Thursday, July 9, 2020

2020 July Part 2

Don & Gail Haderle's 
POLKAOUTWEST Blog For July 2020

This is a continuation of the May/June posting. To refresh your memory: For 10 years Mel & Pauline Stodola had an annual polka party in Temecula at their property called Sky Ranch. Over the 10 years that they held the party, just about every Slovenian polka musician in the USA showed up and our favorite Italian band led by Steve Balich, Sr. What started as a weekend party turned into a 3-4 day polka festival.

The ranch is on the top of a hill surrounded by avocado and grapefruit trees. Dale Buse brought in one of his dance floors which was set up next to the house under a big tent. Roman Possedi was the emcee of the event and set the schedule of performers under the tent. Don Agresti spit roasted a hog from his farm and supplied fruit, vegetables, and pasta. Everyone brought food for the potlucks. The party went from noon to late evening on Saturday and Sunday.

In the previous posting, we provided a link to 10 videos of the performances at the party. The following link will take you to the next 9 performances. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLma6uMnhwGnLxo-c-5XXM4LvnwcqbE-7y

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Joe Lengyel

Joe Lengyel


Joe Lengyel passed away in early July at his home in Arizona. The cause is unknown at the time of this note (July 5, 2020).
Joe Lengyel
Joe was a sweet, dear, fun man who has been a friend seemingly forever.
Joe
We met Joe through dancing. He has been a mainstay at polka dances in California and Arizona for decades. Joe harkens from Minnesota.

2009 Sons of Italy

Arizona celebrating Gene's birthday
Joe loved to dance.
BFF Marla & Joe
Joe & Barbara
Gail & Joe 
We socialized outside of the dancehall.
Joe & Marla at our home
We dined, laughed, and the girls went shopping.
Gail & Joe with manspreading manequin
Joe with cousin Kim & brother Jim at Pebble Beach
Joe visited us in our desert home on our way to Arizona for a polka dance.
Don & Joe Rumba
Joe & Mary relaxing
Dining with friends
Joe was a pal.
Joe & Don
Besties.
Besties
The ladies loved Joe.
Joe & the Ladies
We miss him dearly. Here's to Joe.
na zdrowie