Light Our Tree …
We have set a goal of raising $5,000 between now and January 15, 2021. For each $50 in donations received, we will illuminate one of the lights on our giving tree. Yes, there are 100 lights on the tree! … enough for every ASAA member to participate and be a part of supporting our Scholarship Fund and our future scholarship recipients.
Will YOU Join Us?
Every gift, large or small, will help light our tree, and light the futures of our students. Will you light the tree with us? Illuminate as many bulbs as you choose! When we reach our goal, we’ll celebrate and light up the star as well! Visit this site often to watch our tree grow in brilliance over these next few weeks!
Need more information? Contact our Scholarship Chairman Marc Hure at allslavonic@gmail.com
We have set a goal of raising $5,000 between now and January 15, 2021. For each $50 in donations received, we will illuminate one of the lights on our giving tree. Yes, there are 100 lights on the tree! … enough for every ASAA member to participate and be a part of supporting our Scholarship Fund and our future scholarship recipients.
Will YOU Join Us?
Every gift, large or small, will help light our tree, and light the futures of our students. Will you light the tree with us? Illuminate as many bulbs as you choose! When we reach our goal, we’ll celebrate and light up the star as well! Visit this site often to watch our tree grow in brilliance over these next few weeks!
Need more information? Contact our Scholarship Chairman Marc Hure at allslavonic@gmail.com
Thank You Donors!
We have reached our goal -
Our tree is beautiful with every light shining brightly
(and the star, too!)
We have reached our goal -
Our tree is beautiful with every light shining brightly
(and the star, too!)
Marko Zaninovich has been awarded the Lucy Pandol Scholarship in the amount of $2,000.00.
Marko is the son of Marko and Dominique Zaninovich of Bakersfield, CA. He will be attending Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, pursuing a degree in Viticulture with a minor in Entomology.
Through his high school career at Stevenson High School, Marko has maintained a 3.73 grade point average while also being active in sports, extra-curricular, scholastic, and volunteer programs. Marko speaks three languages, is a gifted clarinetist, and was a 4-year member of his school’s varsity sailing team. Additionally, he served as a student ambassador and represented Croatian-American students when he traveled to Croatia as a member of the 2018 SACO Student Ambassador Exchange program.
Marko is the son of Marko and Dominique Zaninovich of Bakersfield, CA. He will be attending Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, pursuing a degree in Viticulture with a minor in Entomology.
Through his high school career at Stevenson High School, Marko has maintained a 3.73 grade point average while also being active in sports, extra-curricular, scholastic, and volunteer programs. Marko speaks three languages, is a gifted clarinetist, and was a 4-year member of his school’s varsity sailing team. Additionally, he served as a student ambassador and represented Croatian-American students when he traveled to Croatia as a member of the 2018 SACO Student Ambassador Exchange program.
Sara Vidrio has received the Katherine Maikovich Scholarship in the amount of $2,000.00.
Sara is the daughter of David and Maria Vidrio and the granddaughter of Yvonne Duran. A graduate of Porterville High School, Sara maintained a grade point average of 3.27, and will be attending Yuba College, Marysville CA, to obtain a degree in Radiologic Technology.
Sara has been active in sports and extra-curricular activities, volunteer programs, was honored to be Homecoming Queen, and was on the Dean’s list. Additionally, Sara has consistently held a job during after-school hours and on weekends.
Sara is the daughter of David and Maria Vidrio and the granddaughter of Yvonne Duran. A graduate of Porterville High School, Sara maintained a grade point average of 3.27, and will be attending Yuba College, Marysville CA, to obtain a degree in Radiologic Technology.
Sara has been active in sports and extra-curricular activities, volunteer programs, was honored to be Homecoming Queen, and was on the Dean’s list. Additionally, Sara has consistently held a job during after-school hours and on weekends.
Joshua Papac has been granted the All Slavonic American Association Scholarship in the amount of $2,000.00. A resident of Challis, Idaho, and a home-school graduate, Joshua is the son of Bob and Christine Papac and the grandson of Betty and the late Lou Papac of Fresno. He will be attending Boise State University in Boise, Idaho majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Business.
Throughout high school he maintained a grade point average of 3.6 while also being active in sports, extra-curricular, and work programs. Additionally, Joshua is an accomplished pianist having received numerous awards in musical competitions.
