Czech and Slovak Newsletter - September 2012

Dear friend,

Welcome to the September issue of the Czech and Slovak Newsletter. The planning of the next festival is underway and we'll use this newsletter to keep you updated. In the next month's issue we'll announce the date and place of VodaFest 2013.

Even if place was to change, the festival has been closely associated with Sumava Peksa Park from day one. The Vodafest Association committee thought this would be a good time to express their thanks to the caretakers of the park and donate part of this year's proceeds towards maintenance of this community centre. For more details, please, visit our website at http://bit.ly/Ul1G1t

Australian Slovaks' Association in Victoria Inc. Annual General Meeting

Date: Saturday 22 September from 4pm
Location: Sacred Heart Hall, 116 Cotham Rd, Kew VIC

ASAV Inc. is holding their Annual General Meeting on 22 September afternoon. On agenda is the activities report, financial report and proposal for future activities. All members and new members are to pay membership fees before the commencement of the AGM.

ASAV Funraiser / Fundraiser

Date: Saturday 22 September from 7pm
Location: Sacred Heart Hall, 116 Cotham Rd, Kew VIC

After the AGM, Australian Slovaks' Association in Victoria would like to invite everybody to a family evening with dancing, mini-quiz about Slovakia, competition for the most delicious Slovak food and a raffle.

Admission: adults $20 (children under 15 free), members / retirees / students $15, and a tray of Slovak delicious food cooked at home to cover communal table. Microwave and gas oven will be available for reheating.

Saint Wenceslaus Day at Sumava

Date: Sunday 30 September 2012 from noon
Location: Sumava Peksa Park, 46 Locks Way, Belgrave South VIC

The day of Saint Wenceslaus, the patron of Czech emigrants, is celebrated annually with a traditional lunch, holy mass and a remembrance ceremony. Lunch will be served from 12pm, followed by holy mass celebrated by Father Peter Dikos at 2pm. At 3pm, memory of lost countrymen will be remembered. An entertainment program with traditional raffle will close the day at Sumava.

Everybody is welcome to wear a traditional costume, you can borrow one to try on directly at Sumava.

If you'd like to help prepare Sumava Peksa Park for the day of celebration, please, join us at the Working Bee on Saturday 22 September from 10am.

Dancing Night with Vintage Blue Band

Date: 13 October 2012 from 8pm
Location: National House, 597 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne VIC

Come and enjoy an evening of Czech music with Vintage Blue Band. The traditional guitar band formation with singer Ivana Kolingerova, solo guitarist Premysl Kunz and the acoustic 12-string guitar player Ivan Zachar will introduce some of their own songs and play famous Czech music songs.

Entry fee: $10, includes a glass of wine or shot.

Slovaks in Australia in The 2013 Australia Day March

Date: 26 January 2013 from 10am
Location: Melbourne CBD

Just a reminder to all interested, that on Australia Day 2013, for the third time Slovaks in Australia will be marching along Swanston Street from City Hall to Kings Domain Gardens. Last year, Slovaks had their stall under the name The Heart of Europe. This year, we're hoping to add a performance in folklore costumes, too.