Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee

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SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 ANTUMN 2018 Edition

..4 MOVING DAY 2018.....4 BOHEMIAN FEST IN RACINE.

.5 FORMER AMBASSADOR- SPEAKS AT SOKOL EVENT.

..8 A 100tTH ANNIVERSARY FOR BOTH CZECHS &

1 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 ANTUMN 2018 Edition Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee In this issue CALENDAR...2 PRESIDENT S CORNER...3 CZECH SPEAKER IN OSHKOSH GYMNASTICS UPDATE...4 MOVING DAY BOHEMIAN FEST IN RACINE JAROSLAV NOVOTNY...5 SPRING FLING..5 FORMER AMBASSADOR- SPEAKS AT SOKOL EVENT THE ACCIDENTAL HERO...7 MCHS AWARD...8 A 100tTH ANNIVERSARY FOR BOTH CZECHS & SLOVAKS...8 THREE KINGS DINNER,,,, A year of celebration and change.

SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 2 Executive Board President Sonia Riecan 1st Vice President John Kozlik 2nd Vice President Todd Michalek Secretary Sonka Tostrud Treasurer Ann Cramer Financial Secretary

2 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN Executive Board President Sonia Riecan 1st Vice President John Kozlik 2nd Vice President Todd Michalek Secretary Sonka Tostrud Treasurer Ann Cramer Financial Secretary Jenni Miller Education Director Susan Chapman Director of Women Jennifer Romine Director of Men Gerald Novotny To submit an item for the calendar or an article or letter for publication or to suggest a topic that you would like included in this newsletter please contact the editor: Gerald Novotny 1409 Iowa Drive Madison, WI Phone: (608) novotny01@sbcglobal.net Kalendář (Calendar) Next Regular Membership Meeting MONDAY December 3, :00 pm West Allis Public Library 7421 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 75TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOLK FAIR November 16, 17 & 18, 2018 Baking Dates 8:30 am to 2:00 pm Saturday November 3 Wednesday November 14 Thursday November 15 Friday November 16 Monday November 19 (Contact Ann Cramer , or cramerann@ntd.net) THREE KINGS DAY DINNER SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, :00 a.m. to 2:00 pm Polonez Restaurant 4016 S. Packard Avenue, St. Francis, WI (See Page 9) NEXT GENEALOGY GROUP SESSION New Berlin Library November 10th, :15 am to 4:45pm. (Contact Susan Chaman chapmansusanm@aol.com Or Harold Kralik - hawkeye850@att.net )

SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 3 PRESIDENT S CORNER With that being said we are also busy getting ready for the Holiday Folk Fair.

This years Holiday Folk Fair theme is the Culture of Diversity. We do have tickets for sale at $10 a piece. We look forward to visiting with you at the Holiday Folk Fair.

3 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN PRESIDENT S CORNER With that being said we are also busy getting ready for the Holiday Folk Fair. Be sure to come and enjoy the tasty Czech Kolaches and other sweet treats and traditional Czech Food and visit us at the Cultural and Sales Booths. This years Holiday Folk Fair theme is the Culture of Diversity. We do have tickets for sale at $10 a piece. We look forward to visiting with you at the Holiday Folk Fair. As Thanksgiving gets nearer it is a perfect time to reflect on all the positives we have at Sokol and in our lives. We at Sokol Milwaukee are grateful for each and everyone of you and hope that this Thanksgiving season is a peaceful and happy one for all of you! Sokol Milwaukee looks forward to successfully concluding our 150th year with success and welcomes our 151st. Nazdar! Sonia Riecan President Sokol Milwaukee CZECH PARLIAMENT SPEAKER SPEAKS IN OSKHOSH Dear Brothers and Sisters of Sokol Milwaukee, This 150th year of Sokol Milwaukee has been very memorable so far. We have had several enjoyable events this year. Our last event was The Accidental Hero on October 6th at Pius High School. Over 150 people attended this exciting event. We have moved into Blessed Sacrament as our new building for our events such as Jaternice Dinner, coming this February 2019 and our so happy to have a new place to call home. We are very excited to have a new beautiful gym at Blessed Sacrament to hold our gym classes and things are off to a great start so far. Make sure that you come and see the gym kids perform at the Holiday Folk Fair on Sunday. On Monday, July 23, 2018 Ann Cramer (Sokol Treasurer), along with her husband Keith, and Todd Michalek (Sokol 2 nd Vice President) attended a dinner in honor of the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Radek Vondráček, at the Oshkosh Country Club, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The dinner was organized by the Consul General of the Czech Republic in Chicago, Hon. Bořek Lizec, and the Consulate in Chicago. Speaker Vondráček s trip to the United States coincided with the participation of the Light Sport Aircraft manufactures, from the Czech Republic, at the 2018 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. While Speaker Vondráček s visit was of a fairly short duration, besides his time spent in Oshkosh, he was able to take time to meet with representatives of the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate, in Madison, before his return to the Czech Republic.

SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 Gymnastics Report By Gerald Novotny, Men s Gym Director We thrilled to be able to offer our Sokol

Although we lost some students when we had to shut down in January, we are pleased to have many of returning gymnasts along

Currently we have 23 students and expect to have few more returnees, and we hope some more new students, after the new year.

Our instructors, Jennifer Romine, Lisa Hoeck, Gerald Novotny and Brad Bradley are enjoying the larger facility and hardwood

We are looking forward to having you attend our 151st annual exhibition next year and are very grateful to Blessed Sacrament

4 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 Gymnastics Report By Gerald Novotny, Men s Gym Director We thrilled to be able to offer our Sokol Milwaukee gymnastics class this fall in the beautiful Blessed Sacrament School gymnasium. Although we lost some students when we had to shut down in January, we are pleased to have many of returning gymnasts along with some new faces. Currently we have 23 students and expect to have few more returnees, and we hope some more new students, after the new year. We re working hard on our Holiday Folk Fair routine as well as basic skills. Our instructors, Jennifer Romine, Lisa Hoeck, Gerald Novotny and Brad Bradley are enjoying the larger facility and hardwood floor. We are looking forward to having you attend our 151st annual exhibition next year and are very grateful to Blessed Sacrament Parish for giving us the opportunity to use their gymnasium, as well as providing a venue for our Czech dinner and the use of the kitchen for Folk Fair baking. 4 SEPTEMBER 2018 IT S MOVING IN TIME On at dry day in September we reclaimed our belonging from storage and the move began the move to Blessed Sacrament. Thanks to all of you who helped out particularly the big guys who carried the parallel bars downstairs to the gym!

SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 5 Spring Fling 2018 Our annual Spring Fling and Awards dinner was held June 2, 2018 at one of our usual haunts, Meyers Restaurant.

See page 9 for details. Jaroslav Novotny After 75-years as a member of Sokol Milwaukee (fully one-half of the age of our unit) Jerry Novotny passed away.

Born in Milwaukee in 1926 to Frank and Mary (nee Vesely) Novotny. After he graduated from Boys Technical H.S., he served in the 8th Air Force as a tail gunner on a B-17.

Married Frances Marsicek June 16, 1951. He was a member of Milwaukee SOKOL for 75 years.

Also survived by grandchildren Adam, Kate (Ben Novotny-Owen), Paul (Amy Mader), Sam, Will, Rachel (Michael Martin) and Dustin Dodge and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

5 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN Spring Fling 2018 Our annual Spring Fling and Awards dinner was held June 2, 2018 at one of our usual haunts, Meyers Restaurant. The food was good as usual and the company even better. For our next dining experience we will be venturing to a new location, Polonez Restaurant to celebrate the New Year. See page 9 for details. Jaroslav Novotny After 75-years as a member of Sokol Milwaukee (fully one-half of the age of our unit) Jerry Novotny passed away. His obituary is reprinted below. Novotny, Jaroslav "Jerry" Passed away September 22, 2018 at the age of 92 years. Born in Milwaukee in 1926 to Frank and Mary (nee Vesely) Novotny. After he graduated from Boys Technical H.S., he served in the 8th Air Force as a tail gunner on a B-17. After WWII he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jerry worked at Falk Corporation for 35 years. Married Frances Marsicek June 16, He was a member of Milwaukee SOKOL for 75 years. Survived by his wife of 67 years, sister Vlasta Hron and sons Gerald (Theresa Anderson), David (Dianne), Allan (Mary) and Frank. Also survived by grandchildren Adam, Kate (Ben Novotny-Owen), Paul (Amy Mader), Sam, Will, Rachel (Michael Martin) and Dustin Dodge and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruza "Rose", brother-inlaw Allen Hron, brother-in-law James Hron, and daughter-in-law Susan Novotny. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the charity of your choice. Visitation Wednesday, September 26 at the Rozga-Walloch Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 PM. Funeral Service Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Funeral Home at 10:00 AM. Private entombment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. ALSO SEE BACK PAGE.

SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 6 MILWAUKEE SOKOL 150TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT RICHARD GRABER FORMER AMBASSOR TO CZECH REPUBLIC SPEAKS AT SOKOL EVEN Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

To date, the Czech Republic is still a part of the Visa Waiver Program.

