Zarja — The Dawn URADO GLASILO SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMEN S UNION NUMBER 7-8 JULY-AUGUST, 1991 VOLUME 63 65 Years of Teamwork - Respect - Dedication Officers and Delegates of the 21st National Convention Slovenian Women’s Union of America HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JULY & AUGUST National Officers: ZARJA - THE DAWN (ISSN 0044-1848) |u, 8 . Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - i i" 11 THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 July 1J ' NO. 7-8 JULY-AUGUST, 1991 VOL. 63 July 23 - Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze. Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust. Annual Subscription for non-members, $10.00 — naročnina $10.00 letno za ne-članice. Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926 Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, 1L All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I. v mesecu. Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (312) 548-8878 Olga Ancel, National Secretary, Joliet, IL Bernadette Kovačič, Director of Youth Activities, Silver Spring, MD Ann Tercek, Ohio-Michigan Regional President, Euclid, OH Presidents: July 27 - Ann Saari, Br. 23, Ely, MN Aug. 4- Betty Matjašič. Br. 101, Bedford Hgts., OH Aug. 7 - Rose Ivancic, Br. 5, Indianapolis, IN Secretaries: July 14 -July 18 -July 19 -July 20 -Julv 23 - Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. 1 2 13 13 Aug. 16 - Ann Pease, Br. 57, Niles, OH Mary Djubinski, Br. 102, Willard, WI Mary Percic, Br. 67, Bessemer, PA Phyllis Kukar, Br. 31, Gilbert, MN Alouise Epley, Br. 73, Warrensville Hgts., OH Cheryl Striner, Br. 71, Strabane, PA Mary Satkovich, Br. 97, Cairnbrook, PA Virginia Bendich, Br. 59, Burgettstown, PA Moreen Spencer, Br. 13, San Francisco, CA FrancesUlle, Br. 68, Fairport Hbr., OH ON THE COVER 21ST NATIONAL SWU CONVENTION DELEGATION Top row, standing from left: Marie Gombach (10), Mary Staut (102), Mary Brozynski (95), Mary Jo Rom (50), Dorothy Jamnik (35), Agnes Widina (26), Jean Korsman (39), Charlotte Laurich (38), Jennie Fiisek, Regional President (PA-NY-DC), Josephine Lustik, newly-elected National Auditor (20), Jo Kassan (54), Beverly Jackson, newly-elected National Vice President (13), Kathleen Emerson (105), Dorothy Lamm (32), Gloria Nusko (2), Evelyn Majercik, Convention Chairman (73), Beverly Menart (33); First row standing, from left: Frances Pavlovič (40) Henrietta Bledsoe (100), Rosemary Mlakar, Regional President (Western States), Steffie Segulin (10), Ann Saari (23), Mary Foys Lauretig (2), Evelyn Pipoly (50), Alouise Epley (73), Josephine Kapla (81), Ann Tercek, Regional President (OH-M1), Nika Kovacic (103). Mary Massich (56), Mary Jermene (85), Angeline Nico (89), Mary Turk (25), Emily Skull, Regional President (MN), Mary Taucher (47); Sitting, from left: Olga Kluser (19), Bernadette Kovacic, Director of Youth Activities, Frances Morison, Director of Women’s Activities, Marion Marolt, National Auditor, Mary Muller, National Auditor, Cirila Kermavner, National Vice-President, Victoria Bobence, National President, Hermine Dicke, Director Scholarship Fund, Irene Odorizzi, Director of Culture and Heritage, Olga Ancel, National Secretary, Corinne Leskovar, Editor, Josephine Mohorčič (25); Kneeling, from left: Anka Kregar (55), Marge Church (42), Fran Piwoni (17), Dorothy Sleigh (79), Matilda Sim-cich (43), Stavia Dobersek (12), Diane Varney (14), Jonita Ruth, Campaign Winner (20), Joyce Vicich (20), Ardis Gregorash (20). INDEPENDENT ^PAVINGS IS NOW Ma metropolitan Wm SAVINGS BANK 1515 E. 260th, Euclid, Ohio 44132 731-8865- <^AfatLonaL 'LpiE.i.uls.nt i tiitia, II jl r' a a d 4 / O o ELATED FEELING FROM THE CONVENTION Where does one begin? Post-convention euphoria kept me going for almost a week. After three days of intense convention proceedings, entertainment, and festivities, we can surely agree that the 21st National Convention of the S.W.U. of America was a huge success. A special thank you to our “super woman" Evelyn Majercik, Convention Chairman and host Branch 73 officers and members; to Marge Church and Branch 42 in charge of Registration — the name tags and name-plates were designated with a professional appearance; to Branch 47 in charge of the Hospitality Room during registration — what a beautiful and delicious buffet; to Branch 10 and the Susel sisters in charge of the craft table; and the Sunday banquet in charge of Branch 25 — Jean Drobnick and her assistants prepared a delicious dinner — everything done to perfection; to all who donated articles for the craft sale, gave monetary donations or donated priceless articles to our Heritage Museum, thank you! You are a remarkable group; the combined branches of Ohio made this convention outstanding and unforgettable. Perhaps a potpourri of convention highlights would be appropriate: Energetic Everlyn Majercik smiling and waving a S.W.U. sign at the Clevelend Hopkins Airport — bus trip to Sterle’s Country Restaurant, Slovenian style dinner topped with scrumptious apple strudel — Thursday Night’s Cocktail Party, the Maple Heights Button Box — Proclamation from Cleveland’s Mayor White — dinner dance at Doubrovnick’s Croatian Gardens, Johnny Vandal's Orchestra — impressive Croatian Heritage Room — Vincentian Party Center, elegant dinner dance, Joey Tom-sick Orchestra — beautiful and historic St. Vitus Catholic Church — Bishop Edward Pevec’s timely sermon —Are we truly missionaries of God? Do we spread the good news and gospel values to those around us? — Slovenian Lira Choir, a little bit of heaven — tears flowing — memories — charming Mrs. Mary Purkat, 89 years young from Branch 39 dressed in her Slovenian costume ■— Opening of the 21st National Convention of S.W.U. of America — Invocation, Fr. Tom Carolan, OFM — National Anthem, Sgt. Rick Borowiak — Pledge of Allegiance — Angleško Češčenje — Credentials — Welcome — Greetings — By-law Revisions — Resolutions — Motions — Deletions — Insertions — Discussions... and more discussions — Committee Reports — Keynote Address, Dr. Edward Gobetz, an in-depth lesson in history of our Slovenian people, their contributions and their talents which made a profound impact throughout the world — North Randall’s Mayor Spumulle — Maple Heights’ Mayor Den A moment of sisterhood was shared by past president, Mary Muller and newly re-elected president, Victoria Bobence. Officers elected for a term of four years are: President ............................... Victoria Bobence, Ely, Minnesota Vice President ........................... Beverly Jackson, San Francisco, California Secretary ...................................... Olga Ancel, Joliet, Illinois Treasurer............................ Sylvia Vukodinovich, Crete, Illinois 1st Auditor ............................... Marion Marolt, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 2nd Auditor ............................ Cirila Kermavner, Cleveland, Ohio 3rd Auditor ............................... Josephine Lustik, Joliet, Illinois Cultural & Heritage ........................ Irene Odorizzi, Reston, Virginia Editor of ZARJA ........................ Corinne Leskovar, Chicago, Illinois Women’s Activities ....................... Frances Morison, Brookfield, Illinois Youth Activities ...................... Bernadette Kovacic, Silver Springs, Maryland Scholarship Director .............................. Appointed nis Love — Photo Session — Slovenian dinner at St. Vitus Hall — Installation of Officers, Fr. David Stalzer—Award Presentation and Gifts to Hermine Dicke — One TAP of the gavel, adjournment of the 21st National Convention of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Thank yous — Farewells — Safe journey home. Motions made, seconded and carried are as follows: 1) that all members, except Juniors, be assessed $1 per year, effective January 1, 1992. This money will go into our General Fund. 2) to separate the Women’s and Youth Committee. (Fran will work with the Women and Bernadette will work with the Youth). ’ 3) that the National Board shall appoint three new members every four years to the Scholarship Committee for a full term of eight consecutive years. 4) that all By-law revisions as presented to the assembly were adopted with one exception (they will all be printed in their entirety later). 5) to change Article 4.01 of the By-laws to read, “A National Convention will be convened every four years in the month and place designated by the preceding convention. 6) to instruct the Scholarship Committee to formulate guidelines for a scholarship to be awarded for schooling in language and heritage in Slovenia with final approval and commencement date to be authorized by the Board of Directors. Congratulations to our five Scholarship winners, namely: Kimberly Micknowski, Branch 26, Pittsburgh; Michael Ceferin, Branch 2, Chicago; Deborah Vegh, Branch 50, Mentor, Ohio; Barbara Bucar, Branch 33, Duluth; and William Jones, Branch 73, Twinsburg, Ohio. May your future endeavors be fruitful and may God guide you along the way. Our re-organizational Board of Directors Meeting will be held at the Home Office in Joliet, Illinois on Saturday, July 20, 1991 beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m. Outgoing and incoming officers are expected to be present. *■'*• Branch 13, San Francisco, California offered to host theS.W.U. National Convention in 1995. Weareelated! Just received word that National Treasurer, Sylvia Vukodinovich’s husband passed away on Monday, May 20th. We are saddened to hear of George's death; he was a cheerful man who endeared himself to our Board members over the years. May God in His compassion bring peace and comfort to our dear friend and Board member, Sylvia. You are loved! Re-electing me to another term as your National President, has reasured me that together we can move forward to greater horizons. May we continue to grow and flourish and most importantly, we pray for God’s blessings on the Slovenian Women's Union of America. Victoria “Tory” Bobence PROCEEDING INTO ST. VITUS CHURCH FOR MASS Mass on May 19th was the concluding event of the National Convention. Top left and right photos: Victoria Bobence and Cirila Kermavner; National Costumed members, Mr. & Mrs. John Brodnik (left and right in the photo) with Alouise Epley (73) and her grandchildren. Below: Mary Staut (102) and Marge Church (42); the Marie Prisland Cadets (50); Bishop Edward Pevec, main celebrant at Mass distributing Holy Communion. MAKING US PROUD! JONITA - “NAVDUŠENA SLOVENKA”-ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT HER HERITAGE! Jonita with President Tory Jonita Erjavec Ruth, the top worker in our recent membership Campaign, with over 70 new members enrolled by this little bundle of dynamite, was a special guest at the recent National Convention. Jonita is the sister of our National Secretary, Olga Ancel, and of past officer of Br. 20, Millie Pucel. Jonita claims that she has lived with “Zveza” all her life, because as a girl her home was filled with the business of Slovenian Women’s Union - her mother, Josephine Erjavec being a long time National Secretary and organizer of Br. 20 drill teams, singing groups, junior activities, etc. So, Jonita comes with a lot of credentials and what is more important, she has many of her own, gathered in the recent years as she works for SWU in the Home Office in Joliet and is active with Br. 20. Some of her thoughts, expressed at the Convention before an attentive audience of delegates, was: * In order to get new members, start with your “families first," that is: husband, children, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers. * Don’t miss an opportunity to ask someone to join - oftentimes people are waiting to be asked. * When you give a cookbook (or sell one) mention the organization and sell a membership, too. * Use the opportunity when a member passes away, and you are attending the funeral (perhaps as an honorary pallbearer), to talk to family members because daughters often agree to join to take their mother’s place in the membership ranks. * Bring your ZARJA and show it to a friend or acquaintance - this is a sure thing to peak someone’s interest. In Jonita’s hand was a copy of the SWU application blank. She waved it to us and said: “This is our ticket to success! Keep an application blank in your purse and bring it out when talking to a friend. If they know about SWU, they'll want to join!” She also charged the branch secretaries to follow through on prospects or suggestions from the members, to include application blanks whenever sending any mail to members and to keep a welcome and open door at all times to a new member. Jonita’s enthusiasm was really contagious, as after her talk everyone applauded and promised to follow her ideas! She assures us, it works! 70 new members prove it, no??? God bless you, Jonita, and keep you busy and interested for many years to come! Ed. note: Jo would make an excellent guest speaker at any of your meetings in the future! Her appeal is a refreshing approach to the ongoing problem: How to get more members! C.L. Irene Jagodnik, former Nat’l Auditor is reunited for a moment at the Convention in Cleveland with former co-workers, Olga Ancel (top right), Mary Muller and Marion Marolt (front left and right). Success With Unity Membership Campaign is now on! KEYNOTE ADDRESS By Dr. Edward Gobetz Given At the 21st National Convention of SWU, May 17, 1991 Chairman Majercik, President Bobence, officers and delegates. dear sisters and brothers, drage sestre in bratje! Thank you, Mrs. Majercik, for your very kind words of introduction. My thanks also to those wonderful optimists responsible for inviting me to be your speaker today — and thank you so much — hvala lepa in bog lonaj'. It is. indeed, a great honor and privilege for me to be able to address the 21st National Convention of Slovenska Zenska Zveza — the Slovenian Women's Union of America, the spirit and the accomplishments of which I have admired since 1951 when I first started corresponding with your distinguished and unforgettable founder, Mrs. Marie Prisland. These convention days we do not meet only to conduct the business of the 21st National Convention, very important as this is; we also meet to celebrate the 65th anniversary of tireless work and dedication and of great accomplishments of this magnificent organization, called Slovenska Zenska Zveza. This, then, is a fitting occasion to express our gratitude for all the blessings of the last 65 years. First of all, we, as striving, if imperfect, Christians and Catholics, are immensely grateful to God — for all the efforts and sacrifices, no matter how persistent and noble, of those who sow and plant would be useless and in vain without Him who alone gives the growth and where our often uncertain and wavering steps toward His truth, goodness and beauty are, indeed, the only measure of our own humanity and of true progress. My God, how much all of us - and our Zveza - must be grateful for! We are so grateful for the vision, courage, and exemplary dedication of Zveza’s Founder and first President, Mrs. Marie Prisland! Let us pose for a moment in thoughtful tribute to our founder! Imagine a 13-year old girl, Marija. Marica or Micika Černe, in an immensely beautiful village of Rečica, Savinjska Dolina, or the Savinja Valley, in Slovenia, then under Austria. She lives with her kind and wonderful, but relatively poor and feeble, widowed grandmother, while her own mother and father had emigrated to Brazil, hoping to make some money and then get reunited with their only child. Yet within a year, heart-broken and longing for her child, her mother died in Brazil and beautiful dreams were so cruelly crushed. Maria, far from despairing, developed a dream of her own — she would go to America, save about $300 and then put herself through school to become a teacher. As Mrs. Odorizzi reported in one of her most valuable articles, some good neighbors from Rečica were in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and at 16 Maria joined them there, found work in a chair factor/ at 16 cents an hour and soon realized that her chances of returning to a Slovenian Teacher's College were next to nil. She worked hard, attended night classes and read tirelessly to improve her education. Then, iri 1908, when she was not yet 18 years old, she married a landsman from Rečica, John Prisland, and has become known to all of us as Marie Prisland. Formally, Mrs. Prisland, a devoted wife and mother of three children, Margaret, Hermine and Theodore, did Prof. Gobetz and Hermine Dicke, the daughter of SWU Founder, Marie Prisland not become a teacher of Slovenian youngsters. But in the greatest University of them all, which is the University of Life, she has become a teacher and leader and role model for thousands of us, her compatriots, and especially for officers and members of Slovenska Zenska Zveza, the largest and the oldest continuous Slovenian women’s organization which she founded on December 19th, 1926. Now, to put the beginnings of Zveza into proper perspective, please note that the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women in America the right to vote, was passed only six years earlier, in 1920, meaning, of course, that it was not easy for women, and especially for immigrant or ethnic women, to assert themselves in the 1920s. Yet, following an appeal published by Mrs. Prisland in Amerikanski Slovenec of October 30th, 1926, and after much legwork by Mrs. Prisland and her daughter Margaret, now Mrs. Margaret Fischer, 42 women showed up at the founding meeting, on December 19th, which was held in the school hall of St. Stephen’s Slovenian Parish in Chicago. As Mrs. Prisland later wrote, quite a few “Doubting Thomases” and envious souls attacked or ridiculed these courageous and trailblazing beginnings, stating with arrogant self-righteousness that the new organization would be "muha enodnevnica" — a one-day phenomenon. Yet, sisters and brothers, here we are, almost 65 years later, well and strong, and Zveza intends to live and pledges to work for many, many more happy and productive years! And, how fortunate we are to be able to greet in this 65th year of Zveza’s proud existence and magnificent work also a wonderful lady whom Mrs. Prisland in one of her Slovenian reports described as her co-founder of Zveza, and who has been one of the strongest pillars of this organization throughout its existence, Mrs. Prisland’s daughter and current chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, Mrs. Hermine Dicke. (Hermine, will you please stand and let us all give you a big hand!) How much I wish we had the time to pay tribute to all the deserving officers, spiritual directors, hardworking members, and helpful friends, lodge secretaries, reporters, cooks, and those self-effacing grand ladies who clean up the place after each meeting, program or social affair. Even if we cannot name them, we are grateful to all, for all were indispensible to Zveza's existence and growth. Yet, let me mention but a few names, starting with the first supreme offices of the newly established Zveza in 1926: Marie Prisland, president; Katie Triller, vice president; Julia Gottlieb, secretary, and Matilda Duller, treasurer. Now, almost 65 years later, we pay grateful tribute to all Zveza’s national presidents: Mrs. Prisland who served during the first twenty years, and was followed by Mrs. Albina Novak, another remarkable leader of Zveza who served as President, National Secretary and, for 19 years, as editor of ZARJA. We also gratefully remember the subsequent National Presidents: Josephine Livek, Antonia Turek, Mary Bostian, Mary Muller, and Zveza’s current president Mrs. Victoria “Tory” Bobence. (Tory, would you please stand and be recognized.) And who could ever forget such National Secretaries as Julia Gottlieb, Josephine Racic, and that outstanding leader, Josephine Erjavec, who served in this crucial position for 22 years, trained no fewer than three drill teams, and gave Zveza such respected leaders as her daughters, Olga Ancel, the current National Secretary, and Jonita Ruth of the Home Office in Joliet, Illinois. As Mrs. Prisland and her closest co-workers soon realized, Zveza could best achieve its many goals only if it had a periodical publication of its own — and thus Zarja-The Dawn - was born. The first issue of this remarkable monthly magazine was published in July, 1929. Thanks to the vision of Zveza’s officers and members, and its capable and hard working editors and reporters, Zarja has survived the great depression and all the problems and tribulations that had wiped out many a proud Slovenian American Magazine, from Cankarjev Glasnik and Čas to Majski Glas and Novi Svet - and, yes, this wonderful monthly is still being published today. Zarja has survived, undoubtedly, greatly thanks to its remarkable editors: Julia Gotlieb, Josephine Racic, Albina Novak, who had edited it for 19 years, and her daughter, Corinne Leskovar, Zarja’s record-holding editor, since 1952, or for 39 years. Please note that Mrs. Prisland wrote: “Corinne is an excellent, imaginative editor, a leader of our youth, and a many-sided worker for progress and popularization of Slovenian dances, national customs, and songs.” Corinne has also persevered for almost 40 years as co-director and director of the Slovenian Radio Program in Chicago. 1 am sure that you all agree that such a splendid record deserves our grateful applause. (Corinne, please stand) Let’s now take a glance - and only a glance it could be - at some of the wonderful activities, projects and accomplishments of Zveza! There have, of course, been some highly visible ones, such as the cadets, the proud uniformed drill teams, sport activities, youth circles, cultural programs, picnics, dances, and Christmas parties. There have also been numerous charity and scholarship campaigns and a number of collections, campaigns and resolutions in support of Slovenia, including an appeal to President Roosevelt during the second world war. According to Mrs. Prisland, in 1945 alone almost 3,000 of Zveza’s volunteers were busy making bandages and knitting sweaters and socks for the American Red Cross, to which Zveza also donated over 8,000 pints of blood. No fewer than 215 members served in the military, and 810 members served in the nursing or medical corps - A proud total of 1,025 Zveza’s women serving Uncle Sam. Then there were 9,709 sons, husbands or brothers of members who served in the Army, Navy and the Air Force, and 286 of them gave their lives for America in the Second World War alone, including Louis Dobnikar, the first casualty of the war, whose mother, Jennie Dobnikar, was a member of Zveza and was featured in Life Magazine, as well as in our books Slovenian Heritage and Ohio’s Lincoln, Frank J. Lausche. And almost four million dollars were invested into war bonds, thanks to Zveza! It seems to me that among all the fraternal organizations Zveza has also established one of the proudest publication records, for, in addition to 62 volumes of Zarja it has published “Ameriška Slovenka,” edited by Frances Jazbec and Marie Prisland; two editions of such popular cook books as “Women’s Glory — The Kitchen,” edited by Albina Novak and Marie Prisland, and another most carefully prepared and immensely popular cook book, “Pots and Pans,” edited by Hermine Dicke. Albina Novak prepared a very valuable collection of over 200 folk songs which the Zveza published under the title “Zapojmo.” As I was recently editing a book on that wonderful Slovenian American Poet and Composer, Ivan Zorman, I noticed again that it was Zveza alone which had the vision of preserving in published form some of his most popular compositions and arrangements, under the title “Slovenske Melodije.” Mrs. Prisland also wrote a very popular book, “From Slovenia to America." We all know of the very significant work, including the book “Footsteps Through Time,” by your Heritage Officer, Irene Odorizzi, the daughter of another wonderful leader of Zveza, the late Mrs. Emma Planinšek. And what about Zveza’s Heritage Museum in Joliet and the Slovenian Chapel in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., to the realization of which Zveza has again so significantly contributed? Finally, being from Greater Cleveland, I personally would not be surprised if your dynamic current Vice President, Cirila Kermavner, whom we see so constructively engaged in numerous activities, from singing to artistic photography and witty and talented writing, would come up with even more creative surprises for the benefit of Zveza and all Slovenian Americans. What great accomplishments Zveza can celebrate and what magnificent potential, great challenges and noble missions lie in the future! Know your Zveza and you will be proud of it. And, if I may borrow the title of my lecture presented in Washington, D.C., in 1973, upon invitation of the Slovenian Heritage Committee and of Slovenian Women’s Union and KSKJ: “Know Your Slovenian Heritage, and you will be proud of it!” If you know Slovenian, preserve it and teach it, join thousands of your compatriots who are learning it or at least read our literature in translation! And sing — please never give up Slovenian singing. As the saying goes: “Three Serbians, an army; three Croatians, a political party; and three Slovenians, a singing society!" It was in the very first issue of Zarja, in July, 1929, that Ivan Zorman, a great and loyal friend of Zveza, wrote: “Our ignorance of Slovenian culture is perhaps the greatest stumbling block of our national and community activities. How can our younger Slovenians be proud of our great Slovenian men and women, of our leaders and heroes, if they don’t know them?” And we may add, “How can we expect non-Slovenians to know and respect View of the magnificent marble altar of St. Vitus Church, Cleveland, Ohio us as a nation or a nationality group, if we fail to properly acquaint them with our culture and our accomplishments, including best literature in English translation and the most impressive achievements by Slovenians and their descendants throughout America and the world?” After 40 years of work in this field I can assure you that we Slovenians, or Slovenian-Americans, can, indeed, justly be proud also of our contributions to America and the world. Having edited the book, Ohio’s Lincoln, Frank J. Lausche, I know, of course, how justly proud Zveza is of one of its most enthusiastic friends and admirers, the late Senator Lausche, whom President Eisenhower called “A natural for U.S. Presidency.” And I know how proud you are of, and how much you have done to promote the cause of Bishop Frederic Baraga whom the Vatican Encyclopedia called “One of the greatest missionaries of North America in modem times,” and who is currently a candidate for beatification. Now, allow me to add just a few other highlights: According to irrefutable documentation of our Slovenian Research Center of America, we Slovenians gave America in addition to one federal senator, called the prophet of U.S. Senate, also three state governors, six congressmen, at least nine Catholic Bishops, six Admirals, and seven Generals. Since one of my university courses deals with ethnic contributions to America, I can assure you that many ethnic groups twice or even five times our size cannot point to such marvelous contributions. When, in 1951, I started researching our Slovenian accomplishments in America, I could, for several months, not locate a single Slovenian inventor. Now, 40 years later, let me underscore that there is probably no American who has not used, at one time or another, some Slovenian invention. Well, starting with Gerber Baby Foods, they were developed and even patented by Dr. Billerbeck whose mother was an immigrant from Slovenia. Housewives in America, and Canada need no longer clean the floors on their knees; many of them rather use self-wringing mops, Trentel’s patented invention. If you mail letters