In this episode, Sammy looks back on the six months he, Dinna, and their seven-year-old son spent in Italy after leaving the USSR — the first time any of them had lived in a new country. He shares what it… Continue Reading →
Host Ramone and guest Sammy discuss their family’s immigration journey from the Soviet Union (now Russia) to Canada. Sammy shares that their family lived in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) before immigrating in 1979, undergoing a long and challenging process that… Continue Reading →
Ramone, Elliot, and Frisbee Rob engage in a free-flowing conversation covering a variety of topics, from paintball and laser tag to small-town life, travel, and personal experiences. They discuss past paintball outings, including competitive matches against coworkers and unexpected encounters… Continue Reading →
In this episode, I continue my conversation with my mother, Dinna, revisiting childhood memories—including the time I drank ink and when I broke a vase by setting up a web of string. She shares her perspective on those moments before… Continue Reading →
In this episode, my son Ramone takes over as host, kicking off a debate about a nine-on-nine baseball matchup—him versus me—which quickly expands to hockey, basketball, and ultimate frisbee, with plenty of smack talk. We reminisce about past family debates… Continue Reading →
In this episode, I interview my father, Sammy, about our family’s escape from the Soviet Union in 1979. He recounts the tense journey from Leningrad to Vienna, where we first experienced the abundance of the West, before secretly entering Italy… Continue Reading →
In this episode, I interview my mother, Dinna, about her childhood in post-war Gomel, Belarus. She shares memories of growing up in a multi-generational home, the hardships of Soviet life, and the simple joys of childhood, including friendships and family… Continue Reading →
Sammy continues his gripping story of emigration from the Soviet Union. He describes the pivotal moments that led to his family’s decision to leave, including financial challenges and the underground network of information that guided them through the process. As… Continue Reading →
After a long break, the conversation with Sammy resumes as he explores the personal and historical significance of his name, sharing family stories and an unexpected discovery about its origins. He recounts efforts to trace the Negelev family name at… Continue Reading →
Photos of Hamburglers v Buds & Poofs in Fall Ball. The Hamburglers made it to the playoff finals, where they lost to the Poofs.
Photos of Hamburglers v Grills & Patties in Fall Ball.
Photos of Lugnuts versus Owlz in the playoffs. Lugnuts found a way to win.
