Zarja Official Publication Slovenian Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki Evald Flisar Internationally acclaimed Slovenian novelist, playwright, essayist, editor, and globe-trotter is writing a special play just for SUA that will be presented during the banquet on Saturday night of the National Convention. $3.99 U.S./$8.99 International Volume 87 Issue 3 May/June/July 2015 The Dawn Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St. LaSalle, IL 61301-1359 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 87, No. 3, May/June/July 2015 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Communications for the next issue of publication Do you have something SUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to Slovenia, SUA events, or members. The deadline for articles for the August/ September/October issue must be received by June 25. Thank you. Submission Guidelines Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address with each submission, including e-mailed submissions. Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted materials. It is best to e-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal (or better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach your photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.) By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian Union of America (formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) the use of the material, including your name, hometown, and state. We may modify, reproduce, and distribute it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or appropriate place. Evald Flisar Internationally acclaimed Slovenian novelist, playwright, essayist, editor, and globe-trotter (he has traveled in more than 90 countries), is the most widely translated Slovenian author - various works of his have been translated into 36 languages. Evald has recently celebrated his 70th birthday. To honor his anniversary, the Slovenian National University Library has mounted a huge exhibition of his life and work, featuring (among other things) 40 theatre posters and more than 100 photographs from the productions of his stage plays performed in many parts of the world, as well as foreign editions of his plays, novels, and short stories, not to mention his manuscripts and diaries. The two-month exhibiton (exceptional for a writer who is still alive) will close at the end of March and then transfer to his home town, Murska Sobota, in northeastern Slovenia. widely translated Slovenian author - various works of his have been translated into 36 languages, among them Bengali, Malay, Nepalese, Indonesian, Turkish, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Czech, Albanian, Lithuanian, Icelandic, Romanian, Amharic, Russian, English, German, Italian, Spanish, etc. His stage plays are regularly performed all over the world, most recently in Austria, Egypt, India (three different productions in the last two months alone), Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, and Belarus. Evald has attended more than 50 literary readings and festivals on all continents. Having lived abroad for It has often been said that Evald Flisar has lived 20 years (3 years in Australia, 17 years in London), three parallel lives: he studied comparative literature he resettled in Slovenia in 1990. His novel On the at the University of Ljubljana, English and English Gold Coast (published in English by Sampark, literature in London, and psychology in Australia, Kolkata, India) has been nominated for the most where he also worked as an underground train driver prestigious European literary prize, the Dublin IMPAC in Sydney. Back in London he worked as editor International Literary Award. Another of his novels, of (among other publications) an encyclopedia of My Father's Dreams, just published in London (and science and invention, wrote short stories and radio previously also in the U.S. and India) has earned him plays for the BBC, and did other work. During the a place at the European Literature Night, an annual independence movement he returned to Slovenia and event at the British Library that features six of the was President of the Slovene Writers’ Association best contemporary European writers. The following from 1995 to 2002. Since 1998 Evald is the editor- books of his have been published by Texture Press in-chief of the oldest Slovenian literary journal in the U.S. (and are available on Amazon): Tales of Sodobnost (Contemporary Review). Wandering, My Father's Dreams, Collected Plays, vol. 1, Collected plays, Vol. 2, If I Only Had Time (a novel), Evald is the author of twelve novels (eight of them The Sorcerer's Apprentice (a novel), and Tea with the short-listed for kresnik, the Slovenian “Booker”), Queen (a novel). Evald has just been elected President two collections of short stories, three travelogues, of the Slovenian center of PEN International. two books for children, and fifteen stage plays (seven nominated for Best Play of the Year Award, three His public appearance (and reading) in the Library times winning the award). He has also received the of Congress in Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Prešeren Foundation Prize, the highest state award June 23. During his summer visit to the U.S., he will for prose and drama, and the prestigious Župančič also read in other places and at various American Award for lifetime achievement. Evald is the most universites. Evald will attend (together with his young wife and eight-year-old son) the SUA National Convention in Illinois on June 20, where he will prepare a big surprise for the participants! May/June 2015 1 e g a s s e M s ’ t Presiden In May of 2005, I received an e-mail from Slovenia. In the subject line it read “Famous Slovenian writer visiting USA.” My curiosity got me; I opened it up and what has followed in the past decade has changed the course of SUA history and for me, personally, I gained a wonderful family in Slovenia. The e-mail came from the famous Slovenian writer and editor, Evald Flisar. He was traveling the U.S. that summer and offered to speak to Slovenian-American groups. I responded immediately and then I shared his offer with quite a few SUA Branches around the States. The next thing I knew I became a travel agent and Evald was a guest at Bernadette Fitzsimmons’ (President of Branch 108 - Olney, MD) home in the D.C. area, and a guest speaker at the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont, LaSalle, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and more. Evald and his wife, Jana, were supposed to come to LaSalle for a night or two stay, where they were guests in the home of Debbie Pohar, Zarja editor. Because we all hit it off so well their stay was extended. And then an invitation was extended to me and my daughters to visit them that summer during our scheduled visit to London. Before I knew it, Bekki, Barbi, and I were boarding a plane to Slovenia for a visit with our newfound friends. The distance did not keep our friendship from building. In 2006, Evald invited SUA officers to attend the 70th Anniversary of Sodobnost Magazine, the oldest Slovene magazine in the world dedicated to literature and culture. We were told the President of the Republic of Slovenia and many other important dignitaries would be there. Indeed they were, and it was a great opportunity to let Slovenia know who we were. It was me, Debbie Pohar, Kathy Ferrante, and Mary Lou Voelk who made the trip. We used our own money to get there, stayed at the Flisar home, and spent a week meeting with important people who could make a difference for SUA. That was the first trip of several to follow that influenced the direction in which our organization is heading. We credit that initial contact with Evald as one of the most important moments for SUA in the past 10 years. Through those visits, we gained photos, traditions, articles, feature stories, and so much more for Zarja. The brainstorm of the Forget-Me-Nots books (series of bilingual children’s 2 books written by Slovenian authors), the new cookbook that will soon be released, tour locations for our SUA trips to Slovenia, “Meet and Greet” on our SUA tours of Slovenia, visits from Slovenians to our communities, and the list goes on of the wonderful results that were realized. I can’t imagine where we would be without answering that e-mail… from the Famous Slovenian writer visiting USA. I will be so proud to present my friend of a decade, Evald Flisar, at this year’s National Convention, for which he is writing a special play just for us that will be presented during the banquet on Saturday night. If you have not purchased a ticket for this event, I highly encourage you to do so. This is a very rare opportunity! This National Convention is going to be special. Take a look at the Schedule of Events. We are going to experience so much of Slovenia without using our passports. Think twice before you would pass up this spectacular weekend. The members from Branch 99 of Lemont have put in so much time, effort, and talent into making this another topnotch moment in SUA history. At this Convention a new board of officers will be elected. Who wants to be a part of the 2015 – 2019 SUA’s National Board? I can tell you it’s very rewarding to serve in this capacity. I’ve been on the board since I attended my first National Convention in 1999. Many of you have watched me grow up; I was raising two small daughters, working at American Airlines, moving back to my home town to be near family, accepted a new position at St. Bede Academy as an event planner, keeping up with two very active daughters who were participants in everything and we attended everything, sending them off to college, planning my eldest’s wedding, and just celebrating 25 years of marriage with my husband, Bill. Whew! It has been a long, wonderful opportunity; I have never regretted my long run! But now it is time for some new “blood” - some new energy, new excitement, and a new direction. Being a parent, career person, or a busy person should not be offsetting. I gave you a glimpse of my life; as you can see I am a busy person. I work full time, I am an active parent, but I was able to do it all because of my love for my Slovenian heritage! And you can too. Let’s do it for our Slovenian Heritage! Bonnie Prokup, SUA National President wprokup@aol.com Zarja - The Dawn th 27 SUA NATIONAL CONVENTION Naperville/Lemont, Illinois June 18-21, 2015 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS* Thursday, June 18 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open House at SUA Heritage Museum in Joliet (transportation on your own) 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Convention Check-in at Chicago Marriott Naperville hotel 7:00 p.m. Welcome Gathering at the Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel Friday, June 19 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:45 p.m. Breakfast at Convention hotel (included with room) Convention Check-in at Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel (late arrivals) SUA Business meeting (open to all) SUA Gift Shop open Potica Contest check-in Lunch Honeybees Presentation and Exhibit Tour Select Boxed Dinner Load bus for Lipizzan Horse Show (transportation included) Lipizzan Horse Performance at Temple Farms in Old Mill Creek Load buses for return trip to Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel Saturday, June 20 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Convention hotel (included with room) 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. SUA Business meeting (open to all) 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. SUA Gift Shop open 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Potica Contest check-in 12:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. Slovenian Costume Fashion Show 3:00 p.m. Polka Dance lessons 6:00 p.m. Banquet - Dinner and Entertainment (All events at the Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel) Sunday, June 21 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. * Tentative May/June 2015 Breakfast at Convention hotel (included with room) Check out of Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel rooms Leave for Slovenian Mission Church & Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont (transportation on your own) Outdoor Mass at the Grotto Walking tour of Grottos at Slovenian Mission Church Picnic on the Hill Slovenian Art Show at the Slovenian Catholic Center Tour of Slovenian Catholic Center 3 The 27th National Convention has many activities planned and some possible surprises. Registration is now underway and all are welcome to attend. You can register for the Convention online or by U.S. mail. Although there will be time for important meetings, the Convention is not all business. There are several fun events in store, as well as sight-seeing near the hotel. All attendees are welcome and encouraged to attend the business meetings, as well as the special activities planned. SUA members and non-members of all ages are welcome. Hotel Reservations The Chicago Marriott Naperville hotel welcomes you with contemporary design, innovative technology, and a warm, hospitable atmosphere. Special room pricing including a full breakfast package are offered. We know you will enjoy your stay! The hotel is just three miles from downtown Naperville, including the renowned River Walk and an outstanding, living history museum known as the Naper Settlement. There is easy access to the interstate and many top area restaurants. Chicago Marriott Naperville 1801 North Naper Boulevard Naperville, IL 60563 Hotel reservations must be made by May 25 Call 800.514.4684 Reservation Name: Slovenian Union Convention June 2015 $104 per night plus tax (2-queen beds or 1-king bed) Room price includes a complimentary hot hot breakfast buffet for all occupants! To reserve a room online, please follow the link for online registration. Welcome Event A Welcome Party is planned at the SUA Heritage Museum in Joliet on Thursday, June 18. Enjoy a taste of Slovenia and view the many Slovenian exhibits and displays. Thank you to Branch 24 from LaSalle, IL, for hosting and organizing this event. Transportation from the hotel to the museum is on your own - carpooling is recommended. Slovenian Union of America 431 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432 815.727.1926 4 Lipizzan Horse Show Attendees of the SUA Convention are in for a special treat! Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek, Illinois, will hold a special performance of their Lipizzan horses on Friday evening, June 19. The Lipizzan horses originated from Slovenia and have been protected by empires and sought after by royalty for centuries. Cost for the show includes transportation from the hotel. Honeybees Exhibit and Presentation The Chicago Marriott Naperville hotel cultivates their own beehives on the roof of the hotel and produces their own signature honey. MaryAnn Basso, Sales and Catering Coordinator of the hotel, says the following about their beehives - “On the roof of our hotel we house five beehive colonies, each named after a team member’s child. With us since the hotel opened in 2012, our bees work hard to produce the best, truly local honey featured throughout our menus. We harvest upwards of 1,000 lbs. of honey each year. Our culinary and pastry teams present the honey in practical and delicious ways for our guests to enjoy. The honey is also used to create the hotel’s signature wedding cake flavor, the ‘Honey Cake with Honey Mousse.’” Enjoy a presentation of the hotel beehives, a guest speaker on the topic of beehives and their importance in Slovenia, and an exhibit of beehive panels. Slovenian Fashion Show Enjoy a trip through the various regions of Slovenia and see the traditional costumes of each area. Learn about the different cultural folk dress, when and how they are worn, the special fabrics used, sewing techniques, and accessories. Polka Dance Lessons Put your polka-dancing shoes on and learn this lively, Slovenian, traditional form of dance! You will also be able to perform what you learned by dancing the polka at the banquet. All for fun! Potica Contest Prepare your best potica recipe and enter it into the potica contest for the chance to win a prize! Present your potica fully baked, unsliced, accompanied with complete recipe and name of the baker. Entries will be accepted Thursday and Friday during the Convention. Entrant must be a SUA member. Winner to be announced at the banquet. Zarja - The Dawn Slovenian Catholic Center – Mass, Picnic, & Art Show On the last day of the Convention, June 21, we plan to co-host an outdoor Mass and a walking tour of the grottos on the grounds of the Slovenian Mission Church located in Lemont, Illinois. Attendees can also enjoy a Slovenian picnic, a Slovenian Art Show, and tour of the Slovenian Catholic Center which is located on the grounds as well. Convention Banquet A highlight of the Convention is the banquet, which will be held on Saturday evening, June 20. The hotel is preparing a special dinner for Convention attendees and offering many Slovenian foods. The Slovenian Ambassador, Dr. Božo Cerar, from Washington D.C. will be the guest speaker. The well known author and playwright, Evald Flisar, from Slovenia, will entertain us with a play written especially for this Convention. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Transportation from the hotel to the Slovenian Catholic Center is on your own - carpooling is recommended. Meet the new National Board of SUA, and enjoy a night of delicious food, traditional music, and Slovenian fun! Slovenian Catholic Center 14252 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439 Looking forward to seeing YOU and SUA members from across the U.S.! If you have any questions about the National Convention, please contact Julie LaJoie, Convention Chairperson, at jamp817@comcast.net or 630.854.5400. You must register for the hotel separately! Call the Chicago Naperville Marriott at 800.514.4684 and request the special room rate of $104 for the Slovenian Union of America. The room rate does not include taxes or any extra charges you personally incur - for example, drinks, room service, and movies. Rooms will host up to four guests. May/June 2015 5 National Convention Registration Form ONE FORM PER PERSON - Please make copies as needed. You may REGISTER ONLINE by going to www.slovenianunion.org and use your credit card! First Name __________________________ Last Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________ State ____ Zip Code ___________ Phone _________________________ Branch # - City _____________________ Phone _________________Cell Phone __________________ E-mail (Required - If you do not have e-mail, please use one of a trusted friend or relative.) _____________________ Check box if you are a Member Representative (delegate) for your Branch. **The Member Representative’s Convention Package is paid by the National Convention Fund. Lipizzan Performance and hotel not included. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Convention Package: (Hotel Not Included) (Includes all activities and meals on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Lipizzan Performance not included.) Check ONE Member Representative $ 0 _________ Early Bird SUA Member (Before May 1) $185 _________ SUA Member $195 _________ Junior Member (5-17) $ 30 _________ Child Member (4 and under) FREE $ 0 _________ Non-Member $215 _________ To make hotel reservations, call the Chicago Marriott Naperville at 800.514.4684 Reservation Name: Slovenian Union Convention June 2015 Special room rate of $104 plus tax per night includes a full breakfast for all occupants. Lipizzan Performance: (Ticket includes bus transportation from Chicago Marriott Naperville.) Friday June 19 Check ONE Adult $35 _________ Junior/Child (17 and under) $10 _________ Banquet Only (For additional guests): Saturday June 20 Check ONE Adult $50 _________ Junior (5-17) $15 _________ Child (4 and under) FREE $ 0 _________ TOTAL DUE: _________ ** Please let us know if you have special needs; vegetarian, handicap, etc.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Include a check payable to: Slovenian Union of America and mail to: Slovenian Union of America C/O Monica Morrissette, 903 Cassie Drive, Joliet, IL 60435 6 Zarja - The Dawn CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2015 BRANCH 47 of Garfield Heights, Ohio, to host luncheon at 1:00 p.m. at the Burntwood Tavern on Kruse Drive in Solon. Contact Debbie Duris at dcduris@gmail.com or 330.467.2281. SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015 BRANCH 13 of San Francisco, California, to host Member of the Year Luncheon, $35 per person, at 12:00 p.m. at Val’s Restaurant, 2468 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City. TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2015 BRANCH 3 of Pueblo, Colorado, to host annual Mother’s Day Luncheon at Park East restaurant. Contact Annette at 719.569.7125 for more information. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 BRANCH 5 of Indianapolis, Indiana, to host Members of the Year dinner honoring Karen Zarich and Mary Dragan; a roast pork dinner at the Nash, bring a dessert to share. SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2015 BRANCH 16 of South Chicago, Illinois, to host the Member of the Year Luncheon, honoring Rosemary Petrich, at The Jovial Club, 97th and Commercial Avenue at 12:00 p.m. Call Mary Jane Strus at 773.768.5127 to RSVP. Cost is $25 to attend. Note the change in details. TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 BRANCH 20 of Joliet, Illinois, to host the Member of the Year dinner, honoring Georgene Agnich, at St. Joseph’s Park. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., short program at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by entertainment. SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015 BRANCH 109 of Twin Cities (TC), Minnesota, to host Slovenian Strudel-Baking Demo at 9:30 a.m. with Ronnie Boucher at New Brighton Community Center, Room 224. Call Norm at 651.777.6106 for more information. WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 BRANCH 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to host a Members of the Year pasta dinner, honoring all the men of Branch 43, at 6:00 p.m. in the Constitution Room of the West Allis Library. Complimentary for men; cost for guests is $5. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 – SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015 27th SUA NATIONAL CONVENTION to be hosted by Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois. Convention will be held at the Chicago Marriott Naperville hotel with side trips to the Slovenian Union of America Heritage Museum, Slovenian Catholic Mission, Slovenian Catholic Center, and Lipizzaner Horse Performance. Special activities include Slovenian fashion show, Potica Contest, Apron Contest, Auction, Polka Lessons, Beehive Tour and Presentation, and more. See this issue for further information. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 BRANCH 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will be celebrating the June 25 Independence Day of the Republic of Slovenia with a 6:00 p.m. dinner meeting in the Constitution Room at the West Allis Library. FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 BRANCH 5 of Indianapolis, Indiana, to celebrate SLOVENEFEST with food, fun, and music at the Slovenian National Home. Bring your accordion and join the fun. SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2015 BRANCH 5 of Indianapolis, Indiana, to celebrate SLOVENEFEST with food, fun, and music at Lions Park in Clermont, IN. Check the Slovenian National Home website for more details. Bring your lawn chairs. SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2015 BRANCH 99 of Lemont, Illinois, to host a National Convention recap/upcoming events meeting at 12:00 p.m. at the Olive Garden at 215 S. Weber Road in Bolingbrook. Soup, salad, and breadsticks for $5 per person! Please RSVP to MaryAnn Partyka at craftmar304@comcast.net or 630.661.3600. SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2015 BRANCH 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, members to gather at the Slovenian Cultural Society Triglav’s picnic at Triglav Park in Wind Lake. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 BRANCH 20 of Joliet, Illinois, to host annual Grape Harvest Festival Dance. SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2015 BRANCH 100 of Southern California to celebrate at Temecula Wine Tasting Picnic at Wiens Family Cellars on Wine Road in Temecula. Contact Jean Koci at 949.495.0097 for further information. May/June 2015 7 Welcome to Our New Branch Members 1, Patton, Lilah 2, Nauheimer, Robert 3, Cernac, Ashley 3, Eccher, Elise 3, Eccher, Emily 3, Zorc, Barbara 5, Novotny, Jeane 13, Collins, Jenny 20, Bernickus, Kellen 20, Bernickus, Matthew 20, Cowper, Margo 20, Hohenwater, Brett 20, Hohenwater, Scott 20, McHale, Kylie Noelle 20, Petric, William 20, Smolich, James 23, Cherico, Frana 23, Koski Fauchald, Sally 23, Lah, Blaise 23, Lah, Michael 24, Cross, Jamie 24, Miller, Deborah 24, Sunken, Grace 30, Ashley, Helen 30, Dean, Collin 30, Dean, Morgan 30, Lewis, Mary 30, Long, Marshall 30, Meglich, Martha 35, Sherek, Donald 40, Mihalic, Megan 43, Gorenc, Harlene 43, Koelbl, Cheryl 47, Telesz, Sylvia 50, Androjna, Angela 50, Nadeau, Nicolas 50, O’Rourke, Margaret 89, Hudak, Greg 93, Franekic, Etelka 99, Hodgman, Mike 100, Morrissey, Janet 100, Shah, Joan 102, Trunkel, Jacob 108, Tompros, Margie 109, Podominick, Charles 8 SUA Donations - Thank You! $200 Donation Friesenhahn, Barbara, 5, +Founding members of Branch 5 $150 Donation Engers, Carolyn Tomazic, 20, SUA $125 Donation Tegel, John, 2, SUA $100 Donation Artusa, Sandra, 99, +Felix Mavec Augustine, Tony, 20, SUA Branch 1, Zarja Cullen, Mary Ann, 3, +Catherine Perko Ferguson, Leslie, 20, SUA Ferrante, Kathleen, 47, +John Pohar, Jr. Fox, Elizabeth, 89, +Carolyn M. Widmar Frisch, Marie, 3, +Frank & Fanny Skul-Pueblo, CO Hodnik, Erika, 35, +Paula Mavec Jandrey, Corrine, 23, +Rudy Jandrey Kambich, Anthony, 20, Honor of Saint Joseph Academy-Joliet Kravcar, Michael, 100, +John & Tekla Kerzich Kreisl, Cindy, 16, +Lenny Barnaby (Sebahar) Mancuso, Lauren, +Mary Okleson (Kastelic) Seaton, Stasha Furlan, 108, +Dr. Boris & Ana Furlan Smith, Judith Monshau, 108, +Mary Mutz Wegerson, Frank, 110, SUA Yapel, Victoria, 109, +Barbara Yapel & Honor of Agnes (Pavlich) Yapel Yuratovac, Annette, 47, +Katherine Yuratovac Zuga, Karen, 54, +Victoria Zuga $75 Donation Argubright, Peggy, 100, SUA Barkovich, Cheryl, 100, +Joseph & Edith Barkovich Bulaga, Mildred, 99, SUA Burger, Mariana, 93, SUA Donahoe, Theresa, 30, +Mollie Masel Helm, Stephanie, 30, +Stefana Masel Hozzian, John, 2, +John J., Anne T. & Stephan Hozzian Nash, Barbara, 103, +Anne Perhay (Detroit Branch) Petrich, Joseph, 99, +Frank & Julia Petrich, parents Pohar, Barbara, 24, SUA Semancik, Maryann, 100, +Louis & Mary Papes Whitmire, Maria, 93, Heritage Museum Yakos, Anne, 100, SUA Zakelj, John, 109, SUA $60 Donation Robertson, Jean, 43, +Louis Kovach Selke, Diane, 43, +Mary Hren Zarja - The Dawn $50 Donation Brann, Marceline, 50, Honor of Albina Marsey Emery, Catherine, 20, +John W. Emery Erjavec, Ronald, 20, SUA Gaber, Agnes, 2, SUA Ganster, Diana, 20, +Amalia Samec Ramuta Gulas, Maria, 20, SUA Hagan, Janet Marie, 109, +Jennie Carsten Hansen, Arnold, 20, SUA Holden, Corey, 20, +Bernice Suski Holden, Kathleen, 20, +Bernice Suski Judnick, Marcia, 20, +Anthony & Louise Krameric Klobucher, Tom, 20, +John & Rose Ann Klobucher Kosir, Mary Ann, 30, SUA Kovacic, Jennie, 2, SUA Maxin, Catherine, 50, +Maureen Podlogar & my mom, May Maxin Monaco, Ruth, 2, +Mrs. Frances Hren & Mr. Joseph Hren Morrison, Frances, 89, Heritage Museum Pohar, Debbie, 24, +John Pohar, Jr. Prey, Rose Ann, 89, Heritage Museum Rechlitz, Judith, 43, +Raymond J. Delopst Scharres, Pauline, 99, +Mr. & Mrs. J. Gregorich, parents Stratton, Anne, 108, +Louise T. Hagan Swintosky, Dorothy, 30, SUA Tompa, Jozica, 43, +Matilda Omerzu Wheeler, Kathleen, 35, +Anne Orazem, Branch 35 Zalar, Julia, 50, SUA $45 Donation Baker, Cheryl, 20, +Katarina Rogina Bahor Kambic, Donald, 100, SUA $30 Donation Bruch, Barbara, 89, The Terselic girls from LaSalle Demsar, Andrea, 50, +Francesca Demsar Kovacic & Jane Kovacic Debevec Oldenburg, Frances, 20, +Mary