from your car, you use mail box snorkels, Jacob Zupan's invention. And if you have to go to the dentist, he or she may use dental alloys developed and patented by one of our center’s trustees, Dr. John Neilsen, originally Janez Sešek, who also became president of the International Precious Metals Institute. As you watch TV, you may even be using the in-door antenna models designed and manufactured by the Klančnik brothers, originally from the same area in Slovenia as Mrs. Prisland. Perhaps the book you read was bound by the fastest book-binding machines in the world, invented by Žugel. Of course, there are also hundreds of other Slovenian inventions, from airplane instruments that detect submarines to those that can weigh a plane while in flight. Recently, the Microwave Award of the Year and the Inventor of the Year Award were presented to Pucel and Vehar, respectively, two Slovenian American inventors. And let me add that Dr. France Rode, the son-in-law of the noted Zarja reporter Mrs. Ana Gaber, and Dr. Zvonko Fazarinc, another immigrant from Slovenia, played a leading role in developing and patenting the HP-35 calculators which were taken by President Nixon to China “As prime example of advanced U.S. technology.” You may also know or wish to know that the Ohio Turnpike was built under then Governor Lausche, that the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin are connected by the John Blatnik Bridge, that the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh and the Robert Kennedy Stadium in Washington, D.C., were designed by the Slovenian Architect Papesh, just as L’enfant Plaza in Washington, described as “The Triumph of Modern Architecture,” was designed by Aldo Cossutta, an immigrant from Slovenia, and the car of the future, which was the pride of America at the New York World’s Fair, was designed and built by a Slovenian Immigrant, John Bucik. The best gymnast in America, Peter Vidmar, is aware of his Slovenian roots, as is the winner of five Olympic gold medals, Eric Heiden, whose grandmother, Olga, is from Ljubno, a lovely village close to Rečica, Mrs. Pris-land’s home town. May I insert here that I am immensely grateful to many of Zveza’s officers and members who have long helped our center with materials, addresses, leads, publicity and promotion of our heritage books and language manuals. Outstanding among these were Mrs. prisland, Mrs. Dicke, Mrs. Leskovar; Mrs. Scoff, State President of California; Mrs. Anne Tercek, State President of Ohio and her husband; Mrs. Cirila Kermavner, the late Gizella Hozian, the Mejač Families from Washington, the Staut family from Willard, Wisconsin; the Tushars from Minnesota and Mencins and Birsas from Colorado; Mrs. Maček from Forest City, Miss Murvich and Michica from Michigan, Mrs. Justine Girod, Mrs. Šebenik and many others, and last but certainly most, a long-time member of Zveza, a past contributor to Zarja and my number one co-worker and not infrequently fellow-sufferer, my wonderful wife, Milena. From remarkable self-sacrificing mothers who worked so hard for their families and often for large numbers of “borders,” to such illustrious women as Antonia Baraga who established a Ladies Finishing School in Philadelphia in 1840, or Sister Diane Bregant, a contem- porary prominent b'iblical scholar and editor, or Albina Aspell, nee Molek, editor of the Catholic Post and President of Catholic Press Association of America, the Slovenian women, too, have played an immensely important role in building America and a better world. The books by world-famous author Alma Karlin from Celje were published in many languages and, as my wife reported in Zarja, Slovenian bells ring in Egypt where Karolina Prah Tomic built churches and orphanages. The Slovenians gave prominent conductors to Helsinki, Finland and to Buenos Aires, Argentina and Dr. Aloysius Ambrožič, a friend of Zveza and also of our Research, is currently the Archbishop of Toronto, Canada’s largest diocese, while Misha Lajovic became the first immigrant and the first non-Anglo-Saxon Federal Senator of Australia, where Gloria Krope from Slovenia reigned as Miss Australia. We could go on and on, but let me conclude with this interesting anecdote. In 1971, I wrote to Bishop Giovanni or Janez Moretti, then in the Vatican’s Diplomatic Service in Vienna who was just transferred to become Apostolic Pronuntius in Thailand and Apostolic Delegate in Laos, Malaysia and Singapore. Knowing that his mother, Jera Pertnač, was from Brestanica, Slovenia, and that he loved his Slovenian Heritage and Slovenian company, I sent him the address of a most remarkable Slovenian woman. Mother Xaveria Pirc, President of Regina Mundi College in Bangkok, Thailand, and educator of the Thai Royal Family, and told him that there, in Bangkok, she still bakes Slovenian Potica which may be an added attraction to visit her. Well, some time later, Father Poderžaj, a Slovenian Missionary from Bengal, India, visited us here in America and soon told me enthusiastically: “Would you believe it,” he said, “that all of us Slovenian Missionaries and Sisters from India, Thailand and other South Asian countries had been invited to Bangkok as guests of Pro-nuntius Moretti where we discovered that he is part Slovenian and still speaks the Slovenian language, and of Mother Xaveria Pirc and we were also served Slovenian Potica!” Laughingly I told him that I, indeed, believed him and may have had something to do in alerting Bishop Moretti of Mother Xaveria and even of her "Slovenska Potica” in Bangkok, Thailand. Dear Sisters and Brothers, don’t you agree that this, indeed, is the time to celebrate our wonderful heritage and the magnificent accomplishments of Zveza and of our people throughout America and the world! Yes, we have brought rich gifts to America and to nearly every country on all the continents! Yet, here is a word of warning: if anyone were satisfied to sit on his or her laurels, he or she would have them on the wrong end of his or her anatomy. We don’t want to make such a mistake! Past successes are but steps upward to new, even broader horizons and new accomplishments! The great Slovenian poet Oton Zupančič put it so well: Kuj me, življenje, kuj! Če sem kremen, se raziskrim, Če jeklo, bom pel! Če steklo, naj se zdrobim. or in English translation: Forge me, on thy anvil, life! Am I flint, then I shall flash. Am I steel, then I shall sing. Am I glass, then let me crash! Zveza and the Slovenian people in general have shown that they are not glass and will not crash. So may I heartily congratulate you, dear delegates and friends, on Zveza’s illustrious accomplishments of the last 65 years and may I express my very best wishes for continued success for many more years to come. I know that you will never crash. Like steel, you will sing, Irke Flint, you will flash. So God be with you and the spirit and blessings of your past leaders and members who, I believe, today rejoice with us as you celebrate 65 years of honest hard work and of remarkable accomplishments! Thank you so much — hvala lepa --in bog vas živi še na mnoga, mnoga leta! At the Cleveland airport postcards like this are available with an explanation of the features of the city written in both Slovenian and English. My visit to the Convention...it was great! Dear Friends and Members of SWU, I wish to share the beautiful memory of my recent trip to the National Convention of SWU, Cleveland, Ohio. The Bartol Family, son, Michael, his wife, Joyce, and our daughter, Loretta, and myself, left McLean, Virginia, 9:10 a.m., Friday, May 17, 1991. It was, indeed, a most enjoyable and memorable trip. The weather was sunny but with a cool breeze. We travelled miles of wide straight highways, no litter by the sides of the roads, but well-maintained highways and courteous drivers. The scenery, especially the trees along the Allegheny Mountains, on both sides of the highway, was breath taking with the beautiful foliage. It reminded our family of the movie “Sound of Music” and the beautiful scenery of the mountains in Austria, shown in that film so vividly. We arrived safely at Day’s Hotel, North Randall, Ohio. Shortly after our arrival that afternoon, the Convention meeting came to a close for that day. We were so happy to see our delegate from Branch 103, Nika Kovacic, and her daughter, Bernadette Kovacic, National Youth Activities Chairman, coming out of the Convention Meeting Room. It was a thrilling and delightful reunion to see our dear friends. Both ladies are so gracious, sociable, and dedicated in their interest and association with members and friends of SWU. They made our family feel so welcomed. Outside the Convention Meeting Room was a large corridor where the various organizations holding their conventions at Day’s Hotel had set up individual information tables and another table for the many homemade gifts being displayed for sale. Our table was maintained by three lovely and friendly ladies from nearby branches of SWU in Ohio. I regret that I cannot remember their names. But they were so nice. On the table were attractively arranged trays of delicious and tasty bread, cookies, rolls, and other Slovenian goodies to eat; lovely afghans; table place mats and coasters, in a variety of colors and patterns; doilies of intricate patterns; Pots & Pans Cookbooks; cooking aprons; shopping bags; the beautiful ceramic table lamp donated by branch 103, which was designed and made by our member, Mathilda Terselic, and so many other lovely and practical items. Also, tickets were being sold for two elegantly dressed 18” dolls on stands and dressed in exquisite designs of Slovenian Costumes. Incidentally, I was told that Ruth Kolenc, 854 East 230th Street, Euclid, Ohio 44123, made the lovely dolls and does accept orders, if anyone may be interested in obtaining one. My husband, John, a retired Navy member, enjoys drawing pictures of the sea and different models of ships for relaxation. He has never taken lessons, but our family and friends feel he has a natural talent. John contributed several framed pictures of various types of ships and a set of writing envelopes with his handdrawn sea pictures on one side of the envelope. I had the pleasure of meeting Evleyn Majercik, Chairwoman of the National Convention. Evelyn had made arrangements with a local bus company to transport those members and friends attending the convention to the social activities being held in nearby Ohio cities, for a very reasonable fee. Evelyn is a very warm, friendly, sincere and competent person. She was the perfect choice to handle such a large group of individuals so roficiently and with such gracious ease. Evelyn exceeded normal performance of her assigned duties by making sure everyone present was happy, comfortable, and enjoying the activities of the Convention. Friday evening, 6:30 p.m., the Convention Group departed Day’s Hotel by bus and visited Dubrovnik’s Croatian Gardens, Eastlake, Ohio, about a half hour drive. A delicious buffet dinner and dessert was served and entertaining live dance music of Slovenian favorite songs. During the evening of joyous celebration, Nika Kovacic was so kind and thoughtful to take time out to personally introduce me to the ladies sitting at her table. I was delighted to meet Victoria Bobence, National President of SWU; Hermine Dicke, President Scholarship Fund and the writer of cooking recipes for ZARJA and interesting little cooking notes that bring smiles to the reader; Ann Sustarich and Beverly Jackson, two lovely and vivacious ladies from Branch 13, San Francisco, my John’s hometown. Everyone’s heart was so open to love and friendliness. There were no strangers among us. Saturday morning, our family had a short, but most enjoyable visit with Sister Mary Ramon, SND, at St. Gregory’s Convent, South Euclid, Ohio. Then we visited Sister Mary Herbert, SND, and Sister Mary Verone, SND, at their convent in Chardon, Ohio. It was so exciting seeing our dear friends who were previously assigned for many years at St. John’s School, McLean, Va. Incidentally Sister Ramon is of Slovenian descent and attended Grades 1-8 at St. Vitus Grade School, Cleveland, Ohio. Subsequently, Sister Ramon taught school at St. Vitus and was Principal of that school on two separate occasions. At my age, 72 plus years old, the ecstatic excitement of the trips, the atmosphere, meeting new and old friends, and visiting my dear Sister Friends, made it necessary that I rest for the dinner dance being held that evening. However, I regretted that I missed attending the Convention Meeting held that Saturday. Later that evening, around 6 p.m., the Convention Group departed by bus for the Dinner Dance being held at the Vincentian Party Center, Bedford, Ohio. On the grounds of the center is located the lovely American Shrine of Our Lady of Levocha, and numerous outdoor statues, memorials, altars, and Stations of the Cross. Also, on this beautifully landscaped grounds is the home of the Motherhouse of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Our dinner and dessert was deliciously prepared and served very elegantly. The music was performed by Joey Tomsick Orchestra. It was entertaining and enjoyable with Slovenian and American favorites. The dance floor was occupied with graceful and happy dancing partners. Sunday morning before departing for our return home, we attended 8:30 a.m. Holy Mass at St. Jude’s Church, Warrenville, Ohio, just a short distance from Day’s Hotel. Father Tom Carolan, OFM, Pastor, met our family at the door of St. Jude’s Church and gave us a warm and friendly welcome. His blessing and beautiful sermon on the Feast of the Pentacost, made our family feel a happy peace that our trip home was sure to be safe travelling. Father Carolan was pleased to tell us that he had the joyful pleasure of saying the Invocation at the opening of the Convention CONVENTION GOODBYES Dear Sister Members of S.W.U., The Convention is history, and with a humble and grateful heart I want to express my thanks to each and every one of you. For those of you who helped by buying/ selling raffle tickets, by soliciting ads, or for making a project for our craft sale—Thank you. To all the delegates in attendance, your participation in the activities, your cooperation with schedules and your overall support for the convention program was tremendous. Thank you. To the National Officers, a deep debt of gratitude for the stamp of approval you gave to my plans, for the financial assistance you rendered to get the program off-the-ground and for just “being there" when 1 needed you—Thank you. I shall remember Convention 1991 as a milepost in my life, it was worth all the time, all the planning, all the problems. It was a challenge that will never be equalled and 1 thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to organize the Convention for you. I hope it will not be too long before our paths cross again. I made many new friends during the convention days, I shall remember them always. Let’s make a bargain. If you keep me in your prayers. I'll keep you in mine! With my warmest personal regards, Evelyn A. Majercik, Chairman 1991 National Convention Slovenian Women's Union of America A pleasant moment... Evelyn, a gracious hostess, Bob Kastelic, a knowledgeable emcee, Hermine Dicke, a smiling sister. NATIONAL CONVENTION AFGHAN RAFFLE — THANK YOU AFGHAN DONORS! YOUR WORK AND GENEROSITY IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED The afghans were numbered one thru fourteen. The tickets were drawn and also numbered one thru fourteen. Winning tickets were subsequently matched with corresponding afghans. Ticket No. 2481 1106 792 2438 1661 Meeting at Day’s Hotel and was looking forward to attending the closing of the convention at St. Vitus Church, where he again would have the pleasure of offering the Invocation at Holy Mass. Wishing all member and friends of SWU, Happy and Healthy days. Lovingly submitted by. Sabina L. Bartol Branch 103. Washington, D C. 305 1598 501 767 464 1816 293 1793 2133 Winner Vickie Matjašič 24101 Aurora Road Bedford Hts., OH Beverly Goldsworthy Box 157 Biwabik, MN Ann Mulvey 1705 Highland Ave. Crest Hill, IL Mary Ludz 110 S. Cleveland Niles, OH Mary Tome 20654 Centuryway Maple Hts, OH Agnes Boštjančič 32 Latimer Avenue Strabane. PA Frances Kotnik 1170 East 60th St. Cleveland, OH Rose Trombly 3748 4th Avenue, E. Hibbing, MN Dorothy Grbich 20 - 4th Street, NW Crosby, MN Mike Bratovich 225 F. Street, SE Auburn, Washington Afghan donated by: Unknown Louise Godec Brindza Branch No. 73 Julie Klotz Branch No. 73 (resides, S. Carolina) Janet Majercik Branch No. 73 Olga Sray Branch No. 73 Evelyn Majercik Branch No. 73 Ann Zupančič Branch No. 42 (Yam donated by Eleanor Charvat) Frances Cazin Branch No. 73 Alouise Epley Branch No. 73 Ann Zupančič Branch No. 42 (Yarn donated by Marge Zupančič) Plečnik Marge Zupančič 36375 Chardon Road Branch No. 42 Willoughby Hills, OH (Yarn donated by Marie Vercek) Anne Peterson Box 111 Bessemer, PA Erbe Bubnick 9808 Plymouth Garfield Hts., OH E. Urbic 6422 Varian Avenue Cleveland, OH Ann Zupančič Branch No. 42 Ann Zupančič Branch No. 42 (Yarn donated by Mary Tome) Sally Smith (from Tamarac, FL) c^fziitacjz d\[zvJiL and O/izivi Irene Planinšek Odorizzi Tillie Ausich, Heritage worker par excellence! Picture above shows the preparation of surprise gifts furnished by our SWU National Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi, and assisted by Matilda Ausich, Recording Secretary of Branch 103. These surprise gifts were given at the National Convention in appreciation for the generous donations by participants who gave so generously to assist in promoting our Slovenian Heritage. The National Convention is held for many reasons, not the least being to discover ways to promote and maintain the Slovenian culture, and to make ourselves visible to the rest of the world. Contributions were graciously donated by Convention participants and, in turn, they received a surprise gift. The Convention donations were as follows: $100.00 to the Memorial Plaque was made by Josephine Jamnek Gornick, Br. 32. Branches 35 and 39 each donated $25.00. The convention chairlady, Evelyn Majercik donated $50.00. $20.00 donations were made by: Matilda Ausich, Mary Jermence, Stavia Dobersek, Dorothy Jamnick; and Cirila Kermavner, $15.00. $10.00 donations included: Hermine Dicke, Anna Hodnik, Agnes Dobczuk, Marie Gombach, Frances Piwoni, Rosemary Mlakar, Kathleen Emerson. $5.00 donations were accepted from: Angela Nico, Dorothy Lamm, Jean Korsman, Jonita Ruth, Anne Orazem, Ardis Gregorash, Mary Foys Lauretig, Alouise Epley, A. Widina, Josephine Lustig and Ann Tercek. Cookies were provided with the coffee service for breaks during the convention. The cookie proceeds amounted to $22.65. We hope they offered that little extra “lift" for the busy proceedings. Total donations were $442.65. Many thanks to delegate and newly elected VP of Branch 13, San Francisco, Beverly Jackson who made and donated a lovely immigrant doll which was auctioned during the final afternoon of the convention. The doll brought in $50.00. We are grateful to the delegates for partcipating in the auction and for the donation by Beverly. It was a lovely doll. Donations for the SWU Heritage Fund are ongoing year round. Checks may be made to: “SWU Heritage Fund,” and mailed to: Irene M. Odorizzi Director of SWU National Heritage 2362 Paddock Lane Reston, VA 22091 THIS MONTH’S MUSEUM FEATURE Three fraternal books were donated to the Slovenian Museum by a Joliet fraternal society and contain historical records of that society’s development. Our Museum has become a repository for important books relating to early immigrant life and we have received many books and artifacts which need protection and a home. The Dues Books from the Society of the Holy Name of Jesus shows that the organization was founded in Joliet, IL the month of October, 1919. The title page also lists the officers who were prominent members of the Slovene community at that time. President, George Stonich Financial Secretary, John Butala Recording Secretary, Johan Hočevar Treasurer, Joseph Muhich Dues was recorded at 10 cents a month. The financial record book of the Holy Name of Jesus also begins in the year 1919. The first record was a collection of money to begin the treasury. It was donated by members and totaled $16.85. The record also reveals that Mass donations were $1.00 for a Low Mass or $5.00 for a High Mass during those years. The third book from the Men’s Holy Name Society reflects the changing times following WW II. Records beginning in 1950 reflect an increase in the amount of dues to $1.00. FRATERNAL WEEK The National Fraternal Congress of America is celebrating Fraternal Week and Flag Day starting on June 8 and culminating on June 14, Flag Day. This year Ellis Island has been chosen as the site of the 214th birthday of the American Flag and the principles it stands for. Sixteen million immigrants passed though Ellis Island and swore allegiance to the flag when they became American citizens, so it is only fitting that the event be celebrated at Ellis Island which was recently restored and opened to the public. A special room on Ellis Island is dedicated to fraternal societies who assisted in raising funds for the recent renovation. NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, VVI On May 18th, Br. 1 dedicated Holy Mass and Breakfast in honor of all our members. We had a nice group of ladies present. Janet Maurin entertained playing her accordian to our favorite Slovenian songs. Janet also read a poem from Calvin Coolidge on Mothers’ traits - love of Mothers, on how a mother’s love lasts until the end. The State Convention is at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church. Coffee and donuts will be from 8 to 9 a.m., the meeting beginning at 9. Holy Mass is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Dinner is at the Standard Hall at 12:30. Mark this special day on your calendars: SEPTEMBER 15th, 1991! We cordially invite all branches to attend. Tickets will be arriving shortly. Get well wishes to Frances Zin-daraich. Best wishes to Hermine Dicke on her retirement. We hope you, Hermine, and your husband, Bob, will enjoy lots of rest and relaxation. Dorothy Brezonik and her husband, John, are in Germany with her daughter, Kathy and Peter Schoeder. Hope they are enjoying the grandchildren and sightseeing. Thanks to all the ladies who helped at the Bake Sale. It was a great success! Sincerely, AG NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Finally we had a nice night weather-wise and a great turn out for our meeting; everyone was in a happy mood. Our hall was decorated for spring. Ray and his crew had a pretty little umbrella hanging from the ceiling. Percy, Terry and Joe made the cutest little bluebird house candy favors, the place-mats were of spring arrangements with the saying “Flowers are the poetry of Earth, as Stars are the poetry of Heaven," and the napkin rings were little Turtles. Mary Foys always has beautiful floral arrangements. Our meeting began with prayers of thanks, and Fran read a very touching poem “When Spring Comes” by Ann Silva. Our flag was draped for our deceased member Frances Kremesec Wright. The officers gave their reports, our treasurer, Sharon was absent since it is that time of the year and she was busy getting all the reports for Uncle Sam. Topics of discussion: 1. PICNIC - Remember the date JULY 21, 1991. MASS 11:00 a.m. As always we will be serving good Slovenian lunch. Live music by Vince Rigler/Johnny Amon. We will have 5 booths and games and lots of fun for the children. Vsi vabljeni. Pridite na piknik v Lemontu. Se bomo imeli prav lepo! Prinesite Vaše familije, sosede, otroci, in prijatelji. Imeli bomo slovensko hrano, glasbo. Sveta Maša bo ob 11:00 dopoldne. 2. BRAG PIG. We were busy with our members bragging about all the nice things that have happened to them or that they are proud of. It was fun to listen to and our Pig is getting fatter with the $. 3. WOMAN OF THE YEAR. Surprises! Chairpersons: Anna Mladic, Irene Kalina, Agnes Wroblewski, Jo Lukas, Helen Fitzgerald, Kay Turner. 