NFCA's president Steve Rukavina had an interesting lunch near UN headquarters with BiH Ambassador
to the UN Ivica Dronjicand with Croatia's UN Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak.  Key topic was why did
President Komsic release/fire all the Bosnian Croat career diplomats serving as Ambassadors globally?
We know it was not about experience and competence!
Pictured from left to right: Vladimir, Steve and Ivica  -  January 3, 2019

Tom Rukavina:   Hometown: Virginia, MN   Job: Minnesota politician
Tom was the cousin of NFCA's president Steve Rukavina.  Tommy never backed down from a political fight, but leukemia and cancer was one fight that he was fated to lose.  Photo is from 2012, from left to right:  Joe Rukavina (Steve's Dad), John (Steve's brother), Tom Rukavina and Steve.  A common man with uncommon character, refreshingly honest politician with a sense of humor which made him stand out!
All Minnesota's top elected officials attended Tom Rukavina's funeral; US Senator Tina Smith picture,
Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Lt Gov Peggy Flanagan, AG Keith Ellison,
former Govornor Tim Pawlenty, Congressman Rick Nolan, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon,
Bill Luther; quite a tribute  -  January 18, 2019

Picture: Steve, Rukavina, Patty (Steve's sister), and politician Joe Radinovich.
Click here to see a picture of Ida Rukavina (Steve's cousin) with former Congressman Rick Nolan).
Ida played a violin solo of "Ashokan Farewell" that was a hauntingly beautiful, moving tribute to her dad. Some sang "Kucavica Kuca" in a Croatian tribute.  375 folks paid respects at the funeral parlor to Tom Rukavina in Virginia, Minnesota.  550 people filled all the pews at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church to pay tribute to Rukavina's life.  Tom: The Iron Range's happy warrior will be sorely missed by all.
He devoted his life to helping others (working class people) was smart, witty, energetic and larger than life.
He had an explosive personality. 'Hard work, honesty, integrity and social justice were the family's values. Tom could spend hours going through a crowd, greeting nearly everyone by name  -  January 19, 2019

Productive lunch and discussion in Washington, DC with US Ambassador to Croatia, Bob Kohorst and NFCA Public Affairs Consultant, Joe Foley with topics ranging from: LNG terminal, DTT treaty, direct flights to Croatia and a possible State Department-funded sports diplomacy project!  -  January 20, 2019

Productive meeting in Washington DC today with new US Ambassador to BiH, Eric Nelson.
He will soon arrive in Sarajevo.  From left to right: Biljana Lovrinovic, Eric Nelson and Steve Rukavina.
Biljana is a Croatian American activist and NFCA Board Member.  Biljana lives in Cleveland and started
a business in Travnik in 2018; lot of focus on economic development topics  -  January 31, 2019

Marijana Petir, one of Croatia's 11 members of the European Parliament in Washington DC for the annual National Prayer Breakfast.  Steve Rukavina, President of NFCA, and Joe Foley enjoyed the interesting discussions about the future of Marijana's important multilateral organization.  Productive and interesting meeting about many Croatian/SE Europe projects.  Lobbyist Joe will attend a transatlantic leadership network dinner here at the Army Navy Club  -  February 8, 2019

Wonderful TransAtlantic Leadership Network dinner. Steve had an enjoyable time speaking with former American diplomats, Edward Joseph and Hoyt Yee.  Sasha Toperich did a great job organizing and
Croatia's DCM Lara Romano and 120 others were here at the Army Navy Club in DC.
The focus was on BiH  -  February 9, 2019

NFCA salutes Sasha Toperich (originally from Sarajevo) and his colleagues, Dr. Daniel Hamilton,
Dr. Michael Haltzel at the TransAtlantic Leadership Network and for their serious efforts to bring reconciliation and conflict resolution to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Libya - Zivjeli  -  February 9, 2019

The Croatian embassy hosted "The Destruction and Restoration of Dubrovnik" is an exhibition that will
be at the embassy for a month.  This is the 40th anniversary of Dubrovnik's inscription on the UNESCO world heritage list.  The bombing of Dubrovnik was not just an attack on Croatia, but it was an attack
against all of mankind, since Dubrovnik is a world heritage site.  NFCA Treasurer Eric Gregrich,  NFCA
board member Tom Steich,  NFCA board member Sanja Newman, future NFCA member Matt Madalo (lawyer- Georgetown University) and NFCA board member Adam Radman  -  February 13, 2019

Steve Rukavina was very honored to meet Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Pavlo Klimkin here with Ukranian Federation President Ulana Mazurkevich.  Steve had five minutes with Ukraine President Poroshenko in Philly tonight.  He won the International Statesman Award - Ukranians are appreciative of Croatia's support for Ukraine.

