22 March 2014

CARPATHO-RUSYN SOCIETY TO CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY


Dear Friends,

             The year 2014 is a milestone for the Carpatho-Rusyn Society as we celebrate 20 years of promoting and growing the culture, history, language and heritage of the Carpatho-Rusyn people.  Through those years, the national organization has developed into 11 local chapters across the United States and boasts over 1200 members worldwide.  The Carpatho-Rusyn Society is the largest Carpatho-Rusyn membership organization in the world and has become a leading influence in the Rusyn world.

             It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the 20th Anniversary Celebration at the National Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural and Educational Center in Munhall, PA, from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, 2014.  There are many special events planned throughout the weekend designed to engage and connect our members and to share our successes with the wider community.

             Additional information about the 20th Anniversary Weekend is detailed in this mailing.  We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburg in April.  Space is limited for some events, so please be sure to RSVP no later than March 30, 2014.  If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to support the Carpatho-Rusyn Society’s continuous efforts to advance Carpatho-Rusyn activities.

                                                                         Yours in Rusyn community,
                                                                        
                                                                          Jim Kepchar-Kaminski
                                                                           President
 
 
 

 
20TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES
 
Friday, April 25
Welcome Reception 6-10PM. National Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural and Educational Center, 915 Dickson Street, Munhall, PA. Unveiling of new installation of our permanent collection, including our stunning collection of authentic Carpatho-Rusyn folk costumes and a new temporary display. Free to C-RS members and their guests.
 
Saturday,  April 26
Open House  9AM-5PM. National Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural and Educational Center, 915 Dickson Street, Munhall, PA. The Cultural Center will be open for all guests! Come see the improvements made to the building, enjoy the newly-installed exhibits, meet the C-RS Board of Directors and shop at the Rusyn Marketplace. Childrens activities will be offered.
 
Genealogy Workshop  9AM-2PM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church,  903 Ann St., Homestead, PA. This event features C-RS member Megan Smolenyak, a popular writer, speaker and TV guest who has consulted on the popular TV shows Who Do You Think You Are?  and Top Chef.  Megan will present Genealogy 101 about her own search for her Rusyn roots, and then experts will be available to provide attendees with 1-on-1 help in specific areas, including region- specific and DNA-based searches and translation.   $25/person
Dance Workshop   9AM-1PM at Bulgarian-Macedonian  Cultural Center, 449-451  West 8th Avenue, West Homestead, PA.  Expert Dean Poloka will give a short presentation about Carpatho-Rusyn folk dance.  Participants may then take the floor and learn some steps!  $25/person 
 
Rusyn Lunch 12-2 PM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, 903 Ann Street, Homestead, PA.  Saint Nicholas Church will be serving traditional Carpatho-Rusyn foods. À la carte menu.
 
Rusyn Bus Tour of Pittsburgh. 1-4PM, starting and ending at the National Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural and Educational Center. Offered for the first time in five years, visit key sites in the historical development of Carpatho-Rusyns nationally and internationally, including Andy Warhols childhood home, important local churches where the early 20th century immigrants established their communities, and where Czechoslovakia was formed. Historic commentary provided by tour leader John Righetti. $25/person
 
20th Anniversary Banquet. 6PM-? at Bulgarian-Macedonian  Cultural Center, 449-451  West 8th Avenue, West Homestead, PA. Buffet dinner and presentation of the Michael Strank Award for Service, with live entertainment. For only the second time, the Michael Strank Award for Service will be presented.  This year’s honoree is C-RS President Emeritus John Righetti.  $40/person, $20 for children 17 and under.  Cash bar. 
 
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TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE,
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND MAIL TODAY!
For more information, please call 412/567-3077 or
email:  20thanniversary@c-rs.org.
 
 
NAME                                                                               
ADDRESS   
 
EMAIL
 
PHONE                                                                                                    
                                      
                        CARPATHO-RUSYN 20TH ANNIVERSARY
 
 
 
Event
Quantity
Total
 
Friday, April 25, 2014
Welcome Reception (please RSVP)
 
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Saturday, April 26, 2014
Genealogy Workshop ($25/person)
 
 
Dance Workshop ($25/person)
 
 
Rusyn Bus Tour ($25/person)
 
 
20th Anniversary Banquet  (Adult, $40/person)
 
 
20th Anniversary Banquet  (Under 17, $20/person)
 
 
Sunday, April 27, 2014
We Are All Warhols Children (please RSVP)
 
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Total enclosed:
$
I cannot attend, but have enclosed my donation of:
                     $20 ___  $50___ $100        other___.
 
Please make your check or money order payable to the Carpatho-Rusyn Society and send it together with this form to: C-RS 20th Anniversary, 915 Dickson Street, Munhall, PA 15120.   All reservations and payment be received by March 30.
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HOTEL INFORMATION
Holiday Inn Express Pittsburgh East, 658 East Waterfront Drive, Munhall, PA 15120   (412) 205-390    A limited number of rooms have been reserved at this brand-new property. In addition to being only a mile from all of the C-RS 20th Anniversary Weekend events, there are also many shops and restaurants nearby. For a special discount rate of only $129,  mention Carpatho-Rusyn Society when making your reservation. Reservations must be made by March 30 to receive this rate.
 Residence Inn Pittsburgh Monroeville/Wilkins Township. 3455 William Penn Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. (412) 816-1300  A limited number of rooms have been reserved at this highly-rated property located less than 10 miles from all of the C-RS 20th Anniversary Weekend events. There are many shops and restaurants nearby, and it is conveniently located between the PA Turnpike and Parkway East. For a special discount rate of $159, mention Carpatho-Rusyn Society when making your reservation. Reservations must be received by March 25 to receive this rate.
Because this is also the weekend of the University of Pittsburgh’s graduation, many local hotels are already booked.  Rooms may open up at these hotels at the Waterfront:
Courtyard by Marriott, 401 Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA (412) 462-7301
Hampton Inn, 301 Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120  (412) 462-4226