4. CHEER BASKET. Please remember to help those who really need you. We were sorry to hear that our Catie Srabamek is in the hospital. She was hit by a car while crossing the street on the green light. The driver made an illegal turn. Catie is in good spirits and we hope that she will be out soon. We are all praying for you, Catie. The Baraga Mass at Lemont will resume on September 28, 1991. We have had a good attendance all year. Our condolence to Elsie Krochel Wojdula and to the Krochel family on the loss of their brother, Martin. He attended St. Stephen’s, was a member of that great baseball team. Please remember him in your prayers. CONGRATULATIONS to Mimi, Mark and Thomas Burkland on the arrival of little Katharine Eloise on 4/13/91, and to Grandmother Corinne Leskovar. Another member for S.W.U., we are happy. * * * On May 2, "Woman of the Year Celebration, was held. We honored Mrs. Mary Jagar with a beautiful Mass - Father Blase officiating. During his homily he talked about Our Lady and also touched upon the life of St. Athanasius. Our Sisters of St. Stephen’s played the organ and sang the pretty songs. The committee did a great job of decorating the hall in white/blue; floral arrangements were on every table. Jo Lukas and Helen Fitzgerald made all the cute favors, thank you scrolls, and placemats. The banquet table was overloaded with food!!! The members each brought something, Stanley Wozniak donated 20 lb. of roast beef and 20 lb. sauerkraut/sausage. We had food of every type, fresh fruit, cheeses, molds and then a large sweet table. We were grateful for all the food and bakery that Mary’s family brought. Our kitchen staff did an excellent job getting the food out and displaying it in good taste, the great chefs of the world could not have done a better job. Father Blase gave the blessing of the food. Bon appetit! Irene Kalina, M.C.; she was really enjoyable as she introduced the players in Mary’s life: her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The grandchildren were just adorable as they talked about their grandma. Through the generosity of Joe Worth who created it, a beautiful floral spray was presented to Mary by Fran Morison. Also, Fran gave Mary a statue of the Blessed Virgin from Br. 2 which had been blessed by Father Blase. We all had a nice time. God Bless you Mary, we all hope you will have many, many years to enjoy your children and all those lovely grandchildren. The 75 year members were given “precious moments” plates representing the month which they were born. We hope that all of you have a safe and happy summer. Get out and enjoy the sunshine. We pray that all our sick members will be back with us: Catie Srabamek, Stella Gorka, Jennie Puhek, Frances Kozel, Frances Zibert, Irene Carter, Luba Troha, Fussy Foral, Mary De-lRusso, Wanda Gurtowski. Love, DAISY S.W.U. INVITES YOU Membership open to all JULY-AUGUST, 1991 /11 NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO Hello everyone! April and May have come and gone. Our April meeting was well-attended and the usual order of business conducted. The mystery prize donated by Mary Kochevar was won by me, Pauline Pauchick. Our hostesses were Josephine Poder, Mary Tekavec and Steffie Barnett. “B" was then played. Our May meeting was the last of the season until September. Twenty-one members were present to enjoy the delicious catered meal arranged by Mary Tekavec and Helen Galich. Anne Spelich presided at the meeting. I am happy to report that she is doing great after having had eye surgery recently. Frances Simonich, Sec'y-Treas. was also present. She. too. is having problems with her knees. The mystery prize was donated by Anna Klun and won by Mary Tekavec. Prayers were said and a tribute read by Anne Spelich in memory of Jennie Pelc. who passed away recently, and reported a donation was made in her memory for a mass. Prior to Jennie's passing, her son. Richard passed away. We extend our condolences to the family. Our Mother of the Year. Retha Minton. was honored and presented with a gift. George Pavlin was the father of Retha's children and not John as stated in the article about Retha. Sorry, Retha. We were saddened by the death of the following recently: Ann Wodishek. Joe Novak. Anthony Dejak. Stephen Hiza and Mary Barker Steblay. We extend our sympathy to the families of the deceased. On our sick or "down" list we have the following: Natalia Dovgan had knee surgery, Chris Mehle incurred a broken hip in a fall. Marv Kochevar was bruised badly in a fall at her home and Josephine Lipich fell at her home and has lacerations. Among our home-bound we have Frances Raspet and Josephine Reems. who was Recording Sec'y. for a number of years. Josephine was in me hospital but is convalescing at home now. We wish a speedy recovery to all including those who are ill that we are not aware of. Those who plan to travel in the near future are: Mary Tekavec plans to go to Phoenix to visit her grandson and wife; Anna Klun is planning a trip to California with her daughter to accompany granddaughter, Susan home from college and is also planning a trip to Vernal. Utah to visit her son and family. Agnes Cvar. Mary Drob-nick and Josephine Lipich, along with their husbands, spent an enjoyable week in Las Vegas and Laughlin. Recently our Visitation Minister along with Father Michael and Father Alan spread cheer among our parishioners who are homebound and in nursing homes when they were anointed. How delighted they are when they are remembered! On a final note, I would like to comment on the beautiful breakfast prepared for the ladies of St. Mary’s Church by the men of the Holy Name Society. There were many beautiful prizes and those over 90 were presented with corsages. See you in September. Have a good summer. PAULINE PAUCHICK NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Our new meeting place is a nice place so as we get used to it, it will begin to feel like home. A nice kitchen and Phyllis Pruschick is in charge of it. Remember, our meetings are held at 80th and Lincoln Ave., St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and we start at 12 noon. Our recording secretary, Chris Boyance has been in the hospital so Mary Evanich is filling in. Get well, Chris, we miss you. Mary Skusek’s daughter died in Green Bay and we extend our deepest sympathy to Mary and the family. A nice profit was realized from our card party. Thanks to all who worked and donated. We honored our Woman of the Year, Jean Jelenc. The club payed for the lunch and the birthday girls brought the cakes-without calories. Our generous candy maker. Agnes Morrow, surprised us with chocolate dipped strawberries. What talent! Jean gave us a generous check for our treasury and she was thrilled to be honored. We presented her with a beautiful money corsage. We discussed our picnic which will be over by the time you read this. Hope everyone had a good time and the weather cooperated. As we have no meetings in July and August we wish you all a safe sum- mer. Remember our next meeting will be Sept. 17th. We miss Rosemary Spidell and Caroline Mommaertz. We still play our famous game and then have lunch at 12:00; then our meeting follows so the clean up gals can participate in the meeting and games. A happy birthday to our May-June-July-August gals and good health to all! MARY KIEL NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA We had our Mother of the Year Mass and Brunch yesterday. It was a beautiful celebration and the weather was gorgeous. There were 46 people present and honoree, Louise Petrusich was glowing with smiles and pride. Her daughter, Janet, son-in-law and grandchildren were just as proud! It was nice to see Shirley Cooper, daughter of Millie Sterbank, who came to all of our functions for years. We welcome two new members, Evelyn Kinner of Saratoga, CA -many of us remember Evelyn as her family lived on Potrero Hill years ago, and our new junior member, Mary Beth Flynn, who was 9 years old on May 17th. She will join her junior sisters, Anna and Katherine and mom, Dorothy Flynn, as a member. Grandmother, Dora Simenc, has to be very proud. She has two daughters and three granddaughters in Br. 13. Bless you, Dora. We are proud to have this beautiful family represented in Br. 13. Mary Beth, Anna, Katherine, Mom and Dad have their own plumbing business, BRADLEY J. FLYNN PLUMBING, INC., Fairfield, CA (707) 425-3814. Our dear member, Frances Skubic DiMauro, a member for 61 years, passed away on April 23rd at 94 years of age. Member, Rose Mara of Oakland wishes to extend best regards to all the ladies. Marion Mirabella is still under the weather and has all our thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathy to the entire Gregorin family and especially to members, Sonja and Steven Stimach on the loss of their father and grandfather, Louis Gregorin. He was indeed a very special man. He worked so hard for the Slovene community and our Church of the Nativity. Easter Sunday our parishioners brought their baskets of food to be blessed on the altar. It was a beautiful sight and a loving tribute to the man who started us on this tradition. We miss you, Louie, hut your memory and traditions will always be with us. Daughter. Joanne Maniscalco reports that her mon, Ann Vecilli is doing very well after her stroke. She is in a convalescent home and goes for therapy during the week. We really miss this super lady and her marvelous cookies. M. Jane Stephan is living in Gig Harbor, Washington and says the fam- Kenneth Kevin Brian ily is fine and Washington state is beautiful. Says hello to all members. Parents Dan and Moreen Spencer and aunty, Doreen Sustarich are so proud of their twins, Kevin and Kenneth Spencer. They are graduates of the 8th grade at St. Elizabeth's school, straight A honor students and have received academic scholarships from Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory High School in San Francisco. We know Nana Helen Sustarich is looking down from heaven with pride in her heart for Kevin and Kenneth. Way to go, guys! Louise Petrusich. our 1991 Mother of the Year and Vice President of Br. 13, is very proud of her grandson, Brian Nagel. Brian is a recent graduate of Jesuit High School near Sacramento and has been accepted at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. We know Brian’s sister, Stephanie, our junior member, and mom and dad, Janet and Bill, are so proud and excited for him. Lots of luck, Brian! Our June meeting was to be a "Hello to Summer” luncheon. Hope we had a nice crowd. Members are wished a very beautiful and safe summer. BEVERLY JACKSON NO. 14, EUCLID, OH Our April showers, certainly did bring May flowers as yards and fields were awash with a flourish of spring blooms. Our Mother of the Year dinner was the highlight of the month of May. We were greeted with a hall decorated in spring pastels and tables festooned with spring flowers with colorful favors and napkin rings. (Jackie Ulle and Mary Sintic along with their husbands worked many hours on these clever surprises.) Honoree Rose Rodgers was escorted by her proud family consisting of sons, John and Tom with his wife Nancy and children, Joey and Ann. Nancy's mother, Isobel Reedick also accompanied them. Rose’s sister, Alma Tercek was also a special guest along with many of Rose’s friends. Also at the head table were Rose's aunt, Mary Stražišar (Arrowhead) and cousins, Stana Grill and Anne Novince. Among the one hundred attendees consisting of members and husbands, were Regional Pres. Ann Tercek, Dorothy Lamm, Pres, of Branch 32, and Jo Comenchek, who had been sec- retary of No. 32 for 28 years, and her husband, Al. We welcomed new member, Clara Criado and members of No. 10 who are transferring to our branch, Rose Marin and her sister Dorothy Nemura. Also welcome back from Florida to a sun-drenched, lleene Collins. A gift certificate was presented to Rose from our members. Touching moment of the evening was the reading of an original poem to Grandma, Rose from granddaughter, Ann who also created a drawing for her. Rose was then presented a lovely bouquet of carnations and roses from grandson, Joey. A flower bedecked straw hat decorated with 25 dollar bills was created by Pat Nevar for a Benefit. Ann Rodgers proudly modeled the hat for all to see and what a stroke of luck when Ann was the excited recipient of the hat at the end of the evening! Ever popular caterer, Julie Zallar prepared a delicious meal of chicken and pork with all the trimmings topped off by her flaky apple strudel. This lovely evening could not have happened without the hard work of many of our members. We thank all who helped create the magical event: Jackie Ulle, Mary Sintic, Pat Stanic, Vice pres. Vera Bajec, Pres. Martha Koren, and Mary Stražišar (Arrowhead) for once again bringing in her homemade noodles whose sale was donated to our treasury. Thanks to all our ladies who donated the many canned goods and food for our baskets for the benefit drawing. We look forward to our annual picnic, this year to be held Sunday, August 25 at the home of Martha and Ed Koren. Picnic is on, rain or shine, at 30334 Ridge Rd. (Rte. 84) at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is requested to bring either a covered dish or dessert. This is another day when spouses are invited, so come one, come all. Call Marty for further information at 585-4227 or Vera Bajec 481-7473 to let us know you’ll be there. See you all then! Enjoy your summer! ALICE KUHAR The Reward Of A Thing Well Done Is To Have Done It. Accept The Challenges, So That You May Feel The Exhilaration Of Victory. Many Receive Advice, Only The Wise Profit From It. Another milestone in Romaine’s life! There is an old saying, "my cup runneth over with joy.” Well, dear friends, that’s just how I feel right now, so I must share this good news with you before I burst. My sister, Romaine O'Brien, who is a member of SWU Branch 16. and a registered nurse for many years, yet received another honor. On May 9th at St. Xavier's College, Chicago, she was honored with the Excellence in Education Award. This award is very prestigious and is presented to only one person a year. It was presented by Sigma Theta Tau Alpha Omicron Chapter of St. Xavier’s College. Romaine has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau since April, 1987. This International Honor Society is professional and scholarly, rather than social in its purpose. The Society recognizes achievement, leadership qualities, and fosters high professional standards. Through the years Romaine has received many honors for her nursing abilities, but this aw'ard holds a very special place in her heart. It is because of letters written by many former students that she was considered for this award. Romaine started her career in nursing at South Shore Hospital, and held various positions from floor nurse, ICU team member, House Supervisor, and then to the Education Dept. From there she moved on to the teaching of nursing and Director of the LPN Program of a local community college, and later to the Instructor of the Baccalaureate Nursing Program at St. Xavier College in Chicago, to Staff Development Co-Ordinator of a suburban nursing home. She has taught in Junior Colleges on both basic and advanced levels. She is a Diabetic Clinical Specialist, and belongs to many diabetic organizations. Her present position is at Oak Forest Hospital as an In-Service Educator. She designs and conducts staff development programs relevant to the learning needs of nursing personnel, and holds nursing orientation classes. If I could name the honors bestowed on her they would run the length of my arm. She also is very proud of being included in four Who's Who: American Nursing, American Women, Women Executives, and Who’s Who in the Midwest. She serves on the Board of Directors of I.N.A. District 20 and has held various positions in this organization. Romaine has always felt that "extra time and attention should be given to the student nurse who has a dream -a dream of becoming a professional someday, when she herself will be able to care for others in need. A Dream - but because difficulties may prevent her from achieving that dream, whether it be a lack of high achievement or lack of finances, still has a right to that "one time chance,” -that dream. If the student has a sincere desire they should be helped to reach their star, even if it means my going that extra mile to help make their dream a reality. For as God’s creatures we are all worthy of respect and - “a dream” come true! Yes, as her sister, I am very proud of her achievements and accomplishments. But I know that it was through our Slovenian mother, our roots, who instilled our faith, the seed of education, achievement, and the hard work ethic in each of us. Romaine, I congratulate you! ČESTITKE! Our Branch 16 sisters join in saying, a job well done. My cup runneth over with joy. Fondly, Dolores Br. 16’s Romaine O’Brien. In her professional life, she’s an award winner; in her private life, she’s a wonderful sister! NO. 16, CHICAGO, IL What a beautiful festive party -May 16th for the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin by our Mother-of-the-Year, Marge Prebil, Virginia and Megan. Marge was crowned Mother-of-the Year by Mary Brozovich. Readings of love for Mother were by Dolores O'Brien, Romaine O’Brien and Mary Peterko. Phyllis Perko was in our special prayers for her recovery. Each person presented a rose to Mary while singing Hail Holy Queen and Angelsko Češčenje accompanied on piano by Mary Rago. Delicious buffet dinner and, of course, all the homemade goodies were enjoyed by all. John Krcmaric entertained with beautiful dinner music. "This Is Your Life” Marge Prebil! A video by Marge’s family was presented for the happy and joyful entertainment of all. Marge was presented with a beautiful plaque. All she could say was, “What a family, aren't they something?" We all agree, of course, because she herself is something special. We wish her many happy years. Honors were given to our Fifty-Year members Agnes Krilich, Gladys Buck, Edna Winters, Josephine Og-rintz and Angela Torko. Congratulations. Each former Mother-of-the-Year was honored with a carnation as was each deceased Mother-of-the-Year. Many lovely gifts were given out. Edna Winters, our new president, thanked all guests, members and workers for making such a beautiful evening. Edna was honored as one of the representatives of the Chicago Park Seniors. She was chosen by the group at Calumet Park (98th St.). Congratulations, Edna. Please remember the change of time for our next meeting on the 2nd Thursday of September 12, 1991 at 7:00 p.m. FRAN B. ZUPANČIČ MOTHERS OF THE YEAR LILL HARTMAN Br. 17, West Allis, WI . cJ-fazhna)i Lillian’s mother and father were both born in Slovenia, came to Milwaukee, and there married and began to raise their family. She has one sister and four brothers. She is a graduate of West Allis Central High School and her first job after school was as a clerk at Gimble’s. Then she worked at Allis Chalmers in the mail room, until 1947 and later at Carl’s Catering, retiring after 20 years. A surprise retirement party was one of her greatest moments. She received the good wishes of her coworkers and a beautiful dinner ring that she will always cherish. After retirement at age 60, Lill had been taking turns nursing her mother until 1988 when mother passed away. Lil and her husband, Del, were married in 1947. He worked at the Schlitz Brewery for about 32 years and ten years ago, died at the young age of 58 while golfing in Waterford; this had been one of his favorite pasttimes. Lil has four grown children, Loretta, Janet, Thomas and Michael. There are 8 grandchildren and some of them live in California and Illinois. She keeps in close touch with them all. Lil is one of the first members to volunteer her services at the branch. She has a smile for everyone regardless of her own personal problems, the kind we all have to face, only it’s not always easy to smile through them. Lil has a pleasant disposition and great sense of humor that is wonderful to share. She also loves puttering in her garden. And, when she’s out, she attracts lots of compliments as she’s a very chic dresser! Quiet and forebearing, Lil is a happy person, is proud to be a mother and grandmother and says that it’s a “profession” that requires being a nurse, interior decorator, seamstress, psychologist, child trainer, money manager and cook. The honorofbeing chosen Mother of the Year, she says, is the climax of all these achievements! Br. 28, Calumet, MI c/ftics. ^J~>st£.z5.on Alice Mary Peterson was born on November 15, 1931 in Copper City, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Cenich) Murvich. She attended the Copper City School and graduated from Calumet High School, Class of 1950. On September 5, 1953 she married James Peterson. The couple has three children, Kim 31, Mary Jo and Mark (twins) who are 28. Kim is a school teacher in the Hurley, Wisconsin School System, Mary Jo is an executive secretary and office manager for the Ventures Group and Mark is employed by United Parcel Service. Mary Jo has two children -Jennifer, 5 and Phillip who is 2 months old. Mark has two children, Casey, 7 and Gillian, 3 years old. Her husband, James is retired and had worked for the Village of Laurium. Alice worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company as an operator and unit clerk until dial conversion in 1966. She then worked for Calumet and Hecla Mining Company as a secretary and WMPL Radio as a salesperson. In 1971 she became employed by the Michigan Employment Security Commission in several different positions, secretary, interviewer, job developer and office manager. She retired on January 1, 1991. Please turn to next page. Br. 89, Oglesby, IL (] Vaiisl Darlene is the daughter of the late Frank and Sophie (Perschuk) Frank of Oglesby. They emigrated from Austria. She was born on July 22, 1931 in Oglesby, IL. Darlene has 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Her sisters are Elsie Stone, and Frances Hunter; her brothers are Frank Frank Jr. and Charles Frank. A sister, Marian July, passed away in December, 1990. Darlene graduated from public school and La Salle Peru Township High School. She worked for Bell Telephone for 4 years. She married Victor T. Wasielewski on January 16, 1952. Before retiring Victor worked for L.S.&B.C. Railroad for 36-1/2 years. They have 3 children: Pamela Nosalik, Robert, and Lynn and are proud grandparents of 5. Their oldest grandson, 19 year old, Brian Nosalik. has been blind since birth. He is a student at the Hope School for the Blind in Springfield, IL. Darlene is following in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother, the late Sophie Frank, was very active for years as the treasurer for Branch 89. She was liked and respected by all. If history repeats itself, we are certain that Darlene will be just like her mother. Your mom would be very proud of you! Her hobbies include crocheting, embroidering, and working on crossword puzzles. Darlene served as Sunshine Chairwoman for 5 years (1980 thru 1985). She is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, dear friend, and a devoted and loyal member of Branch 89. We are happy to honor you as our Mother of the Year, Darlene! Our congratulations go to you. May you and your family have a long and happy life. We all love you. KEEP THE CONNECTION... Thank You! Donations for ZARJA, given at the Convention in May and accepted by the Editor, Corinne Leskovar. Memorials: $25.00: Anne Kapel; $20.00: Joanne Ponikvar, Josephine Kassan. Evelyn Pipoly, Ann Saari, Dorothy Lamm, Beverly Jackson: $5.00: Mary Jermene. Donations: $25.00: Br. 35, Aurora, Minnesota; $20.00: Fran Piwoni, Ann Saari, Matilda Simcic; $10.00: Marie Gombach, Jennie Flisek, Agnes Widina, Rosemary Mlakar. Mary Taucher; $5.00: Alouise Epley, Jo Mohorčič. Angela Nico. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS GRATITUDE............... Enclosed is a check for the 65th Anniversary of ZARJA which I enjoy reading. Margaret Fischer Enclosed please find my check for S25 towards support of our beloved magazine. ZARJA - The Dawn. The ladies from lodge 10 wish you a Blessed Easter holiday. Rosemary Susel Please give this check for $25 to the ZARJA magazine fund from Br. 34. Marx VoUetuiorf MOTHER OF THE YEAR Continued During her lifetime, Alice has belonged to and has held several offices for different organizations. She was executive secretary for the Laurium Chamber of Commerce, President of the Ingot Club. Business and Professional Women. President of the Calumet Band Parents Club and for Branch 28 she has been the recording secretary, treasurer and is presently the President of the Branch. Her hobbies include bowling, reading, crocheting and knitting and spending time with her grandchildren; and last, but not least, she enjoys playing Bingo! Alice has been a member of the Slovenian Women's Union since 1966. Our heartfelt congratulations! Sending check for a donation of $25 from Branch 50. Thank you. Mary Jo Rom Here are a couple of donations to the ZARJA fund: SWU Br. 35, Aurora, MN sends $100 and Gabrielle Goritchan, $5.00. Hope this helps a little. We certainly do enjoy the ZARJA. What a beautiful article on our darling Nicholas Martinetto. He is so great and we're proud of him! Dorothy Jamnik IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER, Edward Jermene Mary Jermene, DePue Illinois VIDEO TAPE Nice & Easy Step By Step BAKING • Krofe • Potica • Strudel • Pohanje • Potato Pancakes • Noodles and Cabbage • AND MORE IDEAL for...Brides...Showers... Xmas Gifts...Personal PRICE $29 - Write to: FLO’S KITCHEN 38453 Wood Road Willoughby, OH 44094 Enclosed please find my belated donation to help keep ZARJA in print. 1 am another who very much enjoy's keeping in touch with my heritage through this publication Good luck in reaching your goal in donations. Fran Oldenburg, Joliet, IL. Am sending a check for $25 towards the ZARJA fund. Wish it could be more, because we enjoy the magazine and it keeps us in touch with our Chicago friends. Best wishes. Regards to all who remember me. Cookies DiCenzo Enclosed is a check for $10 for the ZARJA Printing Fund. I love this magazine very much. 1 enjoy reading the reports from the circles. It surely would be nice if we could have a circle here in Florida. I wish to express my thanks to Ann Hodnik/Anita Vovk for the delightful pesem. "Obisk" in the Jan.-Feb. issue. And, in an earlier issue, the Rosary in Slovenian. Am hoping to see you all again. Take care, stay well, God bless you all. Pozdrav, Pat Hagemeier. We enjoy the ZARJA and James enjoys the special page for children! Enclosed is a donation for the printing fund for myself and my mom, Anne Orazem. Thanks for all your hard work. Kathleen Orazem Wheeler Am enclosing $2 for the ZARJA magazine. I enjoy reading it and got my best recipe I favor. So, I hope everyone thinks as I do in donating. Keep up the good news and recipes. Antonia Kerzicnik Enclosed you will find a $25 donation from Br. 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Thank you for bringing the ZARJA to us each month. We all enjoy reading it. Dorothy Brezonik Enclosed is our donation from Br. 102 in Willard, Wis. to help with the printing expenses. Mary Djuhinski I enjoy the ZARJA very much. It helps to keep in touch. I pass it on to my Croatian friend in town. Lillian E. My mother Mrs. Mary Palcic, has been a member of The Zarja-The Daw'n for a good many years. She belonged to Br. 93 Brooklyn. She has since passed away, and I always looked forward to the ZARJA, myself. I read the book from cover to cover, and enjoy even the Pots & Pans. I also, with may others, don't like to see the ZARJA discontinued. I’m closing a check for ten dollars, which I know every little bit will help. Hope to receive future issues. Sincerely, MaryH. Palcic A SINCERE THANK YOU TO OUR “KEEP OUR CONNECTION!” CONTRIBUTORS "Keep our Connection Contributors." which arrived during Pennsylvania-New York-Washington, DC April. They are listed according to our seven regions: California-Oregon-Washington Branch no. 100, Fontana, CA Colorado-Kansas-Missouri $15.00 40.00 Branch no. 59, Burgettstown, PA $ 25.00 Branch no. 73,WarrensvilleHts.,OH 10.00 Marty Altenbaugh, Manor, PA 5.00 Wisconsin Illinois-Indiana 175.00 Branch no. 16, South Chicago, IL $100.00 Branch no. 85, DePue, IL 25.00 Memory of Tony Gaber from Wife Agnes (2), Chicago, IL 50.00 Minnesota 55.00 Branch no. 33, Duluth, MN $ 25.00 Branch no. 38, Chisholm, MN 25.00 Barbara Brennan (23), Ely, MN 5.00 Ohio-Michigan 25.00 Memory of Nathan Fitzthum from Wife Jennie (14), Euclid, OH $ 20.00 Mary Hahe (6), Barberton, OH 5.00 Total for April Previous Total Total 310.00 1,711.00 $2,021.00 SUMMARY: California-Oregon-Washington $ 130.00 Colorado-Kansas-Missouri 30.00 Illinois-Indiana 687.00 Minnesota 290.00 Ohio-Michigan 584.00 Pennsylvania-New York-Washington, D.C. 255.00 Wisconsin 45.00 $2,021.00 IN LOVING MEMORY Frank & Rose Racher Harry and Joanne Ponikvar Warren, Ohio FOND MEMORY Kassan - Smuke - Gorsich Families Josephine Kassan Warren, Ohio IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER, HARRY BLATNIK Evelyn Pipoly Euclid, Ohio WITH LOVE - OUR DEPARTED FAMILY MEMBERS BUCHAR - BRADDOCK FAMILIES Anne Kapel, President, Br. 100 Fontana, California Convention Photos Courtesy of Mary & Vitko Staut (pages 2,35,42,43) Olga Ancel, (pages 3,4,9,20,21,34) Nika Kovacic (pages 6,7). Thanks to them for making this an interesting issue. IN MEMORY OF MY FRIEND, JEAN M. PETRICK who died April 27, 1991 Dorothy Lamm, President, Br. 32 Euclid, Ohio REMEMBERING MY MOTHER, FRANCES CHIODO Beverly Jackson San Francisco, California IN MEMORIAM Kristina Bombach Sept. 12, 1889 - July 19, 1951 Devoted Wife, Mother and Zveza Officer Also remembering Dad, Matthew Bombach and Brother, Victor Bombach. May they all rest in peace! ****** MARIE DYE Detroit, Michigan (Br. 105) FOND MEMORIES REMAIN LEE SLOGAR Ely, Minnesota Passed away in May, 1991 Ann Saari, President of Br. 23 1991 BARAGA DAYS SLOVENIAN CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, Washington, D.C. 4:00 p.m., Saturday -- Slovenian Liturgy — in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 6:30 p.m., Saturday — Banquet in the Sheraton Park Hotel. Baraga Assn. annual meeting and Slovenian cultural program follow immediately. 