Rojic $25 Donation Adelman, Verdean, 2, +Mary Foys Lauretig, mother Adkisson, Helen, 23, SUA Antich, Anne, 99, SUA Augustine, Jill Caldwell, 103, +Pauline Grum Caldwell Balata, Bernice, 24, Honor of Joseph Mack Barbarich, Paul, 5, Honor of Mary Zgonc Barbarich Barker, Mary Ann, 3, +Rose Ann Zoletal Jersin, mother Bartholomew, Nancy, 50, +Ann Potochar Elliott Blatnik, Anita, 47, +Kenik-Blatnik families Blatnik, Bernadette, 47, +Kenik-Blatnik families Blatnik, Mary A., 47, +Kenik-Blatnik families Blatnik, Robert, 50, SUA Blatnik, Rosa Marlene, 50, SUA May/June 2015 Bodisch, Annamarie, 93, +Anna Bodisch, mother Bradford, Cynthia Bayt, 109, SUA Briggs, Debra, 30, +Dorothy Zakrajsek Bechtel Briscoe, Karen, 20, SUA Burgess, Mary Lynn, 24, +Robert Burgess Burk, Mary, 20, +my loving mother, Louise Schoener Burkland, Miriam, 99, SUA Carlson, Michelle, 33, +Florence V. Markovich Clime, Kathleen, 93, Honor of Kozole family Cline, Sara Fon, 5, +Pauline Loviscek Cummings, Dorothy Govednik, 13, SUA Dale, Mary Louise, 54, +Anna Savor Darovic, Mary, 99, +Mary & Frank Colnar and Thomas Darovic Data, Diane, 24, +my grandmother, Mary Dusak Davidson, Holly Blatnik, 50, SUA Debevec, Madeline, 50, +mother, Dorothy Urbancich Delopst, Kenneth, 43, SUA Drobnick, Julie, 50, +Ceal Znidar Dvornik, Donald, 20, SUA Dvornik, Susan, 20, SUA Ebner, Alice, 89, +Mom & Margie Ebner, James, 89, Zarja Egly, Joan, 20, +Mike & Jen Juricic Ficek, Bob, 24, +Josephine & John Pohar Ficek, Frances, 24, +Mary & Joseph Ficek Fischer, Margaret, 1, +Margaret G. Fischer Fisher, Myra, 100, Honor of Jean Koci France, Beverly, 20, +William Bahor Freiberg, Mary Cay, 43, +mom, Catherine Lesatz Freiberg, Raymond, 43, SUA Germaine, Anne, 99, +Ursula Zupancic Goetz, Dana, 43, +Sophie Stampfel Gorenc, Anton, 43, +Suzanne Elizabeth, daughter Gottardi, Paula, 35, +my grandparents, Frances & Anton Nemgar Govednik, Diane, 20, +William Govednik Govednik, Joseph, 13, SUA Grisez, Sandra, 50, +Josephine Simenc Grube, Charleen, 1, +Marianne Barbuch Hanks, Jacqueline, 50, +Jennie Omersa Haug, Sylvia, 43, +Antonia Veekoverk, mother Hiltbrunner, Barbara, 23, SUA Hoag, Laverne, 35, +Anne Ruper Nickovich Hribar Spires, Karen, 102, +women of Francel & Hribar families Illman, Paula Jean, 24, +Mary Krogulski Ivanich, Daniel, 20, +Susan Ivanich & Mayme Ivanich Ivons, Jean, 10, +Albert C. Ivons Jensen, Mary Lou, 100, +Frances Kinkopf Jevtic, Ana Sonc, 103, SUA Judnick, Robert, 20, +Edward & Mary Judnick Kashman, Terri, 5, +Rosie Dugar King, Jan, 50, +Jane & Jack Debevec 9 Kinnear, Evelyn, 13, SUA Kochevar, Michelle, 2, +Helen Kochevar & Mary Kochevar Kochmann, Beverly, 109, +Peter & Mary Koritnik Kopfensteiner, Kathleen, 2, SUA Kostansek, Rosemary, 50, +Rose Gerlica Zuzek Krasovec, Renee, 3, SUA Kraus, Kathryn Blatnik, 47, +Kenik-Blatnik families Lambert, Martin, 5, SUA Lammi, Patricia, 23, SUA Laurich, Margaret, 35, +Katherine L. Hanka, Branch 35 Lauritzen, Mary, 24, Honor of the Ahcin/Krpan/Sanders family Lawing, Rose Marie, 99, SUA Lilek, James, 20, SUA Link, Trudy, 93, +Anna Jonke, Branch 93 Lipic, Hilda, 100, SUA Lucas, Lisa Vidergar, 100, +Frank J. Vidergar Maloney, Mary, 24, +mother, Mary Zogich, DePue, IL Martincic, Wilma, 71, +Jacob Martincic Martinka, Jeff, 109, Honor of Barbara Kochar Martinka Marvic, Evelyn, 20, +Mary Marvic Terdic & Mary Rogel Marvic Mavec, Carmen, 99, SUA Medved, Bernadine, 109, SUA Medved, Karen, 109, Honor of Kristina Medved Nelson Meglich, Patti, 30, +Robert & Marge Meglich Miller, Elizabeth, 3, +Carol Mesner Sabo Millman, Helena, 24, +Maria Knap Moren, Thomas, 109, +Ella Angela Moren - 102 Morrissey, Janet, 100, Honor of mother, Rose McCarthy-Sleyko Morrow, Hermine Blatnik, 50, +Albin J. Blatnik Muir, Vera, 20, SUA Musich, Mary Frances, 35, SUA Nemanich, Carolyn, 99, +Josephine (Sophia) Nemanich Oviyach, Raymond, 20, SUA Ovnik, Judith, 2, +Marie Ovnik Palcisko, Carrie, 20, +Tony & Jenny Kochevar & Edward J. Palcisko Palmer, Mary Ann, 109, +Stephanie Vranesich Palmer, Roberta, 2, +Josephine Zabel Palmer Parsons, Virginia, 3, +Mary Hiza Pavlovcic, Frances, 40, SUA Pisa, Rick, 109, +Frank Vesel & Franciska Prijatelj Pivik, Marie, 50, +Ann Tomsic Pohar, Frank, 24, +Helen Swietek Pohar, Julia, 24, +John Pohar, Jr. Polzin, Christine, 102, +Josephine Bayuk Popich, Katherine, 13, SUA Povsic, Maria, 30, +Francka Povsic & Angela Bolha Price, Judith, 43, +Cecelia Verbick Primozic, Edward, 108, +Primozic family Princ, Rose Marie, 2, SUA Prokup, Bonnie, 24, +John Pohar, Jr. 10 Pubentz, Larry, 20, +Margaret Kodrick Pubentz Ravnikar, Mary, 23, +all mothers & grandmothers Reichelderfer, Frances Jean, 100, +Jean Kurilich Rems, John, 20, SUA Rogers, Mary, 3, SUA Savol, Rosanne, 20, +Josephine Ramuta Sumic & Ann Ramuta Savol Schiltz, Kathleen, 33, +Theresa Kambic Schmidl, Maxine, 100, Honor of Margaret Schmidl Scholp, Elizabeth, 20, +Rose Pasdertz Sefcik, Katherine, 55, +mother, Maria Cvetric Shiflet, Ellen, 43, +Christine Boyance Skul, Elizabeth, 3, +Elizabeth Rozboril Giarratano Slapnik, Nancy, 50, SUA Snidarich, John, 35, Znidarsic/Intihar families Soltesz, Lucinda, 109, SUA Soltysinski, Jacqueline, 16, +Henry Soltysinski Sostakowski, Barbara, 47, +Novak & Lovko families Stager, Judith Manno, 71, +Ursula Puh Vidmar Stanley, Jolyn, 2, SUA Steller, Kristina, 100, +Frank Kapel Stropnik, Milena, 1, +parents, Joze & Helena Dolenc Stumm, Dona, 99, +Dona (Bucar) Saye Tarizzo, Marilyn, 20, +Mary Bozic Tarro, Mary Ann, 30, SUA Taylor, Karen, 89, +father, Charles R. Taylor Tesovnik, Edward, 1, +Olga & Rudy Saye Tezak, Dorothy Marie, 3, +Katherine Tezak Toth, Rose Mary, 50, +Albina Mrsnik Trauner, Rick, 5, +Ernestine Trauner Twers, Michele, 13, +Josephine Aluto mother Varani, Georgina, 30, SUA Vlahovic-McIlvene, Mihela, 30, SUA Walsh, Helen, 20, +Agnes & Matt Verbiscer Wanthal, Mary, 20, SUA Warren, Joann, 26, SUA Watson, Jerry, 5, +Teta Jeanie Miley & Teta Lavena Wiegand Weaver, Patricia, 30, +Mary Helen Muler Moretz Weber, Diane Sakolosky, 99, SUA Whiteley, Metza, 93, +John Jaksa & Anna, Colorado Wiley, Betty, 3, SUA Yach, Carol Jean, 43, SUA Yager, Lynn Kurnick, 13, +Edward Kurnick Zaida, Angela, 20, +Helen (Lukancic) Valerugo Zebrowski, Dianne, 43, SUA Ziegenhorn, Patrick, 1, +Johanna Suscha, Charter Member Branch 1 $20 Donation Adamic, Frances, 30, +Barbara Balott & Helen Grasser Argubright, Mary Elizabeth, 89, Honor of grandma, Flossie Gardin Argubright Benedict, Nancy, 13, +Sophie Troya & Ann Nanut Bicknell, Mary Lou, 89, Zarja - The Dawn +Theresa Papesh Rhodes & Mary Papesh Tomazin Bollich, Joan, 30, +Anne Tomazin Cadez Branc, Mia, 93, +mama, Nezka Novak Burkhardt, Elizabeth, 20, SUA DeJule, Beverly, 20, +Matt & Ann Pershey Dovnik, Rosalie, 43, SUA Eviston, Janyce, 24, +Margaret Laken Connell Ferguson, Michalene, 20, SUA Fidel, Pauline, 71, +Pauline Micklege & Paul L. Fidel Fitzsimmons, Bernadette K., 108, +Eric Kovacic Harback, Julie, 89, +Kamnikar family Hendricks, Marilyn, 1, +Frank & Martha Kotnick Hoppenyan, Shirley May, 33, SUA Hozjan, Mary Ann, 50, +Frances Rigler Hynek, Joan, 43, +Mary Pauc Gorenc Korst, Joyce, 20, +Richard Korst Kuzma, Barbara, 24, +Angela Brinovec Kwiecinski, Mary Anne, 35, +Mary Krebs & Johanna Bolay Lockard, Karen, 42, Honor of Angela Josie Gruden Lomshek, Anna, 100, SUA Marquardt, Lydia, 20, LeRoy H. Marquardt & Moka Churnovic Martin, Deanna, 30, +Anne Dickovich Mavec, Mary, 99, SUA Mills, Marcelline, 50, +Jean Jernejcic Mlakar, Fredrick, 100, SUA Niemela, Judith, 23, +Ann Vesel Niemela Nuteson, Cecelia, 43, SUA Orrego, Helena, 108, +Valentin Leskovsek Papesh, Doris, 20, +Mary Bistry & Claire Yaggy Pawlicki, Clarice, 30, +Mary Gregorich Pulkinen, Francine, 35, +Frank & Angeline Brula Savol, Mary Jo, 20, +Ann Savol Schiffler, Sandra, 2, +Gloria Schiffler Schutte, Leopolda, 23, SUA Sebalj, Gerald, 20, +Dorothy Sebalj-O’Connor Sorensen, Valerie, 3, SUA Spagnolo, Marcia, 30, +Rose Pakiz Starcevich, Kathleen Marie, 3, +Helen Skul & Christina Bradish Sweeney, Mary Jean, 20, +Theresa (Zelesnik) Jordan Urick, Barbara, 35, +Anne Orazem Valencic, Marge, 71, +Mary Tomsic Valent, Jennie, 99, +Frances & Martin Certalic Vidmar, Constance, 43, +Ryan Vidmar Vidmar, Edward, 43, +Ryan Vidmar Wadycki, Pamela, 2, +Evelyn Fabian Tome Welsh, Cindy, 20, +Anna Kobe Yakos, Jacqueline, 20, SUA Yapel, Agnes, 23, +Angela Pavlich Zupancic, Ann, 42, +Louis, Anna, Mary & Margaret Zupancic May/June 2015 $15 Donation Bolek, Ludmilla, 47, SUA Considine, Arlene, 109, +Martin Teshak (Tesek) Debevec, Charles, 109, SUA Ellis, Mary, 3, +Anton & Louise Kuretich Farrell, Sandra, 13, SUA Good, Deborah Voelk, 33, Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Voelk Gorenc, Lillian, 43, SUA Harwood, Elizabeth, 33, +Frances (Verant) Motta Herbst, Jean, 20, +husband, Jerry Herbst Jones, Aubrey, 42, +Antonia Vorisek Kellen, Susan O’Block, 26, Honor of Phyllis Bergent O’Block Kocinec, Wanda, 99, +Tony & Dina Skamperle Krebs, Janice, 50, +Frank & June Berkopec and Michael E. Krebs Lah, James, 23, +Theresa Laboda Lah Lustik, Josephine, 20, +Joseph & Mary Vidmar Malensek, Anton, 93, SUA Mallik, Carolyn, 30, SUA Mejac, Mary Grill, 103, SUA Mramor, Stan, 40, SUA Ovnik, Lorraine, 2, +Dolores Nauheimer Plankar, Jacqueline, 20, SUA Roland, Virginia, 103, +Andy & Christine Susman Steensland, Janet, 20, +Fr. David Stalzer & Margaret Stalzer Sustarich, Virginia, 13, +Katie Judnich Terselic, Nancy, 103, Honor of the Terselic family Terselic, Richard, 103, SUA Udovich, JoAnn, 1, +Joseph & Theresa Udovich $10 Donation Alkovich, Mary, 16, +Emma Yergovich Altieri, Shirley, 100, +Antonia Zehel Mento Ambrozich, Dolores, 20, +Edward “Spike” Ambrozich Bajuk-Woelfl, Martina, 40, +Mary Grm Banich, Adam, 89, SUA Banich, Christopher, 89, SUA Banich, Mary (Mitzi), 89, SUA Barbarich, Martin, 20, Honor of Mary Barbarich Barbarich, Mary, 5, +Josephine Zgonc Barbarich, Peter, 5, +Josephine Barbarich Baum, Helen, 3, +Cecilia Adamic-Kostka Behrman, Helene, 16, SUA Bougher, Angela, 1, SUA Branch 43, Heritage - +Milka Menchak Branch 13, Heritage - +Barbara Chiodo Buol, Genevieve, 2, +my mom, Jennie Puhek Cargould, Lainie, 40, +Milo & Binnie Uehlein Cazin, Christopher, 35, +Rudy Cazin Cook, Agnes, 50, SUA Cooke, Mary, 50, +Catherine Zalec 11 Daniel, Joan, 1, +Agnes Gergisch, Charter Member of Branch 1 Dawson, Barbara, Somin, 33, SUA Doerk, Grace, 20, +Gerald Herbst Donofrio, Adrienne, 2, +Evelyn Fabian Tome Duh, Rosemarie, 50, SUA Dutkiewicz, Connie, 89, +Ignatius F. Novak, Jr. Elish, Jeannette Zaman, 10, +Jennie Zaman Farina, Jamie, 99, SUA Feroni, Olga, 23, SUA Ferrante, Kathleen, 47, SUA Fields, Pat, 1, +daughter, Mary Schmeiser Figurowski, Patricia, 20, SUA Frohna, Helen, 43, +Mici Coffelt, mother Galleberg, Agnes, 33, +mother & sister, Mary Ivanovich & Frances Thorson Giarrante, Rosemary, 20, +Mike & Lil Gale Golf, Mary Lou, 20, +Mary Barbic Gorski, Henrietta, 2, +Pauline Kincl Grah, Julie, 2, +Julia Petrich Grozdanik, Judith and Christina, 50, +William, Eleanore & Mary Grozdanik Gudac, Bernadine, 20, +Josephine Buchar Harris, Suzanne, 42, +Angela Perko Henrickson, Karen, 20, +Ann Mihelich Hodgman, Vicki, 99, SUA Horecky, Marie Bakse, 16, +Mary Bakse Jacobson, Carol Marie, 33, Honor of M. Hinnenkamp, J. Rizzi, D. Jacobson & M. Delzotto Kalfas, Rosemary, 50, +Christine (Basca) Duche Kamnikar, Steve, 89, +Kamnikar family Kamnikar, Terry, 89, +Kernz family Karges, Cyndi, 20, +Margaret Grayhack Kaye, Katherina, 43, +Mici Coffelt Kellett, Rose, 89, +mother, Mary Dusak Kern, Sophia, 71, +Richard J. Kern Kerwick, Lina, 100, Honor of Mrs. Jean Koci Klatt, Lois, 30, +Alouiza Loncarich Kochevar, Eileen, 20, +Anton & Irene Kochevar Komater, Jay, 89, SUA Koncar, William, 20, +John C. Koncar Koporc, Agnes, 50, +Albert Koporc Koren, Mary Alyce, 20, +Alice Jakovich Koski, Marlynn, 35, +Angeline Karish Kovic, Judy, 20, +Helen Darin & John Malesich Krasovec, Bernice, 3, +Mary Hiza Kurnick, Agnes, 13, SUA Lacasse, Melissa Tevsh, 1, +Mary & Joseph Tevsh Lavrich, Mary, 13, SUA Leffler, Gloria Kay, 5, +Rosie Dugar Lesnik, Joan, 20, SUA Lesnik, John, 20, SUA Lomshek, Jerry, 100, SUA Maki, Dolores, 23, +Rose Kozar Manning, Marcia, 20, SUA 12 Maras, Marie, 16, +Catherine Musa, mother Branch 16 Massaia, Amelia, 93, +Katherine Prebilich Mata, Menky, 20, +Sylvia Troop McCue, Joe, 20, +Frances Ukovich & Elizabeth McCue McNally II, Thomas, 2, +Mr. & Mrs. Frank Ribich Megahan, Cheryl, 30, +Anna Karun Michalesko, Hank, 20, +Elfrieda Herbst Michalesko Mihelich, Clare, 20, SUA Mikulich, Arlette, 35, SUA Mutz, Marie, 3, Honor of Family Nanti, Marianne, 35, SUA Orazem, Linda, 35, +Anne M. Orazem Pakiz, Susan, 102, SUA Pausic, Bonnie Lynn, 108, +Emeric J. Pausic Pecharich, Suzanne, 99, +Maria Vlasic Plese, Eileen, 20, +Rose Hrvatin, mother Polnaszek Gray, Jane, 20, +Barbara Kociuba, Branch 20 Polutnik, Stephanie, 40, +mother, Mary Turk & sisters, Mary, Josie & Vera Ponikvar, Joanne, 54, +Rose Racher Quillio, Merianne, 23, Honor of Henry A. Quillio Quinn, Michele, 93, +Albina Ros Rehn, Megan, 89, SUA Renning, Carol, 35, +Frances Petrich Rogina, William, 20, SUA Rossi, Dorothy, 16, +Mary Novak Rossi, Rea Helen Marie, 23, +Helen Slogar Theno Sadowski, Lillian, 42, +Mrs. Antonia Legan Samargia, Kathy, 35, +grandmother, Pauline Lopp Schloss, Carole, 50, +Helen Sturm Schmidt, Joleen, 1, +Marianne & Joseph Barbuch Secora, Linda, 3, SUA Stancar, Frances, 1, +Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Stancar Staut, Sophie, 102, +deceased family members Sterle, Rose, 35, SUA Terlep, Carole, 20, +Tom Terlep Tiedmann, Marie, 2, +Mary Koscak Troha, Helen, 50, +Rudolph J. Troha Uher, Anna Marie, 99, +Terezija Pristov Ungrad, Ruth Ann, 3, +Eleanor Ruth Blatnick Varney, Diane, 50, +Jennie Fitzthum Vicich, Joyce Marie, 20, +Frances Ukovich Vicich, Joyce Marie, 20, SUA Vidergar, Mary Lou, 100, +Mary Lipovec Glad & Mary Vidergar Vidmar, Michael, 20, +Adrianna Vidmar Vodnik, Antonia, 43, SUA Volpe, Marion, 30, +Agnes & John Zornik Wilhelm, Marjorie, 1, SUA Yovanovich, Sue Ann, 5, +Frances Yovanovich Zaitz, Ann, 3, SUA Zalokar, Lynn, 93, +Marilyn (Kovacic) Zalokar Zalokar, Mildred, 2, SUA Zawerschnik, Joyce, 43, SUA Zevnik, Darlene, 1, SUA Zarja - The Dawn Zupan, Michelle, 30, +Antonja Horvat Zupan Zupancich, Judith, 23, Honor of Mary Ann Palmer $5 Donation Ancel, Joseph, 20, +Ed & Olga Ancel Androjna, Francka, 50, SUA Attaway, Margaret, 20, +Christine Jurkas Batic-Sciarrabba, Beverly, 50, +mother-Mary Batic Birsa, Joann, 3, SUA Dellinger, Willa, 24, SUA Fooy, Dori Kregar, 55, +Frank & Milka Kregar Galle, Dennis, 20, SUA Glavich, Agnes, 3, SUA Hostnik, Patricia, 30, +parents, Jeanne & Thomas Hostnik Kamnikar, Johnathan, 89, +grandpa, Steve Kamnikar Kamnikar, Lydia, 89, +grandpa, Steve Kamnikar Korsman, Jeanette, 35, SUA Krogulski, Barbara, 24, +Mary Krogulski Kunovar, Irene, 43, +Ivan Kunovar & Joe Starich Laskowski, Paula Uremovic, 20, SUA Lenkaitis, Adam, 24, +John Pohar, Jr. Lenkaitis, Alex, 24, +John Pohar, Jr. Lenkaitis, Cathy, 24, +John Pohar, Jr. Limbach, Audrey, 20, +Robert J. Fedo Limbach, Marcia, 20, +Robert J. Fedo Limbach, Stefanie, 20, +Robert J. Fedo Lustick, David, 20, SUA Oldenburg, Janet, 43, SUA Palcic, Mary, 93, SUA Perko, Charles, 3, +Mike Maroney Rabb, Marlys, 35, +Anne Orazem Tanita, Alexis, 100, +Frances K. Kinkopf Tanita, Cynthia, 100, +Frances K. Kinkopf Tompros, Margie, 103, SUA May/June 2015 THANK YOU to all who entered SUA’s “April’s Showers of Wishes” Fund-Raiser. Your participation is very much appreciated! The fund-raiser was very successful because of YOU! In the August/September/October Zarja – The Dawn issue the “Winner’s List” and the “Wishes Fulfilled List” will appear. Our SUA membership has once again shown their “love” in our Slovenian spirit. 