May 14th is a special day as we celebrate my husband Stan’s birthday each year. Marking off another year becomes poignant when you’ve had some health issues such as Stan’s heart attack last May, 2005. Since then we live life with a purpose and cherish each day and plan activities accordingly.
In mid-December we found a notice in the Denver Post announcing weekly Polka dances in Golden. This was but a hop skip and a jump from our home in Lakewood and fit right into our plan to live life with more activity and fun. At our first visit we stood in the doorway of the club with the peppy music beckoning us to join in the fun. Stan was already tapping his foot with a flood of memories from his upbringing in Mespeth New York of polka parties set up anywhere there was space using basements, garages and local school gym floors. The aunties, moms and sisters would whirl the young boys around until they beat and the love for the music was deeply embedded in their sole.
That first time visiting the Polka Club, I knew we had found just what we were looking for. As it was the Christmas party with reservations only, we were asked to return. We did week after week to find it an invigorating experience.
May 14th was Mother’s Day which was celebrated as Hat Day at the Polka Club. From cowboy hats trimmed in flowing netting, straw hats with ribbons to wide brimmed delights with flowers and bows it was a jovial site to see. The hats brightened up the day as we all danced around to the great music of Rich DeChant. It was an interesting mix of polkas, waltzes and slowed down two step played with a piano accordion, sax and drums. The polkas are fast to pep up your spirit and keep your heart a beating.
It was a delight to see families gather on this charming afternoon. Our daughter Jamie joined us. She tried out the polka for the first time and was delighted at the opportunity to take a spin around the floor with Harry probably one of the most patient instructors.
Another family with young children dressed in their Sunday best joined their parents, Rudy and Lorraine Okoren for the afternoon. The grandmother and grandfather danced with the grandchildren and to my surprise all the children danced the polka really well. We saw one of the young girls dancing with Bill, who is one of the most energetic dancers. They covered the floor in lightening speed. Her youthful energy and his expert dancing skills brought a smile to all the watching faces at this sight.