Zarja $ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International Official Publication Slovenian Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki Volume 84 Issue 3 May/June/July 2012 The Dawn Paula Bajda Mavec “I can do it, I can do it for Zveza, I can climb the mountain for Zveza.” Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St. LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 84, No 3, May/June/July 2012 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Communications for the next issue of publication Do you have something SUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15th day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the September/ October issue must be received by July 15th. Thank you. Submission Guidelines Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone number, e-mail address and mailing address with each submission, including e-mailed submissions. Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted materials. It is best to e-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal (or better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach your photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.) By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian Union of America (formerly the Slovenian Women’s Union of America) the use of the material, including your name, hometown and state. We may modify, reproduce, and distribute it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or appropriate place. Almost $500 was raised for Paula’s ‘Triglav or Bust’ adventure at the March 3, Slovenian wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres tasting where guests were greeted with good cheer, a shot of Slivovitz, and Paula’s grandson, Marty, playing the button box. See back page on how to support Paula in her monumental effort to fund-raise for SUA. Marty Mavec President’s Message Greetings: Just a few weeks ago your National Board met in Joliet, Illinois for four days. We worked long and hard on building a bigger and better SUA. Our meetings started early in the morning and ended late at night. The outcome was very simple - “We can do this.” Our work is cut out for us these next three years, but we believe we can make a difference. We are starting from the ground up. We are heading in the right direction professionally and have monthly goals to achieve. We are utilizing the vast experience of our talented board and most importantly we are listening to our audience, you, the member. Together we can make this happen. In the last issue we talked about building our branches and giving tools to work with. This has started and I am positive you will see the outcome in the branch reports. When the meetings are effective you will see the membership counts go up. This leads us to the next step - recruiting new SUA members. I am challenging each of you to sign up a new member. Even if the outcome was only 10% of our members recruiting, it would be double our efforts in the previous year. But, quite honestly, that is not even good enough. We need everyone to be working on this. I encourage you to read all the branch reports; we come a long way! Gone is the doom and gloom and in its place are some exciting events happening throughout the United States. We now have c o o k i n g classes, beekeeping presentations, discussions on where our ancestors came from, and all sorts of celebrations. For all those branches giving it a try – I am very proud of you! In closing, thank you for your time, your membership, support, and let’s keep the communication lines open. Your membership is very important to SUA! EACH ONE REACH ONE! Bonnie Pohar Prokup National President wprokup@aol.com We must set higher goals for recruitment. Every branch should have no problem recruiting at least 10 new members each year. This truly is easier than you think. With the bylaw changes at the recent convention it has opened the door for new membership. Can you give it a try? Welcome to Our New Members! 1, Virant, Monica 3, Pachek, Gertrude 5, Cline, Charles Robert 5, Vertacnik, Wendy 16, Maloy, Denise 16, Matushek, Beverly 16, Matushek, Olivia 16, Minton-Kutz, Janice 16, Rossi, James 20, Kubal, Joseph 20, Kubinski, Peggy 20, Welsh, Patrick MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 23, Mavetz, Julia 30, Swintosky, Aiden 30, Vlahovic-McIlvene, Mihela 33, Bucar, Maija 42, Kastelic, Robert 43, Vidmar, Constance 43, Vidmar, Edward 43, Wisch, Ryan J 50, Hozjan, Mary Ann 50, Meadows, Barbara 89, Banich, Adam 89, Banich, Christopher 89, Komater, Jay 93, Clime, Kathleen 93, Inga, Marissa 93, Inga, Michelle 99, Cufar, Marco 99, Cufar, Nicholas 99, Martincic, Paul 99, Martincic, Samuel 100, Lomshek, Teja Adrijana 102, Ziegenweide, Barbara 103, Van Sloun, Ryan 108, Lloyd, Carol 1 Ryba’s Reminders Burial Insurance Claims Every year we receive several notifications that insured members have passed away, but claims are never submitted. Perhaps the family is unaware that their loved one had a small insurance policy. A list of these outstanding claims can be found below. If anyone knows the families of these insured members, please advise them to submit claims. A copy of the death certificate and the policy should be sent to the home office at 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, 60432-1703. Saving Money It is often said that it takes money to make money. Since our furnace was over 30 years old it was time to stop the heat from going up the chimney! Last May we purchased a new energy efficient furnace and this has resulted in a savings of $1,300 in 2011. Within a few years the savings will pay for the cost of the furnace. Also, by eliminating one issue of Zarja, SUA saved over $10,000 in 2011. Travel We continue to keep travel expenses to a minimum expense. In 2007 our travel expenses were $7,233 and in 2011 they were $2,025. We are proud of this decrease. This was accomplished because we no longer have hotel expenses and also those who drive often do not claim mileage reimbursement. Board members who fly also do not claim mileage or transportation to their home airport. Since we have three board members who have to travel via air, we will offset this cost because we are using a business credit card that gives us rewards. By charging the Zarja printing and other large expenditures since last June, we received $500 in cash rewards. Operating Expenses Though we did have unavoidable major building repairs and legal fees during the last four years, we have reduced our day-to-day business operating expenses. In 2007 these expenses were approximately $130,000 and in 2011 they were $113,000. The building repairs and legal fees are not included in these figures. This is a remarkable decrease considering inflation and that our real estate property taxes have doubled since 2007. - Carol Ryba, Treasurer Unclaimed SWUA Burial Insurance 2007-2011 1, Brezonik, Dorothy J. 2, Bernasek, Mary 2, Paisoli,Millie 2, Zubek, Genevieve 3, Evans,Velma 3, Kocman, Elsie 3, Medonich, Elsie 3, Pachak-Holfeltz, Marcia Ann 3, Pauchick, Pauline 5, Albin, Ludmilla 5, Banich, Florence 6, Killoran, Jeanette 12, Kotze, Sylvia 13, Coppinger-Griffin, Patricia A 14, Prijatel, Frances 20, Barbic, Mary 20, Grayhack, Margaret 20, Minier, Theresa 20, Valek, Alice 20, Yaggy, Claire 2 23, Slogar, William 23, Yadlosky, Jane 24, Gruenwald, Jane 24, Hoefferle, Antonia 24, Kinczewski, Theresa 24, Senica, Mary 24, Wellner, Theresa 25, Pelcic, Dorothy 30, Epley, Alouise 30, Hagan, Janet Marie C 30, Tomsick, Joann 34, Bobence, Tory *see note below 34, Ranisate, Janet 38, Zalec, Frances 40, Tomsic, Anne A 43, Bistan, Mary 43, Martino, Mary 43, Sporis, Vickie 43, Tratnik, Ronald 50, Gornik, Josephine 50, Katai,Valerie T. 50, Miller, Jean M 50, Strainer, Hermine K 50, Winter, Dorothy Ann 57, Mateyko, Louise 68, Mohorcic, Emily 79, Mitchell, Jeanette 79, Richter, Cecilia 93, Burger, Antonia 100, Phillips, Nellie Ann 103, Menapace, Ana Rojina 105, Perhay, Ann 108, Mathews, Eric *Tory Bobence, former National President, generously named SWUA as the beneficiary of her insurance, but legally, per the Department of Insurance, we cannot receive this donation until we receive a copy of her death certificate. ZARJA THE DAWN Thank you for the following donations! Donation $250 Branch 39, Honor of all Branch 39 members, past and present Donation $100 Lomshek, Janez, 100, +Jozef & Franciska Pecnik/ Matevz & Ana Lomsek Boudreau, Jennifer, 100, +Anton, Frances, Martin, Ed, and Ted Dragar Fox, Elizabeth, 89, +Carolyn M. Widmar Augustine, Tony, 20, Honor of Augustine Family Lukancic, Louis Dr., 20, +Fr. Bernard Horzen Donation $75 Barkovich, Cheryl, 100, +Joseph Edward Barkovich Whitmire, Maria, 93, SUA and Zarja Pohar, Barbara, 24, Zarja Kastelic, Robert, 42, Zarja Donation $60 Robertson, Jean, 43, +Louis Kovach & Marjorie Kovach Donation $50 Ganster, Diana, 20, Zarja Mosquin, Sonja, 93, Zarja Brann, Marceline, 50, Honor of Albina Marsey Nash, Barbara, 103, +Anne Perhay, my mom Dvornik, Susan, 20, Zarja Donahoe, Theresa, 30, +Stefana Masel McNally II, Thomas, 2, +Johanna & Frank Ribich Osterman, Raymond, 20, +Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Osterman Sr. Rechlitz, Judith, 43, Zarja Cameron, Mary Ruth, 38, +Rose (Samsa) Tobak, mother Palcisko, Carrie (Kochevar), 20, +Tony Kochevar Donation $45 Lanari, Vida, 35, Zarja MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 Donation $25 Sustarich, Virginia, 13, +Katie, Matt, & Matthew Judnich Mejac, Mary Grill, 103, Honor of Conrad P. Mejac Blatnik, Anita, 30, +Joseph Kenik Family Blatnik, Mary, 42, +Joseph & Mary Kenik Kraus, Kathryn Blatnik, 42, +Joseph Kenik Family Blatnik, Bernadette, 42, +Joseph & Mary Kenik Swintosky, Dorothy, 30, +Frank Zevnik, Anna Zevnik Zallar, John Zallar Ferlic Arredondo, Joyce, 40, +Mary F. Mlach Ferlic Fischer, Margaret, 1, +Margaret G. Fischer Pipoly, Evelyn, 50, +Michael Pipoly Burk, Mary, 20, +Louise Schoener, my loving mother Bissell, Heather, 3, +Sally Glavich Novak, Genevieve, 30, +Margaret Mihelcic Petrich, Diana, 23, +Julia “Ticky” Erchul Mavetz Morison, Frances, 2, +Percy L. Morison Gross, Elizabeth, 93, Honor of Lynn Zalokar, past president Branch 93 Maloney, Mary, 24, +Mary Zugich, mother Walsh, Helen, 20, +Agnes & Matthew Verbiscer Stumm, Dona, 99, +Dona Bucar Saye Medved, Bernadine, 109, Zarja Skul, Mary, 47, Zarja Sadar, Mary, 50, +Edward John Sadar Lewis, Dolores, 2, +Ann Kahover Stanonik, Dorothy, 50, +Anne Tomsick Gulas, Maria, 20, Zarja Reichelderfer, Frances Jean, 100, +Jean Kurilich Picman, Justine, 50, Zarja Gruden, Angela, 42, +Angela Vidic Perko, my mother Kambic, Cyrilla, 20, Zarja Martin, Deanna, 30, +Ana Simonich Dickovich Bokar, Catherine, 20, +Anna Kozan, grandmother Luebke, Rose, 43, Zarja Dragavon, Justine, 34, Zarja Schmidl, Maxine, 34, Zarja Carnes, Barbara, 109, +Family, relatives, and friends Kish, Nancy, 42, +Julia LeganLipnos & Sally Kish Twill Wojdula, Elsie, 2, +Clare Gospo & Theresa Kroschel Polzin, Christine, 102, +Josephine Bayuk Ovnik, Judith, 2, +Marie Ovnik, sister Lipic, Hilda, 100, Zarja Popich, Katherine, 13, Zarja Barto, Jacqueline, 24, +Connie & Frank Benkse, my parents Trauner, Rick, 5, +Erna Trauner DeJule, Beverly, 20, +Matthew & Anna Pershey Grabowski, Josephine, 24, Zarja Stupnik, Frank, 30, +Frank Stupnik Sr. & Rose (Brula) Stupnik Haslup, Aggie, 42, Honor of Teresa (Vrcek) Gorup Govednik, Joseph, 13, Zarja Mills, Marcelline, 25, Zarja Tomaszewski, Patricia, 43, +Anne Konczal Tomaszewski, Patricia, 43, +Mary Martino Sanders, Joanne, 5, +Milka Krpan, Millie Sanders, & Louise Kelemenic Ziegenhorn, Patrick, 1, +Johanna Suscha Erjavec, Ronald, 20, Zarja Banich, Mary (Mitzi), 89, +Helen Komater Potisk, Polly, 100, Zarja Kneisley, Denise, 50, Zarja Morrissey, Janet, 100, Zarja Bruch, Barbara, 89, +The Terselic girls from LaSalle Bruch, Kitty, 89, +The Terselic girls from LaSalle 3 Jelinek, Albert, 43, Zarja Pohar, Julia, 24, +Mrs. Helen Swietek Pavlovcic, Frances, 40, +Mary Pavlovcic Klinar and Joan Rahotina Morison, Juantia, +Emily Lombardi Donation $20 Fister, Marica, 99, Zarja Skusek, Tillie, 43, Zarja Lesza, Clara, 2, +Deceased members of Lesza Family Williams, Mary, 25, +Mary Hace Mallik, Carolyn, 25, Zarja Friesenhahn, Barbara, 5, Zarja Peterson, Mildred, 20, +Justine Gregorich Thompson, Josephine, 5, +Deceased Dragan Family Ponikvar, Joanne, 54, +Rose Racher Hoag, Laverne, 38, +Anne Nickovich Mock, Angela, 3, +Stanley Gersick Slapnik, Nancy, 25, Zarja Watson, Jerry, 5, +Teta Lavena Weigand & Teta Jeanie Miley Starcevich, Kathleen Marie, 3, +Frances Hiza & Stephen Hiza Stanfield, Sylvia, 5, +Carol Stanfield, daughter Herrick, Charlene, 102, +Marion Herrick Serazin, Agnes, 40, +Agnes Celik Brady, Sharon, 24, +Helen Swietek Grah, Julie, 2, +Frank Petrich Lapornik, Justina, 103, Zarja Litwin, Rosemary, 2, +Antonia Densa, mother Kuzma, Barbara, 24, +Angela (Brinovec) Konczak Korsman, Jeanette, 35, +Annie Purkat, mother Kamnikar, Terry, 89, +Kernz sisters & Grandma Kamnikar Sadowski, Lillian, 42, +Antonia Legan, mother Rutkowski, Bernadine, 20, +Marge Grayhack Regis, Dorothy, 20, +Dorothy Kove Cwudzinski Skul, Elizabeth, 3, Zarja Urac, Kathleen, 100, +Genevieve M Urac 4 Grisez, Sandra, 50, +Josephine Simenc Mramor, Stan, 40, Zarja Wadycki, Pamela, 2, +Evelyn Tome Newkirk, Mary Jodene, 3, Zarja Bartol, Gladys, 1, Zarja Adamic, Frances, 30, +Helen Grasser Naudziunas Jr., Paul, 2, +Dorothy Foral Naudziunas, Sharon, 2, +Dorothy Foral Megahan, Cheryl, 30, +Anna Karun Pulkinen, Francine, 35, +Frank & Angeline Brula Morrow, Hermine, 50, +Albin J Blatnik Donation $15 Zawerschnik, Joyce, 43, +Gertrude Burg Ivons, Jean, 10, Zarja Hervol, Helen, 71, +Henry J Hervol Kambic, Donald, 100, +Matilda Kambic Inga, Joyce, 93, +Henry Ostanek Ogrinc, Josephine, 16, Zarja Lukach, Janell, 89, +Marilyn Argubright Whitmore, Margy, 108, Zarja Umek, Sharon, 20, Zarja Warren, Joann, 26, Zarja Rastetter, Joan, 26, Zarja Kaczmarek, Joan, 99, +Ethel Latimer Zupancich, Judith, 23, +Aunt Rose Pucel Lustik, Walter, 20, Zarja Rossi, Dorothy, 16, +Mary Novak Donation $10 Schwandner, Emma, 20, Zarja Tranbarger, Theresa, 16, +Hattie Wiggins Isek Bokar, Margaret, 50, Zarja Cox, Dolly, 20, +Millie Mikolic Ellena Kumse, Vida, 16, Zarja White, Frances, 3, Zarja Satej, Carol, 68, +Jennie Satej Mohorcic Bailey, Bernice Prosen, 100, Zarja Kochevar, Eileen, 20, +Anton & Irene Kochevar Zebot, Jean, 103, Zarja Lister, Diane, 30, Zarja Andrews, Mary Frances, 25, +Josephine Sustarsic Brown, Deborah, 43, +Anthony J Skul Herbst, Jean. 20, Honor of Branch 20 Schiffler, Gloria, 2, +William Schiffler Yovanovich, Sue Ann, 5, +Frances Yovanovich Papesh, Lillian, 20, +Tina R Bozick, daughter Hedderman, Alice, 50, Zarja Michalesko, Hank, 20, +Elfrieda Herbst Michalesko Byrne, Susan, 93, +Ann J Sicinski & Lousie Horvat Prince, Sophie, 34, +Tory Bobence Jurkas, Christine, 20, Zarja Pieczynski, Mary Ann, 24, +Anne Pieczynski Kollander, Maia, 50, +Albina Novak Leach, Agnes, 13, +Josephine Aiuto Doles, Mary, 10, +Clarence F Doles Steller, Kristina, 100, Zarja Cullen, Mary Ann, 3, +James J Cullen Sorensen, Valerie, 3, +Kenneith & Lena Sinkovich Hodgman, Vicki, 99, Zarja Lamm, Dorothy, 50, +My Loved Ones & Honor of Dorothy Lamm Scepita, Mary Ellen, 103, +Mary Sever & Sever/Scepita Family Rozman, Dorothy, 43, +Tony & Elsie Valencic Mutz, Fran, 20, +Frances Smrekar Frohna, Mark, 43, +Mici Coffelt, staramama Kaye, Katherina, 43, +Mrs. Mici Coffett Scholp, Elizabeth, 20, +Rose M Pasdertz Lockard, Jenny, 42, +Angel Vidic Perko Korst, Joyce, 20, +my Husband Russ, Charlotte, 38, +Jennie Taramelli Sterle, Rose, 38, Zarja Tarro, Mary Ann, 30, Zarja Reddy, Patricia, 43, Zarja ZARJA THE DAWN Holderbaum MD, Michelle, 25, +Frances Pirnat Zakrajsek Glavan, Susan, 20, Zarja Lennon, Kay, 20, Zarja Voss, Nada Peterka, 99, +Mama Zora Peterka Brozina, Dorothy, 10, +Anna Stefancic Kellett, Rose, 89, +Mary Dusak Nauheimer, Dolores, 2, Honor of Amy & Chloe Brandt Hostnik, Patricia, 30, +Jeanne G Hostnik, mother Carlton, Dorothy, 30, +Mary Kocjan, grandmother McFarland, Helen, 3, Zarja Johnson, Virginia, 100, Zarja Jermenc, Murielann, 24, +Anton & Mary Jermenc Family Hull, Mara Cerar, 50, Zarja Pakiz, Rose, 102, Zarja Zeleznikar, Jean (Daisy), 2, Zarja Kovacevic, Helen, 50, +Mary Coleman, mother Icenhour, Mary Louise, 23, Zarja Krogulski, Barbara, 24, +Mary Krogulski Volpe, Marion, 30, +Agnes & John Zornik, parents Hribar Spires, Karen, 102, +The Francel & Hribar women Androjna, Francka, 50, Zarja Zupancic, John, 16, +Francis Zupancic Marel, Eleanor, 26, +Deceased family members Engelhardt, Florence, 108, +Stephanie Contarini Valent, Jennie, 99, +Frances Certalic Grozdanik, Judith and Christina, 50, +William & Eleanore Grozdanik Bockin, Mary, 1, Joseph & Francis Stancar Jelenic, Sherri, 13, +Katrina (Kresevic) Jelenic Barbarich, Joseph, 5, Honor of Mary Barbarich Kwiecinski, Mary Anne, 35, +Mary Krebs Hanks, Jacqueline, 50, +Jennie Omersa Pekol, Justine, 10, Zarja Kolosov, Helene, 99, Zarja Kocinec, Wanda, 99, +Anton Slechta MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 Adkisson, Helen, 34, Zarja Lockard, Karen, 42, +Mary Krajc Gruden Zakosek, Jerry, 20, Zarja Costell, Linda, 100, +Clarissa Costell Reamer, MaryAnn, 30, +Tony & Mary Zakrajsek Schultz, Frances, 20, +Jennifer & Sarah Voots Samargia, Kathy, 35, +Pauline Lopp, grandmother Yapel, Agnes, 34, +Angela Pavlich & Barbara Yapel Rossi, Dorothy, 16, +Mary Novak Ferkul, Mary, 35, Zarja Puhek, Dolores, 2, +Gabriel & Jennie Puhek, my parents Buol, Katherine, 2, +Jennie Puhek, my grandmother Riordan, Kathleen, 35, +Annie Grahek Purkat Kellen, Susan O’Block, 26, +Kathryn Bergent Baum, Helen M, 3, +Cecilia Adamic Kostka Gremett, Diana Fir, 13, +Stanka Pecavar Dovnik, Rosalie, 43, Zarja Hancock, Sandra, 20, Zarja Zaletel, Wilma, 1, +William Zaletel, Sr. Miklavcic, Mary, 68, +Frank Miklavcic Shebenik, Theresa, 20, +Edith Spokas Lenkaitis, Adam, 24, Zarja Lenkaitis, Cathy, 24, Zarja Lenkaitis, Alex, 24, Zarja Vugrinec, Terezija, 43, Zarja Ritz, Frances, 71, Zarja Rodeghero, Sandra, 20, +Joe & Marie Juricic Donation $5 Tanita, Alexis, 100, +Frances Kapel Kinkopf Tanita, Cynthia, 100, +Frances Kapel Ryan, Mary Pat, 1, Zarja Yattoni, Barbara, 20, Zarja Rabb, Marlys, 35, Zarja Batic-Sciarrabba, Beverly, 50, +Mary L. Batic Ebner, Olivia, 89, Zarja Ebner, Anna, 89, Zarja Maslyk, Virginia Bendick, 26, Zarja Hutar, Angela, 50, Zarja Gudac, Bernadine, 20, Zarja Podmore, Joan, 50, +Ann Tercek Blasick, Elvie, 100, Zarja Elish, Jeannette Zaman, 10, +Jennie Zaman Princ, Rose Marie, 2, Zarja Mihelich, Clare, 20, Zarja Brady, Josie, 24, +Helen Swietek Healy, Margaret, 30, Zarja Satalich, Nina, 100, Zarja Wagner, Denise, 2, Zarja Bencin, Diane, 50, +Molly Mauer Steensland, Janet, 20, +Fr. Dave Stalzer & Margaret Stalzer Niskala, George, 23, Zarja Piorkowski, Roseanne Kirk, 25, Zarja Allen, Veronica, 30, Zarja Donation $2 Lustick, David, 20, Zarja SWU Scholarship Foundation Scholarship memorial cards are available for the asking. Contact Marge Church at yemec1@windstream.net or 1028 Skyland Drive Macedonia, OH 44056 5 SWU Scholarship Foundation Celebrating 63 years of financially assisting students Mission: To generate funding to financially assist young students with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture. TOM KLUN of Ely, Minnesota, Branch 23, is currently attending the Carlton School of Management, University of Minnesota. He received a SWU Scholarship in 2011 and wanted to share with SUA members his fall 2011 semester study experience in Europe. My Study Abroad Experience Tom at Lake Bled in Slovenia Dear SUA Members, I recently returned from my study abroad experience and wanted to update you on the adventure. I started the trip by travelling with my sister, Kelly, throughout Eastern Europe. We first arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, and continued our journey through Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and finally Austria. The weather was beautiful during this portion of the trip, averaging about 70 degrees. During this time, Kelly and I had the opportunity to meet my distant relatives who live in Ribnica, Slovenia. There, we had a chance to learn more about Slovenian culture and our family history. We stopped at four different homes in Ribnica, where we ate potica, cookies, and other great treats. It was a very warming experience. While in Slovenia, we also visited Ljubljana and Lake Bled. The Castle and area around Lake Bled was absolutely stunning and one of my favorite destinations. After finishing our travels in Slovenia, we left for Vienna, Austria, where my studies took place. Shortly after our arrival in Vienna, Kelly left for Minnesota. I then started at the “Wirtschaftuniversitat”, which is the Vienna University of Economics and Business. At the University, I took five classes ranging from international finance to European law. All of my classes were truly interesting and informative. Beyond my coursework, I was able to meet many people in Vienna from around the world. 