MAS News

January 12, 2010
Linda Marshall

Your membership expired on December 31, 2009. If you have not already renewed your membership for 2010, please take a minute to write a check in the amount of $25.00, payable to the Michigan Accordion Society, and mail it to Jerry May, 5955 Cobb Creek Road, Rochester, MI 48306. It is important to keep the accordion and its music alive in Michigan, so please mail your dues as soon as possible. Please note that our dues have not increased since we began in 1996. Thank you to those members who have already renewed.

Gift Certificates for a one-year membership are available for purchase. Contact Linda Marshall using our Contact Form if you would like to give a friend or relative a gift of music.

January 12, 2010
Linda Marshall

Do you teach accordion? Do you know someone who teaches accordion? We are compiling a list of accordion teachers or studios who also teach accordion - beginners, children and adults in Michigan and Ohio. Please contact Linda Marshall using our Contact Form.

December 21, 2009
Bob Stead

Quinto Vitale had his 96th birthday on December 20th. Birthday cards would be a nice surprise for him. He is very proud of his age and that he is still able to come to MAS meetings.

If you have a little one or know of a little child who still believes in Santa and would like them to receive a letter from Santa Claus, please contact Linda Marshall through our contact form. Include the child's full name and address and a letter will be sent to them. There is no charge.

The members of the MAS Board of Directors wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, musical, healthy and prosperous New Year.

November 23, 2009
Bob Stead

The Annual MAS Christmas Party will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 7:30 PM. We will be meeting at the American Polish Cultural Club located on 15 Mile (Maple Road) at Dequindre in Troy, MI. There will be a $5.00 (to help defray the cost of the room) donation at the door.
It will be an Open Mic Night. We will have a Christmas Sing-Along (song sheets will be provided), Christmas games, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, pizza and other snacks, a chocolate fountain, etc.
Please contact Steve Kaye if you wish to perform.
Everyone is invited - members, friends, relatives, former members. However, you must RSVP by December 3, 2009. Let us know how many people you plan to bring. Please use our contact form to RSVP or call Marguerite Krau or Linda Marshall.

September 21, 2009
Bob Stead

Back by Popular Demand

POLKAFEST

Sunday, October 18, 2009
4:00 PM
The American Polish Cultural Center
15 Mile at Dequindre
Troy, MI
Featuring Grammy nominated recording artist
and former member of the nationally renowned group, POLKA FAMILY
KEVIN SOLECKI
also
MIKE ZAWOJSKY
and many others
Advance Tickets: $15.00 per person
Children Age 7 to 14: $10.00
Tickets at the Door: A$18.00
Doors open at 3:00 PM
click here for flyer

September 5, 2009
Bob Stead

Just a reminder that the September Membership Meeting will be held at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, September 15th at The American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, MI (15 Mile Rd (Maple) and Dequindre). The featured performers will be Judy Thorne & The Ramblers. Also performing will be Jerry May. Please contact us through our Contact Form if you would like to perform. We ask that all players other than the featured performers limit themselves to 3 selections. After everyone has performed and if there is time, you may take a second turn.

July 19, 2009
Mike Zawojsky

MAS member Judy Thorne and her band, The Ramblers, will be performing for us at our next accordion club meeting on 09/15/2009. The group will play a variety of music for approximately one hour. The band consists of six musicians and they sound terrific! I think everyone will really enjoy them!

April 20, 2009
Linda Marshall

Hot Club of Detroit, featuring accordionist Julien Labro, will be at the Cadieux Cafe, on Cadieux between Warren and Mack Avenue in Detroit on Tuesday, April 21st.
Phone: 313-882-8560.

February 20, 2009
Bob Stead

MAS member Bob Berta sent us the following:

I am on the board of directors of the Shelby Music Society...it is an organization that is very similar to the accordion club...but is open to all instruments and singing. Music styles range all over the map from classic to jazz to folk to blue grass, every ethnic type you can imagine, but generally no pop music. It is setup in the open mike format with each person/group performing about 3 tunes or 15 minutes. It generally meets the second Saturday of each month although the March meeting will be earlier due a conflict with a holiday. The meetings run from 7:30 to 10:00pm and are at the Shelby Senior Center located behind the Shelby library on Van Dyke near 23 Mile Road. It is a gorgeous facility with a big stage and we have a first rate sound system. I usually play at every meeting and there are three other MAS members besides myself who are also members of the society. While guitars and singing tend to be in the majority, there are violins, piano, cello, flute, harmonica, etc. so a place for every instrument. The audience is very appreciative of accordion and we would love to have even more MAS members in the audience. Generally the attendence is around 60 -100 people. There are no dues but a $2 donation is requested. Each meeting also has a big assortment of member donated snacks and sweets at no additional cost. Those wanting to perform need only show up and get on the open mike list for the night. If you are interested in attending or getting more info you can contact me directly at my email address to get more information.

In another note, Bob Berta says:

Once again I will play my MIDI accordion as entertainment during the FISH FRY FRIDAYS at St. John Vianney Catholic Church located on West side of Schoener between 25 and 26 Mile Roads. This will start Friday, Feb. 27 and every Friday until Easter. Time for both the dinner and music is 5:00pm to 7:30pm.

Enjoy a night-off from cooking and join me as I perform a variety of music genres, have a great inexpensive dinner and visit with friendly folks.

February 20, 2009
Linda Marshall

Kevin Solecki will be performing at the annual Paczki Day Celebration on Tuesday, February 24th, at Michelle's Restaurant/Sweetheart Bakery, 31920 Van Dyke, just north of 13 Mile Road in Warren from 11:00 am til 8:00 pm. Special evening guest musician: Mike Zawojsky. Kevin and MIke will be performing duet accordion music. The food is great! Be sure to make reservations as the waiting list is really long. Call 586-795-1665.

February 12, 2009
Linda Marshall

Peter Soave is arriving in Detroit a week from this Thursday, February 19, 2009.
Peter will be performing a concert with Duilio Dorbrin on Sunday, February 22, 2009, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323. Please pass the word along.
For ticket information contact Susan Toohy in the Temple Israel office at 248-661-5700 or by email at susan@temple-israel.org.
Peter is looking forward to seeing old friends.