2:00 p.m., Sunday - English Liturgy -- Main Church (upstairs) at the Shrine. (Likely celebrant: James Cardinal Hickey, Archbishop of Washington, host of the Baraga Days.) The Slovenian Chapel of Our Lady of Brezje Hundreds of Slovenians and friends of Slovenes will be in Washington over the Labor Day weekend this year for a double celebration. Formally, the dual events are the 1991 Baraga Days and the observance of the 20th Anniversary of the dedication of the Slovenian Chapel of Our Lady of Brezje in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Consider this your formal invitation to participate. (It also is an invitation to volunteer to assist in the conduct of the events being planned by an ad-hoc committee of Washington-area residents.) For your guidance in planning your participation in the weekend, following is the calendar of events as they now stand: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1 - Participants from across the United States, Canada and overseas check into the offcial hotel for the weekend: The Sheraton Washington, in Northwest Washington. There they will receive at the special hospitality desk, tickets and other materials, including complete schedules for the entire weekend. Hotel reservations should be made directly with the hotel, Sheraton Washington Hotel, 2660 Woodley Rd., NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, 1 (800) 325-3535. To get the special rates, mention that you are with BARAGA DAYS, and if you guarantee payment by check or credit card the Hotel will hold your reservations late. Hotel rates for Baraga Days participants (per night): Single or double room, $75; room for three, an additional $20 (total, $95); room for four, another $20 (total, $115). Cost per person under these special, reduced rates: one person, one room — $75; two people, one room — $37.50 each; three people, one room — $31.67 each; four people, one room — $28.75 each. (Plus tax on all rates.) gram. Deadlines: Hotel reservations by end of July; Banquet tickets by Aug. 5th. Both the Sheraton Washington Hotel (formerly the Sheraton Park Hotel) and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception are located in the northern section of Washington. The cost of the banquet - a 1 ikely price is $35, including all gratuities and taxes. Final details will be made known when agreement is completed. A second dinner (probably buffet style) is being discussed for Sunday, Sept. 1, if the number of participants staying over warrants it. The buffet could be combined with a second cultural program. “We expect that the commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the dedication of the Slovenian Chapel here and the Celebration of 1991 Baraga Days will be a memorable event, and the visit to Washington a pleasant and joyful one,” said Mr. Conrad P. Mejac, chairman of the commute. Inquiries about participation can be addressed to Conrad P. Mejac, Chairman Coordinating Committee 4445 Butterworth Place N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016 202-966-0296 DEARLY DEPARTED REST IN PEACE 2 - Frances Wright (76) 26 - Josephine Jergel (91) 38-yr member 63-yr member 3 - Johanna Pelc (84) Branch charter member 45-yr member Josephine Selec (90) Ann Wodishek (77) 59-yr member 34-yr member 28 - Angeline Cekada (95) 5 - Rosie Dugar (82) 62-yr member 36-yr member Charter member 6 - Agnes Arko (95) Margaret Musich (77) 54-yr member 32-yr member Albina Obreza (92) 30 - Josephine Pogačnik (99) 60-yr member 54-yr member 35 - Delores Lesnau (65) 13 - Rose Bianco (80) 6-yr member 25-yr member 38 - Edith Dolinar (79) Frances Dimauro (94) 13-yr member 61-yr member Angeline Paver (85) 14 - Pauline Rose (78) 35-yr member 60-yr member Frances Ponikvar (93) 17 - Mary Petrich (87) 59-yr member 63-yr member 39 - Josephine Udovich (70) Charter member 23-yr member Josephine Schlossar (100) 40 - Mary Ploszaj (72) 63-yr member 24-yr member Branch organizer 42 - Olga Ponikvar (72) Past national board member 51-yr member Ollie Yurcich (71) 45 - Mary Kusturin (59) 12-yr member 14-yr member Katherine Millak (88) 19 - Jennie Shukle (80) 38-yr member 42-yr member 50 - Josephine Bencin (89) 20- Louise Gregorash (82) 60-yr member 56-yr member 54 - Elizabeth Dunlap (61) Fannie Petrovič (88) 52-yr member 55-yr member 63 - Barbara Finnie (92) Catherine Suhadolc (91) 56-yr member 51-yr member 67 - Louise Serjak (93) 24 - Agnes Ostrowski (88) 55-yr member 39-yr member Jennie Tomsich (93) Emma Shimkus (92) 41-yr member 58-yr member 71 - Estelle Trzcinski (75) 42-yr member — Charter 25 - Victoria Bergles (100) 89 - Frances Gorišek (82) 54-yr member 38-yr member Anna Burdelich (88) 91 - Frances Kresevich (87) 54-yr member 37-yr member Josephine Mocarski (73) Jean Oswalt (80) 29-yr member 50-yr member Frances Rolik (80) 93 - Anna Kepic (91) 31-yr member 53-yr member NO. 17, WEST ALLIS, WI May began on a very busy note for our Branch. On Wed. May 22nd we honored our Mother of the Year, Lill Hartman, at a 1 o’clock luncheon at Kegel’s Inn. Lill was radiantly happy as she greeted her family, relatives and her many friends. Present were her sister, Jennie, daughter, Janet granddaughter, Jennifer, also cousin, Ann and her dear friend, Carol. After a brief introduction Sec.Joan Yaklich pinned a beautiful corsage on her. Pres. Marion Marolt gave a “This is your life Lill Hartman” in Marion’s own style and commentary, after which she was presented a beautiful yellow rose and wallet, compliments from our branch. A lovely poem was also read in honor of all mothers. Many congratulatory cards were given to her. This was a fine tribute to a wonderful mother and grandmother. Must comment a bit about the 21st National Convention held in Cleveland, Ohio in May. I had the pleasure of being the delegate for our Branch which was quite an experience and very informative for me. We wish to thank the host Br. 73 for their generous hospitality throughout our stay there and at the convention; and, a great big "Thank You” to the chairperson, Evelyn Majercik for taking very good care of us and seeing to it that we got to our destinations on time. The hospitality shown us on our arrival on Thursday and evening cocktails was great, the Button Box music excellent. On Friday, the Keynote Speaker, Edward F. Gobetz, Ph.D. gave a very interesting and informative speech. The dinner dance at Dubrovnik’s was fantastic as well as the banquet and dinner dance at the Vincentian party center. The dinner following the mass at St. Vitus parish hall was a splendid way to send us on our way home. 1 can go on and on about the great time we had in Cleveland, but enough is said for now. Just heard Margaret Mesich is at Sacred Heart Sanitarium for rehabilitation after her stroke. Hope she will be back with us soon. Have a safe and enjoyable summer. FRAN P1WON1 “ZVEZA” MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN IS NOW ON! OUR MEMBERS ON PARADE! Wfntn envelopes brochures The Centennial parade of St. Joseph's Church in Joliet, Illinois was held May 12th followed by an all-day celebration. Our members took part in all aspects of the auspicious 100 year anniversary. Olga Ancel donned her SWU Br. 20 Cadets drill team uniform (still fits her! I and little Carrie Gunier marched with her flag; Carita Girman walked along with her daughters Hannah and Maria (in the buggy) and Nicholas Pucel; in the car that showed the SWU logo are Mr. & Mrs. John Anzelc, and under the "Židana marela" were Julia and Tony Kaluza and Lillian Cepon. The Solemn High Mass was concelebrated by Joliet's Bishop Joseph J. Imesch and Bishop Roger Kaffer. Congratulations - ad mutos annum! NO. 20, JOLIET, IL St. Joseph's Church Centennial Celebration was started with a concert on April 12. The organ preludes and the Slovenian Choir was directed by Don Legerski. The “Glory & Praise" Choir was directed by Anna Mae Lukančič. The St. John United Church of Christ, Mokena Hand bell choir was directed by Lillian (Todorovich) Caneva. a former St. Joseph Alumna. The music was heavenly. The church was packed with visitors and parishioners. St. Joseph's Centennial mass was celebrated by Bishop J. Imesch and R. Kaffer on Sunday, May 12. After mass and dinner a program was held at the hall at St. Joseph’s Park. All who attended received a beautiful medallion with St. Joseph and the church, designed by artist Lucille Dragovan. The Park Hall was decorated with pictures depicting the growth of the church in the decades past and a replica of the church, as a candle, was on each table. Rt. Rev. Msgr. M. Butala was honored for his 70 years as a priest and as our pastor for ever so many years. The entertainment at the dinner was by the Slovenian Choir and Slovenian dancers. It was a grand day for the Slovenians in Joliet! Congratulations to: * Kris Cardwell and Erin Burke, recipients of the SWU Scholarship Award for 1991 (from Br. 20). Erin Burke was also presented the American Legion Award as an all-around student. We are proud of you, Erin, and of you, Kris! Mr. & Mrs. Robert Figurowski on the marriage of their daughter, Vicki to Tyler Hill, III, April 27, 1991. On their first American visit, Spomenka Hribar, well-known Slovenian activist and journalist Alenka Puhar, toured the SWU Heritage Museum in Joliet which impressed them with the pictures and artifacts showing the work of our Slovenian immigrant women. Mrs. Hribar was inviting everyone to attend the first Slovenian World Congress taking place in June in Ljubljana. On the photo with the guests are, front. Editor Corinne Leskovar and standing, Lillian Cepon (20), Dr. Maria Bernik (2), their hostess, also Mary Rozman (20) and Nat’l Secretary Olga Ancel. * Mr. & Mrs. John Anzelc, on the marriage of their son, Michael to Kathleen McGown. Best wishes to the newlyweds. * Mrs. Eleanor Smrekar on her induction into St. Joseph’s Hall of Fame for Senior Parishioners. * Olga Ancel, re-elected as National Secretary of SWU. * Josephine Lustik, elected by SWU as Third National Auditor. * Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Krause on the marriage of their daughter, Anita Marie to Phillip Ross Lane. Best wishes to the newlyweds. * Mr. & Mrs. Frank Horzen on the marriage of Jim and Deborah Horzen. Best wishes to the newlyweds. * Mr. & Mrs. Frank Gasperich on their 45th wedding anniversary. Wishes for many, many more. Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Krohn. on the marriage of their son, Kris Joseph Krohn to Lynette Ann States, April 20, 1991. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lilek, on the birth of their baby girl, Amy Kathryn. Andrew & Pamela Ancel are the proud parents of a baby girl, Catherine Marie. Mr. and Mrs. James Markelz on the ordination of their son, Carl J. to the priesthood, to the Order of Carmelites of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. Fr. Carl’s Thanksgiving Mass was on May 19 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Joliet. Jonita Ruth took her job seriously in recruiting new members during Tory’s Garden Membership Campaign. In 4 years, she enrolled 70 members in Branch 20! She even recruited the new Mayor of Joliet, Arthur Schultz's wife, Frances! Jonita was awarded a grand prize for her work, a week’s vacation at Bobence’s fishing resort in Minnesota. She also received a free trip to the Convention to speak to the delegates on how she manages to enroll so many new members. Congratulations to you, Jonita! Keep up the good work! 3 members of Branch 20 have been honored as Woman of the Year, 1991. Marie Schiedt (Poppy) has been chosen the Woman of the Year for Branch 20, Slovenian Women’s Union. A dinner in her honor was on May 21st. Marge Grayhack has been chosen Woman of the Year, to represent St. Genevieve’s, Lodge, No. 108, KSKJ. A dinner in her honor was May 5th. Diane Govednik has been chosen Woman of the Year to represent the Altar and Rosary Society Council of Catholic Women of St. Joseph’s Church. A mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond and a luncheon on April 28, was to honor all CCW honorees. Our “Woman of the Year” dinner honoring Marie “Poppy” Scheidt was a wonderful dinner and beautiful program. Service to Our Lady of Brezje was by Fr. David Stalzer. Anna Mae Lukančič, vocalist, sang “On this day, o beautiful Mother; I sing a maid; Ave Maria and Gentle Woman.” Flute selections were by Beth Scheidt, granddaughter of Marie. “Češčena si, Marija” was led by Don Legerski on the organ as the closing song honoring Our Lady of Brezje and our Woman of the Year. All past Women/Mothers of the Year received a Novena card from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. from our branch. Roman Possedi, a member of Br. 20, is celebrating 45 years as a professional accordianist on Sunday, Sept. 29th at the Condessa Del Mar, 12200 S. Cicero Ave., Alsip, Illinois. The cost of the banquet and entertainment is S20 per person. Call (708) 868-0428. Condolences to Dorothy Juricic Brown and family, on the loss of her husband, H. Charles Brown. Get well wishes fora speedy recovery to Marie Malnarich and Mary Tomašič. Helen Horvat is recovering and is at the Deerbrook Nursing Home, Larkin Ave., Joliet, IL 60435. Send her a card - I’m sure she’d enjoy it. Condolences to the relatives and friends of the Suhadolc family on the loss of their mother, Katherine and to Bob and Joyce Vicich on the loss of Bob’s brother, Leonard. Our member, Wileen Dragovan has a very exciting profession. She was Ron Howard’s assistant as he directed the film “Backdraft" and now is the location director for the film, “Babe Ruth.” She works for Universal Studios in Hollywood. The Annual Rummage Sale, as usual, was a great success; the sale earned $700 + dollars, for scholarship awards. Thanks to all who helped in this endeavor. A job well done, by the workers, Diane Govednik, chairperson and Helen Minnick co-chair-person. Dates to remember: July 21st: Zveza Day, a Sunday to spend with Zveza members in Lem-ont, Illinois, hosted by Br. 2, Chicago. August 31-Sept. 3: Bishop Baraga Days in Washington, D.C. and Ellis Island Trip. Get your reservations in by calling Jonita at the Home Office. Sept. 18th: First meeting after summer. Sept. 29th: Sunday, Grape Dance at St. Joseph’s Park Hall, 4 to 8 p.m. Have a good summer. ANN M. DRAGOVAN BARAGA DAYS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AUGUST 31-SEPT. 1, 1991 NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL II Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE SLOVENIAN CHAPEL Optional Tour to NYC, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Sept. 2-3, 1991 TOUR PACKAGES PLAN I Washington, DC (Full Package): Chicago $370 Indianapolis $378 Duluth $538 Minneapolis $393 PLAN II Washington-New York (Full Package): Chicago $570 Indianapolis $378 Duluth $738 Minneapolis $613 PLAN III Washington, DC (City Package): $190 PLAN IV Washington-New York (City Package): $390 *City Package includes: Hotel (Twin Room); Sightseeing; One Meal Per Day; Bus Transfers to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception; Itinerary; Insurance. *Full Package includes: Roundtrip Airfare; Airport transfers; City Packages. *Banquet ticket (Saturday night) $35.00, optional. Your immediate reservation is necessary! Washington Landmark Tours, 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 22091 Dear Friends of Bishop Baraga, If anyone is interested, Studia Slovenica has an excellent book available on Baraga in the English language titled: Frederick Baraga, A Portrait Of The First Bishop Of Marquette, based on the archives of the Congregratio de Propaganda Fide (Vatican), written by Maksimilijani Jezernik who is the director of the Slovenian College in Rome. His book is based on archives, research and gives a new approach to Baraga's life and work. In order to understand Baraga’s life and work better, also his sufferings and shortcomings, we should read this book describing his heroism. As all the great saints in history of our church, Baraga was not spared of sufferings and difficulties which he mastered with trust in Cod and his own hard life. The book cost is only $10.00 plus postage and can be ordered from STUDIA SLOVENICA, P.O. Box 232, New York, NY 10032 or from me directly: Nika Kovacic, 235 Hannes Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901. Sincerely, Nika Kovacic A whole year to celebrate, so it’s not too late to publicly congratulate and extend sincere wishes for extraspecial blessings to Leo and Mary Rittmanic on their 64th wedding anniversary observed February 26. Enjoy many more, dear friends. On St. Joseph’s Day there was ground-breaking for the new parish hall. It’ll be ready for rolls and coffee at State Convention time but since arrangements for dinner at the Moose were made months ago, they will stand as planned. Marsha Clutter, granddaughter of member, Anna Richards, is no slouch at cheerleading as seen in the first pix of a full sheet of pictures showing Kankakee Community College basketball players at the NJCAA Tournament in Kansas. Marsha works hard at everything she tackles. We’ll do some cheerleading of our own: Go, Marsha, go! in your college career and beyond! The Richards family experienced sorrow, too, in the unexpected death of Francis’ sister, Anita, in Indiana. They have been assured of our sympathy. Our April meeting was hosted by none other than Anna Richards and Marge Planton. They gave us a good time! Of course, much business was discussed (in between!) Thanks, Anna and Marge, for your graciousness. All members were present except Mollie McIntyre, who was visiting her granddaughters in California. They get lonesome for grandmother. Birthdays become special when the number of years reach impressive figures. Mary Rittmanic, AnnaLaMon-tagne and Mayme Drassler (May and June bloomers) deserve a Happy Birthday sung in best voice to go with our heartfelt wishes. All of them want better health, for sure. Mayme D. has undergone bilateral knee surgery, with the hope of doing the light fantastic ’ere long. To all our ailing members, hang in there; we’re praying foryou! On May 7 our beloved deceased members were remembered at 8:30 Mass at St. Joe’s. They may be long gone from our midst but not from our memories. Je tako vroče danes da bom "meltela". EMMA LUSTIG HERMINE PRISLAND DICKE 3717 COUNCIL CREST MADISON, Wl 53711 More recipes from Branch 20 in Joliet include tasty GOLDIE’S GOLDEN SALAD by Ann Dragovan and Mary Marvic's excellent APPLE and PINEAPPLE STRUDEL which makes two strudels. The hearty MACARONI-BEEF SKILLET SUPPER, so easy and quick to prepare, is from Dorothyann Winter of Branch 50, Cleveland. For a special treat you might want to try Ann Winter’s (also from Branch 50) CHOCOLATE STREUSEL BARS. Affectionately, Hermine CHOCOLATE STREUSEL BARS cups unsifted flour cups confectioners’ sugar cup unsweetened cocoa cup cold margarine or butter package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened can (14ounces) Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporated milk) egg teaspoons vanilla extract cup chopped walnuts 134 l1', 1 1 Preheat oven to 350°. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar and cocoa. Cut in margarine until crumbly (mixture will be dry). Reserving 2 cups crumb mixture, lightly press remainder on bottom of ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Bake 10 minutes. In large mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in Eagle Brand until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Pour over baked crust. Combine nuts with reserved crumb mixture: sprinkle evenly over cheese mixture. Bake 25 minutes. Cool. Chill. Cut into bars. Store covered in refrigerator. MACARONI-BEEF SKILLET SUPPER cup elbow macaroni pound lean ground beef or lean ground chuck cup diced onions clove garlic, mashed tablespoons oil teaspoon Italian seasoning cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce Freshly ground black pepper can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained cup catsup tablespoons Worcestershire Cook the macaroni in boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Saute the meat, onion, and garlic in oil until the meat loses its pink color and the onions are tender. Add Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, pepper, mushrooms, catsup and Worcestershire sauce. Bring mixture to a boil, then simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Mix in the cooked macaroni and simmer for 5 more minutes. Yield: 8 servings. GOLDIE’S GOLDEN SALAD bunches broccoli (uncooked), cut into small pieces slices bacon, fried and crumbled into small pieces (for low cholesterol use turkey bacon) cup or more seedless grapes cup red onion, chopped cup mayonnaise tablespoons wine vinegar tablespoons sugar In medium bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, grapes and onion. Mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar; pour over broccoli mixture and mix well. Marinate in refrigerator, covered, 3-4 hours. 6 to 8 servings. APPLE AND PINEAPPLE STRUDEL Dough: 3 cups flour 1 cup water Filling: 3 1 pound bag cooking apples can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained cup sugar teaspoon cinnamon 4 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon salt pound oleo, melted cup vanilla wafer crumbs pound oleo (to brush on top of strudels when baking), melted L. Put all the ingredients for the dough in a bowl and mix well. Place dough on floured surface and knead about 15 minutes. Moisten top of dough with water (to prevent crust from forming). Cover with warm bowl and allow to rest for 2 or 3 hours. While the dough is resting prepare the filling: peel, core and slice the apples thin. Mix the crushed pineapple, sugar and cinnamon; add to apples. Set aside. When dough is ready, put on a cloth covered table sprinkled with flour. With rolling pin roll the dough about XU inch thick. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the (first) 1,a pound oleo over dough. Pull dough by hand until paper thin, about 32 inches long and 28 inches wide. Cut dough in half, either way, to make two strudels. Spread rest of (first) oleo on dough. On about 6 to 8 inches from cut edge sprinkle with vanilla wafer crumbs; top with the apple-pineapple mixture. Starting from the cut side, roll up as for a jelly roll. Fit both strudels on large greased cookie sheet. Brush tops with other ' j pound oleo and also w'hile baking until its all gone. Bake at 350° for 1 hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm or cold. NOTE: Since flours vary, you may want to start with 2-1/2 cups flour and gradually add more, if needed, for a non-sticky dough, while kneading. Pots and Pans THE IMMIGRANT THE THIRD GENERATION Catherine Gerdesič Brunshol She was approximately 37 years old, around 1900. John Brunshol He was the son of Catherine and John ® Copyright 1991, Irene M. Planinšek Odorizzi 24/ ZARJA - the DAWN ČRNOMELJ TO AMERICA “Catherine” Črnomelj, Slovenia, was part of the Austria-Hungary Empire during the time that Catherine Gerdesic and John Brunshol were born. Living conditions were difficult for Catherine and John, who were both residents of this village in southern Slovenia, which boasted a large population but not much work, food or money for their citizens. The future looked bleak to them as jobs were scarce, wages extremely low and the possibility of achieving even a small semblance of financial independence and property ownership was slim. John, a quiet, gentle man, had been trained as a cabinet maker. He served the required number of years as apprentice, working for no salary and then as a journeyman in which he received only a minor wage. Catherine’s possibilities were limited even more since girls without an education were limited to mostly domestic work and child care. It must be remembered that girls usually received the basic elementary education and then secured employment. Both of these young people were stirred by the possibility of creating a more rewarding and fulfilling life in America. Even though they knew of each other, seeing that they grew up in the same village, their paths did not cross until they arrived, separately, in America. Catherine, a mere sixteen year old, was sponsored by Slovenes who had also lived in Črnomelj and arrived in Coffeyville, Kansas around 1880, during the cowboy era. She remained there in domestic work until about 1888, when she went to Chicago. She learned the English language and most likely was able to speak without an accent because of her early entry into Americanization. John arrived in Chicago, sponsored by his younger brother, Jacob Gerdesič, bringing with him a skill that would enable him to achieve a livelihood for himself and _his family. John and Catherine were married in Chicago at St. Procopius Church in 1888. She was about twenty-four years of age and John was about twenty-seven. Their first home together was in a tenement overlooking the courtyard of St. Procopius. It was a crowded and congested area of immigrants at that time. The Slovaks had built the church and since the Slovenes had not yet erected St. Stephen’s Church, they were parishioners of St. Procopius. About 1893, Catherine and John moved to Joliet, IL with their three children, Rose, John and Ann. There was a strong core of Slovenes who worked at the steel mill or one of the many factories in the area. Enterprising Slovenes operated small businesses and the entire Slovene community lived in the vicinity of the newly organized St. Joseph’s Parish under the pastoral care of Rev. Šušteršič. St. Joseph’s was considered a mission in the eyes of the Ljubljana diocese. It was a mission that needed the sacraments and the Mass spoken in the native tongue of its congregation. All of the early Slovene priests that established parishes in the U.S. were considered missionaries. John was able to secure employment using his cabinet-making skills at Eagle Furniture on North Chicago Street, EDITOR’S NOTE: In the past decade, a definite interest has awaken in the third and fourth generation of American-Slovenes concerning ancestors who crossed the ocean from the old country and came to America. Individuals have searched for their roots, have questioned their identity and compared themselves to ancestors now deceased. Fragments of times long past are being discovered and molded into a story of these courageous Slovene pioneers--a story that can be passed from generation to generation in the future. For individuals who don’t have important documents or relatives who are still able to relate stories of past geneations and the hardships endured or happy moments experienced, the search may be frustrating. That is why we advise every family to document as much of their family history as soon as possible. Dates are important and set an event in a specific time period, however, the personal experiences are the most fascinating. Families are sometimes reluctant to share or document anything that might throw a shadow on their family tree and many tales are tucked away in the closet and the key thrown away. How sad because these are the most fascinating stories! How much more meaningful will be the “complete” story of great-great grandparents to the third and fourth generations, and beyond, if all the family history is preserved and revealed. Let the search and documentation begin now with every family. Tomorrow may not come to those who hold the key to vital information about the past. The following story has been pieced together with fragments of information given by a third generation Slovene, Ann Von Esch, whose maternal grandparents were among the earliest Slovene immigrants to America. After retiring from her career as a research chemist for Abbott Laboratory, Ann began to wonder about her family history and consented to an interview in which we discussed her family tree. FAMILY TREE CATHERINE GERDESIC BRUNSHOL 1864-1944 JOHN BRUNSHOL 1861-1928 Ann Brunshol 1892-1967 Jadob Brunshol 1894-1970 Martin Brunshol 1898-1972 Henrietta Brunshol 1901-1965 Gerirude Brunshol Schauer 1904-ROSE BRUNSHOL 1889-1961 ^ LAWRENCE VON ESCH Mary Catherine 1927-27 Ann Von Esch 1929-John - 1950 now known as Turk Furniture. He most likely repaired furniture damaged in transit. His carpentry skills were also used at home in the evening and on weekends and a beautiful Bible stand and a desk reveal his skill at constructing fine furniture. Catherine was a very independent and opinionated woman. She was a women before her time, believing in education and equality for women and very progressive in her thoughts. In fact she was a person more in step with the times than John, her husband, who was even reluctant to accept the discovery of the radio and refused to have his photograph taken. Catherine was firm in her conviction that each of her six children must have an education and a trade—even the girls. They began their education at St. Joseph’s and later went to a technical school for specialized training. John, the eldest boy, was trained as a printer and after his discharge from the military following WWI, he married and moved to Cleveland. John eventually was the editor of a Slovenian newspaper. He died in 1950 shortly after returning to Joliet for a visit. Jacob “Jake” became a bookbinder and Martin opened up a cigar business in the homestead on Ross and Broadway Sts. at the rear of the Martin Gorsich Meat Market. His mother, Catherine, had once started a