Retirement

Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Retirement Announcement
by Ray Skorka
February 14, 2014

After much deliberation, I am announcing that this current year, 2014, will be the final year of bookings for The Ablemen. I am proud to say that the band is performing in its 51st year, but after all the bookings, traveling, and time away from home, it is time to say “so long” to a musical career that has been extremely good to me.

I began performing with my first band, The Ray Dels, in 1963 at weddings and private parties. We added performances in lounges and clubs to our schedule during the 1970’s. Having grown up on polka music by the Connecticut Twins, Frank Wojnarowski, Frank Gutowski, and Bernie Witkowski, I always had a desire to perform in the polka field. So, in the mid-1980’s, we broke ground in that arena. The Ablemen have continued performing a variety of musical genres ever since.

To dispel any doubts or rumors, there are no physical or health issues that factor into this decision; it is simply the right time. I am looking forward to attending events that I have had to miss during the past seven decades due to our performance schedule.

I have been fortunate to perform currently with loyal, talented musicians who are friends: Jim Obrotka on drums and vocals for 49 years: Joe Annecchino on saxes, clarinet, flute, and trumpet for 30 years; and Bill Miranda on trumpet, flugelhorn, and vocals for 26 years. I also wish to express my gratitude to others who have accompanied me for periods of time on this musical odyssey: my original band mates Eddie “Skippy” Freed and Ronnie Teddick on drums and guitar; Tom Obrotka on sax and clarinet; Bill Wojciechowski on guitar, trumpet, and vocals; Rich Robino on saxophones, clarinet, flute, and keyboards; John Grant on trumpet, flugelhorn, and guitar; and Jim Jordan on trumpet and flugelhorn. Thanks, too, to the female vocalists who worked with us at wedding receptions during the 1980’s and early 1990’s: Maggie McCarthy, Dale Cafarro, Lynn Iossa, Audrey Shane, and Patty Varian.

I also want to acknowledge my late parents for their dedication to my music lessons on the accordion and piano. A debt of gratitude goes to my music teachers, in order, on accordion: June Dee Stark, Ray DeBrown, Freddie Yarosz, and Stephen Harer; on piano – John Mayurnik.

I am proud of the band’s achievements throughout the years, including winning the first place trophy and being acclaimed the Gold Medal Band at the National Polka Festival at Hunter Mountain for three consecutive years in the 1980’s. The Ablemen performed for several years on Fifth Avenue in New York City at the Reviewing Stand for the annual October Pulaski Day Parade and played on floats for various organizations in that same parade during the 1990’s. In addition, we performed during the 2000’s at both Shea Stadium and Citi Field for the NY Mets annual Polish-American Heritage Nights. The Ablemen also appeared on several polka TV shows on WVIA-TV in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. There are also great memories of playing at many polka weekends, festivals, and notable Polish halls – all too numerous to mention.

A special acknowledgement goes to all the DJ’s and IJ’s who have played our recordings on their shows, to friends and organizations that have hired us, to the fans who come out to support us, and to everyone who has encouraged us all these years. Without you, there would not have been a band called The Ablemen.

Finally, I thank my family for their patience and permitting me to follow this wonderful path. To my children Dave, Kim, Neil, and Melissa, I know it wasn’t easy for you having dad away from home. To Donna, my beautiful wife, I couldn’t have done this all these years without your support. Thank you. I’ll be home in 2015 so that we can catch up on some of the things we’ve missed.

To everyone, it is my wish that I get to see you at one of our performances sometime during this year before the journey ends.

May you always be able!

