Carpatho-Rusyn Information Pedestals Dedication Tremont Cityside Ballroom - 2187 West 14th Street October 15, 2022
In North America, Carpatho-Rusyn Day is celebrated on October 26.
On Sunday October 15, 2023 many from the Carpatho-Rusyn communities in Cleveland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and beyond gathered to celebrate and dedicate 4 information pedestals that are in the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden in Cleveland. Because of rain the event was moved inside from the Cultural Garden to the Ballroom.
Barb Popovich, President of the Friends of the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden of Cleveland Inc., served as MC for the event.
Barb Popovich
Barb said that Bishop-Elect Robert Pipta had blessed the actual pedestals that morning. She called up John Righetti, founding president of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society, who led the singing of the Rusyn anthem Ja Rusyn Byl.
John Righetti
Ja Rusyn Byl was a poem written by Alexsander Duchnovic that became an anthem.
Barb then introduced board members Marcia Benko, Patti Poole, Fran Burik, Paul Burik, John Krenisky and Greg Smith.
Carpatho-Rusyn Garden Board
Paul Burik spoke about the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and introduced some of the representatives in attendance.
Paul Burik
Fran Burik and Marcia Benko then surprised Barb Popovich with a gift and flowers.
Fran Burik and Marcia Benko
Fran Burik presenting Barb Popovich with gift
Ohio state representative Michael Skindell told of his partial Rusyn heritage and presented a proclamation.
Ohio Rep Michael Skindell
Barb Popovich and Ohio Rep Michael Skindell
Laurel Tombazzi presented other proclamations from Governor Mike DeWine and US Senator JD Vance.
Laurel Tombazzi and Barb Popovich
Barb then praised the efforts of Diana Essock who was the Project Manager.
Diana Essock
Watch the video of the above events.
Before the unveiling, Barb Popovich told about the 16 prominent people of Rusyn heritage who are honored on one of the pedestals. This included: Artists Andy Warhol, Steve Ditko, Bill Evans, James Warhola and Jerry Jumba. Inventors and Scientists Nicholas Holonyak and Mikulas Popovic. Writers Irena Nevicka nee Burik, Father Emil Kubek and Paul Robert Magocsi. And Patriots Father Alexander Duchnovich, Tom Ridge, John Righetti, Michael Strank, Gregory Zhatkovych, and Bishop Paul P. Gojdich.
While she spoke Jerry Jumba and some members of the audience added some interesting information. Watch this video to learn more about the impressive accomplishments of the 16.
Jerry Jumba
Finally some of the leaders unveiled the replicas of the 4 pedestals that are in the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden in Cleveland.
After dinner and socializing people enjoyed performances by Harmonia and the Living Traditions Folk Ensemble.
Harmonia
Tom Katrenich of Living Traditions (center) with friends
Here are some images of the information pedestals in the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden from earlier in the year.
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