grocery story in the building and the family had lived above the store. When they moved from this location, the store was used for Martin’s cigar store. Using the best Cuban tobacco, Martin manufactured, “Marty’s Best,” a hand-rolled cigar which sold for 25 cents. A used car lot now occupies the former business establishment. Anne graduated in 1925, as a registered nurse in the second graduating class of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing On May 26, 1924, Rose and Lawrence Von Esch were married. Rose wore a rose beige ankle length dress accompanied by a necklace of pearls and a fox fur. " : on Broadway St. She was not happy working in the factory as was her sister. Rose. Henrietta was a homebody and stayed home and kept house for the family. She had a lovely voice and was active in St. Joseph's Choir for many years. Gertrude graduated from Joliet Township High School, enrolled at Joliet Junior College for one semester and then worked as a secretary for Mr. Pilcher, a prominent Joliet businessman. After her marriage and with the approaching birth of her child, she quit her job in 1940. and didn't return to a career until the death of her husband in 1960. Gertrude returned to work as a secretary for the Joliet High School and remained there for many years. The least educated of the children was the eldest. Rose, who began to work at the Match Factory located below the bluffs on Hutchins and Industry Ave. The Match Factory didn't appeal to Rose but she did thoroughly enjoy working at the "Sweet Orr" overall factory, located on Chicago St. above the White Store. Loads of people worked there, including her sister Anne, who later decided to go into nursing. Rose began working at the Sweet Orr in 1915, at the age of twenty-six. She enjoyed the working conditions at the factory and especially the yearly factory picnics which involved alot of people and where everyone had such a good time. To be continued The Brunshol sisters pose for this photo, c. 1910. Gertrude born in 1904, and the youngest, is seated; Henrietta, Rose and Anne, standing. Catherine Gerdesič Brunshol stands in her grocery store on the northwest conrner of Broadway & Ross Sts. c. 1900-1910. The family lived above the store. Later the family moved and the store was used for son, Martin’s, cigar store from 1926-52. Nurse, Aunt Anne Brunshol, holds her namesake, Ann Von Esch, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. ANNA HODNIK/ANITA VOVK:_______________ Leam Slovenian The 21st National Convention of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America was a success because it was informative, productive, inspirational and fun! Evelyn Majercik, Chairman of the Convention, is such a super energetic lady and along with her Br. 73 and surrounding branches, planned a wonderful time for all of us. Thank you and may God bless you all! We can be grateful to our Nat’l Pres., Tory Bobence, for conducting a well-run business meeting. I roomed with her and she stayed up well past midnight going over her notes and reviewing business that had to be discussed. She is conscientious and devoted to her job and we are happy she accepted another term of office. May God grant her the strength and health to carry on in leading the Slovenian Women’s Union into a larger and enthusiastic organization. Let’s get behind her with encouragement, support and ideas. Seeing some new young smiling delegates attending the convention surely brought us hope for our future. They have some good ideas for interesting meetings and signing up new members. Please be nice to them and encourage them. In order to survive, we can’t continue on with just our “old ways” of doing things.' I finally got to meet the gracious lady who sends Anita and I such nice letters of appreciation for the articles we write. She is Alouise Epley, Sec’y of Br. 73, N. Randall, OH. In her last letter she said the article on the “Rosary” brought back memories of when her mother would lead the Slovenian rosary for a whole week at the home of a deceased neighbor. On the last night they would serve refreshments. The family of the deceased was so grateful for the service they rendered to them. i...................................: • • : : Pregovori—Proverbs • m t : m m Kdo dolgo leži, mu kosilo mimo beži For one who sleeps late, his dinner passes by Stara nevada, železna srajca Old habit, iron vest Ena roka drugo umija One hand washes the other Dobro blago se samo hvali Good material speaks for itself Kdor jezika ne rabi, kruha strada If you spare your tongue, you will be without bread Dobra mera in dobra vaga v nebesa pomaga Good measure and good weight helps you to Heaven Kdor molči, devetem odgovori One who is silent is answering to nine Hiša brez življenja je kakor roža brez vode A home without life is like a flower without water Od rok do ust je dolga pot From hand to mouth is a long way Polž roge pokaže kadar ga nišče ne vidi A snail shows his horns when no one sees him WANTED: More "pregovori” for future issues of ZARJA! NO. 23, ELY, MN Our Mother’s Day banquet on May 6, proved to be a beautiful evening for over 100 of the Slovenian Women. The social hour was really a nice time for visiting with each other and our talented Katherine Merhar provided the necessary musical background. Father Hoffman started with a prayer. A lovely dinner was served; the food was delicious and the table decorations were in a Spring motive — little budding branches of trees, with tinted popped corn, each on a backing of green tissue twisted to look like leaves, each branch in a potted container-they were lovely and the head table had a statue of The Blessed Mary with candles. The committee did a beautiful job. After dinner Father Hoffman gave a nice talk and we were entertained by a group called “The New Notes,” (a "sweet adeline" group) just recently organized and they were delightful and relaxing after dinner. Our Honored Guests for the evening were: Emily Skull, State President and Beverly Menart, State Treas., both from Duluth, MN. Each introduced themselves and told about their duties. One of the nice things on this evening was that there were a few Mothers and Daughters at the banquet, such as: Rose Kosir, and four of her daughters, Leona, Dollie, Jeanna and Bonnie, who came home especially for this event; Mary Skufca and her daughter, Helen; Mary Petritz and her daughters, Mary and Jeannie; Barbara Brennan and her daughter, Bernadine; and Marianne Kangas and her daughter, Linda; Rose Lobe and her daughter, Beverly. This was so nice to see. Ann Saari gave a special compliment to “Chicky” Novak who made the SWU banners for Minnesota Days in September and we all were honored to be able see the banners, and she did a beautiful job-sure looks “profes- sional!" Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent! We did have some sad news that evening, an announcement that a lovely member, Leona Slogar, passed on and services would be held the next day at St. Anthony’s Church. Members were encouraged to attend. Members on the sick list are Rosie Pucel and Angela Skala, both are recuperating from surgery. Thanks to the committee who did such a wonderful job planning and working so hard to make all of the members have such a good time. Thanks to: Mary Landa, Mary Mavetz, Marcy Zupec, Fran Shepel, Mary Pucel, Angie Golobich, Mary Petritz, Angie Godec, Julie Hegfors and Sally Davidson. The Co-chairpersons of the Minnesota Days in September, Virgie Ivancich and Bev Lobe, gave more details on plans for that day plus a meeting is scheduled for the first Mon- day in June to appoint committees -also a fund-raiser will be held to defray costs of the Convention. The evening ended with a “Special Social Time” which was GREAT! Everyone had a great time on this rainy and wet evening. Dawn Club — April The meeting was opened with a reading about “underwear made from flour sacks”, which made a lot of members remember the “older days There were 43 members present and the door prize was won by Mary De-Beltz. Lunch was served and “Games” were played. Lunch committee members were: Evie Prijatel, Mary Pucel, Dollie Maki, Mary Starkovich, Ann Miklaucic and Caroline Deyak. JANE YADLOSKY To Love What You Do And Feel That It Matters — How Could Anything Be More Fun? NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL It’s the end of May as I write this but it feels like summer with such high temperatures and humidity, accompanied by a record number of severe storms. Our April meeting was held on a pleasant spring evening, but only 7 members were in attendance. We completed plans for our May dinner which was held on May 16th with Betty Stack as chairman. 20 members and guests attended and we had a good time. We thank Betty for the good job she did arranging for the dinner and selecting prizes, etc., which were won by Adele Gensler, Minnie Carter, Wanita Helmer, Fannie Kobilsek, Josephine Savnik, Hazel Soberri, Theresa Savnik and Rev. Ray Lassay (Fr. Swaner’s house guest). We missed Ann Serri who planned to attend but had a fall on Mother’s Day and broke her arm. Mary Ann Potthoff had surgery on one knee and will have surgery on the other knee soon. Kristin Allen spent some time at the Rehabilitation Institute in Chicago and is now at home in Springfield following Doctor’s orders and doing her prescribed exercises. Matilda Swietek has been a patient at IVC Hospital in Peru. I hope all will be much improved by the time they read this. We were all sad to hear of Agnes Ostrowski’s death on April 19th. She was our delegate at the 1990 IL-IN State Convention. She enjoyed our meetings and dinners, and was a strong supporter of the SWU. There were quite a few members present to recite our SWU Funeral Ritual at the Shimkus-Helmer funeral home and at Mass at Resurrection Church. The 8 o’clock choir sang the hymns which Agnes had requested; Agnes sang with this choir for many years. We thank Angie Nico for joining us that day. We offer our sincere sympathy to Agnes’ son Ralph and his family and her sister, Theresa Gende. May God grant Agnes eternal rest. Many of our members were in attendance at the Slovenian Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sunday May 19 which Rev. Bernard Horzen led. There was a better attendance than usual—it means so much to all of us to hear Slovenian prayers and hymns. Thanks, Father, and thanks, too, to Stan Markun who always comes down from Joliet and assists Father. We miss Olga Fritz who is spending some time with her daughter, Diane Sandin and family in Seabrook, TX. Congratulations are in order for Wanita Helmer and her husband, George, who observed their 40th wedding anniversary in April. Also to new Grandma, Theresa Wellner and Great Grandma, Frances Baznik, to Tom Stack, Betty’s son, who graduated from IL. Valley Community College with honors and plans to continue his education at Northern Illinois University. Also to Fr. Bernard Horzen who received the prestigious Davidson Award on May 16 from the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois. The award was presented during the society’s “Excellence in Education” scholarship luncheon at the O’Hare Marriott Hotel in Chicago-an award presented annually to the outstanding chemistry teacher in areas of Illinois represented by CICI’s member companies. Father received a traveling trophy, a plaque and $1500 cash award. His sister, Jo Foley, accompanied him to the luncheon. It’s that time again when many of you will be traveling and enjoying your vacations. I hope you all have a good time, don’t overdo, rest up and then be ready to join us when we meet again in September. ANNE M. WANGLER, Reproter Convention meetings, banquets, get togethers, Mass with Bishop Pevec, dinners — just beautiful happenings for so many ladies from across America. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, down from the Gulf of Mexico and up to Canada, it was fruitful, educational, harmonious and happy. Our president, Joseph Mohorčič and chairlady, Gene Drobnič, with her crew, were responsible for part of the convention activities, the Sunday luncheon at St. Vitus Hall sponsored by our branch. They took care of some ticket activity, centerpieces and napkin artistry, wine selections, etc. Thank you very, very much. Thank you also to Marie Dular and her hard working ladies for a delicious dinner. Josie Perpar’s display of historical items of Br. 25 through the 60 years was very interesting. Hope you all saw it. Thank you, Josie. Josie Valenčič visits her sister, Jennie Kosan every day at Country Home in Wickliffe and brings her a little sunshine from home and friends and us. Rose Kosko called, saying that Stella Dancull fell. Hope she feels much better now. Wishes to Stella for the best. A happy occasion: Congratulations and a lot of luck and blessings to Jeffrey and Dianne Avsec Konishi on their marriage. Deepest sympathies to Tončka Bergant on the loss of her husband, to Anne Brinovec and Mary Yeraj who lost their brothers. May God who loves each of us, stay always at our sides and comfort you! Good luck to Mary Otoničar who made a move to Euclid Beach apartments with her son, Tony. Wishing special moments and all the happiness you deserve to Leslie Telich, Megan Chrzanowski and all the ladies who are celebrating birthdays in the summer months. Walk, talk, exercise, but stay cool during the summer! CIRILA KERMAVNER IT'S IN EVERY NlflN Attention youth coordinators, parents, grandparents, relatives and friends! This is to introduce the Slovenian pen pal exchange, an opportunity for Slovenian young people throughout the nation to begin corresponding with each other. 1 introduced this idea at the National Convention in May and there was great enthusiasm. Here is a list of names that the delegates and the national officers gave of their young relatives and friends who they thought would like to be included. Thanks again to all who contributed to this list. Most of the youth listed are from Ohio and Minnesota. Since the state of Illinois has loads of young people that are members of the S.W.U., let’s get some more representation from that state as well. Better yet, how about participation from all states! Send in a youth’s address (see end of article) or pass along this information and have one of your relatives or friends pick at least one of the young people on the list and write a letter or postcard introducing themselves. I’m counting on all the ZARJA readers to share this with their young family members and friends. If this proves to be a success, a pen pal exchange will also be initiated with a youth in Slovenia. Write a letter before summer vacation ends, and tell your new pen pal about your summer vacation. You can write to as many people as you want. Well, what can you write to someone you’ve never met? Here are some ideas — • Your hobbies • Activities at school • Your grade level in school • Where have you traveled, have you ever been to your pen pal’s home state? • How many brothers and sisters do you have? • How do you celebrate special occasions? • What’s your favorite Slovenian food? • What’s your branch No.; if they’re not members encourage them to join • Don't forget to put your return address on the envelope In your first letter, write your name and address in the letter, too. To have a young relative or friend on the next list to be published in ZARJA, please send the name, age and address of the young person to me today. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Slovenian Pen Pals Connie Mlakar, age 10 17858 Laurel Fontana, CA 92335 Jill Vicich, age 16 1313 Raymond Drive Joliet, IL 60435 Laura Carlson, age 11 5032 Ivanhoe Street Duluth, MN 55804 Allyson Ferris, age 13 232 Wyandotte Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750 Rebecca Klander, age 9 215 W. 1st Avenue Aurora, MN 55705 James Wheeler, age 9 5044 Holiday Circle Minnetonka, MN 55345 Robert Orazem, age 10 Box 146 Isle, MN 56342 Annie Kemmerling, age 11 1664Tinkers-View Drive Twinsburg, OH 44087 Stephanie Kneisley, age 8 425 Tollhouse Road Springfield, OH 45504 Angela Mlakar, age 10 12455 Erin Drive Auburn, C A 95603 Debbie Vicich, age 14 1313 Raymond Drive Joliet, IL 60435 Marie Carlson, age 8 5032 Ivanhoe Street Duluth, MN 55804 Katie Martinetto, age 8 Highway 110 Aurora, MN 55705 Courtney Kalar, age 8 315 South 2nd Street, East Aurora, MN 55705 Joseph Orazem, age 12 Box 146 Isle, MN 56342 LydicaMillonig, age 12 1643 47th Place, NW Washington, DC 20007 Stephen Lax, age 8 9207 McCracken Road Garfield Heights, OH William Mandich, age 12 20294 Emery Road North Randall, Ohio 44128 Christopher Mandich, age 14 LeoEpley, age 10 20294 Emery Road 20294 Emery Road North Randall, OH 44128 North Randall, OH 44128 Tracy Ann Epley, age 6 20294 Emery Road North Randall, OH 44128 Andrea Selak, age 13 1058 Susan Lane Girard, OH 44420 Bernadette J. Kovacic, Youth Director 13657 Cedar Creek Lane Silver Spring, MD 20904 Mark Selak, age 8 1058 Susan Lane Girard, OH 44420 Monica Selak, age 6 1058 Susan Lane Girard, OH 44420 AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC UNION LIFE INSURANCE FOR THE FAMILY HOME OFFICE: 243) GLENWOOD AVENUE • JOLIET, IL 60435 (815) 741-2001 April Meeting It was very well attended. Nice to see so many members that haven’t been to a meeting for quite a while. Keep on coming, members, and invite a friend to come with you. We discussed our final plans on the Woman of the Year dinner for our dear Hermine Strainer. She deserves this honor as she has worked for our branch for many years. Mary Ster and her helpers were asked to make a very delicious meal as she always does on these special occasions. Josephine Gomik report on the National Convention. She had tickets for the banquet, branch and prizes (Slovenian dolls). Josephine sure was busy selling tickets at the meeting! Our president, Dorothy Lamm was our delegate and Jo Comenshek, the alternate. Veronica Dalton read a poem “Celebrate.” Time goes quickly - it’s later than one thinks. Our Chinese Auction - Dessert party is well on the way for Sept. 18th. Tickets are $3 which the members will be selling. Gifts from the members can be given to our Fin. Sec’y. Charlotte Perdan. Please get in touch with her in the months of July and August as we have no meetings. Our chairperson, Faye Starman, will need a lot of help from the members, so please let us make this a very successful event. Faye brought a picture and write up about her from the Geauga Time Leader, telling of all the volunteer work she does for different organizations and that she is not afraid of hard work. Her husband, Charlie had the “volunteer bug” rub off on him, too. He loves working at the church for their “Bingos.” I believe strongly in helping people in need, says Faye. Get well wishes to all our ill members: Marge Kovacevich fell and has her arm in a sling with a chipped bone in her shoulder; Emily Kersman fell and broker her leg, Alma Eppich’s husband, Ed, also has been quite ill. May they all recover soon as possible. Mary Golobic became a great grandma for the second time when granddaughter, Laure, the daughter of Mary’s son, Jackie Rossman, gave birth to a son. Congratulations to all. Mary wants to thank everyone for the get well wishes she received during her illness. Helen Kovačevič and husband, Frank, will go to see their Army son, Frank, in Alexandria, VA. He is there at this time, but is stationed in Arizona where he works at the Base. Ann Cooke went to Lake City, Florida to visit her daughter, Kathie, husband, Dave and granddaughters, Lauren and Kristen with whom she had an enjoyable time. She also went to watch the Ben Hogan Classic Tour Golf Tournament at the Lake City Country Club. Ann came back with a beautiful tan from her vacation. Refreshments were served by our hostesses, Esther Garbincus and Josephine Gomik. They brought doughnuts. Mary Tushar baked a cake in honor of her birthday. Happy birthday to all members. May good health and happiness be with you always. We planned a picnic in June. Please see that your dues are paid up for the year 1991. Thank you. May Report On May 15th we honored our Woman of the Year, Hermine Strainer. It was a very festive occasion. Pres. Dorothy Lamm set up all the tables with red carnations. Wine on the tables was donated by Rudy Krall, a very good friend of Her-mine’s. Levonna Avitt said grace in her own words which were so meaningful for all and especially for Hermine. Member cook, Mary Ster and members, Josephine Skabar and other helpers prepared a delicious meal and then our president, Dorothy, introduced our beautiful Woman of the Year, Hermine. Pres. Lamm told some of the history of Hermine’s life and all the volunteer work she does for different organizations. Meridan Euclid Hospital is where she wears many hats which have earned her many honors at the hospital. Hermine was given a “Hat” there as a symbol of all her work! We know that Hermine is always ready and willing to help out when and where she is needed. We were very honored to have our National past President, Mary Muller of Chicago who was in town for the SWU Convention; also, with us was Regional President, Ann Tercek. Member, Pat Suster, wife of our State Representative, Ron Suster, presented Hermine with a special Proclamation. Many thanks to our two faithful ac-cordian players, Charles Krivec and Hank Kersman. We all enjoyed listening to the fine polkas and waltzes. We had been having July temperatures in May so everyone just sat and enjoyed the music, except for our three year old, great granddaughter, Alexandria, who danced with the music. Thanks to our fine Charlie and Hank for being with us. The Convention banquet was attended by members, Dorothy and Bob Lamm, Esther and Zani Garbincus, Josephine Gomik, Josephine Comenshek and Frances and Frank Ogoreuc. It was a beautiful and happy banquet. Evelyn Majercik and her committees did an outstanding job on the convention as reported by our delegate, president Dorothy Lamm. The Convention was productive and there were many discussions and debates. There will be a slight increase in income for Zveza with the mandatory $1 per member per year. All classes except juniors will pay this. The money will help Zveza control the expenses that come in, including the ZARJA. Next Convention will be in San Francisco, proposed by the newly elected Vice President from there, Beverly Jackson. There were 14 National Officers and 40 delegates attending the Convention, plus other members and friends who sat in on the meetings. I was very pleased to meet National Pres. Tory Bobence, Sec’y. Olga Ancel, Auditor Mary Muller, Editor, Corinne Leskovar and Scholarship Director, Hermine Dicke among others. You are all beautiful people. Eleanor Latkovic and husband, Pete, spent a month in Florida visiting Mary Drobnick, sister, Sophia and husband, Ed. They also attended a Slovene Lodge 777 meeting in Miami where Pete, again with his button box, enjoyed being with a group he met four years ago and has been playing with ever since. Eleanor and Pete then traveled to Texas to spend 8 days at Easter time with son, Pete III, his wife, Melanie and children. Get well wishes to all our sick members, Ann Deptola’s husband, Ray is recuperating from an operation. May all be well. Happy birthdays to all in June, July, August. Remember our Chinese Auction is Sept. 18th. Please try to attend and bring a friend. Your gifts are also welcome. This is a fund-raising affair so we all must try to do our best to make it very successful. Have a safe, happy and healthy summer. FRANCES OGOREUC The “Blue & Gold Notes” (Group from Morgan Park Senior Center) entertained in April. A 6:30 p.m. Mass for Living & Deceased members of our Branch with Father Faith, as celebrant, preceded our May 1 meeting and special Mother of Year celebration. Rene Doble turned in $22.70 from Knife Sales. There was a discussion on ZARJA to be taken to Convention. Mae Delzotto needs our prayers-on sick list. Attendance prize was won by Fran Kosanovich, May; Gertrude Dup.aiski, April. Madelyn Abbott received the 1991 Outstanding Resident Award at Lake Haven Manor Nursing Home. Prayers of sympathy to Ursula Despot on death of her sister. Congratulations to Mary and A1 Chepelnik on their40th Anniversary. Congratulations to Dorothy Rychlak on new great grandchild. To honor Tina Zupancich, Mother of the Year, Frank Bucar played his accordian for KSKJ Slovenian singers. Tina, husband, Joe, and daughter, Bernarda Saari, sing with the group. Bernarda gave a very enlightening tribute to her mother. Gave each of us a lot of insight into our SLOVEnian from Slovenia. LOIS PELANDER, Reporter NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN Good food, a little wine and a nice group of ladies and it made up for a great party, and that is what Branch No. 34 had to honor their Mother of the Year, Mary Frances Jamnick, on May 16. The dinner was held at the Tower Cafe, with Father Anselm as our special guest, who also led us in prayer. Mary Frances looked lovely in the color peach, with her corsage matching her blouse. Our branch treated the ladies and paid for their dinners, usually they cook our Mother of the Year dinners. We had a short program after the dinner, and we gave recognition to Ann Myre, who was with us after having a heart attack and by-pass surgery the past year. Ann said she sold 200 tickets for our MN Day last September, so we wanted to thank her. She also received a corsage. Now we will recess our meetings until September, when Helen Adkisson and Mary Gomick will be hostesses and Mollly Wilson will bring the door prize. For those of you who remember my article about Mary Frances, I did include the attendants at her wedding but they were not printed-their attendants also included Molly Železnikar and Emily Deyak. Emily was Mary’s only sister, and she died at the age of 52. (Sorry for this printer’s goof!) Mary Gomick, our oldest member, fell at her home and broke some ribs so we haven’t been seeing her around. We miss you, Mary, and hope you will heal quickly. Helen Adkisson, Margaret Mesojedec and I attended the funeral of Wayne Passi, former resident of Soudan, who died in Richfield on May 29. Wayne was married to Rose Mesojedec, of the Mesojedec family of Soudan. We extend our sympathy to all of them. We are looking forward to our MN Day in Ely in September; from what I hear, it will be a great day with many new ideas planned for then. I hope we can get a good representation from our branch and all those on the Range and Duluth-plan now to attend. Enjoy the rest of the summer-see you all in Ely! ADELINE MUSTONEN, Reporter NO. 35, AURORA, MN Twenty members attended our April 14th meeting at the Aurora Senior Citizen’s Center. Congratulations to our Junior members: Erik Korpela, who made his First Holy Communion. God bless you, Erik. Courtney Kalar won first prize in the Easter Coloring Contest in the 9 to 11 year old category. Allison Ferris, who had a successful year in basketball, is a member of the Jr. High School band and active in the Kids for Kids group who sponsored a Kiddie Carnival in May. Adam Ferris, had a good hockey season and is busy in Little League now. Heather Orazem, a junior at Sandstone High School was inducted into the Nat’l Honor Society this spring and won 4th place in the regional Speech Contest in prose, giving "Machine Dreams” about Vietnam; also took part in the high school play and studies piano. Our thanks to the ladies who donated to our Bake Sale and made it possible to donate to the ZARJA ($100) and National Convention fund ($75). We bought the tickets for the Nat’l Convention also. If we win a prize it will go for a special cause. Thanks to the talented ladies who donated crafts to the Scholarship Craft Table at the Convention. To Delta Zabrocki, who took part in the junior achievement program, sharing her experience as a beauty shop owner and beautician and giving the students a chance to learn about different careers and business opportunities. To Anna Rose Smolich, for the