Slovenian American Times

SNH Monthly Social
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-27 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-24 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-07-29 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-26 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-30 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Slovenian National Home, 6417 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44103, United States
Join SNH for our Monthly Socials!
Admission is $10 per person and may be paid with cash upon entrance. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and typically ends around 8:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the attached rear lot.
Admission includes a light dinner snack and entry for the main raffle (need not be present to win). Cash bar. 50/50 sideboards are available while supplies last. Live music is played each month and dancing is encouraged – gather together for an evening of connection and community!
The socials are hosted monthly and admission for the full year is available. Just speak to a SNH volunteer when you arrive to reserve your spot for the year.
6417 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44103
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Gypsy Fantasy Concert
2026-05-02 18:00 | Slovenian National Home, 6417 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44103, United States
A Soulful Journey Through Eastern European Roma Traditions Celebrating Gypsy Music Heritage in North America.
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Concert: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dance: 9:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Cash bar & food for purchase throughout the evening.
Email harmoniabandcleveland@gmail.com for more information about the event and ticket inquiries.
Call: 440-263-6891 or 216-288-8727 for more information.
Registration Recommended. Details:
Advanced Purchase $30
TICKETS: https://harmoniaensemble.com/event/gypsy-fantasy-3-concert-dance/
At the Door: $35 or $30 with student ID
Email harmoniabandcleveland@gmail.com for more information about the event and ticket inquiries.
Call: 440-263-6891 or 216-288-8727 for more information.
Audiences are invited to experience an unforgettable evening of passionate, virtuosic music rooted in the Roma traditions of Eastern Europe. The spectacular Gypsy Fantasy Concert comes to Cleveland on Saturday evening, May 2nd in a beautiful, historic setting. The concert features a collaboration between Cleveland’s Harmonia and Pittsburgh-based Gypsy Stringz with special guest cimbalom-player Alex Udvary from Chicago. The lineup includes two prímás violinists, two cimbaloms, soulful vocals, as well as tamburica musicians and more.
The program celebrates Gypsy-style music from across the Carpathian Basin — including Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and neighboring regions. Known for its expressive melodies and dazzling technical skill, this musical tradition was carried to North America during waves of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it flourished within close-knit communities.
At the heart of the performance is the evocative pairing of violin and cimbalom, the shimmering hammered dulcimer that anchors many Eastern European Roma ensembles. The evening will feature romantic melodies alongside electrifying dance forms such as the csárdás and friss, moving from soulful laments to thrilling, high-energy finales.
Following the concert, guests can enjoy a lively reception with dancing, traditional Hungarian food prepared by the Hungarian Scouts, and a full bar. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

St. Vitus Altar Society Krofe Sale
2026-05-09 08:00 - 12:00, 2026-09-12 08:00 - 12:00 | St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
St. Vitus Parish Hall – 6022 Lausche Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (noon)
Cost of a box of 10 krofi is $10.00.
Parking is available in the parish hall parking lot. The building is handicapped accessible.

Meet & Greet Member Event at Slovenska Pristava
2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
May 16 (Sat) – Meet and Greet Member Event begins at 1pm-3pm at Slovenska Pristava. Any member who would like to know more about Pristava are welcome to attend this event. Join us for appetizers, while having the opportunity to meet other members and their families, watch a special video presentation, meet the board, and enjoy other fun activities. RSVP is required by calling 440-487-9830 or email fun@pristava.org
Slovenska Pristava
1024 Brandt Rd., Harpersfield
1pm-3pm
Registration Details:
RSVP is required by calling 440-487-9830 or email fun@pristava.com.

Čiščenje-Pensioners & Member Spring Cleanup Day 1
2026-05-20 10:00 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
May 20 (Wed) Čiščenje-Pensioners & Member Spring Cleanup- (2 days) Help the Pensioners spruce up the grounds of Slovenska Pristava beginning at 10am. There will be a meeting and luncheon to follow at 1pm.
There is a second member clean-up day scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd at 10am.
Please bring blowers, rakes, shovels, and gloves. Contact John Srsen at 440-463-8402 or srsen@sbcglobal.net with any questions. Many Slovenian hands make the work light and help is needed to prepare the grounds for the 2026 season as we celebrate our 65th Anniversary of Slovenska Pristava.

