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May 15, 2000
AMBASSADOR VONDRA VISITS THE CRADLE OF TEXAS LIBERTY
by Irene Mazoch
On April 6, 2000, Alexandr Vondra, Ambassador from the Czech Republic, was
met on his arrival at the San Antonio Airport by Ladislav Zezula, President, and
Jerry Koula, Vice President, of the Bexar County Chapter of the Czech Heritage
Society; Robert Braubach, Honorary Consul of Belgium; and Jose Luis Garcia,
International Relations representative of the City of San Antonio.
The major purpose of his visit was to enhance on-going Czech-American
relations, particularly in education and commerce. This was accomplished,
symbolically, by the presentation of the Czech Republic flag by Bob Biskup,
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bexar County Chapter of the Czech Heritage
Society, to Dr. Robert M. Barnett, Dean of International Initiatives of the
University of the Incarnate Word. The process of initiating a student exchange
program between the University of the Incarnate Word here in San Antonio, and
the Charles University in Prague, is already underway.
During the flag raising on campus, Don Netek, leader of the Czech choral
group of San Antonio, led those assembled in the singing of the Czech National
Anthem "KDE DOMOV MUJ?" (Where is My Home?). This was truly a
memorable and emotional experience for all. The Czech flag will continue to fly
at the International Center at Incarnate Word campus. Ambassador Vondra appeared
to be happy and pleased to be in San Antonio. He spoke easily in English, and
among other things noted that there are more Czechs in Texas than presently
reside in Chicago. Following his brief remarks, he personally greeted the more
than 100 persons who attended. Czech tradition held true, and the celebration
concluded with the serving of delicious hors d'oeuvres of Chlebicky, Kolacky,
and Czech Dorts, prepared by John Kuba, assisted by Irene Mazoch.
Prior to his departure the following day, Ambassador Vondra toured the Alamo,
and also visited the Institute of Texan Cultures. At the ITC he discussed and
viewed the upcoming Czech display, which he found to be very impressive.
San Antonio will not be forgotten by His Excellency, due in part to the many
mementos received, including books, maps, and San Antonio Spurs NBA Championship
T-shirts. His final comment to Ladislav Zezula and Eugene Labay was, "What
a wonderful City!"
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK: A very special Thank You to all of our
members who were on hand to welcome Ambassador Vondra. It was a very large and
impressive turn-out, with many wearing their kroj. The Czech spirit is alive and
well in San Antonio.
This year's San Antonio Folklife Festival at the ITC grounds, has been
scheduled for JUNE 1 - 4. This represents a change from the August dates of
previous years. NOTE: Our location at the Festival has also been changed. See
the details of the new location in the entry in this newsletter under the
heading FOLKLIFE. The Festival will take place prior to our regular June meeting
(June 25), and so we are taking this means of reminding you to come out and have
a wonderful time. See you there!
Ladislav Zezula
CHS DISPLAY, S.A. CENTRAL LIBRARY: Our display at the Central Library
(6th floor) this year will conclude on May 24th. We wish to thank MARILYN AND
KEN HOUDEK for setting up their "birdhouse village". These birdhouses,
handcrafted by Ken and painted by Marilyn, are replicas of actual buildings in
the small town of Bechyne, Minnesota. The town, in turn, was named after an
actual village in Bohemia (now the Czech Rep.) In addition to the attractive
village, Czech and Slovak items displayed are: hand embroidery, dolls in native
costume, puppets, wooden crafted items, and a special "Easter corner"
with painted eggs, braided "whip", and vase with palm and spring
flowers. We wish to thank those lending items for this display: Ken and Marilyn
Houdek, John Kuba, Irene Mazoch, Joan and Bill Meluch, Kay Vajdos, Bea Jarzombek,
and Dolores Bueche.
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL, JUNE 1-4 2000
Once again, the Bexar County Czech Heritage Society will be participating
in this annual event. Not only that, but we
will be located in a different, highly
visible spot on the main grounds. (That is, near the international flagpoles
at the entrance to the ITC. SEE MAP) This will give us an opportunity to share
our culture with more people. We know how great kolaches taste, but many of our
fellow explorers in life have never had the chance
to try them. We want to be sure these tasty pastries are known everywhere!
We have a 20x40 ft. tent to work in this year, and we are most fortunate to have a Corporate sponsor The Shiner
Brewery. Thank you Charlie Mays and Shiner Beer! (and also to Laddie Zezula who
made the necessarycontacts) The
Festival is run by volunteers and in past years its been a pleasure to see our
Bexar County Czech Heritage Society show full support for this event. We are
looking forward to this same support once again.
There is another group we wish to see at Texas Folklife this year-- YOU and YOUR FAMILY. The purpose of this event is
to help all of us to know and learn
about this great and fascinating State. Texas has a unique personality due to
the variety of people who have settled here. Each culture has something
special to offer in the way of customs, food, and history.
If you have any concerns or questions please call me at (210) 659-9132. Please leave a message on the machine, if I am
not available when you call.
