Zarja — The Dawn
URADNO GLASILO
I	SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION
IVAN ZORMAN
HIMNA SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE
Vrle smo Amerikanke iz slovenskega rodu; ljubimo slovensko pesem, pojemo jo brez sramu.
Tam, kjer Triglav zemljo straži, bistra Sava jo poji, tam je domovina dedov, tam Slovenec še živi.
Tam možje so naši slavni z delom uma in srca čast, veljavo priborili nam med narodi sveta.
Zlata govorica dedov nam ostane srčna last,
“Zveza” naša, rod slovenski: naš ponos in naša čast
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND NATIONAL OFFICERS 1991-1995
Seated, from left: Sylvia Vukodinovich, Treasurer; Olga Ancel, Secretary; Victoria Bobe nee, President, Beverly Jackson, Vice-President; Standing, Irene Odorizzi, Culture & Heritage Director, Frances Morison, Women’s Activities Director, Marion Marolt, First Auditor, Hermine Dicke, Pots and Pans Cookbook Editor, Cirila Kermavner, Second Auditor, Jo Lustik, Third A uditor and Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA.
Photo was taken at the annual meeting in March at the Home Office in Joliet, Illinois.
NO. 7
JULY-AUGUST. 1992 VOL. 64
OLD-FASHIONED COOKING IN YOUR MODERN KITCHEN!
SLOVENIAN* INTERNATIONAL COOKBOOK
POTS & PAM
4th Edition - Revised - New Recipes!
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! $10.50 plus $2.50 postage and handling. Order from the Home Office. (See ad on back cover.)
ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA -THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615
NO. 7-8	JULY-AUGUST,	1992	VOL.	64
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, IL All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I. v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (312) 548-8878
—■ims^m
1 992 Regional
	
Oct. 4 -	ILLINOIS-INDIANA REGINAL CONVEN-
	TION, Br. 24, La Salle, IL
Oct. 11 -	OHIO-MICHIGAN REGIONAL CONVENTION,
	Br. 40, Lorain, OH
Oct. 25 -	WISCONSIN REGIONAL CONVENTION, Br.
	12, Milwaukee, WI
DATES TO REMEMBER
July 14 -	PICNIC, Br. 42, Maple Hts., OH
July 19 -	ZVEZA DAY, Br. 2, Chicago, IL at "Marija
Pomagaj”, Lemont, IL Sept 13 - MINNESOTA REGIONAL CONVENTION, Br.
38,	Chisholm, MN Sept 23 - POT LUCK PICNIC, Br. 50, Euclid, OH, Euclid Park Club House, No. of E. 222nd St., 1 p.m. Sept 27 - GRAPE HARVEST DANCE, Br. 20, Joliet, IL
NDEPENDENT SAVINGS
IS NOW METROPOLITAN
'1515 E. 260th, Euclid, Ohio 44132	731-6865'
tzAfationaC ‘O-'zs.i.Lcb.n.t\<cA/\,E±i.aq£,
1154 7 38 SLOVENIANS! WE’RE UNITED!
We’re in the midst of the busyness of summer — a glorious and wonderful time to do “fun things.” The beautiful scenery and warm weather draws one to a variety of outdoor activities. The only problem appears to be scheduling one’s time for numerous parties, picnics, and special celebrations. Luckily, we have daylight almost to 10:00 p.m. which enables one to go to several functions in a day. Visiting with relatives and friends brings great joy to all of us. Invite a neighbor or friend who is without family to be a guest at your picnic or party. We must reach out to those less fortunate.
Congratulations to Jonita Ruth, Branch 20, who was the winner in our Phase I Membership Campaign! To all branches who recruited new members, we thank you. Don’t forget to promote S. W.U. while you’re enjoying your summer activities. “Slovenians! We’re United!” is our slogan for Phase II of our Membership Campaign effective through March 31, 1993. Surely you would be thrilled to receive the top prize, a lovely doll dressed in Slovenian costume which Vice-President Beverly Jackson offered to make, in addition to cash incentives.
Charles Kuralt, CBS correspondent who spoke of his Slovenian “roots” during the Winter Olympics in Albertville was recently interviewed by TV GUIDE magazine (May 30 issue) stating that Ely, Minnesota was his first choice on his list of five favorite places to vacation in North America. We wonder whether he realizes that the majority of the people living in Ely are of Slovenina ancestry!
May your summer be relaxing and enjoyable and may we be ever grateful to God for the beauty which surrounds us.
The immigrant mother picture in the May-June ZARJA prompted surprise and delight in my family. It was my mother and her older children. We were all moved, especially my sisters Fran and Sister Antonia, O.S.B. who lives at St. Scholastica Priory in Duluth. It reminds us of so many mothers whose lives were models of love and dedication.
Victoria Bobence
WESTERN STATES MEET IN FONTANA
The warm, sunny smiles of our California and Washington members brightened up the big event for our Fontana community last September. A large number of members participated in the Regional Convention, as this photo attests! Those we can identify, from left to right are:
Edith Drawnek, former reporter of Branch 100, Henrietta Bledsoe, Pauline .Petrie, our beautiful Slovene soloist, Florence Strnad, our wonderful organist, Fran Ooms, Mary Bratovich, delegate from Washington Branch 79, Rosemary Mlakar, Linda Mlakar, Jan Eckert, Mary Kovacic, Carol Harley, Tillie Kurnick, delegate from San Francisco, Branch
13,	Jerry Papenfuss, Virginia Zajc, Nell Phillips, Jean Koci, Mary Lou Height, Linda Sands, Marie Arneson, Jean Kurilich, Mary Lou Vidergar, Ann Arledge, Mary Allen, Ann Kapel, 4 ladies from Resurrection Church, little Natalie Mlakar, in front, is also a member!
Thanks to Rosemary Mlakar, Regional President, for sharing this event and photo with us!
MOTHERS OF THE YEAR TRIBUTE
Our branches 32 and 40 wish to add the following, their chosen Mothers of the Year, to the Tribute of our Branches for these special members!
Br. 32, Euclid, OH
Christine Verch
With the lovely name of Christine, she is always called with special affection. A member for over 50 years, Christine was a Cadet and still takes part in all conventions, services, funeral wakes, as well. She is “laid-back, genuine lady,” say the members of Br. 32.
Most interesting is the deep attachment she has to her three grandsons, Tony, Jr., 15 years old, Michael, 10 and Nicholas 8 whom we see on the picture with their grandma and mom and dad, Mr. & Mrs. Tony Verch. She takes them to baseball and hockey practice and bowling and to their school games. They see grandma everyday because they live together. Most interesting she says is when they all went to Disneyworld in Florida. Grandma always has something for them, especially when she has been away traveling - and they say they miss her a lot when she’s not home, and are always looking for her!
Christine was bom in Slovenia and came to the U.S. at the age of 8. She started to work in 1942 and retired after 34 years at TRW where she was a machine operator. She loves bowling, and the favorite game of “balinca”.
Christine is a lovely lady; all the members respect her and all she contributes with her presence to their activities.
It’s nice to know that SWU cares for its dedicated people!
Top left: Mother of the Year of Br. 32, Christine Verch with her family: son, Tony, Sr., and wife, Janice and grandsons, Tony, Jr., Michael and Nicholas.
Left: Kathy and Bob Russ...she is Mother of the Year from Br. 40.
No. 40, Lorain, OH
Kathleen Annette Russ
Kathy says her mother was her model and she has tried to emulate her in the motherhood she has enjoyed for the past 20 years. Just knowing Kathy verifies this. She is the wife of a wonderful man, Bob, and they have five children, Joseph, attending Ohio State U. majoring in Landscaping and Design, Tricia, at Ursuline College majoring in Sociology and Psychology, (one of our SWU Scholarship students) Annette, 11th grader at Lorain Catholic High, Anthony, in the 5th grade at St. Anthony’s School and little 3 year old Frank. She and her daughters are members of Br. 40 since 1985 and participate in the meetings with entertainment and hand-sewn crafts that Kathy loves to make herself. She is an expert seamstress, something she learned from her mother.
Kathy also loves to sing with the church choir as she has for the past 30 years. St. Anthony’s is a very important place for her; she also is the Latchkey Director for the school, caring for the wellbeing of students whose parents work. Also, Kathy works as a waitress at German’s Villa in Vermilion. At home she loves to cook, especially the traditional Slovenian recipes she learned from her mom and grandma. She collects coffee mugs from all the places the family has visited. And as for being an expert seamstress, you can imagine the talent it takes to sew vestments and altar cloths, which she does for her church.
Kathy follows in the footsteps of her mother-in-law, Frances Russ, now deceased, who was honored in Oct. of 1984 and her aunt, Jean Balogh who was chosen Mother of the Year in 1984. She says she is honored because it is a message of love from the members!
The 50th Anniversary celebration at Villa Cosenza: Standing, left to right: Gladys Buck, Marge Prebil, Phyllis Perko (deceased), Helen Gornick, Agnes Cherne (deceased. At this time, Mrs. Cherne was the only living charter member.
HISTORY OF S.W.U. BRANCHES
Br. #16, South Chicago, Illinois
Irene M. Odorizzi,
Heritage Director:
I
(Part II)
Our history of Mothers of the Year shows these members hon-
ored:	
1952	Josephine Krai
1953	Anna Buck
1954	Mrs. Katie Triller
1956	Antonia Yake
1958	Mary Matasick
1959	Frances Kuhel
1960	Pauline Spretnjak Druga
1961	Margaret Prebil
1962	Gabriella Spretnjak
1963	Josephine Krai
1964	Mary Maricich
1965	Frances Wine
1966	Josephine Blasovich
1967	Anne Lustig
1968	Angeline Noval
1969	Rose Salakar
1970	Rose Skul
1971	Kate Zlogar
1972	Mary Brebrick
1973	Edna Winters
1974	Mary Cholac
1975	Agnes Cherne
1976	Alvina Sreboth
1977	Mary Krai Rago
1978	Pauline Klobučar
1979	Elsie Starcevich
1980	Emma Kralj
1983	Helen Gornick
1984	Phyllis Perko
1985	Mary Priesol
1986	Anne Ksiazek
1987	Mary Anne Starcevich
1988	Andrea Krai
1989	Helen Milanovich
1990	Mary Brozsovich
1991	Marge Prebil
1992	Frances Zupancich
Special members were also honored as “Women of the Year”:
1975	Katie Triller
	Gladys Buck
1976	Margaret Spretnjak
	Sylvia Spretnjak
1977	Mary Krznaric
1981	Zora Yurkas
1982	Mary Bublich
Pauline Klobučar
Bride and groom walking under the raised silver staffs of the Cadets - on their way to the altar at St. George’s church. This was the wedding of Gloria Triller Serapin on Aug. 1, 1948.
FEATURED MEMBERS
Mary Cholac joined Branch 16 on June 16, 1932 and was chosen as Mother of the Year in 1974. She is best remembered for serving the annual Chicken Dinner in the Tavern which she and her son, Moose Cholac, owned. Her son was professional wrestler.
Mary’s immigrant story is featured in the book,
“Footsteps Through Time,” by Irene Planinšek Odorizzi. She passed away in June of 1982.
Agnes Mahovlich has the distinction of organizing Branch 16 on Feb. 20, 1928 in South Chicago. She was crowned “SWU Queen” for having enrolled many members in the Branch during a memoership drive. This enrollment added significantly to the great history of Branch 16.
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S.W.U. HISTORY
V ■	---j)
Agnes Cherne was a charter member of Branch 16 having joined on Feb. 22, 1928. In fact, the first meeting was held in her home. She was elected the first President and later held the office of Treasurer for many years. Agnes was honored as Mother of the Year in May of 1975.
Her daughter, Olga Kowalkowski, is a member of the branch as well as her daughter-in-law, Frances Zupančič, who was the branch reporter for 10 years.
Frances Kuhel, the mother of Zora Yurkas, Ruth Cubra and Helen Milanovich, joined the branch on April 15, 1937. She was elected Mother of the Year in 1959 and was featured in a beautiful picture on the cover of ZARJA that month. Frances passed away in March of 1974.
Josephine Krai joined on March 12, 1936. She held the office of Vice President for 25 years and was the first Mother of the Year, being chosen in May of 1952. Josephine was awarded the honor once again in 1963, when she and her husband, Mark, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Mrs. Krai is remembered for the delicious apple strudel which she would bake for nearly every meeting as a sweet snack for the members.
She enrolled 22 members of her family in the branch plus many other members. She also acted as delegate to the National Convention in Washington, D.C. in May of 1967.
Gabriella Spretnjak joined Branch 16 on November
14,	1946, and was elected Mother of the Year in May, 1962. She was featured on the cover of the ZARJA that month. Gabriella was the mother of members, Marge and Sylvia Spretnjak. She passed to her heavenly reward in January of 1971.
Marge and Sylvia Spretnjak worked as a team in preparing beautiful memory books for our honored Mothers of the Year. They were members of the branch drill team and bowled in many of the Midwest Bowling Tournaments. They were honored together in May of 1976, as Women of the Year.
Marge joined the branch in March of 1943, and participated in the 1983 Regional Convention as a delegate. She passed to a heavenly reward on October 8, 1990.
Sylvia joined the SWU shortly after her sister, in April of 1945.
Anna Buck, one of the earliest members, joined the branch in June of 1932. She held the office of Treasurer for 30 years and was honored as Mother of the Year in May of 1953.
She is remembered for the delicious sponge cake which she brought to nearly every meeting. Anne passed away in March of 1986 after 54 years of active membership in Branch 16.
(Mrs.) Katie Triller was a charter member of Branch 16 having joined on Feb. 22, 1928. Mrs. Triller was well-known for the delicious krofe (donuts) she would donate ; by the bushelful to the various branch affairs.
She was voted Mother of the Year in May of 1954, and is the mother of Gloria Serapin, Jean Bukvich and Marie Cieslek (both deceased) and Edna Winters, the present President of Branch 16. Mrs. Triller passed away in November of 1974.
Jean Bukvich took over the Presidency from her aunt, (Miss) Katie Triller, when she resigned due to illness in 1973. During her time in office, Jean would donate a hand-made article for the Sunshine drawing. After four years she was forced to resign due to illness and she passed away soon after in January of 1977. She was enrolled as a member in December of 1941.
Zora Yurkas
Zora Yurkas joined Branch 16 on April 15, 1937. She held the office of Secretary for several years. In the early 1940s Zora organized many bowling teams and entered them in the Midwest Bowling Tournaments. One of these teams, the South Chicago Aces, won the 1943 Championship in Milwaukee.
In 1943, Zora was elected a delegate to the National Convention in Pueblo, Colorado, and was elected to the National Youth and Recreation Board.
In 1950, she reorganized the Branch 16 Drill Team and arranged various programs for the girls. Zora enrolled
Mary Cholac	Zora Yurkas
many members in Branch 16 and in May of 1981, she was elected Woman of the Year.
Zora was also active in the business community having owned and operated an infants’ and children’s clothing store, The Joyce Shop, with her sister, Helen. During WW II she cooperated with the war effort by being employed as a defense worker at Pullman Aircraft.
Zora is known for her craft work of rug-hooking, embroidery, quilting and, doll-making. She has contributed many lovely hand-crafted items for branch activities. Zora, a widow, now resides in the Hammond-Whiting Convalescent Center.
S.W.U. HISTORY
Gladys Buck, 36 year Secretary of Br. 16, was also the writer in ZARJA of a Fashion column, for many years in the 40's and 50’s.
Edna Winters installed as the new president on March 14, 1991; left to right, Mary Rago, Gladys Buck, Edna Winters, Marge Prebil (outgoing president).
A Night of Appreciation for Anne Lustig was held on April 9, 1981; she is seated front row left with Tina Martin; standing, Phyllis Perko, Sylvia Spretnjak, Helen Gornick, Marge Prebil and Gladys Buck.
Anne Lustig with a pictorial display in 1978 showing events of the last fifty years. This was a very enjoyable part of their anniversary celebration.
Ann Lustig
Ann was enrolled in Branch 16 in 1961. She has held the office of Regional President of lllinois-Indiana, supervising 10 branches in that region and has also organized many bus trips to SWU Regional Conventions as well as numerous other affairs.
Ann is responsible for the enrollment of more than 109 new members and is known for the many successful Card & Bunco parties which she conducted. The Juvenile members of the branch enjoyed the beautifully arranged Christmas Parties which she planned.
In May 1967, Ann was elected Mother of the Year and in October of the same year was selected delegate to the Regional Convention.
Ann also organized a unique Kitchen Band as featured entertainment during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Branch observed on April 30, 1978, with 400 persons in attendance. The affair was a smashing success and was accomplished under Ann’s leadership. On April, 9, 1981, she was honored at an Appreciation Dinner for all her good work.
Marge Prebil held the office of President for 10 years and conducted many successful parties: Card & Bunco, Mother of the Year and Christmas.
She was elected delegate to the Regional Convention in 1984, and voted Mother of the Year in 1961. She received the honor a second time in May of 1991. The members wished to honor her again because she had to resign her office due to illness.
Gladys Buck
Gladys joined Branch 16 in February of 1941, and was elected secretary of the Branch in December of that year. She still retains that position after 50 years of dedicated service to the branch.
Gladys also served as Captain of the Drill Team and bowled in many of the Midwest Bowling Tournaments. In 1976, she served as a Regional Delegate and acted as delegate to many subsequent National Conventions. She served on the National Board on the Educational Committee and she authored a FASHION article in the ZARJA. In 1975, Gladys was elected as Woman of the Year.
Gladys is currently retired but extremely active in promoting the Slovenian Independence Movement in her area.
She also belongs to six Senior Groups and states that “time goes by too quickly.” That is probably because she is such an active person. Gladys also states that “retirement is the best time of my life.”
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S.W.U. HISTORY
L ■■-	-J
Miss Katie Triller (sealed) with Mary Marolt (Nat’l Treasurer of Joliet at that time) and member of Br. 2, Helen Arko. They were celebrating the 50th anniversary celebration on April 30, 1978 in So. Chicago.
Marge is known for the “Half and Pol” skits which she composed and in which she acted. The skits were always a big hit with the audience since they depicted the life and language of the early immigrants and their struggle to assimilate into the American way of life. The skits depicted the manner in which the immigrants wove the newly-learned American language into the Slovenian language in every day situations. They were interesting, heartfelt and amusing presentations. Marge captured a unique period of our Slovenian immigrant history in these skits.
(We’re happy to reprint one of Marge’s skits in this history. Ed.
Edna Winters is the current President of Branch 16 having accepted the office so that the Branch would not have to merge with another branch. Her comment was, “I cannot let my aunt Katie’s many years of dedication be lost.”
Edna is a handicapped person having suffered a stroke in 1974. She was honored with an Appreciation Dinner by the members who were grateful to her for assuming the Presidency thereby saving the branch. The dinner was held in conjunction with a birthday surprise for her and Fran Zupančič, the branch reporter, since they both celebrated their 75th birthdays that month.
Edna joined Branch 16 in December of 1941, and was elected Mother of the Year in 1973. She participated in the drill team and bowled in many of the Midwest Bowling tournaments. Edna also participated as delegate to the Regional Convention in 1981.
Katie Triller
(Miss) Katie Triller was a charter member of the SWU having attended the very first meeting of the organization on Dec. 19, 1926 in Chicago. She was a member of Branch 2, but, after a few years, made her home in Whiting, Indiana and at the time joined Branch 16. She was elected President, an office which she held for 36 years, until illness forced her to resign in 1973.
Katie was elected as first National Vice President and later served as a National Auditor. She attended many conventions as a delegate and was elected Woman of the Year in 1975. Her hospitable nature and forceful determination influenced many young women to enter the membership as participants in bowling teams, committees and drill teams.
* Katie, an excellent cook and baker, operated a small business from her home and was known for her delicious Kolački. They were impossible to beat. Her recipe for this specialty was included in the SWU cookbook, Woman’s Glory.
Admiration for Katie remained long after she let her activities behind and lived to a peaceful old age. Her work has always been remembered with love and respect because a part of “Zveza” always lived in Katie Triller.
Elsie Starcevich is remembered for the many beautiful Christmas parties which she arranged for the Juvenile members. She joined on September 1, 1937, and was honored as Mother of the Year in 1979.
Frances Zupančič, is the daughter-in-law of Charter member, Agnes Cheme and assumed the position of ZARJA Reporter for 10 years till she was forced to resign her office due to an automobile accident. The branch acknowledged the excellent reporting which she did on behalf of the branch last October. She was chosen as one Mother of the Year this year. We are proud of Fran, a very courageous lady.
THE END
Many thanks to Gladys Buck, Secretary-Treasurer of Branch 16 for her immediate response to my request for the historical information of her branch.
Irene M. Odorizzi
Heritage Director
S.W.U. HISTORY
J
Urška and Nežka have a little chat on the phone ‘half & pol”!
Marge Prebil and the late Mary Stone (left) often entertained as “Urška and Nežka”. This photo is from the 1978 Golden Jubilee celebration of Br. 16.
Nežka: O, Urška, si ti doma? Jest sem tryala to kallat pa je tvoj line busy, ali pa nisi in. Zdaj sem pa mogla jit shoppat pa za gas za karo pa sem tinkala da meybe boš zdaj doma.
Urška: O Nežka, kako happy sem da si ti kolala, kar pridi notri pa bomo visitale. Kaj pa je kaj novega?
Nežka: Ali si ti forgettala da bo naša konvencija za Zvezo pretty soon v DePue-Oglesby?
Urška: No nisem forgettala, Angela Nico mi je kal-lala če bomo medve komale tam. Jest jo nisem never meetala, pa tinkam da je ona very najs lady, ona talka so najs na telefon. Jest sem tryala to picture ako je debela ali skinny, ali ima sive lase ali je blonde. Pa anyway bomo je seeale pretty soon.
Nežka: Midve bomo tam za for sure. Jest sem pa zdaj ringala Mary Kernz, ona je meni dala directions da ne bomo lost v Starve Rock.
Urška: To bo gut, da ne bomo late za meetingo. Jest nisem za coupla days talkala to Ana, hopam da bo imela full bus. To bo dosti funa, kaj ne? Bomo singale pa imele gut time.
Nežka: Naša Glavna Pod Predsednica Ann Kompare in naša Ana Lustig so makale reservations za Branch #16 in za Branch #95. Tinkam da bo nas about
40	na bus.
Urška: In kako najs da bo naša Glavna Predsednica Mayme Muller znami, ona bo gut za Zveza, ko so bile vse other presedentke. Jest jo za long time poznam od Svetega Stefana. In thanks to God da Mrs. Prisland je štartala našo Zvezo, mi meetamo lotsa ladies od ali over.
Nežka: In sem hearala da bo Father Ilorzen imel Sveto Mašo. On je gut speaker.
Urška: Pa za res. Kajti tinkaš da bi midve imela some lunch? Jest sem so hungry. Pa first bomo imele glaš vina, O.K.? Ta je gut Mogen David, sem vinala
na naš pitnik. Sem spendala eden tolar za chanse pa sem vinela tri prize.
Nežka: Jest sem pa $5.00 spendala pa nisem nič dobila, ti si tako lucky.
Urška: Zdaj bomo imele naš lunch, imam tukaj some gut klobase, pa enmalo potice, pa ako hočeš some pikalne pa tomatose. O ali bi tudi rada tryala te krekrse pa sira? Kar sc sama helpej!
Nežka: Ne moreni too much jesti, tonight grem na velik party.
Urška: Kam pa greš Nežka?
Nežka: To bo velik retirement party. Pa veš kaj je happenalo? Vsi smo kollectali za present, pa so buvali snow blower, danes smo pa hearali da se bodo mufal v Florida. Maybe bo lahko prodala to machino naši Mayorki Jayne Byrne, da bo naše štreete vse poklinala to zimo.