January 6, 2009
Linda Marshall

Steve Kay received the following update from Ray Battani on Elaine:

"Elaine is doing better and is being moved to "Heartland", South Boulevard and Rochester Road in Rochester, Michigan for more physical therapy. We are all praying for Elaine."

Peter Soave sent the following comments about the death of Peter Baltrusz (obituary below):

"The Detroit accordion fraternity has lost a TRUE GENTLEMAN; may he be remembered. It is important that Pete Baltrusz is remembered. Peter was one of several old timers that for various reasons, never received due respect for his contributions to the accordion in Detroit. Another such person is Eddie Schick. Baltrusz was a staple at Gail and Rice, the premier entertainment agency in the country for many years, and was very much in demand. Pete was so soft spoken and never sought the limelight. I remember growing up and meeting people who would refer to Baltrusz as being a true professional, etc... Baltrusz was the real thing! A first rate player who played the accordion his entire life."

January 1, 2009
Linda Marshall

The new year brings sad news. Long time MAS member Peter Baltrusz passed away on December 28th. I didn't find out about it until late last night (Dec 31st). His funeral was on Tuesday, December 30th. Peter was 94, born on December 29, 1913 in Detroit. He was a longtime resident of Dearborn Heights. He was the husband of the late Anna and father to Ronald and the late Peter; grandfather of 7 and great-grandfather of 6. Services were conducted by Howe-Peterson Funeral Home with interment at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights. MAS sends their deepest sympathy to Peter's family. Friends may sign the guestbook by going to www.howepeterson.com and clicking on the obituary display.

December 4, 2008
Linda Marshall

The Troy Elk's Club which has been for sale for the past two years HAS BEEN SOLD. They must be out of the building by January 4, 2009. We will hold our Christmas Party at the Elk's Club on December 9, 2008.
There will be no membership meeting in January 2009 or February 2009.
There will be a meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 (fourth Tuesday). The location will be advised ASAP.
The Annual Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2009.
There will be a membership meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 (3rd Tuesday).
The Annual Youth Night will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 (3rd Tuesday).
More information to follow as soon as it becomes available.

November 26, 2008
Linda Marshall and Robert Stead

Mark you calendars for the The Michigan Accordion Society Annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM.
The festivities will be at the Troy Elk's Club located at 1451 E. Big Beaver (16 Mile Road-east of I-75) in Troy, MI.
Bring you spouse or significant other for an enjoyable evening of music, singing, (dancing?) and Christmas cheer. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Solitaire and Company (John Sterbenz and Linda Marshall), doing old standards, pop, country and some 50's rock and roll. There will be soloists and a group sing along--words to Christmas Carols will be provided.
A 50/50 raffle will be held for cash prizes and door prizes. There will be pizza and other snacks, coffee and soft drinks. A cash bar will be available.
A $5.00 per person donation is requested to help defray the cost of the hall. We ask that you do not arrive early unless you are volunteering to set up. An RSVP would be appreciated so we may have a head count to order food. Click HERE to RSVP.

September 30, 2008
Jerry May

CMN (Community Media Network)will be broadcasting a special 2 hour program of the 20th Annual Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show. One of the highlights is former MAS member Gaylord Klancnik's posthumous induction for Lifetime Achievement. Also many veteran Cleveland Style musicians will be providing music for this 2 hour presentation. Show will be Wednesdays at 10:00 pm and Fridays at 1:30 pm starting October 1st. (Programs typically run for several weeks to several months.) Comcast subscribers will see it on channel 52, WOW subscribers on channel 18. I'm looking forward to watching and taping it.

September 27, 2008
Mary Jo Middler

My name is Mary Jo Middler. I am Ben Lupo's youngest daughter. Ben had a fall on August 20, 2008. He hurt his back and hit his head. He was at Providence Hospital for a week. After many tests the doctors found he had brusing on the outer part of the brain. Ben also has back pain and is in a wheelchair. From the hospital he was transfered to Cambridge North Health Care Center in Clawson. It is a nursing home, and he is in the rehabilitation wing. He gets physical therapy 5 days a week. He's been there for 4 weeks. At this time he is in need of 24 hour care. His short term memory is worse since the fall. However, his long term memory is good.
Yesterday he was alert enough, and he and I had a great conversation about the Michigan Accordion Society. He spoke very kindly of all of you, especially of his long time friend Ray Battani. He has much admiration for Ray and spoke of the old days when they were young. If anyone has any questions, they can contact his daughter Mary Jo Middler at 248-589-2855. If anyone wants to send a card to Ben you can send it to: Cambridge North Health Care Center, 535 N. Main St., Clawson, MI 48017.

August 28, 2008
Linda Marshall

ANNOUNCING A SPECIAL SCREENING OF THE NON-PROFIT DOCUMENTARY FILM DOM POLSKI:
DANCE HALL DAYS OF DETROIT'S POLONIA

• A celebration of Polish immigrant life and culture in Detroit's east and west side communities
• A preservation of history and musical traditions

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2008 -- GRANDPARENTS' DAY!
HISTORIC ST. ALBERTUS CATHOLIC CHURCH
4231 St. Aubin, Detroit, 48207 -- www.stalbertus.org
Immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Mass

Free admission, but donations will be gratefully accepted!
Proceeds will benefit the St. Albertus restoration fund
Special 80-minute version of documentary will be shown, with 15-minute intermission.
Free paczki will be served!
Full 2-hour-plus version of film will be for sale for $20 (dvd or vhs).

Directions
From the Western Suburbs:
Take I-94 east to the Woodward Ave. Exit but stay on the service drive after you take the exit ramp. Follow it around to Warren Ave. Make a left (heading east) on Warren Ave. and a right on to Russell St. Follow that to Canfield. Make a left on Canfield (the church at the corner of Russell and Canfield is Sweetest Heart of Mary). Three blocks east, at the corner of Canfield and St. Aubin, is St. Albertus. PARKING LOT IS ON NW CORNER OF CANFIELD & ST. AUBIN.

From the Northern Suburbs:
Take I-75 south to Warren Ave. (exit #53A). Make a left (heading east) on Warren Ave. and a right on to Russell St. Follow that to Canfield. Make a left on Canfield (the church at the corner of Russell and Canfield is Sweetest Heart of Mary). Three blocks east, at the corner of Canfield and St. Aubin, is St. Albertus. PARKING LOT IS ON NW CORNER OF CANFIELD & ST. AUBIN.