President Poroshenko was very eloquent in English describing the issues, the realities of Russian aggression in the Ukraine; was an unique conversation, discussion and dinner for 90 people at the Historic Union League in Philadelphia   -  February 20, 2019

Wonderful World Affairs Council dinner in Philly with Ukrainian American friends and a few Honorary Consuls, honoring Ukraine's President Poroshenko who spoke at UN Wednesday.  He shared with Steve, that he hopes UN will reintegrate their occupied territories like what was done with Eastern Slavonia.
Original picture  -  February 20, 2019

Steve was in Baltimore, with forensic scientists from Zagreb attending American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting.   Croatian Ambassador to USA Pjer Simunovic and Steve Rukavina were pleased to meet
Andrea Ledic (center) from Croatia's Interior Ministry with others inc. good friend Dr. Dragan Primorac  -  February 21, 2019

Steve Rukavina talked with former ambassador to Croatia Bob Bradtke (July 2006 thru June 2009)
at the DC Croatian Embassy.  They were rejoined by NFCA friend Capricia Penavic Marshall and
Dino Mattessich (involved with lacrosse at NCAA level).  This reception/exhibit was for diplomats:
"Destruction and Restoration of Dubrovnik - 1991-2000".
Ambassador Simunovic and Josip Babic organized a wonderful event  -  February 28, 2019

Bravo Miljenko!  Grgich Hills Zinfandel made it an extra special dinner in Philadelphia - the City of
Brotherly Love.  With Lara Romano, DCM Washington DC Embassy, Croatia's Ambassador Pjer Simunovic, embassy chauffer Slobodan Siljeg and Steve Rukavina.  Wonderful chat from events tied to direct flights to Dubrovnik, to exciting elements of Croatia's turn at the rotating EU Presidency from January through June 2020  -  March 22, 2019

NFCA President Steve Rukavina is with Mila's Father Marin Roncevic.  Family made it here safe and
exhausted but Sanja and Marin are so grateful for all the love and support sent their way so Mila could
come to the world renown Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where miracles happen and so good news
from Philly.  Little Mila Roncevic, for whom 35 million kunas were gathered in four days, has travelled
with her parents to the USA for chemotherapy treatments and transplantation  -  April 3, 2019

Nikola Knez (film maker) was VIP guest today at St. Cyril and Methodius Croatian Catholic Church in
New York City.  Over 200 viewed his shocking documentary about Bleiburg and Operation Slaughterhouse. Photo with NFCA officer Tatjana Mustac, NFCA President Steve Rukavina, Milka Zepina, NFCA member Nikola Knez and NFCA officer Tom Mustac  -  April 7, 2019

Wonderful fun planning meeting with the Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kennedy's senior staff.
Croatian Ambassador, Pjer Simunovic is holding the Croatian flag.  Discussed special events in Philly on June 6th and 7th to celebrate the direct flights to Dubrovnik from Philly.  City Representative Sheila Hess also attended  -  April 8, 2019

Wonderful event at Dr. Harold Yaffe's Barclay condo for Philadelphia City Councilman, Allan Domb. Talked about all the key Philly-Dubrovnik World Heritage City updates and soon non-stop connections. Also with Ukrainian Federation President Ulana Mazurkevich  -  April 18

Very interesting panel in DC about Russian sanctions, energy issues and the Ukraine.
Amos Hochstein, former Special Envoy-Energy Czar at State Department now with Tellurian, building
quite a LNG powerhouse entity; side chat too - he knows the Krk LNG project well  -   April 19, 2019

Pleasure to meet with Ina Rodin, in New York City today - Director of North America for the Croatian National Tourist Board.  It was a fun and productive meeting discussing lots of outreach, media action items and Philly events to promote the new seasonal non-stop flights from Philly to Dubrovnik  -  May 2nd

