Christmas Memories

(12/24/11):  I wrote the note below two years ago today. I find it still captures my feelings regarding a very special time of the year for me, Christmas.....

Christmas has always had a special place in my heart. When I was growing up and I’d attend Christmas Eve church service with my mom and dad, the song “Silent Night” was always sung with the lights out and people holding candles. It certainly made the song even more moving. My mom, Shirley, passed away (Dec. 4, 1991) and ever since then, whenever I hear (or sing) this song, it brings back memories of those church services of years gone by and brings tears to my eyes. Now, with my dad just passing away a few weeks ago (Nov. 14), I’m sure this Christmas when I hear “Silent Night,” I will even be more emotionally touched. A few years ago, my band, Fritz’s Polka Band, put out a Christmas CD. This song was given even more special meaning to me, as my wife, Kathy, and two daughters, Katherine and Marissa, made their recording debut on that tune for the CD.

A few years ago, my band performed at Glen Burtnik’s Christmas Xtravaganza at B.B. King’s Club in New York City. During that performance, many different musicians performed Christmas-themed songs. That evening, a woman by the name of Antonique Smith (who’s now a very successful recording artist and actress) sang “Oh Holy Night.” Hearing Antonique sing that song gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes. In closing, Christmas always has been and will remain my favorite time of the year, as great memories of family and music remain fresh in my memory.

2nd Annual Holiday Party for Town of Verona Residents!

On Sunday, December 11th from 1pm to 3pm, I will be hosting my 2nd Annual Holiday Party for Town of Verona residents.  There will be many fun activities for kids of all ages and adults are welcome too!  As with last year, there will be some surprise special guests taking part.  The event has FREE ADMISSION, too!!! Absolutely no funds from the Town of Verona are being used, as this is NOT a government-based event.  This is just another way for me to give back to the community that I truly care for.  More details will be forthcoming.  For the latest updates on this event, go to:  www.fritzscherz.com
 

I am hosting a Thank You Dinner for Veterans!

I did not realize over one month would pass since my last blog posting.  October was a very busy month for me, as my band (Fritz's Polka Band) played quite a few gigs.  Plus, teaching college one night a week and having some commitments in my role as Town Councilman made things quite hectic.  One little piece I left out, I was also on the lay off list for my day job.  So, with a family to support, I was quite worried about that and the last few weeks of October were quite stressful.  Thankfully, the contract passed, so I'm at least off the lay off list (for now, knock on wood).  But, I digress....

Onto some good news!  This Friday night, November 11th, which is Veteran's Day, I am hosting a Thank You Dinner for Veterans from 5pm to 6pm at the Verona Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6811, located at 4928 Spring Road in Verona.  All Town of Verona Veterans and their families are invited!  FREE ADMISSION, too!  Yep....this is my little way of saying "thanks" to our brave Veterans.  I thought it would be a nice thing to do. Absolutely no town funds are being used for this event, as it's a non-government based event.  Again, I just wanted to do something nice for our Veterans, as I have the utmost respect for them. 

I don't want to copy the entire press release I sent out here, but if you want to view it, it can be found on my website:  www.fritzscherz.com

Two Year Anniversary of my Dad's last gig with FPB

(10/1/11):  When I started my blog, I wasn't sure what tidbits from the "World of Fritz" I'd be sharing nor how often.......

Two years ago today, my Dad (Fred Scherz Sr.) played his last gig with Fritz's Polka Band (www.fritzspolkaband.com) in Buffalo, NY for the Big Joe Polka Show TV taping.  I remember that day vividly, yet with some sadness.  You see, by the time that TV taping came around, my Dad's cancer had reached stage four.  There was even some doubt as to whether he'd be strong enough to play the accordion for about an hour, let alone make the trip to Buffalo.  But, play that accordion he did!  He really inspired me that day (and continues to)!!

At times that day, I had to really make myself smile, which if you know me, I usually don't have to try. However, this day/gig was different.  I miss him so much!!  Anyway, I share this with you because it's my firm belief that if you have someone who inspires you, you shouldn't be afraid to tell others.  Who knows....perhaps if you do, someone else might find inspiration from what you share! 

