Velvet Revolution – 20 year anniversary

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that resulted in the overthrow of the communist government in what was then Czechoslovakia.  The Czech and Slovak club is working with the Czech and Slovak embassies as well as the Center of Eastern European studies at Kansas University to commemorate that historic event.   We hope to have several programs in early November.  Details of these programs will be sent out as soon as they are finalized.

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Ethnic Enrichment Festival – volunteers needed

As a member of the Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Commission, our club always participates in the annual festival being held from Friday, August 21, through Sunday, August 23, in Swope Park.  Our participation will consist of volunteering in the operation of the festival, usually in the beer garden or at the gate, and also operating our own booth.  We sponsor the booth in order to hand out information about our club as well as sell some cultural items for the benefit of the club.   Although our booth is strictly our responsibility, the festival does pay us for each volunteer that we provide for the festival itself.  We were able to raise over $500 last year from our volunteers.    Please consider helping our club by donating two hours of your time to work at the gate, in the beer garden, or in our booth.  Mike Kalny is our representative to the Ethnic Enrichment Commission and can be contacted at 913-962-2145 or mikekalny@aol.com.   Please let Mike or Terry Smitka know if you would be able to volunteer this year.   Your help would be greatly appreciated and will provide funds for the club to host future programs.

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Czech and Slovak Club summer picnic 2009

The Czech and Slovak Club of Greater Kansas City will be hosting a club picnic on Saturday, August 1, from 4 PM until 7 PM. The picnic will be held in the West shelter house of English Landing Park in Parkville, MO.   English Landing Park is located right between Park University and the Missouri River on Highway 9 with a scenic view and plenty of trees to make it comfortable in the summer.  The club will be providing hot dogs and hamburgers, setups, and soft drinks.  We ask that each family bring a side dish to share.  The park does allow alcohol, so feel free to bring your coolers if you would like.   In order to plan for the necessary food, please contact Terry Smitka at 816-217-9487 or tsmitka@yahoo.com if you are planning to attend.   This is a great opportunity to meet other club members, listen to some Czech and Slovak music, engage in outdoor games, and enjoy a summer evening together.  We hope to see you there.  Children and guests are welcome.

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