Words cannot express what a wonderful experience it was meeting, and spending time with, the Croatian athletes and their coaches when they were at the Special Olympic World Games in Los Angeles.
Joe Brajevich (back center).  These are the donations that NFCA gave to special olympics:
$2,600 in June - annual meeting in Pittsburgh
$10,000 in October 2017 - Bishop Komarica musical event in New York City
$4,000 in October 2018 - President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic event in New York City
$3,822 in June 2019 - annual meeting in Pittsburgh

The 2019 NFCA 26th annual conference was held at the CFU headquarters in Pittsburgh/ Monroeville, Pa.
Left to Right: Ed Pazo (PA), Bernadette Luketich-Sikaras (PA), Mike Ricci (PA), Vedran Nazor (PA), Adam Radman (VA), Ron Kruno Zivic (OH), Biljana Lovrinovic (OH), Tom Steich (MD), Gerard Skrlin (NY), Jim Kresnik (NE), Steve Rukavina (PA), Marko Kirn (MN), Joe Foley (MD), Carolyn Bruno (MN), Lara Romano (DC), Mario Spalatin (FL), Eric Gregrich (MD), Zvonko Labas (MD), Sanja Newman (MD), Anna Maria Sicenica (PA) and John Kraljic (NY), not pictured   -   May 31 to June 1, 2019

Adam Radman received his award for being one of the NFCA's "40 Under 40" award winners at the
annual meeting in Pittsburgh.  This program recognizes the top 40 Croatian Americans under 40 years old. There are currently 80 millennials in this exclusive group.
There are already nominations for the next group of 40 winners.

Steve had real pleasure to be greeted at the Dubrovnik airport by US DCM from the American Embassy in Zagreb, Victoria Taylor and Economic Attache-Zagreb Allison Carragher.  He had a very productive 45 minute coffee-chat with Victoria, all about the nuances of a Double Taxation Treaty   -   June 8, 2019

1)   Steve took the Dubrovnik cable car to the top of Mount Srdj, where he is enjoying the view and wine.
2)   While in Dubrovnik, Steve passed out a NFCA "40 Under 40" award to Alexandra Schmidt,
      formerly of Minnesota, now in Dubrovnik.
      Alexandra has lots of travel ideas that can take folks outside the walls of the Old Town!
      Dubrovnik Tourism Video   -   June 9, 2019

In Zagreb Steve Had to visit our Andrija Medulic Schiavone painting loaned to Museum of Arts and Crafts. Steve is with Director Miroslav Gasparovic - they have 2nd Medulic-Schiavone painting also;
Museum will celebrate 140 years 2020 and has the largest collection of art and art design in Zagreb.

Wonderful enjoyable dinner and interesting conversation in Zagreb with US Ambassador Bob Kohorst, mostly about Croatian-related economic development projects and with friends Natko Vlahovic (far left) and Bernard Sicenica (far right)   -   June 13, 2019

Award Ceremony - 6th Annual Joseph Rukavina Special Olympics Floorball tournament today in Gospic; first time in Lika; Franjo Horvat, National Director Croatia's Special Olympics-far left and managed 8 team play and pleased friends Milka Zepina-NY City and Mike Miletic attended too.  Wonderful so special to have first time teams from Split and Vukovar at our annual Special Olympics Floorball tournament held in Gospic; the Split team brought such joy and smiles to their participation; Vukovar team shown such determination, it was a special sight to see.   Another picture   -   June 14, 2019

World class dinner at the Safran Vinarija-Breznicki Hum with Albanian Ambassador to Croatia Riza Poda and with US Ambassador Bob Kohorst and with host and wine maker Stjepan Safran - what a meal of fish, lamb and cevapcaci and incredible apple strudel with white and a rose summer wine.
Great food and wine in beautiful setting at Vinarija Safran   -   June 15, 2019

Honor as Croatian American and Minnesotan - to attend Embassy's Independence Day reception;
proud of Croatia's alliance with Minnesota National Guard; Pictured Left to Right: Major Ryan Rossman,
Lt. Colonel Kasumovic, Brigadier Generals Ivica Olujic and Sandy Best, Ambassador Pjer Simunovic
and Major Ivan Puhalo   -   June 19, 2019

Reception celebrating Statehood Day and the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Croatia at the Washington DC embassy.  Steve and Eric are happy to be in a picture with three NFCA "40 Under 40" winners.  From left: Adam Radman, Filip Pirsl and Andrew Ciacci.
Vesna collected the money for NFCA to purchase the piano   -   June 19, 2019