From the Southern Suburbs:
Take I-75 north to exit #52, Mack Ave. Stay on the service drive to Canfield St. and make a right (heading east). Continue on Canfield (you'll pass Sweetest Heart of Mary on your left) to St. Aubin. St. Albertus is on the corner of St. Aubin and Canfield. PARKING LOT IS ON NW CORNER OF CANFIELD & ST. AUBIN.

From the Eastern Suburbs:
Take I-94 west. Take exit number 215C, towards M-1/Woodward Ave./Brush St. but stay on the service drive to Beaubien St. Turn left (south) on Beaubien to the Edsel Ford (I-94) service drive east. Turn left on to the service drive and follow it around to Warren Ave. Make a left (heading east) on Warren Ave. and a right on to Russell St. Follow that to Canfield. Make a left on Canfield (the church at the corner of Russell and Canfield is Sweetest Heart of Mary). Three blocks east, at the corner of Canfield and St. Aubin, is St. Albertus. PARKING LOT IS ON NW CORNER OF CANFIELD & ST. AUBIN.

CHURCH IS NOT HANDICAPPED-ACCESSIBLE.
QUESTIONS: lauriepalazzolo@hotmail.com
For more information, go to: www.hornman-detroit.com

August 14, 2008
Linda Marshall

The September Membership Meeting will be on Tuesday, September 16th at 7:30 PM, The Troy Elks Club. We are looking for volunteers to perform. If you are interested in play 2 or 3 numbers, please contact Linda Marshall.

The October Membership Meeting, October 21st from 7:30 to 10:00 PM will be open to the general public. It will be a Polkafest featuring Grammy nominated Kevin Solecki. Kevin, formerly from the Sterling Heights area (and a former MAS member), moved to Pennsylvania a few years ago as he is a member of the nationally reknown group, Polka Family. Also performing are Mike Zawojsky, Stephen Kaye and several others.

Tickets are $10.00/person. This includes a pizza snack. A cash bar will be available.

The Polkafest will be held at The Troy Elk's Club, 1451 East Big Beaver (16 Mile Road, just east of I-75) in Troy. Tickets are available at The Music Centre (313-563-3376), The Gus Zoppi Music Studio (586-978-1816) or by calling 248-689-3296.

All proceeds from the Polkafest will go to the Michigan Accordion Society Youth Scholarship Fund.

There will be no November Membership Meeting and there will be no November Dinner-Dance this year.

Plans are underway for the Annual December Christmas Party, the second Tuesday in December. More to come.

July 21, 2008
Linda Marshall

MAS member Ray Vigna passed away on Tuesday, July 1th. Ray was a very active member of MAS for several years and will be sorely missed. A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 19th at St. Martin DePorres in Warren. A luncheon was held at the Sterling Inn in Sterling Heights, immediately following the Mass. Ray made the request to his wife Louise that John Pierce and Vince Orbaczewski play some of his favorite songs at the luncheon. They were very pleased to be asked. There was a large attendance at the funeral and luncheon - 100 to 125 people. Ray's family expressed their thanks and happiness at hearing his favorite songs being played on his favorite instrument - the accordion.

Also, a special thanks to Mrs. Gloria Capaldi, widow of Bob Capaldi, who donated two accordions and a lot of music to MAS. The accordions are to be used to raise funds for the MAS Youth Scholarship Fund in memory of Robert Capaldi. The music will be cataloged and added to the MAS Music Library. Any duplicates will be available for purchase with proceeds going to the scholarship fund.

May 31, 2008
Linda Marshall

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Cotati Accordion Festival on August 23-24, 2008 in Cotati, California (just north of San Francisco). Joe Domitrowich is scheduled to play Sunday afternoon from 1:55-2:25pm just before Dick Contino's feature performance. This will be Joe's first time to perform at Cotati. Joe's friend, Alex Meixner, will be here this year both with a solo act and with the band playing from his Grammy-nominated albumn Polka Freakout.

For those who have never been to the Cotati event, it's the most well-known accordion-centric event west of the Mississippi. There is lots of variety and a full-day program both days. Several big names playing every year. Food, fun, music, dancing, accordion vendors, accordion memoribilia. There will definitely something of interest. There is more information at www.cotatifest.com/2008Ev.htm

May 30, 2008
Linda Marshall

REMINDER!!
The Annual Youth Night will be on Tuesday, June 17th, 7:30 PM at the Troy Elk's Club, 1451 E. Big Beaver (16 Mile Road), just east of I-75 in Troy. There is construction on I-75 at I-696. You can exit I-75 at 10 mile, drive east to John R and follow John R north to 16 Mile.

All youth playing any instrument or singing are welcome. Pizza and pop will be served. The evening will conclude around 9:30 PM. Contact Linda Marshall at 313-563-3376 if you want to be added to the program to perform.

May 22, 2008
From the Detroit Finnish Co-operative Summer Camp Association

The Detroit Finnish Co-operative Summer Camp Association (aka Finn Camp) located in Wixom, Michigan, is having a concert on Thursday, June 26, at 7pm. The Finlandia Foundation National annually awards an outstanding performer as it's Performer of the Year.

Brent Buswell and Bert Stromholm's Accordion Duo are Finlandia Foundation's Performer of the Year for 2008. Bert is a master accordionist with a career spanning more than half a century. Brent, blind since birth, is a virtuoso accordionist who began playing piano at age three. He has appeared at Disney World and the Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C. Together they bring a variety of accordion music to the Finn Camp. Brent's wife, Crista, a pianist, will be performing with Brent and Bert.

Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 7 p.m.
Finn Camp Club Room
2524 Loon Lake Road
Wixom, Michigan

$10/adult | $5/child (age 17 & under) | $25/family

November 2, 2007
Linda Marshall

Good news and bad. First the good news. There will be a MAS meeting on Tuesday, third Tuesday in November at the Carpathia Club at 7:30 PM. Everyone is welcome and bring your accordions! After our brief business meeting, there will be solo performers and a group jam session. If you would like to perform solo, contact Linda Marshall or Vince O. Linda can be reached at The Music Centre, 313-563-3376 - if no answer, leave a message.

Plans are also underway for the annual Christmas party in December, also at The Carpathia Club.