Čiščenje-Pensioners & Member Spring Cleanup Day 2
2026-05-23 10:00 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States

St. Vitus Catholic War Veterans Memorial Mass
2026-05-24 10:00 | St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
On Sunday, May 24, the St. Vitus Catholic War Veterans will celebrate its annual memorial mass at the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Vitus Church. We’ve been doing this every year for the past 79 years. At the Mass, every deceased veteran of the parish is remembered, including the 43 parishioners who died for our country. Some have no one left to remember them. But at least once a year they are remembered at Mass. We invite all to come and celebrate their lives and sacrifices for our country, and to join us for fellowship following Mass.
Sunday, May 24 • 10 a.m. • St. Vitus Church
All are warmly invited to join this annual tribute and to stay for fellowship following Mass.

Opening Day Picnic and Mass at Slovenska Pristava
2026-05-24 12:30 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
May 24 (Sun) – Opening Day Picnic and Mass at Slovenska Pristava. Start off the summer with our Opening Day Veselica featuring “Slovenska Hrana Na Žaru”, or Slovenian-style grilling feast! Mass begins at 12:30pm and will be celebrated by Fr. John Retar. Dinner will follow and includes a variety of grilled meats cooked to perfection along with potato, coleslaw, bread, dessert and coffee.
Dinner is $20 and no reservations are needed.
The kitchen will serve its famous hamburgers, fries and klobase later in the afternoon.
The pool will be open (weather permitting). $5 Non-member fee.
Volunteers are needed.
If you have questions or would like to help at this picnic, contact Andy Ribic andyribic@hotmail.com or 440-539-4751. All are welcome! Slovenska Pristava is located at 1024 Brandt Rd., Harpersfield. www.slovenskapristava.org

Celebrating an Anniversary - Edi Mejac
2026-05-31 13:30 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
Edi Mejac has been host and producer of the program “Songs and Melodies from Beautiful Slovenia” for 30 years. The Friends of Slovenianradio.com will celebrate that milestone on Sunday, May 31, 2026 on Slovenska Pristava in Harpersfield, Ohio.
The event will begin with Mass at 1:30PM celebrated by Father John Retar. A dinner will be served afterward and a brief cultural program will follow.
Tickets will cost $30.00. More specific details about when and where to make reservations for dinner will follow soon.
Hosted by Friends of Slovenianradio.com
Slovenska Pristava
1024 Brandt Road, Harpersfield, Ohio

SPOMINSKA MAŠA at Slovenska Pristava
2026-06-21 12:30 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
June 21 (Sun.)- SPOMINSKA MAŠA at Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd., Harpersfield, OH 44041. The annual Memorial Mass for the deceased Domobranci (Home Guard) and other victims of the communist regime in Slovenia will be celebrated by Fr. Frank Kosem at 12pm at the chapel on Orlov Vrh. Dinner ($18) will follow and includes stuffed pork with gravy, home fries, mixed vegetables, salad, bread, strudel and coffee.
Dinner reservations are required by contacting Margie Leden at 440-487-6541 or margaretleden@gmail.com Please refrain from driving on the road during Mass.
The pool opens at 2pm. www.slovenskapristava.org

Proud To Be Slovenian Day
2026-06-28 12:30 - 17:00 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
June 28 (Sun.)- PROUD TO BE SLOVENIAN DAY at Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd., Harpersfield, OH 44041. This is a great family centered event as we become “Rooted in Love.” It’s the highlight of the season as we identify with our Slovenian heritage beginning with Mass at 12:30pm, which will be celebrated by Fr. John Kumse. A roasted pig and chicken dinner will follow. Special guests will be announced as well as a genealogy presentation, cooking demonstration, basket raffle, kids coloring contest, merchandise sale and much more! Bakers are asked to bring a specialty baked good for the bake sale. Donations are being accepted for the basket raffle. Much help is needed. To become a volunteer or donate an item, contact fun@pristava.org or call 440-487-9830. The pool will be open. www.slovenskapristava.org

Independence Day Mass & Donuts
2026-07-04 09:00 | St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
JULY 4 (Sat.) – Independence Day: In conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of the USA, there will be a 9:00AM Mass in St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave., Clev., OH. 44103 to observe this occasion. After the Mass, coffee and donuts will be provided in the social hall directly across the street from St. Vitus Church (6022 Lausche Avenue). All are kindly welcome and invited.