Bea Jarzombek, Chairperson, Folklife Festival
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GENERAL MEETING, SUNDAY 25
JUNE 2000
Our Lady of Grace Church, 2 PM
Located at the corner of Summit & McCollough
(between Hildebrand and Mulberry)
4TH ANNUAL CZECH GENEALOGICAL CONFERENCE, JULY 27, 28, 29
BRAZOS CENTER, BRYAN, TEXAS
This year there will be a 3-day genealogy Conference in Bryan, Texas. The
invited speakers will be from all over the U.S., as well as from the Czech
Republic. Topics will include: obtaining and analyzing Vienna military and Archives records; lives of recruits under the
Austro-Hungarian Monarchy; researching and using Texas County records; Czech
immigrant passenger lists; LDS records for Czech genealogy; Catholic archives in
Texas; resources at Texas A & M; as well as subjects of general interest:
Czechs in Europe from the beginning to the present; who are the Valachs?; caring
for family heirlooms, and many others.
A block of rooms for those attending the Conference will be held until July
15, at the following Motels:
Comfort Inn 104 Texas Ave, South Rate: $58 + tax
979-846-7333 College Station, TX (1-4 persons)
Continental Bkfst incl.
RESERVATIONS ARE TO BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH THE MOTELS AND INDICATE YOU WANT
'THE CZECH HERITAGE SOCIETY RATE
RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BEFORE JULY 15, 2000
CONFERENCE FEE: $60 FOR ALL 3 DAYS, INCLUDING 2 LUNCHES, OR $30 FOR EACH DAY
ATTENDING, IF REGISTERED BY JULY 13, 2000. REGISTRATION AT THE DOOR WILL BE $75.
More details should be available at the General Meeting, June 25th, and/or
included with your next issue of Cesky Hlas. For additional information contact
Charlene Hurta (979) 849-0348, e-mail: fhurta@brazosport.cc.tx.us
If you are planning to attend, and would be willing to take others in your
car,please contact JOAN MELUCH (210) 945-0765; also, if you would like to
attend, but need a ride, please also contact me. Hopefully, we will be able to
set-up car pools.
NOTE: IF YOU HAVE GENEAOLOGY TAPES YOU BORROWED AT PREVIOUS
MEETINGS, PLEASE RETURN THEM AT THE JUNE 25TH MEETING.
NEWS FROM ROZNOV POD RADHOSTEM: We recently received a letter from
Vaclav Mikusek in Roznov. In it he tells of the preparations for the new
territorial arrangements in CR. In November 2000, the first regional parliament
will be elected. It will be a powerful institution with strong decision making
rights. Last year a Regional operating committee was established. Presently they
are working on the Strategic Development Documents of Central Moravia. The
results will be important in the competition to get financial support from the
European Union.
The Wallachian Open Air Museum is preparing its 75th anniversary celebration.
The director, Mr. Koukal, is preparing a large project in the area there called
the "Wallachian Village" the building of a wooden Church, which
will be an exact copy of the church in Ticha
(where a number of "Czexans" have their roots).
WEBSITES OF INTEREST:
http://www.czech.cz/washington (for a calendar of Events at the Czech Embassy)
http://www.hazardous.com/tng/praguereport (for top Prague and Czech news of
the day, and a log of Prague/Czech related links. Updated daily)
http://www.czechs.org (our own Bexar Co. Chapter site)
CZECH LANGUAGE CLASSES: The classes for this year concluded May 8th.
They will resume on September 11th, on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 P.M. at Our
Lady of Grace classrooms. If you are interested in learning the Czech language,
or refreshing your knowledge of it, please join us then.
HERITAGE DAY DANCE, MARTINEZ, TX: The annual Heritage Day dance in
March, was a social and financial success. We had a terrific turnout, and
everyone had a fun afternoon. The music and food were outstanding, as usual. The
raffle prizes were numerous, and varied. Our thanks to those who contributed:
George and Barbara Hruby, Lupe and Frank Jasek, Irene Mazoch, John Kuba, Jerry
and Pat Jurena, Loretta Valenta, Jerry and Betty Koula, Grace Rohan, Bob Biskup,
Frances Whitmore, Joan Meluch, the Czech students from DLI, Ladislav Zezula, Sr.
Bernadette Hajovsky, Frances Schimcek, C.J. Trenda, MaryAnn Kleffner, Kay and
Mike Vajdos, and Bea Jarzombek.
NEWS OF OUR MEMBERS:
CONGRATULATIONS: SISTER MARY CHRISTINE MORKOVSKY, C.D.P., has been named to
the Board of the Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wisconsin. LT.
COL. (ret) BILL POLASEK, JR., and his wife, Marjorie, celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary in April.
CONDOLENCES: In February we noted the passing of two long-time members: AL
CHOVANEC, and BETTYE OEHL (whose late husband, LOUIS, was a past Treasurer of our
Chapter). Bettye's will bequeathed $100 to the Czech Heritage Society. Our
sympathies are extended to their families andfriends.
Newsletter Editor: Joan C. Meluch (210-945-0765)
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Czech
Heritage Society of Texas