We will meeting at the Troy Elks Club, Big Beaver, just east of Rochester Road, in Troy in January. Big Beaver is also known as 16 Mile Road and Metropolitan Parkway (east of Dequindre). We are trying to find a more centralized location so our members west of I-75 can get to meetings.

Now for the bad news - Hubie Crawford, who usually plays stand-up bass with the Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra, was found dead at his westside Detroit home on Wednesday evening after he failed to show up at Bert's Marketplace for his regular Wednesday night gig. He was part of the SHB Trio (Spider Web, drums and Bill Meyer, piano). Bill Meyer's advised that Hubie had passed in the last day or so, possibly from a reaction to blood pressure medication. Hubie would have been 62 later this month.

Hubie was a extraordinary bassist and played with the greats - among them Earl Klugh's group for more than eight years. He also played with Mel Torme, Buddy Montgomery, Curtis Mayfield, Mose Allison and Larry Young. He could always be counted on to play with the Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra whenever Lana Gore called him and, more recently, Sylvan Koltyk. He joined the Orchestra for their Concert and Dinner-Dance on October 14th.

Hubie was a quiet, warm, gentle and kind man, besides being a phenomenal musician. He lived a modest, humble lift and played each Sunday at the Little Rock Baptist Church on Woodward.

Hubie leaves no family members, but an endless list of friends who will miss him. We at the Michigan Accordion Society will also miss Hubie. Funeral services will be announced very soon.

September 13, 2007
Linda Marshall

Summer recess is over. MAS meeting next Tuesday, September 18th, 7:30 PM at The Carpathia Club on Utica Road in Sterling Heights. Theme for the night: September Song. Bring accordions - music will be distributed (with a September theme) for a mass jam session. $5.00 donation covers snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee.

The annual fall event will be held on October 14th this year. We will not hold a tribute dinner this year. Instead, there will be a concert featuring The Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra, a family-style sit down dinner and dancing. A cash bar will be available. It will be held at the Carpathia Club. Doors open at 3:00 PM, dinner at 4:00 PM. Tickets are $30.00 per person for early purchasers. Tickets ordered after October 7th are $35.00 per person. Order your tickets early and save $5.00!!

Volunteers are welcomed to help out at the dinner-dance. We need people to greet guests and help them to their tables, handle will-call tickets at the door, sell raffle tickets, help with the raffle, etc. Also, anyone who wishes to run a business card or personal ad in the Program can do so for $5.00. Contact Linda Marshall at 313-563-3376 or send ad copy to her at The Music Centre, 24736 W. Warren Avenue, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.

There will not be an October Membership meeting because of the dinner-dance. It will be held on November 20th, 7:30 PM at the Carpathia Club.

Just a reminder - we still have a lot of members who have not paid their 2007 membership dues. We even have some who haven't paid their 2006 dues, but they still come to meetings. Your membership runs from January 1 to December 31. Those members who have not paid 2006 dues have been dropped from the membership roster and no longer receive newsletters.

The Annual Christmas party will most likely be held on Tuesday, December 4th. A firm date and location will be advised within the next couple of weeks.

The Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra will be rehearsing at The Music Centre, 24736 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights. (313-563-3376). The studio is located halfway between Telegraph and Beech-Daly. Rehearsals are at 7:30 PM on Thursday, September 27th, October 4th and October 11th. Sound check/rehearsal at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 14th at The Carpathia Club. Please contact Sylvan Koltyk to let him know if you will be playing with the Orchestra. We also encourage members to show up for all rehearsals.

March 8, 2007
Linda Marshall

The next MAS meeting will be on Tuesday, March 20th at The Carpathia Club in Utica. We will have a brief workshop, solo performers and a group play, followed by refreshments.

The Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, May 20th at the Troy Elks Club on Big Beaver (also known as 16 Mile Road) in Troy. Doors open at 3 PM - Concert starts at 4:00 PM. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 14 and under. Ticket price includes an afterglow following the concert.
This year we are pleased to present Hot Club of Detroit, featuring gypsy jazz style music. Our friend and 2005 AAA International Entertainer World Winner Julien Labro, plays button box accordion with this hot and in-demand group. They have appeared at the Detroit International Jazz Festival for the past three years and record with Mack Avenue Records of Harper Woods,Michigan.
The Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Sylvan Koltyk will also be performing their big band style music. Tickets may be ordered by calling 313-563-3376 (The Music Centre), 313-822-4722 or request through our comment box -- www.michiganaccordion.org.

Marguerite Krau would like to thank everyone who sent cards, prayers and made phone calls during her recent surgery and recovery. She has responded to the chemo, radiation and surgery is is recuperating very well. And she is extremely pleased to no longer look like Brittany Spears - she has hair again!! We're glad to have Marguerite well and back active in MAS.

For those who know John Sterbenz, Sr., John has been very ill the past 2-1/2 months. He underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery, then had to remain in the hospital because of severe complications. He has just come home. His email address is: solitaire_14@yahoo.com. We will keep him in our prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.

Andy Caruso is also home recuperating. Andy suffered a heart attack in early February and underwent a triple heart bypass surgery. He is doing well.

The MAS Annual Youth Night will be held the 3rd Tuesday in June at the San Francisco Church Social Hall in Clinton Township. If you have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, friend, neighbor who plays an instrument or sings, they are invited to this annual together to perform for the adults. Pizza and soda will be served. Please advise if you will be bringing a youth to Youth Night.

The American Guild of Music Competition will be held in Romulus, Michigan, April 20, 21 and 22nd. The Music Centre is entering several students in the competition.

The Music Centre will hold its Second Annual Reunion of students and teachers from The Music Centre and Modern Accordion on Saturday, April 28th. Party starts at 7:30 PM.
We had a lot of former students/teachers last year and hope to have more this year. So, plan to come - and pass the word as we do not have an up-to-date mailing list.