Throughout high school he maintained a grade point average of 3.6 while also being active in sports, extra-curricular, and work programs. Additionally, Joshua is an accomplished pianist having received numerous awards in musical competitions.
Mark Pandol, a graduate of Garces Memorial High School, Bakersfield, has been awarded the Louis Pandol Scholarship in the amount of $2,000.00. Mark is the son of Matt and Linda Pandol of Delano, CA. He will be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA.
During his high school years he was active in extra-curricular, volunteer and work programs, as well as being dedicated to academic excellence; Mark maintained a 4.87 grade point average and was a member of the National Honor Society and served as California Scholastic Federation President on his campus for four years.
During his high school years he was active in extra-curricular, volunteer and work programs, as well as being dedicated to academic excellence; Mark maintained a 4.87 grade point average and was a member of the National Honor Society and served as California Scholastic Federation President on his campus for four years.
Emelie Hernandez has received the Maikovich Family Scholarship in the amount of $2000.00. Emelie is the daughter of Martin and Stacie Hernandez, granddaughter of Donna Smith, great-granddaughter of Anna Maikovich Evans, great-great niece of Joann Hixson Hall and Kathy Berger, and cousin of Sue Gonsalves. Emelie has competed in competitive softball at Redwood High School, Visalia, and maintained a 3.5 grade point average while also being active in volunteer organizations.
Emilie will be attending Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, to pursue a degree in kinesiology; while there she will also be playing for the Nighthawks softball team. Emelie’s long-term goal is to become a sports trainer for a professional sports team; to make a positive impact in the world and make a difference wherever life takes her.
Emilie will be attending Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, to pursue a degree in kinesiology; while there she will also be playing for the Nighthawks softball team. Emelie’s long-term goal is to become a sports trainer for a professional sports team; to make a positive impact in the world and make a difference wherever life takes her.
2019 ASAA Scholarship
The five recipients of the ASAA Scholarship Program represent the finest in academic excellence and school and community service. We are honored to be able to congratulate them and send them off into their college and university pursuits with our best wishes for success. Recipients this year are:
The five recipients of the ASAA Scholarship Program represent the finest in academic excellence and school and community service. We are honored to be able to congratulate them and send them off into their college and university pursuits with our best wishes for success. Recipients this year are:
During the social hour several of our young men were busy at work raking, smoothing, and otherwise preparing the bocce courts for the bocce tournament. And after lunch it was "game on!" Ten teams vied for the title this year, and the competition was fierce. Competition was hot, and so was the weather, but that didn't seem to slow anyone down! Eventual winners in this year's very competitive field were Linda Pandol and her son Mark. Runners-up were Mark Kovacevich Jr. and Anthony Tartaglia. Congrats !
If you missed the festival this year, plan now to attend next year when we will meet in Fresno. It's great time for the whole family!
If you missed the festival this year, plan now to attend next year when we will meet in Fresno. It's great time for the whole family!
Following the sumptuous lunch and delicious desserts (thank you all ladies for your tasty contributions of desserts!) we were honored to present five scholarships to deserving graduating seniors; Scholarship Committee co-chair Marc Hure presented each recipient a certificate of recognition and a $2,000 scholarship award. See additional details re: these recipients below. Our thanks to Yvonne Duran and Marc Hure, co-chairs, and their committee for their work in this year's scholarship selection process.
The scholarship prize drawings came next with 22 prizes on the docket ... attendees bought tickets and placed their individual tickets in the basket corresponding to the prize that most caught their eye! Thanks to our Social Chair Donna Smith (and her sidekick Mike!) for organizing the raffle, and to the scholarship recipients who did such a great job selling tickets and delivering the prizes to the winners.
The 50/50 raffle came next with Marilyn Bahn coming away as the winner of the cash prize - Congratulations!
The scholarship prize drawings came next with 22 prizes on the docket ... attendees bought tickets and placed their individual tickets in the basket corresponding to the prize that most caught their eye! Thanks to our Social Chair Donna Smith (and her sidekick Mike!) for organizing the raffle, and to the scholarship recipients who did such a great job selling tickets and delivering the prizes to the winners.
The 50/50 raffle came next with Marilyn Bahn coming away as the winner of the cash prize - Congratulations!