St. Vitus Annual Parish Summer Picnic
2026-07-12 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
July 12, 2026 (Sunday). Annual Parish Summer Picnic. On Slovenska Pristava in Harpersfield, Ohio. Noon Mass to be followed by a great dinner and then a family filled and orientated day of light foods, many refreshments, and the famous “cevapcici” grilled right on site!
In addition, the swimming pool will be open for a nominal charge.
No admission or parking fee on that day at SP.
Net proceeds to benefit the operating and capital needs of the parish.
Additional information is forthcoming.

Camp Pristava
2026-07-13 - 2026-07-19 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
CAMP PRISTAVA 2026
July 13 through July 19: It’s the best week of the year! Slovenska Pristava hosts its famous camp for children ages 3 yrs. and up. Camp Pristava is available ONLY to members of Slovenska Pristava, St. Mary’s Slovenian School, and St. Vitus Slovenian School. This is a fun-filled week focusing on making friends, creating memories while enjoying their Slovenian heritage.
Registration information and payment details are available on the Slovenska Pristava website at www.slovenskapristava.org. For more information, or ways that adults can help out at camp, please contact Camp Director Danny Skrbiš at 216-832-5829 or via email at dmskrbis@gmail.com.
Please see the various choices for your child to be able to participate in Camp Pristava.
Junior “Weekend” Camp is for children ages 3 through those finishing 2nd grade and requires that each child must be accompanied with a parent at all times and runs from Friday to Sunday. (7/17-7/19)
Main Camp is open to children age 9 (or those who have completed 3rd grade) through 8th-grade graduates.
Camp Corps are for teens age 15-17yrs. and focuses on service hours and group activities while preparing them to be counselors.
Registration information and payment details are available on the Slovenska Pristava website at www.slovenskapristava.org.

Catholic Mission Aid Fundraiser Picnic
2026-07-19 12:30 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
Catholic Mission Aid Fundraiser Picnic: Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. John Kumse at 12:30 p.m., followed by a Dinner prepared by Joe Tavcar and volunteers. Dinner tickets: Adult $18, child $9. Refreshments at the cash bar. Donations in-kind appreciated for the Bake sale and Basket raffle. Burgers, klobase, and more from the kitchen later.
Volunteers needed.
Music and dancing. Note that Camp Pristava ends at noon. Call Tony at 216-531-3413 for tickets and questions.

Slovenska Pristava Pensioner Picnic
2026-08-02 12:30 - 17:00 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
Aug 2 (Sun.) Slovenska Pristava Pensioner Picnic – 1024 Brandt Road, Harpersfield. Annual Pensioner Picnic luncheon after the 12:30 p.m. Mass. Menu: Breaded pork chop dinner with dessert – Cost: $20. Kranjske klobase, čevapčiči, hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries, will be available after 3 p.m. Music entertainment by: Mike and Dan Wojtila Band 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Public welcome! Pristava members: FREE admission, Non-members: FREE Admission. A portion of the proceeds from the picnic to benefit Slovenska Pristava. Sponsored by Slovenska Pristava Pensioners Club and Klub Upokojencev Slovenske Pristave

Family Pool Party at Slovenska Pristava
2026-08-08 13:00 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
Bring the whole family and make a splash at the Family Splash Party at Slovenska Pristava! The fun begins at 1:00 PM and promises an afternoon filled with laughter, music, games, and summertime memories.
Enjoy a refreshing day by the pool while listening to great music and participating in activities for the kiddos while parents relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and friendly community atmosphere. The Family Splash Party is the perfect way to celebrate summer together. Slovenska Pristava’s pool has long been a favorite gathering place for families, offering a welcoming setting for fun, fellowship, and recreation.
1024 Brandt Road, Harpersfield, OH 44041
http://www.slovenskapristava.org

Primorski Klub Summer Picnic
2026-08-09 13:00 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
Primorski Klub Summer Picnic: will be on Sunday, August 9th. Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. by Father John Kumse, followed by a tripe or golaz and polenta dinner. Čevapčiči dinners will also be available later in the afternoon. For the ones coming from the pool, burgers, fries and klobase will available in the afternoon. Music will be provided by Fešta Bend. Everyone is very welcome to attend. No admission fee. Pool fees apply.

