Pennsylvania visitors made the trip to Samsula, Fla., for Florida Slovene Days at Lodge 603.

IMPERIAL, Pa. — I enjoyed plenty of sunshine and great polka music over the last few weeks during my travels to Florida. My husband, Ken, and I first traveled to SNPJ Lodge 603 in Samsula to help them celebrate Florida Slovene Days. As always, they had a great crowd for the polka events Friday and Saturday. It was wonderful to visit with many old friends.

There were several National Board members attending the event, including Supervisory Committee Member Vince “Babe” Baselj and his wife, Beverly (6); Region 1 Vice President Ed Kuzma (289); and Region 2 Vice President Jim Curl and his wife, Betty (6). I had the opportunity to visit with a group of members from Spring Hill Lodge 778 who made their way over from the opposite coast. Also in attendance was a group from the former Lodge 583, now merged with Lodge 87, led by former Lodge Secretary Carl Klun and former President Larry Galati. I believe they had 30 people traveling with them to this activity.

Several members from Lodge 6 in Sygan, Pa., were also in attendance, including Larry and Judy Klima, Denny and Carol Brand, Bert Klements and son Greg, and a couple that I have not seen in many years, Bill and Judy DeBone. It was nice to visit with them again. Representing Strabane, Pa., Lodge 138 were Amy Mavrich and Peggy Cushman who we were happy to see.

The music was great. The performers included Joe Novak, Marc Bouchard, Ron Luznar and, of course, Tony Klepec and Bob Turcola. Beautiful sounds came from these fine muscians!

I extend our appreciation to Lodge 603 members Jeannette Humphrey, Bill Tomazin, George and Ruth Benedict, and Bill Benedict, along with all their volunteers who worked the kitchen, at the admissions table and the bar. It takes a lot of work and energy to host an event like this and make everyone feel so welcome. They are a wonderful group of people and we look forward to our visits to Lodge 603.

The following weekend brought us to Spring Hill Lodge 778 for Florida SNPJ Days. Good crowds enjoyed musical entertainment provided by the Don Wojtila Band. Walt Harfmann and wife Eileen, along with Tony and Rita Hren, ensured that everyone had a good time. Their workers did a great job as well.

It was so nice to have Miss SNPJ 2009 Brittney Zemko (643) and her parents present. National Board members Vince Baselj, Ed Kuzma and Jim Curl were also on hand again. Region 2 Athletic Director John Baselj (6) and Rosemarie Jisa from the Slovenian Geneaology Society were there as well. Also enjoying the entertainment were Lodge 6 members Bill Goldbach, Homer Bittner, Beverly Baselj, Nicki Baselj, Leonard Baselj, Greg and Joni Curl, Larry and Judy Klima, and Don and Sally Just. We saw Otto and Grace Doerk (559) in the crowd while the wives of the Wojtila Band members enjoyed the music. Jeannette Humphrey and Ruth Benedict traveled over from Samsula to show their support for a sister Lodge.

Hats off to Florida Lodges 603 and 778 for perpetuating our Slovenian traditions by hosting these events. Thank you for your hard work and your wonderful fraternal welcome!