6 Furthermore, I was immersed in Austrian culture, which was a refreshing change of pace. In Vienna, I was able to enjoy many typical Austrian specialties, which include coffee shops, wiener schnitzel, and sacher torte. All of them great in their own way. I was also able to do quite a bit of hiking around the Vienna area, where the views were fantastic. The friends and memories I made in Vienna will stay with me forever. After completing my studies in Vienna, I met up with Craig, a U of M friend of mine. Craig and I travelled around Central Europe, where we visited Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belguim, and France. Moving quickly from city to city, we had a wonderful time. We spent Christmas in Berlin, Germany. On Christmas day, we treated ourselves to a traditional German dinner at a local restaurant. The food was wonderful and the company even better. After my travels with Craig, I returned home to Minnesota. The trip was truly enlightening and revealing. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to take part in such an adventure. Organizations like SUA made this experience a reality, and for that I am forever grateful. I wish all of you the best in the coming months. - Tom Klun, Carlson School of Management University of Minnesota klunx028@umn.edu ZARJA THE DAWN NEWS OF SCHOLARS: KELSEY IVANCICH, Branch 23, is working on her master’s degree at St. Cloud University, Minnesota, majoring in Student Affairs. This year, Mary Ann Schellinger, new President of Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, had a wonderful idea. She invited the unknown applicant to her home for a short interview. Mary Ann reported that they had a delightful visit. ROB KONCAR, Branch 20, is a graduate student at the If the student applicant lives nearby, this same procedure University of Cincinnati, majoring in psychology. may work for other branch officers. We certainly appreciate the time it takes officers to write letters and in some cases, AMANDA BLOWERS, Branch 20, is doing graduate present a SWU Scholarship to one of their student members student work at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in at a high school awards assembly. social work. HVALA, HVALA!!!! In consideration of these difficult VERONIKA STARE, Branch 103, a nursing and music economic times, your donations are truly worthwhile gifts major at Gettysburg College, was granted a 2012 spring and support the ongoing education of today’s youth and semester study at a university in Copenhagen, Denmark. future generations with scholarships. Contributions written to the SWU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION are greatly During this early spring’s application process, we received appreciated. queries from branch officers on how to write letters of recommendation for student applicants they did not know. Donations, comments, questions, can all be mailed to: This subject comes up almost every year due to the fact that families have moved from local branch locations. The Mary Turvey, Director letter of recommendation needs to be only one or two Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation paragraphs stating either that the officer does know the 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, Michigan 49855 mturvey@aol.com applicant and can give a little information on the student and his or her family, if possible, or does not know the Marge Church, Vice President, Treasurer student and therefore can not give a recommendation. In 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, Ohio 44056 that situation, the student can ask his or her pastor or priest yemec1@windstream.net to write a letter to the SWU Scholarship Committee. SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS Donation $2,000 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Colnar to fund the 2012 Frances Barman Scholarship Donation $200 Branch 99, Lemont, IL +Frances Schultz, long time dedicated member of Branch 99 – she served as auditor and social organizer. Donation $100 Gladys Bartol, Branch 1, +her parents Donation $75 Anthony Kambich, Branch 20 Donation $50 Bob & Pat Figurowski, Branch 20 Mary Lou Movetz Icenhour, +Joan McQuillan Judith Rechlitz, Branch 43 Linda Secora, Branch 3 MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 Donation $25 Branch 42, Maples Hts, Ohio +Don L. Ferfolia Genevieve Buol, Branch 2 Donation $20 Toni Carter, Branch 3 Marilyn Kristan, Branch 3 Marge Church, +Bernadine Potkay Donation $10 Marge Church, +Imelda Blazy Marge Church, +Don L. Ferfolioa Branch 42, Maple Hts, Ohio, +Imelda Blazy Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin +Joseph Udovich Norma Becco, Branch 3 Annette Charron, Branch 3 Margaret Cullen, Branch 3 Andrea DeGarbo, Branch 3 *Francesca DeGarbo, Branch 3 Mitzi Drobnick, Branch 3 Mary Gersick, Branch 3 Agnes Glavich, Branch 3 Barabara Greenwood, Branch 3 Eileen Kaplan, Branch 3 Barbara Karlinger, Branch 3 Jerica Khosla, Branch 3 Madeleine Khosla, Branch 3 Anna Knific, Branch 3 Bernice Krasovec, Branch 3 Josephine Krasovic, Branch 3 Joan Martinelli, Branch 3 Christine Mascarenas, Branch 3 Angela Mock, Branch 3 Marie Mutz, Branch 3 Gertrude Pachek, Branch 3 Betty Skul, Branch 3 *Bernadette Spinuzzi, Branch 3 Kathleen Starcevich, Branch 3 Mildred Stofac, Branch 3 Ann Yengich, Branch 3 Donation $7 SUAHome Office *Represents past SWU Scholarship recipients 7 Men in a SUA World Branch 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Slovenian Heritage Day and Membership Drive S ometimes you go to an event with great expectations and are disappointed; sometimes you reluctantly go to an event and have an amazing time and then there are times when you really don’t know what to expect. The latter is how I went to the Branch 89 Slovenian Heritage Day and membership drive on Saturday night. I went in not knowing if there would be 10 or 100 people there and had no idea what to expect - no one did. But as As I walked in, I thought to myself, this is the enthusiastic Branch 89 from my home town of Oglesby, Illinois; this was going to be a fun time and it was! As I walked into the back room of Claudette’s Tavern, I was greeted by Alice Ebener and Rose Ann Prey, and of course they had a 50/50 drawing and other raffles. They But the question is not whether it would be fun, but would it work? The answe,r I am excited to say, is a big “yes”; from that night seven new members were recruited, including four men, two women and one male junior member. This shows that a new idea can bring big results; as Alice put it “We had a wonderful turnout, no one could believe it, such a nice thing out of a little idea flashed their smiles, and before you know it you have purchased a chance on everything offered, including a homemade potica. Then, as you continue around the room, a beautiful Slovenian display catches your eye and you chat with the young lady in charge of it, Terry Kamnikar (Alice’s daughter) and everyone’s interest in the organization seems to peak. I was greeted by a room full of Slovenes and a counter loaded with home-made Slovenian food - perfect. I saw my third grade teacher, Branch 89 member Fran Morrison, and as I gazed around the room I realized that I knew nearly everyone there and many of were men. It appeared as if the idea to bring men into the Branch was working. But if you think about it, if you want to catch a rabbit, you hang a carrot; if you want to bring men in, hold your event in a tavern with good food and drink. Those girls at Branch 89 are pretty darn sharp! 8 that men don’t want to come to the Dickinson House for our normal meeting - they want to go to a tavern setting and have good Slovenian food and drink.” The credit for the idea goes to Branch 89 member, Barbara Bruch, who had the thought and Branch 89 acted on it and made it happen. The whole group not only put on a fun ZARJA THE DAWN event, but also publicized it well and followed through on getting the members signed up. Well done, 89! This should be used as a pattern by other branches of how to peak the public’s interest and re-grow our membership. Can you imagine the growth if each branch had an event and added seven members? worry ladies, Slovenian men know their place and are good at doing what they are told. Ha! Ha! Well, that’s all for me this time. For those of you who were lucky enough to attend, I am sure you had a great time, and for those of you who missed As an added bonus, this was a lot of fun and everyone I talked to there had a great time and was very impressed by what these Slovenians did. Now, when I say Slovenians, I mean both women and men as Jim Ebener, Alice’s husband, was a big help behind the scenes as he usually is in the Branch 89 world. The great thing is, that with the name change, more men are joining and stepping to the forefront of the organization across the board. But, don’t it, make sure you watch for the next great recruiting event; you will love it. Finally, as always, may good luck be yours. – Don Baldin MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 9 Membership Application Slovenian Union of America (Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America) slovenianunion.org swuhome@sbcglobal.net 815.727.1926 For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page Adult Dues $25.00 Adult Dues (International Address) $30.00 Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00 If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dues are for January through December If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year Invoices are sent annually in January Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name________________________________ First Name_______________________ M___ F_____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_________________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES ___________________________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about us? SUA member ___newspaper___ website___ other_______________________ I would like to volunteer for the SUA. My area of interest or expertise is______________________________ Applicant’s signature__________________________________________ Date______________________ Tell a Friend! If you wish SUA to send information to a friend or relative, please provide us with their name and address Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ ( located on back cover) Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________ Mail to: SUA/SWUA, 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 10 ZARJA THE DAWN Junior Members - The Spirit of SUA As a Branch, we can easily become focused on meetings and membership, assuming that if we succeed in these two areas, we will be successful as an organization. Taking the time to teach our culture and heritage, while including and cultivating the activities of our youth within our organization, is equally important. Sometimes, our youth are avid listeners to stories of the “old days,” especially when told by grandparents and great-grandparents. Some of their talents can be entertaining at meetings, and their activities can bring life to any SUA picnic or potluck. The technology and computer skills of our youth will also play a vital role in SUA’s future. Our Junior members, Annalise Sabotta, Natalie Landgraf, Alexis Nave, Anna Ebner, Maggie Kelley, Ted Landgraf, Hannah Huber, Cole Duffin, Mary Argubright, Josie Walter, Olivia Ebner, Jordan Duffin, and Megan Rehn host a wide variety of talents. This group includes swimmers, volleyball players, softball players, bakers, crafters, skateboarders, dancers, actresses, actors, musicians, runners, farm helpers, ice skaters, singers, hikers, snowmobilers, computer wizards, karate students, baseball players, cheerleaders, basketball players, artists, good students, and more importantly, caring people and good citizens. Some people would call this “tireless energy”, we call it “Slovenian Spirit!” We want to recognize our Juniors for their contributions to their schools, communities, families, and especially to our organization, SUA. They truly bring life, energy, and enthusiasm to all of us. From among them will come the future leaders to keep alive the “Spirit of Slovenia” and SUA. Branch 89 Oglesby, Illinois Junior Members MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 11 Death of a Surname By George Plautz, Zarja Staff Writer Slovenian Pioneers to America 1840-1879 A Record of Immigration The timeline for our pioneers arriving in America begins to speed up as more individuals immigrate at the same time. This record of their history slows down with the number of immigrants arriving to this country in the mid 1860’s. It will take several columns to include all of these in this record. The focus begins on the farming communities of Iowa and Minnesota. Previously, our immigrants moved to Chicago and worked primarily as peddlers before buying land, settling down with families, and establishing themselves with occupations, which let them stay close to their families. The pioneers then began moving to immigrant communities to provide them goods and services. The immigrants continue to populate the Midwest, not only living in mining communities in Michigan and Minnesota, but now they come primarily as farmers. All the Slovenians who moved to Iowa and farmed, spoke German, some of them were Gottscheers, and other German families were their neighbors. For the first time people from northern Slovenia immigrate to Minnesota, many of them related to each other from the community they came from. I would like to thank Mary Thurman, who co-authored the work on Browns Township families, LeeAnne Hugebeck, for her Petsche family tree, Jeff Strutzel, for his work on the Strucelj families from Slovenia, and Peter Hawlina for his Ancestry record on the Sterbenc family. See “Resources for Slovenian Pioneers to America” on our website for links and book citations. 1859-During this year, brothers Michael and Frank Sterbenz, arrive in Clinton County, Iowa. Michael, born about 1815 to George Sterbenc and Marjeta Rade, married Mary Pershe in Slovenia. Mary was born about 1810. The couple had five children of whom three died in 1855 from a cholera epidemic. The three children who died were Katherine, Marko, and Marjeta. It was after this epidemic that the family arranged to move to America. Surviving were a son, Michael J. Sterbenz, born April 10, 1839, and daughter, Mary Sterbenz, born January 14, 1841, in Dolenji Radence house number 2, Slovenia; she apparently died unmarried in America. Michael J. Sterbenz also married a Mary Pershe in Slovenia and he, his mother, Mary, and sister, Mary, came to the U.S. about 1865. Michael J. Sterbenz and his wife, Mary, had the following children: Michael John, Mary, Joseph Peter, Catherine Elizabeth, George Alex, John Martin, Peter J., Anna, Helena Clara, Rosa Agnes, Elizabeth, and Francis. This family is found in the U.S. census, after 1880, in Olpe, Lyon County, Kansas. While there is no evidence that Frank was the brother of Michael, Frank was born about1831 and married Gertrude Klemper from Galena, Illinois. This family eventually moved to Nebraska and they are buried there in Aurora Cemetery. They had several children. No record could be found of the family in Nebraska on Ancestry. Michael’s (1815) brother, George, arrived in Iowa about 1874; more about him in a later listing. 12 1863-During this year, Michael Strutzel (Stucel) from Crnomelj Parish, arrives in Clinton County, Iowa. His wife, Catherine, and their daughter, Catherine, accompanied him to America; a son, Joseph, was born about 1867 in Clinton County, Iowa. This information appears in the 1870 U.S. census. According to Jeff Strutzel, Michael was born about 1825 and died about 1871, in Waterford, Iowa. Clinton County had no record of Michael’s death. Catherine (the mother) was born about 1824. After Michael’s death the family may have returned to Slovenia. Other children born were: Peter (1863) in Iowa, John (1868) in Iowa, and Mary (1871) in Iowa. Peter and John do not show up in the 1870 U.S. Census, but all the children show up in the 1880 U.S. Census, where Catherine is a housekeeper and the children are laborers. The daughter, Catherine, was not living with her mother and siblings, so she may have married. No other information could be found on this family. 