Hello. Here is theFriday, June 7 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Volunteers do their bit to improve Slovakia
Volunteers paint seats at the outdoor theatre in Tlmače, southern Slovakia, as part of the Naše Mesto corporate volunteeering event. (source: Daniela Chovanová)
Thousands of corporate workers swapped their offices for a slightly more physical, and slighty less commercial, activity on Friday: helping others. This year, more than 200 firms and schools took part in Naše Mesto (Our Town), the largest corporate volunteering activity in central Europe.
About 9,600 workers are estimated to have volunteered on June 7 in 42 towns across Slovakia.
Some decided to help Špania Dolina, a picturesque village near Banská Bystrica, to restore a number of historical monuments, while others picked litter, painted seats in the outdoor amphitheatre in Tlmače, or worked in gardens and vineyards. (The Slovak Spectator team spent the day helping to clear overgrown sections of a communal vineyard in Bratislava.) The Sme daily reported that painting fences and benches seemed to be the most popular activity during this year's event.
The volunteeering drive, which is organised by the Pontis Foundation, was originally inspired by the New York Cares event. This year was the 18th time that Naše Mesto has taken place in Slovakia.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
NATURE: One species of large mountain butterfly is proving increasingly hard to spot in the Liptov region, despite it once being a common sight.
BUSINESS: A small Slovak town can boast a rather unusual grocery store. The concept looks set to spread to other towns nationwide.
TRAVEL: Pack your swimming gear and head for a unique beach pool in central Slovakia.
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FEATURE STORY FOR FRIDAY
How to extinguish a fire caused by batteries?
A simulated fire of an electric vehicle in a confined space. (source: Courtesy of SEVA)
Experts say that there is no truth to the myth that batteries sometimes simply spontaneously combust, but electric vehicle fires do occur. Overcharging, overheating, and mechanical damage are some of the most common causes.
EVENTS FOR THE WEEKEND
Something for history buffs
An actor in the role of mediaeval warrior during last year's edition of the Stredovek v Sade festival. (source: TASR)
This Saturday, Bratislava's Janko Kráľ City Park, Beckov Castle in the Váh valley, and Trenčín Castle will all play host to history-themed events. The park will see a re-enactment of a mediaeval battle, plus period sword fighting and archery displays. Meanwhile, Trenčín Castle will become a temporary home to Roman legionaries, in a nod to the Roman Empire's expeditions to this region in the distant past. Finally, at Beckov Castle, guided tours will acquaint visitors with some of the historical rumours that surround its former owners. Learn more in this week's edition of events for the weekend.
Bratislava: In the latest Top 10 Events in Bratislava overview, we invite you to two English-language theatre plays and a workshop on how to make your own electric boat.
IN OTHER NEWS
Slovakia will elect its representatives to the European Parliament for the fifth time on Saturday, June 8. Twenty-two parties and one coalition are running in these elections. Slovakia will send 15 MEPs to Brussels and Strasbourg for a five-year term. The final results will be published only once voting in all EU member states ends. This is expected to take place after 23:00 on Sunday, June 9. If you plan to vote tomorrow, remember that you can indicate a maximum of two preferential votes on the ballot, and both must be for candidates of the same party.
In the village of Polomka, Brezno District, a new plaque commemorating the story of Americans and Britons who aided in the Slovak National Uprising 80 years ago was unveiled on Thursday, June 6.
At noon next Saturday, June 15, Peter Pellegrini will assume the presidency of Slovakia as President Zuzana Čaputová ends her term in office.
The level of the Danube river in Slovakia should peak on the middle and lower parts during Friday and overnight, the Slovak Water Management Company said, adding that the water level in the upper part of the Danube is gradually decreasing. (TASR)
The water level of the Danube around the Gabčíkovo dam on the Slovak-Hungarian border. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Skies will be generally cloudy to overcast. Fog may occur in the morning. Expect daily temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C. Rain is expected in many places on Sunday. A yellow storm warning has been issued for both days; see the map here. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA:Saturday - Medard; Sunday - Stanislava; Monday - Margaréta, Gréta.
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