President’s Letter

Ahojte SASW members and friends! SASW is pleased to announce our 3rd annual SASW/Friends of Slovakia (FOS) picnic, coming up on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at the Knights of Columbus in Arlington, the same place as last year’s picnic. The Spring picnic has been a great event the last two years with many friends, old and new, coming together for great food and Slovak celebration. We look forward to seeing you there this year! More information can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

So far this year the SASW has sponsored two in-person programs: Iva Kleinová, Director of Strategy, Research and Innovation Authority (VAIA), Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia gave a presentation on “A Magnet for Talent: How Slovakia Chose to Tackle Its Brain-Drain Problem” on March 9. And genealogist Pam Pracser Anderson spoke about “Who Do I Think I Am? Finding Family in Slovakia” on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Both talks were held in the meeting room at the Westover Library in Arlington, VA. Both talks were recorded and available for viewing on the SASW YouTube channel. The next program is coming up on May 18 at 2:00PM on Zoom featuring Prof. M. Mark Stolarik. He will discuss his book titled “Immigration and Urbanization: the Slovak Experience, 1870-1918.” More programs are in the planning stages, so watch for emails from SASW or check the dcslovaks.org website.

If you know any talented young lacrosse players of Slovak descent, SASW member Greg Tears, Director – International Recruiting Slovenská Lakrosová Federácia, is recruiting lacrosse players to compete for Slovakia in international tournaments, including the European Championships, the World Championships and the Olympics. More information can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

And speaking of recruiting, we are looking for SASW members who are willing to volunteer by serving on the SASW Board. Every year we have three of our nine Board members whose terms are completed. Each October at our Annual meeting, we hold an election to fill those three positions, and we are now recruiting members in good standing to run for these three Board positions. Please consider running for a three-year Board position so you can add your contribution to the Slovak American Society of Washington, DC’s initiatives in the coming years. This year marks the 35th year we have been in existence. We hope to have many more years of service to the Slovak American community, here in the U.S. and in Slovakia. Contact me at gchastain@dcslovaks.org if you are interested in serving on the Board or if you have any questions.

Dobrý deň,
Georgene Chastain
President, Slovak American Society of Washington, D.C.

SASW Establishes Board of Advisers

The SASW has announced the formation of a Board of Advisers (BofA). Per By-law Article VIII, the BofA will be comprised of any number of distinguished or other capable individuals.

The BofA was approved on November 16, 2023 and held its first meeting on March 19th. Members of the BofA are: Ray Luca, chairman, Ken Bombara, Ludo Hintos, John Husovsky, Will Laska, Marcel Lorincz, Tom Marton, Anne McKeown, Valerie McNeill, Richard Palaschak, Virginia Sorkin, Evan Stefanik, Kathryn Tatko, and Anne Wright.

The BofA will meet by Zoom twice a year.

Slovakia Elects New President

On April 13, Slovak voters chose a former prime minister, Peter Pellegrini, as the country’s new president in the second round of the election. Pellegrini defeated former Slovak foreign minister and former ambassador to the U.S., Ivan Korčok, by a vote of 53% to 47%. Under Slovakia’s two-round presidential election system, Korčok “won” the first-round election against a large group of presidential candidates on March 23, but because he did not get more than 50% of the vote, the election advanced to a second, run-off round. But in the run-off, which is limited to the top two first-round candidates, Korčok was unable to obtain a majority over Pellegrini.

The hotly contested election pitted Pellegrini against Korčok. Pellegrini is part of the current governing coalition headed by four-time prime minister Robert Fico, and Korčok is an independent whose candidacy had the support of several parties in the current parliamentary opposition. Pellegrini will replace outgoing President Zuzana Čaputová, Slovakia’s first female president, who decided not to seek a second six-year term; her term ends June 15. A significant factor in Pellegrini’s campaign against Korčok was the issue of support for Ukraine. Pellegrini employed the theme of “peace vs. war” in characterizing Korčok ’s Western orientation and pro-Ukraine position as being in favor of “war.” Korčok strongly objected to such a mischaracterization of his position, but was unable to decisively counter it to achieve electoral victory.

Pellegrini’s election represents a triumph for Robert Fico, who has held a favorable position toward Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, and a generally critical position of the United States and Western institutions, such as NATO and the European Union (EU). While Pellegrini has sought at times to display a more moderate stance regarding NATO and the EU as compared to Fico, his election as president no doubt cements Fico as the dominant political power in Slovakia. Whether Pellegrini, as president with limited powers in the Slovak system, will be able to moderate some of Fico’s positions is judged by commentators to be unlikely. Thus, it remains to be seen how far Fico will be able to take the country in a populist, pro-Russian direction, and gain control over government institutions and the constitution, as has been done by Prime Minister Victor Orban in neighboring Hungary. No doubt the Fico/Pellegrini alliance will be the subject of much attention by observers of Slovakia and the central and eastern Europe region in the coming months and years.