1864-During this year, George Lamuth was naturalized; it is possible he arrived in America before this, but there is no record for him entering this country. George Lamuth is the son of Peter Lamuth and Katharina Peschel. He was born on May 11, 1833, in Gric house number 14, Crnomelj Parish. He married Catherine Vogrin in Sugar Creek in 1864. Catherine’s parents are Michael Vogrin and Catherine Roschitsch (Rozic). George and Catherine had the following children: John (1865), Katherine (1868), George (1874-1916), Mary Lamuth, born August 5, 1874, (married Andrew Peschel listed below), and Anna (18541984). It appears that the children lived with their parents and never married, except for Mary. George was a farmer and he died before 1930, Catherine and her son, John, are found living together in the 1930 U.S. Census and daughter, Anna, is living in another part of Iowa. Catherine is 83 in 1930, so she probably died by the 1940 U.S. Census. There is no listing in St. Joseph’s cemetery for George and Catherine, and I found no immediate family while researching the family tree. 1865-During this year, John Lamuth arrives in America and settles in Clinton County, Iowa. John is the brother of George Lamuth, who arrived in Iowa before 1864. He was born sometime in November 1825 in Gric house number 14, Crnomelj Parish, Slovenia. He died in Sugar Creek, Clinton County, Iowa, on August 28, 1891. He married twice, first to Anna Vidosch on February 9, 1848, in Crnomelj Parish and later to Maria Steyer on August 9, 1865, in Crnomelj Parish. Anna was the daughter of Georg Vidosch (Vidos) and Anna Kobetic, born on December 21, 1829, in Doblice house number 47, Crnomelj Parish; she died about 1865 in Gric, house number 14, Crnomelj Parish. Mary was the daughter of Michael Steyer and Maria Butala. She was born August 7, 1845, in Gric, house number 20, Crnomelj Parish, and died about March 1896 in Gillete, Illinois. John had the following children with Anna ZARJA THE DAWN Vidosch: Anna (1851-1851), John (April 23, 1854-Unk.), Margaretha (May 21, 1857-Unk.), Maria (February 27, 1860-Decenber 18, 1970), and Anna (July 4, 1863-Unk.). John had the following children with Maria: John (September 13, 1867-September 23, 1947), Joseph (Abt. 1870-Bef. 1913), Mathias (Abt. 1881-Unk.), and Anna (October 13, 1885-March 7, 1970). Mary, the only surviving child of Anna and John, married Joseph Blute. John (1867) married Johanna Riley on October 12, 1891. Mary (1875) married Marcus Bluth, Anna (1885) married Joseph Peschel. Mary and Anna moved to Minnesota. John (1867) and Mathias raised their families in Iowa. Mathias married Margaret Goozey about 1906. Today, the Lamuth family tree continues to be traced, by family genealogists. February 2, 1866 - Michael Petsche arrives in New York (occupation-merchant) and moves to Chicago; in 1867 he moves to Dubuque, Iowa, settling in Shelby County, Iowa, in 1876. Michael was born September 20, 1842, in Bistrica house number 2 in Crnomelj Parish, Slovenia, to John Petsche and Maria Rom. He married Mary Anna Appel on September 18, 1876, in Westphalia, Shelby County, Iowa. The couple had the following children: Rose (18771932) married Quirin Loehr, Josephine (1878-1969) married Jacob Loehr, John (1881-1962) married Elizabeth Jacoby, Mary (1884-1981) married George Sternberg, Anna (1885-1926) married Casper Langenfield, Michael (1888-1917) married Catherine Bauer, Cecelia (1890-1978) married Louis Stoll, Veronica (1892-1976) married John Langenfield, and William (1894-1961). Michael farmed in Shelby County and died in Chicago on October 12, 1907, after he had taken several train carloads of stock there. 1866-During this year, John Banovec, born in Suchen house number 21, Nesseltal Parish, Slovenia, arrives in America, settling in Dubuque, Iowa, before coming to Clinton County, Iowa. John is the son of Michael Banovec and Gertrude Stonitsch. John married Margaretha Nick (Nik) in April of 1873, at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, Sugar Creek, Clinton County, Iowa. Margaret is the daughter of John Nick and Maria Geshel. She was born in Bistrica house number 12, Crnomelj Parish. John and Margaret Banowetz had the following children: George married to Anna Johns, Mary born about 1895 in Oklahoma, Joseph, Matthew O., born April 27, 1882, in Iowa, married Nellie G., Katherine Viola married to Oscar Simpson on October 16,1914, Michael W., born about 1889, married Beatrice, Frank E., born about 1892, married Vashti O., born November 25, 1914, died in Edna, Labette, Kansas, in April 1976, and Margaret, born February 2, 1895, died on March 21, 1983. George and Anna Banowetz had the following children: Frank, born about 1915 in Kansas, Frances, born about 1919, and Margrete, born about 1920. Matt and Nellie Banowetz had the following children: Charles, born about October 26, 1912, in Oklahoma, died February of 1970, Melbourne N., born March 4, 1915, in Oklahoma, died September 29, 1996, in Irvine, Orange, California, and Mathew O., born November 8, 1916, and died September 10, 2002, in Orange County, California. Michael, his wife Gertrude, and son, Matthias, arrive in Iowa about 1871. More will be included about them in a later listing. Relatives of John Banovec, who arrived later, also lived in Minnesota with the surnames of Kapsch (Kaps) and Peshel, and in Michigan with the surname of Butala (Botala). MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 1866-During this year Andreas Peschel arrives in America and settles in Clinton County, Iowa. Andrew’s parents are Andreas Peschel and Maria Geshel. He was born in Bistrica house number 6, Crnomelj Parish. He married, Maria Vertin, on November 19, 1862, in Crnomelj Parish. Maria was born on April 20, 1841, in Doblice house number 37, the daughter of John Vertin and Anna Butala. Andrew is the half-first cousin of Joseph Peschel who came to the area earlier. In Iowa, Andrew and Maria had two children born in Bistrica house number 6. They were Mary Peschel, born January 8, 1864, and Anna Peschel, born on January 11, 1866. In the 1900 U.S. Census, which had a column for immigration dates, the column is blank for Andrew and Maria, so the family may have immigrated later. However a son, Andrew Peschel, was born May 18, 1869, in Sugar Creek, Clinton County, Iowa, so we know that they were in America by then. Also born in Sugar Creek, were Katherine (1871), Theresa (1876), Joseph (1877-1877), John Paul (1878), Joseph H. (1880), and George (1882). Mary Peschel married Martin Pluth, the son of John Plut and Anna Prijon. He was born on October 23, 1846, in Dolnja Paka house number 8, Crnomelj Parish. Mary and Martin moved to Minnesota and they both died in Todd County, Minnesota. Anna Peschel married John Teshak (Tezak). He was born October 13, 1858, in Slovenia. Anna and John moved to Nebraska and they both died in Douglas County. Andrew Peschel married Mary Lamuth, the daughter of George Lamuth and Catharina Vogrin. See family listing above. Andrew and Mary lived in Sugar Creek their whole lives and died there, he in 1945 and she in 1924. Katherine Peschel married Joseph Pezdirc (Pesdirtz), born in Podzemelj house number 4, Podzemelj Parish, Slovenia. Joseph and Katherine moved to Nebraska where they both died in Douglas County. Theresa Peschel married Joseph Stuckel (Stukel), the son of Stefan Stukel and Anna Zimmerman. He was born on May 6, 1868, in Otovec house number 2, Crnomelj Parish. Joseph and Theresa moved to Minnesota and both died in Stearns County. John Peschel moved to Minnesota, where he died in Todd County. Joseph Peschel married Anna Lamuth, the daughter of John Lamuth and Maria Steyer. The family is listed above in this article, Joseph and Anna moved to Minnesota, she died in Stearns County, and he died in Todd County. George Peschel married Mary Alice Grimes in Todd County, Minnesota, where they both died. The immigrants, Andrew and Mary, moved from Sugar Creek to Grey Eagle, Todd County, Minnesota, and died there. Andrew was a farmer; his son, Andrew, operated a grocery store and hotel and was the postmaster for Sugar Creek. Many of these family names may be familiar since so many people immigrated to America from Crnomelj Parish and the region bordering around it. There were also other Peschel relatives near Ely, Minnesota, that came to America later. I recently signed up for the National Geographic DNA kit, and when I receive the results I will include my group to the DNA study of Slovenia, which was started by Gary Gorsha, SGSI. To contact me by mail: George Plautz 1307 Dragon Head Drive, Valrico, FL 33594 or by email at doblice@gmail.com 13 SUA Members of the Year Tom Gruenke - Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Branch 1 is happy to announce Tom Gruenke as our Member of the Year! This marks the first time we have named a man as our Member of the Year, and we are proud to give Tom this honor! Tom has been a long-time member of the Sheboygan branch, and of course, the husband of our past President, Aggie Gruenke. Holding that title of “First Man” for many years put Tom in a position to be of help to us for many occasions. And he did it without complaint with his usual smile, easy-going manner, and giving heart. Tom is always there to help set up craft sales, dinners, and last summer spent a lot of time preparing and attending the National Convention last summer in Milwaukee. You have to give a guy a lot of credit for having the patience to be around so many women at one time! We’re pretty sure Tom had as much fun as the rest of us - how could he not surrounded by all of our Slovenian beauty! Congratulations, Tom, on behalf of all the members of Branch 1. You have earned this honor and we are proud to have you as our 2012 Member of the Year! Feast of St. Nicholas, Holy Thursday Seder, and @egen are observed with extended family. Busy with everything, Madeleine supports her husband and children, who are runners, swimmers, and skiers, by promoting a healthy lifestyle. She assists with props for the student summer musical theater sponsored by the Pueblo Parks and Recreation Department. Blessed with a pleasing speaking voice, Madeleine is a lector and Eucharistic minister at Mass, and the Khosla children are altar servers. Madeleine is a good daughter to her mother, Marie Mutz, and to her husband’s parents, Asha and Anand Khosla, of Pasadena, California. Each Valentine’s Day, Madeleine and Rocky write poems to each other and to their children, which are published in a local newspaper column. Family and friends look forward to reading their notes because these messages remind others of the people in their lives that love them, too. Congratulations to a great Branch 3 member! Betsy Fon Walker Branch 5, Indianapolis, Indiana Madeleine (Mutz) Khosla Branch 3, Pueblo, Colorado Shown in picture: grandmother Mary Vertacnik Fon and Betsy Fon Walker Madeleine is a contributing member of Branch 3. After graduating from college as a registered nurse, she worked for a Pueblo hospital and married Rocky Khosla, M.D. Their children are Kaylene, Zane, and twins, Jace and Jerica – ages 14 through 20. Madeleine is a glamorous “star” of their family universe. Church and family are the center of Madeleine’s life. Coming from a Slovenian family of eight children, she has passed to her children the values of kindness, helpfulness, and sharing with others, especially the less fortunate. The 14 Branch 5 would like to congratulate our Member of the Year, Betsy Fon Walker! A past SWU Scholarship winner and Slovenian Scholar winner to attend summer school at the University of Ljubljana, Betsy has continued her love of all things Slovenian by her involvement in our Slovenian community and church. Betsy helps out at our meetings, often bringing ideas and tasty treats to share. She has become the KSKJ Champion palacinke maker, and has become one of the “new generation” potica ladies who bake poticas on Saturdays at Holy Trinity Church to sell and raise funds for the church! Betsy represented the Slovenian Community in the 1st Annual Italian-Slovenian Balinca Challenge... they lost, but a good time was had by all!! Betsy works full time as a Kitchen Designer, and loves Utah snowboarding with her husband, Grant, and Thursday night bowling with her sister, Sara; especially when they beat dad, Steve Fon, sister, Katie, and Uncle Larry. A good time! Congratulations, Betsy! ZARJA THE DAWN Jeanne Warsaw - Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois Betty Turk - Branch 35, Aurora, Minnesota Jeanne is a great person to rely on and the go-to lady to get things done. Branch 20 is proud to nominate her as Member of the Year for her energy and willingness to pitch in for any tasks needed by the Branch. “It’s such an honor just to be considered,” she said when she accepted the nomination. Jeanne joined the Branch in 1982 and is the branch’s Vice President as well as having served as past Secretary. No job is too much for her. She has helped with the annual Grape Harvest Festivals, St. Joseph Tables, banquets, and bake sales. If a server is needed for a monthly meeting, Jeanne is a willing and gracious volunteer. A familiar face at national and regional conventions; as an active participant during the conventions, she brings information back to the membership. Jeanne is an administrative assistant in the medical staff office for Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, and is a part-time guest service assistant at a local Target store. In her spare time she loves to read, watch movies, listen to music, and spend time with her family. She has a daughter - Shelley, son - Ryan, daughter-inlaw - Andrea, and granddaughter - Shelby. Her best friend is Pat Welsh. “This is a surprise because I have always enjoyed contributing to SUA and am glad my kids belong to the Branch. My heritage is important and I am happy to pass on the traditions to my family.” Jeanne is the daughter of Branch 20 President, Char Kobe, who has been the Branch’s President for almost twenty years. “We are always volunteering for something,” Jeanne says. Branch 20 members congratulate Jeanne Warsaw as the newest Member of the Year for her outstanding dedication and service. Betty Turk is a long time member of Branch 35 of Aurora. She was born on January 23, 1929, to George and Ann Bruzenak in Eveleth, Minnesota. She is a graduate of the Eveleth High School. She was employed as a seamstress at Cluett Peabody. Betty grew up with two brothers and three sisters; one sister is now deceased. She has been widowed twice; her first husband was Jack Noson, and her second husband was Louis Turk. Betty is a resident of Northern Pines Health Care in Aurora, Minnesota, moving there after recovering from a car accident. She is very active enjoying the activities and is also an avid reader. Betty has always volunteered her help with activities and fund-raisers; an avid participant in our ethnic events and made sure she was always giving of herself for the good of the organization. Branch 35 is proud to honor Betty as our Member of the Year! MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 Fannie Smole Branch 43, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Fannie is a dynamic lady from our Branch, who is selected to be our Member of the Year, an honor she is well 15 deserving of. Fannie was born to Slovenian parents, Joseph and Frances Radelj. She married Matt Smole, now deceased, and has two married sons, Matthew and James. Their wives share the name Barbara. She has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. To list all of the organizations she has belonged to and Slovenian events she and Matt participated in, would be impossible and make this article too lengthy. She is currently the President of the USPEH Organization and has sung with the Uspeh Chorus since its beginning. SNPJ was a major part of her and Matt’s life as they both were active as officers and chairpersons of many activities and events. She was a delegate to many SNPJ National Conventions and was elected to the National Board, a position she held for many years. Branch 43 is indeed fortunate to have her in our midst. She always has good ideas to share and was an active participant in the planning of the last SUA National Convention. In addition to all of her activities in the Slovenian community in Milwaukee, she loves to write poetry and many families have loved her tributes for many deceased friends. Congratulations, Fannie! friends and enjoys her work very much. She is also an active member of St. Francis Church in Ottawa. Recently Pat went on her first motorcycle ride, which was a very exciting event for her! Pat makes the trek from Ottawa to Oglesby to regularly attend meetings of Branch 89. She is always happy to help out, serving as chairperson for a meeting. Pat is very devoted to her Slovenian heritage, and we at Branch 89 are glad to have her as a member. Jean Turnbull - Branch 100, Southern California Pat Bennett - Branch 89, Oglesby, Illinois Pat Bennett was born in Ottawa, Illinois, to Peter and Lucy Kernz Bennett, the second of their five daughters. Her grandparents, Frank and Louise Gergovic Kernz, were born in Slovenia and immigrated to America. Grandmother Louise was a charter member of Branch 89 in Oglesby. Pat, also called “Patsy”, has three sisters and many first, second, and third cousins who are also members of Branch 89. She has a large extended family, and every Fourth of July they all get together for a huge family picnic. This picnic has been going on for several generations, and Pat is always in attendance. Pat has lived all of her life in Ottawa. She currently lives and works at Friendship Village, where she has many 16 Jean was born in Massillon, Ohio, on December 7, 1940, to Frank and Clarissa Costell. Frank was a first generation Slovenian born in the U.S. Jean spent much of her childhood listening to her father play the accordion and being surrounded by her Slovenian grandparents, aunts, and uncle. Domovina Lodge in Barberton, Ohio, was a favorite place to go with her family and where her father taught her how to polka, something she has enjoyed ever since. Jean became a RN in 1961. She then joined her parents, who had moved to California, and soon went to work at San Bernardino Community Hospital. She married Joseph Snow in 1964. Jean has two sons, Steven and Jeffrey Snow, one granddaughter, and two step-children. In 1988, Jean married Frank Turnbull, MD. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree and her Master of Science in Nursing. She was the Associate Chief of Nursing Officer at Riverside County Regional Medical Center when she retired after 48 years. It was a rich and satisfying career. Jean will continue to work part time’ helping to teach LVN students. Jean is active in Branch 100 and the Fontana SNPJ Lodge 723, serving as Vice-President. She is a delegate in the ZARJA THE DAWN SNPJ California Federation. She and her sister, Linda, are often seen together attending Slovenian events throughout California. In 1982, Jean traveled to Slovenia with her parents and her sister. She was thrilled to meet family and see the house where her grandfather, Frank Costell Sr., was raised. Cooking some Slovenian foods for her family helps keep the heritage alive. Jean is enjoying her retirement by bowling, reading, traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is now learning to play the button accordion while living in a wonderful retirement community. Bonnie Brierton and Sandy Brierton Branch 102, Willard, Wisconsin Bonnie and her daughter, Sandy, joined Branch 102 together in 2005, so it is fitting that they are honored together as this year’s Members of the Year. They attended their first Branch 102 meeting when Bonnie’s mom, Vicki Krultz, was recognized as Member of the Year in 2005. Bonnie enjoyed the group so much, she joined after that meeting and Sandy later that year when she born. Bonnie and Sandy have been attending the meetings ever since with Vicki, making three generations at the meetings. Having both sets of Bonnie’s grandparents born in Yugoslavia, their Slovenian roots run deep. Although only six years old, Sandy loves cooking and baking, and is looking forward to learning how to make potica from her grandma. Both contribute in whatever ways they can for the Branch. The main fund-raiser for the group for the past few years has been bake sales, and Bonnie and Sandy have baked and purchased goods for the sale. Bonnie was named President of the Branch in December of 2010. Sandy loves attending the meetings and knows she has a job to do at the meetings. She is responsible for collecting the names of those in attendance, and then for drawing MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 the names for the door prizes. She grew up with Branch 102 and considers all the members part of an extended family. Bonnie lives at Lake Dubay with her husband, Tom, Sandy, and Michael (age 8), and Annie, their Golden Retriever. Although school activities and outdoor activities keep them busy, they love visiting with their friends and connecting with their Slovenian heritage by attending the meetings with Branch 102. Sue Rademacher Branch 109, Twin Cities of Minnesota Sue is half Slovenian. Her mother was “pure” Slovenian who resided in St. Stephen, Minnesota, which is the first real enclave of Slovenian settlers to the United States. Sue’s ancestors came in the 1870’s from the Gorje area of Slovenia where they were encouraged to immigrate to the St. Stephen’s area by Father Pierz. Sue and husband, Dave, have been actively involved in Branch 109 since 2006, with Sue being part of the original team that started our involvement with the Festival of Nations. Now in our fifth year with the Festival, Sue has been Co-chair for the past two years-planning, organizing, designing, and constructing our unique sets. According to Sue, the most fun is “manning” the booth and interacting with the hundreds of people stopping by! One year ago, Sue was part of a core group that became involved in learning the Slovenian language. Ksenija RenerSitar, a native Slovenian who was living with her family in Minnesota in 2010-2011, taught the weekly classes. The language classes have continued this year under the direction of Frank Medved and Joe Kuznik with Sue trying her language skills “samo malo” with their recent trip to Slovenia in September 2011. Sue is a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner by profession and works with elderly people in nursing homes in the Twin Cities area. David is retired from his job at the State of Minnesota Demographer’s Office. Together, they have six adult children and 13 grandchildren. Rest assured that Sue is teaching her family some basic Slovenian vocabulary and numbers. She is a great ambassador for our Slovenian culture within the Twin Cities and is truly living the legacy and keeping the Slovenian “Spirit Alive.” 17 Paula Bajda Mavec Branch 99 - Lemont, Illinois “I can do it, I can do it for Zveza, I can climb the mountain for Zveza.” In May 2012, Paula Bajda Mavec retired from nursing. She had reached the age of 70. She could now give priority to the 2015 SUA National Convention fund-raiser. Two events had recently occurred that clicked Paula’s mind into action. Her granddaughter, Grace Mavec, called to request a pledge for a fund-raising project, and the diary of Norm and Mary Ann Setnickar’s climb of Mt. Triglav appeared in the Slovenian Times. “I can do it, I can do it for Zveza, I can climb the mountain for Zveza.” The climb of Mt. Triglav came at an opportune time. The family would be traveling to Slovenia for a “grand family reunion” in July 2012. Paula had a six-month window to train for this adventurous climb. On March 3, 2012, a kick-off event, sponsored by the SUA National Board, was held at the Heritage Museum in Joliet, Illinois. Slovenian wine, cheese, sausage, potica, and Slovenian hospitality were the order of the day. Toetapping music came from the button box of Martin Mavec, Paula’s grandson. As you read Paula’s life story, be mindful of the allpowerful written word. There is a wise quote from Hermann Hes; “Without words, without writing and without books there would be no history, there could be no concept of humanity.” I might add, you, or generations to come, would not be reading Paula’s story. It is my honor to present, Paula’s Story. - Mary Lou Deyak Voelk Paula’s Story History: Changes Made by War My parents, Pavel and Marija Belehar Bajda, were married July 26, 1936, in Brezje, Slovenia. Mama wore a blue dress and Ata wore a black suit. They were allowed to live on the farm owned by Ata’s parents in Prebecevo, located 3 kilometers from Kranj in the Gorenska region. The farm had enough land to support four cows, a heifer, a horse, two pigs, and chickens. Hay and grain were dried on a “kozolc.” In 1940, Germany had taken control of Yugoslavia and Josip Broz Tito was secretary-general of the Yugoslavian Communist Party, the Partisans. Ata and Mama lived in constant and oppressive fear, never knowing what to expect. They shunned politics and kept opinions to themselves. No one was to be trusted. Ata and Mama worked the farm for nine years. During this time, Polda, Vika, Micka, and I were born. Stanka was born after Micka; she died at the age of three months. The Exodus from Slovenia I was born in 1942. It is always intriguing to hear of peoples’ first memories and so fitting for a Slovenian to have their first memories be of food. I remember sitting in a room, it must have been the kitchen, and very excitedly saying, “bassa, bassa.” Mama was taking blood sausage out of the oven! To this day, I carry a visible, lingering “memory scar” on my right ring finger all because of a turnip basket. I was riding on the back of the wagon, sitting on a middle pole that was protruding out the back of the wagon. Ata dumped the heavy basket of turnips into the wagon, and set the basket down, on my hand. I remember the bleeding finger and of course, I cried. 18 It was 1944, the Sunday before Ash We d n e s d a y, the Partisans came to Prebacevo and forced Ata to join their army. Ata had no choice; he feared his family would be hurt if he resisted. Before he departed for the army, Ata made plans with a friend to Paula in Slovenia secure a bicycle in a designated area. Two months later, when last in line for a toilet break, he was able to slip away unnoticed. He joined the Domobranci Army (Slovene Home Guard). Ata would return home for brief visits to help Mama with the heavy farm work, but he never stayed the night. He kept all information about the Partisans to himself, and would not share it with the Domobranci for fear of retaliation from the Partisans. The official surrender of Germany was May 8, 1945. The Domobranci Army evacuated to Austria in fear of the loss of their lives. There, they planned to ZARJA THE DAWN regroup. It was suggested they bring their families, as it would be at least two weeks before they could return. On May 9th, Ata and Mama loaded up the farm wagon with a two-week supply of food, clothing, and other supplies. I remember how high the wagon was loaded. When I looked up it blocked the sun. I was lifted up and placed in the middle of all our belongings. It was such a sunny day when we left Prebacevo. Mama was eight months pregnant. We stopped at Voklo, where Ata and Mama planned on leaving Micka and me with Mama’s parents. Micka was pleased to stay with our grandparents, but I refused. Mama’s sisters, Cila, Albina, and Ana joined us on the trip to Austria. I remember walking; I was holding someone’s hand. I was three years old. I was told Teta Cila took care of me during our journey to Austria. I remember the road being crowded with refugees. To compound the problem, the German army was also evacuating with their equipment, horses, and wagons. Ata insisted that everyone hurry, but we could hardly move. It was a mass exodus of terrorized people running for their lives. We walked a dusty, dirt road with hills on either side. Partisans, hiding in the mountains, were firing from both sides of the hills onto the people below. The winding road became a bottleneck of people, wagons, animals, and equipment. It was mass hysteria. Ata convinced Mama to go on ahead; he would stay with the wagon and meet up with us later. We walked all day. Exhausted, Mama found a barn for us to sleep in for the night. Mama gave us bread to eat. The next morning, Mama looked, but could not find Ata. Night was approaching as we neared the Ljubel Tunnel. The tunnel was under construction and barely passable. Water, seeping from the walls, mixed with the ground to form a thick, wet mud, at least a foot deep. German equipment became stuck and was abandoned. The only light came from a few matches, flashlights, or cigarette lighters. There was uncertainty. Were the Partisans waiting on the other side? Mama decided to attempt the tunnel in the morning. I remember being under a tent during a rainstorm; I was crying, I was scared and cold. The conditions must have been deplorable because the memories are still so vivid. The tunnel, about two miles long, was so dark and I was so very scared. I remember hating the feel of mud in my shoes. Still, no Ata. Others walking through the tunnel gave Mama the courage she needed as we sank into muddy holes and crawled over the abandoned equipment. We walked for two hours in this horrible place. Once through the tunnel, we continued on to Vetrinje, Austria, arriving in the afternoon. Still no Ata. Mama gathered straw and made a place for us to rest. Several days passed, and then, by the grace of God, Ata found us! We had no possessions, just the clothes on our back, but we were together. For shelter, Ata and Mama made a lean-to from branches. Food came from a community kitchen. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 Bajda little girls War and peril traumatize, hindering rational problem solving. So it was with Ata and Ana. Ata explained that he had been unable to get the wagon through the tunnel, and in frustration, left it behind. Why he did not unhitch the horse and load some supplies he could not explain. Teta Ana emptied her suitcase; she carried an empty suitcase through the mountains. To this day it is difficult to imagine the emotional trauma Ata and Mama went through during this time; terrorized, and with children so dependent for every need. How to feed and clothe and keep these little children safe? Everything they owned was somewhere on the road to Ventrinje. History: Changes Made by War Vertrinje was a refugee camp; a tent city spread over a wheat field. It was set up by the English government for Slovenian, Croatian, and Serbian refugees. There were Slovenians by the thousands. Meanwhile, the communists, under Tito, took over all of Yugoslavia and proclaimed themselves as the new government. Tragically, during the later part of May 1945, the Domobranci Army was betrayed by the English government. The Domobranci were told by the English commanding officers of a plan. The Domobranci would reorganize and rearm in Italy and then return to Slovenia to fight the Partisans. However, the Domobranci soldiers were sent directly to the Partisans. They were murdered and buried at Kocevski Rog, an area heavily forested with hills and deep gullies. Their number is estimated between 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers and other civilians. Life was chaotic. Mama went into labor and was taken by ambulance, provided by the Red Cross, to a hospital in 19 Utenberg where John was born. Ata was ready to rejoin the Domobranci but Mama begged Ata to stay. The trek though the mountains and childbirth had been too taxing. She was too weak. Perhaps this saved Ata’s life. News of the Domobranci reached the camp. The wounded, who had escaped from the hills and gullies, and from death, were telling the horrors of Kocevski Rog. The English officers listened, and the deportation stopped. The Refugee Camps In mid June 1945, our family was transferred to St. Vid. We lived in army barracks for four months. I remember the rain on the metal corrugated huts. It was so cold and the sound of the rain was so loud it scared me. We were moved to Kelenberg for a few months. It was another camp for displaced persons. I believe a small child only remembers really bad and joyous times and nothing in between. I recall a Sveti Miklavz program in Kelenberg and a skit presented by Lucifer and the devils. I even remember several songs they sang. Oh, so scary. Another skit was presented by the angels. When my name was called to receive a gift from Sveti Miklavz, I was brave enough to accept my gift. Strange as it may seem, I cannot remember what the gift was! On March 6, 1946, we were moved to Spittal where we stayed until we came to America. I remember Spittal quite well. The refugee camp was set up as a community. Each family had one room in the army barracks. I slept on a top bunk. We were moved to another area, but the setup was the same; home was one room. Furniture was sparse with two sets of bunk beds, a small table near the door, and in the middle of the room, a wood-burning stove. The chimney went out the window. Every adult man and woman without children had to work at jobs in the camp. Most men and older teenagers were hired out to farmers, government agencies, or hospitals to earn their keep. Ata, a painter by trade, painted in the camp. This was considered community service, and was payment for our room and board, Ata also earned extra money working for a furniture manufacturer in town. Because of small children, Mama did not have to work. I enjoyed going to the community kitchen where food was cooked and served. Three times a day we would stand in line with a pail to receive whatever was on the menu for the day. Every person was allowed one portion. The children’s kitchen offered more nutritious food. Children had milk and bread in the morning and soup or stew for lunch and dinner. We carried the food home, and ate our meals with family. Located throughout the camp were various workrooms that manufactured articles which could be sold, and a community warehouse where families could get shoes, clothes, and blankets. There was a church, hospital, and a school. I began kindergarten in Spittal, but have few memories. However, I remember the first grade. To use the bathroom, we had to raise our hand with one finger if we had to pee, and two fingers if we had to do the other. I never did figure out what difference it made to the teacher. In December, I performed in my first play. I was an angel in a Sveti Miklavz program. I wore a long white dress, with a big star attached to my forehead and makeup, lipstick, and rouge! Ata was very strict. I remember Vika being spanked with a belt. I was so scared, and we kids were all crying and trying to protect her. On another occasion I had to kneel on a piece of wood. It was punishment, I think, for missing evening devotions at the church. Life in Spittal was fun. People planted private gardens for their own use behind the barracks. One garden in particular had such beautiful tomatoes. I would play hide and seek among the pole beans and corn stalks. The outhouses were a distance away from the barracks, and very close to the railroad tracks. Did they ever stink! We would play around the tracks, waiting for the trains to pass by. Then, running along-side the train, we would yell for candy. At times, the train crew would throw some, and we would all scramble for it. Playing with crickets that lived along the tracks was always fun. We would take a strong blade of grass, the one with the seed head, and stick it in the holes trying to entice the cricket to come out. We would chant, “Curi, muri, curi, muri.” Occasionally, we were lucky, and did we get excited! I remember sitting in a grass field making dandelion and daisy garlands. I learned how to make a “trumpet” from the stem of a dandelion flower. I remember several summer outings. Ata would take us to the river for a swim. I was always embarrassed because I had to swim in my underwear! For that reason, I would not stand in the shallow water. On our way home, Ata would cut branches from a Lipa tree. We dragged the branches all the way home. Mama would dry the flowers and we would have such wonderful tea. Bajda Family 20 I remember; six years old, and what wonderful “first time scenes.” On a summer outing, Ata took us to a lake. It was a long walk on a steep trail through the woods. We finally reached the lake. It was the first time I had ever ZARJA THE DAWN seen stunt diving. It was the first time I saw a swan. Never had I seen such a beautiful, graceful bird. I sat on a bench and watched for hours. People were feeding the swans, and I