2019 Summer Festival a Great Success
The 2019 Summer Festival was held Sunday, August 4, at the Slav Social Hall in Delano, and a great time was had by all. Bob Samarzich and his tamburitza band provided the entertainment while guests socialized, friends re-connected, attendees browsed the selection of raffle prizes, and the amazing cooks in the kitchen and BBQ area prepared the most delicious BBQ lamb and chicken meal complete with salad, sauerkraut, and mostaccioli. We are grateful for these men who shared their talents to make sure we were so well fed! In addition to the many members and guests who were present, we were also honored by the attendance of special guests for the day: Maryanne, Linda, and Stephanie from SACO, the Slavic American Cultural Organization in Watsonville; these three ladies also contributed a beautiful gift basket for the raffle with treats and goodies emblematic of the agricultural bounty of the Pajaro Valley.
The 2019 Summer Festival was held Sunday, August 4, at the Slav Social Hall in Delano, and a great time was had by all. Bob Samarzich and his tamburitza band provided the entertainment while guests socialized, friends re-connected, attendees browsed the selection of raffle prizes, and the amazing cooks in the kitchen and BBQ area prepared the most delicious BBQ lamb and chicken meal complete with salad, sauerkraut, and mostaccioli. We are grateful for these men who shared their talents to make sure we were so well fed! In addition to the many members and guests who were present, we were also honored by the attendance of special guests for the day: Maryanne, Linda, and Stephanie from SACO, the Slavic American Cultural Organization in Watsonville; these three ladies also contributed a beautiful gift basket for the raffle with treats and goodies emblematic of the agricultural bounty of the Pajaro Valley.
2018 Summer Festival !
A great time was had by all at our recent Summer Festival. Held on Sunday, August 12, in the social hall of St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, Fresno, we enjoyed a fabulous hors d’oeuvres table loaded with traditional meets, cheeses and crackers, and liquid refreshments from the bar. At 1:30 a delicious lunch was served: BBQ lamb and chicken, mostaccioli, zeljanica, and salad. A huge thank you goes out to Nick Pavlovich and his crew of volunteers who organized the meal preparation and service. Thank you’s are also extended to Marilyn Bahn and her volunteers from among the Serbian Women’s Club for additional food preparation. Capping off the delicious meal were the many varied desserts that were provided by the ladies in attendance. Thank you all!
We were treated throughout the afternoon to the music of the Bob Samarzich Tamburitza band, and what fun that was! We sang along, did a little dancing, and were serenaded in style!
Louie Obradovich had done some “closet cleaning” and had come across several very interesting memorabilia items that he put on display for us to view. Thank you, Louie.
One of the major functions of the Festival is to award scholarships to our young people through the Tom and Martha Slaven Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, who also have been actively involved outside the classroom in extra-curricular activities in their schools and communities, and who are pursuing degrees in higher education. ASAA was very honored and pleased to award four scholarships this year; we were especially pleased that Martha Slaven was in attendance to present the awards to the deserving students. Learn more about these outstanding recipients:
A great time was had by all at our recent Summer Festival. Held on Sunday, August 12, in the social hall of St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, Fresno, we enjoyed a fabulous hors d’oeuvres table loaded with traditional meets, cheeses and crackers, and liquid refreshments from the bar. At 1:30 a delicious lunch was served: BBQ lamb and chicken, mostaccioli, zeljanica, and salad. A huge thank you goes out to Nick Pavlovich and his crew of volunteers who organized the meal preparation and service. Thank you’s are also extended to Marilyn Bahn and her volunteers from among the Serbian Women’s Club for additional food preparation. Capping off the delicious meal were the many varied desserts that were provided by the ladies in attendance. Thank you all!
We were treated throughout the afternoon to the music of the Bob Samarzich Tamburitza band, and what fun that was! We sang along, did a little dancing, and were serenaded in style!
Louie Obradovich had done some “closet cleaning” and had come across several very interesting memorabilia items that he put on display for us to view. Thank you, Louie.
