USA

After Joe Valencic’s plane landed in Slovenia back in August, he didn’t have enough time to get to his hotel and check in. He was expected at the National/Official Slovenian Sausage Contest. “Well, that’s what it translates to, loosely,” he said. “I served as a judge and I also handed out awards. Only receiving just a chunk of each sausage, ...

CLEVELAND, Ohio – George Voinovich, an earnest-looking Collinwood boy who grew up to be an Ohio legislator, Cleveland mayor, Ohio governor, U.S. senator and one of the most popular Buckeye State politicians of his generation, died early Sunday. He was 79. His son, George, said his father died peacefully in his sleep. “His two main things in life were public ...

Puebloans of Slovenian heritage gave a warm welcome Ambassador Dr. Božo Cerar Saturday morning.  The diplomat was treated to an appreciation breakfast at Park East Restaurant where he was presented with an honorary proclamation from city leaders. After the breakfast, the ambassador toured the Gorsich Technology Center at Pueblo Community College. “To have the international attention of the ambassador and ...

The second half of the 19th century marked the first of multiple major waves immigration of Slovenes to foreign countries.   This translated to approximately a half-million people who left Slovenia for both economic and political reasons.  Today Slovenes and their descendants can be found scattered around the globe with major concentrations throughout Europe, the U.S., Argentina and Australia. How ...

On Sunday, April 10, National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame held 34th Super Button Box Bash at the Slovenian Society Home in Euclid. Visitors enjoyed more than sixty accordions, plus jam sessions throughout the day, from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. The musical line-up includes these accordion greats: Anthony Culkar, Mary Lou Downs and Charlie Tomecek (Canada), Veseli Godci, Button Box Divas, ...

Slovenska Pristava is a private club for Slovenians in the United States which was founded by a group of refugees from Slovenia. Escaping to the United States, these refugees combined their efforts to bring a taste of the beautiful landscapes of Slovenia to their new homeland. Tucked away in the countryside near Geneva, Ohio, Slovenska Pristava has become a place of relaxation ...

Cleveland Kurentovanje, a Slovenian-infused carnival event, has expanded this year: “Kurent Jump” kicked off the celebration on Friday, February 5th, in which the Kurents came out for the first time to start their mission of scaring away the winter. On Saturday, February 6, the Cleveland Kurentovanje parade and festival took place with many musical and cultural performances, authentic food and drink, ...

The CBS Pittsburgh Local News station  mentioned S.N.P.J. – Slovenska Narodna Podporna Jednota (Slovene National Benefit Society) as a town with an unusual name in Pennsylvania. See video below. SNPJ History The Slovene National Benefit Society enjoys a rich history that stretches over a century. Founded on April 6, 1904, the Society – initially incorporated as Slovenska Narodna Podporna Jednota and now ...

Belokranjski Klub 50th anniversary was celebrated at the banquet on November 14 at the Slovenian National Home in Cleveland. The hall was packed  with well-wishers; many prodigals and those whose jobs took them to other areas, returned to help celebrate the occasion. The KRES dancers performed the traditional folkdances of the region, including “Na Trumf”, a dance without musical accompaniment. ...

On Sunday, November 1st, Padre Pedro Opeka, a great Slovenian Humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize  Nominee, co-celebrated the 10:00 am Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Cleveland Ohio. The banquet began immediately after in the parish hall. The purpose of this event was two-fold. First it provides, those in attendance, with the opportunity to meet this safety man, honor  him ...