Ron Sluga's 90th Birthday Party at SNPJ
2026-08-09 14:00 - 18:00 | SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Rd, Kirtland, OH, 44094, United States
Celebrate Polka Legend Ron Sluga’s 90th Birthday with All-Star Music and Dancing
Sunday, August 9, 2026, SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio
Ron Sluga is one of the legends of polka music’s golden age. Join the all-star tribute to the banjo and guitar artist who accompanied the greatest names in the business, Sunday, August 9, 2026, at SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio. The Bob Kravos Orchestra leads the Sluga salute with accordionist Jeff Pecon and guest artists, like Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostanek and Nashville’s Joey Miskulin, from 2:00 to 6:00.
Ron Sluga turns 90 as the most accomplished banjo player and prominent side musician and vocalist on the Cleveland-style polka scene. He is best known for performing with America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic and other award-winning polka performers like Johnny Vadnal and Walter Ostanek. Ron was so popular as a young talent in the 1950s that he enjoyed his own national fan club. Ron became the go-to banjoist in Ohio and Great Lakes polka circles. Countless polka recordings feature his rhythms, including Grammy-winners and a nomination for his own album. His Cleveland store and studio nurtured generations of music-makers. The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame inducted him in 2005. Ron still appears on stage.
The Bob Kravos Orchestra performs for four hours of ballroom-style dancing, plus spotlight entertainers. Dinners are served from 1:00 on, along with sandwiches, refreshments and specials on the menu. Admission is $8; under 18 free. Your hosts are the members and friends of the SNPJ Farm Board and the Cleveland Federation of Lodges of the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ).
SNPJ Farm is just off Chardon Road (Route 6) at 10946 Heath Road in Kirtland, Ohio, three miles east of Route 306 and six miles west of Route 44. Note: Chardon Road is closed in Willoughby Hills. From points west, take I-90 to the Route 91 exit and head south to connect with Chardon Road. Contact 216-481-1379 for details.

St. Mary's of the Assumption Summer Picnic
2026-08-16 12:30 | Slovenska Pristava, 1024 Brandt Rd, Geneva, OH, 44041, United States
St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church Summer Picnic: Sunday, August 16th. Join as the summer season comes to an end. This picnic has it all, beginning with Mass at 12:30PM, followed with food galore… Schnitzel dinners, Bob’s Grill and čevapčiči followed by the kitchen opening later in the afternoon for all the famous burgers, fries, hot dogs, klobase and more. Come to the bake sale for specialty items as well as the basket raffle. Entertainment provided by Fešta Bend. The pool will be open and fees apply.
Free admission and parking.

Pilgrimage to Sorrowful Mother Shrine
2026-08-23 09:45 | Sorrowful Mother Shrine, 4106 State Route 269, Bellevue, OH, 44811, United States
For many centuries up to and including today, Slovenians have maintained the tradition of making pilgrimage. In particular, we have long trekked to shrines honoring Mary, the mother of our Savior. It is a way to break away from the routines and also distractions of our daily lives and take a respite to clear our minds and focus on what is really important in life.
On Sunday, August 23, we will make our annual pilgrimage to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio. The grounds of this rural sanctuary are an ideal place to reset ourselves as we settle into the quiet, rustic atmosphere of this beautiful shrine located south of Sandusky.
The afternoon begins with Mass offered by Fr. John Kumse at 1:00 p.m. in the outdoor pieta chapel. After Mass we break for lunch; pilgrims may reserve a dinner in the dining hall ($25) or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy outdoors.
A walk through the Stations of the Cross in the woods follows in an ideal contemplative setting. We then gather in the historic church for the inspiring Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary sung in Slovenian and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
First-time participants are warmly invited to join the pilgrims who have looked forward to this Slovenian Day at the Shrine each year for more than half a century. The expansive shrine grounds are on State Route 269 outside Bellevue. Visit the website at sorrowfulmothershrine.org.
A Barons motorcoach is available free of charge, leaving St. Mary’s in Collinwood at 9:45 a.m. and St. Vitus Church at 10:15 a.m. Dinners in the dining hall from an excellent local caterer are available for $25 and must be reserved in advance. Call John Nemec at (216) 541-7243 by Sunday, August 16, to make dinner reservations and/or to reserve a free seat on the bus.
Join us for this truly special day of Slovenian Catholic tradition!