"40 Under 40" update: Annie Bosko preformed at Mission Fest in SoCo  -   July 2019

Lunch in Washington DC - Liam Sullivan's last week as State Department's Croatian Desk Officer (glasses) and with his replacement Michael Ball; interesting discussion about energy projects - floating LNG Terminal, DTT and the Peljasac Bridge project inc. NATO topics with Joe Foley too   -   August 6, 2019

Washington DC Happy Hour four blocks from the State Department - with four Croatian Americans,
one Croatian diplomat and with three other activists focused on SE Europe; happy talk among friends in the nation's capital.  Dora, Joe, Lara, Eric, Ryan, Andrew and Steve - and Dino.   -   August 6, 2019

Croatian Embassy HURA event in Washington, DC.  NFCA honored three NFCA "40 Under 40" winners.
We distributed awards to Angela Stepancic (Washington DC), Adam Radman (Washington DC) and far
right, Dr. Mara Oblak (Seattle).  Dr. Steve Pavletic (far left, NFCA and ACAP activist) and in the back
row Eric Gregrich, NFCA Treasurer.  Steve Rukavina has been the NFCA Leader for nine years.
The embassy "House Band" Zivjeli always entertains the crowd enthusiastically   -   September 12, 2019

Long time NFCA board member Jim Kresnik (Hrvatska shirt) presented a NFCA "40 Under 40" award to
Andy Kvesic in Phoenix Arizona.  Congratulations to Andy (holding the award) who was able to share
this moment with his parents: Jozo and Stojka Kvesic.  Andy is a successful lawyer, he graduated from
the University of San Diego law school.  Sonja Schroder in the red and white checkered shirt was
recently elected to the Croatian Fraternal Union of America High Trial Board.  Steven Schroder the
CFU Lodge 978 President is in the red shirt.  The Schroders host he annual Spring Fling and Tambura Fall Festa in Scottsdale AZ   -   November 17, 2019

Barbara Bijelic had her NFCA 40 Under 40 award presented to her by NFCA Treasurer Eric Gregrich.
This presentation was at the Croatian Embassy in Washington DC.  Barbara's parents Jasna and Branko are very proud of their daughter.  Barbara lives in Paris.  She has an older and younger sister LA.
Igor Boras (President of HURA for 3 years and the Wash DC ACAP chapter President) is on the far right.
Apple QuickTime (one minute) video.

Forty eight Croatian Americans gathered to honor the NFCA "40 Under 40" winners from 2019 (and 2017) at the Rudar Croatian Club in Long Island City (Astoria), NY.  Whether we are in the Lower room
(last year) or in the upper room, we feel comfortable at the Rudar Social club.  Since we have many
NYC friends, I expect another gathering or two in 2020.  The young "Hrvatska Ruza" dancers from the
Most Precious Blood church in Astoria, NY delightfully entertained us.  Thanks for the video Tom.
This Croatian folklore group recently celebrated their 25th anniversary - hosted by Valentina Zuzic.
NFCA officers: Lydia Antoncic (NY), Eric Gregrich (MD), Tom Mustac (NY), John Skibola (NY),
Steve Rukavina (PA) & Tatjana Mustac (NY)   -    December 1, 2019

We did not care if some of the winners already had their award presented to them, we wanted to shine
the spot light on them one more time.   Winners having fun.
Back row: Davor Anic, Katarina Crnogorac, Diane Solaja, Vedran Solaja, Jelena Rudela
Front row: Tatjana Mustac, Tena Bugarin, Andrew Ciacci and Petar Crnogorac.  Marino Patrk had to
leave early and is not pictured.  Petar gave a super acceptance speech.

