April at BBLA. Community & Culture on UES

By Joseph Balaz | I wish I could use my sketchy, overdeveloped sense of humor to combine the Covid-19 situation with April Fools' Day but will instead practice silly jokes distancing. With 129 years of BBLA history under our belt, we certainly will not get bogged down by this tiny, minuscule bug while still taking it extremely seriously.

In compliance with government directives, the Bohemian National Hall is closed to the public. However, our colleagues from the Czech Consulate General are still operating in a limited capacity, assisting Czech citizens stranded in the U.S. I would like to thank the consulate staff for their dedication.

Our member organizations have started preparing programs online for our community and beyond. The Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences has posted several stories on YouTube - for example the popular “Escaping from Czechoslovakia.” The Dvorak American Heritage Association is working on clips of music and spoken words to provide solace during this terrible crisis. The Vaclav Havel Library Foundation plans to Zoom the Spring Weekend of the 2020 Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival, with stage readings of European plays, in May.

I would like to salute first responders and health workers for their incredible commitment and thank those who are keeping the remaining wheels of our society turning so people can get food and basic services. New York City is undergoing a huge test of grit, solidarity, and responsibility. We have always been an exciting melting pot of humanity that ought to follow the recommendations of experts in order to stave off this epidemic.

 I am looking forward to opening the BNH for business in the near future and resuming all our activities. 

Stay safe and healthy, and see you soon.

Joseph Balaz
President
Bohemian Benevolent & Literary Association