Czech and Slovak Newsletter - November 2011

Greetings From Czech Spring Festival of Hobart

The unique six day Czech and Slovak festival in Hobart was a huge success, thanks to the organizer Rob Raus, the unusually good weather, all the volunteers who helped and Liptar Dance Group from Melbourne. With around 250 visitors, the second instance of the festival has set a tradition of a friendly and relaxed community event which we are looking forward to visit again.

VodaFest 2012 Date and Headliner Announced

On the festival note, members of the steering committee are thrilled to announce VodaFest 2012, the Czech and Slovak Festival in Melbourne. Everybody be sure to mark the Saturday, 25 February 2012 in your calendars and be ready to enjoy a full day of music, beer and Eastern European cuisine at Sumava Peksa Park.

After having the singer Ivan Tasler play a few songs for us last year, this time we are having his entire bunch, currently one of the most popular music bands in both Slovakia and Czech Republic -- IMT Smile!

Check out the music video shot during their last year's visit to Australia at http://youtu.be/pebstJ9db8Q

St Nicholas and Christmas Traditions at Sumava

Date: Sunday, 27 November from 11am
Location: Sumava Peksa Park, 46 Locks Way, Belgrave South VIC

The Australian Slovaks' Association in Victoria invite you to the St Nicholas and Christmas Traditions Our Way. On program is a number of children activities and Christmas-time customs. Sunday mass in Slovak language takes place from 11:30am.

Entry fee is $5 per adult or $10 per family, plus a Christmas-themed food platter to share together. Parents, note! To book St Nicholas gift bags for your children, call Marta at 0437 699 690 or Maria at 03 9753 5402.

Sokol Melbourne Special General Meeting

Date: Wednesday, 30 November from 8pm
Location: National House, 497 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne VIC

The Sokol Melbourne annual general meeting, held on 23 October, failed to elect a committee of management for the period of next year. This has put the association in threat of dissolution and the community loosing the National House. Please, attend the Special General Meeting on 30 November at the National House, become a member of the association, and consider your nominations for committee members. Thank you!

St Nicholas Dinner Dance at Sokol

Date: Saturday, 3 December from 6pm
Location: The National House, 497 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne VIC

In the meantime, optimistic and passionate members of Sokol keep planning pre-Christmas and next year's events. The nearest one is the ever popular St Nicholas dinner dance for all ages. Waiting for you is a traditional dinner with dessert, live music by Studio 4 and a St Nicholas raffle.

Entry is at $10 a person, the dinner is on offer for $18. St Nicholas will be happy to hand out gift bags you'll bring along for your kids. Be sure to book your spots at 0413 852 488 or 03 9807 2326.

30 Years of The Slovak House

Date: Monday, 26 December
Location: The Slovak House, 105 Triholm Avenue, Laverton VIC

With voluntary contributions and countless hours of voluntary work by members of the Association, the "Slovak House" was built and officially opened on the 26 December 1981. Thirty years later to the day, The Slovak Social and Cultural Association Ludovit Stur Inc. are proudly celebrating Christmas and the anniversary of their community hub.

You can watch the unique video recordings of the Slovak House opening celebrations at this YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/u6aF1R

Like every year, the end of this year is an exciting period of time with many community events taking place. We kindly ask you to let your friends know about what's happening and we'll see you all there!