remember wishing I had something to offer. During the winter Ata would take us sledding. I would get so wet and my hands would get so cold, but it was so much fun. I remember Mama suggesting I run my hands under cold water. I was amazed how good it felt. My sister, Albina, was born in December 1946 in Seeboden, a castle made into a hospital. Stefan was born in December 1948 in Villach. His twin brother was stillborn. History: Changes Made by War In the years following the end of World War II, the borders between Austria and Yugoslavia were closed. Ata was not able to go back for Micka. He most probably would have been arrested and tried for treason by the Communist government. Oh, how Mama regretted leaving Micka behind! In 1946,Teta Ana, Mama’s sister, went back to Voklo. Their parents were getting old and needed help with the farm. Micka was too young at the time to be of much help. Teta Albina refused to go; farm life was not for her. The Canadian government was the first to accept immigrants, but only single adults. Ata’s brother, Dore, chose to go to Toronto, Canada. During 1948, Argentina began accepting displaced persons. Ata’s father, Joze, and his brother, Peter, and family, chose to emigrate there. Wanting to be with family, Ata and Mama also decided to apply to the government of Argentina. Mama was pregnant at the time, and Argentina would not accept her in that state. The trip was considered too risky for a pregnant woman. Ata’s father was never to see another homeland. Just prior to leaving for Argentina, he died. He was buried in a cemetery in Spittal. His grave marker, a huge wooden cross carved with the head of Jesus, was made by his son, Peter. When in Slovenia, family members always stop to pay their respects at his gravesite. The Refugee Camp - More Memories In 1948, Teta Albina, Mama’s sister, an outstanding athlete and accomplished gymnast, had a serious accident on the parallel bars during a meet. She spent months in a body cast and was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Critically ill, she refused to die. Her recovery took over two years. This I remember! I was diagnosed with active tuberculosis and sent to a sanitarium where I spent an autumn and winter. I had to sleep in a crib which made me very unhappy. Our bathroom was a room lined with chamber pots. All patients ate together in a dining room. The older kids were on one end, and the smaller kids on the other. The grounds had a playground where we could play on the swings, even in winter. One swing, shaped like a canoe, allowed two people to swing at the same time. How I laughed and laughed on that swing. At the sanitarium there MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 were other “first in my life” events. I saw my first Christmas tree all trimmed with star-shaped ornaments. It was so beautiful when lit. I also ate my first orange at this time. Perhaps it was from St. Nicholas? I came home in the spring of the year. It was the first time I saw my little sister, Albina (Bina). She was about one year old. Bina has a lasting scar on her forehead and it was all my fault. I was babysitting while Mama was away. My friend’s father was a tailor. For some strange reason, we crawled through their window and then pulled Bina up, each holding an arm. She landed on the top of a coffee can filled with buttons that was on the table. Oh, did she bleed and did she cry. I was crying as loud as Bina as I carried her home. I can still hear Mama’s footsteps coming down the hallway. Mama bandaged the injury, and what a feeling of relief that was. History: Changes Made by War Stefan was born in 1948. About this time the United States government had changed their immigration quota and we were placed on a waiting list for America. I wondered what America was like. I imagined picking money off the streets, and seeing candy hanging from trees. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, a Slovenian priest, Father Dolsina, was working diligently to procure people, especially those of Slovenian decent, to sponsor Slovenian families displaced by World War II. Sponsorship meant finding a place of residence and some means of employment for the family. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Stepan were so kind to become our sponsors. We were already a large family of eight: Ata, Mama, Polda, Vika, Paula, John, Bina, and Stefan. Teta Cila was also included in our family. It took special people to take on such a colossal task of providing and caring for a family of this size. We will be eternally grateful for their compassion, kindness, and willingness to take on this responsibility. Coming To a New Home in America It was soon apparent to Mama that Stefan was not developing as a normal infant. The American government required a medical examination. America accepted only healthy individuals. If Mama was suspect, a medical doctor would surely know. Because of a doctor’s sympathy and compassion, papers were signed indicating Stefan was a normal, healthy baby. When all the paper work was in order, our journey began. Our first stop was Salzburg, Austria, where we lived for two weeks in army barracks awaiting further arrangements for our passage. It was a long train ride to Bremen, a seaport on the Baltic Sea. We were crammed in a small compartment. I slept on the floor atop of the suitcases and boxes. In the Bremen harbor an American army transport ship was anchored! We spent a few days close to the sea before we boarded ship. I remember waiting in a long line before walking onto the huge ship. Passage was paid for by an international organization which assisted in the relocation of people displaced by war. 21 Ata was assigned to the men’s section. I was supposed to go to the women’s section with Polda and Vika, but somehow ended up in the cabin intended for mothers with infants and toddlers. The room had a most fascinating sink, and was so tiny we could hardly move. I slept on the top bunk with John. Mama and Bina slept on the bottom and Stefan slept in a crib. And then we started the long ocean voyage to America, to a new life. I remember my first breakfast aboard ship; scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. It was wonderful! I never had so much food. It didn’t take long and I was seasick. Oh, I vomited along with many others. It was years before I could eat another egg. After the initial bout of seasickness, I enjoyed the trip, especially watching the strange people. The ship had a wonderful playroom where I spent a lot of time. I would walk on the deck during calm days. One very scary day the waves came up on deck. We also practiced two disaster drills. Ata spent some time painting on the ship, and was having a great time. The three little ones were with Mama in their own private cabin. We arrived in Boston on November 5, 1949. With nametags pinned to our clothing, we embarked on a four-day train ride, with stops in Chicago, Illinois and Duluth, Minnesota. The last leg of the trip was on a slow train ride to Eveleth, Minnesota, with stops at every little station and farm to pick up the morning milk from farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Stepan and Father Dolsina were awaiting our arrival in Eveleth. Following joyous introductions, we piled into two cars. I remember the car, a beautiful gray color; it rode so smoothly, I felt we were flying. Elcor, Minnesota, Our First Home in America The first sight was a disappointment; the house in Elcor was not a big mansion and there were no gold coins or candies. Before me was a two-story house with imitation, red brick siding. The good people of Elcor and Gilbert had furnished the house. Dinner was ready and waiting. It was the most delicious chicken noodle soup ever, followed by a typical Slovenian Sunday meal of fried potatoes, salad, meat, and bread. It was the most memorable meal! A living room, dining room, kitchen, and one bedroom were downstairs. Ata and Mama shared this bedroom. Stefan was in the crib. Upstairs were four bedrooms, one for Teta Cila until she married a year later, and another for a friend and border, Miha Sodnik. Polda, Vika, John, Bina, and I shared the other two bedrooms. The largest of the bedrooms was partitioned off with a large curtain and became known as the “lukna” (hole). Whenever extra sleeping arrangements were needed we would sleep on mattresses in the lukna. Elcor was a small, mining town built by Mesabi Iron Mining Company. The company was responsible for the upkeep of all town utilities. Occupants paid a nominal rent to live in the company-owned homes. Most people were of Slavic or Finnish decent, with a sprinkling of English and Italians. Adjustment in America was 22 easy as many spoke Slovenian. In fact, Mama didn’t think it was necessary to learn English. The first year was the most difficult. We survived on potatoes, mocnik, and zgance. Winter was almost unbearable. The upstairs bedroom walls frosted up; we just couldn’t get warm enough. The big expense was the coal needed for heating the house. Ata was able to charge and pay whenever he could. Mama was forever grateful for this kindness. To conserve on coal, Mama would burn old shoes that people donated, but we could not wear. She said shoes really burned hot. We were a little warmer because of them. John Potocnik, a farmer and butcher for the Elcore store, gave us free milk that first winter. Mama was able to buy 100 pounds of potatoes for a mere fifty cents from him. The potatoes came from a large shipment of government surplus. Mr. Stepan kept his pledge, and was always there. The greatest help was finding jobs for Ata, as the mines were on strike and weren’t hiring. I started school, and was placed in the first grade. I must have looked undernourished because my teacher, Mrs. Lynch, would bring me sandwiches from the cafeteria every afternoon. That first Christmas was exciting. Diane Indihar gave me my first doll and she was so beautiful. I had never had a doll before and this was something special. On Valentine’s Day I missed the after-school bus. I didn’t know what to do, and so I walked. I was eight years old, but I knew the way home. I had a coat, but no mittens or slacks. I remember how cold it was. I licked my hands to keep them warm. They became so cold I couldn’t feel them. I walked all the way out of town and almost to the bridge. It was almost dark, when Mrs. Omersa picked me up. Mama, in distress, had gone across the street to Mrs. Omersa! I never thought of telling the teacher I had missed the bus. Being frightened hindered my ability to problem solve! In hindsight, if I would have gone to the teacher I would have known about the second bus! The Cows During our first winter, Ata and Mama bought two cows. It was my responsibility to help clean the barn, feed the cows each morning, and carry pails of water every evening. (Left to right) Paula’s parents, Pavel and Marija Belehar Bajda, Teta Cila, and Lou Zupancic on their wedding day. ZARJA THE DAWN John and I also got hay from the loft. Bossy was the cow I remember. She was all white except for her black ears. Mama liked her because she gave so much milk- one whole pail each morning and evening! The first few years, starting in the spring, Mama would open up the gates and allow the cows to wander wherever they would chose, then return each evening when it was time to be milked. Most of the time they were waiting at the gate. When they were not there, John and I had to go looking. But then Ata and Mama were getting too many complaints of our cows getting into the gardens in Elcor, Gilbert, or McKinley. John’s and my life became quite complicated since we had the chore of bringing in the cows from the different pastures. The cows usually spent about a week in each pasture. The closest and smallest pasture was across the alley. During spring and fall, when the grass grew slower, John and I had to walk either one half mile to the south end of Elcor or go even further along the railroad tracks half way to Gilbert to the larger pastures. We had to do chores and get the cows back into the pasture before the school bus came at eight o’clock. Right after school, John and I, along with Mr. Mohar and his son, Billy, would watch the cows until it was time to take them back to the barn. These were some of the most joyous and boring times of my life. We climbed trees, played catch, caught frogs in the creek, chased each other, or just lay and watched the clouds. Billy would build a fire, roast potatoes, and tell us stories about the history of Elcor and his childhood. They were the best blackened, charred potatoes I had ever tasted. When the cows went into heat we really had to be on our toes. The cows would get wild and jump on each other. They would break through the fence and wander off into someone’s garden or stampede away from John and me. We had to chase them in order to turn them in the direction we wanted them to go. It was just like the cowboy movies, only we didn’t have horses! Winter, Spring, and Summer The garden area was half an acre in size; half potatoes and half other vegetables. There was a system. My job was hauling manure to the garden plots in a wheelbarrow. Mama, Polda, and Vic did the spading. The first person began a row, spading about five forkfuls. I began filling the trench with manure; the second person began spading the second row and covered the first row of manure with a forkful of dirt. After five forkfuls, the third person began spading and covering the manure. By the time we were all finished with one row, three rows were spaded and fertilized. I had to move in order to keep them supplied with manure. John would wait at the manure pile to help load. Ata had placed planks on the path so the wheelbarrow would not get stuck in ruts. Oh, how many times I dumped the manure and had to listen to Mama telling me to hurry. The assembly line went like this. My job was cutting up the potatoes into egg-sized pieces, each piece needed at least one eye. Mama would dig each trench about six inches deep. John carried the pail of potato pieces to the MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 trenches. Polda and Vika, working down the row, would place each potato piece about a foot apart. Our job wasn’t done! Now we had the rest of the garden to spade. After the spading, it was keeping ahead of the weeds all summer long. We hoed every bit of that garden many times over. I remember the first spring, and a salad with dandelion and potatoes. We couldn’t get enough. By Memorial Day, we took our first dip into the water. I remember how cold it was; I couldn’t feel my legs after a few minutes. There was a large boulder and when we stood on it, the water was at waist level. We would dive off that rock - what fun! And we pulled off those ugly bloodsuckers! By the end of the summer, John and I were swimming across the lake. In the evenings, the kids in Elcor would gather to play Hide and Seek, Kick the Can, or get a baseball game going. The first summer the entire family picked berries strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries - and would come home with two-three milk pails full. Mama was a fast blueberry picker. Her coffee can was filled and mine just one third full. Guess I ate too many! Mama would spend the next day canning and making jam. I still see those jars of blueberry jam, and I remember that delicious blueberry strudel. Early in July, Mama and Ata, if he had time, would begin cutting grass for the winter feed. With three cows, a lot of hay was needed. It was all done with the scythe and was a job only for the skilled. You could tell by the sound who was a professional at cutting grass. One person would start and then get behind a second person, and so down the line. Girls or women followed and spread out the freshly cut grass to dry. Most grass was cut in the morning because grass is easier to cut when dewy. In the afternoon, the grass would be stirred up again, so it would dry evenly. Raking and stirring the grass was usually a two-day job. God forbid that it would rain. Grass that took too long to dry would lose the flavor, color, and smell of good hay. But, after chores, there was a time for fun. John and I spent a lot of time in the woods around Elcor. We knew every hill and pond. In the winter, we skated on ice rinks maintained by the town. We went sledding and tobogganing. In the spring, we brought out the marbles. All that was needed was a hole in the ground. Each player would toss their marble toward the hole. The closest would go first and try to flick their marble into the hole. If they made the hole, they got to flick the opponent’s marble. If they missed, the opponent got their chance. The first person to get both marbles into the pot kept the marbles. I became quite skilled and I remember winning a whole coffee can of marbles. Five more children were born in America: Martin, Theresa (deceased), Rose, Thomas, and Bernada. With a family of twelve, family dynamics was a heavy. The system began early on when age mates became playmates. Bonding occurred without any specific parental encouragement. We nurtured each other. So it was with John and me. We took care of the cows. That was a heavy! 