All good things! Past, present, and future!
Much love!
Diane Spear

Hats off to a great group.
Always the best.
Gus Kosior

Hi Ray -
The year's already moving fast - been meaning to write because I was disappointed to hear that you're planning to hang up your accordion and that you & the guys are looking to retire ending this year!! It's always sad when there's a breakup of a polka band. You'll be missed. After entertaining for so many years I guess you all deserve a rest ! Looking forward to this Sunday's P.U.C. Ball.
All the best -
Hedy Skrinski

Dear Ray
Received with thoughts and memories of joyous music ... the Ablemen brought so much to our Norwood community ... may you all continue to find great fun, health, and happiness in the years ahead.
Thanks for the 51 years ...
Doris Buxbaum

Now that I have stopped crying for a minute I can see enough to type. I always knew it, but this email you sent out is a confirmation that you're an amazing person and I am so fortunate to have worked with you at the Clifton summer concerts for all these years. Every year my schedule starts with you and then I go from there. In the midst of sadness, knowing that I'm not going to see you every year, I'm so happy for you and this new chapter of your life. I hope we can book you this summer in Clifton for a farewell concert. Pick your date and then I can start booking the rest of the bands. I am so glad to have known you all these years and I wish health, happiness and prosperity in the years to come. God bless you and your family.
Affectionately,
Debbie Oliver - Clifton Recreation

Ray,
I wish you all the best in your retirement. You have brought great joy to countless people throughout the years-especially my family and me. Thank you for assembling your fine group of musicians and sharing your talents with everyone. As you well know, happy music makes us all better individuals. Sto lat.
Russ Bargiel

A great musical accomplishment, Ray. A milestone no doubt. I immensely enjoyed the times I filled in over the years. I greatly appreciate your thinking of me for all of those gigs.
Tom Kondra

Ray
Good luck. It was a pleasure knowing you and playing for us at the Wallington K. of C. Hall.
Joe LoBoi

Hi Ray,
Congratulations on your wonderful musical accomplishments. 51 years is an amazing history which deserves wide acclaim.
Scott Fitzgerald once said that there are no second acts in America. You have proved him wrong with three under your belt: Norwood, NJEA, and The Ablemen!
Many kudos and best wishes for continued success.
Andy Rose

Ray ... Very nicely expressed farewell that pays due honor to a LONG and personally rewarding musical career. You, Ray, and your Ablemen partners have obviously accomplished much to celebrate and to be proud of during the “51 years” of this very successful musical family relationship. As one who has been witness to your talent, and enjoyed your group’s performances, I know your FANS will miss the entertainment and personalities they have come to know and love. Know that I treasure the friendship that we have established over the past many years and look forward to that aspect of the “performance” to remain in place for all time to come. Congratulations and my best to you and the group always!
Gerry Lockwood

All the best Ray! Hope to see you down the road.
Bud Hundenski

Dear Ray,
Congratulations on your many years of success, and thanks for the wonderful recorded music that my radio listeners have enjoyed. The art form of music has brought many people together, has been responsible for bringing peace and happiness, and has facilitated countless good times.
Thanks to you and your band for all of your contributions. We all are richer for your efforts.
Greg Drust
247polkaheaven.com
WJYI-AM - Milwaukee, WI
WTKM-FM - Hartford, WI

First Motley Crue, now the Ablemen! I don't know how much more I can take :-)
Congratulations on a long, successful career! In addition to all the lives you touched as a teacher, you have brought joy to countless people through your music. You have a lot to be proud of!
Dawn Hiltner

What a career and what an accomplishment. I'm sure this has been a very difficult decision for you to make, but there comes a time that family needs to come first.
You have one more year ahead of "wowing the crowds" as you and the Ablemen perform.
You should only look back with pride and happy memories. Congratulations on your decision.
Karen Gundersen

Congratulations!!! Good luck to you in your future and enjoy the events that you missed all those years. You've earned it.
I had the pleasure of playing with you several times over the years and you were a joy to work with. All the best to you.
Alan Cove

Ray and the Ablemen,
I have and always will appreciate your music......perhaps before you say adieu, cut a CD with your greatest hits through the years. I know our teacher Freddie Yarosz is looking down on you and smiling.....Thank you for all those 51 years !!
I wish you well.......and see you soon!!
John Budzinski.......a polka fan since I was born!

