Saturday, June 18, 2016
YOUNGSTOWN
It’s probably a cliché to state that some people have a knack for being a jack of all trades, but in Kimberly Root’s case, you might safely surmise that she’s a jack of all titles.
“I’m the Jill of all trades, but master of none,” the Lowellville woman said with laughter. “I’m all over the place.”
Root, who lived in Las Vegas for about five years, was referring to many of her travels and titles as well as much of her work. That includes having been a promotional model, a nanny and a board member with the Lindsay Renea Dance Theater, a nonprofit organization that brings dance instruction to less fortunate children in urban areas.
In addition, Root won the 2013 Miss Slovakia USA Multiverse title during a contest in the Dominican Republic. In that competition, she also finished fifth against contestants from 27 countries, Root recalled.
She previously was named Miss Czech Slovak Nevada, a title she won in Las Vegas, and was runner-up in the Miss Czech Slovak US competition in Wilbur, Neb., which hosts that pageant each year.
Root’s heritage, though, was the main thing she was celebrating during today’s sixth annual Simply Slavic Heritage Festival, downtown.
The all-day family-friendly gathering featured 10 vendors who sold ethnic goods, and another 12 food vendors, said Dave Slanina, who along with his brother, John Slanina, was an event organizer. Also in the mix were educational exhibits, workshops, folk dancing, a baking contest, live music and children’s activities.
The event was to celebrate Slavic traditions and culture in the Mahoning Valley while promoting and keeping such customs going for the younger generations, Dave Slanina said.
Read more about the event in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.