LINCOLN, Neb.

The Czech language program’s celebration of its 110th year was attended by the Czech Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Hynek Kmoníček, and his wife Indira Gumarova.  The ambassador made remarks concerning Nebraska, and the significance of the Czech language, and the Czech Consul General in Chicago, His Excellency Bořek Lizec, and his wife, Katarina Lizcova Kulhankova.  Dr. Mila Saskova-Pierce was the keynote speaker.  Dr. Saskova-Pierce was also recognized as the Czech Honorary Consul designate for Nebraska. One hundred and forty people attended in support the Czech language classes at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. The Czech Language Foundation’s Annual Recognition Banquet on October 22nd was held at the First Lutheran Church.   John Fiala pledged $25,000 to the CLF.  Carlye Reed, third year Czech student at UNL, received the Bessie Cech, Stephen Jon and Lois Fiala Award of $1,000.  Stephanie Vocasek led the audience in the singing of the anthems, Addie Hejl played beautifully on her accordion, and there were even a couple of numbers on Duddy by Sue Placek, and Janet Bartels on fanfrnoch.  The event was emceed by Layne Pierce, President of the Czech Language Foundation, he can be contacted at layne.pierce@yahoo.com or 402-770-5029. The evening included:  Silent auction·  Buffet dinner and dessert·  Musical performance· · Key note address was by Dr. Mila Saskova-Pierce, Emerita of the UNL Department of Modern Languages who focused on the highlights of the 110 years.

The wonderful meal of Czech cuisine, consisted of kraut, dumplings, pork, and sauce, and desert was poppy seed cake, all prepared artfully and authentically by Chef Karel Polacek. ! The Czech Language Foundation is a 501-c3 corporation, dedicated to the promotion, improvement, enhancement and maintenance of Czech Language instruction at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and to the promotion and preservation of Czech language and culture within the state.