Joe Valencic Joseph Valencic is a dynamic and creative presence within Cleveland’s Slovenian-American scene. His enthusiasm for all things Slovenian inspires others to discover and celebrate the uniqueness of their own cultures. Joe sees the commonalities and synergies between Slovenian...
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Taras Szmagala Taras Gregory Szmagala, Sr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1933. The son of Ukrainian immigrants Dmytro and Bronislawa Szmagala, Taras (known as “Tary”) grew up immersed in Cleveland’s rich Ukrainian-American community. He graduated from John Marshall High...
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Anda Cook Anda Cook was born in Riga, capitol of Latvia, but when she was 9 years old, left with family to escape the advancing Soviet army. The family expected to return back home after the war, but it was...
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Margaret Lynch Margaret Lynch has served as Executive Director of the Irish American Archives Society since 2008. She had been a founding Board member of the Society since its inception in 1994. As Executive Director, she researches, develops, and presents...
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Paul Burik Paul Burik Paul Burik was born in the city of Budvar – yes, the namesake of Budweiser Beer, in what is now the Czech Republic. He escaped with his father from Czechoslovakia in 1968 after the Soviet invasion....
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Richard Fleischman Richard Fleischman Born in Cleveland in 1928, Richard Fleischman was encouraged to study architecture at a young age by an uncle who noticed his avid interest in drawing and building models. During his senior year at East Tech...
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Ingrida Bublys Ingrida Bublys Ingrida Bublys, President of IB International Inc., shares 30 years in business development and company representation between the Baltic States and the US and lately has expanded business development to other surrounding countries. IBInternational represents a number...
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Marilyn Madigan Marilyn Madigan Marilyn Madigan is the daughter of the late Jack and Catherine Finn Madigan. She is a lifelong resident of the West Park area of Cleveland. She attended St. Patrick West Park Grade School and is an...
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Judge Ray Pianka The induction speech for Judge Ray Pianka was given by Cleveland Councilman Anthony Brancatelli. Karen Pianka accepted the honor for her late husband and daughter Kirsten Pianka spoke on his behalf. Click on the white arrow in...
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Ralph J. Perk, Jr. The induction speech for Ralph J. Perk, Jr. was given by Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar Click on the white arrow in the images below to watch videos of the speeches. Then, click the icon...
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