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Czech Slovak American Club of Tucson
The first gathering of the Czechs, Slovaks and Moravians, with the
purpose of organizing a club, was November 10, 1954, at Tony's Guest
Ranch at 22nd and Craycroft. Anthony and Sophia Vomacka hosted this event.
The twelve participants were the Vomackas, Maria Masa, Ella Bodlak, Joseph and
Marie Martinek, Jerry and Stella Lebl, Rudolph and Anna Novy and Mr. and Mrs. Tony
Trojan. Tony Vomacka served as chairman  through 1955. It was determined that a viable
club could be organized if 30 persons, of Slavic heritage would be willing to participate. Rudolph
Novy, a retired stone mason, Joseph Martinek and others decided that there were 200 Czech Slovak surnames in the telephone directory, and the quest began to attract members. On February 13, 1955 a constitution and by-laws were developed, and in March the name Czechoslovak American Club of Tucson was chosen. The Constitution stated that the "club membership would include persons of Czechoslovak ancestry and their American Friends". In April 1955, it was decided that a $1.00 fee per year would be charged to defray expenses. Activities of the club included: mushroom hunt on Mt. Lemmon, card playing, dancing and singing to the music of Joe Soukup. The club had a dance group who danced for various local function in Czechoslovak costumes. The "Besada" dance was performed for community functions. celebration of anniversaries by re-enactment of the wedding ceremony, magician performance by Jim Kilpatrick, poetry readings, picnics, cultural presentation and political discussions such as the support of medicare and responding to census by the Federal Government. Card playing became serious with disagreements leading to near fist fights. Rudolph Novy was appointed sergeant at arms to keep order during this activity. Food was served at every meeting, prepared by the women of the group.
Official incorporation of the club occurred in 1956. In February of 1957, 74 members attended the meeting. Announcements were made about many things, such as the Czechoslovak winning the "best pavilion award" at the 1958 Brussels World's Fair; Mazarek (First President of Czechoslovakia) stamp being printed; continued support of Czechoslovak independence and freedom from oppressive powers; and the appointment of Madeline Albright as the first Secretary of State of Czechoslovak decent. Professor Joseph Malik announced at the November 11, 1973, meeting the naming of the Brichta school. Newspaper and radio announcements increased membership. Radio announcer Joseph Pobrislo of KTUC, made club announcements during the '50's and '60's, as does Danny Babich on KSAZ today. In 1989, a cookbook of Czech Slovak dishes was published and is still available from the Mountain View Restaurant or the club. The Club often sponsors groups such as the Prague Youth Choir in the Tucson community. Presidents of the club in chronological order: Rudoph Novy, Anthony Vomacka, Joseph Musil, Albert Svoboda, Ella Bodlak, Joseph Malik, Jr., Stanley Nemec, Frank Novak, Ben Storek, Ed Yendral, Dorthy Novak, Georgia Dobrovolny Rice, Fred Wunderlick, Shirley Jakimowich, Judi Pitr, Lou Knizek, Vera Masa, Edward Jakimowich, Vilo (Bill) Kohut, George Masa, Anthony Valach and current president Vera Bell Masa. Meetings are held on the second Sunday of the month from September through May. The club promotes the cultural heritage of the Czech, Slovak and Moravian ancestry. Tucson Hlasatel Newsletter is published monthly.

Current Board Members
David Hensley, Past President
davidh831@aol.com
Jack Simons, President
jdsrip@yahoo.com
Petr Chylik, Vice President
petrc@groundskeeper.com
Linda Cerveny, Secretary
lindacerveny@cox.net
George Coffos, Treasurer
jgtucson@hotmail.com

Members at Large
John Prokop
Robert Wack
Vera Masa
Jean Coffos
Lucka Cavallo

Jack Simons, President

Director, Georgia Rice
Rice Associates

7670 East Broadway, Suite 106
Tucson, Arizona 85710

Phone: 1.888.298.8989
Fax: 520.298.5426

Contributions:
The follolwing donors have graciously given to the Tapestry of Tucson project:
Case & Marie Bonebrake
Dobrovolny Family
Matthew Grejtak
Eddie & Bonnie Jakimowich, Jr.
Lee & Mildred Lawless
Rose Magyar
Pauline Malik
Vera B. Masa
George & Jeralyne Matais
Mountain View Restaurant
Stanley Nemec & Cynthia Lloyd
Georgia Rice
by: Georgia Rice
C z e c h
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