Honor to attend a Washington DC luncheon hosted by Natko Vlahovic and focused on the 2020 Croatia-EU
Presidency; pleasure to meet Croatian Sabor Member Domagoj Milosevic, who serves on the EU Affairs
Committee - serious discussion on energy issues, Including the Krk LNG terminal   -   December 4th

The Bosnia Herzegovina Holiday party was packed with military personnel from many countries.
The food was super and we enjoyed the conversations   -    December 5, 2019

The 41st Annual Minnesota Croatian Christmas party is over.  We were fortunate to have Ambassador Simunovic from the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia attend our party this year.  Our first ever visit
from an Ambassador.  We also had several distinguished guests from our community including Justice
Margaret Chutich, Retired Adjutant General Rick Nash and Deputy Adjutant Brig. General Sandy Best
of the Minnesota National Guard.  Thanks to all of the volunteers who made this happen.  Many thanks
to everyone who came out to reconnect with the community.  Sandy Best is on the left of Amb Simunovic and Margaret Chutich is seated on the far right, she is an American lawyer and judge, who has served as
an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court since 2016   -    December 7, 2019

We also celebrated our NFCA "40 Under 40" winners from Minnesota: Sam Miltich, Tiffany Senkow and Alexandra Schmidt.  Here is a picture of Alexandra Schmidt and NFCA Officer Carolyn Bruno.

Croatian Ambassador Pjer Simunovic and  NFCA Executive VP Andrea Novak-Neumann are standing
next to the Minnesota Governor.  The Croatian Ambassador had an opportunity to meet with Governor
Tim Walz, he acknowledged the strong partnership between Croatia and the Minnesota National Guard.

Fun fun Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 760 annual holiday party in Philly.  It was great to have three
Penn students from Zagreb.  In attendance were 25 Croatians and six Ukrainians to celebrate at a friend's Ulana's Club in South Philly.  Croatian wine and povitica was a big hit with everyone   -  December 8, 2019

The Croatian embassy had a Croatian Advent Celebration with Klapa Balatura Opuzen from Croatia.
Ivan Galic (future NFCA member), Bosnia and Herzegovina Colonel Zoran Batarilo (Croatian),
Croatian Major Ivan Puhalo Assistant Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attache and Eric Gregrich.
Here are five good and short videos:  Jingle Bells,   Sretan Bozic Svakome/ Merry Christmas Everyone,
Lipa Li Si,   Moya Domovina and Deputy Chief of Mission  Lara Romano   -  December 16, 2019

The Washington DC "Croatian Hour" had the annual Christmas Party which is our community's social
event of the year.  This year, the celebration was at the Embassy of Croatia.  Left to right: Vesna Jezic,
Natasha Kahric, ambassador Pjer Simunovic, Dr Miroslav Loncar, Tom Vesolich and Jasna Bijelic.
The Croatian band Zivili is our rock, they are reliable, good and consistent.  Here is a picture of
Igor Boras, Vesna Jezic and Steve Pavletic.  Short video of ambassador Pjer Simunovic opening remarks.
Video of the Zivjeli Band   -   December 20, 2019

HURA's guest speaker was Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic of the Cleveland Clinic.
Ambassador Pjer Simunovic introduced Dr Steven Pavletic and Dr Mihaljevic.  Dr Mihaljevic is the CEO
and President of the Cleveland Clinic (might be the best in the world for heart surgery), leading an $8 billion healthcare system.  He has performed almost 3,000 surgical operations over the course of his career.  He talked about the advantages of taking a job that no one wants, and finally getting the job which many wanted.  Dr. Mihaljevic has a medical degree at the University of Zagreb.  He trained in cardiac surgery at the University of Zurich, and assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School.
He is the author of articles on robotic surgery    -   January 7, 2020

Eight Doctors are in this picture:  Dr Steven Z. Pavletic (NIH - hematology and oncology),
Dr Ivonn Szeverenyi (wife of the Hungarian ambassador), Dr Laszlo Szabo (Amb of Hungary),
Croatian Ambassador Pjer Simunovic, Dr. Natasa Janicic-Kahric (Endocrinology - MedStar Georgetown University Hospital), Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic (Cleveland Clinic), Dr Ana Barac (Medstar Heart and Vascular Institute) and Dr. David Lee Pearle (MedStar Georgetown University Hospital).