Ken Bombara

Slovakia Men’s National Lacrosse Team Seeks Prospective Players

Dear Prospective Player:

The Slovakia Men’s National Lacrosse Team is seeking to identify talented lacrosse players to add to its pool of players to represent and compete for Slovakia at international tournaments, including the European Championships, the World Championships and the Olympics.

In 2022, Slovakia amended its citizenship laws to allow for citizenship by descent for the first time. Slovak citizenship by descent is available to persons whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born on Slovak territory and held Czechoslovak citizenship (with a generational limit of 3 generations). According to estimates, the Slovak citizenship by descent provision has made up to 800,000 Americans and 1.5 million people globally eligible for Slovak citizenship.

Citizenship in Slovakia grants the right to settle and work throughout the European Union (EU), including popular immigration destinations like the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. A Slovak passport entitles its holder to visa free travel or visa on arrival access to over 180 countries worldwide. Slovakia allows dual citizenship, so you do not have to renounce your current citizenship.

If you are a skilled and experienced lacrosse player and are interested in potentially representing and competing for Slovakia and you think that you may have a descendant (parent, grandparent or great grandparent) who was born in Slovak territory or held a Czechoslovak passport, the Slovenská Lakrosová Federácia (SLF) would like to hear from you.

If you are interested, please send an email to gtears@me.com and include the following information: name, address, phone number, email address, type of descendant with Slovak ties (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent), school/club, position (including whether L/R handed), height, weight, awards/championships, summary of lacrosse experience and video clips if available.

If you have any questions about Slovakia lacrosse, the SLF, the Slovak citizenship process or international lacrosse generally, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am currently going through the Slovak citizenship process myself and will try to answer any questions you may have. The SLF looks forward to hearing from you.

Ďakujem,
Gregory Tears
Director – International Recruiting
Slovenská Lakrosová Federácia
Tel: +1 (347) 575-0985
Email: gtears@me.com

Language Learning and its Importance as a Cultural Link

It is difficult to put into words in English, much less Slovak, just how much gets lost when children can no longer speak the words of their parents and grandparents. The languages we speak set the tone for how we view the world and how we interact with others. This isn’t true only for Slovaks in America, but our community has been impacted.

I have had the unique opportunity to see this from two different sides of the equation, as a Slovak-American whose family has lost the Slovak language, and as a non-native, non-ethnic, but fluent speaker of Japanese.

My family’s story isn’t unique. Four of my great-grandparents made their way from what is now Slovakia, speaking the Zemplín dialect in the US, where they made their home. They came between the first and second major waves of Slovak immigration, following family that had come before. Surrounded by Slovak communities before the post-war pressure to Americanize, both families brought up all of their children speaking Slovak in the home.

My grandfather went back and forth to Slovakia, both as a child and as a soldier in World War II. My grandmother never saw the country of her parents, but she learned how to read and write the language she spoke at home at a boarding school. My grandparents spoke Slovak to each other, but they did not teach Slovak to any of their children.

The most obvious disconnect is the loss of communication between the generations that can speak the language and those that cannot. Even where parents are bilingual, like my grandparents were, memory is first encoded in the language used when it occurred. While it doesn’t make it impossible for parents to relate their memories to their monolingual children, it makes those memories less accessible. Among my local Japanese friends, it is easy to get into conversations in Japanese about stories of Japan only to find their children had no idea.

This barrier played a significant role in my life as well. Before she died, my grandmother spoke her last words exclusively in Slovak, and not a single child, grandchild, or great-grandchild there understood what she said.

There is also a broader implication to losing your language. Some parts of culture and history can only be accessed through it. This is especially true for Slovak culture, where many texts and stories have yet to be translated into English. But having done a great deal of translation in my life between English, Japanese, and sometimes Spanish, I know that translation is imprecise. Cultural context and idioms that don’t fully map onto the target language need to get watered down, or overly explained to the point of sterility. Nuance gets lost. Shades of meaning are simplified. Simply put, the best way to interact with a culture and its history is through the native language.

Again, I don’t think our loss of the Slovak language is unique. I helped teach an East Asian religion and culture class some years back. As I held office hours, I got a chance to consider the irony. I was a European-American helping a Japanese-American understand nuance beyond the textbook about the culture his great-grandparents had lived, because all he knew about it was from a simplified American perspective. I felt bad for him, that he had such a limited understanding of his own heritage. And then I saw myself in him.

So what do we do about that? Well, it is never too late to learn a language and I take that to heart. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not more difficult to learn language as an adult than as a child, so long as we have the right resources to do so. I have always felt at a loss for the language I could have had, one that goes beyond my interest in languages in general. I tried for a long time to learn Slovak on my own, but given the complexity of the Slovak language and my isolation from native speakers, I found the task impossible.