13 Retired Auxiliary Bishop A. Edward Pevec April 16, 1925 - December 14, 2014 Submitted by Marjorie Church President Branch 42 - Maple Heights, Ohio (Inactive) Bishop Pevec was the friend of many, many Slovenians in Ohio. When the NE Ohio SWUA Branch held a Heritage Day at the SNPJ farm in Chesterland, Ohio, he started the festivity with Mass. For an altar, we used one of the picnic tables, covered with a nice, dining room, linen cloth, added a couple of homemade, beeswax candles, set some flowers on the table, borrowed wine from the farm’s beverage bar, or possibly, the Bishop brought his own (I don’t quite recall), and I brought hosts from my parish. As it turned out, I brought too many hosts, over-estimating the number of people who may attend. The bishop had consecrated them all and subsequently had to consume the rest of the hosts, fortunately with the help of the deacon. Needless to say, it took him awhile before continuing the Mass while we all watched and waited for them to finish their repast. It was a bit embarrassing! The scene was so beautiful; a warm, fall day in brilliant color with many people from surrounding neighborhoods joining together in worship, led by their earthly religious leader to receive communion and God’s blessings. Following is a description of the Bishop’s life. Anthony (A.) Edward Pevec was born on April 16, 1925, the son of the late Anthony (Anton) and Frances (nee Darovec) Pevec, Slovenian immigrants who arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, as the “second” wave of Slovenian immigrants to the USA in the early 1900s to the end of WWI. The family resided at 1251 East 61st Street in the St. Clair Avenue Slovenian neighborhood, located on the near northeast side of Cleveland. There were four children born into the Pevec household: A. Edward, Helen Jerse (William), Dorothy Syzmanski (Donald), and William (Jacqueline). A. Edward was baptized at his home parish of St. Vitus Church on April 26, 1925, with Ignac and Francka Piskur as godparents, and Rev. Bartholomew J. Ponikvar as pastor. A. Edward attended East Madison, then located on Addison Road, and St. Vitus Elementary Schools. Upon graduating from elementary school he was admitted to Cathedral Latin High School, later graduating with honors. It was here and during his elementary school years that he was known as a good athlete, especially for his pitching talents; he was subsequently nicknamed, “Lefty.” A. Edward was then admitted to Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He continued his seminary studies at St. Mary 14 Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio. Rev. Pevec was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest and incardinated* in the diocese of Cleveland on April 29, 1950. (*Incardinated - has rights for sacramental and other duties to a specific diocese or archdiocese; being under the jurisdiction of a particular bishop or Superior.) Rev. Pevec’s first priestly assignment was at St. Mary Parish, Elyria, Ohio (1950-1952). He was then assigned to St. Lawrence Parish in Cleveland (1952-1953), a Slovenian parish in the diocese of Cleveland which is now closed. During this time period he continued his postgraduate studies at John Carroll University, whereby he graduated with a Master of Arts degree in 1956. Rev. Pevec continued his postgraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy and Education degree in 1964. Rev. Pevec was assigned to Borromeo Seminary High School and Borromeo Seminary College from 1953-1975. During this time period he was respectively, instructor, principal, and vice rector at Borromeo Seminary High School, and also teacher, assistant principal, and vice rector at Borromeo Seminary College. As a teacher Rev. Pevec was fondly remembered as an instructor of Latin and history. He was appointed during this time period as a member on the Priests’ Committee for Promotion of Vacations, Clergy Relations Board, Clergy Personnel Board, and National Catholic Education Association. Rev. Pevec was also a graduate instructor at the now defunct St. John College in Cleveland. In 1975, Rev. Pevec was appointed as pastor of St. Vitus Parish, his home parish. He remained in this capacity until 1979 when he was appointed as rector-president at Borromeo Seminary College. Then, in 1982, he was appointed an auxiliary bishop, diocese of Cleveland. He was consecrated and installed as auxiliary bishop Zarja - The Dawn with the title, “Titular Bishop of Mercia and Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland,” on July 2, 1982. His pastoral and administrative responsibilities were for the eastern region of the diocese of Cleveland. At that time this included a number of parishes in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland and all Roman Catholic parishes in Lake and Geauga counties in Ohio. This numbered 52 parishes to serve approximately 300,000 Catholics. Bishop Pevec remained in this capacity until the Vatican accepted his retirement letter on September 1, 2002. Since his retirement, Bishop Pevec continued his ministry work of hearing confessions, baptizing, celebrating the Mass during the week and on weekends, presiding or being the main celebrant at weddings and funerals, and other para-liturgical services such as singing of Litanies, recitation of the Rosary, or the Stations of The Cross. His last priestly sacramental involvement was as a presider at a funeral Mass on December 13, 2014, in St. Vitus Church when he was 89 years old. He is remembered for his kind and humble pastoral manner, as well as his well-prepared and delivered homilies. He had received many honors in his lifetime, including induction into the St. Vitus Hall Of Fame, Man of The Year, Annual Baraga Days, and Man of The Year, Federation of Slovenian National Homes. When the Slovenian Union of America, northeast Ohio, would meet to celebrate the Mass and thereafter gather for a social, Bishop Pevec was the principal celebrant. His joyful personality was a great gift that he shared with all. Vespers were held at former Borromeo Seminary, now Center for Pastoral Leadership, in Wickliffe, Ohio, with funeral Mass held at The Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist in Cleveland. May he rest in peace, Naj počiva v miru, and requiescat in pace. Note: At the time of his demise, Bishop Pevec was one of four bishops of Slovenian descent in the USA: Retired Archbishop Elden Francis Curtiss (archdiocese of Omaha); Bishop Roger Joseph Foys, D.D. (diocese of Covington), and Bishop John Michael Kudrick (Eparchy of Parma, Byzantine-Catholic rite). In addition, the following individuals were also of Slovenian descent and served as bishops in the USA: Bishop I.F. Baraga, Bishop Ignatius (Ignac) Mrak, and Bishop John (Ivan) Vertin (all for the diocese of Marquette); Bishop James (Jakob) Trobec (diocese of St. Cloud), and Bishop John Stariha (diocese of Lead, SD). Article prepared by: Stane Kuhar. Mr. Kuhar and his family (wife, Marge, and sons, Mark, Nick, and Andy) are members of SUA, former Branch 25, now merged with Branch 50. He is the parish finance director, St. Vitus Parish from 2003-present, and was employed at KeyBank NA, a national, commercial bank in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1977-2003. Mr. Kuhar also serves as Trustee for the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation. May/June 2015 SWU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION Celebrating 66 years of Financially Assisting Students Mission: To generate funding to financially assist students with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture. We are gratified to know that our many contributors care about the SWU Scholarship Foundation and want to invest in its future. Your gifts make an enormous difference in what awards can be provided during the coming year. Hopefully, you, our donors, are proud of the Foundation’s functions and will support it in the future. With sincere appreciation, Mary Turvey, President, Marge Church, Vice President and Treasurer, Diane Hohenwater, Secretary, and Trustees: Joe Cannavino, Stane Kuhar, and Joe Zab. Scholarship Donations $4,000 Donation Rose Marie Princ - providing funding of two 2015 SWU Scholarships: Josef Princ Memorial Scholarship and Rose Marie Princ Scholarship $2,000 Donation Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Colnar - providing funding of the 2015 Frances Colnar Barman Memorial Scholarship Frances Kurilich - providing funding of the 2015 Jean Kurilich Memorial Scholarship $100 Donation Branch 2 - Chicago, IL, +John Pohar, Jr. Branch 1 - Sheboygan, WI Patricia Budzilek, +husband Ron Budzilek $50 Donation Branch 55 - Girard, OH, in honor of all Branch 55 Members $35 Donation Jan King $30 Donation Jo Lustik, +Joseph & Mary Vidmar Donna Zadnik $25 Donation Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gruenke Justina Zunker $10 Donation Josephine Meden 15 2015 SUA Members of the Year Denise Schueffner Betty Skul Branch 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Branch 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Remembering the old saying that “A rolling stone gathers no moss”- this is a very good description of Denise, our Member of the Year. Denise and To m h a v e been together for 21 years. They have five children and two grandchildren. Involvement with family is very important to her. Denise works full-time at RCS Empowers as a vocational trainer, working with people who have disabilities, and she is also working part-time at JoAnn Fabrics. Denise is a member of the Women’s Catholic Charity Club and Ss. Cyril & Methodius Parish, all her life sharing her time and talents as reader, communion distributor, homebound minister, and chairperson for the bingo kitchen and annual church picnic. In her spare time Denise enjoys snowmobiling, gardening, cooking, crocheting, sewing, and crafts. Elizabeth “Betty” Skul, a Branch 3 member since 2008, was born in Pueblo, the oldest of five children in John and Elizabeth Giarratano’s family. Betty’s Slovenian great-grandparents were Frank Godec, born in Zagradec, Krain, Austria, and Marija Sincovec, born in Ambrus, Krain, Austria. Betty has fond memories of “Grandma Mary’s” coal stove in her kitchen and of the delicious klobase that she prepared regularly. Betty also remembers Grandma Mary always wearing a babushka whenever she went outside. Betty’s mother learned how to make potica from her Aunt Mary Hiza (the mother of Branch 3 member, Bernice Krasovec) and wrote down the exact ingredient measurements, since her aunt did not need to measure. In addition to potica, Betty learned how to make sarma and apple strudel from her mother. Denise has been a member of SUA for six years and is serving her second term as Vice President. She started attending the meetings as a guest of her grandmother, Peppy Zaletel, initially to provide transportation. Denise said she enjoyed spending time with her grandmother which led to both her and her daughter, Erin, becoming members. SUA is very important to her and as stated in her own words, “My grandmother passed away in November of 2010 and I feel that it is my duty to carry on the traditions and customs of my Slovenian heritage with my family that I have experienced throughout my life. I have many recipes that have been passed down through the generations and also have traditions that our family has continued at Easter and Christmas. I am encouraging my other family members to join SUA to carry on the traditions as I have with my grandmother, so they also can learn more about and continue the traditions of their heritage.” Betty married her high school sweetheart, John Skul, right after they graduated from Central High School in 1965. John is a member of the Prešeren Club, and he plays the accordion and button box for the Prešeren Glee Club and for events in the Pueblo area. Betty and John have two married sons, Steve and Dan, and three grandchildren Sophia (11), John (8), and Xander (3). John is teaching their son, Steve, how to play the accordion and button box. We feel that Denise is an example of someone who is “Letting their Slovenian heritage shine.” 