One of the major functions of the Festival is to award scholarships to our young people through the Tom and Martha Slaven Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, who also have been actively involved outside the classroom in extra-curricular activities in their schools and communities, and who are pursuing degrees in higher education. ASAA was very honored and pleased to award four scholarships this year; we were especially pleased that Martha Slaven was in attendance to present the awards to the deserving students. Learn more about these outstanding recipients:
Dominic Hure was awarded the Lucy Pandol Scholarship in the amount of $2000. Dominic is the son of Marc Hure and grandson of the late John Hure. He is a graduate of Centennial High School of Bakersfield, California with a grade point average of 3.85. While in high school Dominic competed on the varsity swim team; at Cal State Long Beach has been active in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Dominic is beginning his second year as a student at California State University Long Beach where he is majoring in Film and Narrative Production.
Nicole Pavlovich was the recipient of the Kathryn Maikovich Berger Scholarship in the amount of $2000. Nicole is the daughter of Mike and Lisa Pavlovich and the granddaughter of Nick and Fran Pavlovich. She is a graduate of Ernest S. McBride Sr. High School of Long Beach, California with a grade point average of 4.0. While at McBride, Nicole participated in the Junior Statesmen of America program and the Metropolitan Water District Solar Cup competition. She will be attending Long Beach City College and will be majoring in Computer Science.
Ashley Tartaglia was awarded a $2000 scholarship from the Maikovich Family Scholarship. Ashley is the daughter of Anthony and Ann Tartaglia and the granddaughter of Kenneth Kovacevich Sr. She is a graduate of Central Valley Christian High School of Visalia, California with a grade point average of 4.28. Ashley’s extra-curricular activities at CVC included participation on the softball and tennis teams, school newspaper, and in the choir and Spring Musical productions. She will be attending California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and will be majoring in Animal Science.
Gabrielle Hure was the recipient of the Louis Pandol Scholarship in the amount of $2000. Gabrielle is the daughter of Marc Hure and the granddaughter of the late John Hure. She is a graduate of Centennial High School of Bakersfield, California with a grade point average of 4.50. At Centennial Gabrielle competed on the varsity swim team and was also involved on the Student Leadership Team at her church. She will be attending UC Berkeley pursuing a degree in architecture.
Congratulations to all of the recipients—we wish you the very best as you advance your education and are confident that each of you will enjoy great success in your chosen fields of study. ASAA thanks Scholarship Chairperson Yvonne Duran and her committee her for their work in this year's scholarship award process. And we also extend grateful appreciation to the many members and friends who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
We once again put the scholarship recipients to work selling raffle tickets for the scholarship prize raffle and for the 50/50 raffle. There was an impressive array of prizes given out and the 50/50 winner took home a cash pot totaling $280. Thanks go to Susan Gonsalves for her work to make these raffles a success.
If you were not able to make it to the Festival this year we hope you will plan to come in 2019—the Festival will be in Delano and it will again be a fun and memorable occasion for all.
We once again put the scholarship recipients to work selling raffle tickets for the scholarship prize raffle and for the 50/50 raffle. There was an impressive array of prizes given out and the 50/50 winner took home a cash pot totaling $280. Thanks go to Susan Gonsalves for her work to make these raffles a success.
If you were not able to make it to the Festival this year we hope you will plan to come in 2019—the Festival will be in Delano and it will again be a fun and memorable occasion for all.
Summer Festival 2017 !
What a great afternoon we all had at our recent Summer Festival. Held on Sunday, August 13 at the American Slavonic Social Hall in Delano, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch of BBQ lamb, mostaccioli, sauerkraut, and salad. A huge thank you goes out to Louis Pandol, the Delano Club, and their crew of volunteers who organized the meal preparation and service. Capping off the delicious meal were the many varied desserts that were provided by the ladies in attendance. Thank you all!
We were treated throughout the afternoon to the music of the Bob Samarzich Tamburitza band, and what fun that was! We sang along, did a little dancing, and were serenaded in style!
What a great afternoon we all had at our recent Summer Festival. Held on Sunday, August 13 at the American Slavonic Social Hall in Delano, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch of BBQ lamb, mostaccioli, sauerkraut, and salad. A huge thank you goes out to Louis Pandol, the Delano Club, and their crew of volunteers who organized the meal preparation and service. Capping off the delicious meal were the many varied desserts that were provided by the ladies in attendance. Thank you all!
We were treated throughout the afternoon to the music of the Bob Samarzich Tamburitza band, and what fun that was! We sang along, did a little dancing, and were serenaded in style!
