I was appointed to the IPA Board of Directors in 2019, were I served as a Director from Wisconsin until 2024, when I was elected to the First Vice President position at the 56th Annual Conventions and Festival which was held over Labor Day Weekend in Cranberry, PA. It is truly a humbling honor to be elected to be an Officer.
I was raised in Pulaski, WI and have been around polka music all my life. My love of polkas started early on when Pulaski had Sunday afternoon dances. Dad and Mom would always know where to find me; it helped that dad bartended for the dances at the Stop Inn and Danceland Ballroom.
In 1996 I was a runner up as a UPA Queen. It was an amazing year of travel and fun, I attended many new festivals for me, and meeting so many wonderful people along the way, many of whom I am still friends with today and we pick up like no time has passed since our last visit.
I have been involved with Pulaski Polka Days as a volunteer for many years, keeping this festival alive and strong for 45 years. Like most festivals, it is run strictly by volunteers and the more hands help to make it easier on all and keep the festival going.
Music can touch a person’s life in many ways and create memories that last a lifetime. Over my years being involved in polka music, I have made many friends around the country and the country to the north, Canada that I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for this amazing music. I have a second family to lean on, in good and bad times.
As the IPA First Vice President, I look forward to working with all the current and newly elected Officers and Board of Directors to preserve and promote the music that we all love. I want to continue the legacy of the IPA and grow all genres of Polka Music for future generations to enjoy.
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