Urška: To je pa gut idea. Bo cela Chicaga brez snega ta winter.
Nežka: Say Urška, ali si ti šla kam na vekešun?
Urška: Sem sla za coupla days v Las Vegas. Tisti plac je pa tako noisy, imajo slot machine all over. Ako bi vinala bi bilo vse O.K.
Nežka: No zdaj pa grem domu, se morem dressat za party. Pa thanks za lunch. Se bomo seeale pretty soon, kaj ne?
Urška: O sure pa tanks ko si comala. Počakaj little bit, bom šla v garden pa bom pikala some tomatose pa beanse da boš takala home.
Nežka: No sem vse pokusla. O tukaj je jar pikela za tebe tudi.
Nežka: Hvala za everyting. Pa kallaj če kaj special hearaš za konvencijo.
Urška: O.K. Jest bom zdaj drivala v Whiting, Indiana to Sara.
Nežka: Kdo pa je ta Sara? Ali jest jo poznam?
Urška: O sure, Ti jo poznaš, ta je Sara Lee naša pekarca. Bom tam buyala latsa cakese za v freezer. Pa na svidenje! Bye bye!
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING Home Office, Joliet, Illinois, March 16-18, 1992
The annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America was called to order with prayer by the President at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 1992 at the Home Office of the association in Joliet, Illinois.
Roll call was taken with the following Directors in attendance: President, Victoria Bobence, Vice-President, Beverly Jackson, Secretary, Olga Ancel, Treasurer, Sylvia Vukodinovich and three Auditors, Marion M. Marolt, Cirila Kermavner and Josephine Lustik. Also present were National Officers, Irene Odorizzi, Director of Cultural and Heritage Activities, Frances Morison, Director of Women’s Activities, Corinne Leskovar, Editor of ZARJA, Hermine Dicke, Editor of Pots and Pans Cookbook. Absent but excused were Bernadette Kovacic, Director of Youth and Carita Girman, Director of Scholarship Fund.
The Minutes of the Annual Meeting of March 18-20, 1991 were reviewed according to the published Minutes reported in ZARJA, May, 1991. The Minutes of the National Officers post-convention meeting July 20,1991 were read by Mrs. Lustik. Both Minutes were approved as read/ reviewed.
Correspondence was read by the Secretary, Mrs. Ancel. Greetings were sent from Mary Marolt, former National Treasurer who resides in Florida and Evelyn Majercik, Convention Chairman from Ohio.
Reports of Officers were given. First was the President’s Report given by Mrs. Bobence in which she outlined the work ahead at this meeting and her hopes for its success, with God’s help.
Secretary’s Report was read by Mrs. Ancel. A small gain in the financial report was shown for 1991; a slight loss in membership also was evident. Further discussion on the Secretary’s Report was tabled until later to coincide with the Treasurer’s Report.
Vice-President’s Report was given by Beverly Jackson who received a warm welcome to her first Board Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report explained some of the newer investments and present financial conditions of the general operation fund kept in two accounts, cash and checking, plus the investment account. With the Secretary’s agreement, Mrs. Vukodinovich stressed the need to immediately reduce all extra spending and trim down regular costs wherever possible since our financial reports show the association is continually exceeding expenses from the allowable limit. The Secretary also announced the quadrennial examination of finances will be held this spring by officers of the Illinois Department of Insurance.
The past Scholarship Fund Director, Hermine Dicke presented her concluding report as pertaining to her 25 years in office. She brought interesting scrapbooks and other material for the archives. She has listed all the Scholarship winners from the past 25 years, their photos and essays intending to transfer all this'information to the new Director, Carita Girman. She expressed her confidence and appreciation to Mrs. Girman. Thereupon, Mrs. Ancel read the report submitted by Mrs. Girman to this meeting.
As editor of the past three editions of the SWU Cookbook, Pots and Pans, Mrs. Dicke reported on her work
and interest in Slovenian culinary art. The work has begun on the new, 4th Revision which is taking her undivided attention. The Directors agreed to order a new printing of 5,000 books, hoping this will stimulate some needed operational funds.
New Cookbook: Mrs. Dicke is using the judgement of her many years experience in making a selection of the best of the old and many new recipes, to comprise about 300 pages in the 4th Revision, with some 142 recipes added and 142 deleted, in consultation with the contributors. There will be a new cover picture drawn by her brother, Ted Prisland, but the name Pots and Pans remains the same. It was moved by Mrs. Vukodinovich, seconded and carried that 5,000 cookbooks will be ordered, to be printed by the Croatian Franciscan Press, selling price per book to be $10.50 if ordered from the Home Office and $11.00 if sold by the branches who will realize the extra 50c as a commission per book. Postage and handling for books mailed from the Home Office is $2.50 per book.
Women’s Activities Director, Mrs. Morison reported with three suggestions for women’s activities in the coming year:
1) A contest for crafts and handwork at Regional Conventions, with branches and members submitting items for the contest. Judging will be done by the assembled members at the meeting and prizes will be given. Instructions and other information will be circulated to each Regional President.
2) A trip/tour for members to an interesting place, such as Las Vegas, Epcot in Florida, Toronto, Canada. A message from the Western States President, Rosemary Mlakar is suggesting this idea also, so that members from the west might meet members from the east in a place such as Las Vegas, not too far from the west coast. The idea of Las Vegas was appealing to the Board for a trip/tour in 1993.
3) A CARE committee at each branch to be formed to help, visit or offer care to old and home-bound members who are lonely. It was moved by Mrs. Jackson, seconded and carried that all three proposals should be formulated and put on a 1993 timetable. Mrs. Morison will announe the details in ZARJA.
Editor’s Report was given by Mrs. Leskovar. Suggestions were proposed to help alleviate the financial burden of ZARJA. A yearly resume of ZARJA’s features was given. Although there are not too many subscribers, (nonmembers) it was decided that the subscription price of $10 per year be increased to $15 as of April, 1992. This was moved by Mrs. Lustik, seconded and carried. More discussion on ZARJA will be held at the Wednesday meeting at the printery.
Membership Campaign: The first initials of the name Slovenian Women’s Union, that is, S.W.U. will be continued to be used as “Call letters” for the Phase II of this membership campaign that began April 1, 1992, at the close of Phase I. The new Slogan for Phase II is “Slovenians! We’re United!” Top prize for individual worker will be a hand-made Slovenian doll made by Beverly Jackson. Congratulations were extended to all winners of Phase I and everyone is urged to get into the new campaign. Mrs. Jackson was named to head the campaign promotion in
ZARJA. She will write a few words in every ZARJA to encourage new memberships! Her spirit and enthusiasm is very much appreciated by the Board and should be effective in promoting many new members.
Cultural and Heritage Director, Mrs. Odorizzi began her report by asking for everyone’s input, that is, an answer to her question “What is our goal this year?” She gave her own many good ideas for expansion of the heritage activity. After lengthy and interesting discussion, it was moved by Mrs. Kermavner, seconded and carried that a monthly article in ZARJA will cover Heritage Museum news and Mrs. Lustik was appointed to prepare it. Mrs. Odorizzi is hopeful that more and more members will participate in heritage activities in their own areas and that a Slovenian Heritage Festival will be accepted by a branch in 1993.
Another very successful project Mrs. Odorizzi has already begun in ZARJA (Nov., 1991) is a compilation of the histories of our branches. This effort will continue in the months (years) to come on an installment basis, branch by branch. She is writing the histories based on the material, information, pictures, etc. submitted to her by each branch. The series is receiving many good comments and the Board is grateful to Mrs. Odorizzi for her conscientious and thoughtful work. The histories will be a most valuable archive for the association.
Adjournment of the first day’s meeting at 5 p.m. with prayer led by the President.
Meeting of Tuesday, March 16, 1992 was called to order with prayer at 9:15 a.m. by the President. Budget and finances were subjects opened for discussion. Saving money and balancing the budget were the main concerns of the Board and the following decisions were made:
A moritorium on travel will be in effect this year. Officers invited to speak and as guests at branch and state functions will not be reimbursed for travel expense from the general treasury; branches who wish to invite National Officers as special guests will make the financial arrangements themselves to cover the expenses. Moved by Mrs. Marolt, seconded and carried.
A re-organizational meeting normally held at the beginning of the first fiscal year following the National Convention, that is, in July of that year, will be cancelled and instead, newly elected officers will meet one day after the conclusion of the National Convention at the same site. Moved by Mrs. Kermavner, seconded and carried.
Secretarial Awards will be re-studied. They are paid as a bonus to secretaries for keeping their membership stable or growing, once a year. Moved by Mrs. Marolt, seconded and carried to curtail these awards for 1992.
Investment service charges by the First Midwest Bank of Joliet are approved as they are a low charge considering the bank services given monthly. Moved by Mrs. Vuk-odinovich, seconded and carried.
The Board is hopeful that more money can be generated by cookbook sales and when the book is on the market, an advertising campaign will be directed in the communities where our members live, through local newspapers, radio, etc. Mrs. Kermavner will be in charge of the ad campaign. Some ideas are, to advertise in Slovenian and local newspapers, pass out leaflets, posters in stores, churches, advertise in church bulletins, organize cooking lessons relating to recipes in the cookbook, etc. The Home Office will coordinate the distribution of the advertising material and Editor will compile advertising announce-
ments for the print media. Moved by Mrs. Vukodinovich, seconded and carried.
Maintenance of the SWU Home Office building has not been costly in the past year. Two areas of repair are now evident, some roofing repair and tuckpointing. The rented apartment is well maintained and nets a regular income. The Secretary, Mrs. Ancel and Treasurer, Mrs. Vukovinovich were thanked for their concern in this matter and efforts to keep the building in good order.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m. in order to go to the First Midwest Bank of Joliet to meet with the Trust officers, Paul Ganzert, Ron Erjavec and Joy Gruber. Lunch was enjoyed by the Board as guests of the Bank. A complete review of all 1992 investments, the condition of the portfolio and various accounts, projections for the year ahead and general discussion of finances was held. Trusting that things will be a little brighter in 1993 as far as income from interest and dividends is concerned, the Board authorized the First Midwest Bank to continue with the same method of investment and careful financial planning as before. Growth in the fund, secondary to safety of the portfolio, was the consensus of the Board.
The Directors returned to the Home Office and began deliberations at the afternoon session at 2:30 p.m.
The 22nd National Convention of the S.W.U. will be held in San Francisco, California on the dates of May
19,	20, 21, 1995. One day before on May 18th, there will be Registration of delegates and visitors and presentation of delegates’ credentials. Then will follow two days of convention meetings.
Convention Guidelines were proposed by the President and approved by the Board as follows:
1. Dates and duration of the National Conventions are the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Also, the Board will arrange the Convention Agenda, Delegates’-Of-ficers’ Credentials, all business material and supplies and conduct the Ceremonies. The Host Branch will arrange ways to keep the costs of the convention down, utilize Slovenian community resources and facilities as much as possible, keep meetings and accommodations for delegates proximate and will coordinate all the above with the Board of Directors.
In connection with the above directive, Mrs. Odorizzi will prepare a concise and informative Convention Guidelines brochure for everyone to have in advance of the 1995 convention. The President thanked Mrs. Odorizzi for volunteering to do this work.
Regional Presidents’ Reports were read by the Secretary. The Directors were pleased to receive a photo of the delegates and members attending the Western States Regional Convention in Fontana, California. Appreciation was extended to out-going Ohio-Michigan Regional President, Ann Tercek, who has served the organization most enthusiastically for many years. Gratitude was also expressed to out-going Regional Presidents Sharon Naudziunas, IL-IN; Emily Skull, MN; and Joan Yaklich, WI, for their conscientious work. Welcome was wished to newly elected Regional Presidents, Janet Maurin, WI; Jean Korsman, MN, Romaine O’Brien, IL-IN and Evelyn Majercik, OHMI and to remaining Regional Presidents Jennie Flisek, PA-NY-DC and Rosemary Mlakar, Western States.
A new By-Law concerning branch formulation and dissolution was discussed. Wording for the new By-Law will be prepared by the Executive Committee to reflect this directive and be included in the new set of By-Laws approved at the National Convention in May, 1991. The
new By-Laws will be printed and made available to branches and members. Moved by Mrs. Jackson, seconded and carried. Adjournment at 5 p.m. with prayer.
Meeting of Wednesday, March 17, 1992 was called to order with prayer by the President at 8:30 a.m. Present were the three National Auditors and Executive Committee. They conducted the formal audit of SWU business ledgers, the accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer and financial statements and books of the Scholarship Fund, Publisher’s Fund and Heritage Fund.
The following Auditor’s Report was submitted:
AUDITORS’ REPORT
Best wishes are extended to the National Board of Directors. We, the Auditing Committee, have examined the records of the National Secretary, National Treasurer, Scholarship Fund, Publisher’s Fund and Heritage Fund. We were also in conference with the Trust Department of the First Midwest Bank of Joliet, Illinois and found the accounts and records to be in good order.
Thank you to all the officers involved for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted: Marion M. Marolt, Cirila Kermavner and Josephine Lustik.
Moved by Mrs. Jackson, seconded and carried that the Report of the Auditing Committee be accepted. Moved by Mrs. Jackson, seconded and carried that all reports of National Officers be accepted as given.
(Reports of officers will follow in later ZARJAs.)
Adjournment at 11:15 a.m.
The Board of Directors traveled to the Croatian Franciscan Press in Chicago, Illinois for a meeting with the printers of ZARJA-The Dawn. Lunch was enjoyed as guests of the Franciscan Press management.
After lunch, discussion was presided by the President. Guests were Fr. Paul Maslach, Custos of the Croatian Franciscan Fathers and director of the Press, Mr. Prince J. Manjooran, manager of the Press. An explanation of the workings of the Press in regards to ZARJA, and a tour of the plant brought the subject of ZARJA to lively discussion. How to cut costs of printing was the main topic. The Board decided on some cost cutting, that is hoped will help the financial burden created by having our own monthly publication of the finest quality. There is little difference in costs that are already in force, for such things as paper, since the least expensive paper is now used. There would be some cost diminishing if ZARJA were to be limited to fewer pages per issue, therefore, on a yearly basis, the cost may be reduced several thousand dollars. A motion was made, seconded and carried that ZARJA will have 7 issues per year printed on 32 pages and two issues per year may be larger, for May/Mothers issue and Christmas/Convention issue. The Editor will be required to shorten and delete lengthy material. Histories of the Branches will be published in more installments than originally planned and branch reports will be strictly limited as to length of articles, to two columns per branch.
Advertisers will be sought to help increase some revenue; Mrs. Kermavner was appointed to head an ad-seek-ing campaign. Board members were also urged to take
FINANCIAL REPORT January 1 to December 31, 1991 FINANČNO POROČILO
Income-Dohodki:
Assessments ................. $57,321.10
Special Assessment - 92 ......... 949.00
$58,270.10
Interest from investments ............. 59,300.35
Interest from checking and savings ....... 802.56
Rental ................................. 2,800.00
Gain on investment sales ............... 1,392.09
$122,565.10
Expenses-StroSki:
Death Claims - 153 .......................... $20,600.00
Salaries .................................... 21,375.00
Administrative, travel, of officers ......... 10,236.61
ZARJA - THE DAWN
Printing	40,145.00
Less: Donations	2,660.00	37.485.00
Postage	6,354.21	43,839.21
21st National Convention:
Total Cost	16,296.22
Donation to Museum 1,000.00
17,296.22	-----
Cookbook proceeds	17,296.22
FICA-Social Security ......................... 1,628.74*
Unemployment tax ................................ 251.53
Real estate tax ............................... 1,678.58
Department of Insurance ......................... 100.00
Electricity, gas and water .................... 3,104.58
Advertising, printing and stationery .......... 1,886.60
Postage and telephone ......................... 1,791.90
Depreciation - rent ........................... 3,900.00
Insurance and officer bonding ................ 1,436.00,
Maintenance .................................. 1,391.72,
Investment and bank service fees .............. 6,172.60
Computer service—State annual reports ........... 350.00
Secretary, campaign and 50-yr awards ........ 1,011.90,
Bowling and junior awards ........................ 80.00
Donations:
Slovenian American Council	.... 250.00
Bishop Baraga Association ......... 100.00
II	Fraternal Congress	75.00
Miscellaneous-social	50.00	475.00
Miscellaneous ................................... 260.90
121,570.87
Gain for year ...................................... 994.23
Balance December 31, 1990 ...................... 815,368.76
Balance December 31, 1991 ..................... $816,362.99
Checking and Savings accounts .................... 1,272.30
Investments in bonds and CDs ................... 751,999.17
Furniture and fixtures ........................... 1,602.58
Real estate ..................................... 59,669.69
Song books and Slovenia to America ............... 1,819.25
$816,362.99 Olga Ancel, Nat’I Sec’y.
more interest in writing short articles in ZARJA to promote an increase in membership.
The Board members expressed their gratitude to the Croatian Franciscan Press for their conscientious efforts to make ZARJA a quality publication. This year marks the 21st anniversary of our association.
Adjournment was at 2:45 p.m. after which the Board visited the chapel on the premises for a concluding prayer.
The 1993 Annual Meeting will be March 15-17, 1993.
Victoria Bobence
National President
Corinne Leskovar
Recording Secretary
Membership Campaign Phase II - to April 1, 1993
Our new membership campaign, which began April 1, thus far enrolled 16 members including two Junior transfers to the adult department.
A STATISTICAL REVELATION!
Ever wonder how our membership looks on a numbers scale?... or age scale? The latest statistical report for the Annual Statement submitted to the Dept, of Insurance of the State of Illinois by National Secretary, Olga Ancel, looks like this:
Total of membership is
Between ages 1 to	20:	757
21 to	40:	734
41	to	60:	966
61 to	80:	2539
81 to	100 +:	989
Over	75:	798
Over	85:	473
100 and over:	18
We read this as meaning the majority of our membership is over 60 years of age; there are less than 1000 members in the ages 41 to 60 which is our best “future” resource for leadership; and Junior members are lacking although they are the least expensive to maintain (fewest deaths) and least expensive to join (dues only $2.40 per year).
This may be a shocking fact for you! For the Board of Directors of SWU it is not - this is the trend we have been following for some time.
Let us look now on the number of death claims paid in 1991 in the different age brackets:
1 to 60:4 deaths, (none under age 37) Payout:$ 850 61 to 80: 59 deaths, (10 over age 80)	9,000
81 to 100 + : 106 deaths, (73 over age 85: $7800) 11,150
After you go over this list, can you doubt that it is crucial that we enroll many more new members, in the middle years age bracket, and many more juniors?
If you look at the Financial Report given in this issue with the Minutes of the Board of Directors’ meeting, you will note how many branches have no junior members, or very few. This can be alleviated in a second! Just sign up your own children and grandchildren. Can you afford to spend $2.40 a year per child to demonstrate your loyalty and friendship to your branch, and the organization as a whole? If you say, “What do they get out of it?” answer yourself, “They get the fun of doing things that YOU will help organize, and the bonding that comes with children belonging to Mom’s or Grandma’s lodge!
We are now feeling the impact of age creeping up on us - because the majority of members were enrolled many years ago by diligent pioneer leaders who took pride in this work. You say, “times are different”... that may well be, but they will say that 20 years from now, too! What really is the difference?	C.	Lc&kovar
Ten branches participating are:
20,	Joliet, IL 13, San Francisco, CA 32, Euclid, OH 50, Cleveland, OH 5, Indianapolis, IN 23, Ely, MN 25, Cleveland, OH 30, Honie Office
39,	Biwabik, MN 43, Milwaukee, WI
Wouldn’t it be “a dream come true” if the other sixty
plus branches would enroll at least one new member?
PLEASE TRY!	.	.
Olga Ancel
REGIONAL NEWS
Submitted: E. Majercik
OHIO-MICHIGAN
REGIONAL STATE CONVENTION
The State Convention for Ohio-Michigan will be held on Sunday, October 11, 1992 in Lorain, Ohio with Branch No. 40 hosting the day.
Bus transportation from Cleveland has been arranged. If you are interested in joining the mini-tour, please contact your branch officers or myself, (439-1825).
We anticipate participation in the convention to be no less than great, and we encourage members to get involoved in our activities.
BARAGA DAYS:
A tour is being planned for Baraga Days in Marquette, Michigan. Cost will be kept at a minimum and many extras have been included in the itinerary.
Bus transportation from the Cleveland area is available.
If you are interested in participating in this tour, September 4-7, 1992, your branch officers have the information.
PILGRIMAGE:
Branch No. 42, Maple Heights, is sponsoring a bus tour to the Shrine of Our Sorrowful Mother in Bellvue, Ohio. The date is September 27th, and the cost of $17.50 includes lunch (your choice, chicken or roast beef). Mass at the Shrine will be celebrated by Bishop Pevec. Stations of the Cross will be attended and the afternoon will end with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. This should be an enjoyable, and spiritual, afternoon for members of S.W.U.
For further information, contact: Marge Church, 467-0696.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
OFFICERS AT THE PRINTING SHOP!
My sincerest and warmest greetings to all of you attending our annual Board of Directors Meeting of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. It is a pleasure to be with you once again.
There was an unusual flow of activity and correspondence requiring my attention during the past year of 1991. Pre-convention plans for the 21st S.W.U. National Convention held last May 17, 18, & 19, 1991 in Cleveland, Ohio absorbed most of my spare time. We applaud the host city, Cleveland and Convention Chair, Evelyn Majer-cik for an outstanding and memorable convention.
When the crisis in Slovenia and Croatia occurred last June, letters, phone calls and interviews with news media created an insurmountable work load which continued until the latter part of December. Monetary donations were sent directly to the “United Americans for Slovenia Council” in Cleveland. Writing letters and calling our Congressmen, President Bush and Secretary of State, James Baker requesting United States to recognize the free and democratic republics of Slovenia and Croatia was an on-going effort.
Invitations to branch functions and celebrations in Minnesota were pleasurable. Due to previous engagements, I was unable to accept several invitations to out-of-state functions.
The Minnesota S.W.U. State Convention was held in Ely, hosted by Branch 23. Since State President, Emily Skull had undergone coronary by-pass surgery in mid-July; she asked me to preside at the Business meeting. Two hundred fifty postcards were distributed among the members/guest to be signed and mailed to Secretary of State, James Baker requesting the U.S. government to recognize the democratic republics of Slovenia and Croatia. They were also asked to write or call President George Bush and our Congressmen. We cannot relent on this issue; continue to pressure our elected U.S. officials.
Early in December I received a phone call from the Croatia Democracy Project in St. Paul. An urgent plea to conduct a Clothing and Blanket Drive for the homeless and suffering people in Croatia was requested. Immediately contacts were made; my involvement with the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women was a God-send. During the busiest time of the Christmas holidays, over 60,000 pounds of warm clothing and blankets were collected, packed and shipped to Croatia via Caritas (Catholic Relief Services). Monetary donations were also sent directly to AmeriCares for Croatian Relief. The overwhelming success of this humanitarian effort was truly an act of unselfish love and compassion.
Membership is an on-going project that really needs to be taken seriously. Our future depends on “new member” enrollment. Apathy must be replaced with enthusiastic commitment. I have attempted to instill the necessity for support from all branches toward our S.W.U. programs. Just as the local VFW Auxiliary is expected to follow through on programs which the National VFW Auxiliary implements, we too require the same support for our S.W.U. endeavors in our organization. Scholarships and Heritage donations require support from all branches and members. These are areas whereby more monies are needed for our present programs. The ZARJA magazine is a “priceless pearl”,- the gem of the S.W.U. As with other publications we subscribe to, the increased costs in publishing the ZARJA magazine is inevitable. We welcome and appreciate your donations! If each branch would
It was nice for the officers to meet the Director of the Croatian Franciscan Press, Fr. Paul Maslach, OFM (center), the manager, Prince Manjooran (left) and typesetter, Martin Stimac.