These days, I am happy to say it is very different! Modern technology means we can find teachers online and follow Slovak influencers. Thanks to the Slovak American Society of Washington, D.C., I can participate in the Slovak Advanced Conversation group despite living in Oregon. I get an opportunity to speak and listen that just wouldn’t exist otherwise. Since “cvičenie robí majstra” (practice makes perfect), I encourage those learning Slovak to consider joining in the conversation.

Finally, I am applying for the Slovak Living Abroad certificate for myself and my children, since the best way to learn a language is to live among native speakers. Učme sa slovenčinu! (Let’s learn Slovak!)

Kara Baylog

You’re Invited! SASW and FOS Picnic

Join the Friends of Slovakia and us for our picnic on Sunday, May 19, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The picnic will take place at the Knights of Columbus in Arlington, Virginia, at 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22207. Parking is available on the premises.

SASW and FOS will provide an assortment of grilled sausages and chicken, a keg of beer, and all necessary picnic supplies (plates, cups, cutlery, napkins). Please bring your favorite picnic side dish or dessert to share. Please use our sign-up sheet to let us know what you plan to bring.

The cost for the picnic is $15 per person (age 14 and older). Children younger than 14 are free. Pay at the entrance with cash, check, or Venmo. We cannot accept credit card payments.

The facility has a large number of picnic tables, but you may also want to bring folding lawn chairs for added convenience.

This picnic is an all-volunteer effort. The host committee is happy to hear from anyone who is able to help with setup, food preparation and serving, or cleanup. Please write to Marta Szotakova Galysh at mszotakova@dcslovaks.org if interested in volunteering.

Please R.S.V.P. here so we may plan appropriately: rsvp@dcslovaks.org

SASW Hosts Third Annual Slovak Souper Bowl

Hungry for More? The SASW Cookbook is Available Now!

Don’t miss your chance to bring our favorite Slovak recipes into your own kitchen. We hope these recipes transport you back to your baba’s kitchen… and maybe inspire you to try some new spins on old classics.

Cookbooks are $20 each for local pick-up ($25 each to ship).

To place your SASW Cookbook order, fill out this short online form.

Dobrú Chuť!

A Magnet for Talent: How Slovakia Chose to Tackle its Brain Drain Problem

In the latest installment of the SASW Speaker Series held in March 2024, Iva Kleinová captivated the audience with a presentation on a topic that strikes at the heart of Slovakia’s socio-economic landscape: the ongoing exodus of talent from the country.

Slovakia’s Brain Drain Dilemma: Addressing Talent Migration and Education Challenges

In recent years, Slovakia has witnessed a significant trend: its students are flocking to the Czech Republic and other countries to pursue higher education opportunities. While this outward flow of talent might initially seem beneficial for individual students seeking broader horizons, it poses a formidable challenge for Slovakia’s economy and society as a whole.

Talent Drain and Employment Gaps

One of the immediate consequences of this exodus is the talent drain experienced by Slovak companies. Despite numerous job opportunities, there simply aren’t enough skilled individuals to fill them. This scarcity can be attributed to various factors, including Slovakia’s low birthrate and the emigration of its populace. The separation of families due to work abroad exacerbates social issues, leading to a fragmented society.

Root Causes and Policy Recommendations

Digging deeper, it becomes evident that several root causes perpetuate this talent drain. Firstly, Slovak universities are perceived as inferior to their counterparts in other countries, driving students to seek education elsewhere. However, it’s essential to communicate that some Slovak universities offer quality education and research opportunities. Additionally, the departure of many university graduates from Slovakia, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, highlights the urgent need for intervention.

To mitigate this brain drain, several policy recommendations emerge. Firstly, Slovak universities must enhance their educational environments and secure better financing to attract and retain students. Encouragingly, fostering professional relationships between Slovak companies and graduates could incentivize more individuals to return to Slovakia post-graduation. Furthermore, simplifying immigration procedures and leveraging the potential of existing Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia could make the country more attractive to foreigners.

Strengthening Connections and Citizenship

Moreover, Slovakia should strengthen its ties with its diaspora and potential citizens abroad. Facilitating easier voting from abroad and streamlining the process for Slovak Citizenship by Descent could foster a stronger sense of belonging among Slovaks worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Addressing Slovakia’s brain drain dilemma requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses educational reform, immigration policies, and diaspora engagement. By investing in its education system, fostering a conducive environment for returning graduates, and welcoming foreign talent, Slovakia can stem the tide of talent migration and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future. It’s time for Slovakia to embrace its potential and forge a path towards sustainable growth and development.

Marlene Yencho