ZARJA
-THE
URADNO GLASILO	OFFICIAL	PUBLICATION
SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI_____________________________SLOVENIAN	WOMEN’S	UNION	OF	AMERICA
NUMBER 6	NOVEMBER-DECEMBER	2002	VOLUME	74
MARY A conam
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*n this photo, four members of the Slovenian Genealogical Society research and document archival information at Holy Family Cemetery: Larry Pakiz, Mary Lou Voelk, George Plautz and Sue Pakiz. It was quite a project to index the names on tombstones in these two cemeteries and is an invaluable aid for those doing their own genealogical study in that area. You see here an example of the spread sheet and photos available on the website given inside in the cover story.
t/o lArtac. Luriwiq M.
t lArtac. Josephine
t/o 'Artac. Michael
t;
Aug 11914 IJul
i I ; living !
t/o Artac. Johana (Ivana)
t/o Babich, Nick
1 t/o IBaltus. David John
! t :Baltus. Lyle B
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! Ludwig M. i Artac
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Baskovec. Joseph
In remembrance of our beloved SWU family members, friends and neighbors at rest in Holy Family Cemetery, Willard, Wisconsin, this page is dedicated.
Bavuk. William
t iBerendsen. Dennis
Bozicevich. George
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'Holy Family Cametery as of July 14, 2002
Death
MONTH OF MEMORIAL
ON THE COVER:
FROM WILLARD WISCONSIN WE LEARN ABOUT OUR PIONEERS
After one year of planning, implementing and hard toil, The Willard National Cemetery is up and running on the internet. One year ago, George Plautz, and Mary Lou and Gene Voelk arrived in Willard, Wisconsin to join Larry and Sue Pakiz of Greenwood for this project. All are members of the Slovenian Genealogy Society (SGS). In addition George is a member of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America (SWUA) Branch #103, and the webmaster for the SGS. Sue is a member of Branch #102, and Mary Lou is a member of Branch #23 and also the president of SGS WI. Larry is the current treasurer for the Slovenske Družba of Willard. On the cover photo are Mary Lou Voelk, George Plautz, Larry and Sue Pakiz.
The five arrived at the Holy Family Cemetery with Gene using a digital camera and memory sticks. Several went ahead and readied the stones, while another followed Gene and documented surnames/dates using a paper plan of the cemetery. Then on to the Willard National Cemetery using the same process, and by the end of the day 456 cemetery stones were now on memory sticks.
Sue was the hostess of the day, bringing along a picnic lunch for us to enjoy in the cemetery. That same evening Sue prepared a wonderful dinner at the Pakiz home. Also present were Larry’s parents, Frank and Rose Pakiz. Rose is the president of the SWUA #102 in Willard.
During the winter months, Mary Lou spent her idle
ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703
NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2002 VOLUME 74
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published six times per year - šestkrat na leto.
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
Periodicals Postage Paid at Joliet, IL and at additional mailing offices All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the firsrweek 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 60615-1703 Email: CORLESKOVAR@AOL.COM Telephone: (773) 548-8878 - Facsimile: (773) 268-1899
Internet webpage: www.swua.org e-mail: swuhome@msn.com On line newsletter: lzalokar@yahoo.com
time keying in each stone on the computer. Stan and Janet Schwarze received the CD, and from there the rest is history.
The Holy Family Cemetery spreadsheet is also available, photos will be up and running in the near future.
Log on to the following websites. The cemeteries are located in Hendren Township. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/wi/county/clark/ cemeteries/clarkcountycemeteries. htm http://www.usgennet.org/usa/wi/county/clark/ http:// www. usgw.org/wi/clark/genboard/
George Plautz and Mary Urban, both former residents of Willard are listed in the spreadsheet and can be reached for any questions you may have. Larry and Sue Pakiz can be reached at:
W 6398 Sladich Road Greenwood, WI 54437 (715) 267-7257 email: lpakiz(a badger.tds.net
The Willard Project is the result of the ambitions of the Slovenian Genealogy Society, Wisconsin who actively seek to document the whereabouts of Slovenian immigrants, and their histories in the communities in which they lived.
Willard, Wisconsin was known as the largest Slovenian farming community in the United States. Approximately 150 Slovenian families lived in the area. In 1982, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Willard, Spominska Zgodovina was published. This historical book tells the history of families in Willard. The family write-ups are personal, the photographs are priceless. 220 pages document the families and the general history of Willard. This book is still available and can be purchased from,
Frank Pakiz W6007 Co Road 00 Greenwood, WI 54437 Fpakiz@tds.net
Books are $16 and postage is $2
Make checks payable to: Slovenske Družba
The cemetery indexes were prepared by Mary Lou Voelk, Janet and Stan Schwarze; with reviews by George Plautz and Mary Urban.
In this Issue:
President’s Message	1
National Secretary	2
Convention Elections	2
Membership Campaign	4-5
Genealogy Search	8-9
Christmas Creches	12-20
Slovenia T rip T ravelogue	21 -25
Marjana’s Language Comer	26-27
Articles from SWU Branches	31-45
Convention Raffle form	39
Junior Director	45
NATIONAL PRESIDENT Kathleen Dorchak
IIE47S3
'Recognizing Our Accomplishments in 2002”
^ Is our year comes down to the last few months it’s a good time to reflect on our organziation’s accomplishments of the past and to look forward to our future. This has been an exciting year and we have accomplished so much:
• Our members joined in our 75th Anniversary with an outstanding Jubilej.
• Many of our members had an opportunity to visit our Heritage Museum to see our new look.
• Our branch officers are being challenged to come up with new ways in increased involvement and membeship.
• We met our membership goal of 200 new members last year, and gave away prizes to the members that recruited the most members.
• Our “On-line Newsletter" celebrated its first anniversary. We are now able to reach more than 500 members via this e-mailed monthly notification.
• Our website reaches perspective members and connects us to other Slovenian related websites.
• We held a very successful "Red Carnation" Quilt Raffle to raise money for our Heritage Museum.
• We produced a new promotional video "Come Look Through My Eyes."
• Branch 93 in New York City has been revitalized and continues to attract new members.
I am sure that we have accomplished more than I have mentioned. However, I am sure you can see that we have been busy and working hard to give our members a variety of programs. Many of our board members, branch officers and branch members have worked hard for all of these achievements. I'd like to thank you all for your hard work and dedication. All of our success is a tribute to you!
The one sad news that 1 need to report is that our “Back to our Heritage Tour. 2002" was cancelled due to a lack of interest. We did have a few members interested in joining the tour, unfortunately not enough for us to take advantage of traveling at a group rate. I would like to announce that we are planning a trip for fall of 2003. Details of this exciting new trip will be announced in an upcoming ZARJA issue.
2003 is a National Convention year for our members. It's a time tor you, the members to be our decision makers.
I hope many of you are making plans to attend, the National Convention in Duluth, Minnesota on June 12-I6th.
In months of October, November, and December 2002 you will elect your Branch Delegate and Alternate. To make it possible for your branch to be represented, please consider a fund-raiser to help in their travel costs. Duluth will be filled with many things to do before, after, and during the convention. It’s a great location for a family trip.
f
nother important item is the election of branch officers. After you elect your officers for the upcoming year please make sure the Newly Elected Officers Form is completed and sent to Nat'l. Secretary, Bonnie Prokup, prior to February I, 2003. Since 2003 is a National Convention year it is important that we have all of the branch officers names and addresses on file to make sure that your branch is current and informed with any important news.
Remember that our cookbooks make wonderful holiday gifts. They are great to give for a house-warming or a thank you gift for friends when you are invited for a holiday dinner.
The holidays are special times and it's always fun to attend holiday events and activities. I hope each of our branches has wonderful and entertaining holiday events filled with Slovenian family traditions. Let us give thanks for all that we have. We are truly blessed to be a part of this organization and our Slovenian sisterhood.
"Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise."
-	George Herbert
And let us all enjoy Christmas as a season of love and friendship. In the words of Charles Dickens, "/ will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year!" Let us each try to keep the spirit of Christmas all year long.
Kathleen
3088 Markle Drive Silver Lake. Ohio 44224 Telephone: (330) 686-1336 Fax: (330) 688-6203 Email: kdorchakfa neo.rr.com
ONLY if it is different than your billing address. We would like to get an address database together for those receiving the ZARJA. There are quite a few members out there whose dues are paid for by someone else. If you are one of those please fill out the designated area on the invoice to avoid sending the ZARJA to the wrong address.
Now is a good time to think about your beneficiary. If that person is no longer living it would be a good idea to send in the Beneficiary Change form to the Home Office in Joliet. Copies of the form can be obtained from your branch secretary or from the Home Office in Joliet at (815) 727-1926.
I	hope everyone is reaching above and beyond as we recruit our new members. So far this year’s membership campaign is doing well. We are trying to pass last year’s goal of 200 new members. I think we can do it. Memberships make great Christmas gifts.
How about those Magic Month calendars? Have you purchased yours yet? Please do so, as this can be a successful fundraiser for the Heritage Museum. The Museum has so much potential but we need help and money. We are always looking for volunteers, too. If you are interested please let me know.
1	hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Bonnie Pohar Prokup
National Secretary, SWUA 3119 Carrie Street Peru, IL 61354 Wprokup@aol. com
Time to vote for delegates to the National Convention in Duluth, Minnesota 2003!
This is an exciting time! At the end of this year, delegates will be selected from each branch. It is up to the branch to select someone who is involved and interested in SWU and would be an active participant in the issues being brought before the convention meetings. An alternate is also selected to assist the delegate in reviewing proposals up for vote and to represent the delegate if the elected delegate is not able to serve. It is important that both delegate and alternate attend. See SWU 1999 Bylaws, Article IV for details.
The delegate will receive a small per diem to cover travel and room expenses. Unfortunately the alternate does not receive any expense reimbursement. It is strongly suggested that each branch hold fundraisers as soon as possible to cover the cost, or at least partially cover some of the cost, of the delegates’ and alternates’ expenses to attend the convention. It is extremely important to have ALL branches represented at the national convention. Since Branch 30, which consists of "members at large”, does not have a representative, we suggest all those in that branch who are interested in attending the convention should become involved. We will prepare an area for you to discuss your choice of a delegate and alternate prior to the official meetings. That person will have voting privileges during the convention.
Consider your delegate carefully. As mentioned above, it is important that she is active and/or has dedication to her branch and in SWU. From the chosen delegates, officers are selected to serve the next four years (maximum term is eight years) on the National Board.
For the position of President, this vital position requires a person with good leadership skills, who listens to Board members as well as the SWU membership, and who works well with the Board to make decisions.
She should be qualified and experienced in business practices, and communicate regularly with all Board members and branch officers. As a good communicator, she will advise and disseminate current information, branch status, conditions, plans, and, in general lead the Board and membership to growth and development of SWU's future.
The President will review and be apprised of all the following Board member's activities. The President is a bonded signatory on accounts.
National Secretary, Bonnie Pohar:
Convention.. .Convention.. .Convention...
Does everyone have the 2003 National Convention on his or her mind? I sure hope so! We just met as a National Board two weeks ago and heard all the updates from Bev Menart and her Minnesota group. It sounds like they have a fabulous few days planned for us. Keep in mind, everyone gets one delegate except for a few of our larger branches. And that includes Branch 30. Anyone out there belonging to Branch 30 the Home Office who would like to attend please let me know. We would like to see a delegate from this branch.
I still have some outstanding dues from a few of our members. If you are one of those kindly send the money owed to SWU as soon as you can.
Something new on the invoice you will be receiving at the end of January is a box asking for your address
Slovenian Women’s Union of America 24th National Convention
Dates: June 12-16, 2003 Place: Duluth, MN
Time to vote for delegates - continued:
A Vice President needs to work closely with the President in being apprised of current situations, have qualifications for leadership and business practices, assist in any possible manner, work on areas requiring attention, and be prepared to take over the leadership of the organization when the President can no longer perform her duties. The Vice President needs to review and be apprised of all the following Board Member’s activities.
A Secretary has an ominous task. This is a person who should have an accounting or bookkeeping background, be computer literate with accounting software programs, pay all bills, submit invoices to members for annual dues, record payments, dun past due payments, keep track of changes of address, transfers to other branches, receive, record death certificates and pay to the beneficiaries for the members who have held society benefit policies, maintain correspondence with members who have questions that need answering and submit to the home office all the above information. All changes etc. pertaining to ZARJA are then forwarded to the ZARJA editor for correction.
The Treasurer signs checks on all payables. The Secretary sends her quarterly statements to the Treasurer to be reviewed, and for any issues and unusual payments that are requested, she is to verify validity.
Auditors. Those who are elected to this position should have auditing backgrounds, accounting background, or bookkeeping knowledge, in that order. They have to be persons who request each invoice for payment, know its purpose, and verify validity. They also have the opportunity to suggest budget plans. Three auditors will be chosen to serve for the coming four-year term.
Those above positions are the persons who have “voting” capabilities according to the Bylaws. These are our decision-makers.
Other appointed positions which so many good people serve are: ZARJA Editor, Scholarship Director, Heritage Director, Online Newsletter Editor, Web Master, Activities’ Directors. Positions considered for the future are Special Projects Director and Membership Director.
It is important to say here that basically all positions are appointments by the Board and are all volunteer. It is hoped that those who wish to volunteer realize that what they do for SWU is of utmost importance to the organization. Since no remuneration is available at this time for all the work that is required, your expertise would be most graciously accepted. However, expense payments are available upon approval by the Board.
So that you know what honorariums are made to individuals who serve on the Board, the list is as follows: President, $120.00 a month plus expenses; Vice President $50.00 a year; Secretary $700 a month; Treasurer. $50.00 a year; and First, Second and Third Auditor, $50.00 a year.
Also, the Scholarship Committee of six people to serve for four years will be selected. Any delegate or member may be chosen. We are looking for people who possibly have some background in the field of education, previous experience on scholarship committees, or have a genuine interest in assisting others to gain an opportunity for advanced education. The committee receives all applications by mail, reviews them for completion, and designates their order of preference for recipients. This is a one time a year task, and is on a volunteer basis.
As you can see, many volunteer positions are available and anyone interested in any of the tasks is requested to express their interest. Dedication and devotion are the criteria for the volunteer jobs. We look for members who can donate these qualities, expertise and leadership. Hopefully, time and increase in membership along with financial stability will provide the source of some remuneration. Becoming involved will expose a peson to the inner-workings of SWU.
Look to your membership to see who would be the best choice for a delegate. Select a member who will graciously and willingly join the ranks to preserve the heritage of SWU. Please submit a resume of the qualified individuals who would like to serve in any of the Board or volunteer positions described. Forward resumes indicating position of interest to Bonnie Prokup. National Secretary, 3119 Carrie Street. Peru. IL 61354. Attention: Nominating Committee. For any questions you may have, you may contact any Board Officer.
Credential documents for delegates will be mailed to the branches by the end of this year.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Church, National Vice President
“Reaching Up and Beyond” Each One-Reach One
I’ve collected some nice quotes (below) which will give everyone some new ideas, please get your quote in asap - I’d like to have as many branches mentioned as possible.
Hvala lepa!
Lynn Zalokar
2002 Membership Chair “Reaching Up and Beyond"
“We passed out applications at our annual SloveneFest... we took a few in and already sent them to the SWUA. We had old pictures that attracted a lot of the younger people...” I remember this picture, Grandma had it” etc... and the original signed charter on display... “Look, this is Grandma’s name!” etc.
We encourage (as you all do!) passing along the ZARJA and pointing out the application in the back. I think it would make a great birthday/graduation/wedding subscription gift. Then when dues time comes, they will have received the magazine and read it, so hopefully they will continue to pay the dues, and become involved in the branch.
We are also forming a sister-city relationship with the seaside resort town of Piran in Slovenia. This will give our members a direct link to their heritage.
Phyllis Fon, President Branch #5, Indianapolis, IN
“We are trying to offer our prospective members and their children a chance to go to Language Camp in Slovenija. Our people need a one on one contact with the heritage of their grandparents and parents. This is why we feel in order to ask someone to join, we must offer them something concrete, not just coming to a meeting.”
Anita Vovk, President, Branch #35, Aurora, MN
Each member has been asked to bring in a new member and so far this has been working as we have had several new members join us. We are also trying to make our meetings more interesting and thereby recruit new members. Our members always enjoy a nice lunch prior to the meeting and after the meeting a special program is planned. Special speakers are brought in to present interesting topics. (This is an incentive for current members to also attend our meetings.) Future plans call for a short lesson in the Slovenian language as part of the meeting for those interested.
Mici Bregant, Branch 43, Milwaukee, Wl
“We’ve all been inviting prospective members to attend our meetings and activities. At each event, our group grows. We hold a variety of events, too, which are enjoyable for a wide range of interests. Recently, individual members have been planning activities for the group, which enables more people to get involved in our Branch. For example, one member is planning a pot luck meal, while another member is planning a meal at a Greek restaurant.”
-	Branch 93, New York, NY
“Branch 42, Maple Heights, OH, sends out a quarterly newsletter to members (not all our members are able to come to meetings). In the newsletters, we invite their families to join or friends who they feel would come and enjoy our meetings. At an earlier meeting this year, a local city historian spoke of the older neighborhoods in the community, zeroing in on the Slovenian neighborhood and noting the specific families in attendance, reminding them of their colorful background and traditions. We often include a membership application in these newsletters. We’ve had success with getting six new younger members this year through this mini-campaign. Our focus for membership is the children of the current members. At our social gatherings, there is always a table set up to display the SWUA cookbook along with membership applications.”
Marge Church, Secretary Branch 42, Maple Heights, OH
Please share your membership recruitment ideas with us - together we can do so much!
Please help us to preserve and promote the legacy of our heritage. Here are some simple ways we can all help with the 2002 membership drive:
* Tell at least one person a day about the S.W.U.A. Many times we have opportunities but say nothing, we need to remember to promote the S. W. U. A. a little bit every day!
* Wear a Slovenian t-shirt to the mall, airport, health club or community event.
* Utilize “Silent Salesmen.” Try to display flyers, posters, and calling cards at public locations: employee lounges, bank lobbies, churches, laundromats, post offices, town and city halls, health clubs, libraries, schools and universities, bars, barbershops, beauty salons, etc.
* Request copies of the membership brochure from the home office or xerox copies of the membership application (back page of this issue of ZARJA - The Dawn) and distribute to family, friends and other prospective members in your community.
* Donate your extra copies of ZARJA-The Dawn to your local library.
* Sell the S.W.U.A. cookbooks (with a membership brochure tucked inside) at a community event, family reunion or branch picnic.
* Hold a “Membership Madness Party” - Invite prospective members and show the S.W.U.A. promo video, serve Slovenian appetizers, display Slovenian family keepsakes or souvenirs and distribute those membership brochures!
We are tallying new members brought in January 1 to December 31, 2002.
There are many ways to win!”
*The top three individual recruiters. *The branch that brings in the most new members. *The branch that increases its numbers the most with new members.
The membership committee is pleased to announce over $150.00 in gift certificates and merchandise has been collected for the top five recruiters in this year’s campaign. We wish to thank the following supporters:
DRB Imports, Lemont, IL
(Slovenian wine)
The Kobe House Bakery, Sugar Creek, MO (mail order potica, gift certificate)
Merichka’s Restaurant, Joliet, IL (gift certificate)
Santa Papers by Hunter, Inc., Fairview Park, OH (St. Nicholas Day cookie kits) (See pg. 45) Seasonal Creations, LaSalle, IL (embroidered dish cloths with a Slovenian motif) Smolich Brothers Homemade Sausage, Joliet, IL (gift certificate)
Syl’s Restaurant, Rockdale, IL (gift certificate)
2002 Membership Committee
Charlotte Laurich, Branch 38, Chisholm, MN
Jonita Ruth, Branch 20, Joliet, IL
Lynn Zalokar, Branch 93, New York City, NY
Member benefits include:
• The bi-monthly publication “ZARJA-The Dawn.”
• The free monthly online newsletter “The New Neighborhood.”
• Local branches and events across the country.
• *S.W.U.A. Heritage Museum in Joliet, IL with exhibits, library and merchandise.
• Scholarship opportunities for high school seniors and adult continuing education students of any age. Best of all, the opportunity to connect with others of Slovenian descent!
Welcome
2002
Name
Mickanin, Joyce V Jorgensen, Holly Bottomley, Elaine Bottom ley, Rita Dvornik, Susan Dvornik, Susan Engers, Carolyn M. Tomazic Flenard, Jennifer Herbst, Renee Kambic, John Kambic, Phillip Laskowski, Paula Uremovic Legerski, Donald D Mali, Margaret Ann Mali, Mary Fran Malloy, Gina Vancina
	Marinčič, John N	20
	Mueller, Maureen	20
	Primiano, Nora	20
rs	Webber, Carol J	20
	Dusich, Pat	23
	Hollingsworth, Cary A	25
	Francel, Frankie	30
Branch	Lucas, Jean	30
103	Muller, Marie	30
2	Thorpe, Sheryl L	30
20	Furry, Heidi S	35
20	Mickelson, Brian J	35
20	Mickelson, Daniel L	35
20	Mickelson, Therese	35
20	Ochsendorf, Amanda M	35
20	Ochsendorf, Lisa F	35
20	Rauenhorst, Mary	35
20	Vancil, Josephine Turk	40
20	Watters, Jo	47
20	Zahler, Betty	47
20	Brown, Sandra S	5
20	Dunlap, Dolores	5
20	Elder, Sherri	5
20	Houston, Caitlin	5
Thanks for your INVOICE DONATIONS!
(Continued)
These donations came with dues payments. We thank the members for their generosity.
Donor
Gaber, Agnes (2)
Dvornik, Susan E (20) Dvomik, Donald (20) Maureen Mueller in honor of Caroline Culik-McGuckin (20)
Sherek, Jerry (39)
Zarja
($)
Heri- Schol- Misc. tage arship
($) ($)
15
35
35
20
10
Watson, Kristine	5
Watson, Margaret	5
Watson, Marija	5
Simonoff, Cynthia Shaw	93
24TH NATIONAL CONVENTION NEWS
from Beverly Menart, Lisa McDonell and Rosemary Donald, Convention Coordinators Save the dates, June 12th—16th 2003 to plan your vacation to attend the next National Convention in Duluth, MN
The host hotel is The Hawthorne Suites at Waterfront Plaza, 325 Lake Avenue South, Duluth, MN 55802. The hotel is in Canal Park, site of our beautiful Lake Walk, antique shops and other sites to explore including the Maritime museum. There are three restaurants in the complex, Timberlodge Steakhouse, Red Lobster and Old Chicago Pizza. Also in the complex is Bananaz, a family recreation center.