Fr. Anthony Petrusic, National President of the Croatian Catholic Union stopped by and chatted with our National President, Tory.
Hermine and Corinne agree that the negatives look great for the new cookbook now on the market!
consider a money-making effort once each year for these three programs, it would be most gratifying.
Commonality, spirituality and unity are the qualities which makes the S. W.U. of America an extraordinary and enviable organization. This is due mainly as a result of your generosity of time, talents and cooperation; for this I thank you.
May God continue to bless our organization as we strive to preserve our ethnic culture and heritage.
Victoria “Tory” Bobe nee
POST CONVENTION MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
PHASE I: SUCCESS WITH UNITY - April 1, 1991 to April 1, 1992
For the SUCCESS WITH UNITY Campaign, 33 of the 75 branches participated, signing up 199 members. This was comprised of 23 Class A’s including 4 Junior transfers, 126 Class B’s including 30 Junior transfers and 50 Juniors. Cash awards totaling $300 were sent via the secretaries to 94 individual workers. Our sincerest “thank you” to all the workers who are concerned with Zveza’s membership and future. We look forward to many more workers in the new Phase II of the campaign, titled SLOVENIANS! WE’RE UNITED!
And, the winners are:________________________________________________________________________________
Branches	
20, Joliet, IL	39
35, Aurora, MN	16
50, Cleveland, OH	16
30, Home Office	13
34, Tower-Soudan, MN	12
10, Cleveland, OH	11
73, Warrensville Hts., OH	11
2, Chicago, IL	10
13, San Francisco, CA	7
47, Garfield Hts., OH	7
105, Detroit, MI	6
23, Ely, MN	5
79, Enumclaw, WA	5
14, Cleveland, OH	4
100, Fontana, CA	4
16, South Chicago, IL	3
17, West Allis, WI	3
33, Duluth, MN	3
43, Milwaukee, WI	3
103, Washington, DC	3
39, Biwabik, MN	2
40, Lorain, OH	2
42, Maple Heights, OH	2
55, Girard, OH	2
95, South Chicago, IL	2
1, Sheboygan, WI	1
3, Pueblo, CO	1
6, Barberton, OH	1
15, Newburgh, OH	1
26, Pittsburgh, PA	1
32, Euclid, OH	1
38, Chisholm, MN	1
68, Fairport Harbor, OH	1
Individuals	
Jonita Ruth (20)	20
Olga Ancel(20)	12
Helen Zuponcich(35)	11
Steffi Segulin(lO)	10
Victoria Bobence(34)	9
Mary Maxin (50)	8
Alouise Epley (73)	5
Beverly Jackson (13)	4
Bemadine Gudac (20)	4
Mary Culkar (47)	4
Patricia Adamic (105)	4
Gladys Buck (16)	3
Marion Marolt (17)	3
Dorothy Jamnick (35)	3
Evelyn Pipoly (50)	3
Evelyn Majercik (73)	3
Nika Kovacic (103)	3
Dolores Puhek (2)	2
Mary Jagar (2)	2
Betty Chinderle (20)	2
Mary Lou Golf (20)	2
Jane Gray (20)	2
Ardis Gregorash (20)	2
Mary Folio (23)	2
Emma Donckers (30)	2
Sharon Bucar (33)	2
Jean Korsman (39)	2
Josephine Janezic (43)	2
Dorothy Sleigh (79)	2
Rosemary Mlaker (100)	2
Hermine Dicke (1)
Anna Bunetta (2)
Rose Ceferin (2)
Elsie Cizek (2)
Jean Hrastar (2)
Corinne Leskovar (2) Jerome Mamozewicz (2) Frances Simonich (3) Linda Lambright (6) Danielle Susel (10)
Mary Coppinger (13) Dorothy Flynn (13)
Kate Lampe (13)
Jennie Fitzhum (14)
Ruth Korelc (14)
Diane Varney (14) Antonia Zabukovec (14) Frances Romano (15) Lillian Cepon (20) Patricia Figurowski (20) Bernice Metesh (20)
Virginia Papesh (20)	1
Marie Scheidt (20)	1
Lillian Stefanich (20)	1
Jean Polyner (23)	1
Ann Saari (23)	1
William Slogar (23)	1
Mary Slaney (26)	1
Dorothy Lamm (32)	1
Josephine Rzatkowski (33)	1
Adeline Mustonen (34)	1
Marcy Rooney (34)	1
Angela Tekautz (34)	1
Anna Rose Smolich (35)	1
Joyce Železnikar (35)	1
Rose Benson (38)	1
Phyllis Kukar (39)	1
Agatha Donges (40)	1
Kathleen Russ (40)	1
Marjorie Church (42)	1
Rose Kraemer (43)	1
Mary Mundson (47)	1
Elsie Spellacy (47)	1
Mary Taucher (47)	1
Mary Blatnik (50)	1
Pauline Klemenčič (50)	1
Marie Mihelič (50)	1
Ann Tercek (50)	1
Theresa Vegh (50)	1
Rosemary Gordon (55)	1
Mary Kristin (55)	1
Loretta VanDervost (68)	1
Bernadette Blatnik (73)	1
Mary Blatnik (73)	1
Olga Sraj (73)	1
Annette Johnson (79)	1
Toni Kitna (79)	1
Stacy Layman (79)	1
Delores Hennelly (95)	1
Helen Nowicki (95)	1
Ann Arledge (100)	1
Katherine Salontai (100)	1
Dorothy Bernich (105)	1
Marion Volpe (105)	1
Olga Ancel, Secretary
Share this pride and enjoyment. Prove it’s true that SLOVENIANS! WE’RE UNITED!
THE IMMIGRANT
THE
THIRD
GENERATION
Introduction to Part I
The next three issues of the Immigrant-Another Generation will feature the family history and research of an American Slovene, Gene Rak, who is now a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Gene became a member of the SWU when he was doing research on his family history and came to Joliet, Illinois where he visited the Slovenian Museum. He purchased some memorabilia, but most important, after reviewing a copy of ZARJA, he became interested in receiving this excellent magazine each month and joined Branch 20. Welcome aboard, Gene!
A few months ago, I received a phone call from Gene and we discussed the research that he had completed in America and Slovenia, tracing his ancestry back to the 1600s. That was quite an accomplishment! It appeared that many people would be able to benefit from his successful methods of research and so I requested that he prepare information which could be used in the ZARJA. Gene agreed and the next three issues will be devoted to how his interest developed, his own family roots, research in America and finally research in Sloveniia. It is anticipated that our readers will get many ideas about the sources which can be used in delving into family history and the final reward that comes with this patient process.
Irene, M. Odorizzi Heritage Director
® Copyright 1992, Irene M. Planinšek Odorizzi 14/ ZARJA - the DAWN
Part I
“RESEARCHING MY ANCESTORY IN SLOVENIA”
In the year 1981, at the ripe old age of forty-five, I took an interest in learning more about my grandparents on my father’s side who were of Slovenian ancestry. My mother has been involved in genealogy for over thirty years. Her roots go back to early 1700 in America and are of English, Welsh, and German origin; so I had an idea how much work and fun genealogy could involve. On a visit with my father’s sister in 1981, I began to ask questions about her origin. It was surprising to learn that she was Slovenian. She had a letter postmarked 1957 from an aunt in Yugoslavia. My interest level immediately increased and I was soon to be captured in the never ending spiral of learning more about my roots.
Over the course of the last ten years, I have learned to speak, read, and write German and Slovenian. Travel included eight visits to Yugoslavia and the collection of fourteen hundred names on my father’s side of the family. Over this same period, I met many distant relatives and acquired new friends in America, Germany, and Yugoslavia. In addition, I have a better understanding of American history and why immigrants settled in different parts of this land. During the past eighteen months I visited Slovenia three times and watched the people’s revolution and the forming of an independent republic. To see the anxiety of the people during this period has been very exciting. My last visit in October, 1991 was two days after the people of Slovenia declared themselves a free people.
Before discusing how to do family research in Slovenia I would like to share some of my family background.
“My Roots”
My grandfather, Florian Rak, was bom May 5, 1886 in Brezje. He was the second of nine children bom to Janez Rak and Marija Golob. Brezje is in the foothills of the most northern mountains of Slovenia and only fifty miles from the Austrian border. The nearest large cities are Kamnik (three miles) and the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana (ten miles). Standing in the small village of Brezje and looking down into the valley where Kamnik lies, you wonder why anyone would leave such a magnificent view for the unknown. However, in 1909, when my grandfather immigrated to America, work was hard to find in Slovenia and he, like many others, looked for a better life style. He came to Illinois and worked in the coal mines, finally settling down to raise a family in Pekin, Illinois. He married Anna Strojon on May 17, 1913 in Pekin. From this marriage, four children were bom, my father, William, being the only son. Florian Rak became a naturalized citizen on July 7, 1921 in Peoria, Illinois.
My grandmother, Anna Strojon, died on March 20, 1934 in Pekin, Illinois and my grandfather later remarried and had two children. On a visit to the National Archives
in Washington, D.C., the ship passenger arrival record of my grandfather, Florian Rak, was found. He sailed on the S.S. Martha Washington departing on January 15, 1909 from Trieste, Italy and arrived at the Port of New York on February 2, 1909. Recorded in the ship log were his height, color of hair and eyes, parents’ names, where he was from and his destination, occupation, and the fact, that he had ten dollars in his possession. Trieste, which is on the border of Slovenia, was a common port for Slovenian immigrants travelling to America.
Anna Strojon, my grandmother, was the oldest of twelve children bom to Janez Strojan and Anna Ramuta, both of Slovenian origin. She was bom on October 2, 1895 in DeKalb, Illinois. Her parents, Janez and Anna were married on February 6, 1894, in Aurora, Illinois. Janez Strojan was bom on a farm on June 14, 1867 in Gradišče. This is in the middle of Slovenia and near Litija and the Sava river. Litija is thirty miles from the capital, Ljubljana. He came to America in 1891 with a brother, Jožef, who I have been unable to trace. Jožef Strojan supposedly died in the 1930’s in Ohio, but as of this date no record has been found of his death. As did many immigrants, Janez Strojan changed his name later becoming John Strojon. He first settled in Omaha, Nebraska before coming to Illinois. In Omaha, he worked for a brief time for the Swift and Armour Packing Company. Anna Ramuta Strojan was bom on October 31, 1871 in Metlika. She came to America with several brothers and sisters in 1890 and settled in Joliet, Illinois. Metlika is near the western border and about one hour by auto to the Croatian capital of Zagreb. John Strojon was a coal miner who worked various mines along the Illinois river. Their family can be traced as the twelve children were bom in seven different cities, finally settling in Creve Couer, Illinois. Neither of Anna Strojon’s parents were naturalized and no immigration records were found.
“My Slovenian Research”
After receiving an old address of my great Aunt Rezka Rak (never married) in Kamnik, Slovenia, I immediately wrote a letter and after several months received a reply from a cousin who spoke and could write in English. I learned that there were several cousins living there and that great Aunt Rezka was still living. In 1982, I made a trip to visit Rak relatives in Slovenia. I can still see the tears in Aunt Rezka’s eyes as she hugged me for the first time. It had been almost fifty years since she had seen her brother. No language was necessary as we exchanged greetings. The Rak family cousins were very friendly and proud to show their homeland. A party was held at the old Rak home in Brezje and all of the cousins and family (around thirty) were in attendance. We ate, drank, and sang for many hours. They liked American country music and even knew the words to “You Are My Sunshine”.
The home in Brezje is where my grandfather and his father were bom. They both worked in the chalk mines nearby. It is difficult to describe the feeling on this first visit there as I traveled the trails my grandfathers walked to go to work and to church. Looking in the attic of this two centuries old home, I stumbled on several letters and pictures of my grandfather’s family. Later I was to discover that the letters presented a picture of my grandfather’s early life in America. The letters described the hard times
Anna (Strojon) and Florian Rak, Gene’s grandparents.
during the depression years, my father joining his father to work in the coal mines, the death of Grandmother Anna, and the marriage of his oldest daughter. My favorite letter reads that his only son’s wife was with child. This letter was written two weeks before my birth in 1936. The photographs of my grandfather and his family were priceless and, in many cases, are the only pictures of the four children in their early years. On other trips, I was able to visit the home of the earliest known Rak, dating back to 1700.
At the time of my first visit I only spoke English. Fortunately, several of my cousins spoke some English. I quickly learned that their second language was German and, on my return to Louisiana, I was able to take a conversational German class at night at Louisiana State University. I returned to Slovenia in about eighteen months and was able to communicate better than on my previous trip. By this time, I had found much information on the Rak, Strojan, and Ramuta families in America. On the next several trips, with the help of my cousins, I was able to make contact with the Ramuta family in Metlika. They were very surprised to meet a relative from America.
It took several trips to locate the Strojan family near Litija, since data from America was very sketchy. However, I didn’t give up and finally met a Strojan family in Breg. My hopes soon diminished after learning that a Stro-
Dining area in the Rak home in Brezje
JULY-AUGUST, 1992 /15
Jo Lustik:
This lovely doll held by Marla Lustik is dressed in a traditional festive Slovenian costume! She has a dark green taffeta skirt, a black apron which is embroidered with black trim around the edges, an orchid silk scarf and red carnation. The headdress is called an “avba”, hand embroidered and is decorated with golden thread; the front is edged in white lace.
The doll was loaned for display in our Heritage Museum by Jonita Ruth. It was brought from Slovenia to the United States by Jonita and her mother, Josephine Erjavec in 1953, and was given to them by a relative as a remembrance of their visit.
This is the first of a series of articles on antiques at the S.W.U. Museum which will be in the ZARJA from time to time. Some of the information gathered was obtained with the help of Margaret Dusa from Br. 20 and Irene Odorizzi, Director of Heritage and Culture.
CELEBRATING SLOVENIA!
jan had visited them about ten years earlier. I knew this was not any of my immediate family. As luck would have it, they had an address in Pennsylvania of a Strojan family and on my return to America, I contacted them. On my next visit to Litija, I found in the records the birth of great grandfather, Janez Strojan. From here, I was able to tie the family in Breg and Pennsylvania into my lineage. I can’t explain the joy of finding his birth record after three years of searching. The records revealed his sister, Marija, who remained in Slovenia was married to Matija Cirar from Boltija. Their twelve children led to the discovery of two-hundred-fifty descendants of Marija and Matija Cirar. On subsequent visits, I met many of these distant cousins and visited the farm where my great grandfather was bom.
During this period, I learned that books and records were available in America from which to learn the Slovenian language. My favorite language manual is published
Helene Behrman, a member of Br. 16 is one of our utstanding young elementary school teachers whose story we read last year when she was awarded the “Heart of the School citation at St. Thomas of Villanova School in Palatine, Illinois. Now Helene is doing something else interesting! She introduced SLOVENIA to her pupils at the school’s ethnic fair April 30th.
Helen says: “We had a lot of fun! Had Grandma Cherne’s prayerbook, passport from 1913, and her handwritten recipes, all written in Slovenian, also, some letters from Slovenia. We had copies of ZARJA, children’s fairy tales in English and Slovenian, the new map and new flag of Slovenia with a bouquet of red carnations as the final touch. Thanks to Olga Ancel, we had some costumes, too...her grandson, Gordon Muir goes to our school. Even made some home-made bread which everyone could sample! It was a good ‘Birthday Party for Slovenia!”
Our Br. 16 Secretary, Gladys Buck who submitted this picture and information from Helene adds: There are not too many young people of Helene’s generation who promote the beautiful Slovenian culture as she does and we of Br. 16 are very proud of her as I know are her mother, Anne Klobučar, and grandma, Helen Cherne !
by the Slovenian Research Center of America, Inc., Slovenian Language Manual, 29227 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44092. I then learned to read and write the language and was fortunate to find in Baton Rouge a Slovenian family who helped me to learn to speak Slovenian. I now feel very comfortable in traveling around the country side where only the native language is spoken.
As a result, ten years later, four hundred hours of research in Slovenia, one thousand plus hours of research in America, fourteen hundred family names, hundreds of letters, eight trips to Slovenia, and numerous trips in America to visit relatives and archives, I have been able to trace my ancestors eight generations back to the year 1700. With this background, I would like to share with you how to research ancestors in Slovenia.
End Part I
HERMINE PRISLAND DICKE 3717 COUNCIL CREST MADISON, Wl 53711
SWEET-SOUR PORK
PotS and
^Rjns
Olga Ancel, our National Secretary, enjoys serving SWEET-SOUR PORK while her daughter, Nadine Ancel of Fairfax, VA, shares the attractive and unique TOMATO PIE.Another daughter, Vera Ancel Muir of Palatine, IL, offers her super FRESH PLUM PUDDING. All are members of Br. 20, Joliet.
Victoria Bobence, National President, wishes to make the following change in her CORN BREAD BAKE recipe which appears in the POTS AND PANS cookbook: “Bake in a 2-quart oval greased casserole instead of a 9 x 13-inch pan.” This excellent recipe is repeated for your correction.
CORRECTION: In May issue under Mary Rosie’s Habanca: Instruction No. 6: saute bread crumbs in l,z pound butter (not \x,2 pounds).
Affectionately,
Hermine
CORN BREAD BAKE
1	box Jiffy corn bread mix or
Jiffy corn muffin mix 1	can (17 ounces) cream-style
corn
1	can (16 ounces) whole kernel
corn, undrained
1	cup (8 ounces) sour cream
\ cup melted butter
2 eggs, well beaten
1	teaspoon salt
!/< teaspoon pepper
Heat oven to 350°. In bowl mix all ingredients. Bake in a 2-quart greased oval casserole at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes or until the crust is light brown and cracks appear on surface. Spoon to serve. Serves 12.
11;2	pounds lean pork cut in	2	tablespoons cornstarch
	strips or squares		cup vinegar
2	tablespoons hot shortening	1	tablespoon soy sauce
1	cup water		Salt, as desired
1	chicken bouillon cube	1	medium green pepper in
1	can (20 ounces) pineapple		strips (if desired)
	chunks, drained	%	cup thinly sliced onion,
	cup brown sugar		(if desired). Cooked rice, as desired
Brown pork slowly in shortening. Add 1 cup water and bouillon cube. Cover and simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Meanwhile drain pineapple, reserving syrup. Combine brown sugar and cornstarch; add reserved pineapple syrup, vinegar, soy sauce and salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Add sauce to pork; mix well. Stir in pineapple, green pepper and onion. Cook over low heat 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve over rice. Makes 6 servings. Note: Olga uses left-over roast pork which needs no browning or cooking for 1 hour. She skips the green pepper, onion and salt.
H
TOMATO PIE
1	9-inch pie pan	l/i	cup	milk
\l'i cupsBisquick
Mix Bisquick and milk (very sticky, may put in freezer to harden).
3	large summer tomatoes,	ll/i	cups	Mozarella	cheese
cut in quarters	1	cup	mayonnaise
Salt, pepper, oregano and basil, as desired
Spread Bisquick dough on greased 9-inch pie pan. Arrange tomato quarters over dough. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano and basil, as desired. Mix Mozarella cheese with mayonnaise and spread over tomatoes. Bake 350° for 35 to 40 minutes until crust is lightly browned. Let stand at least 5 minutes before serving. Nadine adds: “Above pie may be spiced up with green peppers, dill, etc. Just use your imagination.”
FRESH PLUM PUDDING
tablespoon butter	l'*	teaspoon salt
cup sugar	l't	cup milk
egg, well beaten	1	teaspoon vanilla
cup flour	12 to 13 blue plums
teaspoon baking powder
Cream butter and sugar; add egg and mix well. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla, beating until smooth after each addition. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square pan. Arrange plum halves on top of cake and bake in a moderate oven, 350°, for 50 minutes. Serve hot with plain or whipped cream or ice cream. Serves six.
NOTE: With microwave oven the pudding may be warmed up for 2nd and 3rd serving.
OLGA: “I made the above for our 1991 Labor Day dinner. Our son-in-law and his family loved it. It’s an old recipe used many times.”
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
July 4, 1776 - 1992
God Bless Her and Keep Her Safe. And to the Republics of Slovenia and Croatia: you are now 1 year old and we pray that the Serbs will realize what they are doing and stop the killing in Bosnia-Hercegovina so this Republic will also enjoy their new freedom.
At our April meeting, we thought Spring was finally here, and Ray Nusko had the hall decorated with baby creatures and spring flowers, and the kitchen provided each member during the social time with a pretty spring container filled with goodies, this from the talents of Fran and Terry Morison. Our April meeting is always a business meeting. There was much to discuss. Some of the topics: Picnic
-	Hope everyone who can will attend; Cheer Basket - It is much needed; BARAGA LABOR DAY WEEKEND; St. Stephen’s Summerfest; Br.
2	Banner - It was voted to be fair to all members that the banner will only be displayed at St. Stephen’s during a funeral; it would be too difficult to take it out of the neighborhod, and impossible if a member is buried out of town.
MAY - We honored Sharon Naud-ziunas as the “Woman of the Year” and we had a lot of fun. Thanks to Father Blase and the Sisters of St. Stephen’s for a beautiful Mass. Afterwards a buffet was served, the committee served a tasty spread. The chairperson - our actress/author Jean Hrastar directed “This is Your Life, Sharon" Jean and Terry Morison were the main actors. While Sharon watched we laughed and cried with her as she went through her early days with the help of members who acted out her life. We are very proud of Sharon; she does so much for the branch.
She was presented with a beautiful • spray of flowers from Joe Worth and Br. 2 gave her a Lithuanian doll made by Mary Foys.
Thanks to the Fathers of St. Stephen's for the beautiful Mass on Mother’s Day and also to the men of the Holy Name Society for preparing
and serving a great breakfast to the mothers. 15 potted plants were given. Mary Jagar won the split-the-pot. Congratulations to our member, Jean Scianna, who was honored as the Mother of the Year.
The St. Stephen’s Senior Women had a lovely buffet for their Mother of the Year. They honored our very talented member, Josie Lukas, who always surprises us each month with unusual and beautiful favors. She is special.
Congratulations to all the graduates, especially to Jim Gregorich who graduated from the Lay Ministry Program of the Archdiocese; he will be assisting St. Stephen’s. To Mark Ciszek (grandson of Elsie Ciszek) St. Mary Nativity/Joliet and to Beth New-bould (great-granddaughter of Luba Troha) St. Vincent De Paul/Peoria. And to our little artist, Samantha Marie Turner, 3 year old granddaughter of Kay Turner, who entered the Jewel Easter painting contest and came out in 1st place! She was awarded a giant size painting set.
Our condolence to the family of Marie Szamacki and also to Dorothy and Fuzzy Foral on the loss of a brother. Please remember them in your prayers.
Please pray for our sick: Albie Rasp, Shirley Melissa and JoAnne Hozzian - pray for those members who cannot attend our meetings because of poor health, we sure miss them all. We wish there was a way to have them with us, but they are remembered.
Some of our members have been traveling - Meta Hamzlik toured Greece, Millie Paisoli visited her relatives in Slovenija - JoAnne Hozzian and her father, John spent time in Florida. We wish everyone a safe and fun summer.
Remember, everywhere is walking distance, if you have the time. Take Care.
Love,
DAISY
ZVEZA DAY, JULY 19th
at Marija Pomagaj in Lemont, Illinois Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by picnic
-	good food - games - for all!
NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO
Our meeting was held April I after the ladies of the parish served soup which was delicious as usual and enjoyed by many.
Prior to our business meeting, refreshments were served to 19 by hostesses, Agnes Glavich, Helen Franek and Josephine Giarratano.
