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PLAINS TWP. — Don and Josie Casner took to the dance floor on Saturday night with a spirit of energy and enthusiasm which belied their age.

Don, 80, and Josie, 75, danced the “hot polka,” with big smiles and quick steps they have been exhibiting for over 25 years.

The Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Sun Pocono provided the perfect backdrop for the couple and about 100 others to participate in the Dance the Night Away event, sponsored by WVIA. Complete with three polka bands and concluding with a live broadcast, the event has become a tradition.

And although Don Casner is somewhat shy about being on the broadcast, Josie Casner looks forward to it.

“I want to see how we look,” she said smiling. “Perhaps there some things that we can do better.”

The Casners, who are polka instructors, share both their enthusiasm and technique.

“It’s really just a series of steps,” said Don, directing a would-be polka dancer, “right-left-right, left-right left.”

“Women have the hard part,” said Josie. “They have to dance backwards.”

The Casners credit WVIA’s Ginny Fredmonski with facilitating the event, making it a point to know everybody and making everyone feel comfortable.

“Many of these people come back year after year,” said Fredmonski. “Beyond a shared love for polka dancing and for support of the station, these are our friends.”

Doug Cook, vice president of television and promotions at WVIA, emphasized the importance of “keeping the party going” in sustaining an ethnic tradition that defines the area.

Cook said members support has made it possible to bring taping back into the studio beginning in November.

“For at least the next two years, we will also be taping here (at Mohegan Sun Pocono),” he said. “But taping at the studio reflects continuing success and the support of our viewers.”

He encouraged attendees to also take advantage of the venue, which provided a chance for a variety additional food and entertainment options that made evening a special one.

Many attendees lauded the three polka bands chosen for the event with providing a perfect mix of music, which kept their feet moving with a variety of steps.

The Fritz Polka Band, The Golden Tones and Buffalo Concertina All Stars featured such tunes as “Come Home Safe,” “Can’t Get Enough of Polka Music” and “The Party’s Just Begin.”

To the Casners, both the dance and the event reflected a life well lived.

Following several personal and medical challenges, both Don and Josie knew just what would help.

“We got back on the dance floor,” said Don. “It’s what we do.”
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<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_polkadancing01.jpg" alt="" />
<div class="neCaption">Polka dancing at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township on Saturday.</div>
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<div class="metaInfo">https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_polkadancing01.jpgPolka dancing at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township on Saturday.</div>
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<div class="neCaption">Polka dancers Loretta Chmura of Nanticoke, left, and Francis Gardus of Carbondale dance on Saturday at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township during a taping for WVIA’s polka show.</div>
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<div class="metaInfo">https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_polkadancing02.jpgPolka dancers Loretta Chmura of Nanticoke, left, and Francis Gardus of Carbondale dance on Saturday at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township during a taping for WVIA’s polka show.</div>
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By Geri Gibbons

ggibbons@www.timesleader.com

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons

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WVIA tapes polka show at the Mohegan Sun