September 20, 2006
Linda Marshall

The MAS held the first "Accordion Bits", a mini-workshop that will be done at each meeting. Stephen Kaye presented "Practicing Your Accordion". He also performed, followed by Tom Slowik, Ray Battani, Ben Lupo, then a group jam session.
Next meeting - 3rd Tuesday in October at The Carpathia Club. Theme: Oktoberfest.
MAS member Don Shaffer passed away last Sunday. Received a note from Laurie Palazzolo - Stas Wisniach has been invited to play one Saturday each month at Big Apple Bagels in downtown Farmington, corner of Grand River and Farmington Road in the downtown shopping complex, next to the Post Office. His first engagement was on Saturday, September 19th. He has also been asked to play at Our Lady of Sorrows Church's Oktoberfest (Farmington Hills). Anyone wishing to know his performance schedule can email: . I will be in touch with you in a day or so to give you some further info on MAS events/member jobs.

August 25, 2006
Linda Marshall

The September 19th MAS meeting will be held at the Carpathia Club, 7:30 PM.

This Saturday and Sunday, August 26th and 27th, Silven Koltyk and his 12-piece orchestra will be performing from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Sunflower Festival at the St. Josaphat Church Grounds. St. Josaphat is located at 26440 Ryan Road in Warren (586-758-7711), between Dequindre and Mound Roads, and 10-1/2 Mile (Lincoln) and 11 Mile Roads.

The Ray Battani Trio will provide music at the St. Mary Queen of Creation Family Fest & Raffle on Saturday and Sunday, August 26th and 27th. They will be in the Parish Center located at 50931 Maria, New Baltimore. (East off I-94 and 23 Mile Road. Continue east to the center of town.)

For west siders, Eddie Blazonczyk & The Verstones will be at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish 34th Summer Polish Festival in Wyandotte on 8/26 and 8/27. Address: Tenth Street and Vinewood.

Tickets are now on sale for the MAS Annual Tribute Dinner, Sunday, November 5, 2006.

August 1, 2006
Bob Berta

Sad news... a good friend and one of THE giants in the accordion world, Anthony Gala-Rini [born 1-18-1904] passed away on Sunday 7-30-2006.

As a student I had the good fortune to obtain a lot of his arrangements and compositions and later as an adult I met him several times as a member of the San Francisco Accordion Club. He was a wonderful teacher and arranger who raised the accordion into a more serious instrument by several innovations. If you look at most accordions you will see the notation on the treble switches...the circle with two lines and dots representing various combinations of reeds. That was one of his innovations. He also was responsible for breaking off one of the pins of the 7th chord to allow it to be used with other bass notes to create different chords. All modern stradella systems use that innovation also. His arrangements were noted for taking the bass from a simple bass-chord-chord-chord to a much higher level with intricate bass work, advanced chord structures, and free bass technics. He had a fantastic ear...you could hit any chord and without looking at the keys you pressed could identify every single note in the chord. His arrangements are noted for emphasizing the phrasing, dynamics, correct note playing (staccato, legato, etc.). A good number of my favorite pieces are his arrangements and compositions.

Many of us had the opportunity to attend the accordion camps on the West coast each year that he sponsored; it was a way to increase your skill and technique with other accordion afficiandos. Those camps were very popular and will be carried on with his hand picked successor, Joe Smiel. Joe is an incredible talent and I treasure all the years I spent as a member of his accordion ensembles.

July 31, 2006
Linda Marshall

There is currently an "accordion slam" commerical by a phone wireless company called Jetro PCS, Inc. The announcer says:

"all deals are not good. For example, if someone were to add an accordion solo to the National Anthem, that would not be a good thing. But if you could save money on your wireless account, that would be a good thing", etc.

We are encouraging all accordion players and accordion music lovers to contact Metro PCS, Inc., and tell them you think the ad is "a bad thing" and you will boycott their service and urge your friends and family members to boycott them also. The ad has been running on WWJ-AM radio, WOMC,etc. There is also a fastfood burger franchise running a derogatory ad on radio, television and print, making fun or "downing" the accordion. We urge you to boycott them also until they pull the ad and apologize to accordion lovers worldwide. If we can determine the PR firms who have come up with these ads, we should bombard them with letters, too.

Now for something good. The following MAS members will be performing at Joe Bologna's Restaurant, 2135 Seventeen Mile Road (Waddles Road) at Dequindre in Sterling Heights (Phone: 586-939-5700):

• Pat O'Rourke on August 4th, 6:30-9:30 PM
• Toni Rossi on August 11th, 6:30-9:30 PM.
• Stephen Kay on August 18th, 6:30-9:30 PM.

We hope you will make plans to go to Joe Bologna's to enjoy some fine Italian cuisine and great accordion music. Support your MAS members!

July 19, 2006
Linda Marshall

Our deepest sympathy to the family of John Turo, age 77, who passed away on June 22, 2006 after a lengthy illness. John was an active member of the Michigan Accordion Society until he suffered a stroke approximately five years ago. He loved the accordion. John is survived by his beloved wife Betty, children Karen (Roy) Julien, John Jr. (Roseann), Mark (Laura), Brian (Rosalba), and Laura (Duane) Myers, nine grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Catherine VanHoudt. Services were held at the Wasik Funeral Home in Shelby Township and the funeral was from St. Martin de Porres Church. The family requested donations be made to the Hospice of Michigan in lieu of flowers. Expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to Betty Turo or care of the Michigan Accordion Society, 1248 Lakepointe, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230.

Lin Xu, one of our younger MAS members has returned to China. Lin was in Michigan for several years attending Calvin College in Grand Rapids and studying accordion with the late Lana Gore. Lin is a very talented young man who won several accordion competitions. He was also a child actor in China before coming to the U.S. We are still in touch with him via email.

Pavel Vasilev, who came from Bulgaria to study with Lana Gore and attend Wayne State University, graduated with honors in June. Pavel is currently teaching at The Music Centre.

Andy Caruso has reopened his restaurant on West Warren in Dearborn Heights (next door to the Music Centre). Andy owned the restaurant in 1981 and sold it several years later. The restaurant was then operated by a number of different owners, none ever staying very long. Andy bought the restaurant back in late May. He has done extensive cleaning and remodeling and is open for lunch and dinners, Tuesday through Sunday. The food is great! If you're in the neighborhood of Telegraph and West Warren, stop by. Capella's Restaurant is approximately 8 blocks west of Telegraph on the north side of the street, between Ken Baron's Flowers and The Music Centre.

May 22, 2006
Linda Marshall

The May 21st Frank Marocco Concert was fantastic. Although there were not quite as many people as we had hoped would attend, we still had about 225 guests. There were various events that were in competition - The Pistons playoff game, Eastern Market's flower day, the Carpathia Club event, and Steve Stolaruk's dinner dance at his hotel.

The Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra, performing with their new conductor, Silven Koltyk, was great. The Orchestra was complimented by Wendy Fichter (piano), Bill Johnson (clarinet), George Dunn (percussion) and Hubie Crawford (string bass). After a brief intermission to clear the stage, Frank Marocco took over and played for 1-1/2 hours. He was backed by Johnny Trudell (trumpet), Hubie Crawford (string bass) and George Dunn (percussion). Frank played old and new tunes - ethnic, pops, Latin, original compositions, movie scores, and some great jazz. Anyone who didn't attend really missed out on an outstanding concert. After the concert some of the MAS Board members went out to dinner with Frank (Picano's in Rochester) for some great Italian food. While waiting for the main entrees, we were treated to another impromptu concert - Ray Battani on accordion and Frank Marocco on piano. They later switched instruments. The other customers in the restaurant were delighted with the music.

More News:
This Summer: The Michigan Accordion Society will not meet over the summer. If someone would like to get together for a picnic, (perhaps a group outing on the Detroit Princess), or if you have another idea, please contact Linda Marshall or Bob Berta and we will see what we can put together.

Frank Marocco/Nick Ballarini will conduct an Accordion Camp, October 9-13, 2005 at the T-bar M Ranch Resort in New Braunfels, Texas. Features: 4 nights lodging, Solo Performance Daily, Band Concert Daily, Study Groups/Bands of 4-6 persons, Private (one-on-one) Lessons, Workshops & Jam Sessions, Beautiful Learning Environment, Good Food & Drink, and Music sent to registrants in advance. Separate ladies/men's bunkhouse (no top bunks) cabin lodging for all participants. You may upgrade to an on-site hotel room. For further information or registration form, you can check out Frank's website - roadtomarocco.com/acc_camp_2006. Or, contact Ballarini Accordion Camp, 3961 Calculus Drive, Dallas, Texas 75211. Phone: 972-247-0071. email: Ballarini@sbcglobal.net. The full package, 4 nights, including lodging, meals and features is $495.00. The workshops, group practice and concerts for all four days the cost is $350.00.

Congratulations to MAS members John & Virginia Stopa and Norma & Jerry Grijak.
John and Virginia Stopa celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary at the May 21st Concert.
Norma Grijak is celebrating a birthday on July 5th. She and hubby, Jerry Grijak, are leaving that day on an Alaskan Cruise in celebration of their 40th Wedding Anniversary on July 9th. They plan to renew their wedding vows on board the ship.

May 5, 2006
Linda Marshall

More about our May 21st concert: Johnny Trudell, trumpeter extraordinaire, will be playing with Frank Marocco at our May 21st concert, along with Hubie Crawford on stand up bass. Hubie has played with jazz greats such as Earl Klugh, Truth, Bill Meyer, etc.

In other news:
The MAS Annual Tribute Dinner will be held on Sunday, November 5th this year. Location to be advised. At that time we will officially present 2005 Honoree Ben Lupo with his Pin and Award Plaque. For the first time we are having two Honorees for 2006 - sharing this award will be Linda Lee and John Shollack. Both Linda and John are well known for performing over the years at The Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

April 27, 2006
Linda Marshall

Covenant House Michigan (CHM), located in southwest Detroit on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the I-96 Service Drive, cordially invite you to our Open House and Dedication Ceremony at 5:30 PM on Thursday, May 4, 2006. We will be celebrating the unveiling of our newly renovated Campus and the dedication of the Adam Cardinal Maida Administration Building. After a short program, guests can enjoy hors d'oeurves and other refreshments, music by The Ray Battani Trio, and tours of the facilities.

Covenant House (CH) started as a small shelter in New York City in 1969 and has grown to be the largest privately-funded child care agency in the U.S. CH has helped more than 800,000 youth in high-risk situations find acceptance, guidance, nurturing and shelter in programs in 21 centers in North and Central American (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

CHM opened its doors in Detroit in September of 1997 and has helped more than 24,000 kids. In the past 7-1/2 years there have been 359 kids who have earned their GED Certificate, with almost 300 going on to higher education. 1,050 have been placed in jobs, and the Street Outreach Team has connected with more than 25,000 youth who live on the streets. (More than 3,000 kids are homeless and live in vacant buildings, abandoned cars, bus stations, etc., each night in metro Detroit.) At-risk and homeless kids can come to CHM to receive shelter, food, clothing, medical care, education and vocational training, family counseling, drug/alcohol abuse counselling, violence and gang counseling, etc.

We hope you will join us on this happy occasion. You may call Melissa Golpe at 313-463-2005 to advise you will be attending.

April 13, 2006
Linda Marshall

We are saddened to report the death of Mary Kruse, beloved wife of John Kruse. Dear Mary passed away on April 12, 2006. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family.
Visitation will be Monday, April 17th at A.J. Desmond Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., with Rosary at 7 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, April 18th at 11 a.m. at St. Hugo's of the Hills, 2215 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.
Condolences may be sent to John Kruse at 5569 Hunters Gate, Troy, MI 48098.

March 21, 2006
Linda Marshall

There will be a reunion of teachers and students of both The Modern Accordion Studio and The Music Centre Conservatory at 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 8, 2006. The reunion will be held at The Music Centre, 24736 West Warren in Dearborn Heights (8 blocks west of Telegraph).
Bring your old photo albums from concert tours and contests. Contact Linda (Gore) Marshall at The Music Centre, 313-563-3376.
We will have salad, chips, pop and coffee on hand and will order a six-foot sub from Dearborn Bakery. If you wish anything more spirited, BYOB.

Pavel Vasilev, student of the late Lana Gore, will perform his graduating recital on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 7:00 PM. It will be held at the Schaver Music Recital Hall, Old Main Department of Music, Wayne State University in Detroit (313-577-1783). Admission is free. Schaver Hall is located on the corner of Cass and Hancock. Pavel is also a member of the Michigan Accordion Society and has performed at our concerts. We hope you will try to attend his recital. He has been practicing 8 to 10 hours daily for the past month or so.

Our sympathy to Ed Podgorny who lost his wife Barbara on March 13, 2006. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 17th. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at Wasik Funeral Home or sent to the Michigan Accordion Society.