Reports were given and approved. It was agreed to make the same donation to St. Mary’s Chruch for Easter as in the past. It was reported that Frances Raspet, who was in the hospital for quite some time, is now recuperating at home. Mary Kochevar, who attends most of our meetings if she is able, was not able to come because of not feeling well. Agnes Cvar, one of our regulars, was unable to come because of a dental appointment. Lillian Galich is doing great after knee surgery.
The mystery prize donated by Angela Mikatich was won by Josephine Giarratano.
Plans were finalized for our May 7th party at which time we also honored our Mother of the Year, Mary (Mitzi) Drobnick.
“B” was played after the meeting.
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Frances Prelesnik who went to her rest this month.
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Hello to all from Texas. I am sorry
I was unable to make the May meeting, but I heard it was a great success. We honored or Mothers of the Year and our 50 year members. We also signed up two new members. Mary Fon, a guest at the meeting of Emma Godby, became a social member. Ruth Napier, daughter of Elizabeth By bee, also joined our ranks. Thank you. ladies, for becoming part of a tradition. Our May meeting was also successful in that several of our ladies were lucky winners. Congratulations!
Our next meeting will be a business meeting held on September 17th at the Slovenian National Home at 11 a.m.
Any news? Feel free to contact my mother or myself, if you have anything to put in my column.
Until next month,
BARBARA MOHR
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI
Our meeting in April was cancelled but instead we held a luncheon. With about 90 people present, we had a great time. Klement Sausage supplied the meat and our members furnished the salads and desserts. Thanks to Olga Fredericks and Julie Pesec for strudel and Katie Osep for potice. These delicacies never go far enough. Thank you to Sophie Stampfel for her generous donation of $15; Sophie Rozman and Jean Jelenc for $ 10 donations. Thank you all for other monetary gifts or mouth-watering food. This will help to run our State Convention on October 25th. The officers sat among the people which showed great comraderie.
Our March card party was a success and we owe our president, Stavia Dobersek for her many donations and as a big ticket seller. Her husband. Matt is a big booster to our club. Estelle Kobow is in Florida for a month and she gave a monetary gift that we used to advertise our card party on the Slovenian radio hour. I’m sure it helped us. Our Christmas dinner will be enjoyed by the efforts of our members.
Our charter member, Mary Bucov-nik had an operation in May - our prayers with her.
As you know we are without a pastor at St. John the Evangelist church since the death of Fr. Lawrence. I hope we can proceed as before.
Remember, our meetings are at St. Peter’s Episcopal church, 80th and Lincoln Ave. We thank Fr. Wayne for his warm hospitality in letting us use the facilities.
Evelyn’s husband has been in the hospital and we send our prayers.
Greetings to all members in nursing homes and ailing members at home.
* * *
May meeting was well-attended and we honored our Mother of the Year, Rose Luebke. She received a corsage with money from the lodge and a nice lunch was served. The calorie table really groaned as many members brought desserts. Phyllis was in Florida so many people helped clean up.
Our sausage demonstration was a huge success with the help of all our members. This will help us with expenses of the State Convention. Tickets will be $10, same price as five years ago. We again ask our members
to help in making the state convention a success. Jean Jelenc of the Jelenc Funeral Home will pay for the printing of the tickets. Thank you, Jean. We will have patron ads, so get your friends ready for the $2 patron donations. Dolores Evancic and Tony Gorenc will entertain us at the banquet. There will be more on the convention in my next article.
Our Charter member, Mary Bucov-nik is now doing well and will be the only charter member at the banquet. Tootsie Felts was in the hospital but it was nice seeing her at our meeting. Rose Luebke spent some time visiting her daughter out West in Washington. Ann Jelinek spent time in the hospital but went to Slovenia June 15th. Good luck.
Estelle Kobow spent one month in Florida and came back to our cold weather - promptly got sick. Change of temperatures will do it!
We welcome Connie Lewandowski and Sylvia Kotze to our group and Sylvia brought a dessert with no calories. We hope to see you every month.
Good health to our ailing members.
MARY KIEL
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
It is with much sadness I report on the death of Vincent Aiuto, husband of our president, Josephine. He had been very ill for a long time and was in Laguna Honda Hospital the last 3 years. Josephine had a very long and difficult road but she was always there for Vince and brought cheer to all the patients. He is now at peace with Our Lord and our prayers and love go out to Josephine and daughter, Michele and son-in-law, Denis Twers. I feel sadness also because I have the wonderful memory of being the flower girl at their wedding 48 years ago. God bless all the Aiuto family.
Sympathy also to the family of Vica Cukrov who passed away April 28th. She was our oldest member (102) and joined the branch in 1938. She lived on Athens St. inS.F. for many years.
Our prayers go out to Lois Stanfel Jensen and the Stanfel family on the loss of nephew, Nick Stanfel. He was 26 years old and a teacher at Sacred Heart Preparatory Cathedral in S.F. It was a very sad day for all the students and especially for Kevin and Kenneth Spencer who had him as their teacher. They are the sons of our secretary,
Moreen and Don Spencer.
Sympathy also to the family of Agnes Cassidy who passed away March 25th and to the Sullivan family on the loss of Virginia (Jean) Aiuto Sullivan.
I know everyone sends get well wishes to Katie Pecavar who is ill. You are in all our prayers, Katica. Son, Joe is graduating from High School and daughter, Mary is getting married in September.
I know Mary and Marco Plut are smiling down on their daughter, Mary Coppinger. She’s been a member 48 years and has her daughters, Gail M. Hilton, Patricia Coppinger Griffin and Mary Jo Coppinger Kahn as members, keeping wonderful family tradition going.
Cousins, Barbara Chiodo, Moreen Spencer and Doreen Sustarich are celebrating the big 50 very shortly. Happy birthday, gals! I find this unbelievable since Barbara is my baby sister!!!
We celebrated our Woman of the Year Brunch and honoree Ann Sustarich was so happy. It was a beautiful day at the downtown S.F. Marriot, a gorgeous setting. There were 45 of us present.
We are preparing to celebrate Slovene Day in S.F. All the lodges at the Slovenian Progressive Home are working together with costumes, ethnic food, Marjan Kramer’s polka band. It will be celebrating Slovenia’s Independence Day.
Josephine Aiuto has a bus load of us going to Reno, Nevada in June. She and daughter, Michele Twers plan these super trips and we have a terrific time.
Our June meeting was a “hello to summer” luncheon and we now have an interval until September. Have a beautiful and safe summer. Loving thoughts and prayers to all our sick members.
BEVERLY JACKSON
NEWLY REVISED COOKBOOK, POTS & PANS IS NOW ON SALE!
$10.50 plus $2.50 p & h per copy from SWU Home Office or see your local branch.
(Ad on back cover.)
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
A long awaited season of new beginnings has begun, and what a joy to behold the wonders of nature’s beauty with the colorful spring flowers and budding leaves on the trees.
Our new meeting starting time of 6:00 seems to be more convenient for our members with a nice turn out at the meetings. It was so nice to greet new member Peggy Smerke attending her first meeting. We also have two additional new members, Cecelia Rozman and Ethel Krall. Welcome to all!
We’re delighted to hear Mary Gerl and Shirley Valenčič are doing well and recuperating at home after surgery. Speedy recovery wishes to all our ill members.
Annual picnic will be held in the month of August. As of printing time, exact date has not been set, but for further information on our very successful and funtime picnic, either come to our upcoming meeting or call Vera Bajec at 481-7473 or Marty Koren 585-4227.
At our Mother of the Year dinner held May 5, Diane Vamey was honored for her dedication as Secretary for No. 14. Accompanying Diane was her husband, mother Jennie Fitzthum, daughter Laurie Trevino, and sister-in-law Marilyn Fitzthum, all members. Several friends and co-workers from Akron also helped celebrate Diane’s big day. Two of Diane’s co-workers joined us at our table and unfortunately, I’ve lost the notes I had taken with their names, but they were delightful company. Also attending were Dorothy Lamm, Pres, of Branch 32 with husband Bob. We thank our decorating committee for arranging the hall in lovely pastel colors with balloons and apring flower bouquets. Thanks to Pat Stanic, Ruth Korelec, Kay Matoh, Emily Laport and Marty Koren.
Congratulations and best wishes to Cindy Grill on her marriage. Cindy is the daughter of Stana and the late Val Grill and is granddaughter of Mary Stražišar (Arrowhead).
Sympathy to Ed and Marty Koren on the death of Ed's sister who resided in Pennsylvania.
Reminder there will be no meetings held during the months of July and August. Next meeting to be held September 1 at 6:00.
Have you paid your 1992 dues? If
not, don’t delay in getting your checks to Diane Vamey, 1155 Easton Dr., Akron, Ohio 44310.
Have a patriotic July 4th celebration!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL
At the Easter meeting everyone enjoyed the kolachkee, the Egghead name tags and the baskets for the tables made by our specialist, Sylvia Spretnjak.
Our condolences go to Dorothy Rossi on the death of her sister, Jennie Selnik.
Mary Ann Sambol sent us a message saying hello to all and wishing everyone well. She is now residing in Crystal River, Fla.
Madeline Jerich visited with her sister in Florida in April.
Helen Milanovich is recuperating nicely from her leg surgery. Josephine Maggio suffered a stroke and is in intensive care at St. Chicago Hospital. Our best to our recovering members.
May 17th, seventy relatives and friends gathered at the Golden Shell restaurant to honor our Mother of the Year, Fran Zupančič. Guests from Br. 95 were president, Mildred James and secretary, Dolores Hennelly. Fran donated a beautiful basket with porce-lain-like flowers. It was won by Elsie Seiner. They thought the floral swan centerpieces were bautiful.
On May 23rd several of our ladies attended the services at St. George’s church for Mary, Our Lady of Bistrica. Later we went downstairs to the hall and enjoyed the refreshments served by the KSKJ lodge.
On Ascension Thursday, Mary Rago, Sylvia Spretnjak, Marge Prebil, Mary Brozovich, Fran Zupančič, Marie Vidovich, Jo Hester, Gladys Buck, Elaine Strubel, Manda Maggio and Clara Saviano went with a group to visit the Carmelite Shrine in Munster, Indiana. Mass was said in the new Shrine, the beautiful grotto leading to Litany Hall, each one done up in marble with wording written in both English and Polish. This is truly a beautiful, holy place, especially the tomb where our Lord is lying and the 33 steps to the cross at the top of the tomb.
Andrea Krai’s daughter, Rebecca, was married to Eric Strauss on May 3rd. The wedding took place in San Juan Capistrano, California. Those attending from Chicago were the bride’s
mother, Andrea, also Christine To-masek, Dolores Franko and Ellen Franko who was a bridesmaid.
Marge Prebil’s grandchildren graduating from 8th grade are Stacy Mishimura from St. Thomas More in Munster and Ryan Mishimura from St. Bemadine in Oak Park, IL; also, Tim Monahan from Oak Park-River Forest high school.
Gladys Buck was voted Honoree of the Year for the Calumet Park Seniors. The banquet was on June 13th at the Chicago Hilton & Towers Hotel. Congratulations!
E.W.
NO. 17, WEST ALLIS, WI
May 6th was an exciting day for Katie Matzelle as she was honored as our Mother of the Year at a noon day luncheon at Kegel’s Inn. About 27 guests attended. Present were her sons, Jerry and Richard, daughter, Darline, sisters, Mary and Theresa, her many friends from the old neighborhood, some members of the former Knights and Ladies of Baraga of which she held the positions of president and secretary. After a brief introduction, president, Marion Marolt presented Katie a version of “This is your life”, Marion’s style. Katie came from a family of five girls and one boy. At age 16 she went to work at a grocery story - from there to General Motors where she worked for 26years. She met her husband in 1935 and married in 1939. She’s now a widow and has 9 grandchildren. She loves to travel, play cards and bowls. She was then given a beautiful red silk rose and wallet, compliments of our branch. The beautiful flower centerpiece as also given to her by Jackie Nimmer. Many congratulatory cards and some personal gifts were then presented from guests. So, now we know a great deal more about Katie and we love her!
Daughter Darline spoke of her mother and their home life which included much humor and laughter as part of their family’s early life. Son Jerry told of many happy and humorous times, too. Katie thanked all those present and was impressed by the lovely things that were said the events in her life. I’m sure, Katie, this will be a day you will long remember.
The USPEH chorus planned to recognize the new Republic of Slovenia on Flag Day, June 14th with a short program and guest speaker, Janko
HERE ARE THE 1992 SWU SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
The Slovenian Women Union Scholarship committee proudly announces the winners of the four $1,000 SWU Scholarships to be awarded in 1992. Thanks to your great generosity, one of the four scholarships is to be awarded in the name of Hermine Dicke, former Director of the SWU Scholarship Program. We now introduce to you the four SWU Scholarship Winners (in alphabetical order).
Leslie Ann Dusek, Br. 73
6014 Robertdale Road Oakwood Village, OH 44146
Hermine Dicke Scholarship:
Amy Ann Free, Br. 43
5201 S. 20th Street Milwaukee, WI 53211
This year 15 students requested the SWU scholarship application.
Eight of the 15 actually submitted the requested application material. As always, the members of the SWU Scholarship Committee had a difficult time in making their decisions. Not that the committee members are indecisive, but all of the applicants were so smart, involved and talented. Unfortunately, only four applicants could be selected to receive a scholarship. The four applicants who do not receive a scholarship will each receive a $50 award.
We wish all the 1992 graduates much success and happiness.
Sincerely,
The SWU Scholarship Committee Olga Ancel	Kathleen Emerson
Victoria Bobence	Irene Odorizzi
Marjorie Church	Mary Lou Videgar
Carita Girman, Director
Heather Dawn Orazem, Br. 35
P.O. Box 47, 131 Washington Street Sandstone, MN 55072
Christine Marie Trunkel, Br. 102
N9569 Sladich Road Greenwood, WI 54437
Koren. Also, music by the popular button-box band, the Milwaukee ac-cordian band club and Joe Klass band. All proceeds were to be sent for Slovenian relief.
Congratulations are extended to Helen and Elmer Ruthenberg on their 45th Wedding Anniversary. Please keep in mind the Wisconsin State Day on Sunday, Oct. 25th hosted by Br. 12. We will write more next month. Also, please note that there will be no meetings in July and August and we resume the regular schedule of monthly meetings on Sunday, Sept. 20th at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Baraga Hall.
A speedy recovery is extended to Loni Limoni; at the present time she is at West Allis Memorial Hospital. Also, quick recovery wishes to Vera Omick and all our sick and shut in members.
Now on a sad note: Mary Benesch passed away on April 28th at the age of 89. Sincere condolences to the Benesch families and many friends.
Another reminder: Our fund raiser will be held on Sun. Oct. 18th in conjunction with our meeting. Prizes greatly appreciated. Happy birthday greetings are extended to Helen Pizar and to all who are celebrating their birthdays in the months of June, June and August.
FRAN PIWONI
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
Can you believe it’s July, already, and summer is in fall bloom. The weather is just great, as we look forward to celebrating Independence Day on July 4th. It’s a day I look forward, too.
This Fourth of July will have extra meaning to all American-Slovenians, since Slovenia became recognized as an independent nation. We should all pray for Slovenia in her transition to an economically sound democracy.
Corrections - May-June Issue. Richard and Deborah (Morris) De-mick were married May 2, 1992 at St. Joseph’s Church.
Richard and Mary Kay Demick are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in the fall.
Congratulations to all our recipients who received honors in the month of May: Josephine Lustik - Branch 20, “Woman of the Year” Evelyn Lustik, elected into St. Joseph Seniors “Hall of Fame”; Margaret Stalzer, “Woman of the Year” selected by the Rosarian Club, Council of Catholic Women (CCW) at St. Joseph’s Church; Toni Petrovič “Woman of the Year” of St. Genevieve Lodge No. 108,K.S.K.J.
A big thank you to all the volunteers who worked at the Annual Rummage
Sale. Your services were greatly appreciated. $673.69 was raised for the Scholarship Fund. A job well done.
This year we honored our shut-ins, with a visit and a plant. Committee members who visited our shut-ins are: Helen Minnick, Marie Schiedt, Lorraine Lang and Ann Dragovan. It was a very rewarding experience for the committee.
Dorothy and John Mahan’s eldest daughter, Joanne, became the bride of Jeffery Johnston on April 11, 1992 at St. Joseph’s. Members of Branch 20 are the bride, her parents, her sister, Lynda as well as countless members of the Govednik family. Congratulations to the happy couple.
Get well wishes for a speedy recovery: Mary Spelich, Catherine (Kitty) Knez, Mary Rief, Mayme Fedo.
Condolences to the Mutz family on the loss of Mary Mutz, a 53 year member; to Shirley Dzurko family on the loss of her husband, John; to Lillian Stefanich and Marion Schoener on the loss of their mother, Anna Zelko; to Richard and Vera Muir on the loss of Richard’s father, Edward, Palatine; to the Alois Misic family on the loss of Alois.
Dates to remember: July, 19, Sunday. Zveza Day in Lemont, hosted by Br. 2. A bus trip to Michigan for the Baraga Day on Labor Day week-end is being considered. If interested call
ANNA HODNIK/ANITA VOVK:
Learn Slovenian
“SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!”
By Henrik Ibsen
“Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel.
It brings you food, but not appetite; Medicine, but not health;
Acquaintances, but not friends;
Servants, but not loyalty;
Days of joy, but not peace.”
“Denar more biti luščine za mnoge Stvari, pa ne zrno.
Prinaša ti hrano, ne pa teka; Zdravilo, a ne zdravja;
Znance, a ne prijateljev;
Sluge, a ne zvestobe;
Dneve veselja, pa ne miru ali sreče.
VOCABULARY:
Money... Denar May... More Be... Biti
(The) Husk...Luščine Many... Mnoge Things...Stvari But...Pa, A...
Not...Ne Kernel... Zrno
It Brings...(Ono) Prinaša...(Prinašati...To Bring) (Prinašati...something occurring everyday, shows emphasis, otherwise use Prinesti...to bring) Prinašati...“A” verb.Jaz prinašam;) Prinesti...“E” verb... Jaz prinesem)
You...Ti Food... Hrano Appetite... Teka Medicine... Zdravilo Health... Zdravja Acquaintances.. .Znance Friends.. Prijateljev Servants... Sluge Loyalty (Zvestobe)
Days...Dnev (of) Joy...Veselja Peace... Miru Happiness...Sreče
Jonita Ruth, 727-1926 or 726-6990. 30 reservations are needed to have a bus.
Don’t forget the Grape Festival Sept. 27.
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Our annual “Woman of the Year” banquet, honoring Josephine Lustik was very beautiful. The hostesses in charge decorated the hall in pink. Place mats had a picture of Jo and decorated with a flower scene. Past recipients of the honor all received a geranium plant, which also served as table center pieces. Food was catered, which was delicious, entertainment was by the Croatian Kolo Dancers and the Wolf Brothers Button Box Duo. It was a very enjoyable evening for all.
Congratulations to the following: Karen Briscoe was honored by the St. Joseph Medical Center. She received the Center’s annual “Search for Excellence/Nurse of the Year” Award. She was recently promoted to clinical director in the hospital’s nursing administration department. Colleagues cited her excellent job performance and extensive experience.
Judy Pucel, who received her associate degree in nursing from Scott
Community College, Davenport, Iowa, on May 7, 1992. Her husband Chris, sons Eric, Zachary, and Nicholas are so very proud of her.
Mary Marolt, (now of Bradenton, Fla), former Nat’l Treasurer and branch treasurer has been elected president of Catholic Women’s Association, and the Sergeant of Arms of Bradenton Lodge No. 1511 of Elkettes (Elks Women’s Auxiliary). Mary Ann Gregory, was honored at the Sunnyhill Nursing Home. She was recognized for her volunteer work, in prayer group, aiding the residents and her cheerfulness in working with the residents. She also gives time to the Shepherd’s Table and Knights of Columbus No. 368; ladies events. Rialto Square Theatre recognized Jean Gov-ednik, Mollie Gregorich, Helen Min-nich for their services as volunteers. They received 10 year pins.
Branch 20, Joliet, IL bowling league is in need of bowlers. The gals bowl on Monday nights at Rivals Bowl starting at 6 p.m. Organized in 1937, the league has been a fun-filled group for 55 years. Any average bowler is welcomed.
For more information please call Gen Klainsek at 723-1417.
Joseph and Ann Kociuba on their 50th wedding anniversary, May 17 at St. Joseph’s Church. Mr. & Mrs. Mark Benko on the birth of their baby girl, Anasthasia Marie. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Johnson on the birth of their baby girl, Kirsten Elizabeth, May 9.
Get well wishes for a speedy recovery to Ann Stemisha and Sue Tezak.
Condolences: to the Rudman family on the loss of Mary, a 46 year member; to Frances Schultz and family on the loss of her granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Voots.
ANN DRAGOV AN
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL
There were 10 members in attendance at our April meeting. Jo Grabowski and Helen Swietek answered the call to help us with our plans for the IL-IN State Convention which we will host in La Salle on October 4th. New people bring in new ideas and they gave us several good suggestions. We certainly appreciate your help.
Evelyn Kastigar was reported as ill but is now at home.
Member Barbara Cass, 85, passed away on May 16th. Several members and officers were in attendance at the Shimkus-Helmer Funeral Home to recite the SWU burial ritual and at the Mass at Resurrection Church. The branch extends sympathy to daughter, Mary Barbara Bishop and sons, Fred and Frank and their families. Our sympathy too, to member Elizabeth Ritz whose husband Frank passed away on April 9th and to Shirley Miller whose mother-in-law passed away on April 21st. We pray that God will grant our loved ones Heavenly Peace.
Congratulations to Vice-President Minnie Carter who was chosen May Queen by the Sanctuary and Rosary Society of Resurrection Church and she crowned the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Mother-Daughter Dinner. Congratulations to our graduates, especially to Amy Lynn Schweickert who is graduating from Gregory Middle School on June 8th, with honors.
There were 16 members present for the May Dinner on May 21st at the Maples in Peru. Betty Stack served as chairman assisted by Adele Gensler. Betty always plans a nice party and as usual she provided grab bag gifts for all present. Thanks, Betty, we had a nice time. A short report on convention arrangements to date was given after the party. Everything is coming along nicely. We will meet during the summer and have everything ready for the big day in October. A letter will go out to the Branch Presidents in early August with full details. We are getting a good response from many members who are willing to help. Our next regularly scheduled meeting is on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. in La Salle Catholic School-Re-surrection Building. We hope to see all of you there to finalize our arrangements. After that we hope to see our sister members from the other state branches-we’ll try to show you a nice time and a profitable convention.
ANNE M. WANGLER, Reporter
SWU Membership Campaign S LOVENIANS W e’re U nlted! Campaign Phase II is now on!
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH
Our April Easter meeting was well-attended. V. Pres. Faye Starman opened the meeting. Member Marge Kovacevich, lead the Rosary for Easter. Thanks Marge, for a job well done.
Ladies that brought in their Easter bonnets were Esther Garbincus, Josephine Gomik, Marge Kovacevich and Betty Karish. Decorated Easter eggs were brought in by Betty Karish and Fran Ogoreuc. Our Easter bunny was none other than our jolly hostess Ceal McLean, who had an Easter basket full of eggs which she distributed to each member.
Some of the eggs had prizes which were won by Helen Kovačevič, Mary Tushar, Mary Stark, Marge Milavec and Christine Verch. It truly was a very Easter meeting. Thanks to all members who played a part in the Easter celebration.