16 For years, Betty has been involved with a variety of local Slovenian activities. For the Prešeren Club, she helps serve Slovenian food for the annual summer picnics held in Rye, Colorado. Each year she makes sarma and strudels with other St. Mary’s parishioners for the annual Slovenian Heritage Dinner. She is also a photographer for Branch 3 activities and regularly attends monthly meetings. Betty has a special interest in history, especially the history of Slovenia and the immigrants who came to Colorado. She enjoys sharing her family history with her children and grandchildren. Zarja - The Dawn 2015 SUA Members of the Year Mary Dragan and Karen Zarich Rosemary Petrich Branch 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Branch 16 - South Chicago, Illinois This year, Branch 5 Members of the Year are two ladies who also hold “50 Year Member” titles, and are longtime officers, Mary Dragan and Karen Zarich! Karen, a former Haughville resident and member of Holy Trinity choir, until recently held a full-time job as a speech therapist, but still made time to be our Branch treasurer. Karen took over what she thought would be a temporary position as treasurer, when our elected treasurer became ill, and 15 years later is still waiting for her replacement! Karen is now retired, and is enjoying traveling with her husband, Bob, and helping out with her two grandsons, Blaise and Ambrose. Mary, a full-time businesswoman who often travels for her job, became our Branch secretary over 10 years ago. When our long-time secretary gave Mary the large notebooks for record keeping, she knew she was in for the long haul! Mary, along with her mother Angie, daughter Tina, and granddaughter Angelina, is often found at many of the events, celebrating their Slovenian/Italian heritage. In spite of very busy lifestyles, Karen and Mary are wonderful officers for Branch 5, getting new members, working meetings and dances, and cooking dinners at the Nash. It takes some juggling to do all the things these ladies do, and for that we are grateful for their giving of their time and talent for so many years to the Slovenian Union of America! Congratulations!! Left to right: Mary Dragan, Branch 5 President Phyllis Fon, and Karen Zarich. May/June 2015 Rosemary P e t r i c h (Zevnik) was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in 1932. Her father was Slovenian an d her moth er was of German descent. Rosemary trained in nursing at South Chicago Hospital. After becoming a nurse she continued there in a teaching position and trained future nurses. She later became the operating room supervisor. It was at DeVito’s bowling alley that Rosemary met George Petrich, and they married in 1956. A son, Mark, and two daughters, Stephanie and Anne Marie Maranelli, make up the family. Rosemary and George are also grandparents of eight grandchildren. Rosemary has many interests, including gardening and baking. She takes pride in wearing her Narodna noša for special events and has baked many treats for our monthly meetings. She includes bowling as one of her many activities. Rosemary is an active member of Mother of God Parish where she has conducted weekly bible study for 10 years and has taught CCD classes for 24 years. Also, she has been a member of that church’s Altar and Rosary Society for 14 years. This busy lady is also an officer in the Serbian Seniors Club, belongs to the Historical Society of Calumet City, and has been an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist every Wednesday at Trinity Hospital for eight years. Rosemary, because of her teaching experience and varied interests, brings a wealth of information to our meetings. Branch 16 considers it an honor to add her to the list of previous members named as “Member of the Year.” 17 2015 SUA Members of the Year Georgene Agnich Francine (Fran) Stellmach Branch 20 – Joliet, Illinois Branch 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Georgene joined Branch 20 in 2006 and currently serves as its treasurer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of St. Francis in Joliet and has completed class requirements at Loyola University of Chicago for a Master of Arts degree in Early Modern European History. Her deep interest in the proud history of the Slovenians led to her preparation, with technical assistance from her husband, James Schaible, of the “SWUA Timeline of Slovenian History,” published in the SWUA 80th Anniversary issue of Zarja (July/August 2007). Georgene is currently updating the SUA Heritage Museum’s excellent library by adding the uncatalogued books to the collection, as well as working with Mary Lou Voelk, SUA’s Vice President of Culture and Heritage, to catalog and display a bequest to the museum by the late Slovenian artist, Bogdan Grom. Fran is the youngest of six children, born in Grand Rapids to Matt and Mary (Kasteltz) Kolak. She grew up and attended school in Keewatin. In 1954 Fran married Ernie Stellmach. They moved to Babbitt where they raised their five children, one son and four daughters. Fran has been a member for 26 years. She is also a longtime member of the Babbitt American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, Council of Catholic Women, and a member of St. Pius Catholic Church in Babbitt where she served as Chairwoman of St. Mary’s Circle. Georgene’s paternal grandparents were from Slovenia and her maternal grandparents were from Slovakia. Grandfather George Agnich (1869-1951) came to Joliet from Dragatus in the 1880s, while Grandmother Anna Sitar (1873-1959) came to Joliet from Ljubljana in the 1890s. George and Anna were married on January 28, 1896, by Father Sustersich, a towering figure in Joliet’s Slovenian history, in the first of two beautiful St. Joseph Churches the Slovenians built on the same site, across the street from what is now the SUA Home Office and Heritage Museum. Georgene is very proud that her grandparents were among the Slovenian immigrants who founded such a beautiful church, school, park, and cemetery and who contributed so much to Joliet’s success. She also is very proud to know so many descendants of the original Slovenians through her membership in Branch 20. She is grateful to her late parents, Frank and Mary Agnich, for teaching her to love her Slovenian and Slovak heritage. Georgene lives in Chicago with her husband and their four cats. She enjoys genealogical and historical research, reading, classical music, gardening, and baking. She hopes to visit Slovenia one day. 18 After her family, Fran’s second love is cooking, canning, and baking. She and her husband were partners in a restaurant in Babbitt and later started a catering business that included their kids. After retiring from catering, Fran and Ernie spent nine wonderful summers in Alaska. Fran cooked at a fishing lodge while Ernie did some odd jobs and fished. Together they would can salmon. They loved going to Alaska and made some lifelong friends there. Fran is a very caring and generous person. Her 10 grandchildren grew up enjoying going to grandma and grandpa’s house where there was always a warm meal or sweet treat. Today the great-grandchildren enjoy the same welcome at grandma’s and always lots of love. One of the ways she embraces her Slovenian heritage is by teaching her kids and grandkids the traditions of making potica, strudel, krofi, and sarmas. These Slovenian traditions are a part of what make their holidays extra special. Fran shares this honor of Member of the Year with three of her sisters, Anne Orazem, Martha Gunderson, and Barbara Urick. Congratulations on this honor! Love, your kids - Craig, Diane, Barb, Lori, and Sandy Zarja - The Dawn 2015 SUA Members of the Year The Men of Branch 43 Florence (Flossie) Gardin Argubright Branch 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Branch 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Many years ago Branch 43 members were quite proud to name their first male Member of the Year - Raymond J. Delopst, an active member and son of the Branch’s first president in 1930, Gertrude Delopst. Since that time the male membership has grown, even before the name change of SUA, which dropped the word “Women’s” from its title. Who to single out as the most deserving of such an honor this year? The answer came quickly - to show appreciation to ALL of our adult, male members - many who have proven to be exceptional helpers, doers, chauffeurs, bakers, chefs, handy men, musicians, singers, supporters, and each possessing a drive to keep our Slovenian heritage alive in our community! Some have served as auditors of Branch 43’s funds and we’re confident that one day one or more will serve as an officer of our Branch. Branch 89 has a small group of members that are 100% Slovenian and we are very proud to say Flossie is one of them. Flossie is the second child born to Frances (Legan) and Tony Gardin. Flossie married Tom Argubright and they are proud parents of seven children - Jane, Tim and Jeff (twins), Peggy, Sally, Dan, and Paul. Needless to say, her busy life was filled with household chores of baking, cooking, and instilling her Slovenian heritage in her children. Tom and Flossie are also the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren. Congratulations to our 2015 Members of the Year - Dave Abstetar, Lenny Baraga, Bob Bartlett, John Cerar, Jerry Floryance, Richard Floryance, Tom Gehm, Tony Gorenc, Jack Kolesari, Gus Ostrowski, John Urh, Stan Vidmar, Ed Vidmar, and the almost two dozen others - our supporters and donors - too many to list! We appreciate all of YOU and salute you! Each of you is a treasured member of our Branch! Flossie has enjoyed two trips to Slovenia, and as soon as she can, she would like to go again. She said the people are so nice and she has a lot of family to visit there. Flossie loves visiting our Heritage Museum in Joliet and is always on the lookout for a Christmas or birthday gift to purchase. Top row (left to right): Lenny Baraga, Gus Ostrowski, Ed Vidmar, John Cerar, Stan Vidmar, and John Urh. Bottom row (left to right): Richard Floryance, Bob Bartlett, Jerry Floryance, and Tom Gehm. Not pictured: Dave Abstetar, Tony Gorenc, and Jack Kolesari. May/June 2015 Whenever our Branch is in need, Flossie is right there to help, whether it be to work at a project or generously donate (without even being asked) one of her delicious poticas. Flossie is so very proud to be Slovenian and it shines through in her love of her family, her faith, and her friends. Congratulations Flossie for being Branch 89’s 2015 Member of the Year! 19 2015 SUA Members of the Year Francine Plese Phaller Sarah Trunkel Branch 100 - Southern California Branch 102 - Willard, Wisconsin I am so honored to have been named Member of the Year for o u r S U A’s Branch 100. I was raised in Fontana, California, which had, and has, a very active SNPJ Lodge 723. My sister and I were typical students of the 1950s. I graduated from Fontana High School in 1964 and then went on to the University of New Mexico, and graduated from their Dental Hygiene program. After passing the National Board, I then passed the California State Board. This began a 48year career as a practicing dental hygienist with 23 years tucked in as an assistant professor at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. I retired in December of 2014. I would like to start out by saying I am of English and German descent, but I am Slovenian by marriage. My parents moved from Grant City, Indiana, to Willard, Wi s c o n s i n , when I was 18 months old. Willard is a Slovenian community, so I grew up in a community where I was exposed to Slovenian culture and customs. My close childhood friends are Slovenian, and I still enjoy time with those friends today. As time went by, I became aware of the Slovenian guy down the road from me, whom I married 39 years ago. My husband, Jack, and I have three children - Candy, Ashley, and John. We also have four grandsons. My husband, a Minnesota transplant, and I met in 1968 in San Diego and were married in 1969. We moved back to Fontana in 1971 and bought a home near my parents. They became a very important part of our lives. Our son, Tony, was born in 1977 and, for us as typical parents, he was the highlight and focus of our lives. He also attended Fontana schools and went on to earn a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. My mother-in-law, Sophie, shared many Slovenian foods, traditions, and stories with me and our children through the years. I enjoy making traditional Slovenian dishes such as potica and apple strudel. With all this cultural influence surrounding me, I feel like I am practically Slovenian. About two years ago my Slovenian friends, Ruth, Candy, and Pat, encouraged me to attend the SUA Branch 102 meetings. After attending several meetings as a guest, I decided to join Branch 102. I can say I have enjoyed being a member of the SUA and participating in the SUA-sponsored events. Last year I went to Slovenia on the Živijo, Zarja! Tour along with my childhood friends, Ruth and Candy. We had a great time and learned so many interesting facts about Slovenia. I feel even more Slovenian now that I’ve been to Slovenia, experienced their culture, and tasted Slivovitz! After the much-too-early death of my dad, my mom moved to our home and was instrumental in our lives and in raising our son. During our years together we have enjoyed some traveling, local events, and rescuing doggies. Both Dave and I have been proud of our heritages, his German, and mine Slovenian and Croatian. We have shared our heritage with our son and his wife, Jennifer. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. My village included family and the role models that the Slovenian community provided. I truly thank Branch 100 for this tribute. 