Room rates are:
Studio King/Queen interior - (some have no windows) full kitchen and bath $79.00
Studio King interior - (some have no windows) full kitchen, king bed and sleeper sofa, and full bath. $89.00
One bedroom king. View of the city, living room with double pull out sleeper sofa and full kitchen and bath. $99.00
Two Bedroom King - Two private bedrooms with king bed in each and view of Lake Superior and double pull out sleeper sofa. Full kitchen and 2 full baths. Sleeps 6 $129.00
Whirlpool King Suites - Private bedroom, king bed
2	person whirlpool bath and view of Lake Superior. Living room with double sleeper sofa, full kitchen and bathroom. $129.00
2	Bedroom King Suites - 2 private bedrooms, one with king bed, one with two double beds. Living room with pullout sleeper sofa, fireplace, 2 person whirlpool, full kitchen, dining room and 2 full baths. $179.00
Current tax rate is 13%.
Preliminary Schedule
Thurs. June 12: Registration and Welcome Reception in the Hospitality Room.
Fri. June 13: Business Session and Camp Heritage Evening: Dinner Cruise
Sat. June 14: Business Session and Camp Heritage Evening: Banquet and Installation of Officers
Sunday, June 15: Bus to Gilbert, MN for Father Per-kovich’s Original Polka Mass. Brunch after mass and back on the bus to Ironworld USA at Chisholm, MN
Monday, June 16: Bus trip to St. Paul, Minnesota to the Julian H. Sleeper House Museum to tour and see the Slovenian Exhibits. In the immediate area are 3 miles of unique shops, antique dealers and sidewalk cafe. Those who choose may go to the Mall of America housing Camp Snoopy.
Plan to arrive early and stay later to enjoy the sights of our beautiful city and surrounding area. Look for additional information in future issues of ZARJA and the online newsletter. We are looking forward to seeing you.
Bev, Lisa, and Rosemary \ny questions: (218) 626-3183 ?-mail menart\'amama@aol.com.
Su#*r«'o*
M, CHIt
CANAL PARK AREA Site of the Hampton Inn, on Canal Park Dr.,
Our Convention Headquarters
In Memory of My Mother,
Margaret Fischer
an assistant Brownie Troop leader for five years. Margaret died on August 3, 2002 and was buried from St. John's Church, Kohler, Wisconsin.
It has been a very difficult loss but her funeral has been instrumental to us into a time of healing. Many friends and family members came, along with four officers of Branch 1, who held a very special prayer service. Niece, Katie Dicke Gorton sang “Ave Marie" and later during the Mass Katie and her husband Jim sang a duet “Kje je moj mili dom” (My Gentle Home) accompanied on their guitars. Grandmother Marie Prisland had taught Katie this song years ago. Their music was truly lovely.
Mother did much translating for me these past years, was very supportive of the SWU, and of my involvement with it during these years. She gave us. her children, a great sense of value and good judgment through her example. She created an enjoyable life for herself even when she was left on her own in later years. Although we. her children, still feel a deep sadness and loss, we are all very, very thankful to have had her as a integral part of our lives for so long. Mother lives on in each of us.
Margaret Fischer was born February I. 190S) in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Marie Prisland. She attended local schools and the Sheboygan Business College. Margaret and Robert Fischer were married 5 September 1936 and had four children. Mary (Daniel) Turvey. James (Mary) Fischer. Margaret (Jerry Appelbaum) and Robert (Mardel) Fischer. She is also survived by a sister. Hermine Prisland Dicke.
Margaret was a charter member of the SWU Branch I and had been it's secretary for over 30 years. She was also
"The love of a wonderful mother is something that always lives on.
Filling the clays with sweet memories long after her presenc e is gone.
You still feel the warmth of her caring... her wisdom will never depart, for the love of a wonderful mother forever lives on ... in your heart. ”
Sincere condolences to our Mary Turvey and all the family. Margaret was an SWU member for almost 75 years, joining Br. 1 in 1927. She was our longest standing member at the time of her death. May she rest in peace!
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2003!
ATTENTION!! SWU members who are high school seniors, and SWU members who are adults enlisting in continuing education classes! Application forms are now available for scholarships to be awarded in spring 2003. Receive an application form by contacting Mary Turvey. Director, 52 Oakridge Drive. Marquette. Michigan 49855. or by sending an email to MTurveyfa aol.com.
DONATIONS FOR AUGUST and SEPTEMBER 2002
$10.00 donations:	Mary	Sundberg ('•'Margaret
Fischer). SWU Br. 42 ('•'Margaret Fischer), Agnes and Tom Gruenke ('•'Margaret Fischer). Ruth Shock ('•'Margaret Fischer), SWU Br. I. Sheboygan. W1 (+Margaret Fischer). Marjorie Church (+Margaret Fischer). Marjorie Church (^Josephine Mohorčič)
$15.00 donation: Kathleen Dorchak ('•'Margaret Fischer)
$20.00 donations: Darryl and Phylis Gumrn (+Mar-garet Fischer). Dorothy Bre/.onik (+Margaret Fischer), Gladys Bartol (+Margaret Fischer). Doris and Art Ritter (■•"Margaret Fischer)
$25.00 donations: Corinne Leskovar ('•'Margaret Fischer), Josephine Ruth Family (^Margaret Fischer)
$50.00 donation: Mary and Jim Fischer (Mother, •"Margaret Fischer), Julie A. Smith ('•'Mayme Glavan) $120.00 donation: Family of Margaret Fischer A very Merry, Blessed Christmas to all of you who have been so kind to support our Scholarship Program during this past year. An investment in the future is a wise one!
Mary H. Turvey. Director 52 Oakridge Drive Marquette. Michigan 4VH55 MTurveyia aol.com
The New Neighborhood Ask Tončka! Online Comments	--------------
by Lynn Zalokar
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MORE NEWS ON GENEALOGY RESEARCH, THIS ONE IN WAUKEGAN
I am involved with the Waukegan Historical Society, Lake County Illinois Genealogy Society, Mary Lou Voelk, the SWU and SGSI. I have two web pages which I use for promoting Slovenian Heritage and Genealogy. There are links to these pages on your SWU home page.
I was bom and grew up in the Willard/Greenwood area and belong to the Willard Chapter of the SWU. My grandmother, Johanna Artac was the founder of that chapter. My grandparents Michael and Johanna (Lusina) Artac and Frank and Mary (Remzgar) Gosar were married in Waukegan at Mother of God Catholic Church. My mother, her sister and brother were baptized at MOG as were my dad’s 3 sisters. From Waukegan 25 Slovenian families moved to Willard and built Holy Family Catholic Church and were a part of that Slovenian Community. Through my family research 1 have been involved with Mary Lou Voelk, George Plautz and the SGSI in the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery tombstone project on the internet.
During my family research in Waukegan I started looking into the Slovenian History there and started a project to get the Archdiocese of Chicago to fix up St. Mary’s Cemetery, especially the area where many Slovenians were buried. This breakfast was an idea to bring together those interested in the Slovenian and Waukegan History. This first breakfast was planned because St. Mary’s is in a very bad area of Waukegan and many people are afraid to go there alone to walk through the cemetery. The initial plan was was to meet at the cemetery but it was suggested to start with breakfast where we could meet and talk. It was such a hit that we decided to try to make it more often. Most who came are involved in Genealogy or were members of Mother of God Parish and have family buried at St. Mary’s.
When I promoted this breakfast via genealogy bulletin boards and list servers I got responses from around the country. Some were in Waukegan the week or month before or were coming later. All had an interest in Slovenian Genealogy and Waukegan History and all wished they could attend.
I have been told many times that there are a lot of people who would be interested in this sort of thing. So I thought that through ZARJA I would try to get the word out to those who have no internet access.
If anyone is interested in being kept informed of these gatherings please contact me: Mary Urban, home phone: (262) 886-1458; e-mail: mafu51wi@yahoo.com; mail: 4836 Nicholson Road, Franksville, WI 53126. We have not set a date for the next gathering.
Mary Urban
Dear Tončka:
I would like to find my relatives in America - the surnames are ZORE and MAVER. None of my relatives here in Slovenia has had contact with our family in the United States.
My father’s aunt and uncle were Kenik and Magdalena ZORE (brother and sister), originally from Lopata on Dolenjska. They came to America between 1915 and 1920 and settled in Miami, Florida. Kenik had a large family. Karl ZORE, another family member was bom in 1888 at Lopata, Dolenjska and immigranted to America in 1905.
Johanna MAVER was bom in Dečja vas in Dolenjska in 1898 and came to America in September 1920, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. Johanna had three daughters: Antonia, Jennie and Fanny. Antonia was married to John Tomažič and has two daughters, Kathleen and Shirley. Jennie was married to Russ Premorov and in 1960 was living on East 70th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Fanny was married to Jim Backley and had two daughters, Eleanor and Carol Ann.
Other relatives on my father’s side are: Anton MAVER bom 1895 Dečja vas, Dolenjska and Johann MAVER bom 1893.
Lep pozdrav iz Slovenije
Ciril Maver
Jakčeva 8 Ljubljana, Slovenija C iril. Maver@gpg. si
Dear Tončka:
In the July-August issue of ZARJA Mary Kokal’s name is listed on page 9 as a donor. My late husband, Daniel KOKAL (alias Kokalj) was bom in Tržič, Slovenia; his mother was Tončka Kalishnik and father was Ferdinand Kokalj; sister Tajka Kokalj (married name Ničič) still resides in Slovenia.
I would very much be interested in knowing if there is any connection between Mary Kokal, of Branch 14, or if there are any other KOKALs that read your column. And, I would appreciate hearing from any or all of them.
Thanks for your interest and help!
Mary Kokal
3705 Stoney Castle Street Olney, Maryland 20832 Maykok@aol.com
Dear SWU Sisters and Brothers:
As has been said many times, each of you is like a walking library, holding unique, valuable information. As a branch meeting project would it be possible for you to
share your ancestral knowledge with those young Slovenians who are trying to find their ancestral roots? A map of Slovenia along with a work sheet will be sent to each branch secretary, with the hope that each member will be able to find and record his or her home on the map. Work sheets will just ask for the surname of your family and any other information you would like to share, and your name and address.
If you do not know the name of the village or city from which your family came there will be a list of helpful suggestions to obtain this information. Some of those will include finding old obituaries of family members, getting naturalization records from the county courthouse in which your ancestor first settled, checking out some websites for further information on your surname, and finding early church records which may indicate a number of settlers in one community, all originating from the same Slovenian region.
This project should be fun as well as interesting. It will also be of immense help to those of generations to come.
s|e	s|c	%	Jjc
Our most wonderful time of year is upon us, full of happy memories of loved ones and times of the past. We are truly blessed to have each other, a wonderful supportive bond during these difficult times. Merry Christmas to each of you, dear readers!
Love,
Tončka 904 Margaret Street Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801
Some good websites for American Slovenians:
http://genealogy2002.tripod.com/ Mary Urban's fabulous website;
Willard, Waukegan records, vital records, cemetery records, family web pages, St. Stephen records, Trieste passenger lists, surname index, much more
http://www.rootsweb.com/-ohcuyah2/ Cuyahoga, Ohio vital record, military
records census, cemetery records
http://www.cemeteries.org	Milwaukee Catholic Cemetery records
http://people.mnhs.org/dci/	Minnesota	death index 1909-1942
http://www.ohiohistory.org/dindex	Ohio death index 1913-1937
http://www.oesta.gv.at/engdiv/general.htm Austrian Archives
http://www.rootsweb.com/-mosmd/missouri St. Louis Genealogy
http://www.ellisislandrecords.org Ellis Island immigrant records,
1892-1924
http://www.library/wisc.edu	University of Wisconsin Electronic
Library
http://www.iiternienl.ntt/data/usipa/alleglKny/allegbefly, htm Allegheny Co., PA http://userdb.rootsweb.com/ca/birth/search.cgi California birth index 1905-1995 http://userdb.rootsweb.com/ca/death/search.cgi California death index 1940-1995
BARAGA DAYS 2002
As Baraga pilgrims from various parts of the midwest and Toronto entered the Upper Peninsula, they experienced the bare wind-swept seashores and heavily forested landscape that was familiar to Frederic Baraga 150 years ago. Migrant birds and cool breezes greeted them as they entered St. Ignatius Church, the home of Father Rezek and other early Slovenian priests, which is now on the National Historic Registry. Father James Čeme of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana, St. Joseph’s Church, presided over the Slovenian Mass on Saturday evening. Local non-Slovenians commented on the beauty of the music, which was directed by Father Vendelin. The choir consisted of members of St. Mary Church in Cleveland. On Sunday some pilgrims visited the Assinins at the town of Baraga where Bishop Baraga built his first mission church in the Upper Michigan. Others took trips further north to once again see his Church of the Assumption which has been removed from the early Cliffs mining village to Phoenix, a location nearby on the highway, and viewed now from a glass doorway. The stone base and old cemetery of this church are still apparent, deep on the woods.
Following the English Mass on Sunday, about 220 people gathered at the Michigan Technological University ballroom for dinner and a business meeting. Father Alex Sample, Treasurer of the Bishop Baraga Foundation stated that the Baraga proposal for sainthood is still in a long line with petitions of others for approval of sainthood in Rome. With a miracle attributed to him, the line could be “jumped”. In modem times, miracles are becoming much more difficult to prove. Father Sample also stated that considering the current problems we are having in the priesthood, the example of Bishop Baraga as a model should be publicized more widely.
Next September, Bishop Days will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(More photos on page 39.)
The Holy Redeemer Church built by Fr. Baraga in 1847 in Eagle Harbor is unique in that it has a tabernacle from 1854, a crosier, candle snuffers, and a wooden cross and alb that belonged to our beloved bishop. The pews have little doors to conserve heat, and the confessional is built into the bottom of the pulpit. Chandeliers holding candles and a wooden baptistery along with a pump organ are all still in use. There are two rooms above the sacristy where Frederic stayed when he visited the white people’s church of Eagle Harbor. The native American churches were located along the shoreline for canoe access.
REPORT OF THE MINNESOTA STATE CONVENTION
Our Minnesota convention was held in Aurora. Branch #35 President Anita Vovk, and her branch members did a beautiful job in hosting a successful convention.
After a short coffee social and registration the meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. with a beautiful prayer by Branch 35 President, Catherine Sandvick. Ann Hodnick led the group in singing Our Common Bond and God Bless America. The minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report were read by Jean Korsman. Dorothy Jamnick, who served as our State Secretary-Treasurer for many years, sent in her letter of resignation. She recently had a bad fall and is confined to a nursing home for rehabilitation. Jean Korsman graciously agreed to fill in for Dorothy until our State election next year.
Our correspondence consisted of greetings from our National President, Kathleen, and a follow-up letter from Corinne Leskovar asking again for pictures of the creches in our churches. I asked each branch president to appoint a person in their branch responsible for getting those pictures in to the ZARJA.
In the week before the convention 1 received a supply of “Museum Magic Month” calendars and membership brochures. I encouraged the members to take those calendars, buy them, and sell them. Through the internet, I received from Lynn Zalokar, “Curious About Your Slovenian Heritage” brochures. I asked each branch president to take one, have copies made and distribute them, along with the membership brochures, around their communities.
Anita Vovk addressed the convention about sending a student (age 16-24) to Slovenia. She explained all the details and has asked also to have the idea brought up before the National Convention. Our Minnesota Branches went on record as approving the proposal.
Anita also brought up the fact that their branch secretary has had a lot of problems in getting payments to beneficiaries when a member has died and the family is unable to find her policy. It was felt that if the member’s certificate or policy number and other pertinent information, are on record in the home office there should not be a problem.
Our meeting adjourned at 10:15 so that we could attend the mass upstairs in the Holy Rosary Church. The Slovenian choir sang many beautiful songs during the mass.
A delicious roast pork dinner was served following the mass. The guest speaker for the banquet was National Auditor, Beverly Menart. She also stressed the need for enrolling new members. It would be really great if each member recruited one new member. Although we have gained many new members, we are not gaining much ground as we are also losing many of our older members.
The Ely branch invited us to join them as they will once again this year will be having a “Taste of Slovenia” coffee social on September 27th.
Before the convention adjourned, the drawings for the raffle prizes and money were held. Again this year a special collection was taken and $66.00 will be sent in to the ZARJA Fund.
It is Duluth’s turn to host the next convention. They will be getting a double whammy as they are also hosting the National Convention in June. But Beverly Menart felt they could handle it. After the National Convention the State will be a “piece of cake.”
It was a warm beautiful day both outside and inside of the convention room as many members visited with old friends and made some new ones.
Charlotte Launch
Minnesota Regional President
WISCONSIN REGIONAL CONVENTION REPORT
The Slovenian Women’s Union Branch 102 of Willard celebrated a special day on Sunday September 8th 2002, by hosting the Wisconsin Regional Convention at Holy Family Church and Parish Center.
On Sunday morning Milwaukee members of Branch 12 and 43, with Corinne Leskovar from Chicago, met early at St. John the Evangelist. The bus was scheduled to leave at 5:00 a.m. for Willard but due to some misfortune with the bus driver we finally departed at 6:00 a.m., arriving at Willard by 10:00 o’clock to a royal welcome. Everyone was dressed in Slovenian costume with Slovenian music and singing. The experience was unforgettable.
A continental breakfast of juice and a variety of sweet rolls and coffee was enjoyed by everyone. The social hour passed all too quickly. Due to our tardiness, it had to be curtailed by 30 minutes.
S.W.U. Branch 102 President Rose Pakiz enthusiastically welcomed everyone. Our business meeting was called
to order with an opening prayer at 10:35 a.m. by the State President Josephine Janezic.
Lord, let us not count our years by adding the times of our meetings but, with joy, count the friends we’ve made along the way.
Dear God, help us to remain faithful to You in all that we do, let us pause a minute to honor our friends who are no longer with us and let us ask their blessings for the day, Amen.
Sophie Trunkel graciously accepted being our Recording Secretary. What a marvelous lady! The minutes taken by Joan Yaklich at the last convention held by Branch 43 in 2000 in Milwaukee were read by Betty Ann Kolesari, and approved as read, followed by the roll call of Branches. Delegates were called upon to give their annual reports: Branch 1 Sheboygan - sent a report but no one was able to attend; Branch 12 Milwaukee - Stavia Dobersek with 14 in attendance; Branch 43 Milwaukee - Betty Ann Kolesari with 14 in attendance; Branch 102 Willard-Joanne Trunkel with 14 in attendance.
It was wonderful to hear of the many ways the Branches are desperately trying to keep our Slovenian culture alive through different activities with the purpose of getting our young people interested in S.W.U. Some of the many projects within the Wisconsin Branches are: Member of the Year lunches, Christmas parties, bake sales, Slovenian Day parties, visiting the sick, fund raisers for projects such as ZARJA magazine, the Heritage Museum, Scholarships and Slovenian Missions. Having speakers on interesting topics at the branch meetings is very attractive and successful, so are style shows, learning the Slovenian language, hymns and songs. It was suggested to have a Slovenian flag and music for the meetings. Anything is worth a try.
All the Branches are grateful to National Officers for their enthusiasm and diligent work. We all appreciate direct billing, love ZARJA magazine, More Pots and Pans cook book, get-togethers, having good times at the meetings and the monthly newsletter on e-mail.
There were no questions or complaints.
Charlene Herrick of Br. 102 was the winner in 2000 of the $1000 SWU Scholarship grant. She thanked everyone for helping young people. She is presently a junior at UW-LaCrosse.
We were honored by the presence of Corinne Leskovar, who spoke about her tenure as editor of ZARJA and urged the younger generation to join in S.W.U. and also suggested that members make some changes to accommodate the youth. We all will miss her wonderful work as editor, and we wish her well. Corinne suggested that elections of our State Presidents must relate to the Bylaws and reminded us that any other schedule for State Conventions conflicts.
The announcement was made about the 2003 National Convention in Duluth, MN which was moved to the month of June to encourage families to attend. “Duluth Visitor Guide” was distributed at the Regional Convention and Branch meetings. The enthusiasm was great. The next Regional Convention of Wisconsin in 2004 will be hosted by Branch 1 Sheboygan. After a minute of silence, a tribute to the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m. At this time we all walked to the Holy Family Church for a celebration of Mass at 12:00 noon. Msgr. Matthew Malnar officiated and delivered an impressive sermon. Slovenian hymns were angelically sung by the Slovenian Senior Choir in National Costumes which enhanced the appreciation of our Slovenian heritage.
After Mass we walked back to the Parish Center where banquet tables were elegantly set by our young people. President Rose Pakiz again welcomed all and made the introductions. State President Josephine Janezic gave a toast to all who so diligently worked for the special day. The delicious dinner was served by the young people. There was no shortage of anything including potica and strudel. Congratulations and thank you to all for the marvelous cuisine and hospitality.
Master of ceremonies, Judy DiPasquale kept excellent order of time and speakers. Her sense of humor complimented her title.
Corinne Leskovar talked of her 50 years with ZARJA and gave some historic facts. She thanked the young people for the wonderful work and hospitality they had given us all and asked them to stay involved in S.W.U.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
NOVEMBER
11	Br. 2, Chicago, IL, Penny Social, 1p.m.
20	Br. 10, Cleveland, Collinwood, OH, Dubrovnik Gardens,
1p.m.; Call (216)451-1876
28 CHRISTMAS PARTY, Br. 10, Cleveland, OH
DECEMBER CHRISTMAS PARTIES
3	Br. 14, Euclid, OH,
Call Jennie Fitzthum, (216) 261-1196
3	Br. 20, Joliet, IL.Tuckaway Restaurant Reservations by Dec. 8th, to Kathy Stonich,
307 Comstock, Apt. 15, Joliet, IL 60436
4	Br. 32, Euclid, OH, Pot Luck Dinner Lake Room, 6 p.m.
4	Br. 33, Duluth, MN, Dime Social and Party
5	Br.	12, Milwaukee, Wl, at Klemmer's Restaurant
7	Br. 2, Chicago, IL, Junior Members’ Party
8	Br.	22, Bradley, IL
8 Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH at Sterle's Restaurant 1 p.m. Call Marge Church (330) 467-0696 15	Br. 2, Chicago, IL Adult Members, Party
18	Br. 50, Cleveland, OH, Dubrovnik Gardens, 1 p.m.
18	Br. 54, Warren, OH at Cafe 422,1 p.m.
JANUARY 2003
4	Br. 47, Garfield Hts., OH, Party and Meeting
Valley ViewCity Hall, 1 p.m.