Traveling was Josephine Gomik visited Egypt, cruised down the Nile River visiting temples, excavations, the Pyramids and rode a camel. In Israel, made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Nazareth, Lake of Galilee and Bethlehem. It was inspiring but very exhausting. Faye Starman and husband Charles, with some friends just got back from Cherry Blossom time. It was quite an experience climbing about 400-450 steps in various buildings. The highlight and most important part of the trip was a visit to her brother-in-law’s grave at Arlington cemetery, Michael Klepac. Ann Cooke traveling to visit her daughter Kathie and family in Florida. Ann’s granddaughter Lauren Mehl, made her First Holy Communion on May 3. Grandma was there to help her celebrate her big day. Congratulations to Lauren.
Our sympathy to Rose Mary Bour and her family on the loss of her mother, Frances Bogadek, at the age of 96. May she rest in peace.
Get well wishes to Mary Drobnick, Mary Golobic, daughter Joan Florjančič and Mary’s husband Frank, also to Alma Eppich, husband Edward. We wish all a speedy recovery to good health.
Refreshments were served by our hostesses Ceal McLean and Ceal Znidar.
Happy belated birthday to all our members in June, also in July and August. There will be no meetings in
July and August. Hope to see all of you at our Sept. meeting after a nice safe summer. Good health and happiness to all.
Check your dues book to make sure your dues are paid up to date.
*	* *
Mother’s Day dinner turned out to be a very beautiful affair for our Mother of the Year, Christine Verch. In attendance was her son, Tony, wife Janet and their three sons. Many relatives and friends of Christine were there to help her celebrate.
Christine has been a member of S.W.U. for fifty-four years. She is very deserving of their honor.
We were very honored to have two distinguished quests in our presence. Pres. Dorothy Lamm introduced Ohio-Mich. Regional Pres. Evelyn Majercik. It gave Evelyn a chance to meet us. We hope we will see more of Evelyn. The other guest was Joseph Petrie, Pres, of Slovene Society Home and Nat’l. Sec’y. for A.M.L.A. Evelyn and Joseph^ are both very busy people. We thank them for taking time to be with us.
Our cook, Mary Ster, had a stroke. Mary’s, granddaughter Cheryl, took over the duty to prepare the meal. She did a beautiful job and the food was excellent. Mary can be very proud of Cheryl, for doing such a wonderful job with her helpers. Mary, we wish you a speedy recovery so that you can be back with us soon.
We missed the music of our two faithful musicians Charles Krivec and Henry Kersman. They both are on the recuperating list. Henry and wife, Emily were able to attend the dinner. Pres. Dorothy Lamm’s, mother, Mary Koss, resides at the Slovene Home for the Aged; she is sick with pneumonia. Ann Urban, had eye surgery. She is doing fine. Mary Golobic’s husband, Frank, his son, Dan, had heart surgery. Hope all our members and friends who are sick have a quick recovery to good health.
It was nice to see Josephine Koss and Mary Drobnick attend the dinner after being on the sick list for some time. Mary Drobnick wants to thank all the people who had sent her get well and prayer cards while she was sick. Mary is very thankful for all the cards received.
Joan Florjančič’s daughter, Lisa earned her master’s degree in the area of family affairs from Kent University. Congratulations.
Don and Agnes Hamilton went to Washington to see the Cherry Blossoms, but were disappointed as there were no blossoms.
They also were in Scottsdale, Arizona to visit Agnes’ daughter Marge and family for the Easter holiday. They celebrated Agnes’ birthday during their visit.
Molly Sodja enjoyed a day trip visiting the Amish in Beme, Indiana. She saw how furniture was made, went to a stove factory and a store where they sold only children’s clothes and toys. The trip was very educational.
Mary Drobnick’s grandson, Jim .vas married on May 9 to Jennifer Fisher in Montreal, Canada. They Doth are teachers at the University, lim’s family traveled to Canada to at-end the wedding.
FRANCES OGOREUC
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN
Branch 34 has now recessed for the summer after having a busy month of May. I attended the regional meeting on May 19, with Jean Korsman presiding and much was discussed — new ideas were presented.
Our Mother of the Year dinner honoring Rose Planton was another success with 18 members and 9 guests present at the dinner. We were happy to have National President, Tory Bf>-bence, Regional President, Jean Korsman, and Regional Vice President, Anne Orazem with us. Other guests included Rose’s family and Father Anselm. Evelyn Pavlich, my sister-in-law and a summer resident also joined us — it was fun being together for the dinner and cards and coffee an’ at the church, a beautifully decorated cake was enjoyed. Winners that evening were Sophie Spollar, Adeline Mustonen, Molly Wilson and Angie Jamnick. The door prize was brought by Helen Chiabotti and won by Sophie Spollar.
Some of our members have been ill: Anne Frazee spent some time in the hospital but is iccuperating at home; Marge Skala had heart surgery and has recovered very well; Ann “Inky” Stefanich has not been well but we hope all of you will regain your health.
I was not home for our April meeting but Angeline Morin, Vice Pres., presided at the meeting, final plans were made for our Mother of the Year. Margaret Mesojedec and Agnes
Mattson were hostesses, the prizes were won by Emma Betoume, Sophie Spollar, Helen Adkisson and Lucille Svatos. The door prize was brought by Tory Bobence and won by Agnes Mattson.
On May 25, our longtime member, Louise Yapel Chiabotti passed away. Our branch said the rosary together before the funeral Mass and I used the SWU Ritual Book to remember Louise at the funeral...we displayed our beautiful banner, a red carnation, and the memorial emblem. Louise joined our branch in 1953 and was a faithful member until health prevented her from coming to meetings. She was an ardent card player. She served as hostesses with her daughter, Lorraine Berg, at our meetings, which was unique - not many of us have the honor of serving with our mothers! She was a member of the Soudan Altar Society, washing and pressing altar linens and altar boys’ cassocks. She taught catechism for many years... and sang in St. Martin’s choir. Louise’s daughter, Lorraine and two sisters, Angela Planton of Soudan and Frances Nemanich of Long Prairie are members of Branch 34. To quote from our local paper, which tells exactly about Louise — “she was a cheerful, friendly person, with a smile and a warm greeting for everyone. She was a quiet, gracious lady, whose life centered around her home, her family and her church.” We offer our sympathy to her family.
We have received information from Branch 38, Chisholm, for our MN Day to be held on Sunday, September 13.1 encourage all of our members to make their reservations soon and wish the Chisholm ladies a great MN Day. I will be looking forward to seeing everyone there - have a nice summer, enjoy the company all of us seem to have at this time.
ADELINE MUSTONEN
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
We had a short meeting on April 12th at Holy Rosary Church Hall. Thank you to Helen Zuponcic who enrolled 11 members of her family in our branch. They are, daughters Cora Barr, Kathy Shaefer, son Martin’s wife, Rhonda and grandchildren, Alexei and Anitsa Barr, Jacob and Jordan Shaefer, Deja, Erin, John and Anton Zuponcic. Welcome to all of you and we will keep in touch through our ZARJA.
Congratulations to: Heather and B.J. Orazem who made their Confirmation; our grandson, Robert Orazem who made his First Holy Communion; high school graduate Melissa Turk from Mesabi East, Aurora and Heather Orazem (co-Valedictorian of her class) from East Central, Sandstone, MN; Brent and Cindy Kalar who were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Minnesota; Kristine Rabb who graduated from the College of St. Scholastica and majored in Behavioral Arts and Sciences.
Congratulations to our Spiritual Advisor, Fr. John Sustarsic who is celebrating his 40th Anniversary in the Priesthood.
Our sympathy and prayers are with Helen Zuponcic, Alice Silson and all the Bradach family in the loss of their brother, John.
Happy to know that Rose Voiovich and Dorothy M. Jamnick are recovering from their surgeries.
On May 3rd we attended Mass with our Mother of the Year, Helen Zuponcic and her family, then gathered at the Community Center for a social, a little wine, apple cider and Brunch. Pres. Holland presented Helen with a carnation corsage and Irene Odorizzi’s book, “Footsteps Through Time,” also a carnation boutonniere was presented to her husband.
All the Zuponcic family and Helen’s sister, Alice and husband, George, brother Henry and wife, Mabel, special friends, Michael and Marilyn Smith, along with several SWU members came to celebrate this special day with her.
Thank you to all the Zuponcic grandchildren and daughter, Veda, who entertained us with a beautiful “concert.” Anitsa and Erin played a piano duet, Alexei played a piano solo, Anton played the violin accompanied by his Aunt Veda and Gavriel played the cello accompanied by Veda, his mom. Gavriel will be studying the cello in Moscow next year. His Uncle Carl plays the cello and is happy to have another cellist in the family! Herman and Helen, you must be very proud of your talented family!
Each of Helen’s children paid her a beautiful tribute for being their special “Slovenian mom.” Some of their comments were: “We never knew what Campbell’s soup or Taystee Bread were, our soup and bread were always home made” - “Always be and do the best you can” - “Our family vacations were fun and educational.”
Special thanks to Joyce Zelesnikar
and all the ladies who prepared the delicious Brunch.
We had an interesting luncheon meeting at the Rustic Rock with Regional President, Jean Korsman on May 19th. Many issues were discussed and some of them were: ways to increase our membership, how each branch chooses and celebrates their Mother as Woman of the Year, and, having another Minnesota Heritage Day. Food for thought, ladies. National President, Tory Bobence gave a very good report of the annual Board of Directors’ Meeting. Dorothy Jam-nick, regional secretary, gave a brief report and will have more information by the next meeting. All SWU members are encouraged to attend these meetings - please try to come to the next one in the fall.
Next meeting is in August. Please watch for the date in the church bulletin. Plans will be made to attend Minn. Day in Chisholm.
Enjoy and safe and happy summer.
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN
Charter member, Johanna Bevka, died on Tuesday, May 19 and was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery on Friday, May 22. She was 92 years of age and had been a member of SWU Branch 38 for 62 years.
Johanna is survived by two sons, John Jr. and Frank (Jenene), both of Chisholm, and also six grandchildren nine great-grandchildren, 4 sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph’s Church, Chisholm was Father Frank Perkovich of Gilbert. Members of Branch 38 formed an honor guard for the recessional from the Church.
All of us extend sincere sympathy to the family of JOHANNA BEVKA.
President Charlotte Laurich presided over the April meeting which was held at St. Joseph’s Church hall. This meeting was very well-attended, for this the officers are very thankful.
We planned our next social, the Annual Mother’s Day get-together. (See following May report.)
As is the custom, Frances Zalec and Jo Zupancich visited the shut-ins of our branch and presented each with a red carnation to brighten up Mother’s Day for them.
For this meeting, Fran Zalec made a lovely Easter Bunny arrangement for
the coffee table. She crocheted pastel colored bunnies and after the lunch, members could take the bunnies home. Also, Frances made a tray full of flancate! The following members made Bars to go with coffee: Helen Segan, Lorraine Novak, Mary Nomberg, Olga Sartori, Ann Nusich, Jennie Briski, Charlotte Laurich.
We wished the following members happy April birthdays: Mary Mayry, Rosemary Benson, Fran Bizal, Charlotte Laurich, May me Gazvoda. On the lunch committee for May were: Fran Techar, Rose Faras, Norma Sal-vini.
After this meeting, Father Gerald La Patka showed slides which he had taken in Medjugorje in the early 1980’s. He met Wayne Weible who was a guest at St. Joseph’s not too long ago. Father showed some slides of Wayne surrounded by people who came from various countries to meet the visionaries at Medjugorje. Millions have climbed the mile-long, rocky, steep mountain since 1980.
Observing the slides and video gives one a new meaning to Easter. Thank you, Father, for your travelog.
*	* *
May meeting
Br. 38 members, about 30 of them, came to our May 6 meeting, all decked out in Spring hats or should I say “millinery”. Some bordered on the ridiculous, like mine, and others were gorgeous. No prizes were awarded because ALL deserved a blue ribbon! So names were drawn out of a “hat” and Fran Techar, Katherine Knuth, and Frances Zalec won! The lunch was served by Norma Salvini and Rose Faras, and it all seemed like a Spring Party!
But we accomplished a lot of State Convention business. We are the host branch on Sept. 13, 1992. Letters were sent out with a plea to all branches that they send money for their banquet tickets and all, by August 30. We guarantee you will be happy you came to Chisholm. Our aim is to keep our heritage alive, as Irene Odorizzi recommends, and a little bit of entertainment goes along with that. Our theme is: “Life is a song, so come sing along.” This was chosen because Slovenians are noted for their love of music.
Sunday, May 10, was Mother’s Day and our members attended the 7:30 a.m. Mass, after which we gathered to partake of a breakfast in
our Church Hall. On the previous day, Frances Zalec and Jo Zupancich delivered carnations to all shut-in members, which has been a custom of our branch for years.
We have learned that member Louise Puhek has been ill, and also Gert Zakrajšek injured her ankle and is home-bound. We wish them a speedy recovery.
The lunch committee for the June 3rd meeting were Katherine Knuth, Rosemary Benson and Rosemary Tanko. We hope many would attend as we will have reports from our Con- ' vention committees.
Happy belated birthday to Carmen Cardini who was bom in May. The travelling prize was won by Fran Techar, and the door prizes were won by Helen Segan and Fran Verant.
Branch 38 extends wishes to all for a happy, healthful, summer.
*	* *
Mother’s Day Breakfast
The Mother’s Day breakfast was very nice. We had only 27 members present, but these 27 enjoyed it so much that they voted to reserve the Social Hall for next year!
Father Stephen Solors was the Mass celebrant and he delivered a very thought provoking homily. (He would like to see us occupying the front pews every Sunday at 7:30 a.m.! That early?)
And, Rosemary Tanko, Rosemary Benson, and Rosemary Marino were great hostesses. We are trying to coin a trade name for the 3 Rosemarys! Anyway, you three are hired for next year’s breakfast!
Thanks to those who spoke about their deceased mothers; and to those who took part in the program.
Prize winners were: Helen Segan, Ann Arko and Angie Nelson.
Branch 38 officers say: Thanks for coming, everyone!
ANN NUSICH
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
Our April meeting was well attended. 23 came. A delicious lunch was served by Kathy Russ, Molly Glavan, Angie Kozjan and Genevieve Wenzel. Thanks to all who brought prizes for our money-making project.
Sad to report that we lost another long-time member, Rose Konyar who was 90 years old. We offer our sympathy to the family. Rudolph Jancar, husband of our Rose and Robert
45 AND STILL COUNTING!
Couples who celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversaries in 1991 in Lorain, Ohio had a special mass and celebration officiated by their pastor, Fr. Paul Krajnik, at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church. Afterwards there was a gala dinner. Planning the event were the ladies seen above, many of whom are our members of Br. 40, headed by Mary Gradišek, Jean Balog and Alice Rutar.
The 12 couples celebrating 45 years, and looking forward to their 50th, are: George and Jean (Žnidaršič) Balogh, Joe and Mary (Ralich) Zgonc, John and Agnes (Tomazine) Drstvensek, Joe and Florence (Turk) Kolbe, Dr. Frank and Mary (Pogachar) Gradišek, Gilbert and Ann (Simashkevich) Evanish, George and Mary (Mlach) Ferlic, Mike and Alice (DeBevec) Rutar, Tony and Elizabeth (Kragely) Zalar, Frank and Damiella (Škapin) Jere, Ludwig and Olga (Obreza) Matotek and Joe and Jeanette (Žnidaršič) Yankovich.
Congratulations to all.
Knezetic, husband of our Rose Kneze-tic also passed away recently. May God grant them eternal rest.
We received a letter from Olga Ancel stating that the enrollment for members was way down. She also asked us to donate to the Scholarship and Heritage fund which we did, $25 to each.
We wish a belated happy 46th wedding anniversary to Jean and George Balogh on May 30th. Jean has a birthday on the same day.
We received a letter from Evelyn Majercik with more information about the mini-convention to be held in Lorain on Oct. 11th, 1992.
Hoping more of our members will be coming to our meetings to help plan for the coming convention. Don’t forget our meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. July meeting will be on the 8th. Hope to see you there.
Have a safe summer.
*	* *
Mother of the Year dinner was a lovely affair. 28 came to the German Villa to pay tribute to our Kathy Russ. Our Pres, led us in prayer after which we were served a delicious meal.
Kathy’s aunt, Jean Balogh presented her with a corsage and a framed photo of Kathy taken last Easter.
Agatha recited our traditional prayer to all mothers and especially to our Kathy.
Kathy thanked us for bestowing the honor on her. She also thanked us for the gifts presented her. She, in turn, presented us each a bunch of impatience flowers to plant in our own gardens. God bless you, Kathy, and we hope you enjoy your reign.
Love,
MARY MATOS
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH
Our annual mass and dinner honoring all our Mothers was held on Tuesday, May 12, 1992. After the mass at St. Wenceslas, the members returned to the Slovenian National Home to a very delicious hot meal. The tables were beautiful, highlighted with handmade daffodil napkin holders made by Ann and Marge Zupančič along with live plants which were given as door prizes. The roast beef was cooked and donated by Katie Slapar of Willowick, Ohio. Katie is a sister of Mary Tome and a member of our Euclid lodge. We were honored to have Evelyn
Majercik as a guest. Ann Zupančič and her committee did themselves proud and we thank them for the excellent and well planned dinner.
We are sorry to report the loss of our member Mary Yemec on May 5, 1992. She had been in poor health for the last several months but we kept hoping she’d get well soon. Our sincere condolences to her daughter, Marge Church, sons Jack and Ed and their families. She was a charter member, past secretary, treasurer and president and attended all our meetings and functions. Her daughter Marge wishes to thank all the members and friends for sending their greetings and sympathy wishes to the family.
Plans are all complete for our bus trip on Tuesday,July 14, 1992 for an all day picnic for members and their husbands to be held at Ann and Marge Zupancic’s cottage at Pymatuming Lake in Espyville, Pa. This is a fun day and we’re all anxious to go.
Dan Offutt, son of Jean Offutt and grandson of Albina Mroczko was honored by being selected to the Who’s Who Among America’s High School students. Dan will be a senior at Trin-
ity High and he’s been active in basketball and football along with playing drums in the concert and marching bands. Congratulations Dan, and keep up the good work.
During the months of April and May, three of our members become great-grandmothers. Mitzi Champa and Donna Stubljer became greatgrandmothers of great-grandsons while Millie Lipnos became a great grandmother to a great-grandson and great granddaughter.
Mitzi and Lou Champa recently went to Las Vegas while Mary Fink went to Vermont to her granddaughter, Mary Jo’s graduation. Mary Tome, Anne Zupančič, Marie Vercek, Josie Gruden and Teresa Gorup went to Holland, Mich, to attend the Tulip Festival.
During the first week of April, Helen and Stan Prudic had as house guests, her first cousin Frank and June Zimsek from Nottingham, England. This was their first meeting.
Nikki Lerchbacher and Vida Shega are recuperating as well as Teresa Filips who had surgery recently. Helen Prudic’s husband was in the hospital but is now on the mend.
We’re happy to report that Edna Scot-ton is back to her job of nursing after having broken her ankle.
After 30 years as Club Manager of the Slovenian National Home in Maple Heights, Millie Lipnos is retiring. A retirement party will be held in her honor on July 26, 1992, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Slovenian Home. There will be food and dancing and a $5.00 admission charge. Everyone is invited and tickets can be obtained from officers of Lodge 42.
It is so wonderful that Slovenia finally received her recognition as a country. While all our relatives are happy, they probably are a little uneasy until the whole of Jugoslavia is settled and calm, which we pray will be soon. It must be a thrill to have their complete freedom after such a struggle.
We will not have meetings in July or August but plans are being made for the annual pilgrimage to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellvue, Ohio on Sept. 27. Cost is $17.50 per person which includes bus fare and dinner. Bishop Edward Pevec will celebrate the mass at noon. Please call Marge Church for reservations.
Our July birthday ladies are Josie Gruden, Ann Perko, Marge Patena, Jeannie Legan, Ellen Bodziony, Mary Catherine Gruden, Mae Danicic and Ann Keglovic. August birthday ladies are: Betty Ann Harr, Emily Gruden, Suzanne Gaines, Mary Louise Prhne, Frances J. Hočevar, Jane Szym-kowski, Mary Fink, Eleanor Charvat, Gabrielle Gruden, Anna Draganic, Marge Zupančič.
Please remember out shut-ins and have a nice summer.
DOROTHY MEHOSKY
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI
On April 26th the branch had a mass for the living and deceased members. We had a very good attendance both at Mass and breakfast. The April meeting was somewhat short in membership, due to Easter Holidays. Some were gone on visits to relatives, some forgot and some sick. A delicious brunch of lasagna was served with combination salad, potica and cheese pastry. If you were absent you missed a great luncheon. We have lunch at noon from now on, so please remember.
The Mother’s Day luncheon was then discussed to be held on Wed.
May 13 at noon at Eleanor’s. The mother to be honored was Josephine Janezic, who is also the author of “Pepca’s Struggle", a book worthy of the title.
The next event is the Card Party on Nov. 15th. Pick-up some door and raffle prizes and food for the food basket. Watch for sales! This is our only money-maker.
Congratulations to Mickey Cerar who took 4th Place in the Women’s First Round Bowling of the Week tourney. Tony Verbick, brother of Frances Widemsek and brother in law of Josie Verbick, was honored on March 22nd by the Slovenian Arts Council. Tony is greatly deserving of the Award of Merit. He is a great supporter of Slovenian activities. Congratulations, Tony and keep up the excellent work. Tony Verbick and Frank Bevsek are the owners of the Bevsek-Verbick Funeral Home.
Rose Zuponcic was in Minnesota visiting her sister. The Sterbenz’s are spending most of their time up North at their cottage. Eddie and Shirley Schulta spent a week in Las Vegas with a tour group. Shirley said she enjoyed it very much and that Eddie was feeling very well. They both needed a vacation from all the stress they have been thru.
We have several sick members, Ann Rebemisek, Helen Rudzinski, Stella Pousha, Mary Puzel and Mary Strazisher. Send them a card or say an extra prayer. We miss you, ladies, and get well soon. To all shut-ins a speedy recovery.
Congratulations to Eddie and Elsie Gallun on their 51st wedding anniversary on May 1st and hoping you have many more. Mary Ellen Schulta is engaged to Richard Enea; they are planning a wedding in October, 1992. Congratulations to Mary Ellen and Richard. Mary Ellen is the daughter of Eddie and Shirley Schulta and granddaughter of the late Ceil Groth.
To all June-July celebrants our best wishes and belated wish to all Fathers on June 21st!
R.K.
NO. 47, GARFIELD HTS., OH
On Sat. May 2 our Mother of the Year, Mary Kociancic was guest of honor at a luncheon at Quinn’s Restaurant in Solon. Mary’s family and her many many friends (42 in number) joined us at the Luncheon. President
Olga Dorchak presented our honoree with a corsage, a gift certificate plus little gifts from our members.
No meetings during the summer months. Best wishes and happy birthday April and May ladies namely: Esther Boncser, Rose Kočevar, Jennie Praznik, Katherine Gasparič, Eleanor Stražišar, Antoinette Janders, Delores Hrovat, Katherine Wallace. Congratulations to our junior members, Courtney Mundson, and Laura Bos-sard who received their first Holy Communion, to Annie Kemmerling honor student at St. Rita’s School. Craig Kemmerling, also an honor student graduating from Chamberlin High School in Twinsburg, to Mary and Casey Mundson grandparents to Tyler Andrew Mundson.
Mass for living and deceased members was on June 28. Josephine and Ben Godec from Carson City, Nevada send all our 47 members a Big Hello. Sick list: Vickie Hočevar convalescing at home after a short stay at the hospital. Julie Mezgec on the road to recovery after eye surgery. Rose Vatovec fell and broke her wrist. Val Mervar had surgery on her hand. Get well soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Condolences to Mary Ferfolia and family on the loss of sister, Dorothy Kastelic; to Antoinette Davies on the loss of brother, Frank Barlic, to Rose Kočevar on the loss of brother, Tony Zala. May they rest in peace.
