SLAVIC FESTIVAL ON YOUTUBE: While the coronavirus pandemic has cancelled the annual Simply Slavic Festival in downtown Youngstown this June, Simply Slavic has found another way to continue its mission. In lieu of the in-person festival, the group has announced the release of its Slavic Educational Video Series on its YouTube channel. Funded in part by a grant from The International Institute Funds of The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, the eight-part series will present various culturally entertaining, educational, and just plain fun videos for children and adults. “While we yearn to be together in food, song, and dance in downtown Youngstown, our board and volunteers felt that we need to look beyond June, 2021 to have an event that minimizes risk for our attendees and is welcoming to all,” said John Slanina, Simply Slavic Board President. “In the meantime, we hope these videos offer an opportunity to enjoy this colorful culture in your homes with your families.” Viewers can learn how to dance the kolo, a circle dance popular in the Southern Slavic nations; and the polka, the Northern Slavic national dance. They can observe the tips and tricks of making the perfect stuffed cabbage from Marta Mazur (pictured) of Krakus Polish Deli and Bakery, 7050 Market St. in Boardman. In addition, celebrated local author, Loretta Ekoniak, will share her deep knowledge of Slovak history in the Mahoning Valley.