NFCA 40 Under 40 honorees attending St. Blaise dinner at the Los Angeles St. Anthony's Croatian
Catholic Church (Faith, Heritage, Culture).  To celebrate the patron Saint of Dubrovnik.  from left to right: TV Producer and MC of the night Bobby Grubic assisted in presenting the awards, activist Johnny Cvjetkovic, singer Annie Bosko, dancer Maja Keres, activist Anthony Zoric (2017 winner) and Peter Hazdovac.  Peter (the Man, the Myth the Legend) and his family helped organize this event.
All went really well and was nice to have the awards presented in front of 240 people.
Annie Bosko with her 96 year old baba.  Annie is a proud talented Croatian grandaughter of the
"Onion King" Phil Boskovich.   87 second video of the event.   Long version (25 minutes)   -   Feb 1, 2020

It was Steve Rukavina's pleasure and honor to attend a Croatian Embassy and EU Presidency reception in
Washington DC.  The event was attended by three high ranking US State Department officials, including
Asst Secretary of State for Europe-Eurasia, Philip Reeker, and MFA State Sec. Andreja Metelko-Zgombic.
Steve also meet David Kostelancik (Director, Office of South Central Europe) at the US Dept of State
(center) and Michael Ball (Croatia Desk Officer at State).  They had a good chat about the Croatia's Visa Waiver project and Western Balkan topics including Mostar issues.  Also spoke with Matt Palmer.
All Croatians should thank ambassador Pjer Simunovic for another super embassy reception  -   Feb 7, 2020

NFCA/ACAP meeting with US Ambassador Bob Kohorst in Washington DC today.
We appreciated all the input-nuances about the VISA Waiver project with so many positive developments with this initiative. There are more obstacles and challenges ahead with any DTT treaty.
Also discussed was the U.S. and Croatia sports diplomacy project.
Left to right: Steve Rukavina, Dora Plavetic, US Ambassador to Croatia Robert Kohorst, Steve Pavletic, Zvonko Labas, Joe Foley and Adam Radman  -   February 24, 2020

A long time member and officer of NFCA was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  The Lettermen
had super harmony.  Famous Croatian American singer Tony Butala talks for six minutes.
The Hollywood Star in the Walk of Fame and Tony with his cousin Tina Alcara  -   Feb 24, 2020.

Steve Rukavina had an interesting breakfast in Philly with Professor Dr. Dragan Primorac and fascinating to hear more details about his specialty hospital, St. Catherine Hospital in Zagreb; personalized medicine with cutting edge research with knee osteoarthritis, cartrilage repair plus stem cell rejuvenation  -  Feb 25

NFCA will be financially supporting renovation projects in Croatia.
There were three initial earthquakes, all at 6:24 am (local time).  The epicenter was 4.3 miles north of
Zagreb in the Medvednica mountain range.  They had a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale with a depth
of 6 miles.  The next earthquake occurred at 7:01 am, it was a 4.8.  The historical city center of Zagreb shook the most.  Many buildings cracked in Zagreb and walls and rooftops were damaged - 1,900 are
uninhabitable.  They were followed by a string of 74 lower magnitude tremors over the next 42 hours.
These occurred during the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.  More than 7,000 buildings are reported to have been damage.  This was the largest earthquake in Croatia since the Great Zagreb Earthquake in 1880, a 6.3 on the Richter scale   -   March 22, 2020.

NFCA had a Zoom conference call with some of the he 40 Under 40 winners from 2019.
It was fun networking and great to see the smiles of these energized and committed Croatian Americans.
Steve (on the 40 Under 40 committee), Andrea (on the Committee), Mark Plavetic, Nikola Metes,
Marino I. Patrk, Alexandra Schmidt, Mara Oblak, Andrew Ciacci, Tiffany L. Senkow, Abbey McDonald,
Eric (on the committee), Michelle E Lucic, Annie Bosko (Ann Marie Boskovich),
Adam Radman, Alexander McArthy and Tatjana Mustac   -  April 30th

The NFCA raised $21,000 for the MUO Museum of arts and crafts in Zagreb restoration.  The museum
which is next to the Zagreb cathedral was heavily damaged.  NFCA paintings: #1,  #2,  #3 and #4.

The annual NFCA Happy Hour, the Friday before the annual meeting is used for a fundraiser.
The auctions and donations raised $2,500 for Croatian Special Olympics.  It looked like the Cokeburg,
PA CFU Lodge 354 tamburitzan group had experience with Zoom musicals - they were well prepared.
Almost fifty people enjoyed the free entertainment.
We had many pre annual meeting meetings: Andrea, Tina, Eric and Vedran.

