finish line were constructed several years ago to memorialize the 1984 Olympic Bicycle Race held in Mission Viejo. Ziggy’s concept was not complete, however, until the new adjacent seating area was in place. The City authorized $30,000 for the seating expansion in March.
Ziggy accepts recognition in front of the new seating area
On hand were former councilman Bill Craycraft, MV Activities Committee Chairman Dave Allen, current council members and city staff.
Dignitaries seated on Finish Line as Mayor introduces Ziggy
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
“Congrats” Ziggy….good show!!!!!!
My Question is; Where is Mission Viejo’s Olympic Cauldron?
According to the International Olympic Committee, there MUST be a Cauldron to house the Olympic Flame at each, and every Venue. So what ever happened to Mission Viejo’s Cauldron?
It felt as if we were at a roast of “Ziggy” yesterday. Two of his many activities should also be mentioned. First his patriotic displays in the library and second his panning for gold. Yes, around 10 years ago Ziggy shared sacks of gold in a display at the lake. He also set up that project at our church where the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My only question for Ziggy is who kept the nuggets?
Thank you Mission Viejo Dispatch for this article.
The most important part of the event is that we have added a place for the residents to rest, and water fountains for people and their pets walking around the lake.
Mark (Ziggy) Wilcynski is a wonderful asset to our Mission Viejo Community. We are blessed that he chose to live
here.
It was always a pleasure and adventure working with Ziggy at MVC.
Congrats to him for his contributions.
“IT’S SO NICE TO HAVE MISSION VIEJO AROUND THE HOUSE”
ATTA BOY!!!
Two communities who seem obsessed with self-adulation. Media & Entertainment and the Political class.
Here’s to all those who serve in humble silence, whom we’ll never know and who wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ziggy has been a tireless worker for the benefit of everyone who lives in Mission Viejo. If you get a chance ask him about his role in the Polish underground resistance movement during the war. He is an amazing man. Thanks, Ziggy, for all you do!
I love Ziggy…been years and was so great seeing his same smiling face…he was always a light in our MVC life.
Well deserved! I have known Ziggy since Security Bank was on Chrisanta and MV Co. was accross the parking lot.
Again – Well Deserved!
I know no one who has done more for the residents of Mission Viejo. I have seen him out all day in 95+ degrees at the panning for gold lab exhibit. I’ve watched Ziggy change the exhibits he created for display in the library with steady regularity. Ziggy has helped again and again put on events for the enjoyment of Mission Viejo’s residents just so long as he had the time, health and means to do so.
I’ve seen him disappointed if it seemed that not enough people had participated at an event to make all the effort and hard work worth while. But he always showed up again the next time, ever ready to share his knowledge of Southern California’s history and especially of the City.
Ziggy is an amazing person with great love for the residents of Mission Viejo and an incredible gift that allows him to bring us closer to the origins and history of this area. He has played such an important role, no, he has played so MANY important roles in our City’s history, that it would be hard to think of a person more deserving of this monument of public recognition than Ziggy Wilczynski!
Ziggy, thank you for all you’ve done. I hope you’ll be able to share your stories and enjoy our City in good health for many, many years to come!
Congratulations Ziggy! We would have been there had we known!