Have a safe summer. Next meeting on Sept. 13, same place, same time.
MARY TAUCHER
History of Br. 47 correction: Mary and John Taucher will be celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary this year, not 60th as was stated on page
12	of the April, 1992 ZARJA.
NO. 50, CLEVELAND, OH
HAT #2! THIS JEWELED FUR HAT WAS PICKED BY THE CZAR FOR HIS LOVELY CZARINA! AFTER ALL, SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILDREN! NOTICE THE JEWELS ON THE HAT. THEY ARE INSURED FOR MILLIONS! WE HAVE A DETECTIVE IN THE HALLWAY AND HE
IS	WATCHING THE HAT. SO, LADIES, NO SAMPLES! YOU JUST MIGHT LAND IN THE MOSCOW JAIL! HAT DESIGNED BY FRANCESCA, ALIAS LILY DACHE!
ANNE TOMSICK IS BR. 50’S “QUEEN”!
A big surprise awaited Anne Tomsick at our Valentine’s Day (February) meeting! She was our “Queen” and the above photo shows how pretty she looked dressed up in the crown and cape, with a big red heart!
To make the surprise complete, her son, Joey came in playing his accordian during the festivities and husband, Ken, was there with his video camera. Sixty-four members enjoyed a party that Anne didn’t know anything about -just the opposite of our usual parties when Anne brings the home-made cake for birthday or anniversary celebrations! It was a very happy day for all of us!
A.T.
Such were the comments made as 20 ladies modeled many hats at the Br. 50 meeting in April. With each hat a different funny or comic story was told and.the acting superb.
Looks like I missed a jolly meeting while gambling in Junction City, Minn, and when in Boulder, Colo, at our son’s home. We also went to Central City, an old mining town that is now becoming a tourist attraction.
At our May meeting we had Jeff Laub speak on safety tips and alarm systems for our homes.
We acknowledge our 50 year members, namely, popular Josephine Trunk, Mollie Polunas from Chisholm, and Angela Pozelnik. Each received a corsage and cake baked and donated by our gracious member, Anne Tomsick.
Angie Shine, our Woman of the Year, enjoyed her reign at the party at Sterle’s.
Thanks to Jena Miller and Olga Samsa who represented our branch at the Mavec opportunity School’s Appreciation Dinner.
Tony and Irene Jagodnik celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on May 9th. Elroy and Mary Primuth (nee Klemenčič) - their 40th on May 30th. Congratulations and many more healthy years!
Notice: Our Bishop Pilla will have a mass on July 26th for all couples who have been married 50 years or more.
Slovenian Day was held at the 50 + club of Holy Cross Church. Ladies of Slovene descent helped chairlady Jo Smith, our Historian, have a good ethnic entertainment with crafts and artifacts, Slovenian Narodna Noša, Ruth’s Slovenian Doll, a 1910 circa wedding dress and demonstrations of bobbin lace was on the agenda. Slovenian food and music for dancing topped it off. It was a wonderful presentation. Our Pot Luck picnic will be on Sept. 23rd at 1 p.m. at the Euclid Park Clubhouse. See you there.
Mary Jo Rom, former treasurer, and husband, Peter moved into their brand new home in Twinsburg. Do hope you can leave it long enough to come visit us, Mary Jo. We miss you.
Travelers & Visitors: Evelyn and Michael Pipoly will visit their daughter, Sharon Roberts, our member, in Sunset Beach, N. Carolina. Evelyn hopes all your dues will be in by that time - if not, do it now! Address is 23330 Williams Ave., Euclid 44123. Don’t get suspended.
Victor and Millie Petrovec were visiting the west coast, namely, San Diego and its Zoo and northward to Hearst Castle. Great trip up the coast. Mary Maxin went to Jacksonville, FL to visit son, Andy and to help spoil two granddaughters. Vi Moravchek visited the North Sea of Northern England with friends who live there in Cleveland County. She took them a laser photo (a Mort Tucker print) of our Cleveland. She traveled to England, Scotland and Ireland, also.
Audry Miller, daughter of Jean, our new treasurer, was in Japan, Okinawa and Tokyo for three weeks and later to Hawaii. Hope to hear more of the fabulous visit and are glad to see her back.
Our sick members are Celia Bleckman, Frances Hrovat, Mary Hrovat, Stella Koporc, Mary Chesnik at Wickliffe Country Place, Molly Mauer at home, Fanny Kaltenbach, Molly Strange, Gertrude Laurich at 4 Gateway, Honey Vegal with daughter in St. Louis and hospitalized too, and Rose Zalneraitis. Cards, Prayers and calls are most welcome.
Sympathy to the families of Betty Novak - her husband, Anthony died and to Mary Petrovič whose husband, Louis died after a long illness. Our prayers for you and yours.
Don’t forget Sept. meeting on the 16th at 1 p.m. Pot Luck picnic is Sept. 23rd at Euclid Park Club house. No June or August ZARJA.
Have a beautiful and great summer. Remember, $1 plus your dues.
“Cooperation is doing with a smile what you have to do anyway!”
Keep Jumping!
“What is your secret of success?” a reporter asked the executive of a large corporation.
“There is no secret,” the executive replied. “You simply have to jump at your best opportunity.”
“But how can you tell which is your best opportunity?”
“You can’t,” the executive smiled. “That’s why you have to keep jumping.”
— The Roving Eye
VERA ŠEBENIK
Evelyn A. Majercik 31 Eldred Avenue Bedford, Ohio 44146
A Crafty Idea
I have received a simple pattern for a round, knitted, cotton dishcloth from Mary Bregant, Milwaukee, Wis. I have made other (square) ones, and I am anxious to put this one on the needles. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your idea.
Also, the Zupančič Sisters (Branch No. 42) make clever napkin rings for every occasion. These, too, are simple. The girls have made them in all color combinations, to suit whatever they are celebrating. The latest ones they used were made in yellow and white for their daffodil theme. They are cut from felt. No sewing, no gluing, no extra decorating. A real easy, but pretty, project.
If you would like both of the above patterns, please send $1.00 and a self-addressed stamped envelope to above address.
NO. 52, KITZVILLE, MN
April, 1992
Our first meeting for 1992 was called to order by President Rose Trombly. Meeting opened with a prayer, a moment of silence for our departed members since November 1991: Ann Roberts, Angela Hrvat, Jessie Bunetta, Gen Zidarich and Josephine Politano. Our sincere sympathy to their families. We miss them at our meetings.
Discussion on how to increase attendance at our meetings. We don’t meet January, February, March, June, July and August.
Meeting closed with a prayer.
Social hour followed. Door prize, Alice Baratto; Smear, Jennie Crea, Rose Trombly, Julia Mancuso and Alice Baratto, Marge Andrican, Theresa Montcalm. Hostesses: Theresa Montcalm, Alice Baratto and Millie Barbato.
May, 1992
Monthly meeting was called to order by Pres. Rose Trombly. Meeting opened with a prayer. Secretary Dorothy Russo absent. Millie Barbato pro-tem.
Letter from Lodge 38, Chisholm who will be hosting Minnesota Regional meeting 9-13-92. Church services, meeting and banquet will be held at St. Joseph Hall. Hope many lodges will attend.
Our congratulations to Dorothy and Martin Ban on their 50th anniversary hosted by their children. Dorothy is our 1992 Mother of the Year.
Letter from Irene Odorizzi that the Heritage Committee put together. Suggestions and ideas the lodges could use to raise funds, same time draw interest for increased attendance.
Sincere sympathy in the loss of her brother, Frank Jerulbe.
This report will be late, but we hope all Mothers had a nice day, May 10.
To all of you, enjoy the summer, gardening, class and family reunion, travel. Reminder, members of Lodge 52: no meeting till Sept. 2, 1992.
Meeting closed with the prayer followed by a social hour. Door prize, Rose Trombly; Smear, Millie Barbato, Dorothy Ban, Rose Trombly and Jennie Crea.
Hostesses were Anne Mansfield, Julia Mancuso and Dorothy Russo.
MILLIE BARBATO, Reporter
NO. 54, WARREN, OH
Our Mother-Daughter Luncheon was a lovely affair and we had a large group in attendance. We were overwhelmed! All our mothers were honored and entertainment was provided by Delores Di Pietro and her button-box accordion. We missed Elsie Per-sin, a very faithful member who was in the hospital, seriously ill. Hope you are better and will soon be up and about, Elsie.
Glad to see Helen Kohli from Geneva, Ohio who always comes to our Christmas and spring luncheons. She’s been to Texas and to Arizona to watch her beloved Cleveland Indians at spring practice. She also has a new grandson in Texas, Kevin James
Kohli. Vacationing in Colorado are Virginia Shine and husband, Al, visiting their daughter, Marsha and husband. In a few weeks my husband and
I	will be traveling to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales on a tour. Can’t wait!
Get well wishes to Margaret Lunder who has been hospitalized.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 56, HIBBING, MN
Meeting opened with prayers. Ann Satovich reported on Mother’s Day dinner which was to be held on May 12th; following which we were to come back to First Ave. Apt. for meeting and games.
Fran Toby reported on the mass for our deceased members. It will be held on Nov. 8, 1992 at Blessed Sacrament church, 10:30 a.m.
Motion was made by Milena Koehler and passed to reimburse Fran Tobey for the money gift given to Father. April birthdays were read by Elizabeth Spolar. Prayer concluded the meeting. Jackpot was won by Mary Martinich.
Since we were having the special dinner there were no hostesses to serve lunch after the meeting.
EDITH JONES Recording Secretary
NO. 57, NILES, OH
The April meeting had a very nice turnout of 16 members present. After a lovely lunch served to us by our hostesses Julie Sherlock and Marge Mollica we held our meeting.
Plans for the Mothers Day Luncheon on May 12th were completed. Mimi Sherkman made crocheted rabbits for all our members which we enjoyed very much and we thank her.
Birthdays celebrated in April were Mary Opalka who celebrated her 90th with family and friends at a lovely restaurant and also brought cupcakes to all our members at the meeting. May she enjoy many more active years" as she really is very active with us. Also, Viola Logar, Esther Gaydos and John Logar.
To all our sick, we wish a speedy recovery and hopes to see them soon. Meeting ended with prayer and we spent an afternoon playing games and socializing. Take care and may God bless you all until we meet again.
FRANCES STANEC
DEARLY DEPARTED
1 - Mary Udovich (80)
41-yr member
2 - Sophie Petrovič (83)
54-yr member
8 - Johanna Lipak (92) 56-yr member
10 - Jennie Batich (89) 58-yr member
Mary Strancar (90)
53-yr member
12 - Julia Nuetzel (93)
45-yr member
13 - Vica Cukrov (101)
54-yr member
17 - Mary Benesch (99) 60-yr member
19 - Antoinette Brince (85)
63-yr member
20 - Mary Rudman (85)
46-yr member
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH
We arrived home on May 6th, and everyday since that time has been filled with a variety of activities. To list them all would make me tired all over again — so I will just say “It’s good to be home.”
Lots of news to report, and it is so much easier to write a column when information is available.
GRADUATIONS: Although we are sure there are many others involved in graduation ceremonies, two that have been called to our attention will acknowledged. Leslie Dusek, daughter of our secretary Gloria (and husband, Tim) will graduate from Bedford High School. Leslie will continue her education at the University of Toledo and work toward a degree in pharmacology. Our best wishes to you, Leslie. We will miss you at the activities you usually attend, but we will know that you are studying hard. At the other end of the spectrum, our congratulations to T.J. Majercik who will leave the confines of kindergarten at St. Monica’s and proceed to high education in the first grade.
SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS: To Tracey Ann Epley who received her First Communion at St.
REST IN PEACE
23 - Ann Marie Skradski (78)
31-yr member
24 - Barbara Cass (86)
51 -yr member
25 - Josephine Zupančič (77)
32-yr member
26 - Amelia Zunic (75)
14-yr member
40 - Annette Gulich (84) 54-yr member
Rose Konyar (91)
52-yr member
91 - Josephine Kobal (87)
54-yr member
93 - Mary Penko (88)
55-yr member
95 - Margaret Innis (79)
31-yr member
101 - Dorothy Kastellic (71)
33-yr member
Wenceslaus Church. Gramma and Grandpa Klotz came all the way from South Carolina to be part of the celebration, and Gramma Alouise was there, too. We are sure it was a beautiful day for everyone.
We likewise congratulate Margarina and Larry Franchini on the arrival of their first grandchild, a beautiful baby girl, Christina. Have you signed her as a member yet? Our best wishes to the parents and grandparents.
GET WELL WISHES: Emily Heidtman, our faithful social member, spent some time in the hospital undergoing dialysis. This will be a monthly ordeal from here on and we want Emily to know that our prayers and best wishes are always with her. We also hope Virginia Nemeth is feeling better as she reads our get well wishes.
Our president, Kay Yuratovac and husband Pete, traveled to California to visit her sister, Mary. We hope they hdd a pleasant trip. For all of you that will be starting on your summer vacations, we wish you a safe journey wherever your travels take you.
OUR SYMPATHIES: It is always difficult to put into proper words how we feel about losing a friend. Branch No. 73 truly did lose a friend when
Edward Goga, husband of our longtime member Sophie, passed away. Gogas had been married for fifty-eight years, Ed was 86 years old at the time of his death. Sophie took her daily chore of caring for Ed with so much compassion and understanding, always feeling sorry for him. We all admired her for her strength and courage throughout the several years Ed was ill. Now, we give you our prayers. We hope that you will be back among us shortly. We have missed you, Sophie. Within the year, there have been three deaths in the family circle. Surely, there has to be good things ahead for all of you.
Branch No. 73 also expresses it’s sympathy to Marge Church on the recent death of her mother, Mary Yemec. Mother and daughter were members of No. 42, and Marge gave so much of her time to the convention. Accept our prayers, they are for you as well as for your Mom. And, to Branch No. 10 on the loss of their president, Dorothy Zagar. We wish we could have gotten to know her better. Our prayers are with you.
Plans for our summer get together are very incomplete at this writing. We will let you know if we will have a cookout, where it will be and what to bring. In the meantime, keep in touch with us. We will disband for the summer — that does not mean that we are out-of-town, that our phones are disconnected, or that we are not answering the door. If you need us, we are here for you. If you travel, a postcard would be most welcome. We do love hearing from you, no matter what distance separates us.
Take care, have a happy, healthy, safe summer.
Respectfully submitted,
EVELYN MAJERCIK
NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WA
We held our Mother of the Year celebration on May 3rd at John V’s Restaurant in Kent. (The owner, John Vukas, came to the Northwest from Croatia and has another eating spot in Tacoma.) What a good turn out to honor our Mother of the Year, Toni Kitna! Toni was her gracious self while being interviewed by Dorothy Sleigh as the highlight of the program. Her family, including husband, Bob and twin sons, Mark and Marty were all in attendance. Since that same date was the birthday of our secretary-
Mother of the Year with her Family
Toni Kitna with husband, Bob and twin sons, Marty and Mark at the celebration of her day with members of Branch No. 79 - Enumclaw, Washington.
treasurer, AnnaMae Anderson, we surprised her with a cake and, of course, song. We all enjoyed the pleasant afternoon. Also, so good to have Anna Lokovšek Faulk, our remaining charter member, present. She’s doing fine following serious surgery.
We’re attempting to set up a summer picnic at Kanasket State Park (a truly beautiful area 4 miles beyond Cumberland) with SNPJ No. 738. Further information as plans are finalized.
Several of our members are already talking about hopefully attending the '95 convention in San Francisco.
Have a good summer, S.W.U.ers!
MARY BRATOVICH
NO. 85, DEPUE, IL
The trees are all in blossom and hopefully our warm weather is here to stay.
Several of our members have been a little “under the weather” recently, Millie Lavrin wasn’t feeling well and Mary Kuhar was in the hospital. We are glad to report both of these lovely ladies are feeling better now. These “gals” are always so good about attending meetings and helping out when needed. Millie Lavrin is retired but worked for years in a nursing home and did so much good for the patients. Mary Kuhar had catered weddings, worked at the Legion home, and served on the bereavement committee at our church. I know she has helped our family at different times and as I told her one time “Mary, you have been with us in our joys and in our sorrows, always helping out for which we are truly grateful.”
Mary and A1 Planton have returned home after spending several months in Arizona. We are happy to have them back.
What a lovely cover on the May-June ZARJA. I kept admiring the picture and finally checked to see if it told anything about it. I read where Evelyn Majercik had submitted her late daughter Mary Majercik Lax’s picture to Mary Grozdanik and she painted this beautiful portrait of Mary in ethnic costume. What a wonderful memory Evelyn has of her daughter. It is certainly a beautiful picture. To Mary Grozdanik, what a wonderful talent to be able to do something like this. This is truly a wonderful gift to all of us.
S.W.U. Convention in Ohio. What fun we had.
We had some outstanding graduates in May and we are very proud of them.
Melissa Benkse, granddaughter of Mary Benkse, graduated as Valedictorian and won several scholarships and awards. She was a cheerleader, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, student government president, homecoming queen, plus other honors.
Christian Bryant, grandson of Caroline and John Widmar graduated from Hall High School. He, too, was an excellent student and excelled in sports - basketball, football, track and baseball.
Joshua Kimble, grandson of Gen. Grilc and Jana Barto, daughter of Jackie and Joe Barto and granddaughter of Connie and Frank Benkse graduated from the 8th grade. They, too, are fine students and I am sure they will do well in the future.
Congratulations to these fine young people and the best of luck in the future.
With summer coming upon us, everyone stay cool and keep well.
God bless.
MARY JERMENC
NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL
Our April 13th meeting was well-at-tended. Mother-Daughter Buffet Luncheon was on May 11th at the Maples Club and members were encouraged to bring guests.
At this writing, Barbara Sitar and Angie Nico are convalescing after orthopedic knee surgery. Our prayers
with them. Josie Argubright and Helen Komater are to be commended for their many visits to the hospital and nursing homes to visit our sick and shut-ins who need cheering up. Catherine Golick, our auditor, was scheduled for eye surgery in May. Best of luck, Catherine.
Josie and Catherine were celebrating their birthdays in May. Happy returns of the day to them!
A letter was received from Mary Ann Samuelson who lives in Freeport, IL. She is quite busy and interested in many projects. By the sound of her letter, she does fund-raising for various charities. Lots of luck to you, Mary Ann, in your work which I’m certain hasn’t gone unnoticed. It was very nice hearing from you. The ladies were all happy when the letter was read. Mary Ann is still a member of Br. 89. Keep in touch. We all send you the best, Mary Ann.
Hope that everyone has a wonderful summer. Respectfully submitted,
EUNICE KOMATER
NO. 92, GUNNISON, CO
Six members and one guest, June Krizmanich met at my home for a regular meeting. Betty Stefanic led our group in the absence of our president. Minutes and correspondence were read along with the treasurer’s report. Rita Bartelli was instructed to add another dollar to our dues per year.
Mother’s Day plans were made to honor Kathy Adamic as our Mother of the Year. The dinner was then held on May 3.
Margaret Malenšek is in Grand
Remember BARAGA DAYS celebrated over Labor Day, Sept. 4-7, 1992 in Marquette, Ml, Baraga’s pastoral center.
I
Junction with her husband, Rudy who has had hip surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery and we miss Margaret at our meetings.
We are happy to welcome Frances Guerrieri and Gaspar who have returned from their winter’s stay in warmer climates.
The mystery box was won by Kathy Adamich. Sally Duck donated it this month. High and low prizes went to Betty, Rita, Sally and June. We enjoyed June’s company - she moved to Gunnison this past year and is once again my neighbor.
Betty and her husband, John and son J.J. spent the spring break in Las Vegas.
Kathy Adamich is recovering from the affects of an automobile accident and the recent loss of her grandmother. On the happy side she is looking forward to the high school graduation of her two children.
Margaret Depew is still in California. We miss her and hope to see her soon.
April meeting was at the home of Kathy Adamich.
FRANCES SOMRAK
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL
A toast to the beginning of summer and to absent members was given at our May meeting.
Pizza and wine - plus other goodies, were served by hostesses Lottie Brkljacic, Frances Benkovich, Eleanor Bandera, Marge Krmpotic and Ann Cikulin.
Evelyn Driscoll did a beautiful job
with table decorations.
In the absence of president, Millie James, Ann Yosue presided over the meeting with her special panache! Millie was out of town visiting relatives.
Warm greetings were extended to Marge Simunich on her presence following illness.
Member Ann Starcevich is doing well after serious heart surgery.
Also on the sick list was Helen Alb.
Split-the-Pot was won by Marge Simunich and Lottie Brkljacich.
Other winners were: Helen Jerbic, Helen Price, Mary A. Perkovich, Frances Benkovich, Evelyn Driscoll, Charlotte Fryza, Olga Krmpotic, Helen Santy, Anne Cavlovich, Helen Ciechomski, and Dolores Hennelly.
MARIE MARAS
NO. 100, FONTANA, CA
Here it is, summer already. It’s hard to believe half the year is gone already. Our Branch has had a busy spring. On April 12, we sponsored a “Palachinka” breakfast. We had a real nice attendance, and everyone enjoyed the delicious palachinke.
We also had a Cakewalk as a fund raiser. Thanks to all the members who donated cakes and other specialties. We also had a basket full of goodies which we raffled off. Thanks to all who donated items toward the basket. Since most of the items were donated, we were able to raise more money. Last but not least, thanks to the cooks, headed by Frank and Mary Lou Vidergar. Thanks also to the waitresses and ticket takers. I can’t name everyone who helped, but you all know your efforts are appreciated.
The corporate communion was on April 26 at St. George Church in Fontana. After church, the members met at Marie Callendars in Fontana for a brunch. It was nice to see some of the members who are unable to attend our meetings, since they are held in the
evenings, and some of our members have a distance to travel.
On May 5, we honored our Mother of the Year, Jan Eckert, at a dinner held at the Bon Apetito Restaurant in San Bernardino. Jan’s husband Ron, daughter Rhonda, and grandson Sam, were there to celebrate with her. I enjoyed meeting Jan’s daughter, Rhonda, as I had not known her previously. Jan was presented a corsage by our Branch President, Ann Kapel. Everyone had a good time.
Our latest fundraiser was on May 24, when members of branch 100 sold cold pop during intermission of the Far West Button Box Concert, Contest, Jamboree held at the Fontana Performing Arts Center. The event was sponsored by the Fontana Slovene Button Accordion Club, which gave Branch 100 the opportunity to sell the refreshments as a fund raiser. All of our Slovene groups in this area work well together. This was especially apparent after Slovenija declared its independence, and all of our groups worked together toward our goal of having the United States recognize Slovenija as an independent nation. This has finally occurred after many months. It is wonderful to see the beautiful Slovenian flag and hear the Slovenian anthem.
Our June meeting was planned for Jan Eckert’s home on June 4. We hoped to see many members at our meetings. These are held at different members’ homes, followed by refreshments, and sometimes with special cooking lessons, so come join us.
LINDA COSTELL, Reporter
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Sunshine! How very welcome, after weeks of dreary, cold, wet weather (This was written in April!)
The 99th birthday of my mother, Anna Volovsek, was celebrated on Easter Sunday afternoon at the Neil-
AMERICAN
SLOVENIAN
CATHOLIC
UNION
LIFE INSURANCE FOR THE FAMILY
HOME OFFICE: 243 J GLEN WOOD AVENUE • JOLIET, IL 60435 (815) 741-2001
lesville Memorial Nursing Home where she has resided for the past 5 years. About 50 family members, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren attended, plus a few friends from the Home. A delicious birthday cake was made by daughter-in-law Bernice Volovsek. Easter snacks, including potica, were served along with traditional cake and ice cream.