beautiful messages written in calig-raphy into the presentation books given to our Mother of the Year, namely, Pots and Pans cookbook and Footsteps Thru Time. Frances, we were happy to hear that you are enjoying the books and your Slovenian tote bag. We took pictures at our belated Mother’s Day dinner and will send them to you. Enjoy! The Happy Quilters, who made 75 quilts from recycled material and gave them to the needy and homeless, also deserve our thanks. A former quilter, until two years ago, Mrs. Eli Smolich is in the nursing home and they made a laprobe for her in her favorite color, blue. Mrs. Smolich helped the quilters till she was 93 years old; she’s a very special lady. The ZARJA keeps us in touch in many ways! Mary Noson heard from her cousin, Molly Virant Golob of Pueblo, Colorado, who was happy to see the recipe for Alleluia Soup in the April, 1990 ZARJA. She says she made the soup which was delicious and enjoyed by all the family - and remembered that her mother made that soup with “no recipe". Molly says she reads the whole ZARJA and enjoys it. A luncheon meeting with State President, Emily Skull, Convention delegates and branch officers of Minnesota was held at the Rustic Rock on April 18th. Pres. Skull encouraged everyone to respond to appeals for financial aid to SWU and ZARJA and the Heritage-Cultural Museum. They are the “Keepers of our Heritage!” National Pres. Tory Bobence explained the cost of publishing ZARJA and keeping up the Museum. All branches gave interesting reports of their activities and we learned that there are two videos out about Slovenian ethnic PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR Cindy Kalar, a senior at Mesabi East High School has been awarded a Presidential Scholarship at the Uni- foods. Sounds interesting and we will meet again before the State Convention taking place in Ely in September. Twenty-one members from Minnesota attended the Nat'l Convention in Cleveland, five were from our Branch; Dorothy Jamnik, delegate Florence Holland, Alternate, Anna Rose Smolich, Anna Hodnik, and Anne Orazem, guests. The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Edward Gobetz gave a very interesting and informative address about our Slovenian people. We were happy to see and hear so many young delegates with so much knowledge and interest in all the issues brought up. Our thanks to Evelyn Majercik and all her committees for the wonderful work and Slovenian hospitality! You made sure we were well fed and entertained wherever we went. We all came home feeling this was a very successful convention. Our delegate then gave a report at the dinner for Mothers, held belatedly on May 23rd. We enjoyed meeting and visiting with all our SWU sisters and are looking forward to the next National Convention in San Francisco in 1995! Wishes to all for a happy summer. ANNE M. ORAZEM NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN A cold, cold night, but the congeniality of our Branch 38 members warmed us up in a hurry! Those who remembered wore their spring bonnets. Fran Zalec won in the funniest category and Jenny Samsa’s hat was versity of Minnesota. As a Presidential Scholar, Cindy will be a member of University Scholars, a student organization that includes Presidential, National Merit, and Outstanding Minority Scholars. She will have an opportunity to participate with University professors and other student scholars in seminars, colloquia, cultural events, academic retreats, and many other edcuational programs that combine learning, fun, and friendship. Cindy attended an awards luncheon at the University on May 17 along with her parents , Allen and Barbara Kalar of Aurora. Cindy will be a freshman in the College of Liberal Arts this fall. We congratulate her and join in the pride the Kalar family enjoys in their daughter, Cindy and son, Brent, a 1989 SWU Scholarship winner! voted as the prettiest. After the fun, we all got down to business. First we heard a very interesting report on the Regional Presidents’ meeting at the Rustic Inn in Eveleth. Charlotte Laurich who was to be a delegate to the Nat’l Convention, and President Fran Zalec attended. Charlotte spoke about the interest in a Slovenian Language Camp in Minnesota. All branch presidents agree it is worth pursuing, although it may be costly and difficult to get established. At this meeting, also, the subject of ZARJA’s financial difficulties was discussed. Branch 38overwhelmingly agreed that ZARJA is a gem. ZARJA means "Dawn”, and we would hate to wake up some day to find there was no dawn. We must strive to keep it coming. Br. 38 is sending $40.00 to make a total of $50.00 as our contribution at this time. It was reported that Sylvia Lipovetz is confined at Leisure Hills due to a hip injury and ensuing surgery. Her husband is also convalescing after a heart attack. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Shut-ins who will receive a carnation on Mother’s Day are: Frances (Ed.) Komidor, Johanna Bevka, May me Pahule, Frances Setina, Mayme Gazvoda, and Sylvia Lipovetz. Mildred Bashel won the traveling prize (How appropriate, as she just moved to another apartment!) Drawings went to: Anne Polichnik, Ann Nusich, Helen Segan, Jennie Samsa. Happy birthday to Teresa Grzin and Carmel Cardini who were bom in May. Our next meeting will be on August 6th. On the lunch committee will be Rosemary Tanko, Rosemary Benson and Ann Walach. Have a relaxing summer! A Mother’s Day Celebration At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 5th, fifteen members attended Mass at St. Joseph’s in honor of all living and deceased members of Branch 38. Celebrant of the Mass was Father Gerald Lapatka. After Mass we met in the Social Hall for breakfast. There were 25 of us present. The breakfast was served by the Youth Group of our Church. President Fran Zalec gave us a special treat of “lahko pohanje (for which she is famous). She and Rose Niemi shopped for and prepared the refreshing fruit plate. We all enjoyed the beautiful Slovenian hymns, recorded in Slovenia, which our president provided. Following this, Charlotte Laurich read two touching letters, supposedly written by two sons for their mothers. Ann Walach read “A Tribute to Mom” which Corinne so graciously printed in the May ZARJA. The oldest woman present was Jennie Samsa and the youngest, Martina Bizal. After the seriousness, Fran Zalec, Florence Fryckman, Mary Sinko, Jennie Briski, and Charlotte Laurich related some hilarious stories. Another Mother’s Day celebration has come and gone. We enjoyed ourselves, missed those who are ill and could not attend, and those who have passed away since last year. We fervently hope all of us will partake of a Mother’s Day program next May. ANN NUSICH, Reporter NO. 39, BIWABIK, MN A cold and rainy day did not dampen the spirits of twenty-nine loyal members of Branch 39 as they gathered on Sunday, May 25, to honor the “Woman of the Year”, Margaret Berg. After attending mass in a group, members enjoyed a meal at the Four Seasons’ Restaurant where they presented the honoree with a corsage and gift. President Jeran Korsman made the celebration an event to remember as she was dressed in an authentic Slovenian costume made by her mother, Anna Purkat. The dress is a recreation of the actual costume worn by the woman in Mrs. Purkat’s home village of Črnomelj, Slovenia. Door prizes were won by Fran Anzelc, Kathy Siskar, and Carol Rosandich. Treasurer, Jane Purkat stated that the scholarship money-making project was a huge success. President Korsman reported on the annual area presidents' meeting held recently at the Rustic Rock Restaurant, which was also attended by National President Tory Bobence. Plans were finalized for the trip to Cleveland for the national convention. Eighteen Slovenian Women’s Union members from the northern Minnesota area would be attending. President Korsman planned to purchase several Pots and Pans Cookbooks for our lodge to sell or use as gifts. As summer nears, the members of Branch 39 look forward to nice weather and spending time with their families and friends. Our wish is for the same enjoyment for all of our dear sisters throughout our great country. MARY STRUKEL Reporter NO. 40, LORAIN, OH 23 came to our April 10th meeting at which time we welcomed back our Pres. Agnes Tomazine, who has recovered from her recent illness. She lead us in prayer, after which Angie Kozjan, Jean Balogh, Agnes Mroske, Helen Kozjan and Kathy Russ entertained for her daughter. Tricia served us a delicious lunch. They also brought prizes for our money raiser. Kathy Russ, Annette Russ, Olga Love, Fran Pavlovčič and Sophie Pogacher were also generous. Thanks to all. After we read our reports we finished making plans for our Mother of the Year dinner in honor of our Sue Tomazic, held on May 8th at the German Villa. We also appointed our Francine as our delegate to the Convention. She was planning on attending all 3 sessions, and we know she will come back with a lot of news. On April 7th our Angie Kozjan was honored at a Mass held at St. Cyril & Metodius church commemorating her 90th birthday. She said it is one birthday she will never forget. After Mass donuts and coffee were served to her many friends and members in the school hall. She received many cards and gifts. To date she has received more than 80 cards and they are still coming. She thanks each and every one of you for being so kind. Angie and George Voytko had a 50th Wedding anniversary on May 3rd. They celebrated in June so that their children who live out of town would be able to attend. Dr. Frank and Mary Gradišek celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary on May 4th. Our grandson, Douglas Yurovich who is a Test Pilot in the Marine Corps, was chosen to be an Astronaut candidate. Our grandson, Tony Mercurio will enter Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio in the fall. My daughter, Marilyn just returned from a pilgrimage to the Blessed Mother shrine in Medjugorje. This was her second trip and she noticed a lot of changes. April 19th was a sad day for our Lodge. It was the day that our long time member Mary Ploszaj passed away after a 4 year illness. She served as our Sec. & Treas. as well as our reporter for a number of years. She is survived by her husband John, 2 daughters, 3 sons and 8 grandchildren. May God grant her eternal rest. Mother of the Year Dinner 35 members, friends and relatives came to a dinner at the German Villa on May 8th to honor Mother of the Year Sue Tomazic. We were glad to have our Spiritual Adviser Fr. Krajnek lead us in prayer. The food was delicious. The president read our traditional poem in honor of our mothers. Sue was presented gifts and she thanked us all for coming and making her day. We ended the day by playing several games of Keno. We wished Sue a Happy Mother’s Day. May God Bless her and keep her. Its that time of the year again, Lorain is humming with preparations for the International Festival starting June 22nd and concludes with the three-day festival and bazaar held at the Sheffield center June 28-30th. 38 princesses have been picked representing various nationalities. The Lorain Slovenian Heritage group picked Deborah Schullick, who is a member of our Lodge No. 40. She is also the granddaughter of our Francine Pavlovčič. We offer our congratulatiuons to all. We sent a Get Well card to Genevieve Wenzel and a 50th Wedding Anniversary card to Angie and George Voytko. Hope to see you at our July 10th meeting. Come prepared to eat and pay your dues if you are behind. Have a safe 4th of July. Love MARY MATOS NO. 42, MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH It is hard to believe that it is July already and that half of 1991 is over and that the 1991 National Convention held here in Cleveland May 17-19 is also behind us. Several of our members were on the Registration Committee for the Convention and we really enjoyed preparing for it and then finally meeting all the officers and delegates in person. Now we can put a face to the names of the officers and many other members who contribute articles to ZARJA. Millie Lipnos, our president wishes to thank all the members who helped with the convention. Marge Church did a wonderful job with the printing of all identification labels and all the copies of the agendas, etc. Also we need to thank Josie Gruden who furnished the tastefully done place cards for each delegate and officer. Our members donated several handmade afghans of which many were knitted by Anne and Marge Zupančič. Mary Tome, Eleanor Charvat, and Marie Vecek donated yarn and Anne and Marge Zupančič knitted the afghans which the ladies donated. The afghans were exquisite! Much praise needs to go to Evelyn Majercik and her committee for all the work and all the little and large necessary details that go towards coordinating a convention of this magnitude. The Hospitality Committee from Lodge 47, Garfield Heights, Ohio did themselves proud with all the wonderful food, bakery, and drinks. You ladies did a tremendous job! While we are strictly a ladies lodge, the speech made by Dr. Edward Gobetz was very inspiring and made you feel proud to be a Slovenian. Bob Kastelic also did a good job as the M.C. at the Saturday dinner dance. Meeting Mrs. Hermine Dicke at the Convention enabled me to personally thank her for the "Pots and Pans" cookbook that is my very favorite cookbook and I am certain, also yours. On May 23rd. Anne and Marge Zupančič welcomed their cousins, Eron and Darja Perko from Ljubljana for a 4 week visit. They had a wonderful time visiting all their relatives in- CONVENTION REGISTRATION COMMITTEE Greeting everyone at the 21st National SWU Convention were those lovely ladies of Br. 42, Maple Hts., Ohio: top row: Clara Hrovat, Millie Lipnos, Dorothy Mehosky. Mitzi Champa, Marge Zupančič, Josie Gruden; bottom row: Anne Zupančič, Eleanor Charvat, Marge Church. Not on the photo were Mary Tome and Edna Scotton. Thanks to all! 1991 NATIONAL CONVENTION GROUP PHOTO Colored 8” x 10" photos of the 1991 National Convention Delegates and officers are available. Cost is $14.00. Requests should be sent to: TEXLER PHOTOGRAPHY 33693 Aurora Road Solon, Ohio 44139 Please include your name, address, city, state and zip code and the name of the organization (Slovenian Women’s Union of America). Photos will be mailed directly to you. Tour to Ellis Island A tour to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is scheduled for SWU members in conjunction with BARAGA DAYS to be held in Washington, D.C., August 31 to Sept. 3, 1991. The tour will include transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, bus transfers, one meal per day, insurance, itinerary admissions. It promises to be an exciting and interesting weekend. If you wish information regarding this tour please write to the Heritage Director. eluding their cousin, our member, Josie Gruden. Anne and Marge took them to their cottage near Pymatuming Lake in Espyville. Pa. They also took them to see relatives in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada stopping at Niagara Falls on the way. What a thrill for Anne, Marge and Josie, not to mention what a thrill it was for their cousins to visit the United States. It had to have been a dream come true. All of them were on cloud nine in anticipation of the Perko's visit. What was especially nice was that Darja can speak English. Our lodge is having a picnic on July 25 at the Zupančič cottage. The club is furnishing the bus and food, so it will be more fun and none of us will have to drive our cars. Also coming up is our annual Grape Festival at the Slovenian Home in Maple Hgts. on October 6 and it is always a lot of fun. Also planned is a bus trip to the Shrine in Bellvue, Ohio on Sept. 22. We also are planning a Christmas trip to Oglesby Park in Wheeling, W. Va. as our Christmas Party. This is still in the planning stage. We have several members who are on our sick list. Jeanette Offutt had surgery. Also ill are Mitzi Champa, Terry Anzo and Vida Vercek. Our prayers go out to them that they’ll be well soon. Edna Scotton recently vacationed in Las Vegas, California and Mexico. Mary Tome became a great aunt. Her new great grand nephew’s name is Michael Joseph Tome. College grad. Joyce Kosek from Ohio University has been hired by Ernst and Young, CPA, and will start in August. Her degree is in Decision Sciences (Computers and Statistical Analysis). Betty Gowar has moved permanently to Summerfield. N.C. to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Walter Harr. Joann Kosak has just been elected to a one year term as President of the Sherwin-Williams Women's Club; 281 Sherwin-Williams women employees were organized as a philanthropic organization to assist women and children in need. To all our members who are not feeling well or are in nursing homes, our prayers are with you. It would be nice if our members could drop them a card, or visit them. Members please remember to pay your dues. If you haven’t paid your 1991 dues, please do so real soon so we can get everyone up to date. July birthdays: Josie Gruden, Ann Perko, Jeanne Legan, Ellen Kastelic, Mary Kay Gruden, Mae Danicic and Ann Keglovic. August birthdays: Betty Ann Harr, Emily Gruden, Suzanne Gaines, Mary Lou Prhne, Fran Hočevar, Jane Szym-kowski, Mary Fink, Eleanor Charvat, Gabrielle Gruden, Ann Draganic and Marge Zupančič. Again, it was wonderful meeting all you lovely ladies from far and near at the convention. Until next time, please have a healthy and happy summer. DOROTHY MEHOSKY NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI The weather in April was pleasant and we had a good attendance. The lunch served by our birthday gals was at 12:30 p.m. instead of after the meeting. It was very tasty and a great assortment. We started the meeting at I p.m. All officers were present except Mary Musich who was in Florida, visiting her sister, Antonette Glavan, who was very ill, and since then has passed away. Our sympathies. Discussion on the National Convention, and then on our Mother’s Day Luncheon. Mary Bushnik is the Woman of the Year, and was to be honored on May 15th at the Country Buffet. The next event will be the Wisconsin State Convention in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in September. Lastly for 1991 will be our At St. Vitus church in Slovenian Cleveland, the Conventioneers attended a ceremonious Mass, where the Marie Prisland Cadets (Br. 50) and Slovenian costumes led the procession. With the Cadets on this photo are also well-known Clevelanders Mr. & Mrs. John Brodnik and Alouise Epley (Br. 73) and her grandchildren, all in costume! Poultry Card Party on Sunday, November 3, 1991, at John’s Hall, 35th & Lincoln Ave. This is the only money making event, so we must all do our part in helping. Again we are asking for door prizes, other prizes and bakery. Our members have been very generous in donating for any event, and the officers do appreciate your kindness. Eddie and Elsie Gallun are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. We wish them 50 more wonderful years together with our congratulations and best wishes! There are several other 50-year couples in April who deserve our best wishes. It seems April 1941 was a great month and year for weddings. Get well wishes for our ailing members, namely Mary Strazisher, Anne Rebemisek, Lucille Ganzel, Antonia Velkovrh, Josephine Verbick, Josephine (Peppy) Durand, Marie Wiher who fell and broke her wrist, and Rose Zupančič who was mugged going to St. Anthony’s Church. Give these members a phone call or send them a card. They will be happy to hear from you. Congratulations to all communicants, graduates, anniversaries and birthdays, especially to Angeline Pasler who will be 105 years young May 27th. She has been our member for 58 years. It’s too bad when you have to end with bad news. Sincere sympathies to Anne Zakrajšek, Mary Musich, Tina Primozich in Oregon, (2 brothers) Hank Strukel and family and Tony Strukel and family on the death of their sister Antonette Gravan. Antonette and her husband were from Milwaukee and well known. Later they moved to Florida and retired. May her soul rest in peace. Check your dues and also your beneficiaries. Next meeting is June 26th at 1 p.m. R.K. NO. SO, EUCLID, OH May was a big month for our Zveza and for me, as our granddaughter, Christine Šebenik graduated from Colorado State College, magna cum laude in Occupational Therapy. She will intern in Spokane, Wash, and Grand Junction, Colo. We enjoyed our visit in spite of my infirmities. Family priorities had me miss the meeting and Convention; I was looking forward to attending and meeting my ZARJA Editor, Corinne, with whom I have had a fine association as Reporter. My niece, Linda Jenner, daughter of Jennie and Stan Laurich, also graduated from New Hampshire College with a degree in Marketing. Lisa Vidic, granddaughter of Jane and Angelo Vidic, graduated from the University of Oregon in Eugene with a B.S. in Sociology. Her sister, Laura is in Alaska designing a Mall and a Russian Church. Mollie Strunge's granddaughter, Kristin Bestvina received a scholarship from AMLA and also was voted the best Female Athlete of the Year at Wickliffe High where many athletic scouts interviewed her. Baseball in her best sport and she is good in basketball and volleyball, too. Sherri Bencin, one of our scholarship winners 3 years ago, received her Associate of Art degree from Lakeland Community College and will pursue her career towards a B.A. in Interior Design from Ursuline College. Her mother, Diane, is very proud of her. And, we're all happy for the grads and wish them lucky "breaks” in obtaining good positions in their chosen fields. Frances Hrovat had another milestone - she attended the inaugural ceremony of her grandson, Dr. Thornburg Era as President of Cleveland Community College in Shelby, N. Carolina. Aren’t you proud, Fran, and happy? Then, by Amtrack, Fran visited her granddaughter (we saw her a few months ago at our meeting which she loved attending). She is Mary Pat DeChant and is an attorney in Chicago now. Fran enjoyed the ride instead of the plane - more picturesque. Ann Kelly traveled to California to visit her sister in Palm Desert trying to ease the pain of losing 3 friends. Jo and John Smith traveled to Atlanta, Ga. in March, en route and enjoyed seeing horse farms, a mystery dinner theatre evening, horticultural gardens parks, mountains and seeing Pres. Roosevelt’s home at Warm Springs. Brings back memories of how beautiful the southern states were when we visited our son who lived in New Orleans 14 years ago. Besides, Jo said, they missed Ohio's cold weather! All in the family - Bertha Vidmar was elated that her granddaughter, Jelane Fuderic was confirmed by our beloved Bishop Edward Pevec and that her daughter, Geraldine and husband, John Fuderic counted their 25th Silver Years, too. Frank and Beverly Justin, son of Josephine Justin, also celebrated the 25th year happily. Congratulations! Another family event was the 75th birthday surprise dinner party for Molly Mauer. From all over the state, sons, brother, a daughter and in-laws met at East Side Moe’s Inn - a total surprise for Molly. She’s just the right age to be a great grandmother for the first time, too, when Casie, a baby girl, was bom to Melanie and Michael Lang. Cheers! For those who made it - congratulations to Marie Beck and husband, Ray, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and to Pauline and John Seifert who in May celebrated their 66! (I mean 60 + 6!) Can any member-couple top that? Best of luck and good health to you all! Deborah Vegh won the SWU Scholarship. She is our member of Br. 50. Congratulations. I know the check for $1,000 will come in handy. Theresa Clements won the year’s APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR A NEW S.W.U. SCHOLARSHIP DIRECTOR AND FOR OPENINGS ON THE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTE At the last National Board Meeting on March 18, 1991, I submitted my resignation as Director of the Scholarship Program. It is now necessary to solicit a replacement for me. Anyone interested in this position should write President Victoria Bobence at 3587 Highway 169, Ely, MN -55731, by July 1, 1991. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this position, please submit a letter of recommendation to President Bobence by July 1, 1991. There are also several positions on the Scholarship Committee which will be open and should be filled. Recommendations for those replacements are also requested and should be submitted to President Bobence at once. Sincerely, Hermine Dicke free dues from our fish bowl. Now get your dues in for next year, members - you might win too! Mary Maxim and Mary Miller were representatives at the Mary Mavec Opportunity school where our donations help. Thanks gals; and also to Jo Smith and Vi Moravchak who were out two reps at the Slovene Home for the Aged annual meeting, which we help to support, too. Our delegates to the SWU Nat'I Convention were Evelyn Pipoly and Mary Jo Rom. Ann Tercek. our pres, was there as State President. The report to me was “SUCCESSFUL”!! I’m glad. Our next convention. I hear, will be in San Francisco - here we come! Beverly Jackson, our new Nat'l Vice-President, volunteered her home city on behalf of Br. 13! Our sick and convalescing ladies are Helen Levstick, Ann Petkovšek, Stella Ruppe, Jean Miller, Joe Mateyka, Ann Kristoff, Helen Zak, Sophie Yapel, Fanny Kaltenbach, Molly Mauer, Vera Šebenik and Anne Parker-and Ann Ryavec is also ailing. With warmer weather we should all be feeling better soon -maybe already! Our sympathy to the family of Josephine Bencin. She was our charter member, active and dedicated before her illness. Now we still have 6 more charter members. Heard by the grapevine that the speaker, attorney Maria Quinn, was very good on Wills and Trusts and held the ladies for an hour w'ith answers to their questions. Hope she can come again. Notice: August, Pot Luck Picnic. $4.00. Sept. - 60th anniversary dinner and Ohio-Michigan convention with Mass, lunch and convention meeting. Have a nice summer. VERA ŠEBENIK NO. 52, KITZVILLE, MN Our first meeting of 1991 was held March 6, with President, Rose Trombly presiding. Past three months we didn't meet - weatherman wouldn’t cooperate. Likewise this evening. We had a nice turnout at our Christmas party which was held at the Elk’s Club. Frances Kaneiski was selected as Mother of the Year. Her mom, deceased, was a charter member. Communications read on the National Convention in May in Cleveland. Ohio. Minnesota delegation traveled by plane out of Duluth. Sunshine chairman Ann Roberts sent get well cards to Theresa Montcalm, Ann Tool, Angeline Russ, Angeline Hrvat, Celia Politano, and Stella Calligierri. All the members wish you good health. Stella, hope you are on the path to good health, after your lengthy hospitalization. Sympathy cards to Lucille Strom and family on the loss of her husband. Ray. Also to Muriel Sabbatini on the loss of her mom. Frances Rapovich, on the loss of her brother-in-law. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. On February 2nd Celia Politano celebrated her 90th birthday. Her children had an open house for the celebration. Angeline Russ is a resident of Hill-crest Terrace, like a home away from home. She has made many friends there. Hostesses were Gen Zidarich, Alice Baratto. Theresa Montcalm and Millie Barbato. Cards were played after the business meeting. Door prize, Theresa Montcalm; Bridge, Julia Mancuso, Alice Baratto; Smear, Margaret Kochevar, Jennie Crea, Ann Roberts and Dorothy Russo. May 1, 1991 Monthly meeting of Branch 52 was called to order by Pres. Rose Trombly with 14 members present. Sunshine chairman Ann Roberts sent a sympathy card to Caroline Fink in the loss of her sister, Angeline Paver. We hope the delegates at the National Convention had fruitful sessions. Will be watching the ZARJA for news. Pres. Rose Trombly will contact the Pres, from Keewatin and Chisholm if they want to share a bus to Ely for Minn. Day in Sept. Hope all the Mothers had a nice day. Either they went out to celebrate, or the families prepared the meals, while mom sat and directed traffic. Our next meeting will be in September. With the way the weather man has been cooperating, hardly will there be gardens. Do have a nice summer. Hostesses were Ann Debelak, Ann Tool, Ann Nadeau and Jennie Crea. Our guest was Evelyn Prijatel from the Ely Branch. Door prize to Gen Zidarich; Smear, Gen Zidarich and Theresa Montcalm; Bridge, Millie Barbato and Ann Tool. MILLIE BARBATO, Reporter NO. 54, WARREN, OH Our president, Jo Kassan and I have just returned from the National Convention. It was truly a memorable weekend. Much was accomplished and we met so many nice people. Our thanks to Evelyn who did a beautiful job as chairman and congratulations to the National Officers who are to be commended for their hard work and love for Zveza. The Mother-Daughter Luncheon was lovely and our thanks to Jo Kassan and Millie Pollock for the nice afternoon. I was the guest of honor and it was nice to be waited on, and treated so royally. Get well wishes to all those ailing and happy and safe traveling this summer. Happy 86th to Aunt Margaret, our charter member, who comes to all our meetings. See you Sept. 19th at the Elks. JOANNE PONIKVAR NO. 55, GIRARD, OH The April meeting was opened with our president leading us in the Lord’s Prayer. We had 1 i members present. Anka Kregar, our Secretary Treasurer, went to the Convention. I hear Mary Macek is doing fine. She is living in a Senior citizen complex in East Palestine, Ohio; if anyone would like to send her a card or write a letter I'm sure she would love to hear from you. Here is her address: Mary Macek Apt. 3, 66 South Washington Ave., East Palestine, Ohio 44413. During the Crazy Days sales in downtown Girard we will have a bake sale. Members will be asked to donate baked goods; if you can't bake something we would appreciate a money donation. I was also told that Anna Catone is in Autumn Hills nursing home. I’m sure she would also love to hear from some of her friends. Her address is Anna Catone, Autumn Hills Nursing Home, 2565 Niles Vienna Rd., Niles, Ohio 44446. Dori Kregr is serving on jury duty this month. I hope she enjoys it. I know when I served many years ago, I really did. I hear Dorothy MaGill passed away last Dec. 1st. I’m very sorry to say that I did not know or I would have written some thing about her. You have my deepest apology. Andrea Selak is writing a newspaper on her family . It is called the K.R.S. short for Kregar, Rozman, Selak. I’m sure that will be interesting. Anna Kalan is a grandmother again, she now has 4 grandchildren. The proud parents are Joe and Lori Kalan, the baby girl weighing at 6 lbs. 13 oz. and they named her Malisa Ann. What a pretty name. Tillie Cigolle and her daughter, Sister Jean are going for a 3 day trip to visit her brother Tony Yelenc in Lac- kawanna, New York. They will visit an orphanage that Tony sends money to all of the time and a shrine in Niagara Falls, and then to see Father Joe who is Tillie’s nephew. He is celebrating his 20th anniversary at St. Cyril & Methodius Church. Ladies who had birthdays in the months of April were Virginia Bestic and Lena Modic, in May they were Anka Kregar, Dori Kregar, Frances Lukz, Mary Macek and Virginia Ros-tan, in June, Marian Cigolle, Milka Kregar and Anna Zagger, in July, Nancy Dombrosky, Anna Kalan and Maria Selak, in August, Barbara Kamlanc and Margaret Tripoti. Our Junior members are Jason Sefcik, Andrea Selak and Seth Gordon. Happy birthday to everyone. Our next meeting will be Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the back room at the Jib-Jab restaurant on 422 in Girard. I wish everyone a happy and healthy summer. Love, ROSEMARY NO. 56, HIBBING, MN Meeting of Br. 56 was held April 9th at First Ave. Apt. Pres. Carlson opening the meeting with prayers, roll call followed. Ann Satovich installed the new officers, Pres. Valerie Carlson, Sgt. at Arms, Ann Voiovich, Rec. Sec. Edith Jones. Pres. Carlson then read the By-Laws. Elziabeth Spo-lar, Financial Sec. will make copies to give to the members. The treasurer's report was read by Pres. Carlson and $351.24 is in the treasury. She then informed us that the date Nov. 10, 1991 was not open for our deceased members’ mass at Immaculate Conception Church - as a result the date was changed to Nov. 19th. We were told by our financial secretary that we have two more fifty year members. Margaret McDonald is one of them and she will be visited by Liz Spolar and another member to present her with her pin. April birthdays were called and the Happy Birthday song sung to them. Pres. Carlson reminded us of a donation being asked and Mary Massich will tell us more about it after she attends the Convention. Elizabeth Spolar won the jackpot and Edith Jones the Bunko prize. Lunch committee: Sylvia Latich, Mary Micheletti, Rose Oberstar; they served a tasty lunch. A nice evening was had by all. May Meeting May 14th meeting was held at the First Ave. Apt. A tasty lunch was served before the meeting in honor of our Mother of the Year, Elizabeth Spolar. She had her family and friends there to enjoy the festivities. It was a very enjoyable time for all who attended. After the party, we proceeded with the meeting. Three of our members went to visit Margaret McDonald and honor her for her fifty year membership. They were Valeria Carlson, Ann Satovich and Elizabeth Spolar. Dorothy Plese was also visited by Liz; she has been unable to attend the meetings. Mary Massich, our delegate, attended the Convention in Cleveland and reported to us on the event. On Sept. 8th, there will be a Minnesota State Convention in Ely. Elizabeth Spolar read the May, June, July and August birthdays and we all wish these members a very happy birthday. A song was sung to them. Games as usual ended the day. Jackpot was won by Mary Massich and Ann Pintar won Bunko. Next meeting is Sept. 10th. See you then. Submitted by Recording Secretary, EDITH JONES NO. 57, NILES, OH April Report Our April luncheon was served to 17 members by Elizabeth Havaich and Helen Misel; a beautiful turnout and a lovely lunch. Our meeting was opened by our President, Frances Yerman. Our Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved as were our Secretary and Treasurer reports. We continued our plans for our “Mothers Day Luncheon.” We were sorry to hear that our member. Mary Young is on the sick list. We pray that she will soon be back on the road to recovery. We also have other sick members who have not been able to atend our meetings: Phyllis Muccio, Mary De Capua and Mary Strah. Get well wishes go out to all. Birthdays celebrated in April were Viola Logar, Helen Misel and one of our oldest faithful members, Mary Opalka; also John Logar who is serving in Saudi Arabia. We wish them all many more healthy happy years. Our lunch committee brought in some lovely prizes. We sang Happy Birthday to our birthday members. We are now in some nice weather so 1 am sure we will have more members out. We were looking forward to our Mothers' Day Luncheon as we always have a nice turn out. On our June lunch committee were Esther Logar and Catherine Graffins; in July we will be having a picnic. Our Mother’s Day Luncheon was held at the "Shephard of the Valley Retirement Center" on May 14th with a beautiful turn out. We honored our Mother of the Year, Esther Logar, who is well-deserving of the honor. Our member. Elizabeth Havaich and her husband. Charles, made each member a lovely favor with the help of Helen Misel. They were beautiful and a lot of work went into making them. We sure to appreciate having such great talent in our club. Each member brought in an exchange prize so everyone went home with one. Wereally enjoyed ourday. Birthdays celebrated in May were Jane Logar, Marge Mollica, Frances Yerman, Josephine Pavlacich and Ann Fonce. Our June meeting was held at the home of our President with Catherine Graffins and Esther Logar on our lunch committee. To all our sick members we wish a speedy recovery. Take care. FRANCES STANEC NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH We're home! And it is so nice to be back among familiar faces. Needless to say, the first two weeks after our return were busy ones-so many loose ends to be taken care of after convention. We left very warm weather (90's) and had to adjust to a gradual warming trend in Ohio. Nevertheless, it is good to be here. Whoever wrote the song "There's No Place Like Home" certainly knew what he/she was talking about. An apology is in order to the family of Alice Biscan who passed away in November. Her sisters (both deceased) were members of our branch, Alice Predovich and Martha Herak. To Alice's family, her husband Michael, our sympathy and our prayers. Get well wishes to Anna Harvot (aunt Anna), who suffered a hip fracture after a fall in April. Anna is presently in a nursing facility where she is receiving rehabilitative therapy. She was our Member of the Year in 1990. I did receive a report that Branch No. 73’s Anniversary Mass in April was very successful. It marked our 55th year, among the 55 S.Ž.Z. members in church were 22 of our branch members. Forty-two of that group enjoyed breakfast together. We were happy to have representatives from Branches 42 and 47 joining us. A big WELCOME to new members Lisa Lowrie and Mary Ann Hlavaty and to our new social member, Alice Keglovic. We are happy to report that Steve and Nettie Kainec were able to return to their home in Florida (and 1 believe in time to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary). Steve recuperated after a lengthy hospital stay and they were able to make the trip. Take care of yourselves. Angie and Bob Musil celebrated 40 years of wedlock in April-and all too soon it will time to send “golden wishes." Congratulations to all of you--and to our President Kay Yuratovac and her husband, Pete who chalked up their 50th Anniversary in May. How great it is to report on long, happy, blissful marriages. We always report people moving away from this area, now we are happy to report that Andy and Florence Duale are moving back to the area, having sold their Florida residence. It will be nice to see them again, and again! Paul Dusek, recently commissioned a 2nd Lieut, in the Army Reserves, graduated from Emery-Riddle Aeronautical College in Daytona Beach, Florida. At the commencement exercises he received an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree. Paul departed May 20th for Fort Knox, Kentucky where he will continue his training. We wish him the best of everything. On May 21st, our oldest son, Stephen, Ph.D., was inducted into the National Technical Science Association Hall of Fame in Seattle, Washington. We are proud of him and his accomplishments. And, we can't forget our “little people.” On May 5th our grandson, Stephen Lax, received his First Communion. At about the same time--T.J. Majercik "received” chickenpox!! All this activity would keep any family hopping! It’s nice to chat with all of you again. We look forward to our summer cookout and hope that many of you will join us then. Have a safe, happy summer. Don’t forget to display your flag on July 4th. We have much to be proud and thankful for in 1991. Respectfully submitted, EVELYN A. MAJERCIK NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WA We Northwesterners know that it requires rain to make everything green - all I can say we are very green. It appears spring has been cancelled this year; we’re hoping for sun. Br. 79 honored Mary Kell as our Woman of the Year on April 26th at the Loading Dock Restaurant. Attesting to Mary’s well-earned honor were the many members of her family as well as friends plus our members and their families. Mary is very active in her community as well as her church, a superb sportswoman (hunting, golf, etc.) and a nurturer of her nieces and nephews. She is always there when any help is needed with her good humor and endless energy. We have missed our cherished members from Renton who have been unable to attend our recent events. We do hope that we will be seeing them before too long. Evelyn and her committee-what a job on the convention! My husband and myself enjoyed every function and am very positive I can say the same for our delegate (snake-dance leader) Dorothy Sleigh and her husband Deryl, who are still traveling at this writing. So good to see friends we had met previously and the new ones we made. It was just great. Georgene Pearson is spearheading our newest fund raiser, we will be selling tee shirts and sweat shirts with an appropriate logo. These shirts are of excellent quality, will make super gifts and we should have them available in the very near future. By the time this reaches print, the Convention will have occurred, and our delegate, Dorothy Sleigh is looking forward to the event. It will be good seeing friends whom we met at the last Joliet Convention. We northwesterners are looking forward to our spring weather after record amounts of rain earlier this year, but are we nice and green. MARY BRATOVICH, President Sisters... sisters... Branch No. 79 members, spouses and guests honored our 1991 “Woman of the Year, Mary Kell, at a dinner meeting held at the Loading Dock restaurant in Enumclaw. Several members of Mary’s family were in attendance and gave those in attendance some highlights of Mary’s life, being enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Dorothy Sleigh for acting as Master of Ceremonies for her sister’s award day and such a good job she did! On this photo, WOMAN OF THE YEAR, Mary Kell, is seen with her sister, Dorothy Sleigh (whom we met at the recent SWU Convention). Hurrah for our beautiful Mary! NO. 85, DEPUE, IL Greetings to all the officers, delegates, and workers at the National Convention. It was a pleasure meeting all of you. “Hats off’ to Evelyn Majer-cik and all the workers who did an outstanding job putting the Convention together. Congratulations to the new slate of officers and also to Beverly Jackson. San Francisco who will be hosting the next convention. Our thanks also to the outgoing officers who did a good job. The banquets and entertainment were very nice. How I love those button boxes and the Slovenian singing. So many of the ladies have such beautiful voices. It was great to see the 89 year young lady dance and also to hear how good she could sing. How wonderful! The church of St. Vitus is surely beautiful and the Mass and singing were so lovely. My thanks to Angie Nico and the group from Joliet with whom 1 rode in the van. They were such a help to me and I really appreciate it. We had a lot of fun together and were like a "little family.” We held a dinner meeting at the Ranch House on May 29th where I reported on the National Convention. We will not have any meetings now until Fall. Some of our members have been taking trips. Our president, Gen. Grilc visited a friend in Virginia, Mary Plantan and Al Plantan spent some time in Arizona with their son and family and enjoyed their grandson, Mark. My sister, sister in law and I spent 10 days in Gettysburg, PA, with my sister’s daughter and family. It was so good to see them and enjoyed the little boys again. They are so much fun. Mary Maloney went on a bus trip to Kentucky. Mary Benkse’s sister and Mary Oberch’s daughter are in the hospital. We wish them and any other members who don’t feel well, a speedy recovery. Have a good summer everyone and God bless. MARY JERMENC NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL Our Mother of the Year Banquet was held May 13th at Bek’s Restaurant. Members brought guests and a large gathering was present to honor our Mother of the Year, Darlene Wasielewski. Her two daughters Pamela and Lynn were present along with two of her granddaughters. Her sister, Elsie Stone was also there to help celebrate. The committee in charge: Emma Folty, Jose Argubright and Jo Schmidt did a lovely job taking care of all arrangements. They presented Darlene with a trophy, the center piece, and a picture for a remembrance of the day. Prizes won: Marilyn Argubright, Gerri Schmidt and Catherine Golick. A lovely time was had by all and each one present went home with a beautiful flower. We all congratulate Darlene as our Mother of the Year. EUNICE KOMATER NO. 92, GUNNISON, CO What a busy spring we have had! Rita Bartelli and her family went to England to visit with her relatives. I’m sure they will have some good stories to share with us. Frances and Gaspar Guerrieri were home for the summer. Upon her return she treated the members to a dinner in her home. Her lasagna was super. Not only did she serve the dinner but also gave us the lasagna that was left. Gaspar did a lot of the foot work in making this meeting a success. Bunny Spritzer accepted a new job, so she will not be our president. Rita Bartelli and Betty Stefanic have been handling our business with success. 1 was pleasantly surprised to be chosen Woman of the Year. Thanks to Kathy Adamich who was voted in but decided to surprise me instead. Having taught for thirty years, I have faced a few children along the way. John Somrak gave all the information, making it sound as if I really did a lot! The buffet luncheon at the Dos Rios Restaurant was excellent. Our guests were John Somrak, Rudy Malenšek, Molly Zeigler, Julie Spritzer, Mary Jo Somrak, Sheryl Somrak, Gaspar Guerrieri, and Bob Weaver. The gifts presented to me were special and appreciated. Thanks to Sally Duck and Kathy Adamich for the flower centerpieces and corsages. Dos Rios also presented us with carnations in honor of Mother’s Day. Because I had already made a Mother’s Day book for Kathy, I presented it to her anyway. I have other ideas for next year. The mystery gift which I had brought was won by Rudy Malenšek. It was fun to see him unroll a ribbon full of quarters. Frances Guerrieri, Bunny Spritzer, and 1 hosted a birthday party at the Gunnison Health Center. Frances baked a birthday cake for the residents whose birth days were in April. We visited with former Crested Butte friends who are in the Center - Anne Perko and Martin Tezak. Several of us attended a funeral in Crested Butte for Tony Verzuh, the brother of our member, Kay Starika. I also visited with Kay Sterk who came in from Delta. Congratulations are in order for Margaret Malensek’s son John who was elected to head the Gunnison Elks. Margaret Depew attended a wedding, accompanied by Frieda Forcier. I'm anxious to hear all about Frieda, who is still missed by the group. We were sorry our three branches could not get together for our convention. The ladies from Pueblo and Canon City could not attend, even when we offered to change the date. We are looking forward to summer. Beth Weaver has graciously offered her home for our summer picnic. No date has been set yet. We hope everyone has a good summer. Our prayers are offered for the health of Helen Cobai. We are hoping Rose Carricato will be happy in her new home in the Longmont Care Center. We try to keep in touch as we know she appreciates our letters. Memorial Day in Crested Butte was attended by many former residents. A lunch was served and everyone had a chance to visit with each other. I saw Carolyn Tezak, and Margaret Kochevar, members of our Union. Have a good summer. It should be a busy one! FRANCES SOMRAK, Reporter NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL Ohhs and Ahhs were heard as we entered Sacred Heart School Hall for the dinner honoring all members recently. The beautiful color scheme and the scent of lilacs was delightful! Chairladies, Evelyn Driscoll and Charlotte Fryza thanked their assistant, Mary A. Perkovich, Lottie Brkljacic, Ann Yosue, Helen Santy and Manda Dosen. President, Millie James welcomed all, prayed for the deceased members and thanked all who helped make our past year's ventures successful. Dinner chatter revealed that Steph Magnavite is now a “baba.” Son, Dean and his wife welcomed twin girls, Mara Rose and Beth. This makes 21 grandchildren for her mother, Rose Dosen. Sophie Barbich is close behind with 20. New great grandson, George Griffin III is a new member of Harriet Isek’s family. It was nice to chat with Kuma, Lucy Kopilash, long time member. Come again, Lucy. Our condolences go to Sylvia Vuk-odinovich, whose husband, George was rushed to the hospital on the day of the party and subsequently passed away on May 20th. Condolences were extended to Bernice Bubel on the death of her husband, Walter. Also, to Mary Toporis, whose brother in law, Wayne Tinsley, was buried recently. He was very active with senior groups and Sacred Heart Church. May they rest in peace! We also heard that Katherine Al-firevich is having health problems. On a happier note. Marge Krmpotic tells us that her brother, John and Olga celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on May 25th. A formal reception was held in June for their numerous friends. Their family includes daughter, Carolyn Mayer, son, Jack, and four grown grandchildren. Olga's mother was a pioneer member of our branch. Guest, Lil Starce vie and Frances Benkovich won the Split-the-Pot. Games were handled by Mary A. Perkovich and Manda Dosen. Lucky winners were: Mary Brozynski, Molly Mach, Mary Nuzda, Phylis Tumpich, Ann Granich, Mary Malcic, Sophie Barbich, Josephine Jablonski, Made-lyn Zart, Anna Loncar, Marie Maras, Ann Yosue, Charlotte Fryza, Manda Dosen and Evelyn Driscoll. Also Helen Jerbic, Helene Golich, Millie James, Helen Ciechowski, Marge Simunic and Jean Burzowa. Dolores Hennelly made a final plea for membership dues. Pay up, ladies! A touching final prayer was said by Mary A. Perkovich. This ended our wonderful evening! See you September 4. MARIE MARAS “One unexpected favor done in a loving way. Tells more of care and kindness than any words can say. ” NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Greetings! How time does fly! Nature is showing it's array of color with many flowers in bloom. The National S.W.U. Convention has again completed its business with many important issues discussed. The guest speaker, Professor Edward Gobetz, gave an inspiring talk on the accomplishments of many people of Slovenian Heritage that have acquired a special place for themselves in this world of progress. He gave recognition to the Slovenian women’s Union for keeping the ZARJA in existence for so many years, outdoing several other Slovenian publications that have come and gone over the years. It was a joy to make so many new friends and greet former acquaintances. The 50th anniversary of our Branch 102 was celebrated on May 5, 1991, with a Mass for the living and deceased members of our Branch. Our pastor, Fr. James Lesczynski was the celebrant. A basket of red and white carnations, with a gold number 50 attached, was placed in front of the altar. Our officers, Jo Artac and Mary Djubinski presented the offertory gifts. The choir sang a number of Slovenian songs, the organist was Anne Collier. All were dressed in Slovenian National costumes, as were a number of our members. After Mass, the floral arrangement was transferred to the dinner table in the Parish Center. When all were seated, our Branch officers presented our “Mother of the Year,” Mary L. Lesar, with a corsage and beautiful plant. Mary was our branch’s first secretary and she also just celebrated her 80th birthday! We wish her many more! Fr. Jim said grace before the Pot Luck Buffet dinner. What a delicious variety of food! A short program followed with Jean Trunkel as “Mistress of Ceremonies.” Pres. Jo Artac read a card of congratulations from State Pres., Joan Yaklich. Mary Staut read the history of Br. 102 and the article from the SWU by-laws stating the purpose of the S.W.U. She Br. 102 honors their cherished members 1991 Mother of the Year, Mary L. Lesar, receives her gift from Br. 102, Willard. WI officers. Jo Artac. President and Mary Djubinski. Sec.-Treasurer, as daughter, Roberta (left), looks on. Anne Collier is at the right. The special occasion was also in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Br. 102. Congratulations! Branch 102, Willard Wisconsin Charter Member, Anna Volovsek. on her 98th birthday was presented with a name plaque signifying that her name is now engraved on the Wall of Honor at Ellis Island. She was an immigrant many years ago and this was a gift from her 42 proud grandchildren! also presented the 50 year scrapbook. Aimee Staut, the 1987 Scholarship winner from our branch, was recognized. Aimee graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Cross on May 25th, 1991 in medical technology and has accepted a position in Manitowoc, Wis. The Ellis Island Imigrant Wall of Honor name plaques that were given to charter member, Anna Volovsek by the 42 grandchildren for her 98th birthday were displayed. A suggestion was made and accepted that a donation of $50.00 be given to the "Keep the Connection” ZARJA fund. This is one dollar for each year that our Branch has existed! Thank yous were extended to: Anne Collier for handling the organist job so well. She also received a corsage! To Sopthie Trunkel for the attractive place cards, to Sandy Herrick for typing the Br. 102 history, to Mary Staut for compiling the history and making the scrapbook, and to the ladies in the kitchen for the excellent service. Four prizes were given out after which each members selected a carnation from the floral arrangement as a souvenir. Everyone enjoyed the memorable afternoon. This celebration is now history and completes the last pages of the scrapbook. Now it’s time to start preparing for the many summer activities! On June 16, Father’s Day, seven of our parish youngsters received First communion. Three good Sisters from Lemont, 111. come here for two weeks to teach summer religion classes. They are so very welcome. Our neighboring town of Greenwood is celebrating their Centennial this year and have invited Willard and our Branch to take part in an ethnic evening on July 17. There will be a concert in the park with lots of singing and music, our Slvoenian costumes. We will also have potica and other delicacies for sale! We are very proud to display our Slovenian heritage. July 19-20-21 brings us the Annual Polka Fest. Folks from far and wide come to enjoy our country hospitality. July 28 will be our local Annual “Slovenska Družba” picnic. This is a more than 15 year old tradition of this Willard community. Many former area folks who now live elsewhere make this a vacation weekend for lots of visiting, ethnic good (Pot Luck) and camaraderie. Of course, old time music, too! So now, will take a deep breath, try to get some rest and look forward to a busy summer. Welcome to Willard! MARY STAUT, Reporter NO. 105, DETROIT, MI Mother’s Day, Convention time -a time for a stroll down the mind’s memory lane. This July also brings for me a sad anniversary - the 40th anniversary of my mother’s death. I never recovered from that blow...from then on, life lost its meaning - and I lost the enthusiasm - the zest I once had. I know I never fulfilled the promise - as I am sure I would have if I had her tor a while longer, at least. She was an inspiration to her family, her friends and Zveza where she served as an officer for several years (treasurer and reporter). Since that sad day - July 19, 1951 - (right after my July 17th birthday) I have lost the rest of my immediate family - my dad on Nov. 1, 1976 and my brother just last year - May 7, 1990. “Ljubi maj - krasni maj” - is now a sad month for me - it always was my favorite month. My own family still gives me a reason for living as their love and support is my mainstay. Mother’s Day was a great day here - so many surprises. God bless the conventioneers - and guide the new officers for many years to come - MARIE DYE DOPIS! ŠT. 68, FAIRPORT, HRB., OH Ker se nisem udeležila aprilske seje naše podružnice, nimam kaj dosti za poročat, le to vem, da v mesecu maju smo imele Pot Luck Dinner, in vsaka se je potrudila, da bi kaj dobrega spekla. Drage članice. Zimo smo še kar nekako preživele, nismo imeli kaj hudega mraza. Kakor starejši ljudje, malo prehlada pride in tudi to mine, potem pa "Arterajtis” pride, danes v križu, drugi dan je že v kolenu in tako se mora človek, sprijazniti na večer našega življenja. Pa vendar, sedaj je življenska doba, povprečno 75 let. In v današnem času, pa imamo, kar dosti čez devedeset in celo preko sto letnikov. Moram povedati, da jaz imam v Ljubljani, ta starejšo sestro mlado 91 let. Če gledamo v Amer. Domovini, koliko je v Slovenskem starostnem domu v Clevelandu, ljudi, ki so tudi čez sto let učakali. Bog jih živi, daj jim še mirnega življenja na večer, ki so ga dočakali. To zimo, nas je ta nepotrebna vojska razburjala in vznemirjala, tako, da smo bili vsi veseli, ko smo zaslišali, da je ta ne zaželjena borba končana. Pustili pa so za seboj in seveda nepričakovano veliko hudega Iraškim beguncem, kateri so se morali umakniti smrti. Tisoče beguncev, med gorami v blatu in puščavi, kličejo na pomoč in umirajo od lakote. Kaj ni to v nebo, upijoči greh. Za nobeno zverino, se ne dela, toliko orožja kot za ljudi pokončat. Naj bo ta Iraška vojska za vzgled in opomin za druge države. Kot jim je rekel, Am. Senator Mr. Dole Jugoslavenskim državnikom, naj se ne igrajo z orožjem, da to niso šale /igrače/. Zadnje pogovore so imeli na Brdu pri Bledu in še niso prišli, do končnega sporazuma. So pa v upanju, da bo razum zmagal. Kateri imajo še svoje drage tam, bi se le podali na obisk v svoj rojstni kraj. Pa ob takih novicah, kot se sliši, je potrebno, da se dobro premisli, ker imajo le še strah, ker ne vedo, pod katero Jugoslavijo bodo spadali. Vsem čitateljem naše Zarje, ki imate rojstne in godovne dneve v mesecu majniku ali juniju, želim mnogo zdravlja in zadovoljstva med svojimi dragimi. Za razvedrilo še pesmico: Kje prijazne ste višave Kje prijazne ste višave, ki obdajate moj dom? Kje cvetoče ve planjave, vas li kdaj še videl bom? Kje predraga si dolina, kjer preživel sem mladost, kje višina, kje planila, kjer učil sem tol’k radost? Kje si zlat’ga časa zlati, blagi, ljubeznivi kraj, kjer so draga moja mati, dragi oče, časni raj? Zarneje tam sonce sije vetrič bolj hladan pihlja; bolj zeleno žito klije, bolj prijazno vir Šumija! Prav iskreno pozdravlja vse, JULKA KLAMMER tik L Škof Pevec daruje zahvalno mašo pri sv. Vidu - konvencija v Clevelandu Naši najmlajši v narodnih nošah; veseli da lahko sodelujejo pri procesiji - zahvalna maša pri sv. Vidu v Clevelandu. V prvi vrsti: Billy in Christopher Man-dich; v drugi vrsti so Tracy in Leo Epley, vnuki naše agilne tajnice št. 73, Alouise Epley. DATES TO REMEMBER July 25 - PICNIC. Br. 42, Maple Hts., OH. at Zupancic's Cottage Aug. 25 - PICNIC. Br. 14. Euclid, OH at 30334 Ridge Rd., Rt. 84, 2 p.m. Call Mary, 585-^1227 or Vera, 481-7473. Sep. 1 CALIFORNIA-KANSAS-MISSOURI STATE CONVENTION, Br. 100, Fontana. CA Sep. 8 - MINNESOTA STATE CONVENTION, Br. 23, Ely, MN Sep. 15 - WISCONSIN STATE CONVENTION, Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI Sep. 18 - CHINESE AUCTION. Br. 32. Euclid. OH Sep. 29 - OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION, Br. 50, Cleveland, OH Oct. 6 - ILLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVENTION. Br. 22. Bradley, IL Nov. 3 - POULTRY CARD PARTY, Br. 43, Milwaukee, WI VAZNO OBAVESTILO ZA BARAGOVE DNI 1991. Za naše rojake, ki se letos nameravajo udeležiti Baragovih dni v Washingtonu, so važne naslenje podrobnost: 1. — Praznovanje Baragovih dni bo združeno s praznovanjem 20-letnice posvetitve Slovenske Kapele. 