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Msgr. Matthew Malnar, had a very interesting biography of the Slovenian Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek (1800-1862) a popular educator, writer and poet. He established St. Hermagores Society, which brought books in the Slovenian language to almost every Slovenian home and is still in existence today. He also fought to give Slovenian people their own identity in religion and language.
Josephine Janezic talked about “PEPCA’S STRUGGLE”, how she was encouraged to describe her youth in oppressive Slovenia, before, during and after WWI1. She praised the indomitable will of the people of the time which continues to be an inspiration to generations, especially to youngsters to whom this volume is dedicated.
The entertainment was furnished by the best musicians, the Pakiz Family, and friends, making the day more festive with beautiful Slovenian singing. There was an abundance of door and raffle prizes donated by S.W.U. members and others. We all benefited from this experience, had an enjoyable and fruitful day, and celebrated our State Convention. May God reward Branch 102 members and all who worked so diligently to bring about this success.
Josephine Janezic Wisconsin State President
CHRISTMAS CRECHES IN OUR SLOVEN/AJV PARISHES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Holy Family - Willard, Wisconsin
Located in the small town of Willard, where the first church was built in 1912, stands the church of the Holy Family. Midnight Mass was the first one celebrated in their newly re-built church in 1967. Branch 102 is served by this church that consists of 125 families. Their pastor is Fr. Joseph Follmar. Their enthusiastic church choir sings Slovenian hymns at Christmas and on Sundays for the mostly Slovenian congregation.
Holy Family - Oglesby, Illinois
The creche is placed under the marble altar at Holy Family church, and kept there during the Christmas season. It has been in use for many years. “Looking at Baby Jesus also brings to mind the words in the hymn we sang years ago: Sleep Holy Babe, while / with Mary gaze -with joy upon your face awhile.
Sleep, Holy Babe, sleep." (Eunice Komater)
St. Joseph - Chisholm, Minnesota
The church was founded by Msgr. John Schiffrer and has a crucifix and statues of black walnut created in Slovenia many years ago. The city of Chisholm has always been most progressive, having the world’s largest Open Pit Iron Mine in their midst. Members of Br. 38 have always solidly supported St. Joseph parish.
St. Joseph - Joliet, Illinois
One of the most beautiful churches in the Midwest, St. Joseph is located across the street from the SWU Home Office on Chicago Street. They have had Slovenian pastors all thru the years and Msgr. Mathias Butala served the longest. Currently, the pastor is Fr. James Radek. St. Joseph parish also maintains a park and cemetery.
Church of the Nativity - San Francisco, California
The creche has been put up by the Simenc family for over 40 Christmases! Aleš Simenc has been their choir director of this church that serves the Slovenian and Croatian community. It was on the brink of closing until our members and other parishioners worked to restore its value to the SF archdiocese. This November, 2002 it will be 100!
St. Mary - Collinwood - Cleveland, Ohio
Another of our older parishes in Cleveland is St. Mary’s, founded in 1905. The first church was built a year later and served the large congregation until 1957 when the present brick church was erected, under the pastorship of Rev. Mathias Jagar. Their “jaslice” are truly special, with fresh moss and a little water feature in a hillside setting. Parishioner, Maria Sedmak takes very good care of this setting each year, and pastor, Fr. John Kumse says the main figures are still from the old church.
St. Mary Slovenian Catholic Mission-Lemont, Illinois
At the Slovenian Franciscan Fathers’ monastery in Lemont, Illinois the monastery chapel has taken on a new meaning and service as the Slovenian Catholic Mission in the Archdiocese of Chicago. During the Christmas season many hands decorate the church and near the altar stands the handmade nativity scene that is the work of Peter Jakopec. With stars twinkling in a blue sky, a village setting around it, the figures of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus are beautifully presented in a natural setting. The patron of the church is newly beatified Slovenian bishop, Anton Martin Slomšek.
St. Mary - DePue, Illinois
Christmastime is beautiful for parishioners at St. Mary’s. Near the main altar is the traditional Nativity Scene, handmade many years ago. Hundreds of lights adorn the whole setting, including the altar and back wall. The parish supports their small Slovenian community, especially for all holiday services.
Mary of Brezje - Washington, D.C.
The picture of Marija Pomagaj is the focal point of the Slovenian Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and many visitors stop there daily. Once a month the Slovenians of Washington gather there for Slovenian mass. It is located in the lower level of the Basilica, among many other nationality chapels. Our SWU contributed greatly to its construction in 1971.
St. Mary Help of Christians - West Allis, Wisconsin
The parish was founded in 1904 and moved to its present location in 1907. Fr. Matthew Setnikar was pastor for 41 years. After his retirement and that of his successor, Fr. Joe Cunningham, their present pastor is Fr. Denis Weis. Until recently, Slovenian language mass had been continued for many years by Fr. Joseph Gole. Members of Br. 17 in West Allis have merged with Br. 12 and Br. 43, Milwaukee and although many members are deceased or unable to attend, there is still a core of SWU members at St. Mary’s. The Slovenian flag is on display in the church all the time and an outdoor flag is used for special occasions.
St. Mary - Pueblo, Colorado
The members of Br. 3 are proud of their church that has the Slovenian “Jaslice” set up each Christmas. The congregation of this church is now the third generation of our Slovenian immigrants who came there to work in the iron ore mines and steel mills.
Holy Rosary - Aurora, Minnesota
On Minnesota’s Iron Range, Aurora is the home of many members of Br. 35. Their history contains the life
is placed as if it were Bethlehem, the village itself. St. Vitus parish is almost 110 years old, the present church built in 1930. Music at St. Vitus is primary, and the young adult chorus, under the direction of John Srsen, presents a yearly concert of sacred music at Christmastime, in this beautiful setting where all eyes are focused on the beauty of the jaslice while ears are tuned to the strains of heavenly sounding music.
Holy Trinity Slovenian Catholic Church -Indianapolis, Indiana
Holy Trinity is the only one of our Slovenian parishes existing today that carries the title “Slovenian” emblazoned in stone over the front entrance. It is almost one hundred years old and still is the center of Slovenian activities in Indy. The original creche was made by a founding family member, Frank Velikan and for years it was placed under the main altar. The creche was replaced by the present one some years ago. It is unusual in that the stable resembles a little house.
St. Lawrence - Cleveland, Newberg, Ohio
Reaching its 100th Anniversary this year, St. Lawrence parish observed the occasion with the celebration of Mass by Cleveland’s Bishop Anthony Pilla and Auxiliary Bishops Edward Pevec and Roger Gries, September 22, 2002. The original “crib scene” was replaced about 12 years ago and has a very original and modem look featuring figures that were brought from Slovenia.
St. Mary Church - Pueblo, Colorado
stories of our Slovenian families who settled there early in the century to work in the iron ore mines. They have preserved their heritage and culture thru all the years.
St. Stephen - Chicago, Illinois
Three years ago St. Stephen Church celebrated its 100th anniversary. It was the center of activity of Slovenians coming to this country ever since its founding. After the original Christmas creche became irreparable, the church custodian,
Lawrence Schultz was asked to design and build a new “stable” in 1967. It is made of cedar for its color and durability. The statues are from the original church. The Nativity scene was always the centerpiece for Christmas services and always revered by the parishioners.
St. John the Evangelist - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The photo is from last year and shows the beautiful creche that adorns this large and impressive church where our members of Br. 43 gather and once a month hold meetings in their lower level hall. Slovenian singing enhances the services, directed by Mici Bregant.
St. Vitus - Cleveland, Ohio
In the beautiful church of St. Vitus, where many of our members are inspired by beautiful special events and holiday services, Christmas is one of the most impressive.
When their pastor, Fr. Joseph Boznar initiated major remodeling of the altar and church, an even more beautiful “jaslice”
was set up. Twinkling stars light the alcove where the crčche	St.	Vitus	Church	-	Cleveland,	Ohio
Christmas Nativity Scene Credited to St. Francis
It was Christmas Eve, in the year 1223, in the town of Greccio near Rome, when St. Francis of Assisi had the idea for the first Christmas creche. He lived among very poor people who had shown special affection for him. They were simple people, sincere, and deeply faithful to his biblical teachings. Francis was filled with zeal to share the story of the birth of the Christ Child and felt inspired to do something special on that night for his people in Greccio. He thought that if he could show them how the Nativity might have looked in actuality, he would bring them nearer to the newborn Christ.
In the town he found a new mother and her baby, and also the father of the child, and together with an ox and donkey placed them in the natural setting of a nearby cave. He then gathered the people to look upon this scene, and together they were able to understand the birth of Christ in a most realistic way.
In memory of the first night in Bethlehem, St. Francis’ depiction of the Holy Family when Christ was born, spread over the land and the world.
Since then, as in the first manger scene in Greccio 789 years ago, we remember with reverence the beautiful concept of St. Francis of Assisi.
Sv. Frančišek je na Božično noč,
leta 1223 v mestu Greccio v Italiji, blizu Rima, postavil prve žive jaslice. Ljudje tega mesta so se mu posebej priljubili, ker so bili skromni, iskreni in globoko verni, zato se je odločil, da bo med njimi praznoval Božično noč. V svoji veliki gorečnosti je hotel tem ljudem še na poseben način približati Novorojenjega Kristusa in je zato postavil jaslice; v mestu je našel mlado mamico z otrokom in otrokovega očeta ter vola in osla in vse odpeljal v bližnjo votlino, kjer so praznovali rojstvo Odrešenika. Kot spomin na prvo Betlehemsko noč, se je na osnovi te Frančiškove zamisli praznovanje Božiča z jaslicami razširilo po vsem svetu. Greccio pa je postal rojstni kraj jaslic, ki jih sedaj postavljamo po vsem krščanskem svetu.
St. George - South Chicago, Illinois
Our members of Br. 16 in South Chicago have been using St. George Church Hall for meetings since the lodge’s inception, that is 75 years! They love their church, especially at Christmastime when the creche is set up near the side altar, featuring the same, very old Nativity figures of this historic church. Next year the parish will celebrate its 100th Year.
Resurrection - La Salle, Illinois
In 1979, old St. Roch’s Slovenian church was combined with old St. Joseph’s to form a new parish called Resurrection and both patron saints are remembered in the side altars of the new parish. Altho the origin of the Christmas creche is unknown, at Christmastime it takes a place of prominence. When the church is in darkness for Christmas Eve mass only the creche is lighted until the Gloria, and beautiful starry lights perforate the blue cloth background. No photograph, says Anne Marie Wangler, Pres, of Br. 24, can do justice to the true beauty of the scene. Undoubtedly, many feel the same way about their churches in Christian communities throughout this land.
St. Christine - Euclid, Ohio
During the 75 years of St. Christine Church in Euclid, Ohio, though the sanctuary is contemporary, the traditional stabled niche has had a place of honor for all the parishioners to visit and pay homage to the Baby Jesus and His family. The work of setting up this beautiful and traditional “jaslice" falls to Joe Petrie and the photo we are pleased to bring you is by Sophie Kessler.
Slovenian Women’s Union Christmas Card
Each year, the SWU tries to have a special holiday greeting card to offer our members, and this year we have a special one, indeed. It features an art-photo called “Jaslice v snegu - Manger in the Snow”, the work of Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons of Washington, D.C. Br. 103. She generously offers this card in her series of Slovenian Keepsakes for You, and her contribution is to further our Slovenian heritage. The card, with envelope, is in a packet of four greeting cards (Christmas, Thank You, Get Well and Thinking of You), that sells for $10, available at the SWU Home Office. There are also packets of all occasion greeting cards with various Slovenian motifs (see advertising on pg. 27).
“Jaslice v snegu" - "Manger in the Snow"
Holy Family Church Willard Wisconsin
Holy Family Church Oglesby, Illinois
St. Joseph Church Chisholm, Minnesota
Blessing of
St. Joseph Church Joliet, Illinois
Church of the Nativity San Francisco, California
St. Mary Church Cleveland, Collinwood, Ohio
God of Mary and Joseph, of shepherds and animals, bless us whenever we gaze on this
manger scene.
Through all the days of Christmas may these figures tell the story of how humans, angels, and animals found the Christ in this poor place.
the Christmas Creche
Fill our house with hospitality, joy,
gentleness, and thanksgiving
and guide our steps in the way of peace.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Sl Mm' ( Inn i Dcl’in . Illinni\
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“The Savior is horn of Mary in Bethlehem”
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St. Mary Help of Christians West Allis, Wisconsin
Holy Rosary Church Aurora, Minnesota
St. Stephen Church Chicago, Illinois
i
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SILENT NIGHT
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round ’yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
[s. (jožLcnz. fizciznilisi!
Holy Trinity Slovenian Catholic Church Indianapolis, Indiana
St. Lawrence Church Cleveland, Newberg, Ohio
SVETA NOČ, BLAŽENA NOČ
Sveta noč, blažena noč!
Vse že spi, je polnoč;
Glej, Devica z Jožefom tam v hlevcu var’je Detece nam. Spavaj Dete sladko, spavaj Dete sladko.
St. John the Evangelist Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We thank the State Presidents and Branch Officers for obtaining these photos for us, and, for the information we are able to present.
Designs on pages 15 & 20 by Lilijana Cepon
Resurrection Church LaSalle, Illinois
St. Christine Church Euclid, Ohio
St. George Church South Chicago, Illinois
Nika Kovačič:
OB 75. OBLETNICI USTANOVITVE SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE...
Od kuharskega tečaja smo morale kar hiteti. Ob 3. uri popoldne se je že pričela slovesna sv. maša na Brezjah. Ob glavnem oltarju je bil že postavljen ogromen šop rdečih nageljnov (gotovo 75!) povezan s slovenskim trakom. Mi pa smo se najprej poklonili Brezjanski Mariji. Zmolili smo del rožnega venca na pravkar sprejetih v dar Brezjanskih rožnih venčkih. Kako je bilo vse to lepo pripravljeno naprej, zmore samo Corinne.
Sv. mašo sta darovala pater dr. Christian Gostečnik in Peter Leskovar, župnik v Slovenj Gradcu, nečak od Corinne. Oba sta nam, ki beremo Družino, poznana.
V	posebno milost božjo si štejem, da sem brala slovensko berilo na Brezjah, kot tudi v Novi Štifti pri Ribnici in to ravno na obletnico svoje poroke 27. sept.
Brezje je srce Slovenije! 1. januarja 2000 je Slovenska Škofovska konferenca razglasila baziliko Marije Pomagaj na Brezjah za slovensko Marijino narodno svetišče. Tu pred to baziliko smo se tudi skupinsko slikali.
Marija, pomagaj nam sleherni čas, na tebe ozira se vsak izmed nas. Marija, vse k tebi hiti, Marija, pomagaj nam ti! Marija, pomagaj in vodi nas ti, da Bogu in tebi vsi bomo zvesti. Marija, vse k tebi hiti, Marija, pomagaj nam ti!
Podobo Marije Pomagaj z Jezusom je po zgledu Cranachove slike v Innsbrucku leta 1814 narisal kranjski slikar Leopold Layer za romarsko kapelico na Brezjah. Slikar je naredil zaobljubo v napoleonskih ječah in potem tudi poslikal kapelo. Kot čudodelna Marija Pomagaj prihaja v modernem času na vse kontinente sveta. Kjerkoli živimo Slovenci pride Marija Pomagaj za nami.
Naš tretji cilj po Brezjah je bil ogled olimpijskih skakalnic v Planici in vožnja na Vršič (1611 metrov) v Julijskih Alpah. Vršič je znan po lepih razledih. Megla se je počasi dvigala in Špikova skupina je postajala vsakih par minut čistejša. Cesta, ki pelje na Vršič je edina gorska cesta poleg Predela v vzhodne Julijske Alpe. Temperatura je 53F, čeprav se je z vetrom bolj čutilo kot 30F. Ogreli smo se v Tičarjevem domu s Šilcem domačega borovničarja.
Ta večer smo še namenjeni v Begunje na Gorenjskem. Večerjali bomo v Avsenikovi restavraciji in poslušali prikupne in postavne, že nekatere mlajše Avsenike v ansamblu. Velika, okrogla dvorana je bila nabito polna ljudi. Spomnila sem se kako smo med Nemško okupacijo hodili z mamo v Begunje obiskovat očeta, ki je bil tam pet mesecev v zaporih. V prostorih je sedaj bolnišnica za duševno prizadete.
Še za dve preostali noči smo se vrnili na Bled v hotel Kompas. Žal mi je, da moram povedati, da nisem nikjer drugje slišala tako pogosto hrvaški jezik, kot ravno na Bledu. Zakaj in kaj je temu vzrok? Ena teorija je, da je veliko Jugoslovanskih državlanov iz juga prišlo pred leti na delo, predvsem na Jesenice. Železaren je sedaj veliko zaprtih in ti ljudje so sedaj v glavnem po celi Gorenjski. Moja pripomba je samo, zakaj mi Slovenci z njimi govorimo hrvaško. Če nekdo na televiziji govori hrvaško, naj bo na ekranu slovenski “sub-tajtel". Le tako bodo otroci rastli v čisti in pravi slovenščini. V Mariboru tega nisem opazila.
V	soboto 6. oktobra, naš, še cel, zadnji dan na Bledu. Pozdravil nas je krasen sončen in topel dan, brez enega oblačka. Skoro zato se je naš vodič odločil, da nas zapelje preko Bohinja na Vogelj. Ozka cesta med Bledom in Bohinjem je tako romantična. Ob cesti se je šopirila svetlo zelena-modro kristalna Sava Bohinjka. Znana ne samo po lepoti, pač pa tudi po postrvih. Za na goro Vogelj so ravno odprli novo vzpenjačo. Iz nje se vidi Bohinjsko jezero vedno manjše, bolj se bližamo vrhovom teh veličastnih gora. Ivan Cankar je napisal: 'Oko, ki jih ugleda, obstrmi pred tem čudom božjim, srce vztrepeče od same sladkosti, zakaj gore in poljane oznanjajo, da je Bog ustvaril paradiž za domovino veselemu rodu, blagoslovljenemu pred vsemi drugimi."
Blejski otok sem obiskala z bratom po kosilu, katerega je naša skupina imela na Blejskem gradu. V čolnu sem začutila svoj romarski klic: "Tukaj Marija grem k Tebi nasprot, saj zvonček s cerkvice otoške ves čas pritrkava, kliče in vabi, prid gor tudi ti, pokloni se Mati-Kraljici še ti." Vse to sem storila in moja domovina je v mojem srcu zopet živo oživela.
Na Blejskem otoku že od srednjega veka stojijo
BLED
Marijine cerkve. Sedanja stoji od 17. stoletja. Nad vrati sem prebrala: “Blagor človeku, ki čuje pri mojih vratih". Glavni oltar v cerkvi je bil zgotovljen v 18. stoletju, stranska pa že popreje. Natančno pred oltarjem visi vrv, ki je povezana z zvonikom. Tiha želja vsakega romarja je, da potegne to vrv trikrat in, če trikrat zacinglja, bodo želje, ki naj jih bi imeli ob cinglanju, uslišane. "Otok bleški, kinč nebeški Kranjske zemlje ti”.
"Zadnjo večerjo", če jo smem tako imenovati, smo imeli pri Lectarju v Radovljici. Radovljica je staro srednjeveško mesto, ki se je dobro ohranilo. Lectarjeva hiša na Linhartovem trgu je lep primer starejše oblike meščanske hiše, obrnjene s čelno stranjo proti trgu. Nekaj posebnega pri tej večerji sta bili dve stvari. Na začetku zelo okusna juha narejena iz buč, servirana v vzdolbeni sveži buči. Vrh buče je bil tako odrezan, da je služil za pokrov. Vsaka miza je imela eno veliko bučo s tako juho. Za sladico na koncu, pa je vsak dobil na krožniku veliko zeleno jabolko, ki je bilo prav tako vzd-olbeno z jabolčnim sladoledom. Na vrhu je bil tudi tu pokrovček. Ta cela "kompozicija" pa je imela še polno pridane sladke smetane. Čez celoten, res prijeten večer pa so nas spremljali zvoki citer izpod dobro izučenih prstov mlade Slovenke. Ta večer je marsikdo občutil celotno bližino vseh izletnikov. Postali smo ena velika družina. Nobeden ni želel konca tega potovanja, pa vendar, resnici na ljubo, smo vedeli, da nas življenje kliče nazaj na redni, vsakdanji tir.
7 oktobra zjutraj je bil naš zadnji dan skupnih počitnic. Večina obiskovalcev je odpotovalo pod Branetovim vodstvom na Brnike za povratek nazaj v Ameriko. Nekaj pa nas je še podaljšalo čas bivanja za par dni. Vsi smo se srečno vrnili. Vem, da marsikdo reče tisto znano: “Lepo je iti po svetu, toda doma je najlepše."
Nika B. Kovačič (ena od 37tih)
The Story of Brezje
Nobody knows the exact year in which the original Brezje church dedicated to St. Vid was built, but nevertheless, this cannot have happened later then the 15th century. A chapel was built onto it in 1772, dedicated to Saint Anthony the Hermit, patron of livestock. When mentioning the renovations of the church of St. Vid in the 18th century we must not omit the name of the then vicar Urban Ažbe. In Innsbruck, where he studied theology, he first saw the painting “Mary help us” by the famous German painter Lucas Cranach. He liked it so much that when he came back
home he had Mary’s chapel built onto to the Brezje church in 1800 and put an imitation of Cranach’s painting into it. Soon, people started coming to Brezje to pray for help and peace. This is because Napoleon occupied the northern part of the present Slovenia - affected by poverty and high taxes.