23 The Betons The Betons took the place of grandparents. They lived in Pit Mine, two miles east of Elcor. There were only three houses. They had electricity but no running water; they used an outhouse and took baths in a wash tub in the middle of the kitchen floor. Their life style fascinated me! It was my chore to take milk to the Betons. Mrs. Beton spent hours naming every plant, from hollyhock to the tiny baby’s breath. My love of flowers was inherited from her. Mr. Beton would play his squeezebox or harmonica. He would spend long periods relating the Depression years, how they made wine and moonshine to help out through the rough days. Their son, Yonk, taught me about the wild animals and the woods. Son, Eddie, taught me how to swim and drive. His Model T still brings back memories. Even after moving to Gilbert, I never failed to visit them. This family played a big role in my growing up years. There was always candy or cake for us! Ata’s Employment By the fall of 1950, Ata finally got a job at the Corsica Mine, located only a half mile from our house. He walked to and from work each day. In addition, Ata always painted. By the next year Mama had saved enough money so they could buy the house from Joe Potocnik for $2,000. He worked at Corsica Mine in Elcor for only nine months, when it closed. He was transferred on to the Biwabik Mine and worked for two-three more years, before that mine closed. The highgrade ore was gone. He began working at a taconite plant, the Erie Mining Company, near Aurora, and worked until his retirement. My Teen Years My teen years were boring. I was not able to do much of anything. Ata was very strict, and there was never enough money. I had to earn my own spending money. I began with a paper route that lasted a year in Elcor. I cleaned the house for Mrs. Coughlin, the superintendent’s wife, for a few hours after school. It was light housework, vacuuming, making beds, and washing dishes. Work she could not do herself. I would hurry through the work so I could watch TV. I only did this when she was not home. How I enjoyed watching the Mickey Mouse Club! How guilty I felt for doing this, since I had not asked permission. Reuniting the Family In 1954, Ata was eligible to become an American citizen. At the same time, Mama also attempted, but was rejected. Since she was just a housewife with so many children, she thought the government would automatically give her the papers. When she failed the test, more effort was spent learning about the United States government, and reading and understanding English. She passed a few months later. During this time, the U.S. government relaxed the immigration laws and families separated by war were allowed to be reunited. It took a year to make arrangements for Micka to become part of the family again. On November 18, 1955, after ten long years, Micka was finally with the family. She was 15 years old! Ata, Mama, Vika and Mr. Pucko, Ata’s friend, went to meet her at the Duluth 24 train station. Mama recognized her by the “Narodna nosa” handbag she was carrying. Ata and Mama cried, which was surprising as neither were emotional people. Moving to Gilbert In 1955, Pickands Mather and Company announced it was reclaiming the land; the people of Elcor would have to go and the buildings had to go. Beginning in January 1955, eviction notices were posted. Friends and neighbors departed to other locations. They took along their homes, leaving empty foundations and uprooted lots. We were the last family to move. Ata had always admired the mining superintendent’s house. It was the most beautiful home in Elcor. When it went up for sale, Ata bought it for $5,000. In October 1956, the moving company began jacking up the house. Massive beams were placed beneath the house. Trailer wheels were placed under these beams and secured with chains to stabilize the load. What a sight! It was common to see houses moving, but our house was so big that the Minnesota H i g h w a y Department would not allow the moving company to use the state highway. However, they found a back road, a dirt road. This journey took almost a month. There were obstacles. Our house House moving to Gilbert was too large to slip underneath high power lines. After many negotiations, the electric company cut the lines. Then there was the steep hill in Pit Mine. It was necessary to chain another truck in front of the main truck! When the movers came to the Gilbert dump, they parked the house and went deer hunting for a week. Finally, on Halloween, we moved into our house in Gilbert. In Gilbert, I worked in Tony Lopp’s grocery store. I was paid twenty-five cents an hour. We made blood sausage on Tuesday and Saturday. Smokies were made on Wednesday and Friday. I carried boxes of canned goods from the basement and stocked the shelves. I was as strong as any boy, and could prove it. I beat most boys in arm wrestling. John and I did a lot together, especially going out in the woods. I remember the huts we made in the woods and the trees we climbed. We were always ready to play baseball. Terry Rozak was my first crush. I pretended to be a friend of his younger sister, who was a dork, just so I could feast my eyes on this guy. I snuck out of the house as much as I could just to be near him. He was so much fun and so cute. One day he made fun of me. I became so irate I completely ignored him; I would not look at him. I held this grudge for three years. Finally, in our senior year we began talking again. Ata was so strict I had to find ways to be with people my own age. If I were involved with school or church, Ata ZARJA THE DAWN would give permission. I became involved in the Drama Club and the Thespians. I looked up to Mr. Schmidt, our English teacher. We put on wonderful plays - The Lark, Teahouse of the August Moon, Hello Dolly. I would spend almost every day, after I finished at Lopp’s, working on the stage or sewing costumes. Because of Mr. Schmidt’s friendship I am in Joliet today. I can say those three years in high school were the highlight of my teen years. After graduating from Gilbert High school in 1961, I attended college in Virginia, Minnesota. Mr. Schmidt returned to college for his Master’s Degree. On a visit to see the Gilbert school play he brought along his roommate. I remember, he was so attractive I could hardly keep my eyes off of him. (Strange as it may seem, I cannot remember his name.) We began corresponding. He told me of his intention to work in Chicago for the summer. Micka and Felix Mavec were recently married and now living in Joliet. Illinois. I needed a good summer job to pay for my schooling. Joliet was close to Chicago, so I asked Micka to find me a job. Then “his” plans changed, he would not be in Chicago, and there was a job waiting for me in Joliet. I never returned to Minnesota. Felix had a brother; his name was Albert and he was so handsome. He asked me to marry him after a courtship of two weeks. I was confused; I would have to quit college. Albert and I became engaged on June 14, 1962, and were married on September 8, 1962; sisters married to brothers. Albert and I have six children, and eleven grandchildren. We will celebrate our 50th anniversary in September, 2012. I went back to college at the age of 40 and graduated as an RN in 1987. I worked as a mental health nurse for adolescents in the hospital setting. By the age of 65, I had worked on all mental health units, for both adolescents and adults, in the hospital. I remember I always had the feeling I did not belong in America’s way of life. I lacked confidence as a teenager. I was ashamed of being Slovenian. It made me different. Ata and Mama never trusted the American way and felt its influence on my behavior was not good. They were very strict; I was not allowed to do the normal things American kids did. I couldn’t go trick or treating on Halloween; they thought it was begging. I would sneak out. I could not wear shorts or make-up. I could not do a sleepover. When invited to a birthday or pajama party, I would say no. I wouldn’t even ask permission. Mama preferred we stay at home. She would be embarrassed if any one of us misbehaved. Consequences to my behaviors could be judged as harsh by the standards of today, but I knew why I was punished. Never did I feel deprived because I did not have a bike or the best clothes. Ata and Mama struggled. I saw Mama work most of the day. I saw such pain when Stefan was placed in an institution. I saw Ata always working two jobs. Today, I see clearly that feeling apart from my peer group was of my own making. Today, I realize that hardships, disciplines, and unfulfilled dreams are what molded me. The hard times helped me realize what is important in life. Ata and Mama were very spiritual. We prayed the rosary as a family every day and more during holy days. They taught, by example, that when all else fails, faith will prevail. We each knew we were loved. We were taught to be responsible, caring, and respectful. Our parents did to the best of their ability, and I am proud to be a member of this family. Paula and Albert on their wedding day MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 25 Anne Orazem Tribute to Long Time Members Anne Orazem has been a proud member of SUA Branch 35 in Aurora, Minnesota, since she was invited to join by her mother-in-law, Frances Orazem, after her marriage in 1938. She served for many years as President, Vice President, and Secretary as well as their Zarja reporter, and has been honored as Branch 35’s Woman of the Year. Anne Marie Kolak was born to Mary Kostaltz and Matt Kolak on July 24, 1919, and is the oldest of six siblings Martha, Barbara, Katherine, John, and Francine. She married Anthony J. (Tony) Orazem on June 18, 1938, in Aurora, Minnesota, and raised four children - Suzanne, Anthony (Tony “O”), Paul, and Kathleen. She has six grandchildren - Mark, Paul, Joe, Bob, James, and David as well as seven greatgrandchildren. Her last great-granddaughter, born just this past November, was named Anne in her honor. Anne’s children and grandchildren learned from her activities to be caring people by following her example as she helped wherever she was needed, not only with Slovenian activities, but also serving her church and community. She is presently a member of the All-Slav Club, KSKJ, CCW, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Assumption Group. Over the years she has been active in the Grape Festival, dance club, PTA, Boy and Girl Scouts, sewing club, Happy Quilters, numerous church activities, as well as being an Iron World volunteer. She has attended many state and national SUA conventions as well as Baraga Days. whoever might be stopping by, inviting them to enjoy her creations such as strudels, poticas, krofe, zlinkrofi, and zelodcni zavitek, an Easter pastry which was part of the food she always had blessed for the first Easter Sunday meal. She also made meals using wild game and fish from Tony, Anthony, and Paul’s hunting and fishing trips. Anne loves to read old Zarja magazines as they bring back nostalgic memories of times spent together with friends. When the SUA asked for volunteers to help with indexing these magazines, Anne volunteered with a passion and she has indexed more Zarja’s than any other member! Indexing involves going through past magazines, stating whether an article was written in English or Slovenian, and then categorizing the material along with any related pictures, including names and other features. Anne did a most thorough job. Current Branch 35 President, Anita Vovk, offered the following: “Whenever Anne was asked to come to our Branch Officer meetings, she provided us with guidance and counsel. Every time we look for volunteers, Anne steps right up. She is very kind and makes sure to acknowledge others for their good works, illness, birthdays, and anniversaries either with a phone call, card, or visit. Always a ‘Lady’, great Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and especially a friend to all, I am so excited that Anne would be honored by Zarja. May God bless her and give her more years to enjoy family and friends.” She keeps a “Slovenian clean” house with many “God’s Corners” such as the Last Supper in the dining room, the Blessed Virgin Mary and angels in the living room, crucifixes in all the bedrooms, including one in a hallway holding holy water. At Christmas she puts up a nativity scene with a stable made by her late husband, Tony. Whether Anne sends a note to check in to see how one is doing, or inspires by the wonderful example she has set through a lifetime of service to family, church, and her heritage, we are blessed to have her in our lives. Anne is a member who truly shares the “love” in Slovenian with all. Anne has always found time to share her Slovenian culinary talents by cooking and baking Slovenian foods for her family and friends, and teaching them to carry on the family traditions. She always opened her home and her kitchen to Many thanks to Anne’s family and friends for sharing with us the remarkable life of Anne Orazem. - Patricia A.Budzilek 26 ZARJA THE DAWN Thank You for Your Support! The 27th National Convention fund-raiser for the month of February 2012 was a huge success. Your entry was very much appreciated! The profit of over $4,000.00 will enhance all aspects of the activities for SUA/SWUA delegates and members. Thank you for your support! Information will be given in future issues of Zarja - The Dawn about SUA/ SWUA’s National Convention in Lemont, IL in 2015. Winner’s List 1st Place Seller (21 Sold) Stan & Shirley Vidmar, Branch 43, Milwaukee, WI - $110 Convention Credit 2nd Place Seller (18 Sold) Stephanie Segulin, Branch 10, Cleveland, OH - $70 Convention Credit 3rd Place Seller (16 Sold) Jonita Ruth, Branch 20, Joliet, IL - $40 Convention Credit Al Jelinek, Mike Maren, Al Chandek, and Ray Freiberg Picking Feb. 4th,5th,6th,7th Fund-Raiser Winners Mary Cay Freiberg, Tom Gehm, and Jan Gehm Picking Feb. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Fund-Raiser Winners Top Branch Support 84 Sellers: Branch 20, Joliet, IL 32 Sellers: Branch 50, Euclid, OH 31 Sellers: Branch 43, Milwaukee, WI 26 Sellers: Branch 2, Chicago, IL 18 Sellers: Branch 47, Garfield Heights, OH 17 Sellers: Branch 24, LaSalle, IL 16 Sellers: Branch 35, Aurora, MN 15 Sellers: Branch 30, Various Locations 14 Sellers: Branch 89, Oglesby, IL Tribute to Long Time Members Note: Please notify me if you would like to suggest a SUA/SWUA member to be profiled in this feature. Remember - they must have been active for many years, and are probably in their 80s. My e-mail is pbudzilek@oh.rr.com. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 2012 Winners Feb. 1 Ann Bruno - Parma, OH, $110 Feb. 2 Jean Herbst - Joliet, IL, $55 Feb. 3 Bob & Jean Ficek - St. Charles, IL, $55 Feb. 4 Jack Kolesari - New Berlin, WI, $55 Feb. 5 Edward Bayuk - Willard, WI, $55 Feb. 6 Stephanie Segulin - Cleveland, OH, $55 Feb. 7 William Henkel - Peru, IL, $55 Feb. 8 Maureen Zupancich - Duluth, MN, $220 Feb. 9 Mary Rugroden - Crosby, MN, $55 Feb. 10 Jennie Kovacic - LaGrange, IL, $55 Feb. 11 Alice Ebner - Oglesby, IL, $55 Feb. 12 Helen Millman - La Salle, IL, $55 Feb. 13 Albina Mikec - Bloomingdale, IL, $55 Feb. 14 Paula Behling - Milwaukee, WI, $220 Feb. 15 Florence Urankar - Cleveland, OH, $55 Feb. 16 Patricia Lammi - Ely, MN, $55 Feb. 17 Sylvia Mitchell - Lowell, IN, $55 Feb. 18 Judith Price - West Allis, WI, $55 Feb. 19 Elaine Kosman - Calumet Park, IL, $55 Feb. 20 Sue Ann Yovanovich - Indianapolis, IN, $55 Feb. 21 June Znidorka - West Allis, WI, $55 Feb. 22 Lisa Stratton - Washington, DC, $55 Feb. 23 Pamela Wadycki - Munster, IN, $55 Feb. 24 Lois M. Pelander - Duluth, MN, $55 Feb. 25 Diana Ganster - Morris, IL, $55 Feb. 26 Theresa Kamnikar - Oglesby, IL, $55 Feb. 27 Carol Novak - Elwood, IL, $55 Feb. 28 Eileen Plese - Joliet, IL, $55 Feb. 29 Evelyn Kinnear - Saratoga, CA, $110 27 Branch Reports Poro~~ila Podru``nic BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin With daylight savings time starting on March 11th, Branch 1 did not want to “lose any time” and jumped in to have a presence at the Men’s Club Scholarship Brat Fry at Saints Cyril & Methodius Church. Among the aromatic smells of a winter fry out along with the tempting delicious baked goods, tables were set up with displays of photos, memorabilia, and of course applications to join SUA. The highlight of the display was the large map of Slovenia which attracted many people who were just curious, but others stopping to share information regarding their relatives and the areas in which they settled. As the sun shone brightly on the day, it gave Branch 1 an opportunity to “Let their Slovenian heritage shine.” BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Contact Information: 719.696.8583 amtcharron@yahoo.com The February meeting was held in St. Mary’s Church hall and began with the election of officers. By a unanimous vote, Marge Cullen was elected President and Eileen Kaplan was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Eileen reported that $350 was collected at the branch Christmas luncheon for the SWU Scholarship Foundation. New Branch members include Olivia and Jillian Parsons, granddaughters of member Bernice Krasovec. Chaplain Marie Mutz led the opening and closing prayers. Annette Charron and Barbara Karlinger hosted the meeting and served orehove rezine, a walnut syrup cake, along with St. Valentine’s Day cupcakes and punch. Members were asked to bring a bell to the meeting. Eileen Kaplan discussed the Pust Festival, the Mardi Gras celebration in Slovenia, and made signs for each member that proclaimed “Go away, Winter!” The signs included a recipe for sirovi struklji, a cottage cheese 28 strudel. As in the Pust Festival, bells were rung at the meeting to chase away winter. The March meeting included a memorial for Florence Snyder, a Branch 3 member who passed away in February. Bernice Krasovec was the hostess and served delicious pudding and cookies. Eileen Kaplan discussed St. Gregorjevo’s feast day, March 12, which is celebrated as the first day of spring in Slovenia. Members were asked to bring old wedding photos to the meeting. Attendees enjoyed discussing Slovenian weddings and identifying various individuals in the heirloom photos. A 123-year old wedding dress was on display at the meeting. Mary Papes wore the dress when she married Peter Perse on October 5, 1889, at St. Joseph’s Church in Joliet, Illinois. The dress now belongs to the couple’s granddaughter, Branch 3 President Margaret Perse Cullen. ANNETTE SABO CHARRON & BARBARA KARLINGER BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Greetings to all Branch 5 members! Mark your calendars for noon on Saturday, May 12, at the Slovenian National Home for our Member of the Year Luncheon. Yes, it is that time of year again when we honor a member who has actively participated within Branch 5, and who also shares with others their Slovenian heritage. This year’s Member of the Year celebration will be a pitch-in luncheon at the Nash. Ham, bread, and potato salad will be provided. Bring your favorite springtime dish or dessert to share! Join us as we honor our 2012 Member of the Year, Betsy Walker! We have lost several members and friends of Branch 5 in the past year. Sincere sympathy goes out to the Dragan, Luckett, Brodnick, and Dugar families. Keep them in your prayers. Also, as we lose members, we need to replace members. Welcome to our newest member, Charles Robert Cline, who was born on February 24, 2012, to member Sara Fon ZARJA THE DAWN Cline and her husband, Scott. Big brother Jonathon can’t wait for Charlie to play with him! Do you have a grandchild to join our junior SUA ranks? How about daughters, sons, or friends? Each year I try to give at least one gift membership. Surprise someone today with the next issue of Zarja in his or her mailbox! Please pray for our members who no longer are able to actively participate at our meetings and events. Call or visit someone today! Hoping to see all of you on May 12th. KAREN, MARY & PHYLLIS BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Contact Information: 2324 Buena Vista Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002 bchiodo@comcast.net By now you should have received your flyer for the Member of the Year. I hope you are planning to attend. If you have not already done so, please contact President Doreen at 415.468.5039. The board members would like to thank all members personally for your support. We had a beautiful luncheon meeting in February. We celebrated Valentine’s Day, but more importantly we celebrated Vice President Agnes Leach’s 90th birthday. Agnes was so happy to celebrate with her Slovenian friends and of course we all loved being with her on this special day. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in March. We all wore green and had a delicious corn-beef and cabbage lunch with all the trimmings. Just give us a reason and we will celebrate it! We invite all members to come to our meetings. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Branch 13 is proud to have author Frances Chilcoat as a member. Frances belongs to many Slovenian clubs in San Francisco and attends all events. She has offered to report on these many events for Branch 13’s report to Zarja. Here is her first report: “Every year on the Saturday preceding Ash Wednesday, the San Francisco Bay Area Slovenians enjoy a blood sausage dinner at the PUST celebration, sponsored by the SNPJ Lodge 394 at the San Francisco Slovenian Hall. Robin Talmage spearheads the event. Twenty very dedicated people made 650 pounds of sausage and approximately 175 guests enjoyed the dinner with all of the traditional Slovenian trimmings. Many of them purchased sausage to take home. The guests had the pleasure to dance to Joey Bajuk Trio polka music.” BARBARA CHIODO friend, Emma Safar, demonstrated the art of strudel making. We witnessed her technique and special tips about bowl size and placement of apples. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to learn something from her expert lesson. We sampled the strudel at our April meeting. A vote was taken and passed to return the meetings to St. George’s and also to return to monthly meetings, omitting the summer months of June, July, and August. We signed up four new members, including our first junior member in recent years. We also acquired a transfer from Branch 109. We had three men members in attendance, and they also provided us with potica and a St. Patrick/St. Joseph cake for the occasion. I was informed of Vicky Putzell’s hospitalization at Spring Mill Health Campus in Merrillville, IN. Get well prayers and wishes also continue to be sent to Rose Tomasich. Mitzi Klobucar attended the meeting, looking well after a stay in the hospital. Planning ahead - New member, Bob Kuhel, will entertain us with a slide presentation on Slovenian Carnolian bees at our September meeting. Bee keeping is quite popular in Slovenia and the presentation should prove to be very interesting. Sounds like something to look forward to. DOLORES KRAL FRANKO BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois Contact: Marjorie Mitchell: 773.646.4392 Dolores60617@yahoo.com Our March meeting was quite successful with 21 members in attendance, plus a few guests. A MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 29 BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: patricia.schager@att.net We’ve come to the end of another successful year for our Branch. Highlights include welcoming the newest Member of the Year, announcing Branch scholarship recipients, annual Grape Festival, family Christmas dinner, St. Joseph Table and St. Patrick Day dinner, and annual bake sale. But most of all, the sharing of friendships each month between members, and the important people who host our meetings. Thank you to all who give of their time and money during the year. Branch 20 remains vibrant because of the combined efforts of our members. Our monthly programs are varied and always interesting. A special congratulations to young member, Nicholas (Nick) Vidmar, on making the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester at the University of St. Francis, Joliet, with a 4.0 grade point average. Nick was also awarded a music scholarship for the spring 2012 semester. He is the son of member Mike and Sandra Vidmar, and grandson of member Adrianna Vidmar. Nick is a past recipient of a scholarship from our Branch. A reminder to all who will be visiting friends and relatives in the area around Joliet, Illinois. Don’t forget to make the Slovenian Heritage Museum part of your trip. It is a wonderful experience to see so much family and cultural history located across from the historic St. Joseph Church. Slovenian gifts for sale are also available. Pride of heritage is still alive and well in the “new country.” Condolences to member Rose Valek on the passing of her husband, and to the families on the passing of member Phyllis Vershay. We are proud of member Jeanne Warsaw on being chosen our Member of the Year. Jeanne is a very special lady who never misses helping out whenever and wherever she is needed. A big thank you, Jeanne! PATRICIA SCHAGER BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Contact Information: 815.224.1512 9_lives@att.net Dober Dan! Twenty-six members were in attendance for our March meeting. Officers for 2012 were installed: Mary Ann Brunner - President, Linda Struna - Vice President, Sharon Brady - Secretary, and Mary Pryde Treasurer. Several members brought their @egen baskets and shared their traditions of this beautiful Slovenian custom. Plans were made for a Perennial Plant Swap Party in April and the annual May Luncheon. Congratulations were extended to Barbara and Art Pyszka on their 50 th wedding anniversary. Deepest sympathy was extended to Linda Struna on the death of her mother, Barbara Taylor on the death of her daughter, and Sandy Ernat on the death of her sister. May God bless and comfort them. Hostesses for the evening were: Mary Mecum, Robbie Donahue, and Olivia Karun. The door prize 30 was won by Marie Zandecki and the 50/50 was won by Mary Ann Pieczynski. I would like to leave you with a cute story. In Slovenia, it is believed that all birds marry on March 13. If that is the case, then, judging by all the “hoopla”, racket, and singing, I think the reception was held in the Mock Orange bush next to my house. Enjoy the beautiful summer and all that it brings to us (including the heat). Until next time, may God fill your hearts with peace and love. LORETTA STORY BRANCH 33 - Duluth, Minnesota On February 12th, Suntina Theresa Spehar passed away peacefully with family surrounding her. She was a very devout and precious lady of our Branch and will be sadly missed. Mary Spehar White is her daughter and is President of our Branch. The funeral Mass was beautiful and many, many people attended to show their love for her. A send off prayer was prayed for her by our Branch before the closing of Mass. A white carnation was presented to her husband, Bill, in honor of her life. In May, to honor all our mothers for Mother’s Day, we will go out for dinner. A most blessed and happy Mother’s Day to all our members. We also pray for our departed mothers, may they rest in peace. Ann Menart BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Contact Information: 218.229.3202 anitam1@frontier.com Greetings from northern Minnesota! We ended 2011 by joining Branch 39, Biwabik, for their Epiphany Dinner held at the Rustic Rock Chop Shop in Eveleth. It was a fun day topped off by playing traveling bunco, which gets lively when you can steal prizes from anyone. Former officer and member Dorothy M. Jamnick died late last fall and on December 29th she was laid to rest next to her husband in Aurora. Our members attended the services and offered a prayer and gave a carnation to her daughter, Dorothy L. Jamnick. Our 2012 Member of the Year has been selected. We will honor Betty Jean Turk. Our first meeting of the year was in February and we invited former members of Branch 39 to join us. Their Branch has dissolved and their members will be seeking one to join. We were happy to see how many came to spend time with us and we enjoyed their company. We had our Annual Dime Auction, with the money going into our Branch funds. It was fun. We hope that the friends of Branch 39 will choose to become a part of our Branch. Member Julie Pirnat remains in the hospital; prayers were said for her and all our members. Officers for 2012 remain the same with the exception of Sharon Starkovich replacing Julie Pirnat as Sgt. at Arms. ZARJA THE DAWN We are looking forward to this year and we hope to see an increase in membership and attendance at the meetings. Do naslednji ~ as, na videnje! (Until next time, so long!) MARLYS RABB BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413 twogames@wi.rr.com Many thanks to all Branch 43 members who helped make Pustna veselica a huge success. The dinner was delicious, the music great, the camaraderie festive, and raffle prizes wonderful. Many thanks to Jan Gehm for chairing the raffle part of the evening. Congratulations to Fannie Smole who was selected to be our Member of the Year. Fannie will be honored at a luncheon Meyer’s Restaurant on May 12, 2012. Many thanks to Ed Vidmar for providing the entertainment at our last meeting. All had a chance to sing a few Slovenian tunes and some of our members even got up and danced to Ed’s piano accordion music. Why not plan on joining us at our meetings? You’ll be treated to a nice lunch and fellowship before the meeting. Please check the calendar you received for dates and times at the West Allis Library. MICI BREGANT BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio Greetings from Girard, Ohio! In Branch news, member Nicolas Fooy, a fifth grader at Guardian Angels Catholic Grade School in Michigan, joined both the chess club and bowling team this year. His older sister, Anna Fooy, a freshman at Bishop Foley Catholic High School in Madison, Michigan, recently placed third in an essay competition on vocations. Congratulations, Anna! Members are encouraged to come to our monthly meetings. We really would love to see each and every one of you in attendance, and we always welcome new ideas! That’s all the news for now. In closing, I include a few words from William Wordsworth’s poem “Daffodils” (1804). “I wander’d lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vales and hills, when all at once I saw a crowd, a host of golden daffodils.” MONICA SELAK Zarja’s Unforgettable Journey Travel through Slovenia October 19-29, 2012 Sponsored by Zarja - The Dawn See the SUA website for details: http://slovenianunion.org or call1.800.800.5981 MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: 815.883.3268 deadendbluff@yahoo.com Thank you, Barbara Bruch, for your past years of faithful service as our Branch 89 reporter, and our best wishes to you as you continue to serve as our Illinois/Indiana Region Vice President. I would like to introduce myself, Jim Ebner, as the new Branch reporter, as I make my first attempt at relaying the events of our Branch to you. March 12 kicked off our new meeting year with a cooking demonstration of delicious goulash, hosted by Barbara Bruch. Two of our members recently performed duties as National Auditors, Saturday, March 3, in Joliet and reported the National records were in “meticulous, accurate, itemized form.” The Branch Bakeless Bake Sale was again a huge fundraising success; even bigger than last year! The Slovenian Heritage Committee had been meeting regularly as they prepared for our Slovenian “Open House” evening on March 24, 2012. The evening featured complimentary tasting of strudel, potica, smoked sausage, displays of “Grandma’s Aprons” and accompanying stories, past issues of Zarja magazine, and of course, beautiful Slovenian music, and more. We had over 100 guests for this fun-filled evening! Editor’s Note: Please see pages 8 - 9 for details of this great event. At our April meeting we brought our favorite recipes to share the “best of the best” with our fellow Branch members, as well as the stories as how these came to be our favorites. Until we meet again, may the aroma of smoked sausage linger with you now, and into the summer season! JIM EBNER BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: 718.335.8459 lgross@tstnyc.org Members enjoyed two special Pust celebrations this year at St. Cyril’s Church. On Sunday, right after Mass (where he played the organ), pianist and composer Ga{per Konec of Ljubljana, treated us to a concert of pieces by Schubert, Schuman, and Debussy, as well as traditional Slovenian music. Konec was the recipient of the 2012 Pre{eren award for students and is a recent graduate of the Ljubljana Academy of Music. At the reception following the concert, we enjoyed Vzhajani Krofi (Shrovetide doughnuts) prepared by Mia Branc. Then, on Tuesday night, the church was packed again; Vlado Kreslin had all of us tapping and clapping to his distinctive folk-pop-rock music. All had a wonderful time! The Slovenska kulturna ura that follows the 10:30 Mass at St. Cyril’s every third Sunday of the month (except June, July, and August) is always interesting. In March, Professor Janez Kranc, a member of the Faculty of Law at the 31 University of Slovenia, and Robert Harley, a graduate of Columbia Law School and veteran of 35 years as a trial lawyer in the New York courts, compared their respective legal systems. Members turned out in full force for this, we all enjoy hearing Bob; he sings every week in the church choir, and his wife, Emily, is a long time Branch member. And for a first, branch members (and others that we convinced to join in the fun) made butare for Cvetna Nedelja (Flower Sunday/Palm Sunday). A butara is a bundle of flowers, greenery and colored ribbons bound up and carried to church. This is a long-standing tradition in Slovenia that continues to this day. After a tutorial from Mr. Babnik, who had made butare for St. Cyril’s for many years, member Ria Whitmire braved the woods of Massachusetts and New York to gather the greens, prepare the ribbons, and pass on her newly acquired skills to us all. Cheers to Tanya Vajk for coordinating this project! ELIZABETH GROSS BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Contact Information: jmhlade@hotmail.com Welcome warmer weather! I’m sure many of you are looking forward to getting outside and tending to your flower and vegetable gardens. Just a recap of the last few months. In March we held a butara class for children to learn about this Slovenian tradition of making butaras (spring greenery bouquets) to bring to church on Palm Sunday. We also held our Member Celebration party at the home of Sonja DePratt. Thank you, Sonja, for opening your home to our Branch. Details of these events will be in the next issue. Also, a big thank you to Lillian Cepon for donating the ingredients for the Krofe Culinary Class in February. We all loved learning how to make these delicious Slovenian donuts! Coming up this month is a Mass for all deceased members on May 20th at St. Mary’s Church in Lemont at 11:00 a.m. Please join us for the Sunday dinner at the Slovenian Catholic Center following mass. Dinner is $6 per person, payable at the door. On June 10th, we will be hosting a Branch meeting at 2:00 p.m. at 3 Corners Grill and Tap in Lemont. Cost is $5 per person. Please rsvp to Paula Mavec at pmavec@live.com or 815.729.9787. We will begin discussing the national convention, which will be in 2015. On July 28th, there will be another Apple Strudel Culinary Class at the SCC at 9:00 a.m. Please register for the class with Paula Mavec. Cost is $15 per person. Remember to bring a cookie sheet or foil pan to bring home your strudel for baking. Best wishes to our branch Vice-President Paula Mavec on her endeavor of climbing Triglav Mountain in Slovenia in July! See the article in this issue! Go Paula! Have a happy summer! JANA HLADE 32 BRANCH 100 - Southern California Everyone loves to eat, especially the traditional foods of Slovenia, and so members and friends of Branch 100 gathered together on February 18 th to learn to make flancati. Fifteen eager ladies traveled up to two hours to attend the class at the home of Teresa Koci on that Saturday morning. A couple of husbands, both SUA members themselves, watched as well. Elvie Blasick and Rosemary Mlakar leading the demonstration The experts were Rosemary Mlakar and Elvie Blasick, who, for years, have made these delicate and tasty pastries for weddings and parties of family and friends. Jean Koci remembered working with her mother many years ago making these light and tempting delicacies, and so she helped, as well. Jean happened to have a recipe written down those many years ago, when her mom did a demonstration for a group of teenaged girls. So copies were made to distribute. The recipe was almost identical to the one that Rosemary and Elvie used for this demonstration. The flancati turned out nicely with everyone getting into the act, kneading, rolling, cutting and frying. I noticed Most of the group gathers around the counter for observation ZARJA THE DAWN several methods of twisting the dough before frying. Even little Juliette Leathers got into the dough and watched eagerly, as I understand she loves to cook. She came with her mom and grandmother, Angela and Marcia. We had a wonderful time getting together, as we have for other food demonstrations during the past couple of years. Teresa, the perfect hostess, had a pot of delicious soup and bread and the members brought appetizers and some extra desserts for lunch. We even had some Slovenian wine that a newer member brought to share. It was nice to meet Katy Bendel, who came all the way from San Diego to join us. We hope she will become an active participant in our group. There were only a few crumbs left from the double recipe after we all had some, and most of us wanted to take a few home to share with those waiting for our return. Before leaving, however, we took time to sign cards for several of our friends and members who have not been well, Pauline Buzan, Kay Nowjack, and Anne Kapel. It was a lovely day and everyone is looking forward to another time when we can get together again. JEAN KOCI BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin Contact: kleespires@comcast.net Greetings from Willard! Congratulations to our Members of the Year, Branch President Bonnie Brierton. We were so happy to honor Bonnie and her daughter, Sandy. Sandy is a delight at our Branch meetings. She loves to pass out door prizes and is a wonderful little helper for her mom and grandma, Vicki Krultz. A future Branch President in the making! Our entire Branch is very grateful to Bonnie who took on the huge challenge of leading us after the able and long time leadership of Rose Pakiz. Theresa Zorman and friend, Jeanette Stremikis-Berg, took a wonderful trip to Slovenia and Croatia last July. Theresa visited relatives and toured many wonderful sites in Slovenia, including Bled, the farm at Lipica (home to the Lipizzaner horses) and the Roman Amphitheater at Pula. In Croatia, she saw the Plitvice National Park, an olive mill, and visited a monastery. She and Jeanette ended their trip in Ljubljana. Theresa reports that she would love to return to Slovenia soon! Longtime and lucky member, Ed Bayuk, was again a winner MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 in this year’s calendar raffle. Everyone from Branch 102 sends condolences to Hedwig Bauer on the loss of her sister, Theresa Kranjc (March 11, 2012). Erik Spires, my son, was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society at Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he is a Senior, studying HVAC-R. The Branch held a successful fund-raiser with a bake sale, Palm Sunday weekend at Holy Family. Proceeds will be used to support Branch activities along with state and national endeavors. Happy May birthday to junior member Rose Lemerande. KAREN HRIBAR SPIRES BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bettekfitz@verizon.net On February 12th, we gathered for a luncheon meeting followed by a cultural day program in honor of Dr. France Pre{eren’s great works of poetry. We discussed Pre{eren’s literary influence in Slovenia, and also recited the following three poems in both Slovenian and English: Slovo od mladosti (Farewell to Youth), Sonetni venec - a wreath of sonnets and excerpts, and Zdravljica (A Toast). Thanks to our readers, Blaza and Slavko Cedilnik, Lynn Koiner, Nika Kovacic, Bernadette Fitzsimmons, and Fr. Peter Rozic. Following the recitations, we discussed the profound meaning and intense emotions evoked in reading Pre{eren’s poetry in our modern times. Thanks to Fr. Rozic for providing insights and facts about Pre{eren’s life and poetry. Thanks also to Blaza Cedilnik who led us in singing Zdravljica and to Bernadette for providing the music and words to the Slovenian national anthem, which is taken from the seventh stanza of Zdravljica, which has been the official Slovenian national anthem since September 27, 1989. 33 At the end of our program, Lynn Koiner provided a fascinating account of “Little Known Facts” about Slovenia that she wanted to share with us. She challenged us with a question no one could answer, “Who was Lake Bled named after?” You need to look that one up! One interesting fact she entertained us with was the use of the word - to die - for animals vs. humans. When an animal passes, Slovenians typically use the word “crknen”; however, when a human being passes, they use the word “umrl.” There is only one example in the animal kingdom, the beloved honeybee (cebelica) where Slovenians use “umrl.” It is feared that the honeybee could become extinct in the future due to a variety of circumstances. On March 17th, Branch 108 participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at the Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The new banner, reflecting the new SUA name, was rolled out for the first time in front of a record-breaking crowd on a beautiful spring day in Maryland. As you can see from the photo, the new SUA website, Slovenska zenska zveza v Ameriki and the original logo are included on the banner to show respect for our historical roots to the organization. On March 25th, we met to create onion skin-colored Easter eggs with herbs and greens, the Slovenian way, and a potica making demonstration led by Tereza Bevec and Nika Kovacic. Hvala, hvala to our wonderful mentors, Tereza, and Nika, who passed on their expertise. It was wonderful to have a great turnout of members and their families present and eager to learn about Slovenian Easter traditions. Thanks to all who reserved this event on their calendars, and to Bernadette for graciously inviting us to her home and kitchen for this event. BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities of Minnesota With the onset of the spring season, “pomlad”, the TC Slovenians are busy preparing for the annual Festival of Nations, which is held in St. Paul, May 3-6. The theme for this year’s Festival is “Celebrations/Major Events.” Our exhibit will center around: “Stara trte” - Old Vine Festival which is held in Maribor, Slovenia, in September. The Festival traces its roots back to the 14th century. The highpoint of the Festival is the harvesting of grapes from the OLDEST WINE VINE IN THE WORLD. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the vine is over 400 years old and is still producing its vintage grapes. This Festival is one of the most important festivals in Slovenia and is directly linked to native traditions of winemaking, cuisine, organic farming, song, dance, and beekeeping. The exhibit features a painted backdrop of the “Old Vine,” a table with the traditional Slovenian bee hive front (panels of Slovenian folk art), varieties of Slovenian wine, and a potpourri of “bee products” gifted for our exhibit by a company in Polhov Gradec, a costumed “Kranjska Sivka”(the gentle Carniolan grey bee), and a wooden cutout of Kranjska Sivka, where individuals can take pictures of their inset face on the bee’s body. A brochure will be distributed explaining the details of the Festival with emphasis on Bee Keeping, Slovenian Cuisine, and the ritual surrounding the Old Wine Vine. An estimated 60,000 people are expected to attended the Festival of Nations this year. During our mild winter season (zima), Kultura Dan was celebrated at the Julian H. Sleeper Museum with host, Dr. Seth Hawkins, and our President, John Zakelj, reading five poems of the Slovenian poet, France Pre{eren. Dr. Hawkins read them in English and President Zakelj read them in Slovenian. The poems were: Ribic (The Fisherman), Slovo od mladosti (A Farewell to My Youth), Je od vesel ga casa (Of Twelvemonths Since), Magistrale (The Master Theme), and Zdravljica (A Toast - Slovenian National Anthem). Following the poetry readings, Miro Medved, along with his wife, Karen, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Morris, sang the following songs: Gor Cez Jezero and Kje So Tiste Stezice. Karen played the accordion and Sarah accompanied on guitar. The last part of the presentation was a Slovenian song, Across the Water, sung by Sing Zhang. Sing is from Beijing, and several years ago she and Miro sang Gor cez jezero and published it in Chinese. At our regular membership meeting in February, we set an attendance record as former U.S. Congressman, Jim Oberstar, outlined Slovenia’s early history and proceeded to describe his role in helping Slovenia become recognized by the United States once it became independent in 1991. Left to right: Matthew, Juliana, Thomas, and Bernadette Fitzsimmons Congressman Oberstar served Minnesota’s 8th Sitting: Marjeta Cedilnik and Zala Weyker District for 18 total terms since 1974 and followed 34 ZARJA THE DAWN his predecessor, John Blatnik. The two Slovenians represented the Iron Range area of Minnesota for a halfcentury. Mr. Oberstar recounted the story of his grandmother who went to school in Sodrazica, a small village near Ribnica, and how her family had saved for two years in order to pay for her way to America - from ox cart to horse drawn carriage - by train to steamship to Ellis Island. She reportedly said in Slovenian as she passed the Statue of Liberty - “Be good to us, America.” Currently Mr. Oberstar is a visiting scholar at the U of M - Humphrey Institute and has and continues to have a keen interest in Slovenian independence and welfare. President John Zakelj, James Oberstar, and Miro Medved Our March/April meetings centered around two important areas of our Slovenian heritage: genealogy and music. Charles Podominick has done extensive genealogy research in Slovenia and provided the membership some excellent sources to help in researching their family roots. Charles Debevec has one of the largest collections of Slovenian music in Minnesota, and it was fun to reminisce, sing, hum, and recount our childhood music memories. As summer (poletje) arrives, Branch 109 will be planning our version of a “Baraga Picnic” on the site of the Baraga Cross near Grand Marais. Our own “Baraga expert”, Yul Yost, is in the process of renewing one of the first activities that Branch 109 celebrated in our early history. NORMAN SETNICKER February 8, 2012 - Slovenia’s National France Prešeren Day of Culture On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., 13 Slovenians met at the Panera Bread restaurant in Greenfield, WI (suburb of Milwaukee) for our 1st celebration of Slovenia’s National France Prešeren Day of Culture. We knew it was 5:00 p.m. in Slovenia and most of Slovenia had been celebrating all day. Since 1945, February 8th has been celebrated in Slovenia and is their most popular holiday and also a “no work” day. We started off by singing the Slovenian National Anthem, the seventh verse of Prešeren’s poem Zdravljica. The restaurant was filled to capacity and surprised patrons actually applauded and cheered for us. We had an American and Slovenian flag stand on one table, carnation table decorations, and everyone was dressed in red. SUA member, Helen Frohna, made a special France Prešeren tri-fold poster that was on display. We toasted Slovenia with our cups of coffee - trying to pretend we had wine or Slivovitz instead. SUA member, Dolores Ivanchich, came with a 13 question quiz about France Prešeren. A few knew all the answers and several of us were really impressed - until we noticed that they were getting all the answers from the poster and other literature handed out. We had a good laugh over that. When we closed by singing the toast, Kol’kor kapljic, the patrons again applauded and cheered even more heartily. A few patrons came up to ask what we were celebrating and one was Slovenian! It turned out that she and one of our guests are probably related as they share the same Slovenian surname - Pucel. They exchanged names and numbers of course. As we talked to other strangers we were educating them about our beautiful Slovenia. We will definitely keep our new tradition going. In 2013 the day falls on a Friday, in 2014 the day falls on a Saturday, and in 2015 on a Sunday the best days of the week to plan something on a large scale. We will strive to make this a major celebration in Milwaukee. Wikipedia says: “Prešeren Day continues to be one of the most widely celebrated Slovene holidays. It is not only celebrated in Slovenia, but by the Slovene communities all around the world.” How about starting an annual observance in your community? - Denise P. (Delopst) Bartlett Branch 43 - Milwaukee ZIMMER FUNERAL HOMES Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com W2132 Garton Road, Sheboygan, WI 53083 920.565.2331 www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 Left to right: Helen Frohna, Milly Mursec, Rita Majerle-Klug, and Dorothy Wreschnig 35 Teaching an Old Dog! POTICA 101 A by Phyllis Loviscek Fon, Branch 5 s long as I can remember, I have loved desserts. My mother and her sisters were queens when it came to baking, due to the fact they were each very good at baking one dessert very, very well! Sophie made strudels, Helen made pies, Margaret made cakes, and my mother, Polly, made butter cookies. But, my aunts Mary and Annie made my favorite…POTICA! Mary lives on a farm with many hickory trees, so she made her poticas with hickory nuts, which gives a different flavor and texture to the poticas. A tremendous amount of work goes into gathering hickory nuts for baking, and they are not the easiest nut shell to crack, but oh so tasty and worth the trouble. But, Annie was the best at walnut poticas, with just the right amount of bread and honey sweetened walnut filling…with golden raisins throughout. What a treat it was when she would give my mother a loaf or two for our family. Unfortunately, in my 57 years of being Slovenian, I had only witnessed the art of potica making a handful of times. Anyone who has ever worked with dough for breads or pies can attest to the fact that some days it works, and some days it doesn’t, and some days the birds won’t even eat it. Every Monday during the fall and winter months, a dedicated group of ladies, Holy Trinity Slovenian Catholic Church members and friends, meets in the former school cafeteria to make potica. Fifty-six loaves each Monday, filling two freezers with luscious goodness for people to buy and share with their family, often times bringing back memories of holiday family baking with grandma! Since I work during the week, I often wished that I could take a Monday and go watch these professional bakers, but alas, I never could. I was not the only one who wanted to acquire this skill, so the bakers came up with the solution - a “Junior Potica Baker Saturday.” One day, in which those interested could come for a hands-on lesson in baking a full batch of poticas, and take home one of the loaves you made. Unfortunately, that Saturday was not one that I could attend, but my daughters Betsy and Sara eagerly signed up and went to learn from the experts. 36 “Junior Potica Bakers Saturday” was a success, so they have repeated it several times, allowing me to finally attend, with my daughter Betsy assuring me that she would show me everything. I am usually not in the “student” seat when it comes to things in the kitchen, so this was a new experience for both of us. Also, being of the hard-headed, stubborn Slovenian heritage, I don’t really like being told what I can/cannot do, especially in my kitchen - it is very hard for this “old dog” to learn new tricks, but I was willing to try. (I really believe Betsy relished the idea of being in charge of old Mom, also!) Betsy met me at 8:00 a.m. outside of Bockhold Hall, and we entered for our day of fun. Six tables in the hallway greeted us, covered with heavy white cotton cloth, bowls of sugar and spatulas ready and waiting for warm dough. We entered the kitchen with six other ladies, donned our aprons, eagerly awaiting our first instructions. Gloria, our expert baker of the day, had everything ready for us. Betsy told me what to do, where everything was, and what we needed to start our day of baking. ZARJA THE DAWN Measuring milk and butter, heating pan after pan on the large sixburner stove, took concentration and attention so that exact amounts were correct. Ovens heating, yeast rising, flour measuring, pans greased, raisins soaking, it was a wellorchestrated event. Watching these ladies was half the fun, as they stirred, kneaded, and tested the dough with lots of laughter and talk. Everyone was pitching in at every job, taking over to relieve someone at the stove, or washing dishes all added to the fun. As the dough was rising, the prep work on the filling began, with a little time left over to sit and have some coffee and snacks. Soon it was time to roll out the dough, spread the nut filling, and sprinkle on the sugared raisins. Then came the hard part - the careful rolling of the filled dough. Not too tight to make holes in the dough, but tight enough to prevent air holes. Lots of praying that you spread plenty of flour on the cloth to keep dough from sticking, and that transferring of potica into the pan was successful! While the poticas were baking, the kitchen was restored to order. Everything cleaned, washed, dried, and returned to the cabinets till next time. Again, I was amazed at how these ladies worked in unison to make a normally boring task something that was done quickly and efficiently, with jokes and laughter added to the mix. The wonderful aroma of the baking poticas filled the air, as pan after pan was removed from the oven, the beautiful golden loaves bursting at the seams with nutty goodness. The pans lined up on the stainless steel table, with little stick nametags showing which I have to admit that it is going to take more than one “Saturday poticas I helped make. A most enjoyable day spent at school. School” for this “Junior Potica Baker”, and I have to also admit that Betsy was a good teacher. But most importantly, all the credit goes to these wonderful ladies, past and present, who came up with the idea to help their church by making poticas to raise money, but to also pass along the “Art of Potica Baking” to the next generations to keep this wonderful Slovenian treat going for generations to come! HVALA LEPA! The Information Exchange This new feature is a way for members to help one another. Do you have a Slovenian related question that has you stumped? Send it to “The Information Exchange” at wprokup@aol.com. Please provide your name, e-mail address, and complete mailing address along with your question. Photos are welcome if it pertains to the question. To make a pledge for Paula’s ‘Triglav or Bust’ adventure which supports the Slovenian Union of America: Visit www.slovenianunion.org or mail your check to: PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID LASALLE, IL Slovenian Union of America 431 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Paula’s ‘Triglav or Bust’ fund-raiser for the Slovenian Union of America Slovenian born, American raised, and 40-year Slovenian Union of America member, Paula Mavec, is showing that one person CAN make a difference. She decided to raise money for an organization near and dear to her heart by doing something adventurous and fun - climbing Mt. Triglav at the young age of 70. As Paula begins her day, every day, by attending Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet she prays for good health and the endurance to vigorously continue training for the 9,392 foot climb to the top of Mt. Triglav. She also prays that she will raise at least $4,696; half the height of Triglav in pledges from family, friends, members, and community for the Slovenian Union of America. Her commitment to fund-raise is not a small one and we appreciate her efforts.