PoLK of A Royalty Ready to Promote Polka

Prince and Princess Randy and Kathy Cernosek

The new king and queen of the Polka Lovers Klub of America Texas Chapter, Russell and Barbie Loitz of Sugar Land, were crowned at the Klub’s January meeting in Sealy. Randy and Kathy Cernosek of La Porte will continue to serve as prince and princess. Both couples look forward to promoting the Klub and its mission to keep the polka tradition alive and well.

“We love the Klub’s goal in making sure our heritage and love of dancing is passed on to the next generation,” Barbie says.

“We like attending the dances, parades, church picnics and festivals,” Kathy says. “Representing the Klub brings recognition and new members to the organization when first of all they see the crowns and second ask about the red and white. The people start asking questions and some eventually become members and enjoy the organization as much as we do.  Even if we were not royalty we would still do all the above.” 

Both couples come from family tradition of polka. “Russ and I met on a dance floor and have been dancing for 34 years now. We both came from dancing families and grew up with the Pateks, Vrazels and Majeks,” Barbie says. “Our wedding song was Waltz Across Texas and we have covered quite a few good wood floors since then.”

Randy and Kathy have been together for 17 years, married for five. “We grew up with music in our families and Randy has played music since he was 5 years old on tin cans and wore out a coffee table,” Kathy says. “Today, he continues to play by ear the drums, base, piano and saxophone.  My family always went to church picnics and Bill Mraz Dance Hall. When we got too tired, mom would put a pallet down for us on the floor under the table.  I grew up dancing on daddy’s feet and then eventually was able to really dance with him.  Polka is part of our heritage and growing up and we would not change that for anything in the world.  I get asked all the time where did you learn to dance?  And my answer is always on my daddy’s feet!” 

As for favorite songs, it’s Black Gypsy Waltz for Barbie. “The Red Ravens always play it for me, at least I take it they play it just for me.” Russell likes Pretty Dancing Girl. Kathy’s faves are Pivo and Kolaches and Moon over Moravia, and Randy likes Young Girl Polka and Blue Skirt Waltz.

In their new roles, Russell and Barbie plan to spread the word – “The Klub gives you a chance to meet new people, make lasting friendships and dance to music that we grew up on. We are truly blessed by wonderful dancing friends who we see more than our families, who pray for you when in need and make you laugh when you need a good laugh.”

Click here for more information on the Polka Lovers Klub of America Texas Chapter and learn how to become a member.

PoLK of A Presents Scholarships

The July general membership meeting of the Polka Lovers Klub of America Texas Chapter I is my favorite Klub event to attend. That's when we announce the winners of two $500 scholarships given to family members of our members. Each year, I am blown away by what these young people have already achieved. Hearing their plans for the future gives me sense of calm that our country is going to be okay with them in charge. And these are just two outstanding students. The Klub received 17 applications, all to be commended for their achievements and future aspirations. I was also pleased to see these two recipients are proud of their polka heritage, one commenting the the PoLk of A is such a cool club. Meet this year's winners: Michael Laitkep and Abby Sumbera.

Michael graduated from Friendswood High School and is the son of Chris and Donna Laitkep and the grandson of Ernest and Delores Laitkep of Pearland.

Besides being an outstanding student, Michael has aggressively participated in extra-curricular activities and held leadership positions in various organizations while supporting the needs of his school, his community and various church programs. He has participated in sporting events, such as swimming, soccer and track, science fair programs, church activities and played trombone in the marching band. He is an Eagle Scout and member of the National Honor Society.

Michael will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, double majoring in business and Plan II Honors, a broad liberal arts program. Afterwards he plans to continue his education by seeking a master's in business or a law degree.

Polka thoughts Favorite polka memories: Spending time with friends and family and doing the Grand March. Favorite polka: Shiner Polka Favorite polka band: Mark Halata & Texavia

Abby graduated from the St. Agnes Academy and is the daughter of Darrell and Kim Sumbera of Houston and granddaughter of Leonard and Grace Sumbera of Schulenburg.

Besides being an outstanding scholastic student, Abby has held leadership positions for St. Agnes retreats and within the Girl Scouts She was secretary of the Spanish Honor Society and is an accomplished athlete with at least 10 years of competitive soccer. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society.

Abby will be attending Texas A&M, majoring in Biomedical Engineering – a rewarding and important field – certainly for the many veteran amputees looking for new limbs -- an area within her major that she intends to pursue.

Polka thoughts Favorite polka memories: Going to the St. John's 4th of July picnics for as long as I can remember and dancing with my family. I have great memories of learning to dance with my grandpa and my dad. Favorite polka: A Ja Sam (All by Myself) Polka. Favorite polka bands: Red Ravens, Dujka Brothers and Shiner Hobos. Polka on iPod: Vrazels album. Polka promotion: I encourage young people to join clubs like PoLK of A. I intend to try to get groups of my friends together to go to dances so they can see what it is all about.