The painter Leopold Layer and his family moved from Tirol in Austria to Kranj. Leopold soon became famous as gifted painter, but during the French occupation he was sentenced to five years of jail for counterfeiting money. In this hard time, the painter made a vow to paint the Mary’s chapel when released. After three years, when the French left the country in 1813, he was set free and a year later he fulfilled his vow. He painted the chapel with frescoes and added a painting of "Mary help us.” The frescoes exist no more; they had to be removed in 1954 because they were in a very bad state.
Soon after the French were gone rumours spread that miracles were happening at Brezje and that some people had been cured miraculously. More and more people were coming, by carriage and on foot, to the Church of St. Vid from all places in Slovenia and abroad, so the church soon became too small for the masses of pilgrims. When the Graz bishop Zwerger saw the great number of pilgrims during his visit to Brezje, he suggested to build a new, larger church above the Mary’s chapel. The new church was completed in 1900 and dedicated by Missia, the archbishop of Gorica. At the same time, the Franciscan monastery was erected there and the Franciscan Order is managing the church still today.
So far, the church has been repaired and changed many times, but nevertheless this new renaissance building is preserved in all its beauty and attractiveness.
Corinne Leskovar (Translator):
Observing the SWU’s 75th Anniversary with a great Heritage Tour to Slovenia
We conclude our travelogue
Part VI
We took a quick trip back to Bled and then, to Brezje for the highlight of our trip, the special High Mass offered at the Shrine of Marija Pomagaj. It was Friday, Oct. 5th, and there were already some people in church as we arrived. We came straight into church and to the chapel. Breathtaking! Some of our group just stood in awe without moving. We slowly took seats where available and offered our own prayers. Someone in the group began singing and soon, the great organ sounded, following us along in our choice of songs - those that everyone knew: “Marija pomagaj nam sleherni cas, na tebe ozira se vsak izmed nas...". Song and a decade of the Rosary, and soon it was time to get ready for the mass. We assembled near the altar, in front of glistening candles and a massive floral arrangement of red carnations, 75 flowers, one for every year of Slovenian Women’s Union, decorated with the Slovenian tricolor, its ribbon trailing onto the floor. Welcoming us with his ever present smile and warm words was Fr. Christian Gostečnik, OFM, celebrant and Fr. Peter Leskovar, con-celebrant. Fr. Christian is well known to us from his work in Chicago where he lived for 10 years, his visits to Slovenian communities all over the country and attendance at our San Francisco Convention in 1995. Presently he is at the Franciscan church in Ljubljana, director of the Franciscan Family Institute and professor at the University of Ljubljana. Fr. Peter is the pastor of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Slovenj Gradec, one of the historic churches in Slovenia (and nephew of yours truly). One can read Fr. Christian’s regular column in the Slovenian Catholic newspaper "Družina” as well as Fr. Peter's occasional feature article. None of us can forget that day... Fr. Christian’s words made us happy to be connected together in our organization with the past and present. Tears were rolling down everyone’s faces. We could not help it as he reminded us that our grandmothers and great grandmothers prayed at this very same place. We remembered also all the departed members, our founder and all organizers of Zveza and those women who led us to this 75th year. Enhancing the service was the music... it sounded as if it came from heaven. The melodic voice of Fr. Vid Lesjak, OFM and the powerful organ combined in sounds of indescribable beauty. “Ave Maria..."
Brezje is really the heart of Slovenia. The shime is located only 45 km. from Ljubljana. In the year 2000 it was named as a basilica which lends great deal of honor to the place and meaning to the faith of our people.
After mass (and some shopping in the church gift store) we posed for a group picture in front of the great doors of the basilica.
Fr. Christian and Fr. Peter at the magnificent main altar of the Basilica at Brezje.
The story of the picture of Marija Pomagaj is in an adjoining column. It has become a miraculous picture during the years and is visited by people from all continents. Wherever Slovenians live, Marija Pomagaj’s countenance follows us.
Another excursion was scheduled for this day, to see the Olympic Ski Jump “Planica” nearby. Our bus took “the 25 hairpin turns up and 25 down” Mt. Vršič (1611 m. high) to give us a view of the Julian Alps as fog lifted and fell around us. A fast stop at Tichar's for a warming drink ended the afternoon.
The day still had many enjoyments ahead. We had a reservation for dinner at Avsenik’s restaurant at Begunje. I had been there many years before when it was a small, cheerful and happy “gostilna” with a little dance floor and booths around the perimeter where waitresses served dinner while the musicians played for dancing. Now, Avsenik’s has become a restaurant of great dimension, with room for a thousand diners. On stage the ensemble played music like the Avsenik Oberkrainers made so popular and singers, too. We ate a delightful meal and listened eagerly to songs we could sing along. The second generation of Avseniks own this favorite tourist attraction that also includes a museum and gift store.
Nika remembers this area because during the occupation by the Gemans in WWII there was a detention center here where her father was kept and they could come here to visit occasionally. Now there is a mental hospital at this location.
We spent two more nights in Bled, each day returning to our hotel after a full day of sightseeing. Nika, sorry to say, was disappointed to hear the sounds of many languages spoken by shop owners, mostly people from the south in
former Yugoslavia, which tells us that commerce seems to be directing more non-Slovenians to Bled, the most popular tourist attraction in all of Slovenia because of its beautiful setting, the lake, the island, castle and surrounding mountains. Bled is always called "the jewel of Slovenia” and it does seem outrageous that Slovenia would not restrict outside commercial interests. Nika and others have pointed to the use of other former Yugoslav languages spoken on television programs in Slovenia, without Slovenian subtitles that if used would give strength to the teaching and pride in their native Slovenian language to the viewers, especially the younger population.
A slight diversion from Nika’s Slovenian travelogue here. Kathleen and I were in touch with the United States Embassy in Ljubljana in trying to arrange a meeting with the Ambassador and were invited to meet with the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, Hon. Trevor J. Evans, who was at Bled the same time as we were. He was representing the Ambassador at a meeting of the ten prospective NATO nations. This was during the transition time between the departure of Mme. Ely-Haliday who was leaving the post
Hon. Trevor J. Evans, U.S. Attache in Slovenia at the time of our visit met with Corinne and Kathy at Lake Bled.
as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia and the arrival of Hon. Johnny Young, her successor. Mr. Trevor did graciously agree to meet Kathy and me at Bled's large city auditorium. We were with him about an hour and told him some of our experiences since this was less than a month since the Attack on America Sept. 11th. He expressed his view that Slovenia wa probably the safest place to be at this time, and said we were a “courageous bunch” to travel with confidence whereas most people were staying off the airlines. He also gave us information on the topics discussed at the NATO meeting, and a copy of the statement made by Slovenia and other countries pledging their assistance in anti-terrorist action. He left us feeling quite confident that it indeed was a courageous decision to make this trip to Slovenia and also, to keep the faith that Slovenia would probably become a member of the European Union and NATO in the next year, which is very desireable, according to the Slovenian government.
We had a surprise awaiting our group on Saturday morning. From Bled it is a short ride to Lake Bohinj, the other alpine lake that is a favorite tourist and vacation spot. Just having learned that the newly installed cable car up to the top of Mt. Vogel was operational, we arranged for it
Our group on top of Mt. Vogel - we had just jumped off the cable car, and behold, this view of Mt. Triglav behind us in a cloudless sky! (Photo, Jean Herbst)
and gathered together our group of happy people. The cable car holds 80 people at a time and swoops up to the top of the mountain in a few minutes from where you can look over the opposite gorge to Mt. Triglav. It was the most perfect cloudless day to see snow-capped Triglav - in all its glory - and tiny Lake Bohinj below. The air on the high plains was most invigorating. We ended our excursion so near the blue sky with our usual short drink of fruit brandy, (everyone always enjoyed this ritual, selecting from pear, walnut or honey brandy, signing cards to send home, and strolling arm-in-arm).
Ivan Cankar, our great Slovenian writer wrote of Triglav:
“The eye, when it looks upon this scene, is stunned by God’s magical creation. The heart trembles sweetly because the mountains and the plains are announcing that God has made a paradise homeland for this happy nation, blessed above all others.”
The island in the middle of Lake Bled is just a short boat ride on the calm waters which are never misused. No motor boats or polluting machines on this lake. Only the oar-paddled “gondolas” carrying tourists, sculling teams and swimmers are allowed in the summer and skaters in the winter. Some of our group took a ride to the island and Nika’s brother joined us to accompany her. She recalls that the sound of the island church bell, when it rings, was both an invitation and a promise that love for our homeland survives.
The famed church (chapel) is standing there since the 17th century. On the door is written, "Blessed is the man who comes before my door.” The main altar in this church was completed in the 18th century and the side altars are even older. Every single visitor-pilgrim to this church is invited to pull on the bell rope three times and make a wish. If you hear the peal ring thrice, you will receive your wish. "Island of Bled, you are the heavenly beauty of this land.”
And, our last supper. If we can call it that. We had our last dinner together at the very well-known and popular restaurant Lectar at Radovljica. This city is from the middle ages, too, and very well maintained as restoration continues. The restaurant is located at the center of town surrounded by houses that echo the architecture of medieval times. A special evening awaited us, actually, two things on the menu re special. First, each table was served a delicious soup a holiowed-out pumpkin. You can imagine the fun of
ladling out this soup into each plate. At the end of the delicious dinner of assorted meats, potatoes, salad, etc., each of us received a unique dessert. It was a green (Granny Smith?) apple, filled with ice cream and topped with its own cover and surrounded with gobs of whipped cream. Umm, delicious and refreshing. During all of the serving, eating, drinking, etc. a delightful young lady played her zither, one appealing song after another. Then, the owner of the place joined us and played on his mouth harmonica, dedicating special songs to anyone with a birthday. Can you imagine how close we felt in friendship to each other? The end of the trip was near and reality was setting in. Soon we would be parting and returning to our homes in America.
Oct. 7th dawned brightly and under Brane’s care and Walter’s chauffeuring we set out for the ride to the airport. Brane took care of us to see that we passed the various security checks and there was a lot of commotion in the little Bmik airport. But, our Adria plane came in and we got on, with mixed emotions, you can be sure. We had already said goodbye to those who stayed on for extra days for family visiting, etc., but the majority was traveling home together.
We arrived at our American home cities without incident. How many extra packages and suitcases, I don’t know. But they were heavy. I’ll not forget the sight of us lumbering through the airport terminal with our many bags. Everything was precious and worth carrying by hand, every single package and bag... even, I think, Ray’s very heavy piece of marble sculpture he had received as a gift. He carried it all the way home, smiling all the way.
OUR SWU TOURISTS WERE THE BEST!
Nancy Malone, Ann Kapel, Corinne Leskovar, Rosemary Mlakar, Dorothy Swintowky, Mary Thomas and Molly Thomas enjoying one of our m-a-n-y exceptional dinners. (Photo Kathleen Dorchak)
THE END
A feast for the eyes and palate, our dessert of Apple Ice Cream Sundae at the restaurant called Lectar at Radovi* jica. (Photo Jean Herbst)
Bill Lan anu hid sister, Dorothy Wolowiecki lead the singing on board a cruise boat on the Adriatic Sea near the port city of Piran. The accordionist learned a thing or two, too! In the background are Bob Edson and Sue Phelan.
Stan and Marija Ferkul, Gladys Buck, Dolores Franko and Sylvia Spretnjak agree that they have great wine in Slovenia! (Photo Jean Herbst)
Nika Kovacic made sure we all tasted Slovenian fresh fruit so she bought some at the outdoor Farmers’ Market in Ljubljana.
Marjana Lipitz:
Dear Readers,
I'm delighted that so many of you decide to share your ideas and opinions with me. I hope we will continue having such a lively discussion in the future as well. My goal is not only to help you learn Slovene, but also to answer all of your questions you may have regarding any language-related topics.
As we all know, a language is a very complex phenomenon. Like every living being the language is constantly changing - everyday words can change or acquire new meanings (e.g. “mouse” or Slovenian “miška” denotes an animal or a computer mouse); they may become disused, or even completely disappear and be replaced by new words. Slovenian “oranža” (‘orange’) is a good example of an obsolete expression. Nowadays we refer to the fruit as “pomaranča.”
The language is influenced by numerous elements, such as culture, technology, history, politics, education and social changes. Just consider the amount of newly coined words regarding computer science!
In reference to the above, I would like to answer a question regarding the Slovenian affirmative “da” or “ja” (yes). One of the readers asked me if the usage of “da” had spread with the introduction of the communist regime. Well, that was not the case.
The affirmative “da” has always been a part of our language. In fact, it is common to most Slavic languages (Slovenian, Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Russian, etc.). Slovenian language books define it as a formal affirmative. In other words, it belongs to the standard Slovene as opposed to “ja”, which is of German origin and, therefore, marked as informal or colloquial. However, “ja” is used all the time; sometimes it even sneaks into texts written in standard Slovene.
*	jjc	*	9(C	9fe
If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free contact me! You can reach me via e-mail at mar-janal210@yahoo.com, or via snail-mail at: 9 Woodlake Road, Apt. 1, Albany NY 12203.
V
Marjana's Language Corner
NOTE: Slovenian distinguishes between 'formal’ and ‘informal’ modes of address, i.e.. between formal and informal YOU. See below.
TI - informal YOU	
Anja: Kako ti je ime? Suzana: Ime mi je Suzana./ Moje ime je Suzana. Anja: Jaz sem Anja.	What is your name? My name is Suzana. I'm Anja.
VI - formal YOU	
Gospa Pajek: Kako vam je ime? Gospod Kralj: Ime mi je Tone Kralj./Tone Kralj.	What is your name? My name is Tone Kralj./I’m...
-Naj vam predstavim...	Let me introduce you...
To je gospa Pajek.	This is Mrs. Pajek.
To je gospod Kralj.	This is Mr. Kralj.
To je gospodična Novak.	This is Miss Novak.
imc —first name priimek - last name
Meeting for the first time	
GospaJKovač: Oprostite, ste vi gospod Peterlin? Gospod Peterlin: Ja, jaz sem Janez Peterlin. Gospa Kovač: Moje ime je Manja Kovač. (they shake hands) Me veseH!	Excuse me, are you Mr. Peterlin? Yes, I’m Janez Peterlin. My name is Marija Kovač. Pleased to meet you!
Meeting for the first time	
Petra: Zivijo! Si ti Eva? Eva: Ja, jaz sem Eva. Petra: Jaz sem Petra	Hi! Are you Eva? Yes, I’m Eva. I’m Petra.
b) Greet people in Slovene
Dobro jutro - good morning (used until about 9:00am)
Dober dan - good day (used until about 6:30pm or dusk) Dober večer - good evening (used after 7:00pm and onwards)
Lahko noč - good night (before going to bed)
Živijo - hi (used among friends)
Adijo - bye (used among friends)
Note the use of formal and informal YOU:
Matic: Dober dan, gospa Mrak! Gospa Mrak: Dober dan, Peter! Kako si? on/nnnai) Matic: Dobro. In vi? Gospa Mrak: Dobro, hvala.	Hello, Mrs. Mrak! Hello Peter! How are you doing? Fine. And you? Good, thank you.
Jana: Živijo, Peter! Peter: Živijo, Jana. Kako gre? Jana: Zelo dobro, hvala.	Hi Peter! Hi Jana. How are things? Good, thanks.
c) Ask and reply to simple questions
At a bar (two acquaintances talking - informal)	
Sandra (waitress): Živijo! Mateja: Živijo! Sandra: Kaj boš pila? Mateja: Samo eno kavo, prosim. Sandra: Z mlekom? Mateja: Ja, prosim.	Hi there! Hello! What would you like to drink? Just coffee, please. With milk? Yes, please.
Until next time, try to memorize the discussed phrases by playing out dialogues.
Note the different structures for informal and formal ‘you’. I will discuss this topic again and provide more examples in lesson 4.
Just for your information, I’m including short name lists: Women’s names:
Men’s names:
Maja, Anja, Alenka,
Tina, Petra, Eva, Sabina, Nataša, Mateja, Mojca, Metka, Sonja, Daija, Vesna, Spela, Urša, Andreja, Mjrijam
Peter, Janez, Tjne, Matej, Matic, Boštjan, Marko, Uroš, Andrej, Matjaž, Matevž, Darko, Mitja, Niko, Sašo, Luka, Gregor,
Tone, Jan, Dejan, Žjga, Tomaž
TRANSLATION SERVICES Slovene, English, German, Bosnian, Croatian
Marjana Lipitz, professional translator
Interested in quality translation of old letters, cards or other documents? Call (518) 464-4472, or send an email to marjanal210@yahoo.com.
At a tea shop (formal YOU)	
Natakarica: Dober dan! Gospa Novak: Dober dan! Natakarica: Prosim? Gospa Novak: En čaj, prosim. {the waitress brings tea) Natakarica: Izvolite. Tukaj je sladkor. Gospa Novak: Najlepša hvala.	Waitress: Hello! Mrs. Novak: Hello! Waitress: How can I help you? Mrs. Novak: Tea, please. Waitress: Here you are. Sugar is right here. Mrs. Novak: Thank you very much.
Wonderful Heritage Gifts for Christmas
Music:
CDs
Tapes
$15.
10.
Books:
“From Slovenia to America”	5.
“Flowers from my Garden” - poetry 6.
“Pepca’s struggle”
SLOVENIA, Lonely Planet Let’s Sing (pocket-size) Songbook Coloring Book - Slomšek Story of Brezje Slovenian Language Manual Atlas of Slovenia
Cookbook: MORE POTS & PANS (Postpaid)
Splasher Cloths Pattern Book Genealogy Packet Slovenian Costume Pattern (Lady) Slovenian flag (3x5 nylon)
Brezje Items:
Candles with Stand
Medals
Postcards
Ceramic Angels (3 x 2)
Cards (single):
Slovenian Murals Birthday
Slovenian Chapel - Washington
Easter
Christmas
Cards (pack of four):
Sympathy, Get Well (2 of each) Christmas, Thank you,
Thinking of You, Get Well
Cards (pack of five):
Cmation design, blank Christmas, woodcut design, Slovenian, English, Blank Bumper Stickers Cup Cozies (SWU logo)
Measuring spoons (SWU logo)
16.
17. 1. 5. 5.
18. 110.
18.
5.
6. 5.
50.
10.
10.
2.
2.
1.
1.
1.
Tee-Shirts:
“From Slovenia”
mural
15.00
Shipping:
Under $10 - add $2.50 $10 to $25 - add $4.50 $25 to $50 - add $6.50 $50 to $100 - add $8.50
S.W.U. Heritage Museum 431 No. Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432
§8 883888388 88838 8S88 ČŠ8SS 8 8 8 8888
Veda Tor 1 itzva r:	^
‘From Our ‘Heritage ‘Kitchens
Autumn has come to the northland and the forests and parks are a riot of color.
As with much of the rest of the nation, northern Minnesota is struggling with Taconite Plant closings and businesses are having a difficult time staying solvent. The tragedy of 9/11 and the stock market crashing day after day has made everyone apprehensive and extremely worried.
Yet we all must have Faith and not lose hope in the greatest nation on earth. This is a land of survivors, and somehow we will emerge stronger than ever.
With the holidays approaching, it’s time to share some special recipes.
Eggnog Punch
4	cups half and ha!f cream, divided
l,2	cup sugar 6 eggs lightly beaten
3 teaspoons vanilla extract l/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups whipping cream
6 to 8 cups lemon-lime soda, chilled 1 quart vanilla ice cream
i/.
cup chopped
maraschino cherries
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups half-and half cream, eggs and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees, or is thick enough to coat a metal spoon, about 9 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the vanilla, nutmeg if desired, and remaining half and half. Cover and refrigerate for at least three hours.
Pour into a punch bowl. Stir in whipping cream and soda. Top with scoops of ice cream and sprinkle with cherries. Serve immediately. Yield: about four quarts.
Wish to contact our Food Editor with comments or suggestions? Write to:
Veda Ponikvar 600 13th St., NW Chisholm, MN 55719
Crab-Stuffed Celery
1 Carton (8 oz.) whipped chive cream cheese x'i cup crabmeat, drained, flaked, and cartilage removed
1	tablespoon mayonnaise !/2 teaspoon lemon juice l/» teaspoon onion salt !/» teaspoon garlic salt 6 celery ribs, cut in to serving-size pieces In a bowl combine the first six ingredients; mix well. Transfer to a small resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the comer of the bag. Pipe mixture into celery sticks. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: about 2 dozen appetizers.
Lemon Pound Cake
1 cup butter or margarine softened !/i cup shortening 3 cups sugar 5 eggs
3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ‘ 2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon extract 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
Glaze
1 to 1 cups confectioners sugar ' j cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1	teaspoon grated lemon peel
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, salt and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with the milk. Mix well after each addition. Add lemon extract and lemon peel. Mix on low until well blended. Pour into a greased, fluted tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 70 minutes or until cake tests done. Turn out on a rack to cool.
For glaze, combine all ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.
Hot Crab Dip
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
!/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons milk
l,2	teaspoon prepared horseradish I;4 teaspoon salt l;4 teaspoon dill weed Dash of black pepper 1 can (6 oz.) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed 1;4 cup sliced green onions Additional dill weed or snipped fresh dill, optional Assorted crackers or sliced french bread In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, milk, horseradish, salt, dill, and pepper. Stir in crab and onions. Spread evenly into an ungreased 9 inch pie plate. If desired, sprinkle with additional dill in the shape of a Christmas Tree. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Serve with crackers or bread. Yield: 12 servings.
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SLOVENIAN - AMERICAN COOKBOOK
Popular MORE POTS AND PANS cookbooks are still only $18 per copy postpaid. Write the SWU Home Office, 431 No. Chicago St., 60432. Your mail orders will receive immediate attention.
Please share any books you’ve read that will help us learn about Slovenia, Slovenians in America or Slovenians around the world. Write a brief article (500 words or less) on the book that you have read and tell us why you did or didn’t like it. It could be a book you’ve borrowed from the SWUA Libary or a book you've readfrom the public library.
The review below is reprintedfrom the online newsletter "The New Neighborhood" and the book was borrowed from the S.W.U. Heritage Museum.