6 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN MILWAUKEE SOKOL 150TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT RICHARD GRABER FORMER AMBASSOR TO CZECH REPUBLIC SPEAKS AT SOKOL EVEN Ambassador to the Czech Republic. During his assignment, Ambassador Graber s greatest achievement was the removal of Visa requirements for Czech citizens visiting the United States. To date, the Czech Republic is still a part of the Visa Waiver Program. Ambassador Graber also participated in talks for an American Missile Defense base in Poland, with a radar tracking station in Brdy, Czech Republic, that was intended to protect against Iranian long-range missiles. This program ended in September, Besides his major accomplishments in the post, Ambassador Graber also commented on how Czechs have historically seen their place in history, and how they see their place in the future. By Todd Michalek In honor of Sokol Milwaukee s 150 th Anniversary, a number of special events were organized to commemorate the milestone. One of these events occurred on Sunday, April 22, 2018 when 60 Sokol members, friends of Sokol, and people with a general interest in the Czech Republic gathered at the New Berlin Public Library to spend an afternoon with former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Richard Graber, who presented a program entitled: Remembering my Years as the United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ambassador Graber served under the President George W. Bush administration. He was appointed by President Bush on September 14, 2006 and served until President Barack Obama was inaugurated on January 20, He was Ambassador during the Czech Presidency of Václav Klaus (Civic Democratic Party, March 7, 2003 to March 7, 2013) and during the time of Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek (Civic Democratic Party, September 4, 2006 to May 8, 2009). Ambassador Graber s presentation focused on his major accomplishments during his time as U. S. Following Ambassador Graber s formal remarks, there was time for some questions from the audience. While Consul General Bořek Lizec was unable to join us for the program, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago send Consul Tomáš Trnka, Head of the Economic Section in Chicago, to represent the Consulate, at the program. Consul Trnka spoke about the Consulate s role in connecting the Czech Republic to the Upper Midwest, both economically and culturally. Consul Trnka also spoke about the Czech Centennial Celebrations that are taking place this fall in Chicago. The celebrations are to begin with the Czech Centennial Gala on Saturday, September 28, 2018 and end with a Czech Centennial Concert The Czech Philharmonic in Chicago on Sunday, November 4, For information on these and other programs, please see: Sokol also had the pleasure of having Mr. Duke Dellin, Chairman of the Prague Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, in attendance. After the formal program, the attendees were treated to a quite impressive array of Obložené Chlebíčky ("garnished breads", open faced sandwiches), created by Ann Vojta Cramer, and served by many helpful volunteers. The Obložené Chlebíčky were so delicious, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 7 I m thinking Ann could start Cramer Catering, in her spare time.

Ambassador Graber s schedule; Jana Šáchová,, Assistant to the Consul General, Czech Consulate in Chicago, for coordinating Consul Tomáš Trnka s schedule; Jenni Hynek Miller for creating fliers to

MILWAUKEE SOKOL 150TH ANNIVER- SARY EVENT ACCIDENTAL HERO PATRICK DEWANE PERFORMANCE SPONSORED BY MILWAUKEE SOKOL Sokol Milwaukee welcomed Patrick Dewane to PI- US XI Catholic High School for his

Once again, a very special thank you goes to Ambassador Richard Graber for sharing his time spent in the Czech Republic with us.

7 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN I m thinking Ann could start Cramer Catering, in her spare time. Besides a huge special thank you to Ann for the wonderful treats, some additional special thanks go to: Carol Brick, Executive Assistant at The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation for coordinating Ambassador Graber s schedule; Jana Šáchová,, Assistant to the Consul General, Czech Consulate in Chicago, for coordinating Consul Tomáš Trnka s schedule; Jenni Hynek Miller for creating fliers to promote the program; Heather Stankovsky for coordinating the use of the New Berlin Public Library for the program. MILWAUKEE SOKOL 150TH ANNIVER- SARY EVENT ACCIDENTAL HERO PATRICK DEWANE PERFORMANCE SPONSORED BY MILWAUKEE SOKOL Sokol Milwaukee welcomed Patrick Dewane to PI- US XI Catholic High School for his performance of The Accidental Hero on Saturday, October 6 th. Ann Cramer, Sonia Riecan, Todd Michalek & Jenni Miller. Once again, a very special thank you goes to Ambassador Richard Graber for sharing his time spent in the Czech Republic with us. Sokol looks forward to, sometime in the future, hosting Ambassador Graber again so we can find out more about what it means to be an Ambassador in another country, and have him share with us what was special to him (the food, the culture, the people, the holidays, the cities and the Czech countryside, the beer, etc.) about being the Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Sonia Reican, President of Sokol Milwaukee introduced Patrick to a crowd of over 150 people anxious to hear the story of Patrick s grandfather, Matthew Konop s journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. Everyone in the audience walked away impressed and entertained. Thanks to Todd Michalek for planning and executing this event. Mockrát děkuji! Mary Anne Gross, Sonia Riecan, Patrick Dewane, Jenni Miller, Sonka Tostrud and Anne Cramer. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN 2018 8 The Lindsey Joy Theater at PIUS XI Catholic High School was the perfect venue for the show.

