The Polka Beat

01/09/2025

FLORIDA!!!

Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra will be at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL, on February 27, 2025 at 10:30AM.. Get your tickets now at FlStrawberryFestival.com

01/02/2025

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas to all our listeners..
Have a Beautiful & Blessed Day with family & friends!🎄
from Tom & Cindy Zak!🎵

12/24/2024

Christmas wafer - Oplatek is a cherished tradition deeply rooted in Polish culture and other Central European countries. This thin, unleavened wafer made from flour and water holds profound significance during the Christmas season, particularly on Christmas Eve.

The Symbolism and Ritual

The oplatek tradition is rich with symbolism:
- It represents unity, reconciliation, and love among family members
- The wafer's composition mirrors the Eucharist, connecting it to Christian beliefs
- Sharing the wafer symbolizes the breaking of bread, echoing early Christian practices

The ritual of sharing oplatek typically unfolds as follows:

- Family members gather before the Christmas Eve meal (Wigilia)
- The eldest person initiates by breaking off a piece of the wafer
- They share it with others, exchanging heartfelt wishes for the coming year
- This continues until everyone has shared with each other

Historical and Cultural Significance
The tradition of oplatek has deep historical roots:

It originated in Poland during early Christian times, around the 10th century

Initially used in church ceremonies, it later spread to lay use in the Middle Ages

During times of displacement, like World War II, oplatek became a way for Poles to maintain their cultural identity

Interestingly, the tradition has adapted over time:

In the 19th century, it gained patriotic undertones, with wishes often including hopes for Poland's independence

Modern families sometimes incorporate technology, using video calls to share the tradition across distances

Unique Aspects

Some fascinating details about oplatek include:

The wafers are often embossed with religious scenes, such as the Nativity or the Star of Bethlehem

A pink version of the wafer is sometimes made specifically for pets, connecting to the animals present at Christ's birth

The tradition extends beyond family, with neighbors and even strangers sometimes exchanging oplatek as a gesture of goodwill

In essence, oplatek is more than just a flavorless wafer; it's a powerful symbol of unity, forgiveness, and cultural heritage that continues to bring people together during the Christmas season.

12/09/2024

We all attended the Jimmy Sturr Christmas Show
"Sleigh Bells & Snowflakes" yesterday
at the Paramount Theatre in Middletown.The Theatre was packed..
and it was another AMAZING event!
Our MCs for the evening were my wonderful hubby Tom Zak (WVKR) & the always lovely Natalie Gubala Magdon.. "Nat the Cat.."
(WTBQ)
If you haven't been able to see one of Jimmy Sturr's Christmas shows yet.. you really need to get your tickets for next year's show.The tickets make wonderful gifts!!😉 Jimmy & his orchestra never fail to get us
all in the mood.The spirit of Christmas was Everywhere! This year especially, I think their patriotic tribute to our service men & women really made all of us so "proud to be American
s".You just can't beat those two accordians doing their Patriotic Medley.. You could see the smiles & hear people singing along with the songs!
It was OUTSTANDING!
Jimmy even took a moment of silence for our men & women that gave all of us the ultimate sacrifice. He read his story about the Veteran who gets a visit from Santa.. & it brought tears to people's eyes..
Jimmy's special guests for the night were "The Platters"
featuring
Frank Pizaro,lead singer of the group!
They performed
many of their big hits & everyone loved one of their biggest hits.. "Only You"..❤️
We heard beautiful renditions of "Ave Maria"& "Oh Holy Night" from the Jimmy Sturr choir! A medley of Polish Christmas carols from Johnny & Frankie.. always warms our Polish
hearts!
We
were having so much fun that even Frosty & Santa came to visit with us for the afternoon!
And of course,
Jimmy never forgets the reason for the Season..
The orchestra does our beloved Christmas favorites,
"Joy to the World"
"Hark the Herald
Angels Sing" & "Silent Night"..
Everyone enjoyed seeing the little ones in their live
Nativity Scene..it's so special & reminds us why we are here celebrating together!
Thank you Jimmy Sturr & Gus Kosior & the orchestra & singers & dancers for a fantastic afternoon of Holiday Cheer!🎄

12/06/2024

Happy St. Nicholas Day! 🎄❄️
Wesołych Mikołajek! 🎅✨
In Poland, St. Nicholas is known as Święty Mikołaj, and he brings so much joy to this festive season! 🧸🍭 On the night of December 5th to 6th, Polish children eagerly await his arrival. Depending on the region, Mikołaj might leave little surprises under their pillows—or even tucked into their shoes! 👟🎁

Sometimes, Święty Mikołaj makes a grand entrance in person, dressed in his cheerful red winter suit. 🎅🎉 Whether it’s at school, work, or among friends, St. Nicholas Day is a time for smiles and sweet traditions. 🌟 And remember, while today is full of fun, Christmas Eve is the special time to celebrate with family. 🕯️🍂

Wishing you magical moments and plenty of holiday cheer! 🎁❤️

09/23/2024

Well folks,
It's Monday night..
& that means it's time for the Monday Nite Polka Beat.
Tonite is our annual PLEDGE DRIVE on WVKR 91.3 FM & WVKRORG!🎵
It's that one time of year we ask for your financial support to help keep Polka Music alive on the airwaves.
We hope tonite you will let everyone know
POLKA MUSIC MATTERS.
We look forward to hearing from all of you tonite between 7-9 pm!You can call the radio station at 845- 437-7178 or call Tom at 845-978- 9994 or call Cindy at 845-283- 2416 to make your pledge or drop us a note here at our Polka Beat fb page.
Thank you in advance for your continued support of our show! Cindy & Tom Zak

09/12/2024

09/02/2024

Happy Labor Day
from
Cindy &Tom!🎵🎵🎵
Hope you'll join us tonite at 7pm on WVKR
91.3FM
for the "best toe tapping music around"!!