Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Veselé Vianoce a šťastný Nový rok!

Veselé Vánoce a šťastný Nový rok!

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Book of Condolences for Václav Havel

Dear friends,

In response to the sorrowful announcement of the passing of former President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Václav Havel, on December 18, 2011, a Book of Condolences is available for signing at my office, Consulate of the Czech Republic in the Midwest, 105 West 113th Street, Kansas City, MO 64114. Visitors may come to the office from Tuesday, December 20, 2011 through Thursday, December 22, 2011 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Anyone wishing to send a condolence that is unable to come to the consul office, can e-mail their message to me and I will include it with the Book of Condolences that I will be sending to the Czech Embassy in Washington D.C. My email address is: svalasek@kc.rr.com.

President Havel, the last president of Czechoslovakia from 1989-92 and the first president of the Czech Republic 1993-2003, died at the age of 75.

“He was the most famous Czech, recognized all over the world. Unfortunately, he was more welcome and revered abroad than at home. Though a modest and shy man, he stood his ground when meeting and dealing with the world’s most powerful people. I only hope that at least now we will realize what a man we had in our fellow citizen, and will look up to him as an example.” Karel Schwarzenberg

“I am deeply touched by the kind words and floral tributes from many Americans who are expressing their compassion with the Czech nation mourning the loss of a man of great courage and profound wisdom. President Havel was not only one of the greatest Czechs of our times but also a true European visionary who has always kept very close to his heart our friends and compatriots in the United States. Though he will be sorely missed, the legacy of his respect for human rights and fight for democracy shall prevail.” Czech Ambassador to the United States Petr Gandalovic

Information about President Václav Havel lying in state and the funeral service for Havel at Prague Castle can be found at: http://www.hrad.cz/en/for-media/press-releases/7178.shtml

Warm regards,

Sharon Valasek

Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic
Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska
105 West 113th Street
Kansas City, MO 64114 USA
svalasek@kc.rr.com
+1 816 942 2794 (office)
+1 816 213 5847 (mobile)

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St. Mikulas Reflection

I would like to thank everyone who attended this event. I believe this is one of the club’s most popular events, it always has large attendance. Thank you all for your active participation and for bringing the great food. Thanks also to our three actors, the St. Mikulas, the Angel, and our Little Devil. 🙂
The Sugar Creek Tamburitzans band deserves praise as well, along with our singers. The Slovak and Czech Christmas songs greatly added to the festivity of the event. I cannot forget the performances of our youngest generation, those who stood up in front of St. Mikulas and his two “assistants” and received goody bags for their acts.
Finally, I would like to thank the members who made this event possible and made it run smoothly.

PS: If anyone has photos they would like to share with us or want uploaded to our gallery, please send them in.

Thank you,

Iveta
CSKC club member

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