The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
State honors band on 40th anniversary
VERONA, N.Y. >> Fritz’s Polka Band was presented with a State of New York Legislative Resolution by New York State Sen. Joe Griffo on Oct. 19.
De Anna Stafford from Griffo’s office handled the presentation prior to Fritz’s Polka Band performing that night at Copper City Brewing Company in Rome, N.Y. The resolution read in part as follows: “Whereas, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those musicians who have brought entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and Whereas, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing
“For my band to receive statewide recognition for our 40th anniversary by the legislature is quite amazing.”
— Fritz Scherz, band leader of Fritz’s Polka Band
traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Fritz’s Polka Band…”
“This was quite an awesome surprise,” said Fritz Scherz, band leader of Fritz’s Polka Band. “For my band to receive statewide recognition for our 40th anniversary by the legislature is quite amazing. Big thanks to Sen. Griffo for making this happen.”
Griffo has been an avid supporter of FPB over the years, Scherz said, including “putting in a good word for us” to organizers prior to Woodstock ‘99, holding an Oneida County proclamation in honor of the band’s 25th anniversary in 2003, and honoring band founder Fred Scherz Sr. for being the first person in New York state to be inducted into the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall in 2004.
“It’s truly an honor to be friends with Joe,” Scherz said.
Oct. 14 marked the 40th anniversary of Fritz’s Polka Band. For more information on Fritz’s Polka Band, visit www.fritzspolkaband.com, www.facebook.com/fritzspolkaband, www.twitter.com/ fritzspolkaband, or www.instagram.com/fritzspolkaband.