Mary Lou (Deyak) Voelk
“Immigrant Woman” by Mary Molek
I began reading Immigrant Woman while awaiting a plane in the Minneapolis St. Paul Airport. After just 3 pages, I felt like I was living in a surreal world...people walking by with their pedicures, manicures, backpacks, sipping from their water bottles, and I am reading of real people, Slovenian people, who faced such dire hardships at the turn of the century.
This book is a fictionalized biography, but everything is true. The story is told in a diary-like fashion, out of sequence but pieced together by subject matter. I found it difficult to put down, and not wanting it to end. But then, I felt pangs of guilt. Did 1 want to continue reading of other peoples hardships?
One always thinks of the immigrant woman as “tired and poor” and that they were greeted by Lady Liberty. The author however, describes these woman as “bearers of an already established cultural heritage, centuries old.” They were vibrant women, in pre-consciousness-raising years before the awareness of their rights, working at anything that needed to be done. If they did not find the “streets paved with gold” as promised, then everything came to him who worked.” Survival and self preservation were the keys. These woman were sacrificial, the one trait that led to the greatness of our country.
I	quote from this book:
“Because men wanted only boy babies to help them out eventually with “man’s work,” her husband never let her forget the boy baby’s death...” She had three beautiful daughters but her boy baby had died...”
She did everything, every day, year after year, from pre dawn to dark. She never rested. She dug in the garden; she fed the chickens she milked the cow.”
The immigrant Woman was a seasmstress-tailor; she slopped the pigs; she canned - everything; she weeded; she rushed her children into the cyclone cellar; she gathered eggs; made butter; built the fire in the kitchen stove; washing out clothes, wringing them out by hand; combed her children’s hair; handmade her own soap...
And a section that caught my heart:
“Dandelions are out in the field. Time to pick them and together with the oil and vinegar, mix together some hard boiled eggs.. That, with a chunk of homemade bread, was a big meal.”
I	recommend this book be read as a family or with as many people as you can gather. Read it orally. I guarantee there will not be a dry eye... this is a book you will never forget.
Bonnie Pohar Prokup:
“Pilgrim Among the Shadows”
by Boris Pahor
It gave me a new look at every day life in the concentration camps during WWII. I’ve read many books on this subject, visited Dachau in Germany and watched many movies, but this was the first time I heard of several of the atrocities afflicted on the prisoners. One always hears about how many Jews died in the concentration camps but we never hear about all of the others. In this book they referred to Slovenians, Italians, Russians and even French.
Reading the book gave me a better understanding of the life my uncle led as he too was placed in a concentration camp and given a number. I’ve heard of his story since I was little but never did I put two and two together as I was always under the assumption that it was mainly the Jewish people in these camps. Because the author was also Slovenian I kept thinking how much this book represented my family. I’ve now passed this book on to my dad. I suggested he read it to help understand a part of his mother’s brother’s life.
HERITAGE DONATIONS
$25 Virginia F. Sustarich (San Francisco) in memory tRudolph H. Sustarich $25 Marjorie Mitchell (Chicago) in memory tRose Salakar $25 M/M Thad Cooke, (Garfield Hts., OH 44125) in memory ^Bernard Vranesic, a very caring Slovenian-American
$20 Donation, Keith and Marion Bowers, Br. 20 (California) $15 Annamarie Bodisch, Br. 43, in memory of her mother
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY GENEALOGY?
To get a Genealogical Workup sheet that will help you as an easy biographical guideline send your request, with $6, to:
Mary Turvey, 52 Oakridge Dr., Marquette, MI 49855 Also, you can find it on our website, WWWSWUA.ORG Everyone’s doing it! Make your Family Tree!
“EXHIBITION ON SLOVENIJA” SETS ATTENDANCE RECORDS IN ST. PAUL
Exclusive to ZARJA:
The Special Exhibition on the History and Culture of Slovenija opened on Labor Day weekend to enthusiastic crowds. The opening enabled the Julian H. Sleeper House Museum to set new marks (since 1993) for one-day, two-day, and one-week attendance.
Mayor Randy Kelly issued an official proclamation declaring September 1-7 to be Slovenian Exhibition Week in St. Paul. The St. Paul Convention and Visitors' Bureau named the exhibition one of the “Top Ten Things To Do” for the opening week of September. At the official opening on September 1, Honorary Consul Dr. Kenneth Zapp read greetings from President Milan Kučan, from Ambassador Dr. Davorin Kračun, and other officials. Janet C. Mahoney, Chair of the JHSH Board of Directors, cut the ceremonial ribbon and toasted with champagne from Haloze in Ptuj. Yul Yost brought greetings from long-distance swimmer Martin Strel.
Opening weekend saw many Slovenian-American visitors, who agreed with JHSH Director Dr. Seth C. Hawkins’ description of the exhibition: “It is very much like Slovenija itself: many beautiful things to see in a compact space.” By one definition, the JHSH has already had its first visitor from Slovenija. Dr. Monika Žagar, a languages professor at the University of Minnesota who lives near the JHSH, was bom in Slovenija, and she and her American husband (and quite bilingual son) still live there in the summer.
The Slovenian Exhibition displays a considerable presence of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. On display are several musical instruments, a ceramic version of a honeybread heart, and a Holy Ghost bird, all on loan from the Heritage Center in Joliet, and personally delivered to the JHSH by SWUA President Kathleen Dorchak, who also added to this great kindness by sending an arrangement of red carnations for opening weekend.
By far the most generous provider of items on loan to the exhibition is SWUA member Genevieve Shubitz of White Bear Lake, a suburb of St. Paul. Genevieve literally filled her car twice with priceless and varied ethnographic treasures that her parents brought to Minnesota. Most dramatic are a scythe suspended from the ceiling (between the cases, safely) and a wine press. Also, complete tools of Slovene cobblers, farming devices (including an adjustable holder devised by her father for holding the scythe to sharpen it), ;rural kitchen tools, and a remarkable tile from a peč that was at least 350 years old when the family homestead in Žiri was remodeled in 1956. At the foot of the entrance stairs, a mannequin named Veronika wears Genevieve's narodna noša in order to greet everyone in style. By the way, Genevieve is a cousin of Spela Subic at the Plečnik Collection, the first museum official in Slovenija that Dr. Hawkins met!
And of course the exhibition gift shop is selling copies of More Pots and Pans, as well as other souvenirs purchased from the SWUA. And yes, the potica served at the JHSH is from the kitchen of Bev Menart.
The Special Exhibition has twenty-two interpretive wall panels with essays about every aspect of Slovene history
and culture, including Valvasor, Plečnik, Dr. Prešeren, cities and towns, beehive panels, caves, railways, wines, and much more, accompanied by hundreds of photographs and other illustrations. There is a striking display of all Slovenian currency, past and present. There is a complete album of Slovenian postage stamps, from Independence Day to today.
In addition to items already mentioned, the exhibition showcases include the following, and more: twenty different types of Slovenian wine; a display of consumer goods (modem and vintage), including antique advertising tins; a tribute to France Prešeren; typical publications; bee products and pear-in-the-bottle brandy from Pleterje Abbey; beehive panels, including two antique ones; treasures of antiquity on loan from the Slovenski Narodni Muzej; dormouse-hunting artifacts, including an antique trap and a stuffed dormouse; Olympic pins; butarice; market baskets; models of Air Adria and Slovenska Železnica equipment, and much more.
The library of the Special Exhibition has over a hundred books and other publications in which visitors may do casual reading or research on every thing from architecture to dining out. Visitors may take home any of over 112 (yes, that’s hundred and twelve!) different tourist brochures, maps, and other pamphlets, including membership forms for the SWUA.
Visitors to the exhibition will certainly be encouraged to see more by going to Slovenija. Dr. Hawkins, an experienced world traveller and a professional public speaker, is ready to plan everyone's trip, handing out Air Adria timetables, shopping advice, and everything in between. One opening weekend visitor was a Slovene-American who has never been to his homeland, but is going there in November, and he left the JHSH with lots of printed material and many suggestions. Whatever your relation to Slovenija may be, come to the JHSH Special Exhibition and see more than you might expect. Call (651) 225-1505 for an appointment anytime from now until the end of next year. Dr. Hawkins will have the potica ready for you.
My wife and I went to the opening of the “Special Exhibition on the History and Culture of Slovenija” held at the Julian H. Sleeper House in St. Paul, Minnesota. There were great Slovenian artifacts, literature, maps, and wines. It was an eye-opening experience and I want to thank Seth Hawkins who spent countless hours organizing and categorizing the information for this exhibition. I would encourage anyone with interest in Slovenia to spend some time absorbing the culture! It was beyond our expectations!
Norman <6 Mary Ann Setnicker NORMAS 188(amsn. com
Activities of our Branches
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, WI Meetings: 5 per year SS. Cyril & Methodius Church Hall
t In Memoriam
Margaret Fischer, age 93, of Kohler, Wisconsin, went to live in her Heavenly Home August 3,
2002.
Margaret was the daughter of the late John and Marie Prisland, the latter being the Founder of the Slovenian Women’s Union.
Margaret was active in the Kohler Brownie Scout Troop in the 60’s and served as Assistant Troop Leader for 5 years.
Margaret was a charter member of the Slovenian Women’s Union and held the position of secretary of Sheboygan Branch 1 for over 30 years.
She is survived by 2 sons and
2	daughters; one	daughter is
Mary Turvey of Marquette, Michigan, the	Slovenian
Women’s Union	Scholarship
Fund Chairperson.
A mass was celebrated August 6, 2002 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Kohler, WI with burial in Greendale Cemetery, Sheboygan, WI.
Memorial donations are appreciated to the Slovenian Women’s Union	Scholarship
Fund.
Our sincere sympathy.
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 3rd Sunday, 1 p.m. St. Stephen’s lower hall
Special Note: There is a change with our meeting times. We will continue to meet at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, only our time will change to 3rd Sunday
-	1 o’clock. We hope this will allow our members from the suburbs to at-
tend. There is parking space available. It would be great to have more members attending.
Thanks to Joliet Br. 20 and all their members who worked hard preparing for the “Grape Festival” for us to enjoy and that we did! They had a nice crowd who came for the delicious food; hi spirits; beautifully decorated hall and music. We were even served wine samples and the fun to dance and steal the grape packages and go to jail when the guards did catch us. When you break the law you have to pay! Our National Officers were there and we were happy to meet our new member - Leslie Cummings - she has been a member of Br.
2	for a year and this was her first Slovenian party.
Congratulations to Amy Nusko, the new bride of Hilario Aranda married Sept. 21 st. Her dad, Ray was so proud!
With the birth of Jos Ryan, Jean Cerjak became a great grandmother, Kare Blue a grandmother and Connie Taylor a great aunt. Also, Mary Vrhovnik is happy to announce that she, too, is a great aunt to Conrad Matthew Palk.
Fran Morrison missed our Sept. meeting for a very good reason, she was invited to Vermont for a special birthday party. 50th Happy Birthday, Mike Morrison! Besides all the fun, can you believe everyone had a ride in a Hot Air Balloon. Sounds great!
We are happy to read letters from Mary Foys Lauretig and daughter, Verdean (from Las Vegas) and also Mary Ann Oblak from Ohio.
Talk came up about our Nat’l. Convention in Duluth, MN, June 12-16, 2003. It sounds exciting. Many of our members have never been to that part of our country and are looking forward to the trip, especially since Fran always talks about her home town there.
Father Vendelin celebrated his 81st birthday at the Slovene Cultural Center on Oct. 6th.
Congratulations to Diana Fir on her recent marriage. We all really enjoyed her singing in San Francisco, 1995.
Trip to the Museum for the annual Christmas program is on Dec. 29, 1:30 p.m. The Cultural Center will have a
Reports due first of month preceding publication.
bus leaving from Lemont at 12:30.
Keep our sick members and all our stay-at-home members in your prayers, especially Chris Pirman who recently had surgery, Stella Langosz, Sadie De-Falco and Angie Bennedict.
Agnes Turner Wroblewski passed away Sept. 26th. She was very active in many church societies and lodges at St. Stephen’s, also was the cook for the priests for years. We will miss her and our condolences to her family and many friends, sons, Bernard and Roger; daughter Suzanne and sister, Theresa, their families and her grandchildren whom she loved and was very proud of.
Member Mae Persa passed away Sept. 8th - she bowled with our league and was one of the first from our area to head out to Las Vegas for fun and games. Condolences to her brother, Joe and sister, Millie.
Our condolences to Gen Buol who lost her father-in-law Matthew Buol, and to her husband Matt, daughter, Katie and son, Matthew.
Members who lost loved ones are: Naomi Trinko - her aunt Clare; Kare Blue - her father-in-law; Helen Fitzgerald - her sister, Bernice Martinovich; Rose Marie Krapence - her uncle, Frank Koporc; Mary Podder -her mother-in-law, Marija Podbevsek who was grandmother to JoAnne, Steven, Jos and Chris Podder and great grandmother of Jennifer, Nicholas, Kelly, Scott and Anthony. Please remember them all in your prayers that they will rest in peace.
Dates to Remember Nov. 10th - 7th Anniv. of Slovene Cultural Center, Lemont Nov. 17th-Penny Social-“County Fair” 1 o’clock
Dec. 7th - Children’s Christmas Party - 12 o’clock Dec. 15th - Adult Christmas Party “The Fireplace Inn”
Dec. 31st - New Year’s Eve Party
-	Lemont Cultural Center
Two very big family holidays are with us - Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hope you all have a Blessed Christmas and holiday wishes to our SWU family
REMEMBER THE DELEGATE ELECTION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31,2002
Please refer to your SWU Bylaws, Article IV, pages 14-17.
Each branch is entitled to one delegate (membership under 200); two delegates (membership from 202 to 400) or three delegates (membeship over 400). Elections are to take place during the period from October through December of the year preceding the Convention.
Names of the Delegates are requested to be submitted to the National Secretary by January 31,
2003.
NOMINATIONS CHAIRMAN NAMED
In advance of the 24th National SWU Convention in June, the President has appointed Secretary, Bonnie Pohar Prokup as chairman of the Nominations Committee. See Bylaws Article IV, page 15.
Branches are requested to send in written Nominations for positions that will be elected at the Convention by April 30, 2003.
The National President will chair the Convention Bylaws Committee.
Bonnie Prokup, National Secretary 3119 Carrie Street Peru, Illinois 61354
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
National Officers:
Nov. 9 - Beverly Menart, Nat’l Auditor, Duluth, MN Nov. 11 - Mary Muller, Past Nat’l Pres., Oakbrook, IL Nov. 15 - Genevieve Buol, State Pres., IL-IN, Chicago, IL
Dec. 29 - Fran Gazvoda, State Pres., OH-MI, Cleveland, OH Dec. 29 - Marjorie Church, Nat’l Vice President, Macedonia, OH
Presidents:
Nov. 5 - Genevieve Grilc, Br. 85, Depue, IL Nov. 13 - Josephine Aiuto, Br. 13, San Fran., CA Nov. 15 - Dolores Hennelly, Br. 95, So. Chicago, IL Nov. 23 - Steffie Segulin, Br. 10, Cleveland, OH Nov. 28 - Valeria Carlson, Br. 56, Hibbing, MN
Dec. 1 - Mary Therese Ehnat, Br. 16, So. Chicago, IL Dec. 31 - Josephine Kapla, Br. 81, Keewatin, MN
Secretaries:
Nov. 15 - Dolores Hennelly, Br. 95, So. Chicago, IL
Many Happy Returns of the Day!
and also to all our Service Personnel who are in dangerous situations and away from home. Remember them in your prayers.
Thanks to Barbara Jenkover for this information on the St. Stephen’s Christmas scene (photo in special feature, this issue). The Christmas Nativity scene at St. Stephen Church (since 1967) was designed and built by Lawrence Schultz. Lawrence was custodian and general maintenance engineer for all of St. Stephen Parish properties for many years. The stable that had been previously used had become irreparable and Lawrence was asked to build a replacement. Lawrence enjoyed woodworking and had experience in cabinetry, having custom made all the kitchen and bathroom cabinets in his, and his wife, Marcella’s home on 23rd Street. He chose to make the stable out of cedar, for it’s color characteristics and durability. Lawrence was very proud and honored to donate his time and talent to something that would be with St. Stephen for over 35 years.
Additionally, we remember that Mary Podder crocheted a soft little blanket for the Baby Jesus in our St. Stephen’s “jaslice”.
Vesele Božične praznike in Srečno Novo Leto - 2003!
Love,
DAISY
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. 1 p.m. SND Holmes Ave.
Meeting was on Sept. 25th at the Gateway, a good site because many of our members live here. President, Steffie Segulin opened with prayer and absent were Ann Stefančič, who is still ailing and Lucy Romik, doing much better. Both these ladies are still under doctor’s care. Hurry and get well - we all miss you.
Ohio-Michigan State Day was planned for Oct. 13th at Rechar Hall and we hoped to have 6 members attend.
We will read about this event in the next ZARJA. Election of officers resulted in everyone agreeing to accept their jobs for another year. Thank you, ladies. We asked Ann Stefančič by tele-’ phone to be our recording secretary and she said she would. Ann hopes to be well soon.
We discussed the National Convention in Duluth and our two delegates were chosen, Theresa Dagg and Stephanie Segulin with Alternates, Stefanic Dagg and Marie Gomback. It will be held in June next year.
Christmas party is Nov. 20th at 1 p.m. not the 28th as I mistakenly reported. Sorry. It’s always the 3rd Wednesday of the month. It will be held at Dubrovnik Gardens on Rt. 91
-	34900 Lake Shore Blvd., Eastlake, Ohio. Hope to see many of you there. Members, please call (216) 451-1876.
Get well wishes to our ailing members. God bless you. Happy Birthday to Stephanie Segulin on Nov. 23rd. She will be “80” years young. Where did
the time go? Have fun and enjoy life.
I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving - stay healthy.
The ladies send deepest sympathy to the family and relatives of Alice Kastelic Opalich. She died at the age of 93 on August 17th in Richmond Hgts., Alice was bom in Collinwood and the wife of former mayor of Richmond Hgts., Stephan Opalich. They were founding members of Cape Coral Country Club and Palmetto Pines Country Club, where they made their winter home. She was a member of many lodges and co-founder, along with her husband of several businesses, both in Cleveland and Florida.
Survivors are her children, George, Dorothy and Pat and their families, also 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter. May God grant her eternal rest.
Ending this article with a wish for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
THERESA DAGG
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 3rd Thurs.
St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & Aug.
Sept. 8th was Willard’s State Convention and they greeted us with hugs, smiles, and Slovenian songs! They had two accordions playing and a group in Slovenian costumes. It was very welcoming and impressive! Thank you, ladies and gentlemen!
We were late as our bus was not on time - but we did have time for a fast coffee, juice and sweet roll before mass at Holy Family church. The meeting followed at the parish center. Our State President, Josephine Janezic called on the delegates from Sheboygan, Br. 1 (absent), Milwaukee, Br. 12 and Br. 43, and Willard, Br. 102. They each gave a good report. Corinne Leskovar, our ZARJA Editor gave a report on ZARJA, saying she enjoyed her work that was coming to the end of 50 years. Corinne did a terrific job all these years and we will miss her. (Thanks so much, Stavia. C.)
Mass was a beautiful tribute to our Slovenian heritage with the choir singing our favorite Slovenian hymns. They were all dressed in national costumes. Msgr. Matthew Malnar was the celeb-
rant and had a wonderful service; he welcomed our group and spoke about the birthday that day of Our Blessed Mother, Mary.
A delicious luncheon consisted of favorite food and we had good service at the beautifully decorated tables. I’m not a big eater, but I ate well, everything being home made and served family style. Our guest speaker was Msgr. Malnar, then prizes were raffled and a Slovenian sing-a-long by the accordionists. The “good boys” came along to the bus and played us tunes as we departed, calling out: “See you soon!
-	Come again!” What a day! I’ll never forget it. Thanks to Antonia Vodnik for picking me up and bringing me home from St. John’s parking lot.
At our Sept. meeting we celebrated Sept. birthdays; the ladies are: Fran Re-mshak, Theresa Fedran, Molly Macht, Leona Zigmund, Nell Zietlow, Estelle Kobow, and Yours Truly. Thanks, Vir-ginia, for preparing the food. We had a whole dinner and apple strudel and donuts for dessert.
Welcome to our new member, Elizabeth Bartolic.
Christmas party is December 5th at Klemmer’s.
STAVIA DOBERSEK
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 1st Tues., 6 p.m. Slov. Society Home
We’ve had a busy summer especially with the opening of the new location for the Polka hall of Fame Museum and Retail Shop on July 17 when fifteen polka bands played for the grand event with “Polkas on the Lawn” for a crowd of 800 folks enjoying the music and activities. We send congratulations to Fran Prijatel, Louise Formica and Joanne Bowman, three of our members, who appeared on the front page of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, in a full color photo wearing their Narodna Noša outfits at the event. This photo was presented on a full-color plaque to the Polka Hall of Fame by Alex Machaskee of The Plain Dealer and is now on display. Trustees have also announced nominees for the annual awards and are preparing for the Annual Awards show on Saturday, November 30. This event is preceded by Tony Petkovsek’s big Thanksgiving
Polka Weekend on Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29 at Cleveland’s Marriott Hotel Downtown. Activities continue on Saturday evening at the hotel where the public gets to mingle with the award winners from the Polka Hall of Fame at Meet the Winners Dance.
Members have been busy making plans for our popular Christmas Dinner which this year will be held on Tuesday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m. We always have an entertaining evening along with plenty of delicious home-style food. Be sure to call in your reservations to Jennie Fitzthum (216) 261-1196.
Past President, Mary Stražišar is now a resident of the Slovene Home for the Aged on Neff Rd; Mary Gerl is presently in a nursing home in Madison, Ohio; her sister Vickie Lindic had been the hospital for a short time and is now back at her apartment in Gateway Manor; and Rose Rodgers, who had been our Sunshine Lady for many years is now in the Nursing home at Gateway Manor. We send our greetings and best wishes to these wonderful ladies!
We’ve lost a very dear member, Agatha “Peggy” Smerke, who had been ailing for a while and had surgery several times. We send our condolences to daughter, Debra Jo and son Dr. Robert. May our dear Lord and His Mother Mary wrap our dear departed ones in the comfort of Their arms and grant them eternal peace.