Returning from last year was our Artifactory—an all-afternoon long display of memorabilia, artifacts, and keepsakes that showcase our Slavic heritage and culture. While many of the items on exhibit were the same as last year, we enjoyed viewing a large number of artifacts that were new to the display, and the collection this year filled four full tables. The exhibit included a hand-painted oil by a local artist following her visit to Yugoslavia, as well as beautiful artwork from a contemporary Croatian artist. There were several examples of intricate needlework, both lace and embroidery, and hand-made and hand-embroidered clothing. On display were several hand-carved wooden items, both functional and decorative. The hand-carved cigarette dispenser was especially intriguing! We had two guzle on display, as well as hats, slippers, dolls, photos, and some hand-spun, hand-woven wool items. And so much more!
The Board extends our gratitude to Linda Pandol for her efforts in promoting participation and in gathering such a wide variety of items for display from among our members and friends. And we thank all those who contributed to the Artifactory, shared your treasured items, and helped make the event a success.
Returning to the Festival again this year was the 50/50 Raffle; participants buy tickets with the winner receiving half of the proceeds from the total 50/50 ticket sales. The more tickets sold, the larger the “pot” of winnings. This year’s ticket sales amounted to $490, so the very happy winner left the Festival with $245! Proceeds from this raffle go into the ASAA General Fund.
The Board extends our gratitude to Linda Pandol for her efforts in promoting participation and in gathering such a wide variety of items for display from among our members and friends. And we thank all those who contributed to the Artifactory, shared your treasured items, and helped make the event a success.
Returning to the Festival again this year was the 50/50 Raffle; participants buy tickets with the winner receiving half of the proceeds from the total 50/50 ticket sales. The more tickets sold, the larger the “pot” of winnings. This year’s ticket sales amounted to $490, so the very happy winner left the Festival with $245! Proceeds from this raffle go into the ASAA General Fund.
One of the major functions of the Festival is to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who are heading off to college. ASAA was very pleased to honor the following recipient this year:
Ryan Pavlovich, is the grandson of Nick and Fran Pavlovich. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in Long Beach and will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ryan will be pursuing a degree in Biologcal Sciences.
An outstanding scholarship recipient, Ryan has maintained an exceptional grade point average throughout high school as well as being involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work in his community. We congratulate him and wish him well in his college pursuits.
ASAA thanks Scholarship Chairperson Yvonne Duran and her committee her for their work in this year's scholarship award process. And we also extend grateful appreciation to the many members and friends who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
Ryan was able to meet many of the Festival attendees as he was kept busy selling raffle tickets for the Scholarship raffle. As a new twist this year, after purchasing raffle tickets, participants deposited their tickets into the bag next to their hoped-for prize. Raffle winners took home a wide array of prizes as previous scholarship winners Matt and Stephanie Pandol and friend pulled the winning tickets and announced the winning numbers. All proceeds from the Scholarship Raffle are added to the Scholarship fund for the benefit of future award recipients.
Ryan Pavlovich, is the grandson of Nick and Fran Pavlovich. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in Long Beach and will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ryan will be pursuing a degree in Biologcal Sciences.
An outstanding scholarship recipient, Ryan has maintained an exceptional grade point average throughout high school as well as being involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work in his community. We congratulate him and wish him well in his college pursuits.
ASAA thanks Scholarship Chairperson Yvonne Duran and her committee her for their work in this year's scholarship award process. And we also extend grateful appreciation to the many members and friends who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
Ryan was able to meet many of the Festival attendees as he was kept busy selling raffle tickets for the Scholarship raffle. As a new twist this year, after purchasing raffle tickets, participants deposited their tickets into the bag next to their hoped-for prize. Raffle winners took home a wide array of prizes as previous scholarship winners Matt and Stephanie Pandol and friend pulled the winning tickets and announced the winning numbers. All proceeds from the Scholarship Raffle are added to the Scholarship fund for the benefit of future award recipients.
And then there was the Bocce Tournament!
Move over previous winners . . . This year’s bragging rights go to the team of Linda and Matt Pandol. The competition was fierce as a total of 8 teams vied for the win, each paying a $10 per team entry fee, with the winning team taking the pot.
It was a busy and fun-filled day! If you missed the Festival this year, you missed a wonderful afternoon. Plan now to attend next year’s Festival in Fresno—it really is fun for everyone!