20 I am honored to be selected as Branch 102’s “Member of the Year” and delighted to be part of the Slovenian community. Zarja - The Dawn 2015 SUA Members of the Year Michael Koski Branch 109 - Twin Cities of Minnesota Branch 109 proudly recognizes Michael Koski as our Member of the Year 2015. We facetiously call Michael our “Slovenski Suomalainen!” His father, Harold, is 100% Finnish and his mother, Pat (Sayovitz) Koski, a 100% Slovenian. Michael hails from Ely, MN, where his mother is a member of SUA’s Branch 23 - Ely, MN. Michael is a practicing pharmacist for the past 33 years and is a member of the University of MN Alumni Assn., MN Pharmacists Assn., Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity, and the Ely-Winton Historical Society. Michael and his wife, Judy, have three children - Phil, Erin, and Paul. President John Zakelj commends Michael as the Co-chair of the Festival of Nations (FON) Committee for the past five years. Each year the FON exhibit has had far more volunteers than any of our other activities and Michael has inspired “involvement in, and appreciation for, our Slovenian heritage.” SUA Needs New Technology Many years ago, a grant allowed us to purchase our first new computer. Once the computer was set up, a professional scanner was donated by a member’s company. The SUA was now out of the dark ages. The scanner has now ceased to work after scanning thousands and thousands of artifacts. Carol Novak and Carole Terlep, two devoted volunteers, are now sitting idle. SUA needs new technology; the used equipment is getting old, in more ways than one. The SUA operates on bare bones, there is no spare money for technology. And so I believe the only way out of this is to take it to the members. Today, I take upon myself to donate the first $100 and am pleading with 300 or more people to do the same. By-the-way, you are privileged to donate more if you shall so choose. Is there someone out there who would become a yearly sponsor for SUA,s technology needs? Everyone benefits - your donation is tax deductible and the SUA gains from your generosity. Thank you for your consideration! FIND YOUR SLOVENIAN ROOTS! . . . maybe you don’t know where to begin . . . - Mary Lou Deyak Voelk . . . maybe you have hit that proverbial brick wall . . . VP Culture & Heritage Contact us: Slovenian Genealogy Research Center 6415 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 E-mail: sgsi.rc@gmail.com Phone: 1.440.655.3954 Website: www.sloveniangenealogy.org Our mission is to help you!!!! May/June 2015 Makes checks payable to SUA. Send to: Slovenian Union of America 431 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432-1703 21 Živijo, Zarja! Tour 2014 A 14-day Tour of Slovenia, Final Days by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk and Marc Judnick, Photographer This travelogue is the final toast to the Živijo, Zarja! Tour to Slovenia from September 17-28, 2014. Thirty-two people from all parts of the USA spent 10 days together, traveling through the jewel of Europe. It was a trip that moved the soul of everyone; our hearts skipped a beat when we left this beautiful country. Day 8: It was early morning when we said nasvidenje to the Adriatic Sea. We were headed for the Karst region, to the Lipica stud farm near the Italian border. The following are a few historical facts from the Lipizzaner site. The Lipizzan or Lipizzaner horse originated in Lipica, Sežana. The name comes from the linden tree that grows in the area, (linden, “lipa”). The breed was fully developed in the time of Maria Theresa of Austria, whose husband was greatly interested in horse breeding. It was the time of Renaissance when the art of classical riding was being revived in Europe. Lipizzans are genetically a type of grey; born dark, blackbrown, brown, or mouse-grey, they gradually lighten within 6 - 10 years, when the white coat is produced. They are noted for their sturdy body and their proud carriage; they are a picture of strength. Their eyes are large and appealing; their ears small. Not a tall horse, Lipizzans average between 14.2 and 15.2 hands. 22 Most people know the Lipizzans for the performance of steps and movements of dressage, including the Airs Above the Ground: the Levade, the Courbette, and the Capriole. See http://www.dressage.com/srs/about/8Aairs. htm for pictorial explanations. Until 1916, the Lipizzaner stud farm had remained a private possession of the Hapsburg Monarchy. However, wars and military conflicts affected the breed. When the Austrian-Hungarian Empire was divided, every new state inherited the possessions of the former monarchy. Before 1930, the Lipizzaner did not exist within the United States. In 1937, the Austrian government bequeathed several Lipizzans to opera singer Countess Maria Jeritza. The farm was named a national monument in 1996. The Lipica Farm capitalizes on the outdoor beauty of the area. One can enjoy walking tours through meadows and pastures, a museum with a narrated history, a riding school, a carriage ride, a program for family, a golf course Zarja - The Dawn century, when they were expanding their property toward the Adriatic Sea. At that time is was called Jama, meaning Cave. It acquired the name Predjama (from the nearby village name Predjama), literally meaning “before the cave.” The Lords of the castle, who were members of the Lueger family, were known as the Jamski Knights. Johann Valvasar wrote the best-known legend in the 17th century. As legends go, written accounts and oral tradition were added in later years. The main character, the protagonist, is the “robber baron” Erasmus Lueger. It has been questioned if he were a hero or robber. and also observe the training and exercise of the horses. A Lipica Open, an international competition, is held every year in early March. On the grounds is a Chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron of horses. Today the Chapel is a popular site for weddings. An option during SUA’s 2015 National Convention is attendance at a Lipizzaner Show. I encourage everyone, especially if you will be attending the show, to access and download the brochure. It makes for a historical and interesting read, and gives the show more meaning. http://www.lipizzan.org Then on to the Predjama Castle. There is a legend behind every castle, and so it is with Predjama. But first, some factual information. Predjama Castle is perched in the middle of a vertical 123-meter cliff. First mentioned in writing in 1202, it holds the Guinness World Record as the largest, cave castle in the world. It is a fact that a secret passage comes to the surface in a sinkhole, just meters from the edge of a cliff. The Castle was owned by the Patriarchs of Acquileia, and passed into the hands of the Hapsburgs in the 14th May/June 2015 According to Valvasar, it was the year 1483, when Erasmus (aka Erazem) Lueger quarreled with Pappenheim, a marshall of the imperial army at the court in Vienna. Pappenheim had apparently besmirched (dragged through the mud) the honor of Erazems’ late friend, Baron Andreas Baumkircher. This caused the marshall to lose his head. Emperor Frederick III, who was a friend of Pappenheim, gave orders to capture or to kill Erasmus. Erasmus, wanting to avoid the same fate as Pappenheim, fortified himself in the castle. The plan now was to starve Erasmus, forcing him to surrender. But Erasmus continued to live in fine style. During Lent he butchered an ox and threw it to Ravbar from the castle walls. At Easter, he invited Ravbar to partake in an Easter lamb, and threw a number of sheep for his men. In the spring of the year, he sent cherries from the Vipava Valley and in early summer, fresh fish. Ravbar, infuriated with this mocking generosity, decided to bribe one of the Erasmus’ servants. This unfaithful servant hung out a red scarf designating the secret passage. On a ledge outside the secret passage, a privy had been built. One day, as Erasmus was seated on the privy emptying his bowels in peace, a cannonball pierced the walls of the privy, ending the life of Erasmus. 23 The real reason for Erasmus’ quarrel with Frederick III is not fully known. However, historical sources indicate Erasmus was engaged in robbing merchants who were traveling across the Karst region. After the death of Erasmus, the property became the property of the Hapsburgs. From 1567 to 1810 it was the property of the Cobenzi family. is a park with chapels, a funeral room, and above all, exemplary architecture. Through the cemetery runs the Pathway of Memory and Companionship*, in memory of a barbed wire fence which surrounded the city from 1942 until 1945. Of exceptional importance to Slovenian culture, it is also one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe. Today the Castle holds museum collections. A tour of the museum is a vivid explanation of castle life, and the horrors therein. At the edge of one chasm, tradition tells where those convicted of wrongdoing were thrown. Other areas attest to the torture methods of the day. View the secret entrance, and a well that supplied drinking water, without which, the tale of Erasmus could never have occurred. *“During the Second World War, Ljubljana was a focal centre of the Resistance, the so-called Liberation Front of the Slovene Nation, established on April 27, 1941. In 1942, the Italian occupying forces surrounded Ljubljana with a barbed wire fence to prevent contacts between the city and its hinterland. The fence, along which there were 206 guard towers and bunkers, was guarded by approximately 1,300 soldiers and 400 policemen, who checked the ID of everyone passing the fence. Following the capitulation of Italy in 1943, the fence was taken charge of by the German army. The Liberation Army marched into Ljubljana on May 9, 1945, after the city had been enclosed by barbed wire for 1,170 days. The construction of the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship began soon after the war and was completed in 1985.” Quoted from visitljubjana.com. At the end of this wonderful day, we are on our way to Ljubljana. Day 9: The day began with a reception at the Ethnographic Museum. Spread among three floors, “it changes the way you see the world.” There is much to experience, including guided tours, group visits, audiovisuals, galleries, and exhibits. Experience workshops and demonstrations in weaving, pottery, flower making, and the list goes on. The gift shop heralds a multitude of beautiful items woven on the premises. If you are looking for something ‘made in Slovenia,’ this is the place. If you love history, this is the place. Then onto the Žale Cemetery, (old Slavic word for cemetery) in downtown Ljubljana, known for its beautiful entrance, layout, and chapels. Founded in 1906, it is still in use today. Walk among the tombs and tombstones of notable Slovenians. Look for the tombstone of Jože Plečnik, a Slovene architect, the designer of Žale Cemetery. Walk through an impressive monumental entry arch with two-levels of balustrades. The complex In English, a historical and informative website: guided tours, spatial images, video presentations, history, funerals and obituaries, find a grave. http://www.zale.si/en/ From the cemetery we were off for a memorable boat ride on the beautiful Ljubljanica River. Day 10: It was an early morning bus ride to the Coal Mining Museum in Velenje. Imagine donning a helmet and jacket and descending 250 meters (820 feet) underground in a 120-year-old elevator; imagine walking through coal mining shafts; imagine working “under these conditions” every day. The two-hour tour in this mineconverted-museum features a train ride, a miner’s lunch, and demonstrations. It is a “must see” for families with children. For many adults it is a reminder of those who spent their lives in coal and iron ore mines in America. From the underground coal mine to the Logar valley, with a view of the towering walls of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the incredible and tallest Slovenian waterfalls, including the second largest, the Rinka waterfall. The long valley is a protected nature park; a starting point for hiking trips and family walks. “A true Alpine idyll.” It was a short detour to Radmirje, population 465, to visit the church of St. Francis Xavier. This local parish church was built between 1721 and 1725, and replaced a 15th century church dedicated to Saint Barbara. In the Middle Ages, the area of today’s Slovenia was often stricken by the plague, the Black Death. St. Francis Xavier was 24 Zarja - The Dawn one of the most popular patrons against this raging disease. The church in Radmirje was consecrated in the name of St. Francis Xavier and became one of the most popular places of pilgrimage. Today, St. Francis Xavier contains a rich treasury of Mass vestments, donated by the kings of Poland and France, and a gold chalice from the Habsburg empress Maria Theresa. Also among the valuables are handmade chasubles, the outer vestments worn by priests. Day 11: Was our final morning in Ljubljana; one last time to see sights of the city. Midday we headed to the Gostilna Repnik, in the historical town of Kamnik. It was lunchtime and the chefs were outside the front door awaiting our arrival. Directly across the street from the gostilna, my eye caught sight of a crucifix hanging on the upper story wall, beneath the peak of the roof. There was something about this moment I shall not forget! The beautiful dining room was set in elegant fashion. Food preparation sites were set up. For the next hour we became engaged in preparing traditional foods. went into the crowd, and before we knew it, all 32 of us were dancing away. If you haven’t seen a Hat Dance, do a Google search: hat dance Ljubljana. Make sure your volume is set up high. If you have not heard the church bells on Lake Bled, do a Google search: Lake Bled church bells. Be prepared to sit quietly and hear the bells as the sun rises over Lake Bled. Such wonderful meditative minutes! Keep the volume set up high. Day 12: A day that came too soon. We viewed the rising of the sun and moon as the eyes of our ancestors had once seen. We walked the ground their feet had trod. We sat in the pews of their churches. They departed for America; they brought only mental images of family, home, and the sun rising over the fields and hills. We returned to America with hundreds of digital memories. Today, months after our return, we feel an overwhelming sense of wonderment; in this far off land, generations lived and died, and from them, we became. After a wonderful lunch we walked to the town center. A few locals were sitting in the outdoor seating, all dressed in native costume. Like magic, the button boxes began playing, while partners performed traditional dances. The Hat Dance brings out laughter from the toes. Even the church bells began ringing? The partners separated and May/June 2015 25 26 Zarja - The Dawn May/June 2015 27 Oh Johnny! Oh Johnny “Oh”berstar! By Zarja Staff Writer David G. Sodac Branch 89 - Oglesby, Illinois E-mail: bdsodac@gmail.com My mom, Marie Banko Sodac, absolutely loved sharing her family stories of growing up as the middle child of nine siblings. She treasured her family and wanted to immortalize those memories forever. One of her handed-down stories was about her angel of a cousin. His name was Johnny Oberstar. As it turned out, Johnny actually was her second cousin, the nephew of her grandmother. As the story goes, Johnny