Milwaukee County Historical Society Honors Sokol Milwaukee for 150th Anniversary Milwaukee Sokol was recognized for our 150th anniversary at the 65th annual Milwaukee Historical Society awards

Sokol Milwaukee was honored to host Patrick and we couldn t have done it without the enthusiasm of Mary Anne Gross. We will be forever grateful for her support of this event.

8 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN The Lindsey Joy Theater at PIUS XI Catholic High School was the perfect venue for the show. Patrick explained the story of his grandfather s amazing tale of mishaps and coincidences that led him to meet his relatives living in Czech villages while liberating them from German control at the end of the war. Mary Anne Gross also hosted a pre-performance show at The Milwaukee Catholic Home, and Patrick drew raves from the audience of residents many of whom were of an age to remember the time period. Milwaukee County Historical Society Honors Sokol Milwaukee for 150th Anniversary Milwaukee Sokol was recognized for our 150th anniversary at the 65th annual Milwaukee Historical Society awards banquet at the Grand Ballroom of the Pfister Hotel. Sonia Riecan and Gerald Novotny jointly accepted the award. Jenni Miller at the Sokol table for Accidental Hero. Sokol Milwaukee was honored to host Patrick and we couldn t have done it without the enthusiasm of Mary Anne Gross. We will be forever grateful for her support of this event. We would like to again recognize Mary Ann Gross for underwriting the cost of bringing this performance to Milwaukee as a part of our 150th Anniversary. Mockrát děkuji - Nazdar! The Holiday Folk Fair was also recognized for its 75th Anniversary and the Pfister itself for its 125th Anniversary. 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA October 28, 2018 marked another milestone this year - the founding at the end of World War 1, of Czechoslovakia - now the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.

9 SOKOL/SOKOLICE AUTUMN Šťastný Nový Rok My tři králové jdeme k Vám, štěstí, zdraví vinšujeme Vám We three kings are coming to you and wishing you health and happiness. Come and join Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee on Tři králové (Three Kings Day) as we step back into the Old Country and enjoy a delicious Polish Brunch Buffet to welcome in the New Year 2019! Sunday, January 6, :00 a.m. to 2:00 pm Polonez Restaurant, 4016 S. Packard Avenue, St. Francis, Wisconsin The Buffet consists of Traditional Polish Dishes and Traditional American Dishes: Chef s Choice of Pierogi, Polish Potato Salad, German Potato Salad, Hunter s Stew (Bigos), Deviled Eggs, Polish Sausage, Potato Pancakes, Dill Pickle Soup, Smoked Salmon, Rolls, Stuffed Pork, Mini Bagels, Banana Crepes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Ham, Hash Browns, Fruit Salad, Macaroni Salad, and a variety of desserts, including Polonez Cheesecake. Coffee, with refills, tea, or milk is included A cash bar is available with Two Bloody Marys or Mimosas for $6 $20.00 per person Sokol/Sokolice New Year Celebration Polonez Restaurant Polish Brunch Buffet Sunday, January 6, 2019 Reservations are required. Please send reservations and payment by Friday, December 21, 2018 Number of people attending: x $20.00 = Total Due Name(s) Contact s Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Please make checks payable to Sokol Milwaukee and mail to: Todd Michalek, 1628 Manistique Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI For additional information contact Todd at: or

10 Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee A Sound Mind in a Sound Body Sokol Gymnastics is for Every body. Jerry Novotny receives an award for his 75 years as a member of Sokol Milwaukee at our June 2nd Spring Fling and Awards dinner.

Sesquicentennial. Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee. Milwaukee Sokol International Holiday Folk Fair Fall Gymnastics Exhibition

Sesquicentennial. Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee. Milwaukee Sokol International Holiday Folk Fair Fall Gymnastics Exhibition SOKOL/SOKOLICE WINTER 2017-2018 WINTER 2017-2018 Edition Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee Sesquicentennial In this issue CALENDAR...2 PRESIDENT S CORNER...3 Milwaukee Sokol 1868 2018 International Holiday Folk