Holy Family Church in Willard now displays a lovely painting of the Holy Family by artist Tomaž Perko of Cerknica, Slovenia. This was accomplished through the efforts of Vitko Staut who felt that a tribute to the Willard Slovenian pioneers would be appropriate. We are proud that their homeland of Slovenia is now an independent country, after over a thousand years of suppression. A dedication and blessing will take place at a later date, when the inscriptions are completed. A sincere thanks to the dedicated parishioners who donated towards this project.
Frieda Klancher vacationed with her daughter and family, the Pat Plautzs, in North Carolina over the Easter holidays. Several of the “snowbirds” have returned from warmer climates.
Again on a sad note, John F. Trun-kel, husband of our good member, Sophie and grandfather of our organist, Chris, passed away on March 31st. He was also a brother-in-law of John Snedic, who passed away within a week. To both families, our sincerest condolences, especially to Sophie who tenderly cared for John during his years of illness.
Our best wishes for continued recovery to La Verne Laib and Frieda Klapatauskas and to Anna Lesar who is receiving therapy at the Marshfield Hospital.
Sincerest wishes to our editor, Corinne Leskovar, who has done a superb job with our wonderful ZARJA for the past 40 years. The many articles about Slovenia are very informative and it is interesting to read how other branches are progressing through the years. Everything considered, we know it takes a lot of effort to compile such a magazine and we give Corinne much deserved credit for this. Let’s give her our best cooperation and may she enjoy many more years of good health to continue this project. Congratulations, Corinne! (I don’t know what to say, Mary, but thanks for your thoughtfulness! CL) MARY STAUT, Reporter
99th Birthday of Anna Volovsek Charter Member of Br. 102, Willard, Wl
On this picture of 99 year “young” Anna Volovsek, we see the younger members of her happy family, as they gathered to help her celebrate on Easter Sunday, April 19th, 1992. Here are nine of her 42 grandchildren and 10 of her 88 great grandchildren! Anna is the mother of 12 children, among them is Mary Staut, our reporter of Br. 102 who writes about this auspicious occasion in her article this month.
Our heartfelt wishes as we anticipate the next happy birthday, her 100th!
TO OUR DETROIT MEMBERS: Thank You!
Please accept the sincere gratitude of the Tominc family for your generosity to them at the time of their son, Peter’s surgery. Your donations enabled us to pay for the cost of their lodging and all incidental expenses during their stay.
The Tominc family arrived here on March 28th and after several tests, Peter was operated on successfully on April 2nd by Doctor Ian Jackson of the Craniofacial Institute in Southfield, MI. As a matter of information, Dr. Jackson charged absolutely nothing for this surgery and is world-renowned for his skill.
There was a large, non-cancerous growth tumor growing over Peter’s left eye which caused the eye to remain closed. After five hours of surgery, the tumor was removed and Peter’s eye socket was reconstructed. It will be six months to a year before the doctors in Slovenia will know just how much sight there will be in Peter’s eye. The tumor which was removed had begun to press on the brain and without this surgery, Peter eventually would have died.
The Tominc family will be returning to Slovenia in the near future where Peter will complete his recuperation.
A special thank you to all of the Detroit area Slovenians who offered their services as interpretors/translators while they were here. Many weren’t too sure they would be able to help but they gave it their best shot. This was especially important since the Tominc family speaks no English.
Our gratitude and special thanks to our Editor, Corinne Leskovar, who gave us the name of a wonderful Slovenian speaking doctor, Dr. Aleš Obrez, of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, who rearranged his schedule to spend what could have been a very stressful time with the Tominc family, explaining all the procedures necessary before the operation could be performed.
Last, but certainly not least, a sincere thank you to all of you for once again proving that the Slovenians and their friends are the most generous and warm-hearted people I know.
Patricia Adamic
Secretary/Treasurer Branch 105, Detroit, MI
HISTORY OF OUR CULTURE
Dear readers and friends:
“Zarja”, in the future, will print a series on Slovenian literature, culture, history and information about Slovenia’s constituent regions. You will learn how and from whom the Slovenian language has been developed. Besides, you will recognize what difficulties influenced the vibrant pace of literature’s growth in ancient times.
We will start with the oldest style of writing, with the first Slovenian letters. The first authors will be mentioned as well, together with thier accomplishments that then developed into the quality internationally recognized. Some of those have been translated into modem European languages. So, we will try to show our due thanks to our laudable forerunners; we feel that a great deal of trust and love for their motherland, Slovenia, propelled their exertion. In appreciation to our “old country”, children from every oncoming generation are expected to do wonderful things for her. Slovenia, thus will be unique in her culture, in the character of her creators, and respected in other cultures and societies.
In these representations we will be supported by some mediators in this field. Max Milanez is one of those who lectures regularly for the Slovenian Cultural Club of Chicago; among the translators is Ann-Marie Gorenc, a young Slovenian-American student. We hope this series will inform and inspire all our readers, and enhance both their pride and affinity for our native land.
OUR OLDEST MEMORIALS
The first written Slovenian words were discovered in Brižinj (Bavarian city Freising, South Germany) in 1803, to be called “Brižinj’s Memorials.’’Theirreligious contents consist of Common Prayers, Confessions and “Homily of Penance and Sin.” Others include some Christian Doctrines, The Last Judgement and the history of Martyrs and Saints. Later on in 1300, more written memorials were found in Rateče within Gorenjska (a Slovenian region). As they are being kept in the city of Celovec (Carinthia, Koroška), these plaques sometimes are called the Celovian writings. Beyond a doubt, some German priest wrote them
Example of Greek (GRŠKO) Lettering
- without any foreign inclusions or dialect... Of the same importance are the “Stiški writings” (according to the township Stična - Dolenjska) which are deposited in Ljubljana since 1430. Their substance is similar to those of Brižinj except for one addition, the Holy-Mary prayer. Some other models followed in Stara Gora, Škofja Loka, a.s.o. with religious - and also with non-religious tenors; so, the purpose of written messages gradually became more universal (secular); some of them with political meaning.
THE MIDDLE AGES
After these - mostly religious-expressions, more and more secular topics were included, because of their vital importance; such as handicraft, trade, industry, schooling, military. However, the art of writing was not developed yet; so, messages were forwarded orally. Different people from different countries came into contact and nobody was able yet to register the innumerable events. Many tales -the likely and unlikely ones - appeared and remain unrecorded; the ability to read and write lagged tremendously. The most proficient and only wealthy individuals with a special impulse and courage could afford training in literacy. Verbal communication - by word of mouth - was the only way of coordination among the people at that time. Special messengers, horsemen, soldiers and (commercial) travelers were hired to transmit reports, news, letters, words.
The detrimental effect of illiteracy is quite visible -owing to that conservative tradition - on trade, industry and general progress.
Besides the lack of means, other circumstances hampered intellectual development: there was no standard lettering established! Different inspirators ahd different ideas about the writing symbols (letters), also about the grammar, style, rules, printing. Years and decades passed before a steady agreement was reached. Three dominant types were used at that time in western civilization: The Greek, Gothic and Latin, plus Cyrilic among the Slavic people where for centuries also the unhandy, complicated Glagolitic letters were in usage.
Let us see the examples of those pictographs:
jVlnin} ift Outcnbcrgs $>rinint ^ .iVMins nr iMimiiuTjjš Ocim.it lfnnm= ift iSutritbrrrtG Ujriiti.it
Example of Gothic (GOTSKO) Lettering
O RAZVOJU NASE OMIKE
Dragi bralci prijatelji:
“Zarja" bo v prihodnje objavljala članke iz slovenske literature, ter iz zgodovine in gospodarstva posameznih pokrajin Slovenije. Zvedeli boste, kako se je razvijala naša pismenost skozi stoletja in kdo je k temu prispeval. Istočasno bomo opisali težave, ki so tiste čase ovirale kulturni razvoj v stari domovini.
Začeli bomo z najstarejšim napisi. Videli boste črke ki so se takrat uporabljale za pisavo. Omenili bomo prve pisatelje in njihova dela; med njimi tista, ki so dosegla svetovni sloves. Nekatera so bila prevedena v tuje jezike. Na ta način bomo pokazali hvaležnost in izrekli slavo našim zaslužnim prednikom; saj čutimo vsi, da jih je krepila nenehna vdanost in ljubezen do domovine, ko so se borili za njen napredek in ugled. Vse generacije jim bodo hvaležne za velika dela. Lahko bomo rekli, da ima Slovenija (in tudi njeni ustvarjalci) posebne značilnosti in da je ugledna med drugimi narodi.
V	teh naših predstavah nas bodo podpirali izkušeni posredniki; med njimi Maks Milanez, ki je eden izmed tistih, ki skrbijo za nedeljske Kulturne Ure pri sv. Štefanu. [Med prevajalci pa bo mlada slovensko-ameriška študentka Ana-Marija Gorenc].
Upamo, da se vam bodo naše razlage prilegale in da vas bodo navdahnile s ponosom in s čutom tesnejšega pripadništva svoji stari domovini.
NAŠI NAJSTAREJŠI SPOMENIKI
Prve pisane slovenske besede so našli leta 1803 v/ bavarskem mestecu Freising (Brižinj - Južna Nemčiji) in jih imenovali “Brižinski spomeniki." Nastali so okrog leta 1000. Besedilo je versko vsebine in obsega Tri dele:
Glaqolilca		0 !	t ime
		o 1	
obla	Oglata	N	
»4»	.r.	a	43X
ti	li*	b	r.OVIC/RMI
• It	1111	v	ii-h.vw
X,	'Ai	g	iMJrorti*
<ib	m«	d	: Aor.p'h
0	:»	0,0	ter/
.«>	irti	ž	;kiik'I<th
	a;	3 Cl-T'	»•Imo
0	On	z	Jf.llAII
'tf.T	'H1 'V	i. i	IIJKt
H	'A	•' i	MO
<\?	111'	0	
;•	J,	i k	It JKO
.0»	lili	1	AIOAM
Example of Glagolic (GLAGOLSKO) Lettering
Prvi del je splošna spoved, ki so jo takrat skupno molili v cerkvi. Drugi del je Pridiga o grehu in pokori ki jo je govoril duhovnik zbranemu ljudstvu. Tretji je spet obrazec splošne spovedi.
Drugi rokopisi vključujejo neke krščanske Resnice, pa tudi Poslednjo sodbo in še zgodovino Mučencev in Svetnikov.
Pozneje, okrog 1. 1300 so našli podobne spomenike v Ratečah na Gorenjskem. Ker so shranjeni i/ Celovcu, jim pravimo tudi "Celovški rokopisi". Nedvomno jih je pisal neki nemški duhovnik, saj nimajo nič ponarejenih besed, niti nobenega pokrajinskega narečja.
Prav tako važni so “stiški rokopisi" iz Stične na Dolenjskem ki se od leta 1430 nahajajo v Ljubljani. Vsebina je verska, kot pri Brižinskih, dodana pa je molitev "Čaščena Kraljica".
Sledilo je še nekoliko takšnih spomenikov slovenske pismenosti in sicer v Stari Gori (pri Čedadu), ter v Škofiji Loki, kjer prvič vidimo izpisane slovenske mesece. Še kasneje najdemo v takih spomenikih tudi posvetno vsebino, n.pr. slovenski pozdrav gospem: “Bog vas primi. .."pa tudi bodrilo kmečkim upornikom: “Le vkup, le vkup, uboga gmajna!”
SREDNJE OBDOBJE
Cerkvenim rokopisom se je sčasoma pridružilo več in več posvetnih vsebin, ker so bile življenjsko pomembne, saj so služile za obrtništvo, trgovino, industrijo, šolstvo, vojaštvo in t.n... Toda pismenost še takrat ni bila dovolj razvita, zato so se poročila prenašala ustmeno. Iz raznih dežel so se srečevali ljudje ob potovanju, kupčevanju in ob neštetih drugih priložnostih. Dogodki so se ustmeno opisovali, po spominu, od ust do ust, v zgodbah - bolj ali manj verjetnih - in je to bil edini način občevanja med ljudmi. Za važnejša sporočila so se najemali posebni poročevalci, sli, konjeniki, vojaki, trgovski potniki, ki so prenašali zaupnejša poročila, pisma besedila, ukaze itn.
Lahko sklepamo, da je takšna nepismenost hudo škod avala splošnemu razvoju; saj je vsako informiranje bilo prepočasno in nezanesljivo, tako v trgovanju, kot tudi v industriji in gospodarstvu nasploh.
Razen pomanjkanja sredstev za hitrejši napredek (saj so si mogli privoščiti šolanje samo najbogatejši in najodločnejši posamezniki), so ovirale tudi razvojne motnje med izobraženci, ker še ni bilo niti določenih črk za pisanje. Različna so bila mnenja glede potrebnih črk, simbolov, znamenj, slovnice, stila tiska itn. Zato je poteklo mnogo let, preden so se zedinili v pisavi in v tiskanju. Imeli smo različne abecede, kot na primer grško, gotsko in glagolsko pisavo, pri čemer so se slovanski narodi najbolj oprijemali glagolskih črk (zlasti za cerkveno uporabo), čeprav je bila prav nerodna in zapletena.
Poglejmo si ta črkopisja, kakršna so takrat veljala ■+—	y naši deželi in pri sosedih.
SEDEMDESET LETNICA v ICE ZEBOT
Eno od posrečenih daril je bil vse kakor denarni zvitek (nerazrezani bankovci)
Št. 103, Washington, D.C.
Veliko pomembnih in častitljevih obletnic gotovo preidemo, toda Ičina je bila skrbno organizirana po zaslugah njenih dveh hčerk, ki obe živita v nepos-rednji bližini svoje mame v predmestju Washingtona.
Cel Teden pred napovedanim praznovanjem je deževalo. 24. aprila, pa se je pozno popoldne nebo zjasnilo. Slovenec bi na to gotovo pritrdil: “Bog ima pa Ičo rad."
Iča se je rodila prvega maja pred sedemdesetimi leti v Ljubljani. Pozneje ji je mama večkrat povedala, kako je tisti dan po Ljubljani igrala mestna godba, kar je že takoj takrat dalo mami misliti: “To bo pa vesel otrok."
Ičo poznam okrog trideset let. Ona je tudi ena od tistih Slovenk v Washingtonu, ki smo vedele druga za drugo, da smo se lahko združile v podružnico SZZ v ameriški prestolnici. Njen značaj je veder v trdnem slovenskem zakoreninjenem duhu. Vedno je prijazna, nasmejana in dinamična ženska. Največkrat se ji mudi, ker jo že neko drugo delo priganja. Malokdaj se z njo govori po telefonu, da nebi ona na hitro prenehala pogovor, ker jo že zopet nekdo pred glavnimi vrati kliče. V prostem času zelo rada čita, toda vsled slabega vida in operacije na očeh lahko čita samo še pisano v večjem tisku. Pri naši podružnici je vedno pripravljena pomagati in to pri delu ali pa z idejami. Nobeno delo ji ni preveliko. Dobro se spominjam, kako smo se v Žebotovi hiši zbrale Slovenke naše podružnice z namenom kako resno sprožiti začetno delo za gradnjo slovenske kapele v Narodnem svetišču v Washingtonu. Pravtako smo v njenem domu slišale predavanje mojega moža o slovenskih imenih na zemljevidu Amerike.
Naša jubilantka se je poročila v Ljubljani z znanim Slovencem profesorjem Cirilom Žebotom, ki je vsak prosti čas v svojem zrelem življenju posvetil na delu za neodvisno in samostojno Slovenijo. Vse to svoje plodovito delo z mnogimi drugimi Slovenci, profesor Žebot sedaj nadaljuje pri Bogu v večnosti, kamor se je preselil pred dobrimi tremi leti.
V Žebotovem zakonu so se rodili štirje otroci. Najstarejši sin Franček v Ljubljani. Sedaj je advokat v Detroitu, poročen z dvema otrokoma. Hčerka Meta se je že rodila v begunstvu v Italiji. Tudi ona je poročena. Njen starejši sin končuje višje študije in hčerka undergraduate, oba pa sta na Georgetown univerzi. Meta je zaposlena pri Svetovni banki v Washingtonu. Iz Italije je usoda družino Žebot pripeljala na ameriški kontinent v mesto Pittsburgh, kjer se je pričela profesorska kariera za Ičinega moža na Duquesne univerzi. Tu se je družini pridružil še sin Saj, ki sedaj z družino (tremi otroci) živi v državi Louisiana. In hčerka Mana, pri kateri smo slavili Ičino sedemdesetletnico. Mana in Matthew McNeill imata dva majhna otroka: Andrew in Ivano. Ta dva, najmlajša, še posebno razveseljujeta Ičo.
Iz Pittsburgha so se pred mnogimi leti Žebotovi preselili v Washington, kjer je bil Ičin mož vse do svoje upokojitve profesor ekonomskih ved na Georgetown univerzi.
Za zakluček naj ob tej jubilejni obletnici navedem lepo misel, katera je bila podana slavljenki na čast. “Ni bilo lahko preko težav v vojnih časih, tudi ne preko tragedij povojnih grozodejstev. Pravtako ne preko vseh težkih vživljanj v tujem emigrantskem svetu in ustvarjanju družin v novi domovini. Prav vse do svojega zasluženega pokoja ni bilo lahko.
Samo materina močna vera, vstrajnost pri otroški vzgoji in nesebična požrtvovalnost zakoncev pripelje družino do podarjenih božjih dobrin, ki so prvenstvene v zdravih in zadovoljnih mlajših rodovih. Vse to se pri Žebotovih nazorno vidi."
V imenu vseh članic naše podružnice želim: “ŠE NA MNOGA ZDRAVA LETA”.
Nika B. Kovačič
1		mggm
y	iT f	/ I/ H A 1
Iča z nekaterimi gosti ob slovesnem praznovanju svoje 70. letnice
mŠfl SLOUENSKfl DEDI5ČIMR
Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki
FRANC JAKLIČ
—	Nadaljevanje —
SLOVO OD VELIKE REKE V SAINT CLAIRU
(1835)
Indijansko ozemlje je bilo skoraj prazno. Tam, kjer zdaj živi in pridno dela na deset in deset milijonov ljudi, je v Baragovem času živelo le nekaj deset tisoč Indijancev, ki so bili ali že stalno naseljeni, ali so se pa še potikali po gozdovih za divjačino. — Prebivalci Združenih držav so bili po veliki večini kmetje. Zanje in za kmetiške množice, ki so se priseljavale iz Evrope, je bilo zemlje kmalu premalo. Bog je ustvaril zemljo za uporabo ljudem. Zato ni bilo nič napačnega, da so Združene države hotele velikanske, skoraj prazne indijanske dežele poseliti z delavnim ljudstvom.
Treba je pa bilo poskrbeti tudi za dotedanje lastnike, Indijance. Kar jih je bilo stalno naseljenih in so obdelovali zemljo, so imeli lastninsko pravico do nje. Kar jih je živelo od lova, pa niso imeli te pravice. Celotni rod ali posamezna soseska je imela izključno pravico kvečjemu do lova na določenih loviščih.
Združene države so kupovale pravico do indijanskih ozemelj od poglavarjev. Zavezale so se vsakemu članu rodu ali sosesk plačevati vsako leto znesek, kakor so se pač domenili. Ko je večina poglavarjev podpisala pogodbo, so rekli Indijancem: Zdaj se pa preselite v neobdelane dežele zahodno od Mississippija in tam živite na svoj način, z lovom in ribištvom. — Nekatere rodove so pregnali tja s silo: iz obmejnih utrdb so poklicali vojaštvo, ki je z nasajenimi bajoneti izganjalo družine iz njihovih stanovanj. Tako so storili n. pr. z velikim delom
Potavotomijcev, ki so bili že skoraj vsi krstjani, trezni, delavni in navezani na svoja zemljišča.
Ta postopek je bil krivičen. Stalno naseljene, to je krščanske Indijance, ki so obdelovali zemljo ali izvrševali obrt in so imeli namen, pokoravati se vsem državnim postavam, bi bili morali pustiti na njihovih domovih in jim dati vse državljanske pravice. Tistim, ki so živeli od lova, bi pa bili morali dati izbiro: ali se tudi vi oprimite poljerdeljstva, obrti itd. in ostanite na zemlji, ki si jo izberete, — ali vas pa zlepa preselimo v dežele, ki so še prazne in neobdelane, in tam boste še naprej lahko živeli po svoje.
Ko je prišel Baraga k Veliki reki, so bili nekateri tamkajšnji poglavarji že prodali v utrdbi Fort Dearborn svoja ozemlja, nekateri pa še ne. Pa tudi tisti, ki so jih bili prodali, so upali, da bodo smeli ostati v svojih vaseh. Žal pa, da je bil pred kratkim indijanski poglavar Črni Jastreb organiziral od Mississippija proti vzhodu krvav upor zoper bele sosede. Združene države niso po zadušenem uporu več želele imeti indijanskih rodov v svoji sosesčini. Vladni agenti so imeli nalogo, da posamezne družine zlepa preselijo. Posluževali so se predvsem žganja. Vedeli so, da-bodo z zapitimi, lenimi, versko brezbrižnimi in kulturno zaostalimi Indijanci vse lažje opravili kakor pa z versko trdnimi, treznimi, delavnimi in kulturno naprednimi, ki bodo hoteli živeti na svojih zemljiščnih kot pošteni in polnopravni državljani.
Zato se je pri Veliki reki prav v Baragovem času pojavilo izredno mnogo žganjetržcev. Vedeli so, da stoji za njimi vladini agent, zato so bili do Indijancev tembolj vsiljivi.
In vladni agent je vedel, da je prav Baraga pri
Veliki reki tisti, ki hoče iz Indijancev vzgojiti versko trdne, trezne, delovne in napredne kmete in obrtnike. Zato se ga je skušal znebiti.
Cincinatski škof John Purcell (Žon Persel) in detroitski škof Friderik Rese sta skupno z mladim guvernerjem Michigana, Stevensom Masonom (Mesenom), nastopala za pravice svojih katoliških Indijancev. Uvidela sta pa, da ne bosta nič opravila, ker je vlada v Washingtonu vztrajala, da se Indijanci preselijo na divji Zapad; zato sta utihnila, da ne izgubita še tiste podpore, ki sta jo dobivala za svoje vernike.
Zdaj bomo lahko razumeli, kar se je zgodilo z Barago:
Nedavno je bil prišel iz Evrope pomadžarjeni Slovak Andrej Visocki, dober in goreč duhovnik. Sprejel ga je detroitski škof Rese in poslal v bližnje, nekoliko proti severu ležeče mestece St. Clare (Sen Kler), ob reki in jezeru St. Claire, da pastiruje tam naseljenim Francozom. Od Gorenjega jezera, od Oeipvejcev v La Pointu, so pa prihajale prošnje na škofa Reseja, naj jim pošlje misijonarja. Škof je ponudil ta misijon Visockemu, Ta se je pa zavoljo svojega šibkega zdravja bal iti v ostro podnebje Gorenjega jezera. Škof je pa vedel, da Baraga že dolgo časa želi Gorenjega jezera. Škof je pa vedel, da Baraga že dolgo časa želi tja iti. — Prav tiste mesece je vladni agent z Velike reke pritiskal na škofa, naj odstrani Barago z otavskega ozemlja. Škof je torej poslal Visockega k Baragi, naj ga prosi, da mu prepusti misijon pri Všliki reki, sam pa odide h Gorenjemu jezeru; dokler se ne bo na jezerih odtajal led, naj oskrbuje St. Claire.
