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The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum (PLCTM) hosted their annual “Donor Appreciation Dance” on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Museum organizers offered Polka and Waltz dance instructions for all ages and all elements of dance experience from general steps to twists, turns and twirls.
It was a laughing good time for all who participated. Plus, happy music for happy people was bountiful.
The Museum features this Donor Appreciation event in honor of individuals, families, businesses, organizations, grant providers, and public officials instrumental in the Museum’s success. It is a celebration for which the public is always invited to attend.
This dance was held in the Fairgrounds Pavillion. The event began at 2 PM with dance instructions led by Louis Stewart from the Mollie B Polka Party, Debra Stewart and Paula Amsler all members of the Po. L. K. of A. dance organization. They were assisted by museum talented dancers Willie & Joyce Bohuslav, C. W. “Chris” & Doris Benson, and Gary & Carol Bucek.
The happy music was performed by Mark Halata & Texavia; attendees had a great time dancing to the happy music and those who were not dancing had plenty of listening enjoyment.
Chris and Doris Benson, 2024 King and Queen of Po. L. K. of A. remarked; “Louis, Paula, and Deb did a great job with the dance lessons. We even learned how to do “the window”.
It was a fun time, the hall decorations were great as well as the hall set-up. The choice of raffle items was appropriate. The snacks were phenomenal. Those who didn’t attend missed a well planned donor appreciation dance.
It truly was their loss, since Mark Halata and Texavia were at the top of their game even though it was hotter than one of the outside summer picnics.”
Charles and Angelina Genzer Kretzschmar, San Antonio, Texas expressed; “this is an excellent polka band, plenty of good tasting food, friendly people and lots of dancers. Well organized with people coming from all over Texas. The PLCTM Board members and volunteers are hard dedicated workers for the museum. One lady asked us when the next dance at the fair grounds would be because she had a good time and wanted to come back again.”
Virginia Leech, La Grange stated, “The energy of the music at the Donor Appreciation Dance, the precision of the polka step, step, step and the arm movements unraveling into twirls reminded me of the dances that I, as a child in the 40’s, attended with my folks. As a teenager in the ‘50’s, I danced those same moves in many country halls so popular in the area at that time.”
Ted LaPesh, Houston, Texas expressed “museum organizers and volunteers prepared a very well organized event, and as a result, it was well attended by an enthusiastic group of people that, continued to dance until the last polka was played. Drinks and refreshments were provided for the attendees, which added to the festive atmosphere.
A short program took place during the band’s break at 4:20. This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of Sheryl Pavlas- Harris, a board member who’s untimely death took place in July. President, Gary Bucek, gave an update on progress of the museum since last year’s event including an annual report. A 2024 Program was distributed with the 2024 progress report.
A fun portion of the event were three raffle games; 1) Raffle for five items inclusive of two sets of Poetry Books by Author, Sheryl Pavlas-Harris were won by Wilbert Cernosek and Jerry Pavlicek. Sheryl was a Board Member of the Museum since 2018 and passed away in July wih leukemia.
Two sets, of 5 each, Texas Women’s League Drive-Thru only Dinner Tickets for Thursday, December 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at La Grange KC Hall, were won by Teresa Miller and Dr. Deb Stewart; a $50 Gift Certificate to Majek Vineyard and Winery, won by C. W. “Chris” Benson; a 50/50 Cash Drawing won by Diane Moltz; and, lastly a $1000 Lifetime Membership to the Museum won by Wilbert Cernosek.
Museum organizers collected non-parishable food item(s), toiletries and children’s toy(s) for distribution for locally sponsored holiday programs.