Move over previous winners . . . This year’s bragging rights go to the team of Linda and Matt Pandol. The competition was fierce as a total of 8 teams vied for the win, each paying a $10 per team entry fee, with the winning team taking the pot.
It was a busy and fun-filled day! If you missed the Festival this year, you missed a wonderful afternoon. Plan now to attend next year’s Festival in Fresno—it really is fun for everyone!
Summer Festival 2014 - Dobro !
Those who attended the annual Festival, held at St. Peter's Social Hall on August 3rd, were treated to a fabulous feast and superb entertainment . . . it was a wonderful event! Bob Samarzich and his tamburitza band provided the music, Nick Pavlovich and his crew barbequed the delicious lamb steaks and chicken, and the kitchen brigade, coordinated by Marilyn Bahn, added the scrumptious mostaccioli, zaljanica, and salad. Then there were the many mouth-watering desserts brought by the ladies! A wonderful time of socializing, eating, and celebrating our culture!
Following the meal we all took part in the raffle drawing - this year's scholarship honorees were hard at work all through the afternoon selling tickets for the raffle, and they were busy delivering prizes out to the lucky recipients as the winning numbers were called. Thank you to our Social Director Joann Hall and President Louie Obradovich for providing such a multitude of unique and useful raffle prizes!
The ASAA, through the Scholarship Committee, chaired by Yvonne Duran, honored two recent high school graduates with scholarships for their upcoming college year.
Those who attended the annual Festival, held at St. Peter's Social Hall on August 3rd, were treated to a fabulous feast and superb entertainment . . . it was a wonderful event! Bob Samarzich and his tamburitza band provided the music, Nick Pavlovich and his crew barbequed the delicious lamb steaks and chicken, and the kitchen brigade, coordinated by Marilyn Bahn, added the scrumptious mostaccioli, zaljanica, and salad. Then there were the many mouth-watering desserts brought by the ladies! A wonderful time of socializing, eating, and celebrating our culture!
Following the meal we all took part in the raffle drawing - this year's scholarship honorees were hard at work all through the afternoon selling tickets for the raffle, and they were busy delivering prizes out to the lucky recipients as the winning numbers were called. Thank you to our Social Director Joann Hall and President Louie Obradovich for providing such a multitude of unique and useful raffle prizes!
The ASAA, through the Scholarship Committee, chaired by Yvonne Duran, honored two recent high school graduates with scholarships for their upcoming college year.
This year's scholarship Recipients are:
Elizabeth Papac, granddaughter of Betty and the late Lou Papac. Elizabeth, who lives with her family in Idaho, has been home-schooled thus far and now looks forward to continuing her education at the College of Southern Idaho in the Biology program.
Max Cusator, grandson of Nick and Fran Pavlovich. Max is a graduate of Buchanan High School in Clovis and will be continuing his education at California State University Long Beach studying Kinesiology.
ASAA is pleased to be able to give these very deserving students our best wishes for successful college experiences.
Thank you to all of our members who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
Elizabeth Papac, granddaughter of Betty and the late Lou Papac. Elizabeth, who lives with her family in Idaho, has been home-schooled thus far and now looks forward to continuing her education at the College of Southern Idaho in the Biology program.
Max Cusator, grandson of Nick and Fran Pavlovich. Max is a graduate of Buchanan High School in Clovis and will be continuing his education at California State University Long Beach studying Kinesiology.
ASAA is pleased to be able to give these very deserving students our best wishes for successful college experiences.
Thank you to all of our members who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
From left: Matt Pandol, Vinnie Dulcich, George Caratan
Nick Buratovich shows his winning form
The eventual winners were Nick Buratovich and Vinnie Dulcich taking home cash prizes of $20 each. Far more important than the cash prizes are the bragging rights - no doubt we will see them defend their title at the next opportunity!
Thank you to President Louie for his work watering, raking, and making ready the bocce courts.
Thank you to President Louie for his work watering, raking, and making ready the bocce courts.
The Festival is always a wonderful time to connect with family and friends, and this year Sonja Obradovich reconnected with someone she had last seen in Seattle over 50 years ago! Geraldine Marcia, grandmother of our scholarship recipient, Matt, had traveled to the Festival from Southern California, spotted Sonya’s nametag, and memories of family and friendships were then rekindled. An unexpected and pleasant surprise! I think they call that serendipity!