Baraga je v 16-ih mesecih, kar je bival pri Veliki reki, pomiril svoje nasprotnike protestante. Otavani so ga ljubili in mu brezpogojno zaupali. To so povedali tudi na zadnjem zborovanju, poleti leta 1834, na katero so povabili tudi rojake iz Krivega drevesa, da se z njimi dogovorijo o skupnem nastopu zoper preselit-vene namere vlade. Za spreobračanje poganskih Otavanov je torej Baraga lahko imel najlepše upe. Otavane je zelo ljubil, zlasti zaradi njihovega plemenitega in velikodušnega značaja. Ko se je začelo govoriti, da jih bo vlada preselila, je bil pisal škofu: “Moje kristjane ta vest zelo žalosti. A sem jih potolažil in jim zagotovil, da jih ne bom nikdar zapustil, tudi če jih premestijo v najbolj puščoben kot dežele,
—	seve, dokler bodo skupaj ostali in če mi bo škof dovolil.”
Zdaj je iz Visockijeve ponudbe jasno spoznal skrito škofovo željo in namero. V njej je v duhu pokorščine videl božjo voljo. Brez oklevanja je sprejel ponudbo. Sprejel jo je brez zagrenjenosti. Misli so mu spet zakrožile nad bregovi Gorenjega jezera, kjer je takrat živelo v popolni ločenosti od belih še 20.000 •očipvejskih Indijancev, večinoma še poganskih, ki so ga bili še vse bolj potrebni.
Pospravil je svoje stvari, se poslovil in odšel v Detroit. Ško mu je dejal, da mu daje za h Gorenjemu jezeru samo začasno dovoljenje.
Iz Detroita je 20. februarja leta 1835 pisal na Dunaj. V pismu pravi: "V tem mesecu seje naključila nepričakovana, toda zame zelo razveseljiva sprememba v misijonu preblažene Device Marije pri Všliki reki. Lahko si mislite, kako nepopisno veselje mi je napravil moj dobri škof, ko mi je povedal, da
me je iznova določil za ustanovnika novega indijanskega misijona. Iz vsega srca se zahvaljujem Bogu, ki me je odločil, da tukaj v Ameriki ustanvaljam nove misijonske postaje.”
Mesto Grand Rapids, ki stoji na kraju Baragove nekdanje misijonske postaje pri Veliki reki, ima svojega katoliškega škofa, lepo stolnico in 14 drugih cerkva. Naš rojak Friderik Baraga je z velikim trudom in dušnim trpljenjem tam prvi širil krščanstvo. Njegova duhovna setev je torej prinesla več ko stoteren sad.
Tega se tam dobro zavedajo. Leto 1950 je John Me Gee (Mek Gi), župnik stolne cerkve sv. Mihaela v Grand Rapids, izdal knjigo “Katoliška Cerkev v dolini Velike reke”. Knjigo, ki ima več ko 500 strani, je posvetil Baragi. Ko opisuje Baragovo delovanje, pravi, da je bil “ena od najbolj značilnih osebnosti, ki so sodelovale pri širjenju katoliške vere v Ameriki.” Pravi tudi: “Zgodbe o njegovih potovanjih skozi divjine, o njegovih obiskih daljnih misijonov, o njegovih delih za Indijance in za bele ljudi presegajo tudi najbujnejšo domišljijo."
Visocki je še dolga leta ostal pri Veliki reki. Še leta 1846 beremo, da mu je detroitski škof poslal 500 na novo natisnjenih Baragovih otavskih molitvenikov.
S svojo prtljago se je Baraga peljal iz Detroita v St. Clare. Tam je poleg cerkvice našel šolo, ki se je držalo majhno, zelo ubožno opremljeno stanovanje za duhovnika. Miši in podgane so se spreletavale po praznem poslopju. Učitelj je bil pijanec. Cerkovnika ni imel. Verniki so bili zelo mlačni.
Iz St. Claira je obiskoval indijanske naselbine tja do Hjuron City (Hjurn Siti).
V	St. Clairu se je seznanil s Samuelom Wardom, poštarjem in izdelovalcem ladij, ki je bival dve uri proč proti severu. Postal je pravljično bogat in je z bratom imel potem več parnikov na treh velikih jezerih. Ward vse življenje ni mogel pozabiti Barage. Ko je Baraga postal škof, je Ward naročal svojim kapitanom, naj mu bodo zelo naklonjeni. Baraga je nekaj njegovih uslug zapisal tudi v dnevniku.
Zelo ga je razveselilo, kar mu je sestra Amalija poslala po Leopoldinini ustanovi iz Ljubljane. Posebno vesel je bil štirih lepih svečnikov, lične knjige za maševanje in mašne obleke. Vse to bo vzel s seboj h Gorenjemu jezeru. Zopet je v pošiljki videl mig božje previdnosti, ki ga vabi gori. Dne 13. marca se je na Dunaj lepo zahvalil. Pisal je, da med Francozi prav zložno živi, a da mu je kakor ribi, ki jo vržejo na suho. “Hrepeneče čakam na odhod h Gorenjemu jezeru. O da bi imel peruti in bi mogel poleteti čez trdo zamrzlo jezero in biti čimprej pri poganih! Upam, da se jih bo tam mnogo spreobrnilo; pa saj če se tudi en sam ali dva spreobrneta in zveličata, se misijonarju splača iti k njim. Neskončno dobri Bog nam vselej mnogo več dš, kakor pa mi pričakujemo.”
KAREL MAUSER
RAZDRTO GNEZDO
Nadaljevanje
Zdaj se branje matere Doroteje ustavi, zakaj jok sestre Anastazije je odprl solze tudi njej. Sname očala in stopi k Anastaciji:
“Tako zelo sem srečna, da lahko jokate.”
Pritisne jo k sebi, jo pogledi po laseh, jo poljubi.
V	srcu matere Doroteje orjeta usmiljenje in kes. Bog nam pošilja preizkušnje. “Ljubimo vas bolj, kakor smo vas nekoč. Tudi jaz sem bila samo brneč bron.”
Sestra Anastazija se je umirila, mati Doroteja pa k stolu.
“Bila ste dobra sestra, draga moja Anastazija. Vprašam vas: Ali ste pripravljeni oditi na mesto - v Beograd - kamor vas Bog kliče?"
“Častita mati, če se vam zdim vredna, pravrada.”
“Pospremili me boste v cerkev in nato na postajo. Dala sem obljubo sestri Maksenciji, da pridem s predzadnjim vlakom. Ne bi rada videla, da bi me zeman čakala. Saj imate še vedno naš mali oficij, kajne?”
In ko sta šli skoz vrata, je bila mati že vsa v načrtih.
“Mislim, da je najboljše, da takoj jutri odpoveste službo. Ko boste prosti, pridite za teden dni k nam na oddih. Druga sestra namreč, ki pojde z vami, je sestra Marjeta. S sestro Maksencijo ne bova dolgo sami; nova naša sestra Kunigunda precej boleha in bo ostala pri meni."
V	cerkvi sta se spravili v stransko klop. Časa ni bilo več veliko. Mati Doroteja je odprla sestrsko knjižico in molila:
“Tebe Boga hvalimo. Tebe, Gospod poveličujemo! Tebe večnega Očeta, časti vsa zemlja.
“V Tebe, Gospod upam, ne bom osramočen vekomaj.”
Nato sta odšli na postajo. Šele, ko je vlak prišel, je rekla skromno in tiho sestra Anastazija: Častita mati, zavoljo redovne obleke...nimam je več.
“Pri meni je, draga moja. In ne samo vaša. Od Katarine, Virgine.
“Tako sem srečna, draga moja sestra Anastazija."
“Jaz tudi,” je rekla. “Po dolgem času spet srečna." Vlaka že ni več bilo, sestra Anastazija pa je še vedno stala in gledala.
“Le kam zijate”, je siknila debelušna ženska, zadela jo je.
"Oprostite”, je rekla in se nasmehnila.
Decemberski dnevi so prišli s hudim vetrom, ki je gnal snežinke na vse konce. Mati Doroteja, je gledala skozi okno in bila v strahu, da bi grdo vreme zadržalo nekatere od sestra, ki so obljubile, da bodo prišle v nedeljo.
Prišla je sobota in mati Doroteja je bila vsa iz sebe; "Sestra Anastazija pride že danes, jutri pa še
druge. Hvala Bogu - smo postali družina".
Preteklo nedeljo je bila mati Doroteja v Ljubljani, da si jo ogledala stanovanje, v katerem so se zbirale sestre, ki so delale v mestu in okolici. Jokala je od sreče. Res je bilo vse zelo skromno, toda bilo je čisto in pospravljeno. In pri molitvah, ki so jih skupaj opravile, je bilo kakor nekoč v kapeli.
“Gospod daje in Gospod jemlje. Hvaljeno naj bo njegovo ime na vekomaj, zakaj vsa nasprotovanja, vse težave in vsi križi niso nič v primeri z milostjo, ki jo nam Bog vsak dan daje."
Mislila se je vrniti domov s popoldanskim vlakom, ko se je nenadoma pokazala sestra Jedrt. Vse sestre so kriknile od veselja, jo obkolile in gnale pred mater Dorotejo.
“Zdravniki po navadi niso tako močni,” je rekla mati. Vse sestre so se zasmejale. Sestra Jedrt je bila vedno močna in koščena, toda zdaj se je nekam razlezla in v kmečki obleki je bila prava podoba grun-tarske gospodinje, ki natančno ve, kako je treba začeti in končati. “Kako naj bi letala po hribih, če bi bila kot kakšna štrigalca," je rekla. Smeh se je razlival med sestrami in mati Doroteja je pri priči preložila odhod na večerni vlak. Sredi veselja res ni mogla oditi. Blaženo čebljanje, spomini in zgodbe in srečanja z novimi ljudmi.
Nazadnje je sestra Jedrt le našla čas, da je prisedla k materi Doroteji.
“Kako je sestra Anastazija sprejela vaš obisk, draga mati? Toliko sem premolila zanjo.”
“Delala sem ji krivico, draga sestra. Veliko je trpela, suha je in bleda. Nikoli ni nehala biti sestra. Onesvestila se je poleg mene.” “Kako sva sedaj srečni; jaz, ki ostanem v hribih in ona, ki gre v Beograd."
Mati Doroteja je bila zopet doma v svoji hišici. Prišla je sobota in ona je pričakovala, da pride sestra Anastazija z Jesenic. Jutri pa pridejo še druge sestre", je govorila sestri Maksenciji. Kako bo lepo!
Res je prišla s prvim vlakom popoldne. Pripeljal jo je Repe. Mati Doroteja jo je objela, sestri Marjeta in Maksencija sta jo pozdravili.
"Tako sem vesela, da bi vam rada vse hkrati, povedala. Pa imamo še celo popoldne in še večer,” je govorila mati Doroteja.
Sestra Maksencija je zavila proti kuhinji za čaj. Pozno popoldne, ko je mati Doroteja že vse povedala
o	svojih vtisih iz Ljubljane, je z očmi mignila sestri Maksenciji.
“Sestra Anastazija, jutri ne bomo imele preveč časa. Bo še dosti dela. Zgoraj v sobi je na mizi redovna obleka, katero boste imeli."
"Gotovo boste zadovoljni.”
Ko je sestra Anastazija pomerila nekdanjo ob-
leko, je kar planila v jok. Mati Doroteja je pa ostala spodaj, nepremično je sedela in čakala na klic. Čez dolgo so prišli koraki navzdol po stopnicah. Mati Doroteja se je nagla dvignila, na hitro obrisala oči in stopila proti vratom. Med ozkim prehodom stopnic in kuhinje je stala sestra Anastazija; bila je redovnica kot nekdaj. Na novo poškrobani komet je imel modrikast sijaj.
"Kajne, naša draga sestra še nikoli ni bila tako lepa.”
“Še nikoli," je šepnila mati Doroteja." Ne smete se preobleči, dokler ne zmolimo skupaj naših večernic.”
Med molitvijo je mati Doroteja dolgo držala drobno roko, vsa vesela v svoji.
Sestri Anastazija in sestra Marjeta bosta odšli.
V Beogradu so zelo težko pričakovali v bolnici sposobne slovenske sestre. Slovo obeh sester je bilo takšno, da niti mati Doroteja, niti sestra Maksencija in sestra Kunigunda niso mogle priti k sebi. V nedeljo je bila hiša polna: gosto govorjenje in smeh sta jo polnila od vrha do tal. Sestra Marjeta in sestra Anastazija, ki bosta odšli, sta morali biti v redovni obleki. Sredi popoldneva so vse skupaj molile - takozvane tretje uro iz redovniške knjižice - iz oficija. Glas matere Doroteje se je visoko dvignil čez druge:
"Gospod bo varoval tvoj odhod in prihod - zdaj
I	in na veke.” Nato se je pričelo poslavljanje. Sestre so šle v Ljubljano in v druge kraje. Ne bodo se več vidile, razkropljene bodo! Glavni dve sta čakali pondeljka.
V ponedeljek je stari župnik opravil mašo za popotnike. Po maši pa še odmolil posebne molitve za odhajajoče. Takoj po maši je bil zajtrk, toda bil je tih in žalosten. Sedele so in molčale, dokler ni prišel Repe z vozom. Čeprav so materi Doroteji vse prigovarjale, naj zavoljo mraza ostane doma, ni hotela ubogati. Peljala se je z njimi in čakala na postaji, dokler ni vlak odpeljal.
Nebo je bilo pusto, ko so se vračale, vse so bile še tiho. “Sneg bo spet,” se je oglasil voznik. "Vse kaže tako,” mati Doroteja.
Žalost, ki so jo prinesle od slovesa na postaji, se ni hotela poleči. Posedle so v kuhinji in molčale. Mati Doroteja še kar v plašču. V hišici so ostale; z materjo Dorotejo bosta sedaj: Maksencija in Kunigunda. Oh, kako težko je zgubiti najboljše prijateljice. Saj bodo srečne, kajne?
“Sama ne vem, kaj bi delala, srce je otožno, odšle so naše najdrajže sestre.” Sestra Maksencija ji je takoj svetovala, naj odgovori na mnoga pisma ostalih sester, kiji pišeje od vseh strani in jih pričakujejo.
“Že vem, kaj bom naredila. Sestri Marjeti in sestri Anastaciji takoj napišem pismo, da ga bosta "dobili na začetku nove poti. Mislim, da bo to najlepše, kar •zdaj lahko storim. Odšla je v svojo sobo.
Božični dnevi so bili vendarle lepi. Sestre so skupaj v bližnjem gozdu nabrale mahu, da ga je bilo dovolj za jaslice v cerkvi in doma.
Navadno je jaslice v cerkvi uredil mežnar, to leto
so naprosile župnika, da jih smejo napraviti same. Velik, voščen Jezušček, dar karmeličanke matere Doroteji, je bil videti kakor živ pod strehico starega hlevčka.
Sestra Maksencija in sestra Kunigunda sta razporejali ovce in pastirje. Bilo je dela za celo popoldne in čas je čudovito tekel.
Doma so uredile jaslice prav na sveti večer. Kadila ni bilo, ker niso hotele nadlegovati župnika. Samo z blagoslovljeno vodo so poškropile vso hišo. Molile so vse tri dele rožnega venca.
Prvega za vse žive sestre, drugega za umrle, tretjega za pogum.
Takoj po molitvah so si voščile blagoslovljen Božič in mlada Maksencija je privlekla na dan pismo, ki je prišlo dopoldne na njen naslov. Bilo je iz Ljubljane. Mati je prebrala prvi stavek in rekla:
“Berite vi naprej,” draga sestra, in sklonila glavo.
“Hotele smo vam za te svete dni pokazati, da smo še vedno velika družina in smo poslale to pismo vsem sestram v podpis. Sestra Damascena je hudo zbolela in so jo odpeljali v hiralnico, kjer je bila sestra Katarina. Želimo vam blagoslovljene praznike! Vemo, da se vaše in naše molitve srečujejo vsak dan. Vsa zloba in vsa hudobija ne more ločiti tistih, ki se ljubijo. Iskreno vas pozdravljajo: sestra Vendelina, sestra Priscila, sestra - Mavricija, sestra Alfonza, sestra Frančiška, sestra Jedrt, sestra Jožefina ... Hrbet matere Doroteje se je pričel tresti in jok stare žene je padel v hišo. Sestra Maksencija je položila pismo v naročje matere, ki je sedla na stol.
“Skoro celo noč sem premišljevala, kako slab večer sem vama pripravila, pa še sveti večer. Pismo je bilo vendar veselo, povedalo mi je, da se vse sestre čutijo kot ena družina. Pa sem potem jokala.”
Sestra Doroteja je bila po praznikih zopet taka kakor nekoč.
Toda ta zima je bila dolga in neprijetna. Mati Doroteja je to zimo komaj pretolkla. Iz majhnega prehlada, ki gaje bila staknila po Treh kraljih, seje skotila pjučnica. Vročina jo je tako kuhala, da se je zdravnik bal, da ne bo zdržala. Pa je le!
V	nekaj tednih jo je tako vzelo, da si ji je obraz zelo spremenil. Njene oči so bile sedaj čudno vdane in krotke. Sivih las je bilo več.
Ko je prvič sedla v naslanjač, je vzdihnila: “Strašno potrpljenje ima Bog z menoj, da me je pustil še živeti. Hvala mu!”
“Potrebuje vas,” je iskreno rekla sestra Kunigunda.
“Jaz njega, ne on mene, draga sestra,” je rekla tiho. Ko se je mati Doroteja toliko spravila na noge, da je za kratek čas stopila po kuhinji, se je življenje pričelo vračati na staro pot. V cerkev še ni mogla, gospod župnik so prišli vsak dan, jo obhajali in rekli kakšno dobro besedo.
—	Nadaljevanje —
Slovenci - smo združeni! Pridobite nove članica za našo drago slovensko žensko zvezo
											
	'0	R 1	m	IE Y0	0	N	G A1	H	IEA1	R1	r
Father’s Day!
I was strolling through a novelty shop the other day and I saw a T-shirt that said, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy.”
It got me thinking. It’s true. If a child has a close relationship with his/ her father, chances are they refer to him not as my father, but daddy, dad, pop, pa or some other nickname. It’s only when the father is virtuely a stranger or at formal occasions that the child refer’s him as “my father."
Since, ZARJA - The Dawn doesn’t have a June issue, I decided to dedicate this year’s July/August article to all you “daddies" and “daddies-to-be."
Most of the countries of the world set one day aside to honor their fathers. In the United States and Canada Father’s Day is the third Sunday of June. We owe this observation to Sonara Louise Smart Dodd of Spokane, WA.
One source says the first Father’s
Day salute was in 1909, another says 1910. Which is correct I haven’t been able to determine. What both agree on, is that it was Mrs. Smart who was responsible. She persuaded the Minis-(f	^
DAVY’S COLUMN
Is	■
teral Society to salute fathers with a special church service. Well, seven (or six) years later President Woodrow Wilson gave his official approval of the idea in 1916. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge recommended national observance of the occasion by saying,
“to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children, and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.”
Recognized as the official Father's Day flower is the red or white rose.
So happy belated Father’s Day to all you dads and dads-to-be!
'til September,
DAVY
In some hotels,
language is a laughing matter
Sign in a Tokyo hotel: “Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not person to do such thing is please not to read notice.”
In a Bucharest hotel lobby: “The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.”
In a Leipzig elevator: “Do not enter the lift backwards, and only when lit up.”
From a Japanese information booket about using a hotel air conditioner: “Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in your room, please control yourself.”
Encyclopedia Americana Deluxe Library Edition Vol. 11 1990 c The World Book Encyclopedia Vol. F 7
World Book, Inc. 1988 c
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JULY & AUGUST
National Officers:
St. Thomas of Villanova School in Palatine, IL held an Ethnic Day on April 30. Helen Klobučar Behrman of Branch
16	is a 3rd grade teacher there. She, as well as her students, were attired in Slovenian costumes. Home made bread was passed out. She writes that her class “loved wearing the Slovenian costumes, the only class dressed up in native garb.”
On this photo are teacher, Helen Behrman with kindergartener Gordon Muir, son of Vera Ancel Muir and Richard of Palatine and grandson of our Nat’l Secretary, Olga and Ed Ancel.
~IT'S IN EVERY
NIAN
They’re learning about Slovenia in school!
July 8	-	Olga Ancel, National Secretary, Joliet, IL
July 13	-	Bernadette Kovacic, Director of Youth Activi-
ties, Silver Spring, MD July 21	-	Janet Maurin, Regional President, Wisconsin
Aug 8	-	Romaine O’Brien, Regional President, Illi-
nois—Indiana
Presidents:
July 6- Maria Selak, Br. 55, Girard, OH July 27 - AnnSaari, Br. 23, Ely, MN Aug. 3 - Anna Peterson, Br. 67, Bessemer, PA Aug. 4- Betty Matjašič, Br. 101, Bedford Hgts., OH
Secretaries:
July 18 - Mary Djubinski, Br. 102, Willard, WI July 19 - MaryPercic.Br. 67, Bessemer, PA July 23 - Alouise Epley, Br. 73, Warrensville Hgts., OH
Aug. 2 - Mary Satkovich, Br. 97, Caimbrook, PA Aug. 4- Eileen Podržaj, Br. 34, Soudan, MN Aug. 7 - Moreen Spencer, Br. 13, San Francisco,
CA
Aug. 13 - VirginiaBendich, Br. 59, Burgettstown, PA Aug. 16 - Frances Ulle, Br. 68, Fairport Hbr., OH Aug. 20 - Charlotte Perdan, Br. 32, Euclid, OH
Rosanne J. Ruth
Ofc: 815485-3401 01c. 708 755-0755 Res: 815 723-4506
Member of Branch 20. S.W.U.
200 W Maple (file 30) New Lenox. Ill 60451
ZEFRAN FUNERAL HOME
Louis Ron Zefran	Frank	J.	Zefran
Marilyn E. Zefran	Lois	M.	Zefran
1941 West Cermak Road Chicago, IL 60608	847-6688
TEZAK		
FUNERAL	459 North Ottawa Street
HOME	Joliet, IL 60432
First in service since 1908 Phone 722-0524 V					:		
rr				^
	HABERMANN	
	Funeral Home	
	805 N. 6th Street	
	Sheboygan, WI 53081	
V				JJ
5325 W. Greenfield Ave.
rmenc-McLeod Funeral Home
Phone: 327-4500 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A111 ^ ^rSt ^west Bank/Illinois
•	~	50	Wes!	Jefferson	St.,	Joliet,	IL	60431
National Association	Member/FDIC
We take time to help.
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SHELIGA DRUG INC.
6025St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 431-1035
Serving our neighborhoods' daily needs
Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes Phone 741-5500
Mark L. Dames Jeffrey M. Dames Brian L. Dames Fred J. Dames
251 North Center St. Joliet. IL 60435	3200	Black	Rd	Joliet	IL	60435
GRDINA-COSIC FUNERAL HOMES
CLEVELAND, OHIO
17010 Lake Shore Blvd.	531-6300
28890 Chardon Rd.	944-8400
1053 East 62nd St.	431-2088
Slovenian-International Cookbook
POTS & PANS
$70.50
Books on Slovenian Immigrants and Pioneers
FROM SLOVENIA TO AMERICA
$5.00 hardbound — $3.50 soft bound
FOOTSTEPS THROUGH TIME
$6.00
ROŽE Z MOJIH VRTOV (FLOWERS FROM MY GARDENS)
$8.50
Add $2.50 postage <S handling per book Make checks payable to and send order to: Slovenian Women’s Union,
431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432  - ......................
ZELE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
TWO COMPLETE FUNERAL HOMES 452 East 152nd St.	6502	St.	Clair	Ave.
Office
481-3118	Cleveland,	Ohio	361-0583
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International Laser Graphics
4851 South Drexel Boulevard Chicago, Illinois 60615 (312) 373-0500
Fast, efficient computer communication, typesetting & interface