Wishing our members a Happy Thanksgiving Day with lots of stuffed turkey and a Blessed and Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year - Vesele Božične Praznike in Srečno Novo Leto 2003!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Saturday, 1 p.m. monthly except Jan.-July-Aug. St. George’s Hall
Greetings and best wishes to everyone for a lovely fall and winter. Our last meeting attendance on Sept. 7th totaled 14 members. I’m sorry to say that I missed it. A new member was welcomed, Genevieve Marco. Gen is well-known in our area, a very pleasant, unassuming lady. She will be an asset to our branch. Welcome, Gen.
Our members were generous as usual with the goodies.
Congratulations and best wishes to my daughter. Rose and husband, Jim Kasarda on their marriage on Sept. 6th at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. John, IN. It wasabeautiful wedding and I have a great new son-in-law and three great new granddaughters.
Our member Wendy Ksiazek and Anthony Silos became Mr. & Mrs. on Sept. 28th at St. George Church. Congratulations to the happy couple. Wendy’s mom, Ann, had a stroke the night before the wedding and is now recuperating. Prayers and best wishes.
Vida, Gladys and Sylvia attended the State Convention in Indianapolis. They got there by the kindness of our State President, Gen Buol. Gen actually came out here to pick them up at 3:00 a.m. so they could make the bus connection at St. Stephen’s. Vida, our Br. 16 delegate said they all enjoyed the hospitality of the host branch, No. 5, Gladys and Vida were clad in their Narodna Nošas and were honored to take up the offertory gifts at mass. We will hear more about the convention at our next meeting. Sylvia won a potica and I won a beautiful mum plant the ladies brought home for me. How about that?
My daughter, Sister Lois and her companion, Sister Jane made a three day trip to Rome, also had an audience with the Pope. Then they took three days to Reiti Valley followed by two weeks in Assisi. Then, for four days, the creme de la creme - Slovenia! They will be guests of my late husband’s cousin there.
My daughter, Kathy and her husband Tim did Italy, a lot of it. They had a great time and ate lotsa pasta! On the way there they were supposed to stop in Switzerland but landed in Paris for a one nighter, and on the way home they got to London instead of Switzerland - these airlines are really mixed up sometimes!
Our Clara Saviano is back in her own home being taken care of by her daughter and granddaughter. Manda has been to several meetings. It is great to see her back with us.
We lost two long time members recently. Violet “Ljuba” Somin passed away on August 14th. Vi was a member for 30 years. She was also a long-time choir member and loved to sing. Those
missing her are, Michael, Patricia (Robert) Scodro, Georgene (Louis) Spoonhour and grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
Rose Salakar died on Sept. 6th in Racine, WI. Rose reached the age of 97 years. She was our member for 65 years, a great worker, always ready to help. She was our recording secretary for many years, Rose is survived by her son, Tom and daughter, Mary Ann. May the eternal light shine upon her.
My best wishes for a Blessed and abundant Thanksgiving! Wishes for a Blessed Christmas, and.. .Happy Birthday to all November and December celebrants. Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!
MARGE
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL Meeting: 3rd Tues. except June to Sept. St. Joe’s Park Hall
Once again we have come to the season of abundant harvest. We give thanks for all the blessings of field and forest, family and friends. The beautiful colors of autumn will soon give way to winter, and a blanket of snow will conceal the dormant seeds below.
Our Branch 20 meeting was held on September 17 at St. Joseph Park Hall. The cumulating attendance award was won by Jean Herbst, while 50/50 prize was won by Claire Yaggy. We extended our thanks to Shelley Handel and Carol Webber who gave an informative talk on “Breast Cancer and You.” They told us we are all survivors.
The traditional Slovenian Grape Harvest Dance was on Sunday, September 29, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Bob Doszak Band provided the music. The 2002 Honorary Mayor was none other thank Mr. Bob Doszak, himself!
Sunday, October 6, was the date for the Illinois/Indiana regional convention, hosted by Branch 5. Branch 2 sent a bus from Chicago for this occasion; they were joined in Joliet by members of Branches 16 and 20. A Mass at 9:00 a.m. was offered at the Holy Trinity Slovenian Catholic Church in Indianapolis. After Mass, a meeting and dinner was held at the Brickyard Crossing, located near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
On Tuesday, October 15, at 7 p.m., the speaker, Dr. Daniel V. Grunert, D.C., discussed pain management and ways of coping with arthritis. Nominations were accepted for new officers.
Election of officers will be held on November 19. Delegates will also be elected for the National Convention. (Results of these elections will be announced in the January/February issue of ZARJA.) The renowned guest speaker, Steve Stout, from LaSalle, Illinois, will speak on the “Starved Rock Murders,” and the “1909 Cherry, Illinois Mine Disaster.”
On Sunday, November 24, the Slovenian Women’s Union, Branch 20, will have a booth at the St. Joseph Church Bazaar. You can get the SWU cookbook, “More Pots and Pans,” for $18, and your January Magical Month Calendar for $10. Also, you can purchase Slovenian cassettes, CDs, and miscellaneous Slovenian items. These make great Christmas presents.
Our Christmas Dinner, on the third Sunday of December, the 15th, buffet style, will be held at the Tuckaway Restaurant, 2545 Plainfield Road in Joliet. The cash bar will open at 11:30 a.m. and dinner will be at noon. Reservations must be made by December #. Make your check for $18 payable to SWU Branch 20; mail it to Kathy Stonich, 307 Comstock, Apt. 15, Joliet, IL 60436. Family members are invited to attend.
The membership application you received by mail was intended for you to use to sign up a new member for Branch 20. So, “Each one, Reach one,” or two, or three for our 75th Anniversary. A membership application can also be found in the back of your ZARJA. Send applications to Jean Herbst, 912 Barber Lane, Joliet, IL 60435. There will be a monetary award for the three highest recruiters.
Please remember. Branch 20 is continuing the drive for our own scholarship fund. Any amount will help. Please send your donation to Jean Herbst. Margaret Rems and Jean Herbst have made scholarship donations.
Keith and Marion Bowers from Napa Valley, California, spent a few days visiting Jean and Gerald Herbst. Marion is a long-time member of Br. 20.
Wedding Anniversary congratulations to: Richard and Mary Kay De-
Fr. Tom Paul, 25 Years a Priest!
On Nov. 9th our Br. 20 Spiritual Director, Fr. Tom Paul will celebrate 25 years of his ordination. St. Joseph Church will be the scene of a special Mass of Thanksgiving at 4:00 p.m. with reception following at Ferdinand Hall. Our very best wishes, Fr. Tom!
He is the pastor of St. Mary Goslyn Church in Downers Grove, IL, 444 Wilson St., 60515. We will be seeing him at our Christmas Party in December for his special blessing.
mick, 40 years; Alex and Dolores Plut, 50 years; and John and Marie Gulas, 55 years.
We offer our sympathy and prayers to: Deanie (Buchar) Gudac and family on the death of her father; also to Josephine M. (Solloway), nee Kozan, and family on the death of her husband, and Bernard E. Vranesic.
A garden setting was the scene of the 30th wedding anniversary of Judy and Chris Pucel. Three sons Eric, Zachary and Nicholas hosted the party. Congratulations were extended by relatives and friends in attendance. Millie and Rudy Pucel are parents of the honored couple.
We extend our get well wishes to Bertha Hofer and Darlene Marquardt.
Congratulations to Renee Herbst who recently received her MBA degree. Her parents are Gerald and Jean Herbst. Renee will graduate from Lewis University this fall.
Serenity Prayer
by St. Teresa of Avila
God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas!
Submitted by,
SISTER MARLENE AMBROSE, OSF
Bob Doszak is Mayor for a Day!
Joliet’s “Polka King” was called upon by the members of SWU Br. 20 to govern the evening of their annual Grape Harvest Dance, Sept. 29th. It meant that as Mayor, he called the celebration to order - citing that the grape harvest work was over and it was time to celebrate. And, celebrate we did!
Not only did Bob do the Mayor’s job well - he also provided the most beautiful music this side of heaven! -so said many of the guests there that day. Doszak is known for his melodic sound and for over 40 years he has been responsible for many enchanting evenings, at weddings, dances, and parties of all kinds.
So, he was the perfect choice as this year’s Mayor and he made sure everyone had a grand time. Bob and his wife, Judy are members of Br. 20 and his orchestra has played for the annual dance for many, many years. He’s always the first on our list of favorite entertainers, said the committee.
In 1980, Father David Stalzer, with great enthusiasm and foresight involved the Joliet Branch #20 in promoting the annual Grape Harvest Festival. We have been celebrating for 22 years.
Listed below are our distinguished Honorary Mayors through the years:
GRAPE FESTIVAL HONORARY MAYORS
1980 - Joliet Township Trustee Rudolph J. Pucel; 1981 -Carita Ancel Girman; 1982 - Anton Kaluza; 1983 -Mayor of Joliet, John Bourg (deceased); 1984 - Mayor of Crest Hill, Donald Randich;
1985 - Peter Papesh - Benny; 1986
-	Joe Sterle; 1987 - Mayor of Joliet Charles P. Connor; 1988 -; 1989 -Richard Tezak (deceased);
1990 - Rudy Deichman (deceased); 1991 - President Village of Shorewood
Bertha Hofer; 1992 — Mayor of Joliet Arthur Schultz; 1993 - Editor of Zarja-The Dawn Corinne Leskovar; 1994 -Member Will County Board Dist. #9 Joseph Babich;
1995 - Anthony Wolf; 1995 - Joseph Wolf; 1996 - America’s Polka King Frank Jankovič (deceased); 1997 - Director Music Masters Dick Tezak, Jr.; 1998 - Charles Franze; 1999 - Frank Cepon; 2000 - Bruce Korosa; 2001 -William Govednik; 2002 - Joliet’s Polka King Bob Doszak.
MW
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Reaching Up and Beyond’ Each One - Reach One
NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL Meeting: 3rd Tueday every other month Members’ Homes
Every autumn one yearns for the simple pleasures that we as kids enjoyed with leaf-raking, romping in the heap, and filling our nostrils with the aroma of burning leaves. Didn't cost a cent!
September, too, means back to business. With the transplantation of member. Antoinette Legris and Emma Lustig, members of Br. 22 enjoyed lunch at the Family House Restaurant on 9/17 and then, went on to Mollie McIntyre’s home for more socializing and planning. A Mass for deceased members will be offered in November and the Christmas gathering will be on Sunday, Dec. 8th at the same restaurant.
Prairieview Lutheran Home, Faith Place, P.O. Box 4. Danforth, IL 60930 is the new address for Toni Legris and yours truly. We are 25 miles south of Kankakee, pretty much surrounded by cornfields. We hope to stretch our dollars in this new area. Our sister, Gab-rielle will follow when room becomes available.
We missed being present at parish and SWU functions, like meetings and Mollie’s birthday bash in August. Family came from other states such as Kentucky, California, Utah and Illinois, and of course, a host of local families and friends were there. She was a tired but happy Mollie at the day’s end. Only God can fulfill our desires for many truly happy years ahead for our deserving branch president.
Rebecca Znidarsich of North Salem, NY and daughter-in-law of Emma Znidarsich, Br. 22 member living in LaCrosse, WI graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in administration/public accounting from Pace-U-Lubin School of Business. She is a member of three honor societies, received the 2001 and 2002 Trustee Tuition Award and completed the May 2002 exams, besides having won first place in the English department’s writing contest. She was inducted into the Society of Fellows, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences! Cousin, Emma must be proud of her!
That’s all folks!
Merry Christmas and the blessings that are special to the Season.
EMMA LUSTIG
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL Meeting: 3rd Thurs. Eureka Savings Bank Mar.-Apr.-May-June Sept.-Oct.-Nov.
There were 11 members present for our first meeting of the Fall Season, after being idle all summer. Our new meeting room in the Eureka Savings Bank is lovely and we were very comfortable, with a kitchen we can use and ample parking room. We discussed the IL-IN State Convention but no delegate was appointed, so we’ll look forward to our next meeting when National Secretary, Bonnie Prokup, our member, will tell us all about convention activities and business. We hope to have a delegate and an alternate chosen for the National Convention in Duluth at our November meeting. We want to thank Barb Pohar for the delicious refreshments she provided at the meeting.
Congratulations to new grandparents, Henry and Theresa Wellner. Their daughter and son-in-law, Julie, and John Lynch presented them with twins, a girl, Abagail Marie, and a boy, Nicholas David on August 26. This will be a special date in the Wellner home as Henry has the same birthday as the twins. Congratulations also to Ray and Helen Swietak who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 27th. Their extended family attended Mass as a group and a family dinner followed. Helen is our special baker—her Poticas and strudels are the BEST.
Best wishes to our November birthday celebrants; Mary Gomik who will be 105 on November 11th, Ann Matthews, Florence Smorkol, Mary Senica, Roberta Donahue, Loretta Story, Helen Swietek and Mary Ann Pieczynski. December birthday girls are Junior Caitlin Collins, Marion Borisek, Antonia Ho-efferle, and Jane Guenwald. Slip the birthday cakes in with the turkey and Christmas cookies and potica.
Just a reminder to get your chance stubs and money into the Joliet Office before the end of the year. Our next meeting will be on November 21. Call to order at 7:00 o’clock. Use the east entrance to the Eureka Bldg. Park on the east side of the building. Refreshments will be served.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!!
ANNE MARIE WANGLER
NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH 2nd Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
St. Vitus Social Room
Happy Holidays: Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and a joyful and prosperous New Year. Nov. 1st was election day. I hope everyone did their duty, and that the best man won, who ever that may be.
She’s hoping we all stay healthy and happy throughout the new year 2003.
Our Sept. meeting was held at the Social Room at St. Vitus School on Lausche Avenue. Fran Gazvoda recited the opening prayer for our members and the survivors of Sept. 11.
Winners of our raffle were: $25.00 A. Armbruster of Wickliffe, $50.00 Peggy Moore, $25.00 Rose Cimperman, and $100.00 Martina Stepic. Thanks to all who purchased tickets and to all who sold them. Sory if you didn't win... Better luck next time!
Our own Gene Drobnič is on the go again to Florida ... also this time she and daughter. Gene Ann and granddaughters, Allyson and Tori will accompany her on a tour to London, England and maybe a side trip to Slovenia. Hurry back Gene ... we want to hear all about your adventures and hope there will be snapshots along with the narration.
We all miss Jan Krivacic, our recording Secy. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I know she is looking down at us. She was such an angel to everyone.
God Bless all in nursing homes and in hospitals and the house-bound.
Our wonderful member for many years, Carole Traven celebrated her birthday on Oct. 27. Belated best wishes from friend, Ann Tercek, president of #50 and from all the members and yours truly. (Me, too. C.)
I see Josie Ambrosic and Marie Orazem quite often. They are happy to be with each other and we wish them good health; and we miss them at meetings.
I will be attending the Slovene Home for the Aged 40th anniversary to be held at Slovenian National Home on St. Clair Ave., and will tell you all about it in the next edition of ZARJA.
Vera Šebenik of Boulder, Colorado passed away in September, may she rest in peace.
The dedication of the St. Vitus Village was held Sept. 8 with a mass; fol-
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
A new listing is proposed for all our membership! This annual feature is intended to help you find services and products you need, possibly to help Slovenian women who are in business attain more success, and, to promote our Slovenian women in business!
Your participation is very important. We hope to print your responses in the January-February, 2003 issue of ZARJA. Remember these are the points to consider:
• Independent business to advertise and network with others;
• Any working woman can list herself to network with others in the same industry, business or profession;
• Retirees can list themselves if they would like to mentor a young person (A retired schoolteacher might want to mentor a young person in the teaching profession);
• Women who bake poticas for the holidays should also list themselves -they may wish to sell the product or sell their services as demonstrators;
• College students looking for a summer internship or are due to graduate, can list their names, addresses, and their qualifications.
There may be many more possiblities and all will be considered for the Women in Business directory.
Women in Business Form
Yes, I want to be listed as an “SWUA WOMAN IN BUSINESS”.
My check for $20.00 is enclosed. (Please make checks payable to SWUA)
Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ____________________________
Job Title: ________________________________________ City: _______________________________
Company:___________________________________________ State: _________________________ Zip:
Phone: ____________________________________________ Fax: ________________________________
E-mail: ___________________________________________ Website:_____________________________
Brief description of your business or profession (100 characters or less)
Mail the complete form and remittance to:
SWUA WOMEN IN BUSINESS Zarja Listing 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432
lowing was a dinner by the Altar and Rosary Society. It was very well-attended. Bishop A. Edward Pevec was the celebrant.
Fran Gazvoda is a bit under the weather. She is under doctor’s care and is on meds. Hang in there Fran... one day at a time. We love you...
Let me sign off with this Irish prayer... it could be Slovenian, too...
“May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.”
1 believe that... Friends are so important.
Till the next time, na svidenje and love from
EMILEE
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. 6:30 p.m. Euclid Public Library, Erie Room
Meeting was called in order by President, Rudy Perdan and Alma Eppick lead us with the opening prayers. Vice President Adrienne Jager was not in attendance so Alma Eppick filled in. Dorothy Lamm is on a trip to Alaska and 14 members were in attendance. We enjoyed seeing everyone again after the summer break.
Josephine Gomik gave an auditor’s report for the year 2001. Everything was in order. We also heard the current Treasury Report.
The Library has purchased a book "Women in Transition” with our donation and it will have a paper donation plate on the inside cover indicating it is from our organization.
Extra Heritage Museum Fund-raiser Calendar forms are available for anyone to purchase if they haven’t done so already. You can send in the money yourself or I can send it in for the group.
Frances Ogoreuc gave the Sunshine Report from May to date. We thank her for remembering those special birthdays and other occasions. Hostess Report was given by Ceal McLean.
New Business
In ZARJA we read that the SWU is asking for quotes from members and they want to know what we are doing to help increase membership. Anyone with ideas can write to them direct or let me know and I can send by e-mail. Wednesday, October 3 was our annual Mass in memory of our members at St.
Christine’s Church. There was no Branch meeting in October as we hoped to see each other at the Ohio-Michigan State Convention.
A big thank you to: Ann Cooke, Alma Eppick, Josephine Gornik, Helen Kovačevič, Dorothy Lamm, Frances Ogoreuc, and Mary Sterle, for "Apple” door prize item donations for the State Convention. They were greatly appreciated as they help cut down the expense of the affair. Alma Eppick and Josephine Gomik volunteered to help sell raffle tickets at the Convention.
Our next scheduled meeting has been
changed from the 3rd Wednesday in December to the 1st Wednesday. It was suggested that we hold our Christmas Party earlier in the month as everyone is busy close to the Holiday. Rudy was able to make arrangements with the Library for that date change. Mark your calendars for December 4th. This event will start at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake Room with a Pot Luck Dinner. We are planning for 25 people at this point. A sign up sheet was passed around for members to indicate what they will bring. Hermine Strainer made a donation to the Treasury. Lavonna Avitt made a
donation to purchase the ham which Rudy has agreed to bake. Members will be contacted. We still need items like; bread, beverages and paper products. If you see other members between now and then please let them know. Hope to see everyone there.
50/50 Raffle collection was $20. $10.00 went to the Treasury and the winners of the door prizes were drawn.
Alma lead us in closing prayer.
Respectively submitted,
CHARLOTTE PERDAN
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN Meeting: 1st Wed.
St. Elizabeth’s Church
June 5th meeting/breakfast was great! We had a very informative talk on medicare fraud and abuse.
Minnesota Day was attended by 5 members.
Christmas Party will be on Dec. 4th. Dime Social. Come join us for a really great time.
Prayers of sympathy to the family of Mary Ann Mattson Bemtson, 86, a 32-year member died May 30, 2002. Her only son, Richard Mattson, died May 20, 2002. To Alice Cacich; her husband, George, 84, died on June 9, 2002.
Congratulations to Winnie Ellena. She has a new great granddaughter. Susan Skull has a new grandson. Cheryl (Tverberg) Foldesi has a new son. Althea Tverberg is his grandmother.
Cyrilla Collard’s grandson has married. All best wishes.
To all members, a very Happy Holiday Season and a Blessed New Year.
LOIS M. PELANDER, Reporter
NO. 35, AURORA, MN Meeting: 6 per year Community Sr. Center
We met on Aug. 13th to complete the plans for the SWU MN State Convention on Sept. 8th at our Holy Rosary Church.
Thank you to all our members who attended the convention. It is always a rewarding day for all of us. Each was encouraged to get a new member - let’s all try. Bev Menart gave us a report on
the plans for the SWU National Convention to be held in Duluth in June. Not too early now to make plans to attend. Meri Grimes, an artist who moved from Slovenia to Chisholm, displayed some of her art at our convention. She will be at the National Convention, too. (Note Charlotte Launch’s report on the convention.)
Welcome to Mary Noson’s daughter, Renee Jean and granddaughter, Erin Lynn Lee Putnam of Rochester, MN. Now you can enjoy the ZARJA and go on line for the New Neighborhood Newsletter which is very interesting.
Thank you to Julie Smith for her generous donation to the Scholarship Fund in memory of her grandmother, Mayme Glavan.
“Tona” Soukup has passed on. Our sympathy and prayers are with her family. Her passing on Oct. 2nd was indeed a shock. May she rest in peace.
Our prayers are with all our members who are ill and have had surgery. Dorothy Jamnik is still in the nursing home recovering from a broken leg. Hope you will be home by the time you read this, Dorothy.
Fall is in the air and the woods are bursting with color... my favorite time of the year. Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas to everyone.
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH Meetings: Quarterly, 2nd month of the quarter, 2nd Saturday Maple Hts., Library
Goodbye summer and fall, and hello winter! I can appreciate now what my parents said in their declining years -time goes faster as you age.
I am returning to California on frequent flyer award miles which I reached on my last trip. Fearing the airlines might make some sudden changes to qualify, I immediately made plans with daughter, Lynn, who will coincidentally have vacation time. My only regret is that I will be missing a get-together with our old neighbors, taking place the day after I leave. I was fortunate to grow up in a blue collar community where the families shared the same values and where everyone looked out for each other. Our parents, having been bom in Slovenia, wanted us to learn as much Slovenian as possible.
