Special Occassions
December 9, 2007
AMPOLA'S CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
The American-Polish Association of Professional/Business Men and Women (AMPOLA) paid tribute to a long-time Polonia activist, Ed Smolenski, on Sunday, December 9, 2007 as AMPOLA’s Citizen of the Year. The Main 415 Restaurant in Port Washington, NY, was the site of this year’s AMPOLA Christmas party luncheon and dance.
Each year the organization honors an individual who has contributed greatly to the efforts of the Polish-American community. This year’s honoree, Ed Somlenski, a resident of New Hyde Park, NY, has been a promoter of Polish-American causes for a long period of time. He has been involved with the Pulaski Parade Committee in organizing the annual Pulaski Parade in New York City, a Past Grand Knight of the New Hyde Park Elks, and is currently the Commander of the VFW Post in New Hyde Park. As a member of the Elks, Ed continues to promote their annual Polish Night Dinner-Dance, which always is a sellout.
During the afternoon, Ed’s daughter, Elaine Smolenski Thompson, spoke very eloquently about her father’s accomplishments. AMPOLA president, Michael Bibla, presented Ed with a plaque honoring his contributions, and Al Novak read a proclamation on behalf of Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. The Ablemen provided the entertainment for the affair.
Sto lat to Ed Smolenski!
December 2, 2007
NJ FIREMEN'S HOME CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Sunday, December 2, 2007, The Ablemen entertained for disabled firemen at the New Jersey Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ. The two hour concert was organized through the efforts of the Bergen County Firemen’s Association and that organization’s entertainment chairperson, Frank Bocchino. This was the band’s sixth Christmas concert at the Home.
The NJ Firemen’s Home offers long term care and residential care beds to qualified firefighters, both paid and volunteer, throughout the State of New Jersey. The Bergen County Firemen’s Association hosts the entertainment several times during each year.
During the afternoon, the guests were treated to a concert of Christmas selections in the inimitable style of The Ablemen. During an intermission, everyone enjoyed a snack of ice cream and juice. Following the performance, Santa Claus appeared to distribute Christmas presents to the guests of the Home.
Everyone enjoyed a wonderful time. The guests and their relatives are looking forward to the band’s appearance at next year’s concert on December 7, 2008.
December 3, 2006
NJ FIREMEN'S HOME CHRISTMAS PARTY
On December 3, 2006 The Ablemen entertained for the 5th consecutive year at the NJ Firemen's Home in Boonton, NJ for the annual Christmas party. The party is sponsored by the Bergen County Firemen's Association.
August 27, 2006
SZATKOWSKI'S 50th ANNIVERSARY
Sunday, August 28th was a special day in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Szatkowski, of South Amboy, NJ. Joe and Toni celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Many relatives and friends gathered at the Battleground County Club in Freehold, NJ to celebrate the festive occasion. The Ablemen entertained for the honored couple and their guests.
August 13, 2005
MAYERCZACKS' 40th ANNIVERSARY
On August 13, 2005, Val and Maryann Mayerczak celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at the Wallington Knights of Columbus. Below is their thank-you note to the band along with some photos of the day. Congratulations to the Mayerczaks! We thank them for sharing their pictures.
The band on stage.
Taking a break from performing.
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.
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
