On October 6, 2020, the members of Branch 23 (Welland) celebrate the 80th anniversary of its founding. On that date in 1940 nine Slovaks from the Welland region met in the home of Jozef Biroš on 23 Garner Street and, on the initiative of Ján Ivan of Branch 17 (Sarnia) established Branch 23 of the Canadian Slovak League. The founding members were Jozef Biroš, Michal Gažo, Antonia Gažová, Zuzana Kendrová, Marko Patuš, Ján Patuš, Štefan Peťko, Mikuláš Šusta and Pavol Vyrostko. They then elected the following officers: President: Michal Gažo; Secretary: Pavol Vyrostko; and Treasurer: Marko Patuš. Since then Branch 23 has grown to 181 members, the largest of all Canadian Slovak League branches. Its current officers are: President: Christine Dzugan; Vice-President: Melissa Kamendy; Secretary: Margita Galat; Treasurer: Luke Dzugan; Recording Secretary: Mary Danylko; Head Auditor: Paul Vyrostko; Auditors: Ann Csele; and: Mary Mamros.
The Board of Directors and members of the Canadian Slovak League send sincere congratulations to the officers and members of Branch 23 in Welland on the 80th anniversary of its founding. You are an inspiration to us all!
M. Mark Stolarik,
President, Canadian Slovak League