To this end the children’s Maple Hts., Slovenian Singing chorus, named “Kraljički” or Wrens, was formed along with a group in Newberg (named Črički or Crickets) and another on Prince Ave. (named Kanarčki or Canaries). Our director was Ivan Zorman, the late renowned Slovenian poet and composer. Little did we realize how fortunate we were to come under his expert tutelage until years later when maturity and a realization of what our astute parents were trying to instil in us finally prevailed. Those were happy, carefree childhood Saturdays and definitely not without incident. As I have mentoned before, some of the ribald males in the group could prove real challenge since their attendance was purely because of determined parents. They came to practice singing with assorted paraphernalia which included the infamous “rubber guns.” These were homemade implements made of wood and armed with thick bands cut from rubber inner tubes. While rehearsal was in progress, Mr. Zorman insisted these weapons were put aside to maintain order. Mr. Andy Hočevar, founder of M.H. Catering, who acted as peacemaker, would quietly move down along the side of the room where the boys were seated to investigate minor disturbances and one time made the mistake of resting his arm on a radiator cover upon which a fully loaded rubber gun had been strategically placed and this triggered spontaneous action when his elbow came in contact with the release. Miraculously, he escaped serious injury but suffered a painful bruise below his ear. This man was always taking some kind of abuse. One time, at the conclusion of practice, the boys were the first ones of the hall, as usual, and they braced themselves against the exit door on the outside. When Mr. Hor-cevar suspected what was going on he stepped back to gain leverage and charged the door at full tilt. The culprits anticipated this and at the precise moment of contact, stepped away and Mr. Hočevar was on this way to oblivion -he practically landed on Joe Legan’s front porch across the street! Those were the days!
Happy November birthdays to: Jo Stoltz, Elizabeth Gravier, Marie Zimmer, Louise Toth, Elyse Harr, Ed Yemec. Teresa Group and a special (Continued on page 40)
Slovenian Women’s Union Convention Raffle
Proceeds for the Slovenian Women’s Union Heritage Museum
Hand-made, full-size QUILT, by National Auditor, Beverly Menart, in blue, cream and gray colors, in a pattern called, “A Frosty Morning”
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Drawing: JUNE 16, 2003 DULUTH, MINNESOTA
Tickets, $1.00 each
-	6 for $5.00 -
We will fill out your tickets, and place them into the Raffle for you. You will not receive any tickets.
Send to SWU National President, Kathleen Dorchak,
■	3088	Markle Drive
Silver Lake, Ohio 44224 Telephone: (330) 686-1336 Email: KDORCHAK@NEO.RR.COM
Name:
Number of Tickets:
Address:
City, Zipcode:
Make your checks to S.W.U. Amount Enclosed: _______________
Charter Members of Br. 35 were remembered at the SWU State Convention in Aurora with this display showing their names, and a rosary hand-made of wood. It was on Sept. 8th, the Birthday of the Blessed Mother, thus the statue as the centerpiece.
BARAGA DAYS 2002 PHOTOS
Thanks to Mary Turvey for these photos (left), courtesy of “UP Catholic.”
Top shows the 5th Graders of St. Ignatius School on their Baraga float in the Parade of Nations in Houghton, MI, site of Baraga Days. Bottom photo shows Jessica Dakota playing her Native American flute.
No. 42 continued:
90th birthday wish to Betty Gawor.
Happy December birthdays to: Joe Offutt, Nicholas Lipnos, Beth Carroll, Chris Gravier, Eleanor Lipnos, Albina Skocaj, Jennifer Lockard, Mary Lipnos, Marge Church, and Christine Stropki.
The Kastelic brothers, Bob and Dr. Joe, accompanied by Henry Stavec motored to Detroit, Michigan in August to help celebrate the 70th birthday of Mary Ann Yemec of Br. 105. Mary Ann’s late husband, Jack was a product of our Slovenian neighborhood and the brother of our Marge Church.
The mass at St. Lawrence on September 22nd commemorated the 100th Year Anniversary of the parish. It was an impressive event with the presence of Cleveland’s Bishop Pilla and Auxiliary Bishops, Pevec and Gries. The church was filled beyond capacity long before mass began while the congregation enjoyed a choral presentation of Slovenian hymns. Bishop Pilla delivered a stirring homily that would have made our departed pioneers proud. God bless them all.
Our branch Christmas party will take place on Sunday, December 8th at Sterle’s Country House. Dinner is at 1:00 p.m. and reservations can be made with Marge Church. A $5 gift exchange is optional.
Get well wishes to any ailing members. Have a nice Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Zbogom!
LIL SADOWSKI
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 4th Wed.
St. John Evangelist Rectory
I hope all of you had a very enjoyable summer with friends and family. On September 8th we were to leave at 5:00 a.m. for the convention in Willard, but our bus driver became ill and had to be replaced by another driver delaying the departure until 6:00 a.m. But we still made it on time for the Continental breakfast and early mass.
When we arrived Willard we were welcomed by members in Narodna Noša and Slovenian music on the button box.
Our president, Josephine Janezic,
Thanksgiving Day
Introduction:
Gratitude is not only for individuals. It is not only the relationship between them. Even mankind has a need for the expression of gratitude, to the One who distributes all that is good - in other words, to God.
Thanksgiving Day is truly a lovely holiday, a celebration of autumn, the changing colors of leaves that signals the end of floral bloom and growth. And ultimately, it is also the holiday of harvest and being grateful.
The first who celebrated the day of thanksgiving were the English colonists and they named the day, “Thanksgiving.” They had risked everything to cross the wide ocean, to find a new home in which to live freely according to their values and religious beliefs. On December 2, 1620 they reached land at Plymouth Rock in the place we now know as Massachusettes and here they uttered their first prayer to the Creator.
The settlers at Plymouth were facing a very hard year. From a small group of 102 men, women and children only half survived the difficulties of winter. But, the first harvest was surprisingly abundant and the young settlers had their hopes lifted for their future life on this new, free land. Therefore, the governor, William Bradford decided, after advice from his elders, that they should have a day of special celebration in thanksgiving for the abundance that God gave them their first year.
The day began with a solemn procession into their log church led by the pastor, John Robinson, followed by the congregation. At the very end came the Governor. Everyone participated, the men dressed in their big hats and white collars, the soldiers with helmets on their heads and swords in their hands, the women and girls dressed in snow white neck scarves and caps. Inside the church they participated in thanking their Creator.
After the services they enjoyed a social gathering. The Governor had invited the American Indian Chief, Masoit. They had been living in peace with the Indians and welcomed the Chief and ten of his Braves. The celebration lasted three days and we can imagine how much preparation and work it took, especially for the women and girls who had their hands full, baking, cooking and doing all that was necessary. There were many wild turkeys, baked com and wild fruit served. And, entertainment was not lacking. The men led in games of wrestling, parading their soldiers and playing music for dancing, to a drumbeat of hitting on hollow trees and blowing thru a natural horn.
In Plymouth, after that day, they had an annual day of thanksgiving for the abundant crops, and as more and more colonists came to North America, they joined the celebration and expanded it to other neighboring areas.
Officially, the first U.S. President, George Washington, in 1789, the year of the War with the France proclaimed Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated throughout the land. The wording of this proclamation is as follows:
It is ordered and commanded that all inhabitants on Thursday, the 26th day of November observe a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for His Goodness, Protection and Blessings on us, the people of the United States.
That a specific Day ot Thanksgiving became a celebration organized by all the States according to their wishes is the credit of Sarah Hale, the editor 100 years ago of the well-known monthly journal for women. (No, not ZARJA-The Dawn!). Sarah tried to bring attention to the voting public that dates for specific national holidays should be pre-determined, citing Thanksgiving Day as an example. Because of her insistence U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in the year 1863 encouraged all citizens to celebrate one day of rest and thanksgiving for the abundance of the harvest, including citizens who sailed the seas or lived outside the country, on the fourth Thursday of November.
Since that time we, North Americans, all together, observe Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November. Just as on that first Thanksgiving Day, we join our families in thanking God, either in churches or at our homes, and each person gratefully acknowledges the blessing of the Lord on our country.
Translated by the Editor
From “Krizantema Hvaležnosti"
dr. Valter Dermota SDB, Ljubljana 1967
»Dan zahvale«
Hvaležnost se ne spodobi samo med posamezniki. Hvaležnost ni samo pravi odnos človeka do človeka. Tudi človeštvo kot tako, narodi in ustanove naj bi bili hvaležni, hvaležni Delivcu vsega dobrega - Bogu. Naslednji sestavek nam kaže zgodovino Dneva zahvale, ki je po drugi svetovni vojni našel pot tudi k nam.
To je res lep praznik, praznik jeseni, praznik mnogobarvnega iistja, praznik zadnjega cvetja in praznik bogatih pridelkov. In končno tudi praznik zbranosti in hvaležnosti.
Prvi so praznovali »zahvalni dan« angleški kolonisti, ki so mu rekli po angleško Thanksgiving Day. Tvegali so vse in se iz Anglije odpravili na pot čez širni ocean, da bi mogli v novi domovini živeti kot svobodni ljudje po svoji vesti in po svoji veri. Dne 2. decembra 1620 so se izkrcali na Plymouthskih čereh (Plymouth Rock) v sedanji zvezni državi Massachusetts in na svobodnih tleh prosili Najvišjega za varstvo in zaščito.
Plymouthske naseljence je čakalo težko leto. Od krdelca 102 mož, žena in otrok jih je preživelo trdo zimo le polovica. Toda prav prva žetev je bila izredno obilna. Mlada skupnost je bila v svobodi in miru polna upanja za bodočnost. Zato je guverner William Bradford odločil po posvetu s starešinami, da bodo priredili slovesen dan zahvale za bogato žetev, ki jim jo je naklonil Bog tisto prvo leto.
Slovesna procesija k cerkvici, zgrajeni iz drevesnih brun, je začela dan zahvale. Na čelu vseh je stopal John Robinson, župnik male naselbine. Za njim so se razporedili vsi prebivalci. Čisto na koncu je korakal guverner Bradford. Vsi so bili v procesiji, moški s svojimi visokimi klobuki in belimi podbradniki, vojaki s čelado na glavi in s helebardo v roki, žene in dekleta v snežnobelih rutah okoli vratu in prav tako belimi čepicami na glavi. V cerkvi se je v službi božji »mlado ljudstvo iz Plymoutha« zahvalilo Stvarniku za bogato žetev.
Po zahvalni službi božji tudi posvetnega veselja ni manjkalo. Guverner Bradford je povabil na slavje tudi indijanskega poglavarja Masoita. Saj so naseljenci živeli v lepem miru in prijazni soseščini z Indijanci. Poglavar je vzel povabilo zares in prišel na praznik z devetdesetimi bojevniki. Na tako število nepripravljeni naseljenci sp morali, kot bi trenil, pripraviti velkansko pojedino. Tri dni je trajalo slavje. Žene in dekleta so imele polne roke dela, da so mogle napeči in nakuhati vse potrebno. Največ so imeli divjega purana, pečene koruze in divjega sadja. Pa tudi razvedrila ni manjkalo. Moški so se merili v rokoborbi, pripravili so neke vrste vojaško parado in celo za godbo je bilo poskrbljeno: nekdo je ob spremljavi tolkala na votlo drevesno deblo igral na gozdni rog.
V	Plymouthu so od tedaj vsako leto praznovali zahvalni dan za žetev. Ko so prišli še drugi naseljenci in počasi zasedli vso vzhodno obalo Severne Amerike, se je praznik razširil tudi na ostale kraje.
Uradno je šele prvi predsednik Združenih držav Amerike, Jurij Washington, leta 1789 - leto francoske revolucije - izdal uradni ukaz za praznovanje »dneva zahvale na celotnem ozemlju Združenih držav«. Besedilo ukaza se glasi takole: »Odrejamo in ukazujemo, da vsi prebivalci četrtek, 26. novembra, posvetijo zahvali in počaščenju velikega in mogočnega Boga, ki je ljudstvu Združenih držav izkazal svojo dobroto, zaščito in blagoslov.«
Da se je dan zahvale končno spremenil v državni praznik celotnega ozemlja in vseh prebivalcev Združenih držav Amerike, je zasluga gospe Sarah Hale, urednice pred sto leti zelo poznanega mesečnika za ženske. Sarah Hale se je lotila pravcate križarske vojske z namenom, da bi pridobila ljudstvo in volilce za praznovanje obveznega dneva zahvale za vse podanike Združenih držav. Zaradi njenega prizadevanja je predsednik Abraham Lincoln leta 1863 spodbudil vse državljanje, da bi praznovali skupen »zahvalni dan za bogato žetev« s temile besedami: »Sodržavljane vseh predelov Združenih držav, pa tudi tiste, ki plujejo po morjih ali živijo v inozemstvu, vabim, da na zadnji četrtek novembra počivajo in vsak po svoje slavijo zahvalni dan Bogu za podeljeno žetev.«
who is also the State President, conducted a fine meeting. We were welcomed by members of Br. 102 led by president Rose Pakiz.
The meeting was opened with a prayer and minutes of the previous meeting were read. We had a discussion on the likes and dislikes regarding SWU and ZARJA with 99% of the comments in favor. The home-made dinner was excellent and the day ended with community singing of Slovenian songs.
Our September meeting was well-at-tended and we were treated to a very good luncheon. Rose Vodnik couldn’t come to the meeting but she had some one else bring the treat. Frances Sega-din stayed with her husband who is hospitalized, and Ray Delopst was in Europe with two of our members, Karen Goodman and Denise Bartlet and their husbands. They attended an authentic wine-making festival there. We again enjoyed delicious butter horns by Milka Menchak, who makes them for us whether it is her birthday or not. Another treat was by our President Josephine, zucchini hors d’oeuvres. Our secretary was also missing at this meeting. She is recuperating from two heart by-passes and a pace-maker. Let us pray for her quick recovery.
We had a guest at this meeting, Mary Totushek. She is interested in becoming a member. Welcome Mary, we are happy to have you in our group.
It is sad to note that soon Corinne Leskovar, our Editor will no longer be at this post. The success of ZARJA was very much due to her hard work and expertise in this line. (Thankyou, Ann. All50years have been a pleasure. C.)
October 23rd, same place and same time, will be our next meeting. At that time we will decide when to have our Christmas Party. Because of the many doings in December, it was suggested that we have our party in January.
Don’t forget to pray for our sick and deceased members.
ANNE E. KONCZAL Reporter
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
NO. 50, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. Euclid Public Library except July & Aug.
Fall has fallen and we are picking up the pieces, leaves, as usual for this time of the year! Just so it continues that way. By the time you read this, we may be picking up more than leaves.
Our Slovenian Home for the Aged had its 40th Anniversary on September 27th. A few of our loyal members attended. We wish everyone there well and continuing good will.
The Ohio/Michigan regional meeting was held in Euclid starting at 11 a.m. in St. Christine’s Church, followed by a luncheon at Rechar Hall before the meeting where the National Convention was discussed. It will be held next year, June, 2003, in Duluth, MN.
We held our Oct. meeting on the 16th and our November meeting will be on the 20th when we will have our yearly election. Let’s get some new blood in the mix. The present offices, God Bless Them, are not as well as they used to be.
A few of our regular members have been having health difficulties; Julia Kuhar, Anna Parker, Ann Doles, and Josephine Sovich, plus those who have not been reported. We hope you all are improved by now.
By the way members, if you have moved and have a change of address, please inform our National Secretary, Bonnie Prokup, our President Ann Terček, our Membership Secretary, or me. We do have some new addresses: Anna Doles is at the Homewood Nursing Home on Richmond Road, across from the Richmond Mall. Alice Karberg is at the Gateway Manor #4, Apt. 114 in Euclid, Ohio. Marion Urankar lives in Willoughby at 19 Ranch Road, Willoughby, OH 44094. Rosemary Toth is at 1781 San Dan Court, Painesville Township, OH 44077.
The bad news is that we have lost another member to a better place. Rosemary Toth lost her dear mother, Albina Mrsnick, a long-time member. This great lady will be very much missed. Ellen Tofant and her family bade a final farewell to Ellen’s husband, Bill.
We look forward to our Christmas
Party; it will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 18th at the Dubrovnik Gardens in Eastlake at 1 o’clock. Hope we can all get together for this special time, especially since we don’t meet again until March 19th. Tho we won’t be meeting until mid-March, ZARJA will be printed as usual. If you have news, get it in by February 1, 2002.
Let’s hope that our national presidential declaration of war on Iraq does not mature. It’s not difficult to wage war when you have the power, and you don’t have you or yours to be in it physically.
Na svidenje,
VI	MORAVCHEK
NO. 47, GARFIELD HTS., OH Maple Hts., Library, 1 p.m.
in March, May, Sep. and Dec.
Our September meeting was held at Olga Dorchak’s home. We had a very nice picnic and took some great pictures. We discussed our next meeting which will be held on November 10th, at the Maple Hts. Library at 1:00 p.m. It will be a very important meeting. We will have election of officers and delegates for next year’s national convention.
Our Christmas Party meeting will be held Jan. 4th, 2003 at the Valleyview Old City Hall at 1:00 p.m.
We would like to welcome members who transferred in from Branch 73. Kay Yuratovac, Annette Yuratovac and Margarita Franchini. We would also like to welcome new members, Jo Walters and Betty Zahler.
Birthday wishes go out to all of our November and December members. November members: Sarah Huffman, Josephine Nawalaniec, Frances Romano, Jo Walters and Angela Zakrajšek. December Members:	Ann
Harsh, Jodi Hrovat, KarenTolhurst and Elizabeth Wallace.
Have a wonderful and joyous Holiday Season.
KATHERINE WALLACE
IT’S ll\l EVERY
S^NIAIV
NO. 54, WARREN, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Our branch will have a Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 18th at 1 o’clock p.m. at the Cafe 422 on Youngstown Road. You will be called for reservations - Mary Diana and Anne O’Block are the hostesses for the afternoon. You are asked to bring a door prize and we will take up a collection for the SWU Scholarship Fund in lieu of Christmas exchange gifts. Appreciate having some of your Christmas cookies for us to enjoy.
The members voted not to have a meeting again until February. You will be contacted.
We had a nice turnout at my home in October and were so happy to have Anne Savor attend. She is 96 years young and still very witty! We thank Louise Vett, her daughter, for bringing her.
We want to wish Anne and Victor O’Block a very sincere, though belated “Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary.” I was listening to polkas on our local radio station and they were wishing the O’Blocks a Happy 51st! I don't know how the 50th slipped past us! Good health and God’s blessing to you both.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your loved ones and we wish you also a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. We pray for World Peace.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 85, DEPUE, IL Meeting at members’ homes
The last meeting was on Sept. 19th at the Giants Den. A discussion was held about the Illinois-Indiana State Convention and I am sorry to say that no one was able to go because of the distance.
I am sad to report that Mary Kuhar had a fall at the nursing home and had to have surgery. She is now back in the Spring Valley Nursing Home. Mary Oberch is also at Prairie View Nursing Home. We wish them well.
We have some birthdays to remember. First of all, belated happy birthday to Caroline Widmar who celebrated her birthday on Aug. 6th. I
had a birthday in October, on the 11th. Mary Benkse had hers on Oct. 27th. Our president, Gen. Grilc will be celebrating on Nov. 5th, Mary Maloney on Nov. 27th and Jackie Barto on Nov. 29 th.
Special wishes to Mary Suarez who will be 95 on Nov. 7th! Mary still attends our meetings and is a joy to have around. She is always smiling and happy and still is ready to dance! Our best wishes to all of these great members and many more happy birthdays.
Congratulations and best wishes to Br. 5, Indianapolis, celebrating 75 years and Br. 13, San Francisco, celebrating 75 years this year. Many more anniversaries to you!
I still remember the wonderful time we had at the San Francisco National Convention. I will never forget you, Beverly Jackson, your sister, Barb, and Michelle. Such sweet ladies. We enjoyed all they had planned for us.
Can’t believe that it will soon be Christmas, so a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year, 2003 to everyone. God bless.
MARY JERMENC
NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL Meetings: 2nd Mon. except Jan. and July Dickinson House
It’s been a sad summer for Rose Ann Prey, our president, who lost her husband, Bill on July 25th, and ten days later she also lost her brother, Herman Bukovec, on August 4th. Our prayers are with the family. May Bill and Herman rest in peace.
Vanessa Morrison was the recipient of a $7,500 grant from the Office of Jesse White. One of seven students, she was selected after an interview in Springfield. She works part time at the Dean’sOffice and Library. She’savery dedicated student. Rose Ann is very proud of her.
Our junior member, Kitty Bruch also received an award, the Robert Straughton Service Award for leadership, character, community service and volunteerism. This award is $1,000 to any four year college. Keep up the good work, Kitty.
Alice Jean Ebner and her husband, Jim celebrated their 36th Wedding An-
niversary on Oct. 7th. Congratulations and many happy years ahead.
Anne Batty is recovering from surgery this past month. She is back on the go. You just can’t keep her down!
Mary Stubler lost her husband, “Ruby” this past month. May God grant him peace. Our condolences from the ladies.
Mitzi Banich, our financial treasurer has been on the go all summer, joining her husband, Judge William R. Banich in all the parades in Bureau, Grundy and LaSalle counties. Last count was 26. He is on the ballot Nov. 5th for the 13th judicial circuit judgeship. He has been serving his 10th year as Associate Judge. We are all rooting for him to win this election.
Wishing all members of all branches joyous Thanksgiving and Blessed Christmas holidays.
Zbogom!
EUNICE
NO. 93, NEW YORK
Lepe pozdrave od New York City!
Branch 93 has continued to be very active, and our members have been doing exciting things. On Saturday, September 28th, we met at the Cafe at the Washington Square Hotel in Greenwich Village for tea and pastries. On Sunday, October 27th, we are planning on meeting for a Slovenian potluck dinner in Brooklyn. We will disseminate more details about the event closer to October 27th. In the next few months, we are also planning to meet at Balkan and Greek restaurants in the area.
Congratulations to Tea Rozman Clark and Lynn Zalokar on their new jobs! Tea went from a volunteer to a staff member as a Program Coordinator of a project called Books for African Children (http://www.globaleduc.org/ BAC.html). Tea started this program months ago, and the program is yielding impressive results. In August, 500 books were sent to Uganda and the first library was created, due to Tea’s efforts.