2. — Točen datum: Sobota 31. avgusata, in nedelja I. septembra (Labor day week-end). 3. — Prostor: (a) Cerkvene slovesnosti bo v Narodnem Svetišču Brezmadežnega Spočetja v Washingtonu; (b) Kulturni program bo v hotelu Sheraton Washington Hotel (sodelovalo bo več pevskih zborov). 4. — Slovensko bogosložje: V soboto ob 4:00 popoldne, v kripti svetišča (Bazilika of National Shrine of Immaculate Conception). 5. — Angleško bogosložje: V nedeljo ob 2:00 popoldne, v glavni cerkvi. 6. — Banket: V soboto zvečer v hotelu (Sheraton Washington), po končanem bogoslužju v Cerkvi. 7. — Kulturni program: V hotelu, po banketu. (V načrtu je nadaljnji kulturni spored, prav tako v hotelu, v nedeljo zgodaj zvečer). 8. — Prenočišta: Priporočamo Sheraton Washington Hotel, kjer nam je uspelo izposlovati znatno znižane cene (popust nad 50%). Naslov hotela: Sheraton Washington Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, NW., Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel.: 1-800-325-3535. Hotelske cene, za eno noč, na osebo: a) V sobi za eno osebo: $75.00 b) V sobi za dve osebi: $37.50 c) V sobi za tri osebe: $31.67 d) V sobi za štiri osebe: $28.75 (Davek posebej). Te cene so zagotovljene za štiri dni pred slovestnostmi in tri dni kasneje. Sheraton Washington Hotel je isti hotel, kjer je bil banket s programom pred dvajsetimi leti ob posvetitvi Slovenske Kapele 15. avgusta 1971. Pri hotelu je v neposredni bližini postaja podzemeljske železnice (red line), ki gre naravnost do cerkve (National Shrine of Immaculate Conception). Cena banketa bo okoli $35.00. Morebitna večerja v nedeljo bi bila združena s kulturnimi programom in družabnim večerom. Za rezervacije v hotelu pokličite hotel (1-800-325-3535) in poudarite, da se boste udeležili Baragovih dni (BARAGA DAYS). Rezervacije sprejema tudi naš Pripravljanj Odbor (Conrad P. Mejač). Prisrčno vabljeni! Pripravljam Odbor Naslov za prijave in nadaljenje informacije: Conrad P. Mejač 4445 Butterworth Pl., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016 Tel.: 202/966-0296 When faithfulness is most difficult, it is most necessary. mšfl SLDUEMSKfl DEDIŠČINA A Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki FRANC JAKLIČ IV. BARAGA V KRIVEM DREVESU ZAČETNO DELO — Nadaljevanje — Baraga jim je sestavil cerkveni red. Ob petih zjutraj je zazvonilo angelovo češčenje. Kmalu potem je pozvonilo za k maši. Tudi ob delavnikih jih je precej prišlo. Pred mašo je poglavar Škorec naprej molil jutranjo molitev, drugi so mu odgovarjali. Ob sončnem zahodu je spet zazvonilo; zbrali so se v cerkvi k večerni molitvi, potem jim je Baraga razlagal krščanski nauk. Učil jih je po tolmaču Škorcu, ki je vsak njegov francoski stavek sproti prevedel na otavsko. Spovedoval je Baraga skoraj slednji dan, spet po tem tolmaču. To pa vernikom ni težko delo, ker je bil tolmač zelo dober katoličan. Ob nedeljah in praznikih so se verniki kar štirikrat zbrali v cerkvi: zjutraj zgodaj k jutranji molitvi, ob desetih k maši s petjem, popoldne ob treh k večernicam in krščanskemu nauku, ob sončnem zahodu pa k večerni molitvi. Pozimi je bila jutranja molitev bolj pozno in takoj za njo sv. maša. Baraga je na vseh misijonskih postajah najrajši to pridigal: Jezus, naš dobri pastir, biva v sv. Rešen-jem Telesu med nami. Njegova ljubezen do nas nima mej. Izgubljeni, spokorjeni grešniki so mu še posebno pri srcu. K spovedi jih je vedno več hodilo, Vsak dan po 20 do 30. Posebno se je zavzel za šolo. Kakor v cerkvi, tako je tudi v šoli le nadaljeval to, kar je bil začel in uredil Dejean. Škorec je tudi pod Barago poučeval dečke. Učil jih je branja, pisanja in računstva; učil jih je tudi mizarstva in kovaštva, v čemer je bil mojster. Gospa Fisher je učila deklice branja in gospodinjstva, pisanja pa ne. Bila je tudi Baragova postrežnica; dosti dela ji pač ni dal, saj je bil že v domovini z vsem zadovoljen. V protestantovskih šolah, n. pr. v Mackinacu, je bil učni jezik angleščina, ki je pa indijanski otroci niso razumeli. Katoliški misijonarji so pa odredili, naj bo v njihovih šolah indijanščina učni jezik. To je bilo vladnemu šolskemu nadzorniku tako všeč, da je zahteval tudi od protestantov, naj učijo v indijanščini, a niso ubogali. — Vlada je protestantovske indijanske šole radodarno podpirala, katoliškim pa na vse njihove prošnje in pritožbe ni hotela nič dati. Končno je šel škof Fenwick v zimi 1831/32 osebno v Washington (Uošingtn) in dobil za svoje misijonske šole v Krivem drevesu, pri Sv. Jožefu in Green Bayu po 1000 dolarjev na leto. — Otroci so dobivali v misijonskih šolah tudi hrano in obleko. V šolo je hodilo poleti 40 dečkov in deklic, pozimi 49. Dobro so se učili; nekaj glavic med njimi je bilo zelo bistrih. Baraga jih je s Škorčevo pomočjo učil verouka. Po dveh in pol mesesih je imel Baraga vpisanih že 72 krstov. Nekateri krščenci so bili stari že po 60 ali 70 let. K mnogim je šel s tolmačem sam prigovarjat v njihove zakajene in umazane koče in vigvame. Včasih se je kar čudil, ker so se takoj odzvali. Tistim, ki so bili že krščeni, je priporočal, naj svojim poganskim sorodnikom in sosedom govorijo o krstu. "Ne morem povedati, kako sem ganjen in kakšno veselje me obhaja, kadar krščujem spreobrnjence, posebno kadar jih pride več hkrati. Nekoč sem krstil sedem, 12. julija pa — o srečni, nepozabni dan — kar 11 poganov.” Tako vzklika 22. avgusta 1831 v pismu do Leopoldinine ustanove. Pravi, da mu krščenci prineso svoje poganske vražarske predmete, da jih pred cerkvijo sežge. V tem pismu tudi pove, kako ubožno je bilo njegovo stanovanje: “Naša cerkev, šola in moje stanovanje je vse leseno in z lubjem krito. Vse so postavili divjaki sami; lahko si torej mislite, kakšno je. Kadar dežuje, moram pogrniti plašč čez mizo, na kateri imam knjige in pisanje, da se mi vse ne zmoči. Nad posteljo odprem dežnik, sam se pa stisnem, kolikor se da, v kotiček svoje izbice, kjer najmanj kaplja. Ob vsem tem sem pa v svoji izbici mnogo bolj srečen, kakor so mnogi v svojih pozlačenih palačah. Cerkev je precej prostorna, do 400 ljudi bi lahko šlo vanjo; upam, da bo kmalu premajhna." S pomočjo tolmača Škorca se je pridno učil otavske indijanščine. S trudom in počasi si je sestavljal slovar in slovnico. Že ob prihodu v Krivo drevo je sklenil, da bo Otavanom napisal molitvenik, ker Dejeanovega zaradi mnogih algonkinskih besed in francoskih stavkov niso dovolj razumeli. — Kako zelo težka je bila tudi za Barago otavščina, nam pove pismo misijonarja Franca Pirca z dne 1. maja leta 1836; "Že dvakrat sem se dal ostrašiti od cele vatle dolgih besed in od težkih nepravilnih besednih oblik. Že sem bil izgubil vsako upanje, da se bom kdaj naučil tega jezika. V tretje sem si pa naložil kot vestno dolžnost, da se ga kar najbolje naučim. Gospod Baraga je šele zadnjo jesen (leta 1835) začel brez tolmača indijansko pridigati, potem ko se je pet let neutrudljivo učil tega jezika." Prišla je prva Baragova indijanska zima. Uvedla jo je viharna jesen, v kateri se tamkajšnja velika jezera skoraj neprestano penijo. Mnogo ladij in ladjic se je v takih viharnih jesenih potopilo, leta 1835 jjih je že samo Michigansko jezero požrlo 47. Začel je pritiskati strahovit mraz, zemlja je poldrugi meter globoko zamrznila. Ko je n. pr. Pirc v takem mrazu zgrešil pravo pot, mu je znoj sproti ledenel, da so kaplje padale na obleko, kakor bi bile iz voska. Dne 4. januarja leta 1832 je Baraga pisal na Dunaj: "V Krivem drevesu je zima dolga in ostra in še hujšo jo dela sever, ki tukaj skoraj brez prestanka strahovito buči. V sobi imam železno peč, v kateri noč in dan neprestano gori, pa vendar moram biti vedno v plašč zavit, da me ne zebe. Dobri divjaki zelo skrbijo zame; sem pa tja se zbero iz vse vasi, gredo sekat drva in mi jih nanosijo visoko skladovnico pred hišico." Stavba je bila iz brun, med katerimi so bile špranjen in je na vse strani vleklo. Pozimi Baraga ni hodil na daljša misijonska potovanja; oskrboval je Krivo drevo, obe podružnici in druge okoliške vasi. Pa tudi tukaj je imel malo dela, ker so se Indijanci, zlasti poganski, vsako jesen pomaknili proti jugu, kjer je manj snega in so torej lažje prišli do divjačine in rib. Zimske mesece se je torej lahko še bolj učil otavskega jezika; tolmač Škorec je bil skoraj stalno pri njem. Z njegovo pomočjo je sestavil otavski molitvenik. V začetku decembra ga je prišel po zamrzlem jezeru z indijanskimi spremljevalci obiskat njegov najbližji sosed Mazzuchelli iz Mackinaca. V svoji beležnici je Mazzucheli zapisal: "Malokdo si more pravilno predstaviti ganjenost dveh duhovnikov, ki se po celih mesecih samote vidita. Poglavitni namen obiska je zakrament sv. spovedi in dušni napredek." V bležnici je Mazzuchelli tuli zapisal, da je bila cerkev v Krivem drevesu tudi med delavniško mašo polna in da je našel Barago srečnega kakor v raju. Da, srečen je bil Baraga. "Neizrekljivo me tolaži in veseli, da sem tukaj," vzklikne v omenjenem pismu. Toda že v istem pismu se mu skali veselje in iz apostolskega srca mu privro lepi, prelepi stavki: "Samo to me žalosti, da je ta kraj tako slabo naseljen. Divjaki mojega sedanjega misijona bodo, kakor upam, kmalu vsi krščanski, izvzemši nekaj hudobnih oseb, ki se krščanski resnici trdovratno ustavljajo. Ko se bodo vsi spreobrnili, pojdem pa po določbi svojega škofa v drugo misijonsko pokrajino, kjer je, kakor sem z gotovostjo zvedel, mnogo divjakov, ki hrepenijo po kruhu življenja, pa ga ni, ki bi jim ga lomil, in kamor sploh še ni prišel noben misijonar. Zelo daleč proti severu je ta kraj. Odločil sem se, iti za temi ubogimi ovčicami Dobrega pastirja, če bo to njegova presveta volja." V tišini in ob mirnem delu v Krivem drevesu mu je torej duh krožil še za večjim misijonskim delom in se mu je ustavil na južni obali Gorenjega jezera, kamor so ga katoliški pol Indijanci vabili. Od tedaj je moledoval škofa za naslednika, pa tudi iz domovine si je želel sodelavcev. Leopoldinini ustanovi je pisal: "O kako sem vesel in Bogu hvaležen, da sem zapustil deželo, v kateri je duhovnikov v izobilju, in prišel semkaj, kjer so moji stanovski tovariši na stotine milj vsaksebi. Ko bi nekateri mladi, vneti duhovniki vedeli, koliko blaženosti uživajo misijonarji med divjaki in koliko priložnosti se jim nudi, delovati za dušni blagor bližnjega, bi se jih navzlic vsem težavam in nevarnostim nekaj odpravilo v deželo, v kateri se malikovalcem oznanja beseda življenja. Res da morajo misijonarji v tej puščobni deželi mnogo pretrpeti, a še veliko večja je tolažba in duhovna radost, ki jo uživajo." Prišel je božič, Baragov prvi misijonski božič. S svojo otroško vero, globoko pobožnostjo in veliko požrtvovalnostjo so mu njegovi verniki napravili mnogo veselja. Kakor so za božič drug drugemu hodili voščit na dom, tako so ves sveti večer v skupinah prihajali k Baragi, mu dajali roko in voščili, potem pa pokleknili, da jih je blagoslovil. — K spovedi in sv. obhajilu jih je šlo 137, to se pravi vsi, ki so že prejeli prvo sv. obhajilo in so bili za praznike doma. Na starega leta dan je prišlo iz gozdnih .lovišč pet poganov prosit, da jih krsti. Prigovarjal jim je bil že poleti, a niso hoteli; zdaj so pa sami od sebe prišli. Na novega leta dan jih je krstil. Nadaljevanje KAREL MAUSER RAZDRTO GNEZDO Nadaljevanje Božič je bil snežen in resnejši kakor druga leta. Sicer so vsi zadnji Božiči skrivali v sebi neko otožno hrepenenje po starih praznikih, ki jih ni motil strah pred bodočnostjo: toda ta se je zdel sestri Marjeti začuda težak. Celo pridigar pri polnočni maši se ni mogel ogniti teži, ki je visela v srceh vseh. Govoril je sicer o rojstvu Jezusovem, toda poudaril, da je sedanjem času že veliko ljudi, ki žele umoriti Boga že ob njegovom rojstvu kakor nekoč Herod. Nihče ne vidi v bodočnost, toda vsi se boje, da je križeva pot že začrtana in odmerjena, kakor je bila odmerjena božjemu Otroku ob rojstvu. Spolniti so se morala pisma, kakor se mora za nas vse izpolniti božja volja. Župne cerkve niso imele polnočnice, tam je bila maša že na večer. Polnočnice so bile dovoljene samo po kapelah raznih zavodov in sestri Marjeti se je zdelo, da je morda tudi to eden izmed vzrokov, da je čutila potrtost in skrb, čeprav je z drugimi sestrami vred iz srca pela božično pesem. Obraz sestre Ven-deline in sestre Virgine je bil prav tak kakor drugih sestra. Resen. Nobeni izmed sestra ni ušlo, da je mati prednica med božično pesmijo šla po robec in brisala oči. To se še ni zgodilo v zadnjih letih. Vedno je bila videti hladna, nedostopna čustvom, v karanju sestra včasih čez mero ostra kot se je zdelo sestram. In še nekaj je bilo, kar je bolečemu vzdušju še dodajalo svojo težo. Pred štirinajstimi dnevi je doktor Polec prosil za teden dni dopusta in se ni več vrnil. Bil je priljubljen pri bolnikih in zavoljo strpnosti spoštovan tudi pri sestrah. Prve novice so bile, da je odšel obiskat mater, ki je živela na Dolenjskem. Toda kmalu se je zvedelo, da je bil obisk samo pretveza. Odšel je v gozd. Sestro Marjeto je novica strašno zadela, prav ( tako sestro Vendelino, sestro Virginio in sestro Al-fonzo. Vse so bile na njegovem oddelku in vse so ga spoštovale. "Kako hitro se je razjezil doktor Zimd. Samo za hipec prepozno mu je dežurna sestra podala injekcijo in že je zavpil. Ali stari doktor Mlakar? Kaj mislite sestra, da molite svoje bilje? Tam ste lahko počasni, tu se je treba zasukati. Zakaj vas niso dali kuhinjo, ali v pralnico. Ali ste sploh hodili u šolo?" Prednica, mati Doroteja, je sicer trdila, da morajo biti na svetu tudi taki zdravniki, ki dajejo sestram, ki so svojo službo na oddelku šele pričele priložnost za učenje potrpežljivosti. Toda kako težko je vedno molčati. Po polnočnici se šle sestre Marjeta, Vendelina in Virginia iz kapel0 Bila je mrzla noč in stisnjene v ^ orginjala so tiho koračile proti porti. Polnočnica jih je prevzela. Imele so skupno spalnico, majhen prostor s tremi posteljami, ki je bil pregrajen s španskimi stenami na tri dele. Stiska za prostor je postajala hujša in hujša. Precaj sestra je pribežalo od drugod, treba se je bilo stisniti in potrpeti. “Saj je bilo vse kakor vedno, toda vendar čisto drugače." Tako je tiho rekla sestra Virginia. Roke, pregrnjene s pletom, je sklenila v naročju. Majhna in okrogla je bila posebna ljubljenka sestre Vendeline, ki je bila visoka in vitka. “Čisto drugače. Človek se boji noči, boji se drugega dneva. Kdo bi se mislil, da bi doktor Polec utegnil iti v Gozd?" Le zakaj? “Ali ste vi kdaj mislili o tem, sestra Vendelina?” “Slišala sem samo reči sestro Anastazijo, da je prav. Naša sestra Anastazija se je v zadnjem letu strašno spremenila, ali ne?" Ona je edina, ki si je dala od doma poslati civilno obleko. Sestra Vendelina je našobila usta. “Ona je vedno nekaj posebnega,” je rekla. Gotovo ima v glavi stvari, ki jih nikoli ne bo nobenemu povedala. Zaprla se je vase. “Morda je preveč pričakovala od sestrske skupnosti", je rekla sestra Marjeta — Tako dobra in-štrumentarka je bila, vendar ji ni uspelo priti na kirurški oddelek. In tako si je želela. Bila je razočarana." “Sestra Jedrt je bila pač boljša," je rekla sestra Vendelina! Ne vem, zakaj se je sestra Anastazija v resnici tako spremenila, pa zakaj"? “In če se tisto zgodi, kaj mislite," je rekla sestra Vendelina — “In svet se ne bo podrl. Kakšen direndaj je bil takrat, ko je iz tretjega oddelka ušel ujetnik ob vsej italijanski straži. Vse smo mislile, da bo mati Doroteja ob pamet. In prav sestra Anastazija je bila, na katero je letel ves sum." Sestra Marjeta se je bala, da Anastazija ni več srečna. “Še vedno ima odprto pot kakor vse druge." Vsaka sestra je odšla k svoji postelji za papirnato steno. Lučko pred jaslicami je upihnila sestra Virginia, ki je vsako misel razgovora najdle mlela. “Čudno se mi zdi," je šepnila, “da se je sestra Anastazija najmanj razburjala zavoljo doktora Polca. Samo skomignila je in rekla, da je nemara prav naredil." “Morda mislite, da bi ji prav prišlo, ko bi morale oditi in se preobleči v civilne cunje?" Tako je rekla sestra Vendelina. “Ne upam misliti do konca," je šepnila sestra Marjeta nazaj. “Imam občutek, da bi sama nikakor ne upala oditi, žlovek postane nekaj drugega v samostanu. Če bi nas razgnali, bi bilo povsem drugače.” “V božji volji niso na redu samo dobre stvari, sestra Virginia. So tudi hude in težke," je trdo rekla sestra Vendelina. V bolnici ne ozdravijo vsi, mnogo jih tudi umrje. In vendar vsak dan za vse molimo.” Sestra ni vedela več kaj reči. Čez dobre četrt ure je že spala in njeno smrčanje je ponilo prostor. “Sestra Virginia bo menda smrčala še v nebesih,” je šepnila sestra Vendelina "Tako dobra sestra je! Sestri nista mogli zaspati; teža prihodnosti ju je mučila. — nadaljevanje — Stari slovenski ženitovanjski običaji Ko )e za svatbo že vse domenjeno, si ženin izbere druga in starešino, nevesta pa družico in teto. Drug in družica sta neporočena spremljavalca ženina in neveste. Starešina in teta pa vodita svatbo. Potem gresta ženin in nevesta vabit svate. Ponekod vzame ženin le očeta s seboj ali strica, na vzhodnem štajerskem pa to opravijo pisano našemljeni “pozva-čin" (stari gorenjci so še poznali pozvačin), ki so vsi v papirnatih trakovih, zvončkih in imajo v rokah lesene sekire v |eževo kožo oblečene. Pozvačin vabeč svate govori o Kanigalilejski, obljublja dobro jedačo in pijačo, če bodo na razpolago senice, bik in zajci, katere so nastreljali slepci v hosti, gmajni, in zbija šale več ali manj po nedoločnemu redu in obredu. Ženin se mora kajpak odkupiti od fantov in plačati svojo fantovščino, ki se poje in zapije. Na predvečer poroke se vozi iz nevestine, v ženinovo hišo bala, in to na vozeh okrašenih s smrečjem, s pisanimi trakovi, tudi konji so bili okrašeni s trakovi. Balo spremljajo harmonikar in ukajoči fantje. Preden balo peljejo iz nevestinega doma, sede na veliko skrinjo nevestina sestra ali kako drugo dekle in noče z nje, dokler se ženin ne odkupi ali podkupi. Potem navadno voza ni mogoče premakniti z mesta baje, ker manjka peto kolo. Poskušaje s skledami, pa ne gre, šele, ko prineso ogromno pogačo je mogoče spraviti voz z mesta. Poroka je najrajši v sredo. Gostje se zgodaj zberejo v ženinovi hiši in se potem z okrašenimi vozovi napotijo po nevesto. V prvemu vozu sedita ženin in starešina, v drugemu sta pa drug in družica. Vozijo pa kar se da hitro. Toda nevestin dom je kakor izumrl in šele, ko starešina močno potrka po vratih, vprašajo od znotraj, kdo, da trka? In kaj želi? Potem za šalo barantajo za nevesto in je dolgo ne iztaknejo. Z ganka doli jim vržejo slamnato punco, toda starešina ni z njo zadovoljen. Po dolgemu barantanju le pokažejo nevesto. Starešina pripne vsem svatom šopke, ženinu pa bel svilnat trak na klobuk. Preden se vozovi napotijo v cerkev k poroki, morajo starši ženina in nevesto blagosloviti, poškropiti trikrat z blagoslovljeno vodo. Po poroki gre vse v novo hišo, kjer sprva tudi nočejo odpreti, šele po dolgih šaljah, dajanjih spremejo mlado ženo. Svatbeni ples otvori starešina, nato plešeta novoporočenca. Ponekod ženin in nevesta nesmeta jesti z žlico Drugod je navada, da starešinova žena prva razreže pogačo in s tem otvori pojedino. Po dolenjskem pridejo v izbo šeme napravljeni fantje, ki prodajajo starešini obrano prašičevo glavo, drugod pa mora starešina po dolgih pogajanjih plačati za Štefan ali dva vina. Na štajerskem igrajo vlogo dolenjskih šem poz-vačini, ki zbijajo šale in dražijo ženske. Ponekod mora mladi mož prišedši od poroke, nesti čez hišni prag svojo ženo, da ne bo nesreče v hiši. Po poroki mora nevesta sesti na hišni prag, v naročje ji polaže malega otroka, da bo rodovitna. Pravijo, da mora imeti nevesta pri poroki pest zrnja v žepu, da bo bolj rodovitna. Dolenjski fantje po poroki grede k svatbi postavijo poročencema “šrango" pregrajo iz svilnatih rut prek ceste. Ženin se seveda mora pošteno od fantov odkupiti. Nekaterim bo to novo, nekaterim pa mislim, da sem zbudila malo spomina na njihovo mladost. Srečno! CIRILA KERMAVNER FRAN LEVSTIK MARTIN KRPAN ILLUSTRATED BY TONE KRALJ TRANSLATED FROM THE SLOVENE BY F.S. COPELAND It’s true, Krpan, you’ve saved the empire and Vienna too; and for that you shall have a fifty-gallon cask of wine, one hundred and five fine milk loaves, and twenty lambs; and forty-eight knuckles of pork we'll give you. But mark my words! All this you must take home with you to Carniola, if you like. But you may not sell one bit of it, neither here nor by the way. Once you’re at The Peak by Holy Trinity, you may do as you please. And as we’ve no longer got Brrdows in our midst, it won’t be amiss if you saddle that admirable little goat of yours, of which you say that she’s a mare, and go fair and softly back to The Peak. Remember me to all the good folk of The Peak and especially to the Lady Mayoress!« The Empress said her say and went off straight to her chambers. All the gentlemen felt greatly ashamed. And well they might! She had told them off proper; which was no more than they deserved! But Krpan looked back as a thundercloud. Like lightning behind dark mountains, his eyes flashed fire from beneath a frowning forehead, and his eyebrows bristled like a pair of brooms. In a moment all those around him had a queer feeling about the heart! Even the Emperor looked at him sideways, badly scared, — the Emperor! But because they had always been great friends, he slowly pulled himself together and said to him: »Say nothing, Krpan; we two will fix things up so it’ll be all right!« But Krpan paid no attenion; he heaved his club on to his right shoulder, his butcher’s axe on to his left, went to the door and said: »D’you know what? God be wi’you! And no offence meant!« With that Krpan laid his hand on the latch as if to go out. The Emperor ran after him: »Wait a moment! Listen to reason! Heaven preserve’s! You’re not a mill-race, man!« Krpan replied: »What next? D’you think I haven't heard enough? Doubtless my beard would reach down to my belt or even lower if I didn’t shave twice a week; and now would any one sweep the floor with me? Who sent a coach-and-four for me? You or I? I had no need of Vienna, but Vienna had need of me! And now I’m treated like dirt! Even beause of the meat and wine I’ve got to swallow insults? I know, some mother’s bread I’ve eaten, both black and white; some father's wine I’ve drunk; but nowhere, not even with you, have I found service such as they provide at Klinchar’s of Broken Hill.1 There’s nothing meaner on earth than for a man to give and then make a grievance of it. If you don’t want to give, keep your goods to yourself! And who’d have thought the fuss over that lime-tree wasn’t over and done with? as that little tree your god, or what? That sort grows in every scrub, but you won’t find a Krpan round every comer, not even at every Emperor’s court, thank the Lord! Your gifts, again, are given so that a man cannot come by them; just as if one were to tie a mouse to the cat’s tail, so that the poor beast keeps spinning round but can't get at its prey. Fifty gallons of wine, one hundred and five milk loaves, twenty lambs and forty-eight knuckles of pork; it’s no trifle; but what’s the good of it? I may not sell it; nor can I very well carry it from Vienna to the Peak. But I’ll fix things differently, in a way none of you has thought of! I’ll carry boards into this yard, and if I find too few. I’ll fell trees. I’ll fell everything that comes handy to my axe, limes male and female, good timber and bad, no matter whether above a table of stone or of wood; and I’ll build me a cabin in the middle of your yard and there I’ll lie so long as there’s a drop in the cask or a bite for me to swallow. But this I tell you: let some Brrdows come again to Vienna, and you send your coach and servant once more for me, or even your daughter for whom I don't care one way or the other, -and we’ll see what you’ll bring back from The Peak by Holy Trinity! If it’s Krpan, it won’t be one of flesh and blood, but a scarecrow stuffed with oaten straw that won’t frighten even sparrows for long, let along giants! I’d thought of going away without a word. But it was yourself that stopped me, so don’t take it ill if I’ve spoken with some bitterness; you know what the late Bartholomew of the Bare Hill2 used to say: ,Shall I feed cake to one with whom I have a quarrel? What will provoke him still further, that I’ll dish for him!' Now goodbye and fare you well!« (To be continued) 1 Approximate translation of Razdrto. 2 Approximate rendering of »na Golem«. DISCOVER Mural Art Gallery • Expert Restoration of Antiques