I also share this, because tomorrow my band plays at the VVS Community Day at 1pm and then at Vernon Downs Oktoberfest.  In 2009, the VVS Community Day was the 2nd from last gig my Dad played before he passed away.  The Vernon Downs gig that year he wasn't able to play, because he was too weak and sick.  So, between having these gigs tomorrow and the two year anniversary of his last gig being day, I find myself thinking a whole lot about my Dad and how much I miss him.  He was my best friend, a great Dad, and a big inspiration.  God Bless You, Dad!  I miss you man!!!

Sage Advice from my Dad

On November 14th, it'll be two years that my Dad passed away.  On December 4th, it'll be 20 years that my Mom passed away.  I think about them both often.  This past week, I said a final goodbye to some friends and a cousin.  My band's first fan club president, Barb Geissler passed away after a brave battle with cancer.  I got to see her the day before she passed away.  I'll never forget that visit, as despite the fact she was in a lot of pain, she still managed to smile for me and recall some fond memories we shared.  Looking at her, I thought to myself that if she can smile, knowing the pain she was going through, then I could certainly find a way to smile.  I know sometimes people complain (myself included) over something that in comparison to what she went through, well, it's really nothing.  I attended Barb's calling hours on the 20th and was honored to speak at her funeral the next day.  The evening of the 21st, I attended the calling hours of my cousin, Stuart.  I last saw him at one of my band's gig a little over a month ago.  Then, on Friday, I attended the calling hours of fan club member, Clara Baker.  So, three different calling hours for three different people in one week.  Crazy week!

Anyway, this leads me to the lyrics of a song (Life On Earth) that my Dad wrote a few years back.  Thinking of this past week and my parents (and how much I miss them), I share a sample of these lyrics from my Dad as some sage advice:

"Life on earth doesn't last forever, so please make the most of every day
Be nice to your friends and family, and treat them in a very special way.
When this time on earth is finally over, and all your friends come here and say
The good things you have done for one another, will mean much more than how long you stay."

In other words, do good things for one another as it really doesn't matter how long you're here on earth.  Rather, make the time count that you're here and do good things. 

Town Hall-Style Meetings Scheduled

In my role as Councilman on the Verona Town Board, I have scheduled two town hall-style meetings for Monday, September 26th in the Town of Verona.  The first meeting will take place at 6pm at the New London Fire Hall, located on Cornell Street in Rome.  At 7pm, the next meeting will take place at the Durhamville Fire Hall, located at 5305 Church Street in Durhamville.  I also scheduled a town hall-style meeting for Wednesday, September 28th at 8pm at the Verona Fire Hall, located at 1 Volunteer Ave in Verona.  

I want to point out that these are not town board meetings, but rather an opportunity for residents to connect with me personally.  So, if you live in the Town of Verona, I hope you'll consider stopping by one of my town hall-style meetings and sharing any ideas, concerns, and/or questions you might have.  Thanks.

My band's song in Breaking Bad TV Show!

A few weeks back, I was quite excited when I found out that a tune (Grandparent's Polka) that my Dad wrote and that I helped a bit with was selected to be in an episode of the TV show, Breaking Bad.  Our song appeared in the 'Hermanos' episode back on September 4th.  It was sooo exciting to hear my band's song playing on a hit TV show.  I really thought that was quite a pinnacle.....until......

....I found out that another of my band's tunes was going to be on yet another episode of Breaking Bad!!!  Yep....as of now, another of our tunes (can't say which one, as there's a lot of secrecy surrounding the upcoming episode) is scheduled to be in the October 9th episode of Breaking Bad. 

One song on a hit TV show is awesome.  Two songs on a hit TV show within a little over a month is beyond awesome!  I'm still so excited by this.  And, I'm very appreciative of everyone that helped make this possible.  Cheers!

My first blog post!

Greetings....not sure what to say, since this is my first blog post.  I guess I'll say that I'm trying something new here, so this post really won't be too exciting.  However, I do want to give thanks to my friends that suggested I start a blog, especially Kurt Wanfried, as he's really been very encouraging. 

A little about me....I have a full time day job, I play in Fritz's Polka Band (about 100 gigs a  year), teach college part-time (usually in the spring and fall semester) at the Norwich Campus of Morrisville State College, and am busy being Councilman on the Verona Town Board.  Given all this, I don't know how often I'll blog, but will try to share my thoughts from the various worlds of Fritz.  :)