One of the major functions of the Festival is to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who are heading off to college. We were all very pleased to congratulate this year's scholarship recipient, Matt Pandol III (pictured here with President Louie Obradovich), and present him with a $2,000 scholarship. Matt is a graduate of Garces High School in Bakersfield, has maintained an outstanding an outstanding grade point average while also being very active in extra-curricular activities, and is now enrolled at Purdue University. He will pursue double majors in Agronomy, with a concentration in Crop and Soil Management, and Agronomic Business and Marketing. Matt is the son of Linda and Matt Pandol Jr. and the grandson of Lucy and the late Matt Pandol Sr. We wish him great success in his university experience.
ASAA thanks Scholarship Chairperson Yvonne Duran and her committee for their work in this year's scholarship award process. And we also extend grateful appreciation to the many members and friends who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
ASAA thanks Scholarship Chairperson Yvonne Duran and her committee for their work in this year's scholarship award process. And we also extend grateful appreciation to the many members and friends who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
There were two raffles this year: the traditional Scholarship raffle with an abundance of interesting prizes and multiple winners (see above), and a 50/50 raffle, where there was only one winner who took home 50% of the raffle ticket proceeds. The lucky winner? Nick Pavlovich ... who appears to have purchased a lot of tickets! Congratulations!
2015 Festival Fun !
If you missed the ASAA Summer Festival this past August in Delano, then you missed out on a wonderful celebration of our heritage with family and friends.
The luncheon, prepared by the men of the Slavonic Social Club, was delicious - succulent lamb Shish Kabob, barbecued chicken, mostaccioli, sauerkraut, and salad. Thank you, gentlemen! And then the desserts provided by the ladies ... yum, yum, and double yum!
Festival organizers made the painful decision (for financial reasons) to forego the live band this year, but nonetheless, recorded music from various Slavic bands filled the room and added to the festive atmosphere.
If you missed the ASAA Summer Festival this past August in Delano, then you missed out on a wonderful celebration of our heritage with family and friends.
The luncheon, prepared by the men of the Slavonic Social Club, was delicious - succulent lamb Shish Kabob, barbecued chicken, mostaccioli, sauerkraut, and salad. Thank you, gentlemen! And then the desserts provided by the ladies ... yum, yum, and double yum!
Festival organizers made the painful decision (for financial reasons) to forego the live band this year, but nonetheless, recorded music from various Slavic bands filled the room and added to the festive atmosphere.
Summer Festival 2016!
What a great afternoon we all had at our recent Summer Festival. Held on Sunday, August 7 at St. Peter’s Social Hall in Fresno, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch of BBQ lamb and chicken, mostaccioli, zeljanica, and salad. A huge thank you goes out to Nick Pavlovich and Marilyn Bahn and their crew of volunteers who organized the meal preparation and service. Capping off the delicious meal were the many varied desserts that were provided by the ladies in attendance. Thank you all!
We were treated throughout the afternoon to the recorded melodies of several Slavic bands, and even got to view a short video of the city of Dubrovnik, part of the “Cities in 4K” series on YouTube. (For more videos, click on the Documents link above)
One major attraction of the afternoon was our Artifactory—a display of memorabilia, artifacts, and keepsakes that showcase our Slavic heritage and culture. The exhibit included a hand-painted oil by a local artist following her visit to Yugoslavia, as well as beautiful artwork from a contemporary Croatian artist (see above). There were several examples of intricate needlework, both lace and embroidery, hand-made authentic folk costumes (see above), and a hand-hammered copper coffee service. We had three guzle on display, as well as hats, slippers, dolls, photos, and a wine (or rakija) decanter. There was a Serbo-Croatian school grammar book from 1903 brought to this country by a young immigrant boy, and the 1906 Naturalization Laws study book used by this same boy as he studied to become a US citizen.
Certainly the oldest (and heaviest!) of the artifacts (also see above) was an ancient amphora recovered from the Adriatic sea floor. These ancient jars were used to store and transport primarily oil and wine throughout the ancient Mediterranean. This is a true treasure!
The Board extends our gratitude to all those who contributed to the Artifactory, shared your treasured items, and helped make the event a success.