Our wonder worker Marguerite Krau is not feeling well. Get well cards may be sent to her care of the Michigan Accordion Society.

March 9, 2006
Linda Marshall

There will be a meeting of the Michigan Accordion Society membership at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at The Carpathia Club, 38000 Utica Road, Sterling Heights 48312. Utica Road runs diagonally between 16 Mile (Metro Parkway) and 17 Mile Roads, between Schoenherr and Garfield. Accessible from I-75 and I-94. Exit at Metro Parkway.

Admission $5.00 per person. Snacks, goodies, coffee and pop. Cash bar. There will be a short workshop presented by Bob Berta, "Save Your Accordion, Save Your Body", 50/50 raffle, accordion memorabilia (records, tapes, cd's, music books) for sale, individual performers and a group jam session, so bring your accordion. See you the 21st!!

MAS is proud to announce we will have a Spring Concert this year on Sunday, May 21, 2006 (doors open at 3:00, concert at 4:00) at the Troy Elks Club. The incomparable Frank Marocco will entertain, along with a performance by the Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Silven Koltyk. Watch this site for further information. Seats will be limited, so order your tickets early. Call 313-822-4722 or 248-689-3296.

January 30, 2006
Linda Marshall

Hello Everyone. Some of you already know, many don't. My dear sister Lana passed away at 1:07 AM on January 29, 2006 at Henry Ford Hospital after a long and valiant battle with cancer. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you before, but Lana did not want anyone to know about her condition. When she entered the hospital the first time in August she was told she was Stage 4, Terminal and had 3 months. She told them they didn't know what they were talking about, that she had fought Ca 14 years ago and won and could do it again. She remained positive until the end, although very ill. We withdrew medication at 3 PM on Saturday afternoon with the expectation she would leave us in 1 to 2 hours, but she continued fighting all evening. She passed very quietly with family and close friends at her bedside.

Lana will be at the William Sullivan Funeral Home, 705 East Eleven Mile (3 blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. Visitation for family is 5-6 PM, Tuesday (Jan 31), friends from 6-9PM Tuesday and 11-9 PM on Wednesday. The funeral will be at 11 AM from the Royal Oak Church of Christ, 115 Campbell (at Eleven Mile Road), Royal Oak. Burial will be beside our Mother at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak, about one mile from the Church.

In lieu of flowers Lana's friends are suggesting donations be made to the Vivian Vivio Stolaruk & Steve Stolaruk Foundation, 1928 Star Batt Drive, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309. Steve has generously offered to assist in paying Lana's enormous medical expenses - the portion not covered by insurance.

The Stolaruk Foundation is also hosting an Itallian Diner-Dance to benefit Lana on Sunday, February 12th at 3:00 PM. Music will be provided by the Al Battistelli Orchestra with Tony Dannon. All proceeds will benefit Lana's medical expenses. The event will be held at the Best Western ConCorde Inn located at 44315 Gratiot (just south of M-59) in Clinton Township, Michigan. Tickets are $25.00 per person and may be ordered by calling the hotel at 586-493-7300 or at Star-Batt, 248-853-1500.

Again, I'm sorry I could not divulge answers when you asked about her over the past six months - I was telling you what she wanted you to know. I learned her cancer had spread only one week ago. Thank you for your support and prayers. They kept Lana going.

PS - I have nominated Lana as one of the ten 2005 Michiganian's of the Year sponsored by The Detroit News. If any of you would send in an email or letter nominating her, the more recommendations, the better the chances. Check out their website at detnews.com. Deadline is February 1st. Correspondence may be sent to Michiganians of the Year, Features Department, The Detroit News, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226, or send an email to features@detnews.com. You may also fax nominations to 313-222-2451.

January 23, 2006
Linda Marshall

We have received the following news from John "Jubber" Borkowski:
It was a very sad weekend for all of us in the polka world. On Saturday, January 21st, Frank (or as we all know him) "Gus" Guzevich passed away, peacefully in his sleep. His passing was sudden, and as you can imagine the Guzevich family is coming together to help each other to get through this difficult time.

The arrangements are as follows:
Viewings and Flowers - funeral home:
Allen R. Horne Funeral Home
193 McIntyre Road
Catawissa, PA 17820
570-356-2288

Viewings Schedule:
Wednesday, January 25th: 1pm - 3pm & 6pm - 9pm
Thursday, January 26th: 6pm - 9pm

Mass of Christian Burial:
Friday, January 27th at 10:00am
Our Lady Of Mercy Church
304 Slabtown Road
Catawissa, PA 17820
570-799-5642

If you care to make plans to drive out to pay your respects, please use the two phone numbers listed for the funeral home and church to confirm this information before you start your trip. The phone numbers and addresses for the funeral home and church are accurate. Please confirm the viewing schedule before you drive.

In times like these were are more than just musicians in bands. Today, we have lost one of our family members. I know that I can speak for us all when we wish the Guzevich family our deepest condolences and well wishes during their time of need. We wish Gus Godspeed in his journey to heaven.

Thank you,
John "Jubber" Borkowski
The Guzevich Family
The Polka Family Band

January 19, 2006
Linda Marshall

The Vivian Vivio Stolaruk & Steve Stolaruk Foundation are sponsoring a benefit dinner-dance "Tarantella" on Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 3:00 PM to support and assist Lana Gore. Lana has been hospitalized several times over the past six months and has incurred large medical bills. The goal is to raise $22,000.

Music will be provided by the Al Battistelli Band, featuring accordionist Tony Dannon. The event will be held at the Best Western ConCorde Inn of Clinton Township, 44315 Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Township, Michigan 48036. Tickets are $20.00 for dinner and dancing. Cash bar. There is limited seating, so order your tickets now. Call 248-853-1500.

Steve Stolaruk
The Vivian Vivio Stolaruk & Steve Stolaruk Foundation

January 12, 2006
Linda Marshall

The MAS January meeting will be Tuesday, January 17th at the American Polish Cultural Center, Maple Road and Dequindre, in Troy. $5.00/person donation. Pizza, coffee and pop. Cash bar. Bring your accordion - we plan to jam. There will be a 50/50 raffle. Anyone wishing to play solo, please contact Linda Marshall or Bob Berta.

