A PDF version of the current annual report, as well as previous reports, are available for downloading at the bottom of this page.
September 2021 – December 2022
The Twin Cities Slovenians (TCS) was formed in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding areas as Branch 109 of the Slovenian Union of America (SUA). TCS welcomes all age groups as members. We invite you to join our social group if you have Slovenian heritage or are a friend of Slovenian culture. Our goal is to honor our Slovenian heritage through the sharing of fellowship, culture, history, and music, food, language, literature and genealogy activities. If you are of Slovenian heritage, wish you were, or are just impressed by this very small and beautiful country, the Twin Cities Slovenians welcome your inquiry and membership. There’s plenty of potica, good will and fun to go around. Check us out at twincitiesslovenians.org.
Programs and Celebrations
September 2021 – We were able to gather in-person as we had a belated Slovenian Independence Day celebration. Miro and Karen Medved hosted us for a wonderful afternoon of food, music and of course the balinanje (bocce) tournament.
October 2021 – We continued with an in-person meeting as Norm Setnicker presented “Climbing Mount Triglav”. The presentation included a video and a music video.
November 2021 – We were scheduled to celebrate martinovanje in-person, but needed to cancel due to concerns over COVID-19, and an increase in cases.
December 2021 – We did meet in-person, with appropriate guidelines and had a Christmas celebration. Mary Ann Palmer and Hank Thunander provided music and the opportunity for us to sing along. Good food and conversation were also a part of the celebration.
January 2022 – Keeping with a recent tradition, our meetings in the “winter” months are Zoom Meetings. Joe Valencic joined us from Cleveland. His program was entitled “The Flavors of Slovenia”. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn some new recipes.
February 2022 – Sue Rademacher took us through the history of our cultural exhibits at the Festival of Nations. Under her leadership the branch used the Festival of Nations to promote Slovenia and the TCS. It was with great sadness that we learned there would be no Festival in 2022.
March 2022 – Zoom allowed us to connect with a dear friend in Slovenia. Ksenija Rener-Sitar provided a quick update on what is going on in Slovenia. We were able to ask questions about a variety of topics.
April 2022 – We were happy to be back in-person at the New Brighton Community Center. We recognized our Member of the Year (Jean Podominick). Donald LaCourse presented on “Costumes and Dances of Slovenia”. Donald is a co-founder of the Ethnic Dance Theatre. He even managed to get us up on our feet and taught us a dance!
May 2022 – Norm Setnicker presented “To Bee or Not to Bee” as we gathered in-person at the New Brighton Community Center. This was a timely presentation since World Bee Day is celebrated in May. TCS member, Paul VanDenMeerendonk, an avid beekeeper, answered questions and donated honey to each member that attended.
July 2022 – We had two opportunities to attend events of the summer. Ambassador Tone Kajzer joined us in Schroeder, MN as we dedicated an updated plaque on the Baraga Cross. The Slovenian group Krila was there to sing as well as the Singing Slovenes from Duluth. Thanks to Honorary Consul Miro Medved and his wife Karen for organizing this event. The next day the singing group Krila gave a concert in St. Paul. Once again, special thanks to Miro and Karen Medved. Ambassador Kajzer attended this event and gave brief remarks. This was an honor and tremendous opportunity for members of SUA Branch 109.
September 2022 – Joe Valencic helped to kick off the new program year in September!
October 2022 – Zoom meeting with Tony Bombich on Slovenian genealogy.
November 2022 – Martinovanje celebration in-person
December 2022 – Christmas gathering with a choral group, singing led by Mary Ann Palmer, and accordian playing by Hank Thunander.
Slovenian Language Study Group
The Language Class meets monthly beginning in September. Enrollment is now required, and will be accepted through October. There is no class fee for TCS donating members. There is a $20 fee for non- donating individuals. For more info, see our Language Class page.
Website, Facebook
Our website (www.twincitiesslovenians.org) is full of important information and useful links. Don’t hesitate to check it out! Please note that the website contains many of our program presentations. We upload them after the original meeting. If you miss a meeting, you can still view the presentation.
The Twin Cites Slovenians also has a Facebook page for members and friends of TCS. We share pictures from our events and other useful communication. This is a closed page, so please contact Mike Koski, John Zakelj or Elaine Barthelemy for access. If you would like to join, click on the Facebook link at the bottom of this page or search for Twin Cities Slovenians on Facebook, click on “Join” and answer the brief question.
Conclusion
Thank you to each and every member and friend of the Twin Cities Slovenians for helping to make our organization a success. COVID-19 will continue to impact us. We anticipate continuing a hybrid approach, with Zoom Membership Meetings in the beginning of 2023 (January, February) and mostly in-person meetings for the remainder of the year.
| President | Mike Koski president@twincitiesslovenians.org |
| Vice President | Sue Rademacher |
| Treasurer | Ruth Pechauer |
| Recording Secretary | Marian Brezovec |
| Membership Secretary | Bailey Peternell membership@twincitiesslovenians.org |
| SUA Member Representative | Liz Miller |
At Large Board Members
Elaine Barthelemy, Bob Grahek, Miro Medved, Rick Pisa, Rich Samec, Norm Setnicker, Mary Ann Setnicker and John Zakelj