came home from WWI following his discharge from the Army and chose to move in with his newly-widowed Aunt Antonia and her eight children, including my mother. The family’s lives were in total turmoil since their father, Matt Banko, had agonizingly passed away the previous year from the ravages of black lung disease. The children ranged in age from little Helen, age four, to the oldest, Matt, age sixteen. Times were financially and emotionally straining on everybody. When Johnny arrived he offered his talents and a much needed diversion from the everyday struggles the family was experiencing. He moved into the sardine-packed-tight home on Columbia Avenue in Oglesby, Illinois, and offered his cooking skills to do his share for the family. To bring in extra cash Johnny also worked in the nearby cement mills. Whenever my mother relived her story, she’d eventually break into a raucous rendition of a verse from the song “Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny” - a song she said was popular at the time and one that she always associated with her Johnny. The lyrics were: Oh Johnny! Oh Johnny! Heavens above! You make my sad heart jump with joy, And when you’re near I just Can’t sit still a minute! Mom loved having Johnny around, he reminded her of her father, whom she adored and missed. Johnny would bake the children cakes and sweets, treats that the family usually didn’t enjoy in such an austere and uncertain period in their lives. That seems to be about all we, the next generation, ever knew about this cousin Johnny. Later, as I began researching family histories, I often wondered who this Johnny was. Of my many first cousins, a few recalled their mothers having kept in touch with Johnny through Christmas cards. They would receive word back about his life in California and his work as a gardener for some 28 Zarja - The Dawn famous, studio producer. But, that was the extent of it. There were very little actual details known about Johnny and his family. According to my mother’s memories, he was just one of the many living angels amongst us. Thanks to new family connections that were emerging, an address and a phone number of a woman, living in Springfield, Ohio, was given, who, it was suggested, possibly knew some history on the Oberstars. Her name was Marilyn Oberstar Anton. She was more-or-less the family historian and I should contact her if I wanted any information on the Oberstar branch of the family tree. She most definitely was the Oberstar historian! Marilyn delightfully shared records and handwritten notes on all that she had collected on her family. She was the only child of Henry Oberstar, who was the fifth of seven sons born to John Oberstar, Sr. All seven of the boys were born in LaSalle, Illinois, to John Oberstar and Annie (Anna) Pirc [sometimes spelled as Pierce]. John, Sr. happened to be one of the brothers of my maternal grandmother’s mother, Mary Popish (Marija Papež). He was the uncle of my grandmother, to whom she journeyed from Cleveland to LaSalle back in 1900. My mother’s favorite “Johnny” was the first born of seven sons born to this Oberstar family. It’s no wonder Johnny was so comfortable settling in to help out the large Banko family; he probably missed his own large family. Marilyn Anton sent some photos that she had stored away in her boxes of family information, some of which she never was sure of who they were. One of the photos was marked as John Oberstar. The photo showed him standing alongside my grandmother’s house in Oglesby, showing off a newly-baked cake. Another photo was of all the Oberstar seven sons posing handsomely in a row. I love it when a story comes into full flourish! Marilyn also had a few photos of people she was struggling to identify. The photo that shocked me was of the five “Banko Babes” posing in front of their house. This is the only photo I’ve ever seen of my mother and her sisters together. Marilyn was delighted to learn who all these girls were and how we were related. She sent copies of her notes on the boys, as well as military documents on John Oberstar, Jr. What a windfall for me! May/June 2015 Marilyn encouraged me to try and track down some of their living descendants, many still residents of California, to see what more could be found. After some extensive online searching, a list of possible Oberstar names was collected; I picked up my phone and started dialing. A man hesitantly answered one of these phone calls, and after I assured him that I wasn’t trying to sell him anything, just that we might be related, he listened. He happened to be the son of Joseph Oberstar and Ellen Voska. Joseph was the sixth of the seven sons born in LaSalle. Sharing how we were related and the purpose of the phone call, I asked what he could tell me of the Oberstar sons and particularly any information on Johnny. Coincidently, this John to whom I was speaking with, turned out to be the namesake of his Uncle Johnny. He recalled him warmly and shared how his father and he would drive up to Beverly Hills to visit him at his place on the grounds of the Warner Brothers Estate (As it turns out, he worked for Jack L. Warner of Warner Bros. Studios). This nephew, John, to whom I was speaking, was only around eight at the time during his stored-up memories he shared about how much fun he had with his Uncle. He talked about the times Johnny would visit at their house and they’d go out exploring the sights together. He in turn was pleased to learn about the high esteem my family held for this Johnny and how helpful he was to my grandmother. John also shared a phone number of his sister-in-law, Thaylia Keasler Oberstar, who was living in South Carolina. She had married his older brother, Joseph Oberstar, Jr., in 1952. Through the years, Thaylia has emerged as the historian of their branch of the family. She was a thoroughly delightful woman, eager to share her own courtship stories after meeting Joseph, Jr., as well as filling in family facts. She was thrilled to find more family to add to her ever-expanding tree. She, too, knew of our Johnny, however, he had died a year after she and Joseph, Jr. were married. Thaylia was more than willing to update my records on the Joseph Oberstar families and help fill in any gaps. The following information now can be written about my mother’s Johnny “Oh”berstar’s life as gleaned from Henry Oberstar’s daughter, Marilyn Anton; Joseph Oberstar’s 29 son, John; and Joseph, Jr.’s widow, Thaylia; as well as extensive online searches through Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. Seven sons were born to Janez (John) Oberstar and Ana (Annie) Pirc between the years 1892 to 1903. Our “Johnny” was John Frank, the first born of the seven sons. He was born August 19, 1892, in LaSalle. Ensuing brothers were Frank (1894), Louis (1896), Edward (1898), Henry (1899), Joseph (1902), and Charles (1903). John and Annie were most likely quite challenged with the constant physical activity of raising seven active boys so close in age. The boys’ father, John, Sr., had emigrated from Prevole 1, Hinje, Slovenia, in 1886, arriving to work in the abundant and productive mines of the LaSalle area. Their mother was Ana Pirc, the daughter of one of the original Slovenian immigrants to arrive in LaSalle in 1887. They married in 1890. The youngest of the seven, Charles, was baptized at the newly-erected St. Roch’s Catholic Church, an ethnic Slovene church built following a petition sought by a delegation of Slovene men, including the boys’ father, John Oberstar, Sr., and Paul Pirc, their maternal grandfather. The LaSalle delegation had traveled to Peoria and presented a petition to the Bishop of Peoria Diocese to provide a Slovenian priest and church in the area. Annie Oberstar became pregnant with her eighth child, also a boy. Heartbreakingly, both Annie and the baby died during childbirth on September 23, 1905. The grieving father and the bewildered family of seven boys, ranging from the ages of 12 down to 2, were stunned after her passing. She had been their loving wife, mother, housekeeper, cook, and caretaker. The bereft John, Sr. sought better employment opportunities than the dangerous mining occupation and was hired by a construction company to train as a carpenter. Unfortunately, he would be expected to travel to where his construction skills were needed and that often meant away from the LaSalle area and the raising of his seven sons. John, Sr. made the painful decision to seek temporary assistance in the care of the boys. Johnny, being the oldest of seven boys, was thrust into the primary helper role in the care of his younger, stepping-stone brothers. Research has always typified the position of first born as that of having to be a model of responsibility and somewhat an authoritarian. They often have to take on the role as a surrogate parent. When his mother died, Johnny would have most definitely been cast as the one in-charge. He would have had to face some huge responsibilities at that awkward age of 13-14. A LaSalle newspaper clipping from October 1, 1906, reported that Judge Hinebaugh at La Salle County Court in Ottawa, Illinois, declared the seven children of John Oberstar as “Dependents of the State of Illinois.” The de30 cision resulted from the inability of their widowed father to properly care for their well being. The seven children, ranging from the age of 3 through 14, were immediately placed in the La Salle County Asylum in Ottawa, to await transport to a proper state institution. John Oberstar was a carpenter at the time and was employed in the nearby town of DePue, Illinois. The three oldest boys, Johnny (age 14), Frank (age 12), and Louis (age 10), immediately escaped the asylum and attempted to return to their father’s home in nearby LaSalle. There’s no doubt the dire need to do something and the feeling of failed responsibility was what Johnny must have felt when he and all of his brothers were placed into institutional care. His need to gather his two next oldest brothers and escape the asylum to run back home to his father was easily explicable. The three were quickly caught and all seven children were then transported to the Guardian Angel Orphanage in Metamora, Illinois, approximately 50 miles southwest of LaSalle. The children were admitted on October 2, 1906. Besides Johnny, Frank, and Louis, the other boys and their ages at their time of admission were Edward, age eight, Henry, age seven, Joseph, age four, and Charles, just turning three years of age. Guardian Angel Orphanage, once known as the Diocesan Orphan Asylum, and even earlier called St. Mary’s Orphanage, had a storied history of serving children for nearly two centuries. It first opened its doors in 1848 in Metamora, Illinois. Metamora is 18 miles northeast of Peoria, Illinois, and 50 miles southwest of LaSalle. Bishop John Lancaster Spalding had invited a pioneer band of religious women from Palmyra, Missouri, to educate and care for the children at the orphanage. On November 15, 1890, Sr. Margaret, along with two of her blood sisters and a friend, responded to Bishop Spalding’s call and arrived in Metamora in 1890. On February 2, 1891, Sr. Margaret founded the religious order, Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, to serve the Diocese of Peoria’s care for children and elderly. Margaret became the Head of the Order; she was known as Mother Mary Pacifica. In 1914, due to the need for a larger building, Guardian Angel Home moved to its present day campus in West Peoria, Illinois. In 1970, as orphanages were being phased out, Guardian Angel Home was transformed into a residential treatment center for boys and girls who were abused and neglected, sexually abused, and wards of the state of Illinois. Today the center is managed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria. The seven Oberstar children were eventually released and discharged from the orphanage over a period of two years. Johnny and Frank were the first two to be quickly discharged, two months after their placement. Hopefully they were chosen because of their “angelic” usefulness, not because of any instigative behavioral tendencies they may Zarja - The Dawn have displayed! The two Oberstar boys were released on December 6, 1906, to Ed Franey, a young, single farmer from Chatsworth, Illinois. Mr. Franey was farming 80 acres of land on property abutting his parent’s farm. It’s not known how long the boys remained under his care, but the records from Guardian Angel do not indicate they were ever re-admitted to the orphanage. My assumption is that they probably bolted from Mr. Franey’s farm. Edward, Joseph, and Charles, the three youngest, were the first to be discharged to their father’s care on July 28, 1907, ten months after their original placement. Louis, then 12, was the last of the seven sons to be returned into the care of his father. He was discharged on November 15, 1908. Two years after the seven brothers were placed, their father had fully reunited his sons and returned them to live in their home in LaSalle. John, Sr. had taken in another couple with two young children to share his home. This couple would help take care of his seven sons. Little is known about the boys’ lives between the years of 1908 through 1917. The 1910 U.S. Census listed them all as living with their father in the family home. Johnny, Jr. was working as a deliveryman for a local company. He was 18 and done with any formal schooling. From what has been discovered from city directory and census records, it appears that John Oberstar, Sr. then moved from LaSalle to Cleveland, Ohio, around 1917. He did have a brother, Stephan, and his family living there, as well as other relatives. John, Sr. was found living independent of his sons. Five of the seven sons were found listed on a 1920 U.S. Census as living in a Cleveland residence with an Allie Oberstar, a widow, and her two children, Delores (17) and Bennet (15) Rose. The widow Allie Oberstar is another family mystery to delve into later. She apparently was married to an Oberstar. Since the five boys were living with her, most likely she was a relative. It’s certain that she wasn’t their stepmother, as John Oberstar, Sr. died a widow and his death certificate lists Annie as having been