The 27th annual NFCA Conference was not held in Philadelphia as originally planned.
It was neat seeing how productive Zoom meetings can be.  The business meeting morning photo is above.
NFCA always tries to have the annual conference the 1st weekend in June.    Steve Rukavina,
Andrea Novak-Neuman and Eric Gregrich were elected for the 5th straight year.
Click on "Board" in the menu to see a full list of the officers   -  June 6, 2020

Steve brought in both current Ambassadors, US ambassador Robert Kohorst and Croatian amb to the USA Pjer Simunovic.  Senator Mark Begich gave an informative talk.  Amb Kohorst says:  1) When he came to Croatia 30 months ago, he was told that his #1 objective was to build the LNG terminal on Krk island.
For providing energy, this is not a for profit project.  First load of gas to be downloaded in Jan 2021.
2) He likes hearing and feeling our enthusiasm for Croatia.  3) Croatia is a valued U.S. partner.
4) The US Treasury Dept now has Croatia on the list to negotiate a treaty that avoids double taxation.
However there are 200 other countries on this list.  5) Everyone wants to visit Croatia.
6) Tourism should be down 70% in 2020.  Senator Begich says: Alaska depends on tourism and selling oil,
and with COVID-19, they took a triple hit.  The pandemic caused everyone to re-examine things and that could lead to some good things.  Example: should the Alaskan 800 mile long $43 billion Natural gas pipeline rely on steel from unstable/unfriendly countries.

Amb Pjer Simunovic said: When dealing with the pandemic and economy recovery, we need to look at the world as one. The NFCA embraced the opportunity to attract new people to attend the NFCA conference's Public session Saturday afternoon by Zoom and finding out what we are all about.  The public session had a bigger audience than usual (55 people).  We all definitely saved a bunch of time and money from not traveling and not paying for hotel rooms.  Regular Croatian Americans just like to save their time and money for a trip to Croatia rather than go out of state for another Croatian meeting.  Will there be more Zoom meetings in the future even after the pandemic is over?  Don't wait until next June until we see you again   -  June 6, 2020

During the quarantine, some of the musically inclined "40 Under 40" winners have been active.
1st row: Annie Bosko 2019 (California)    -    Teresa Scanlan 2017 (USA).
2nd row: Ella Mische 2017 (NYC)    -    Ana Vidovic 2017 (Baltimore/ Everywhere).
3rd row: Ella Mische, I think, sure does look like Ella anyway ;-))    -    Sam Miltich 2017 (Minnesota).

NFCA's Croatian Culture Series Presents: Croatian American Book Club & Happy Hour.   Featuring:
Nadean Stone, author of No Stone Unturned  -  Catherine Kapphahn, author of Immigrant Daughter and Ottessa Moshfegh, author of Death in Her Hands   -  July 30, 2020

Croatian American Stipe Miocic has confirmed himself as the "best heavyweight ever" in mixed martial
arts after beating Daniel Cormier, per UFC boss Dana White.  It was a hard fought unanimous decision. Stipe's last three fights were against Cormier for the heavyweight title and he won two of them.
He won the title in May 2016 against Werdum and defended his title three consecutive times which is an
all time record.  He defeated Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, Francis Ngannou.  Miocic was born and raised in Euclid, Ohio, the son of Croatian immigrants, his father originates from Rtina, while his mother is from Cetingrad, Croatia.  Stipe is also a NFCA 40-Under-40 winner    -    August 16, 2020

Mate Pavic won the 2020 US OPEN Tennis tournament which is held annually in New York City
(Flushing Meadows Queens).  He won Mens Doubles on September 10th.  Mate Hometown is Split and he currently he lives in Freeport, Bahamas.  Mate is the tall guy wearing the white shirt.  The US Open is one of four global Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments held annually.  Second place in Mens Doubles was also won by a Croatian - Nikola Metic from Zagreb (below in the blue shirt).   Nikola won the 2020 Australian (Melbourne Park) Grand Slam Tennis Champion in Mixed Doubles on February 2nd.