Dear Ray & the Band,
Well, needless to say, the Hudson Valley Polonaise Society is a little disappointed, but after 51 years, we can certainly understand your decision. Just let me say, on behalf of the HVPS, thank so much for your awesome performances at our annual Polonaise Balls for the past four years. Thank you for your professionalism and great music.
Sincerely,
Hilda Ellis XO

Dear Ray:
Congratulations on a great career. I also want to wish you and the guys all the best in your future endeavors. It was an honor to share the stage with you and work closely with you on the benefit for Hurricane Sandy Victims last year. It has been a true pleasure getting to know you these past few years. You are a class act and you and your band are a credit to the industry. You will be sorely missed. I hope our paths cross again soon, and we can share a laugh and reminisce. I am also proud of the "new" climate we have created amongst local groups where we work together rather than work against. I know I speak for Chris as well when I say "Sto Lat" to you Ray and your fine group.
Yours truly,
Ron McIntosh

Good luck!!! I have and will always have great memories of The Ablemen at the Polish Center in Yonkers, NY.
Sto lat!
Steve Schurick

Ray,
This must have been a very difficult decision. I do wish you a great final year of many performances and hope that I may have a chance to see you somewhere along the way. Best wishes to you and your band.
Best regards,
Dennis Polisky

It's been a very nice ride! Well written and you thanked everyone that I can think of. I want to say that you were always the most honest person, bandleader that I ever knew. I never, ever had any doubt that you always looked out for the interests of your band members. We had so much fun and I will miss that. I will always consider you a very close friend who was there for me through thick and thin. I wish you all the best and a happy life after our fifty years together! Sto lat!
Sticks (Jim Obrotka)

Congratulations, Ray. Enjoy your well-earned retirement.
Steve Cicarelli

Skork,
What can I say? It's been a good ride. I have fond memories while I was with you and the Ablemen. Lorenzini's, The Fire House Two, Brennan's Pub, and all the dinner dances and weddings we did. Our first recording at Rich's house. The last recording at my house ( 2006 ) eight years ago! All these things seem that they happened just yesterday. I can go on and on. It would probably take a month of time.
I'll never forget when we tried to steal Jim's cake from his car after a gig in Garfield. Remember that??
Stay well my good friend and keep in touch as will I.
Woj (Bill Wojciechowski)

Ray,
Glad to see you're stopping "burning the candle at both ends." Congrats on a successful musical career. Enjoy your last year and don't do a "Frank Sinatra."
Dot & Jim Frendak

Warmest good wishes and congratulations, old friend.
Best always,
David Verducci

Wonderful email describing a beautiful musical history! Thanks so much for sharing it. Be blessed. See you soon.
George Huk

Ray,
Congratulations on your retirement!! You had an incredible run. Let's get together soon.
Jimmy Sturr

Wow - I know that must have been a tough decision for you and the rest of the Ablemen to make. You get much joy from your music.
Lisa Johnston Sonntag

Ray,
I wish you much joy in your retirement starting in 2015. I am so very glad that we are family, and that you are, in case you were unaware, one of my favorite cousins. Even though in my hectic lifestyle with Brian, I don't get to see you perform, or see you and Donna. Brian and I truly enjoy listening to your CD's, and I am truly grateful that you played for our (Ken and I) Wedding. This April will be 30 years ago.
Your cousin,
Marilyn Simonds
I'll miss you guys. Here I am, revamping the theater in the library, and was hoping to have you guys back when we finish. I wish you all the best. Truly, you gave so much happiness to so many with your music.
Adele Pier Puccio (Bloomfield Public Library)
Ray,
I wish you all the best and will miss seeing you perform at all the concerts in the park. Your band is truly the best and I'm glad that you're part of the family. Wishing you and the band a wonderful retirement.
Diane Bohn Allard

