A Night of Faith, Family, and Friends 

By: Mary Ann Vogel, Ed.D. 

What a night it was!  

This isn’t late December 1963, but January 24, 2026, that was our unforgettable night. Forgive my play on the iconic song title by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

This year, our celebration of the 65th anniversary of Slovenska Pristava was truly a night to remember, and “Oh, what a night it was!”

After the joy of the Kurenti “scaring winter away” in mid-February, it is difficult to recall the polar vortex and blizzard we were awaiting in late January. Some wondered whether the weather would hold for our celebration. Thankfully, with God’s blessings, the 330 people in attendance were able to polka the night away to the music of the Fešta Bend and drive safely home before the snow began to fall.  

The historic Slovenian National Home (SNH) in Cleveland, Ohio, was once again the setting for this milestone event. This year’s theme, Celebrating 65 years of Slovenska Pristava: Faith, Family, and Friends, came to life within the halls of the SNH. Throughout the hall, tables of friends and family gathered to enjoy the delicious Slovenian cuisine from Joe Tavcar Catering. Guests looked at postcards of Slovenska Pristava, past and present, and shared time together.  A special touch this year for each guest was the engraved 65th-anniversary wooden coaster at each place setting.  

The evening brought to life the truth that Slovenska Pristava is not a place; it is a spirit, woven together by its members’ deep love and commitment to our faith, family, shared history, and Slovenian heritage.  

Guests entering the SNH were greeted by hugs, joyful laughter, games of chance, and, of course, a heartfelt “na zdravje” with a member of the toasting table.  The hall was beautifully decorated in a sapphire-and-gold motif in honor of the 65th anniversary of Slovenska Pristava.  

We were honored to have in attendance that evening two very special guests: the Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia, Suzana Češarek, and Slovenian cinematographer David Sipoš.  Mr. Sipoš was in Cleveland to premiere his film: Exodus 1945: Naša kri.

Due to the kindness of guests and friends, two different fundraisers were planned for the evening: one new and one a long-time favorite. The Basket Raffle and Sapphire and Gold Wine Pull helped make the evening more fun. The Sapphire and Gold Wine Pull added a new twist to the event. This game of chance ensured that everyone would be a winner. The lucky winners of the raffle went home with a variety of gifts. These included Guardians tickets, Playhouse Square Tickets and Dinner, Slovenian Wine Baskets, a beautifully crocheted Slovenian flag blanket, Local Breweries Gift Certificates, Bourbon Baskets, and a special Slovenian Wine Basket donated by the Slovenian American Times.  

To ensure there was ample time for festivities, in lieu of a program, current and former Presidents of Slovenska Pristava, John Srsen and Mary Ann Vogel, shared brief remarks with the attendees. Both emphasized the importance of Pristava to multiple generations of Slovenians, not only in Cleveland but throughout North America. For the past 65 years, members of Pristava have created a cultural, recreational, and educational site. It has become an important center for familial, civic, and religious milestones. From the founders of yesterday to our present-day members, Pristava reminds us that today’s gifts come from the hard work of those who came before us. We owe it to future generations to be responsible for the gifts we have received. Everyone in the hall was called to continue sharing our culture with pride, honoring our heritage, building friendships, nurturing our faith, and caring for Slovenska Pristava as a destination for generations to come.  

Pristavska Noč 2026 had a special feel. The gathering was large and festive. Even with the threat of an impending snowstorm, the dance floor remained full until the end of the night, laughter came from the bar, and friends gathered around tables telling stories. The happiness we so often feel during the summer months at Slovenska Pristava was shared by guests, young and old, as they celebrated Pristava on this special January evening.  

Thanks go out to everyone who made this evening possible. Thanks also go to Pristava Executive Board Members John Srsen, Tony Cerer Jr., Nadia Kobal, Tom Stepec, and Connie Spehar for their support and assistance. Greg Lamovec and his team, who bartended throughout the night. Lucy Vidmar designed promotional materials. Joe Tavčar and his catering team provided the delicious appetizers and main course, including a vegetarian option. The Fešta Bend brought life to the dance floor through their music. To Jim Sulecki and Dan Valerian, thank you for the hundreds of ways you supported the team.  Everyone who made a gift basket, donated to the wine pull, or volunteered to make this event a night to remember.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the women of the planning committee with whom I was blessed to work alongside.  Hvala lepa (thank you) to this remarkable planning committee of Sonja Omahen, Annie Sterle, Louise Sulecki, Majda Valerian, and Elizabeta Žalik; their work, collaboration, and understanding made the evening possible.

Pristavska Noč 2026 was not simply a celebration of the past; it was an example of our Slovenian community preparing for generations yet to come.  We celebrate the past as we anticipate the future.  

Oh, what a night. Thank you for celebrating with us this year, and we look forward to seeing you next year, Saturday, January 23, 2027.  

Na zdravje, to 65 years, and to many more.

Call to Action: Help us learn about the origins of Pristavska Noč.

We are on a quest to learn about the origins of Pristavska Noč (PN), which we would like to highlight during our 2027 celebration. Thanks to Tom Stepec and Louise Sulecki, who reviewed past Board minutes, it seems the first PN may have been held in February of 1966.  

We would like to learn more:

• Can we confirm that the first official PN was held in February 1966?
• Were there other “unofficial” PN events before this first celebration was held?  
• Do you have photos from the first celebrations?  
• Can someone explain the origin of this event, which seems to have always been held during the winter months?  

Please send photos, anecdotes, and answers to these mysteries to Louise Sulecki at LouiseS@pristava.org. Thank you.