One of the major functions of the Festival is to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who are heading off to college. ASAA was very pleased to honor two recipients this year:
Carly was able to meet many of the Festival attendees as she was kept busy selling raffle tickets for the Scholarship raffle. Raffle winners took home a wide array of prizes, delivered to them by the young children in attendance, the Bronzan children who, with their parents and grandparents, made this year’s Summer Festival their annual family reunion. All proceeds from the Scholarship Raffle are added to the Scholarship fund for the benefit of future award recipients.
ASAA thanks Scholarship Chairperson Yvonne Duran and her committee for their work in this year's scholarship award process. And we also extend grateful appreciation to the many members and friends who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
Returning to the Festival again this year was the 50/50 Raffle; participants buy tickets with the winner receiving half of the proceeds from the total 50/50 ticket sales. The more tickets sold, the larger the “pot” of winnings. This year’s ticket sales amounted to $424, so the very surprised winner left the Festival with $212! Proceeds from this raffle go into the ASAA General Fund.
Plan now to attend next year’s Festival in Delano—it really is fun for everyone!
What a great afternoon we all had at our recent Summer Festival. Held on Sunday, August 7 at St. Peter’s Social Hall in Fresno, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch of BBQ lamb and chicken, mostaccioli, zeljanica, and salad. A huge thank you goes out to Nick Pavlovich and Marilyn Bahn and their crew of volunteers who organized the meal preparation and service. Capping off the delicious meal were the many varied desserts that were provided by the ladies in attendance. Thank you all!
We were treated throughout the afternoon to the recorded melodies of several Slavic bands, and even got to view a short video of the city of Dubrovnik, part of the “Cities in 4K” series on YouTube. (For more videos, click on the Documents link above)
One major attraction of the afternoon was our Artifactory—a display of memorabilia, artifacts, and keepsakes that showcase our Slavic heritage and culture. The exhibit included a hand-painted oil by a local artist following her visit to Yugoslavia, as well as beautiful artwork from a contemporary Croatian artist (see above). There were several examples of intricate needlework, both lace and embroidery, hand-made authentic folk costumes (see above), and a hand-hammered copper coffee service. We had three guzle on display, as well as hats, slippers, dolls, photos, and a wine (or rakija) decanter. There was a Serbo-Croatian school grammar book from 1903 brought to this country by a young immigrant boy, and the 1906 Naturalization Laws study book used by this same boy as he studied to become a US citizen.
Certainly the oldest (and heaviest!) of the artifacts (also see above) was an ancient amphora recovered from the Adriatic sea floor. These ancient jars were used to store and transport primarily oil and wine throughout the ancient Mediterranean. This is a true treasure!
The Board extends our gratitude to all those who contributed to the Artifactory, shared your treasured items, and helped make the event a success.
One of the major functions of the Festival is to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors who are heading off to college. ASAA was very pleased to honor two recipients this year:
- Carly Regehr, pictured at right, is the granddaughter of Louie and Linda Obradovich. She graduated from Clovis High School and will be attending Clovis Community College. Carly will be studying engineering and Political Science;
- Stephanie Pandol is the daughter of Linda and Matt Pandol Jr., and the granddaughter of Lucy and the late Matt Pandol Sr. She graduated from Garces High School in Bakersfield and will be attending Utah State University. Stephanie will be majoring in Ag Business.
Carly was able to meet many of the Festival attendees as she was kept busy selling raffle tickets for the Scholarship raffle. Raffle winners took home a wide array of prizes, delivered to them by the young children in attendance, the Bronzan children who, with their parents and grandparents, made this year’s Summer Festival their annual family reunion. All proceeds from the Scholarship Raffle are added to the Scholarship fund for the benefit of future award recipients.
ASAA thanks Scholarship Chairperson Yvonne Duran and her committee for their work in this year's scholarship award process. And we also extend grateful appreciation to the many members and friends who have contributed to the Scholarship Fund and help make these awards possible.
Returning to the Festival again this year was the 50/50 Raffle; participants buy tickets with the winner receiving half of the proceeds from the total 50/50 ticket sales. The more tickets sold, the larger the “pot” of winnings. This year’s ticket sales amounted to $424, so the very surprised winner left the Festival with $212! Proceeds from this raffle go into the ASAA General Fund.
Plan now to attend next year’s Festival in Delano—it really is fun for everyone!