Kinda breaks my heart for such a talented man and musician to hang up the accordion. His music will be missed by many. But our weekends will be filled with fun. I think we both need this. He has worked very hard all these years, and then some. Honey, you're the best. Now it's our time. Love you.
Donna Skorka (the lovely Mrs. S.)
That is a beautiful note and I am truly saddened by it, though I appreciate why you are calling it quits now.
Sandy Oxfeld

Ray,
Congratulations to you and the other Ablemen on an incredible run. I have really enjoyed seeing you perform at Mets games in the past several years.
Best,
Steve Cohen

What a wonderful career you have had bringing music and joy to those fortunate enough to enjoy your band. I am very happy for you, Ray. Enjoy this last year. I hope I have the opportunity to enjoy also.
Jane Travis-Address

Ray,
Good Luck to you.
Bob Hugel

Congratulations and enjoy your extra time!
Claudia Westervelt

Sorry to hear the music will be stopping but I think you have earned the retirement.
Mike Morrison

Ray,
I just want to let you know what a terrific connection you brought back for me to my old "growing up in Wilkes-Barre" days. While I may have teased you a bit, never for one minute did I ever question your dedication to a glorious heritage often so misunderstood - a heritage that I was raised in.
Many Saturday afternoon, I would be on my grandmother's lap being rocked in her chair while she listened to Pan Yusef - and then of course, there were all the church dinners and weddings where we danced polkas til the wee hours. And so many other memories...
So - thank YOU and all your ABLEmen for reminding me of a heritage full of beauty, great folks, good food, and of course terrific music.
Na zdrowie! Hope to dance the polka one more time before year's end.
Marguerite Schroeder

Ray: Having enjoyed your music at ABLEMEN’S many concert performances in Dumont, and especially at our Golden Anniversary event a few years ago, we want to wish you nothing but the very best in your “retirement.”
We still enjoy listening to your CD, as do our polka friends who we had sent copies to in Reading, PA, our birthplace and big polka town. May you now enjoy all the things you have wanted to do for the last 50 years. We know you’ll be “STILL KICKIN” for the next 50.
Our warmest regards,
Frank & Annette Vernon

Hi Ray --
Thank you very much for your e-mail, and I was sorry to learn that you will be retiring The Ablemen at the end of the year. I do, though, understand what you mean about missing out on many things, especially with family.
You certainly do have a wonderful legacy of which to be proud, and I am sure your fans will miss seeing you and hearing you.
All the best !
June Ingram

Ray-
Sorry to see another great band retire. Hope to see a performance before the year is out.
Best wishes,
Greg Komeshok

Congratulations on a fantastic musical career. We always enjoy dancing to your band and look forward to seeing you on the other side of the bandstand - on the dance floor!!
All the best,
Matt & Elaine Bonowitz

Wow, Ray, what amazing journey it must have been. All the best to you.
Michele Valluzzi

Ray,
Best of luck to you in your last year of performing with the band and may you enjoy your retirement after that. Take care.
Regards,
Joe Stanky

Congratulations Ray. You and the band go out on top and that is the best part of it. You made a lot of people happy and many will not forget that the Ablemen played for that special event. God bless you and enjoy.
Bill Flynn

Ray,
It was great to see you in Pine Island. Sorry to hear the band is hanging it up. Good luck to you and the guys. The nice thing is it will give you more time to go hear other bands.
Hope to see you soon.
Eddie Biegaj

Hi Polka Cuzzins,
Wishing you and your musicians the very best in your retirement. You guys have been THERE and done THAT.
Walt Procanyn

Good Luck and safe travels through 2014!
See you're on Long Island a couple of times. See you there.
Polka Bob Petrowsky

Congratulations, Ray, to you and your bandmates! I'm sure that you will be fondly remembered for the hours of enjoyment that you've brought to your fans!
Music has a way of taking us away from our problems and stresses for a little while, and I am certain that your fans found some happiness in your band's talents. What a wonderful way to make a difference in this world!
Congratulations and all the best!
Sue McBride
__