80th Annual One World Day
2026-08-30 11:00 - 18:00 | Slovenian Cultural Garden, 820 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH, 44108, United States
The 80th annual One World Day will be held Sunday, Aug. 30th, 2026. Make sure it’s on your calendars.
One World Day celebrates the many cultures that call Northeast Ohio home. This free event, hosted by the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, is filled with opportunities for individuals and families to learn more about who we are.
The day begins with a Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens and a Parade of Flags, followed by music and dance from around the world and authentic ethnic food throughout the Gardens. The Passport to Peace program is a fun way for kids and adults to learn about countries and cultures of the world and meet members of our Garden communities. The Children’s Village offers families even more opportunities for multi-cultural games and educational activities.
One World Day offers a unique perspective on the Cultural Gardens, with their lush landscaping, symbolic architecture, and tributes to historic cultural figures.
In an effort to further engage interest in Slovenian culture and heritage in Northeast Ohio, home to the largest population of Slovenians living outside of the country of Slovenia, the Slovenian Cultural Garden Association (SCGA) is inviting individuals or groups to participate in the Parade of Flags at 12:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to share our rich heritage as well as showcase the beauty of the national dress from the various regions in Slovenia. Come and proudly wear your “noša” or national dress from your favorite region. You can also wear an SCGA t-shirt. We are giving away free t-shirts to the first 50 people that sign up to join the SCGA in the parade. (Free t-shirts are available to those who did not receive one last year).
This year the Gardens are also participating in the national America 250 commemoration. The America 250 Project in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens will have each garden showcase 3 individuals from their culture that have made a difference in the United States. The SCGA polled the Slovenian community for nominees during the month of June. Those selected for the exhibit will be announced in early July on the SCGA website and Facebook page.
There are opportunities to volunteer throughout the day at the Slovenian Cultural Garden from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating in the Parade of Flags or volunteering with the Slovenian Cultural Garden, please reach out to sloveniancga@gmail.com or sign up on the SCGA website or Facebook page. You can also go directly to the sign-up sheet with the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45A5AC29AAF4CE9-57149798-oneworld
For more information on the day’s events, and details on parking visit www.clevelandculturalgardens.org.

6th Slovenska Pristava Golf Outing
2026-09-12 01:00 | Hemlock Springs Golf Course, 4654 Cork Cold Springs Rd., Geneva, OH, United States
Join us for the 6th Slovenska Pristava Golf Outing at Hemlock Springs Golf Course, 4654 Cork Cold Springs Rd., Geneva on September 12.
1pm shotgun start which includes lunch at the turn. Then head back to Slovenska Pristava for appetizers, dinner
and more!
REGISTRATION is open. $90 per player and $360 for a foursome. Guys and gals!
http://www.slovenskapristava.org
Questions? Contact Joe Ilc at 216-650-5462 or Joeilc15@gmail.com

St. Vitus Alumni Homecoming Mass and Dinner
2026-10-25 10:30 | St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
The annual St. Vitus Alumni Homecoming Mass and Dinner will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026. On this day, we will be honoring Milan Rihtar for his many years of dedication and service to St. Vitus Parish and the Slovenian community. We also honor the Sisters of Notre Dame who grew up in St Vitus Parish or who ministered at St. Vitus School. In addition, on this day, we will celebrate the anniversary for the St. Vitus School classes of 1951 (75 years), 1976 (50 years) and 2001 (25 years).
The St. Vitus Alumni gathering on October 25th will begin with the 10:30am Mass in St. Vitus Church celebrated by Father John Retar. We will assemble in the St. Vitus Parish Hall directly across the Church after the Mass. A delicious dinner, catered by Joe Tavcar and staff, will be served and then a short program will follow.
The cost is $35.00 per person. Tables of 8 or 10 can be reserved. St. Vitus Alumni, friends, parishioners, and guests are welcome to attend this event. For questions and reservations, call Frank Zitko (440-488-8284) or Mia Graf (440-442-1635). The deadline for reservations is October 15, 2026.
We are looking forward to celebrating with you on Sunday, October 25th.
The St. Vitus Alumni Board: Frank J. Zitko ‘68, Mary Kocjan Petelin ’67, Donald Kern ’69, Mia Zaper Graf ’74 and Andrea Zaper Plassard ’75.
PS – Alumni of St. Martin de Porres High School and St. Vitus School are invited to a special 9am Mass at St. Vitus Church on Sunday November 1st, All Saints Day. Afterwards the former St. Vitus School building will be open for tours. Details to follow.
