The band performed a concert at the Florhma Park Gazebo. Below are pictures of the band in action. Photos are courtesey of the Gazebo Committee.
October 28, 2001
OLD TAPPAN, NJ, CATERING FACILITY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Herb Heissner, Jr., celebrated his 30th year in business as the proprietor of the Colonial Manor. To mark this special occasion, Herb invited over 200 of his relatives, friends, and clients to a fantastic brunch. During the afternoon, NJ Senator Gerry Cardinale presented Herb with a NJ Senate resolution marking this special day. In addition, Herb presented plaques of appreciation to several of his long-time employees. The Ablemen duo of Ray and Jim provided the entertainment for the affair. Senator Cardinale with Herb
Herb addressing the audience
October 14, 2001
NORWOOD, NJ, CHURCH CELEBRATES 80TH ANNIVERSARY
Parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church of Norwood, NJ, celebrated the parish's 80th anniversary at the Colonial Manor in Old Tappan, NJ. The parish, which was founded in 1921, still utilizes the same church that was built when the parish originated. Below are some photos taken during the special day.
Guests joining Mike Bocchino in lighting candles at their tables. Candles were lit to signify the continuation of the parish for many years to come.
October 12, 2001
Below are photos taken at the 3rd annual Italian Night sponsored by the Alhabra Aurora Caravan #55, based in Clifton, NJ, at the Athenia Vets Post. The Alhabra organization is dedicated to raising funds to assist special adults. Over 270 partygoers attended the event. Photos below show some of those who helped to make the evening a great success.
Al Rembish, the organizer of the event, and guest.
The kitchen crew preparing the great meals. Helen and Al Sova enjoying the party with friends.
August 28, 2001
BAYONNE POOL PARTY
The band entertained for the 3rd consecutive year for Polish Nightsponsored by the Department of Recreation at the Bayonne Municipal Pool. Below are photos of some of the early arrivals anticipating a night of good swimming and great music.
May 19, 2001
Alicza Klapacz, Miss Polonia for the Polish American Club of North Jersey, takes time to pose with the band. Alicza, who is from Wallington, NJ, will represent the Club this October at the Pulaski Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
April 5 and 6, 2001
CELEBRATING EASTER: The first two pictures show members of the Garfield Seniors Center at a pre-Easter celebration enjoying the music of The Ablemen.
Friday night social dancers enjoying the music at the Bayway Polish Home in Elizabeth. Photos by Bill Miranda
January 16, 2000
On behalf of The Ablemen, Jim Obrotka and Ray Skorka presenting a plaque and letter of recognition to Bill Shibilski, Polka Radio DJ (center), on the 35th anniversary of Bill's polka broadcasting. Photo by Donna Skorka
September, 1999
The Ablemen at St. John Kanty Church in Clifton, NJ. Photo by Bob Obser
October 17, 1999
DUMONT CELEBRATION DAY
For the past two Septembers, the Ablemen have entertained for Dumont, New Jersey's Annual "Dumont Celebration Day." The celebration features games and rides for children along with various food vendors for children of all ages. Pictured below are photos of the band in some informal attire at Dumont Celebration Day in 1998 and 1999.
1998
Photo by Joseph Annecchino, Sr.
1999
Photo by Joseph Annecchino, Sr.
From the Polish-American World, December 17, 1999:
From the Post Eagle, October 13, 1999:
Ray Skorka and the Ablemen (Jim Obrotka and Jim Jordan) entertaining on Fifth Avenue in New York City at the Pulaski Day Parade. (Not Pictured -- Joe Annecchino)
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 broadcast 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 SUBURBANITE, August 11, 1999:
Caption: The Ablemen play some Polish music for the crowds as part of the Gazebo Concert series in Demarest.
From the Polish American World, July 30, 1999:
Ray Skorka To Lead Ablemen During Pulaski Parade
Ray Skorka and The Ablemn have been booked to play at the reviewing stand of the Pulaski Parade on Sunday, October 3.
The band will make its second appearance at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 41st Street to play for the marchers in the Pulaski Parade.
Ray Skorka, the leader of the goup, will lead the band while nearby MC Bill Shibilski keeps up a running commentary of which group is marching throughout the day. Shibilski also interviews various dignitaries including the Grand Marshal when Ablemen are not playing.
From the POLISH AMERICAN WORLD, July 23, 1999:
Yes, we missed Polish Night at Eisenhower Park which we heard was another great enjoyable evening and excellent performance of entertainment. Also heard that Ray Skorka and his Ablemen orchestra played their hearts out to the thousands attending. Way to go Ray! Not to forget the greatest MC around, Bill Shibilski!
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.
October 1998
Pulaski Parade
1998
The Ablemen with Bill Shibilski and Regina Kujawa at the 1998 Pulaski Parade.
Al Rembish, the organizer of the event, and guest.
Helen and Al Sova enjoying the party with friends.
1998
1998