Another update on the NFCA 40 Under 40 Winners.  Teresa Scanlan (far right) is with five previous Miss America winners.
Below, Annie Bosko came out with a new song "Born to Love You."
Below Peter Kosovec. (far right at 144:40) is having fun performing at the Tamburitzan Association of America annual festival.  As you probably expected, this event was virtual and next year's festival will be in Independence Ohio - September 23 to 26, 2021.  Ella Mische interview -  October 21, 2020

Mate Pavic won the 2020 US OPEN Tennis tournament which is held annually in New York City
(Flushing Meadows Queens).  He won Mens Doubles on September 10th.  Mate Hometown is Split and he currently he lives in Freeport, Bahamas.  Mate is the tall guy wearing the white shirt.  The US Open is one of four global Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments held annually.  Second place in Mens Doubles was also won by a Croatian - Nikola Metic from Zagreb (below in the blue shirt).   Nikola won the 2020 Australian (Melbourne Park) Grand Slam Tennis Champion in Mixed Doubles on February 2nd.

The NFCA hosted on a webinar to analyze the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) that was held 25 years ago and was initialed in Dayton, Ohio on November 21, 1995.  This was a historic DPA webinar with two principals from 1995:  Dr. Mate Granic and U.S. Ambassador Peter Galbraith.  The first speaker was
Luka Misetic who had a fascinating presentation of the military operations that led to the DPA in August and September 1995    -   November 21, 2020

The NFCA quarterly meeting    -   January 27, 2020

NFCA free Zoom webinar with world famous author Peter Frankopan (Professor of Global History at Oxford University) discussed his new book "The Silk Roads: A New History of the World" with his insights about Chinese influences in Southeast Europe.  What is the solution for the Constitutional issue of the functional "federalization" versus the dysfunctional two-entity BiH structure   -  January 30, 2021

NFCA and the CFU (Croatian Fraternal Union of America) co hosted a global webinar to salute the founding of the Republic of Croatia's democracy - 30th Anniversary of Independence Day - filled with traditional Croatian music and notable speakers.  This event will benefit the Special Olympics organization in Croatia.  We will commemorate the momentous day with keynote speeches by Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, the former President of the Republic of Croatia and Peter Galbraith, the first U.S. Ambassador to Croatia. Festivities will include a live singing performance from Dubrovnik (group Klapa KaÅ¡e) and the Special Olympic Team accomplishments.  The NFCA is very proud to be a major sponsor and partner with this truly incredible organization.   -  June 30, 2021

7. Croatia’s northern to north-eastern wind ‘bura’ is the most furious on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. The strongest bura winds ever recorded in Croatia were recorded on Maslenički most (Maslenica Bridge) on the night of 21 December 1990 when winds of 248.4 kmph howled. 8. Zadar has the world’s first pipe sea organ which plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. 9. The Walls of Ston are the longest preserved fortification system in the world after the Great Wall of China. 10. The first King of Croatia was named Tomislav in 925 – this elevated Croatia to the status of a kingdom. 15. Croatia’s coast is one of the cleanest in the world. With over 900 beaches tested, not one beach failed the ‘poor’ water quality test. 16. Famous inventor Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia. 20. The Roman amphitheater in Pula is the 6th largest amphitheatre in the world and the only one with all 3 rows preserved. 25. The island of Korčula is believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. Tourists can visit his house in the Old Town today. 35. 10% of Croatia is protected via 11 Nature Parks, 8 National Parks, and 2 Nature Reserves. 42. Krk Island in the north part of Adriatic sea is the largest island in Croatia covering an area of 409 sq km (38 km length – up to 20 km width). It is also the most populated. 43. Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night was set in Dalmatia. 45. There are nearly more Croatians living outside of the country as living in Croatia (4.2 million). 46. Split’s Diocletian Palace has a genuine Egyptian sphinx thanks to Emperor Diocletian who had it brought in from Egypt to adorn the entrance to his tomb. 52. Croatia is ranked 4th in the world for alcohol consumption per capita. 53. Croatia is the home of the necktie. 63. Knežević is the most common surname in Croatia, taking over from Horvat. 65. Croatian men are the 7th tallest on the planet. 73. Croatia has an indigenous beach game – Picigin. Picigin was invented over 110 years ago in the shallow waters of Bačvice beach in Split and involves players keeping a small ball from touching the water. 74. Zagreb’s Christmas Markets were voted the best in Europe for three years in a row in 2016, 2017 and 2018. 79. Croatia’s Rimac C_Two was named by Top Gear, as the No.1 fastest and most powerful car of 2018 in the world. 80. Croatia was ranked the 22nd safest country in the world. 84. The dog breed Dalmatian can be traced back to Croatia and the Dalmatia region. 85. On the island of Susak women wear the shortest folk costumes in Europe.