Ray Skorka: Citizen of the Year

From the Polish American World, August 27, 1999:

Music Man Ray Skorka is a Perfectionist and a Citizen of the Year

by Ed Sidor

        When he received his Citizen of the Year award, music man Ray Skorka displayed humility and gave veteran disc jockey/radio broadcaster Bill Shibilski credit for encouraging him in the polka music business.
        Ray Skorka is that kind of a gentleman who will give credit where credit is due and he will never forget a favor someone does for him.
        Ray received his Citizen of the Year award for 1999 from another music maker, Edward "Eddie D" Dmuchowski, now retired. A great musician and a former band leader himself, Ed knows the enormous tribute that was paid to Ray by the readers of the Polish American World.
        Ray is one of the most sought after band leaders in Polonia. He is seen by millions on TV when leading his band across from the reviewing stand at the Pulaski Parade alongside Bill Shibilski, who announces the marching groups as they move in front of the parade watchers.
        Operating from his home in Emerson, New Jersey, Ray is busy every week playing the pulsating polkas and leading his band, The Ablemen, at weddings, parties, concerts, and dances.
        There are few things that give him more pleasure than playing for his fans who keep him busy from one assignment to another. To Ray Skorka, we wish continued success and a healthy STO LAT!

From the POLISH AMERICAN WORLD, April 9, 1999:

by Veronica Kearns and Ed Sidor

        The winners of the Citizen Of The Year contest were announced this week...Raymond Skorka, who is the leader of the Ablemen Polka orchestra, easily polled the votes to become the leading musician in the running. From Emerson, New Jersey, Ray is one of the best all-around music makers in the field. He was seen at the Pulaski Parade last October playing for the reviewing stand guests during a musical break in the parade.