Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 26, 1992 TAG: 9203250256
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: HOWELLS, NEB. LENGTH: Short
Every Joe gets the Czech tradition polka serenade as part of the annual event in Howells, a town of 677 that's 65 miles northwest of Omaha.
Joes as young as 1 and as old as 95 were serenaded by the Howells Hot Shots, a town polka band.
The tradition of playing polka tunes to all Joes was brought from the old country. The Hot Shots band has continued the tradition since it formed in 1923.
Joe Blazek, 95, said: "When I was a kid in school, back in about 1911, I remember going out with the high school band to play for the other Joes."
March 19, the Christian feast day of St. Joseph, is always reserved on the calendar of the Hot Shots band and of people named Joe in Howells.
Joe Molacek, one of two Hot Shots members named Joe, said going house to house playing polkas for the town's Joes has become a highlight for the band and the community.
"They know where we live, and they just come find us," said Joe Schrage, who moved to Howells 18 years ago.
Joe Ritzdorf said he's glad the custom was passed down and hopes it will continue. Ritzdorf, and his year-old son, Joe Jr., were serenaded on their front porch Thursday night.
The serenades are rewarded with sandwiches and shots of whiskey at the homes of some of the Joes.
- Associated Press
by CNB