We will have more LP's, videos, etc., donated by George & Julia Cailotto available for purchase. Proceeds to MAS. The Cailotto's also have a Thomas Band Box Organ, Model 405, Serial Number 88-5035-1 they would like to sell.

The March MAS meeting on Tuesday, March 21st, will most likely be held at the Carpathia Club, as the APCC is raising their rates. Bring your accordion for a jam session.

If anyone knows of a meeting site (hall, church social hall, city community center, etc.) that is available on Tuesday evenings for our meetings. The most we want to pay is $100 and we would like to be able to bring in pizza and pop. It should be centrally located - or easy to get to- for all area members. If you know of a site for $100 or less, please let us know.

Does anyone know of sidemen who would like to donate their time and come to meetings to jam with us? We're looking for a good drummer and bass, or even a banjo or guitar. Please advise.

Bob Berta will be presenting a brief workshop on the ergonomics of playing the accordion at the beginning of the March meeting, "Preserving Your Accordion and Preserving Yourself".

For those who like to listen to accordion music, check out Radio 89.9, call letters CKCO. They play a lot of accordion.

Because our bank balance/cash flow is so low, we are asking all members to pay their 2006 membership dues ($25.00) as soon as possible. We are planning for our May Concert and would like to bring in a top performer, but need the money to pay the bills. There is no money in the scholarship fund at this time. We had to dip into this account to make payment of the AAA Hospitality Room at the Dearborn Hyatt. Unfortunately, we got stuck with this $3,840.00 invoice and it had to be paid. Any funds left in the account are being used for operations.

New cards and Member Directories will be sent to all 2006 paid-up members later this month. The Directory will include email addresses, if provided.

We are asking for suggestions for performers for the May concert. Is there someone you would like us to bring in?

Vince Orbaczewski is home recuperating and Ray Battani is also home and doing well.

December 21, 2005
Linda Marshall

We are deeply saddened and dumbstruck to learn of the death of Gaylord Klancnik. The world has lost a fantastic person and wonderful musician/entertainer.

MAS member and Michigan Polka King Gaylord Klancnik was killed in an accident on Tuesday. He was going to the Ford plant to have lunch with someone he used to work with. His vehicle was broadsided by a garbage truck.

He will be at the Martinson Funeral Home, 20915 Allen Road, Allen Park, Michigan. Viewing will be from 3:00 to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, December 27th, and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Wednesday, December 28th. The funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 PM. Best to check the obituary column in the newspaper for exact time.

For anyone wishing to express condolences to Mrs. Klancnik and the family, you can do so directly, or through the Michigan Accordion Society, 1248 Lakepointe, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan 48230. We will forward any messages to them.

Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Klancnik and the family on their loss.

October 14, 2005
Linda Marshall

We had our first board meeting Tuesday night with our new President - Lana Gore. A few of the items discussed are:

Paul Leonard resigned from the Board of Directors.

The October membership meeting will be held Tuesday, 10/18/05 at 7:30 PM at the American Polish Cultural Center, 2975 East Maple Road (15 Mile) at Dequindre, Troy. Theme is "Oktoberfest". We are looking for members to volunteer to play some German/Bavarian music. Call Linda (313-822-4722) or Vince (313-886-7134) to volunteer. We will be serving "German" pizza.

Because of circumstances beyond our control, the Annual Tribute Dinner usually held the second Sunday in November, must be postponed until Spring 2006. The 2005 Honoree is Ben Lupo. Ben will be honored in May. More details to follow.

The Annual December Christmas Party will be held on Tuesday, December 6th at 7:30 PM at The Carpathia Club, 38000 Utica Road in Sterling Heights. We will have a Christmas Sing-A-Long. Song sheets will be provided. there will be several door prizes. And again, we are looking for members to volunteer to play some Christmas and other types of music. Let Linda or Vince know if you would like to play. Let us know if you are coming and if you are bringing guests.

The January meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 7:30 PM. The location and theme will be advised.

We are looking for volunteers to help out at meetings and events. Many of you indicated on your application forms that you are willing to help. We will be reviewing applications on file and contacting some of you. We need volunteers to sell raffle tickets, bring the music library crates to meetings, set up for meetings, sell tickets for events, run errands (check out banquet and meeting sites, etc.). Would you like to be a member of the Board of Directors? Let us know.

We encourage all members to contribute to the growth of the Michigan Accordion Society. Please consider inviting a friend, relative or business associate to an upcoming event. They don't have to play the Accordion, just appreciate the music. If you know of someone who has dropped out, ask them why they dropped out and please let us know.

October 22, 2005
Linda Marshall

Our membership meeting on Tuesday evening (10/18/05) was great. We had a good turn out of members and had many performers, including some new faces. Our new President, Lana Gore, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their cards, flowers and phone calls during her illness. She also called upon members for ideas on how to make meetings more interesting and asked for volunteers. Questionnaires will be in the next newsletter (publication date 11/25/05).

We were entertained by Stephen Kaye, Chet Wisnoski, guest Jimmy Randazzo, Jerry May playing German music, Ray Battani (playing his Hohner accordion made in Germany), Herb Langegger playing his button box and resplendent in lederhosen and knee socks, Don Reinholm, Ted Pavlik and last but not least, Bob Berta who brought his Midi System. The music was wonderful, the pizza great, the companionship outstanding.

Ray Battani has a white Lira accordion with gold keys for sale. He wants $500 for it, if anyone is interested.

Ted Pavlik and the Melody Makers appeal at the Polka Party at the Richmond K of C Hall the 4th Sunday of every month, 3 PM to 7 PM. Free Refreshments. Admission: $10.00/person. Polka-Waltzing-Square Dancing. Remaining dates for 2005: October 23rd and November 27th. For more information call: 586-727-7321 or 810-364-7575.

Alex Pavlovich is in Providence Hospital in Southfield. Your get well wishes and cards would be appreciated.

MAS member John Kiezun does accordion repairs. John's email address is: johnkie@cogeco.ca. His address is 2433 Pillette Road, Windsor, Ontario Canada N80 T1P7. Phone: 519-974-6224.

We are looking for performers for the Christmas Party on December 6th. It will be held at the Carpathia Club in Sterling Heights. If anyone wishes to donate door prizes or volunteer to help, please get in touch with Linda Marshall.