[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 148 (Thursday, September 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO SARAH FABRY SMEJA, RON NOWACZYK, AND JOHN AND LORRAINE 
                                HEDRICH

                                 ______


                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 1995

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor four Michigan residents 
as they are recognized for their contribution to polka and the State of 
Michigan. Sarah Fabry Smeja, Ron Nowaczyk, and John and Lorraine 
Hedrich, will be inducted into the State of Michigan Polka Music Hall 
of Fame on Sunday, October 1, 1995.
  America was built by the hard work and commitment of settlers who 
brought with them a rich and varied heritage. Polka flourished in 
Michigan largely due to the devotion of those who brought with them 
their families' traditions and customs, as well as their love of polka. 
Sarah, Ron, John, and Lorraine were just a few of those special 
individuals who were proud to keep an honored tradition alive.
  Sarah Fabry Smeja, of Swartz Creek, MI especially enjoys 
Czechoslovakian melodies first introduced to her by her father at a 
very early age. Throughout her career she has played the piano, trumpet 
and baritone, as well as conducted a choir called the Friendship Club.
  Ron Nowaczyk, of Saginaw, MI has played the drums for over 40 years. 
Ron has had the opportunity to play with several bands, and record two 
albums with the John Lipinski orchestra. He was awarded the European 
American Music Award from radio station WOAP in 1994, and currently 
volunteers, and serves as a radio personality on WKNX in Frankenmuth, 
MI.
  John Hedrich, from Chesaning, MI has been playing the drums since the 
age of 5. His wife, Lorraine, has been playing the accordion since she 
was 11 years old. In 1973 they began playing together in a two-piece 
band still known today as The J & L Blue-tones. Currently, John and 
Lorraine are members of the Saginaw Musical Association Local 57.
  Mr. Speaker, thanks to the efforts of Sarah, Ron, John, and Lorraine, 
we are all able to enjoy an old musical tradition from many years ago. 
They will be honored at a reception in Owosso, MI because of their 
dedication and commitment to spreading the polka tradition and helping 
others enjoy this special music. I am confident that the musical legacy 
of these outstanding individuals will be remembered for decades to 
come.

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