Lynn started a new job as Membership Manager at Advertising Women of New York (previous company relocated.)
Please feel free to contact me if you have any items for the next ZARJA article or any questions about upcoming Branch 93 events!
ANDREA SELAK andrea. selak@gs. com
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Wed. Apr.-May-June Sep.-Oct.-Nov.-Dec. 12:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Church Hall
Fall is almost over. The evenings are cooler and the days are sunny. On Oct. 25th I returned to Florida.
We had our first fall meeting in Sept. with about 9 members present. It was nice to see all of them. Had a surprise visit from Genevieve Buol, State President, who came to talk to us. It was nice to see you, Gen. She is a great lady. We had a nice meeting. The ladies nominated Evelyn Driscoll to be Vice President and she accepted. Thank you, Evelyn. She has helped me so much.
Eva Mesia’s husband died in June. A heartful sympathy to her and her family. Bernice Bubel’s brother who lived in California also died. Our condolences to her and her family.
When Mary Taporis was at our meeting she had pictures of her new grandson who is named Michael, after his father. He was bom July 19th, and joins two sisters, 9 and 13 years old. Mary is a proud grandma.
1 talked to Amelia Cuzella. She is doing well. In July she went to Colorado to see her son accompanied by her daughter, Cathy and family. They all had a wonderful reunion. It was nice for Amelia to have the whole family together. I also talked to Mary Krmpo-tic and Millie James. They both are doing fine. Marge likes it when she is in Indiana. She’s close to her brother. Millie lives close to her daughter, Jan who takes good care of her mother. Millie still lives in her own house.
Wishes to all the members with birthdays in November and December. A happy birthday! Say prayers for the sick and home bound.
To all, wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
God bless you all.
DOLORES HENNELLY
We love to read news of vour branch in ZARJA!
NO. 100, FONTANA, CA
We were saddened by the news that Florence Stmad, 90, one of the most stalwart members of our Branch passed away this week on September 30,2002. She and her husband, Frank would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in a few days. Florence is remembered by her devotion to her students at St. Joseph’s School and to the parishioners of the Church where she taught classes and played the organ for many, many years. More will be written about her when we receive an official obituary from her family. Our sincere sympathy... she will be missed.
The next Branch function will be our Christmas Luncheon and Party. Plans are still being made, so I do not have the details to announce at this time. If you do not receive a call concerning the Christmas Party, please give Anne Kapel, Rosemary Mlakar, or myself a call towards the end of November or beginning of December. Jean: (949) 495-0097.
Our members are taking advantage of the late summer and fall to take vacations. Rosemary Mlakar just left for an autumn leaves trip to New England and Frank and Mary Lou Vidergar just returned from a couple of weeks on the East Coast, visiting their new granddaughter and going to a Navy Reunion. Amie and I are leaving for Hawaii in a few days and I’m certain many more are traveling here and there.
The California SNPJ Federation is sponsoring a traditional “Vinska Trgatev” on November 17th at the Slovene Hall in Fontana. So we look forward to having another enjoyable time which will include a pageant typical of a Slovenian Wine Country Village many years ago celebrating a successful harvest. Wine, cheese, bread, and grapes will be distributed among the guests who will be entertained by the old harvest songs. Fred and Joe Mlakar will lead. Dancing will follow. Try to be there by 2:00 p.m. to take advantage of all the festivities. So many of our S WU members are also members of the SNPJ and certainly are interested in these Slovenian Cultural Events. So thank you for the opportunity to mention them from time to time.
We wish everyone a meaningful Thanksgiving and a joyous Christmas.
JEAN KOCI
Three Times Two!
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Meetings: when convenient at Parish Center
The Wisconsin State Convention was held in our town on Sept. 8th. Holy Family Church and Hall were the center of activity. We welcomed the bus from Milwaukee with members of Branches 12 and 43 as our guests - it was a musical welcome with the Judy DiPas-quale and Dave Pakiz on their button box accordions. President, Rose Pakiz and other members were all dressed up in their Slovenian costumes adding color and beauty to the event.
Josephine Janezic, State President who is also the president of Br. 43 organized the Milwaukee bus and conducted the State Convention meeting in our hall. Sophie Trunkel kept the minutes. Each delegate gave a summary of activities of the year in their respective branches. They were all very interesting. Our member, Charlene Herrick was introduced and thanked the SWU for the Scholarship Award she received in 2000. Corinne Leskovar, editor of ZARJA, our bi-monthly publication, was also present and spoke about the ways to attract new members. She complimented our branch on having many new members last year (10)
in ratio to our total membership of 50.
The meeting closed and we all retired to mass - offered by Msgr. Matthew Malnar. The Slovenian choir sang. They were also dressed in narodna nošas. Everyone at mass sang along, the hymns well-known to most of us. Judy Coughlin played the organ and tho she is not Slovenian, she mastered all the tunes.
Since it was the Blessed Mother’s birthday, the homily by Msgr. Malnar particularly touched on Mary and this holy day.
We enjoyed a great dinner at the parish center, a real Slovenian meal prepared by the Council of Catholic Women (they are mostly Slovenian). Young members were very gracious waitresses.
Main speaker was Msgr. Malnar, on a subject that was informative and interesting, he highlighted the life of the newly beatified Slovenian Bishop, Anton Martin Slomšek. Among our guests were Mary and Vitko Staut who recalled that they were in Slovenia in 1999, along with many SWU members, at the ceremony of beatification attended by His Holiness Pope John Paul
II.	It was so nice to see Mary and Vitko with us again since their move to Greenwood.
Mistress of Ceremonies was Judy Di-
Remember these darling babies a year ago? We had a picture of them at age one, celebrating their June 6th,
2000 birthdays. David, Alexis and Joseph Nething, at the age of two, are too adorable for words!
They are the children of Randy and Aimee Nething of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and members of Br. 102, Willard. Grandparents are Mira and Vic Staut and great grandparents are Mary and Vitko Staut of Greenfield, WI. Mary and Vitko are our staunch supporters and promoters of their Slovenian heritage. We wish all the Staut family the happiest years ahead!
A letter to St. Nicholas from Matjaž Fitzsimmons, age 7 in 2002 Pismo Sv. Miklavžu leta 2002 od Matjaža Fitzsimmons
PISMO MIKLAVŽU
Lahko ti zdaj že pišem, ker črke vse poznam, zato ti tole pismo pošiljam letos sam.
V	velikih sem potrebah in prosim te lepo: nikar me ne pozabi, ker priden sem zelo.
Pa še za bratca i sestrico te prosim, ki pisati ne znata še: igračke in pa tebe imamo najbolj radi mi.
Iz knižnice starega očeta, Erika Kovačiča, Drugi Korak v Slovenski Jezik, izdala Darinka Ferletič, 1984
Pasquale. We were happy that she introduced Josephine Janezic who is the author of her own biography called, “Pepca’s Struggle” that is available at the SWU Home Office. It was great to have Dave and Larry Pakiz playing our favorite Slovenian songs for a sing-a-long to conclude the program. The boys and everyone in the hall accompanied our guests to their bus and waved them off as they left Willard on their return trip to Milwaukee. We will be meeting again in 2004 in Sheboygan.
Our Bazaar was August 25th and the dinner included a lot of delicious foods. A rummage sale, bake sale, raffle and auction were included in the event.
Josephine Bayuk celebrated her 80th birthday Sept. 1st. All her 13 children were present. A mass was celebrated by her son. Father Dick and parish priest, Father Follmar. Afterward the family and friends joined her for dinner and reminiscing in the parish center.
Frank and Jean Voek went to Florida to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary where they were married.
The Slovenska Družba held their annual Vinska Trgatev, Harvest Fest, on Oct. 6th in the old church hall.
Mark DiPasquale, son of Judy, was newly elected CEO of Charrette Service Point Company in Boston.
Our prayers for the health of Frank Govek, Ed Pekol and William Volov-sek.
AGNES DEBEVEC, Reporter
“I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their good intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.”
A Woman of No Importance Oscar Wilde, - 1893
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C. Meeting: 1st Sun. except July & Aug. St. Columba’s Ch. Albemarle St.
Branch 103 prepared for our social evening to be held on October 27, with music by Frank Vidergar on his button box accordion. Families and friends looked forward to a wonderful Slovenian style buffet followed by dancing polkas, waltzes and socializing.
We wish to express our sympathy to Mary Lou Terselic, on the death of her father and to Valerie Bohince on the death of her mother in September. May they rest in peace and reach their eternal reward in heaven.
Washington area residents hope and pray the sniper will be caught soon; this criminal investigation is our region’s biggest man-hunt in history. Area schools and residents continue to take precautions as we fear more senseless attacks on innocent victims going about their daily lives.
BERNADETTE KOVACIC FITZSIMMONS
5 inch high color lithographed papers Wears a cranberry red cloak, with green/gold trim FDA-approved inks and paper used
• Cookie Kit (36 papers, “A” tinplate cutter, recipes/instructions .....................$10.50
• 36 papers only .......................... 6.50
• 96 papers only ......................... 11.50
• Ohio residents add 7% sales tax.
• Shipping fees already included.
Other holiday designs also available.
VISA, MC, AmEx, Check or M.O. accepted Santa Papers by Hunter, Inc.
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From the Junior Activities Director
Angela Stare:
Warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas to all of my readers, especially our juniors! I hope that the past year was a memorable one and one that you can look back at with pride.
As we prepare for this beautiful time of year, Christmas, is a time of giving, sharing, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. We look forward to presents, carrolling and spending time with family and friends. Sometimes the best presents are not necessary the kind that can be bought and wrapped and placed under a tree. Sometimes, they’re the ones that lift the spirit, warm the heart and touch the soul. I send you my present, wrapped in prayer for a beautiful Christmas filled with love, prayer, gratitude and a thankful heart for the pat year.
May you experience much joy and many blessings in the new year 2003!
ANGELA STARE, 7601 Elmore Ln„ Bethesda, MD20817 Fax: (301) 229-8149, email bartstare(a wans.net tel. (301) 229-7587
A CANDYMAKER’S WITNESS
A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy for Jesus, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.
He began with a stick of pure White, Hard Candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.
The candymaker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Saviour. It could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs that, like all sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmastime. But the meaning is still there for those who “have eyes to see and ears to hear.”
CHRISTMAS WORD PUZZLES
C--------------Song for Christmas
H--------------Plant with berries
R-----------------Santa’s	“horses”
I--------------May	hang	outside	your	window
S	Shines on Christmas Eve
T Something we decorate
M-----------How we should all feel
A----------Something to feed reindeers
S	Something	to hang up
PART II
 M 	What Santa comes	down
 E -	Something you eat	for dinner
- R - -	What we do to a tree
- R 	Something you like to get
Y		An English word for Christmas
 C 	Silver trimming on the tree
- H  Birthday of who we celebrate
- - R -	Mother of the above
---------I —	What is hung by the mantel
--S------------ Plant you don’t get caught under
- T 	Was in the sky that night
 M 	Used to decorate a	tree
- A 	Sung at Christmas	time
 S - -	Shiny	metal-like	trimmings
“Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus. ”
Santa lives at the North Pole	- Jesus is everywhere
Santa comes but once a	year - Jesus is always there	to	help
Santa fills your stockings - Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your	chimney uninvited - Jesus stands	at
your door and knocks and enters your heart.
You have to wait in line to see Santa - Jesus is close as the mention of his name.
Santa does not know your name. All he says is “Hi, little boy or girl, what’s your name?” - Jesus knows our name before we did. He not only knows our name, but our address too. He knows our history and our future.
All Santa says is “you better not cry.” - Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me for I care about you.
Santa’s little helpers make toys - Jesus makes new lives, mends wounded hearts and repairs broken relationships.
Santa may make you chuckle but - Jesus gives you a true joy for all of life.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree - Jesus Christ became our gift when he gave his life on a tree.
ANSWERS TO CHRISTMAS WORD PUZZLE
Carol	Tree	Part II	Yule	Mistle toe
Holly	Merry	Chimney	Popcorn	Stars
Reindeer	Acorns	Turkey	Christ	Ornament
Icicles	Stocking	Trim	Mary	Carol
Snow		Present	Stocking	Tinsel
SREČANJE MED POETOM IN SVETNIKOM
Pin
REŠEREN
—	Frank Žebot —
Pogledi Odnosi Srečanja
—	Nadaljevanje —
ILIRIZEM
Koncem novembra 1837 je Vraz pisal Prešernu, da je dal Sloveniji slovo, t.j. da se je odpovedal slovenstvu. Leta 1838 se je za stalno naselil v Zagrebu. Prešeren je doumel razlog Vrazovega usodnega koraka. Dokončno se je odločil za ilirstvo, prepričan o njegovi dokončni zmagi. Prešeren je to Vrazovo odločbo obsodil kot izdajstvo v epigramu “Narobe Katon":
"Od drugih manjši in časten manj rod je slovenski, lakota slave, blaga vleče pisarja drugam.
Victrix causa Diis placuit, sed victa Catoni; Stanko Slovencev vskok, Vraz si narobe Katon."
Proti zagrebškim "Daničarjem" je Prešeren leta 1844 (ob Kopitarjevi smrti) naperil epigram v obliki dvogovora v nebesih med češkim slovničarjem Dobrovskim in Kopitarjem. Na Dobrovskega vprašanje, v kakem jeziku pišejo Gaj in njegova “drhal", je Kopitar odgovoril: " - svoj pišejo jezik, / slavščine ti južnih so janičarji dežel." Epigram je Prešernova obsodba Gajeve zataje kajkavščine, pa obenem rahel poklon nekdanjemu nasprotniku Kopitarju, s katerim sta se znašla v borbi proti ilirizmu.
Na severni meji je Slomšek s tihim in neumornim delom za povzdigo slovenske narodne zavesti ohromel udarno moč ilirizma. Priznaval pa je zasluge ilirskega gibanja na Hrvatskem v borbi proti narodnemu
nasprotniku. Da se pobliže seznani z delom hrvatskih domoljubov, je septembra 1837, ko je potoval po Kranjskem, obiskal tudi Zagreb z namenom, da se pogovori z Ljudevitom Gajem. Gaj pa je takrat bil službeno sprejeli in povabili na večerjo v “Narodno kavarno". Preživel je z mladimi ilirci med petjem domoljubnih pesmi in razgovori prijeten večer. Napili so mu s klicem: “Bog živi Ilira s Koruške!” Po večerji ga je vsa družba spremljala do gostilne, kjer je prenočeval. V svojem potopisu je Slomšek pripomnil
o	mladih domorodcih, “da so nadepolni in pošteni, bati se je pa treba, da se jih poloti svobodnjaška omotica, če ne dobe vodstva kakega starejšega, izkušenega moža". Teden dni pred obiskom v Zagrebu je Slomšek bil v Ljubljani, kjer se je slučajno sešel s Prešernom. Možno je, da mu je Prešeren dal pobudo za obisk “Daničarjev".
Ko je bil Slomšek nadžupnik v Vuzenici (po letu 1838), ga je tam obiskal Stanko Vraz. Ker viri ugotavljajo le dejstvo obiska, ne vemo, kaj je bil njega namen. Domnevati je, da sta razpravljala o ilirskem vprašanju in slovenskem knjižnem jeziku.
Zmagovit prodor Prešernove literarne smeri in Slomškov vpliv sta omedlela blesk ilirizma na Slovenskem. Izgubljal je vedno bolj in bolj tisti opojno mik, ki je privlačeval predvsem mladi rod v obljubljeno deželo "bolj množnega Slave rodu”. Slovenski jezik je bil že toliko izoblikovan, da so ga vse pogosteje rabili tudi izobraženci. To so morali priznati Ilirci sami. Eden za drugim so odpadali nekdanji poborniki ilirizma. Davorin Trstenjak je celo napisal rojakom dobro utemeljeno svarilo, ki ga je zaključil z besedami: “Jaz sem prejd ilirski kot slvoenski pisal, pa tudi skusil, kaj je mogoče, kaj ne." Povdariti je treba, da so se Miklošič, Muršec in Trstenjak leta 1848 uvrstili med vodilne propagatorje slovenskega političnega programa, Miklošič na Dunaju, Muršec v Gradcu, Trstenjak pa v mariborskem okrožju.
Zaradi odklonitve ilirizma ideja slovanske vzajemnosti, tako potrebna in koristna v tistih časih, ni utrpela prav nobene škode; prav nasprotno, z utrditvijo slovenske narodne samobitnosti je šele zadobila za Slovence svoj pravi pomen. Prešeren je neštetokrat povdaril potrebo kulturne povezanosti z ostalimi Slovani. Bil je v osebnem in pismenem stiku s češkimi, poljskimi in ruskimi literati in rodoljubi. V četrti kitici “Zdravljice” je napil slovanskemu bratstvu: “Otrok, kar ima Slava, / vsi naj si v roke sežejo." Slomšek pa je v uvodnem govoru k slovenskim uram leta 1821 zavrnil narodne nasprotnike, ki so napovedovali smrt slovenstvu in slovanstvu: "Prej se bo sonce zasuknilo okoli zemlje in ne zemlja okoli sonca, preden bo izkoreninjeno Slovanstvo."
Ilirsko gibanje v svojem prvem poletu med Slovenci ni uspelo, povračalo pa se je v eni ali drugi obliki vse do današnjih dni. Zasluga, da je slovenstvo v zgodovinsko usodni preizkušnji tridesetih in štiridesetih let prejšnjega stoletja vzdržalo in se ohranilo, gre v veliki meri, če ne izključno, Prešernu in Slomšku.
Slomšek
“Ker ftara para slomek...”
Letne počitnice je Slomšek navadno izrazbil za potovanja. Pesje prehodil znaten del nemških pokrajin Avstrije, vso Slovenijo in obrobne predele Hrvaške. O vsakem takem potovanju je vodil poseben dnevnik. Ti potopisi so večinoma ohranjeni in nam nudijo zanimivo branje. V njih je beležil vse zanimivosti, svoja spoznanja in srečanja. Rad se je razgovarjal z ljudmi, učenimi in preprostimi, bogatimi in renimi. Spoznaval je tako njih življenje, dobre in slabe strani, šege in navade. Vse to je potem vnesel v potopis.
V počitnicah leta 1837, pred zadnjim letom svoje spiritualske službe, je prepotoval domala vso Kranjsko in znaten del slovenske Štajerske. Odpravil se se je iz Celovca preko Beljaka, čez Korensko sedlo v Kranjsko goro, od tam na Bled, v Kranj, Ljubljano, Novo mesto, Kostanjevico, Zagreb, Varaždin in preko Slovenskih goric v Celje in nazaj v Celovec. Med njegovimi sodobniki gotovo ni bilo nikogar, ki bi tako potanko poznal slovenske kraje in ljudi. Spoznanja in izkušnje, ki si jih je nabral na teh potovanjih, so mu koristno služila pri njegovem narodnem in pastirskem delovanju.
V Ljubljano je prišel 5. septembra. Že prvi dan se je slučajno srečal s Prešernom. Dva dni popreje, ko je obiskal Marijino cerkev na Blejskem otoku, je bil
opozorjen na njega. To moremo sklepati iz pripombe v potopisu: “Pripovedujejo, da so na tem otoku stari poganski Slovenci častili svojo boginjo Živo." Prešeren je leto dni popreje izdal svojo znamenito pripovedno pesnitev “Krst pri Savici". Ko v “Krstu” opisuje "osredek Blejskega jezera” pripominja: “Tam v časih Črtomira na otoki / podoba boginje je stala Žive ..." Slomškova opomba se verjetno nanaša na ta dva verza. Da je dobro poznal prijateljevo pesnitev, je sklepati tudi iz njegove namere, da na dan po obisku otoka krene v Bohinj in k Savici. Izgleda, da je želel slediti stopinjam Prešernovega junaka Črtomira.
V	Ljubljani se je Slomšek nastanil v znani gostilni “Pri Maliču”. Zvečer po prihodu je šel k otvoritveni predstavi v stanovsko gledališče. Tam ga je opazil Prešeren, prisedel k njemu in ga šaljivo podražil, da bo ob priliki povedal kanoniku Pavšku, kako je zasačil celovškega spirituala v gledališču. V janzenistični Ljubljani pač ni bilo običajno, da bi duhovniki obiskovali gledališče, čeprav radi stroge cenzure predstave niso bile oporečne. Nedvomno je Slomškova navzočnost presenetila tudi Prešerna. Po predstavi ga je spremljal k večerji v Maličevo gostilno. Ob slovesu mu je izročil ob tej priliki zloženo zbadljivko, v kateri se je poigral z njegovim imenom:
“Ker ftara para slomek devifhtva prevezh vse! je njega mlajfhi Slomfhek predajat ga sazhel."
NADALJEVANJE
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AGE	FEMALE	MALE	
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AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC UNION ♦ 1-800-843-5755 2439 Glenwood Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 A Financial Family That Feels Like Home www.kskjlife.com
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki
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At Your Service During Life’s Most Difficult Moments
Louis “Ron” Zefran	Connie	Rodriguez
Frank J. Zefran	Lois	M. Zefran Debbie Zefran Jerry
1-800-249-9150
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SHELIGA DRUG INC.
Tfuul/aSut. 6025 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 431-1035
Serving our neighborhoods’ daily needs
TEZAK FUNERAL HOME “First in Service Since 1908"
Licensed Producer: Richard K. Tezak (815) 722-0524 American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
1211 Plainfield Road Joliet, IL 60435 V______________________________________________________
ZELE FUNERAL HOME, INC.
452 East 152nd St., Cleveland, Ohio (216) 481-3118
V-------—____________________________>
Marie T. Stelovv, MS, LCPC
Individual, Couple, Family Therapy
370 Houbolt Road
Suit 201	Phone:	(815) 773-2303
Joliet, IL 60431	Fax:	(815) 744-1623
SLOVENIJA MAGAZINE
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Personal checks accepted. Send your subscription to: Slovenija Magazine, Cankarjeva 1,
P.O. Box 169,1001 Ljubljana, SLOVENIA, Europe It’s truly beautiful magazine!
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FUNERAL HOMES
Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director
mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 (920) 457-7012 - Fax: (920) 457-7013 117 North Wisconsin Drive, Howards Grove, WI 53083 (920) 565-2331 www.zimmerfuneralhome.com