his only wife. ance to return to LaSalle, Illinois. Once in LaSalle, he moved into his Aunt Antonia’s meager home in nearby Oglesby. Although Johnny’s burden of responsibility was heavy as a youngster, the maturity and self-discipline he gained most likely prepared him for both the military and later in helping out his widowed Aunt Antonia’s large and floundering family of eight. Johnny also would have had a first-hand experience of the sudden impact a parent’s death can have on a family. He also would have understood the need and the appreciation such a family would have. The niece of Johnny Oberstar, Marilyn Anton, was aware that he moved out west to California sometime in late 1920. He had worked around the Los Angeles area as a gardener at various homes. He met, and later, in 1921, married a young woman from Missouri, Alma Brown. However, their marriage doesn’t seem to have lasted very long. Eventually he landed a gardener position for a lavish estate of Jack Warner of Warner Bros. Studios. He reportedly lived above the greenhouse in an apartment on the Warner Estate. He died tragically in 1953 as a result of a car accident in Beverly Hills at the age of 61. Marilyn also had collected all the dates of birth and death on all seven of the boys, including most of the names of their children. The mystery of who this Johnny actually was and where he fit into the family picture appears somewhat solved, for now! It also makes sense why my mother associated the song “Oh Johnny Oh” whenever she spoke of him. Johnny provided happy memories to a young girl who was desperate to see some sunshine in her life. As his story unfolded, Johnny and all six of his brothers showed incredible resiliency in overcoming a great amount of family and personal adversity. My cluttered mind is somewhat satisfied as it has cleared out one of its abundant curiosities. Johnny’s face now has a story to associate with the dog-eared photo that seemed to be staring blankly out at me from the box of family memorabilia. Johnny and Frank were not listed in this 1920 Cleveland census, as Johnny had enlisted in the army a few years earlier, and Frank, the next oldest, was reported as working construction in Flint, Michigan. From the military records sent from Marilyn Anton, Corporal Johnny Oberstar had served as a cook in the Army’s Service Corps towards the end of WWI. He was discharged and returned to the United States on July 5, 1919, and had the $232.80 in cash warming his pockets from his service pay. He also requested and was granted a travel allow- May/June 2015 31 Slovenian Union of America Branch Reports BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Contact Information: Mary Ann Schellinger 920.457.7946/rhmas@yahoo.com While Mother Nature was sharing a “Frigid and Frosty February” day here in Sheboygan, members of Branch 1 gathered in Fr. Cherne Hall after Mass for some friendship and also to share some warm coffee and home-baked goodies prepared by the members of the board. A thank you note was read regarding the donation of 167 items (hats, mittens, etc.) to one of our local food pantries in December. As of the date of the February meeting all items had been distributed to those in need. Each member received a “Love” magnet. An article was read from the Slovenian American Times regarding Valentine’s Day, its traditions here in the U.S., and also other countries. Some lyrics were read from an old song sung in Slovenia for St. Valentine’s Day: Birds are marrying near White Ljubljana. Is it a marvel, is it not a wonder? A marvel, indeed! Be well! Goodbye! MARY ANN SCHELLINGER 32 BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Contact Information: Annette Charron 719.569.7125/amtcharron@yahoo.com The February Branch 3 meeting was held in St. Mary’s Church hall and began with the election of officers. By a unanimous vote, Marge Cullen was re-elected President and Eileen Kaplan was chosen as Secretary-Treasurer. Eileen reported a donation of $325 by members at the Branch Christmas luncheon for the SWU Scholarship Foundation. The afghan raffle at the Christmas party was a great success, and plans are underway to have a similar raffle at next year’s party. Chaplain Marie Mutz led the opening and closing prayers. Agnes Glavich hosted the meeting and served a delicious Valentine’s Day-themed whipped Jell-O cake and other goodies. Eileen Kaplan discussed various legends relating to Valentine’s Day. Mitzi Drobnick won the mystery gift. February 2015 was the snowiest February on record in Pueblo. The wintry weather extended into early March, and the Branch meeting had to be postponed for one week until March 9 due to icy road conditions. The March meeting hostess was Marge Cullen, and attendees enjoyed a delicious St. Patrick’s Day decorated cake and ice cream. Members discussed sponsoring another casino bus trip to Cripple Creek in June, and Norma Becco will check into Zarja - The Dawn possible dates. Gertrude Pachak brought the mystery gift, which was won by Agnes Glavich. At this meeting, the members instituted a tradition involving a member sharing a favorite family recipe each month. Barbara Karlinger shared her Grandmother Erjavec’s Kraut Pillows recipe - bread dough squares baked with a stuffing of sautéed ground beef, cabbage, onion, and parsley. Copies of the recipe were distributed to all attendees. Branch 3 members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the annual Mother’s Day luncheon, which will be held on Tuesday, May 5, at Park East restaurant. ANNETTE SABO CHARRON & BARBARA KARLINGER BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Contact Information: Phyllis Fon phyllisswu5@aol.com Greetings to all Branch members! Hopefully warm, sunny weather is shining upon us all! We were blessed with a very cold, but very “un-snowy” winter, so we will look at that as a good thing! Junior Member, Sophie Yovanovich, is quite the potica baker! She has been helping grandma, Nancy Yovanovich, with the family baking for several years. May/June 2015 Mark your calendars! SLOVENEFEST has moved! The new dates are June 26 and June 27, 2015. Friday, June 26, is at the Slovenian National Home for food, fun, and music, music, music! Bring your accordion and join in the fun! Saturday, June 27, is at the Lions Park in Clermont, IN! Plenty of onsite parking, enclosed food building, and lots of shade trees! Come early and bring your lawn chairs for a day of food, fun, and music! Plan on joining us and bring your family and friends! Check the Slovenian National Home website for more details. Also, join us on Friday, May 8, to celebrate our Members of the Year! This year, our honorees are two gals who also hold 50-year membership with Branch 5, are both longtime officers, and great representatives for SUA. Congratulations to Karen Zarich and Mary Dragan. Join us as we cook our yummy roast pork dinner at the Nash that night... bring a dessert to share. Several of our members are now residing in retirement/ nursing homes. Keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Wishing you a wonderful Spring. MARY, KAREN & PHYLLIS BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Contact Information: Moreen Spencer spencerrmj1@aol.com Branch 13 President, Doreen Sustarich, and Secretary, Moreen Sustarich Spencer, are so proud of their Slovenian Heritage, being raised on Krinski Hrib, Potrero Hill, in San Francisco. Our grandparents were Katherine Kapsh Judnich from Stari Trg, Matthew Judnich from Mladica, Catherine Matkovich Sustarich from Dragatus, and John Sustarich from Tonca Gora, Slovenia. They individually came to the United States in their teenage years, between 1900 - 1910, met and married here in the U.S. Our grandmothers cooked and cleaned in rooming houses and our grandfathers worked in ore mines. Our parents, Frank and Helen Judnich Sustarich, were first-born Americans and times were difficult as their families spoke Slovenian in the home. When they started school, English had to be learned quickly. As time went by, life became easier. Our family is now celebrating its fourth generation in America. We are so proud that all the ladies in our family have been Slovenian Union of America/formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America members; starting with Katie Judnich, joining in 1930. First generation, Helen Judnich Sustarich, Josephine Judnich Aiuto, and Virginia Judnich Sustarich, joining in the 1940s. Second generation, Doreen Sustarich, Moreen Spencer, Michele Aiuto Twers, and Ann Sustarich, joining in the 1960s and 1970s. Third generation, Alina Vicol Spencer and Bernadette Marino Spencer, joining in the 2000s. Most of the ladies were and 33 your reservation for the ceremonial luncheon by calling Mary Jane Strus (773.768.5127). A collection of kitchen items and toiletries are again being accepted for Haven House. Any and all items are greatly appreciated. Please join us in a hearty “Welcome” to our newest member, George Griffin. George has been attending meetings with his wife, Fran, for a few months now - so he is no newcomer. It is so nice to see more men coming to the meetings. It’s always refreshing to get the male view on any subject. DOLORES KRAL FRANKO Pictured: Kenneth and Bernadette Spencer, Kevin and Alina Spencer, Great Aunty Doreen Sustarich, Grandma Moreen Spencer, Jack - 7 years old, Karina - 4 years old, Donald - 3 years old, and Frank - 2 years old. are proud Branch 13 officers. We love to get together to enjoy our klobase, kislo zelje, and potica, and go to functions at the Slovenian Hall and reminisce about the past. Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Father’s Day to all. On a sad note, we wish to express our sympathy to our Vice President, Agnes Petkovich Leach, on the loss of her sister, Mary Anne Barulich. MOREEN SPENCER BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois Contact: Marjorie Mitchell 773.646.4392/Dolores60617@yahoo.com Spring is in the air! Seventeen members enjoyed springlike weather and a nice get-together at our March meeting. Try to come out and join our monthly meetings, always on the second Saturday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at St. George Church basement. I previously reported on our Member of the Year luncheon. The day, location, and time have been changed. The charge of $25 remains. We will meet at The Jovial Club, 97th and Commercial Avenue, at 12:00 p.m. on May 9, 2015. Make 34 BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: Diane Hohenwater dhohenwater@comcast.net We are pleased to announce that Sister Marlene Ambrose is our Branch’s newest auditor. Sister Marlene, who is very active in our Branch, replaces Pat Butterbach. We thank Pat for her years of service. Another St. Joseph Table Dinner was enjoyed by our members and their guests, this year on St. Patrick’s Day. As always, everyone named Josephine, Joseph, Patricia, and Patrick were recognized. Thanks to everyone who contributed to another successful bake sale in March. We appreciate the generosity of our members, as well as the parishioners at St. Joseph Church! We are eagerly anticipating our Member of the Year celebration and the opportunity to honor Georgene Agnich, who travels to all our meetings and events from Chicago. She is very deserving of this honor. The dinner will be held on Tuesday, May 19, at St. Joseph Park. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., followed by a short program at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., with entertainment following the banquet. We do not hold meetings during June, July, and August, but you can find many of us on Sundays at St. Joseph Park, beginning the first weekend in June. Please mark your calendars for Sunday, September 27, when we will hold our annual Grape Harvest Festival Dance. We hope everyone is enjoying some warm, spring weather, wherever you are! DIANE HOHENWATER BRANCH 33 - Duluth, Minnesota Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart - Luke 2:19. His mother stored up all these things in her heart - Luke 2:51. Many of us, as mothers, do the same. To name a few instances, Florence Burger recently lost a daughter to cancer and this will never leave her heart. Pauline (Polly) Stojevich has lost three sons; one in an accident and two others through severe illness. Her heart stays strong, but still a twinge of pain surfaces from time to time in her heart. Sharon Bucar went through an ordeal with a son who had a heart attack and a surgery of Zarja - The Dawn need. We are all thankful to God that he made it through it all. Renee Doble has gone through much with her children; one fighting cancer and one with a severely broken leg and other things she reflects in her heart. Althea Tverberg lost a son and there are many more of our mothers who store up and reflect much within their hearts. Many of us have lost our own mothers and we sometimes wish we could once again feel that comfort of being able to feel their motherly warmth. These are just a few examples of how we mothers store memories in our hearts just as our Blessed Mother did. We will be planning a Mother’s Day dinner where we can all go out and share the treasures we share in our hearts. God bless all mothers and may Jesus and His Holy Mother lay within the hearts of all mothers bringing peace and contentment. That is the greatest treasure we can store in our hearts. ANNE MENART BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Contact Information: Vida Lanari vmlfjl@mchsi.com or Tina Bajda tinabajda1@gmail.com Although another cold Minnesota winter is well underway, the sunny days when temperatures hit above zero remind us all that a new season is near. At our February Branch meeting, members decorated heart-shaped cookies in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. Vida Lanari baked and frosted the cookies beforehand and members used their creative touches to finish them with different frostings, candies, and stickers. The cookies were strung with a decorative ribbon so members could hang them in their homes. While many of us weren’t impressed with our personal decorating skills, this interactive activity brought smiles, laughs, and good conversation nonetheless. In March, members participated in a dime auction with proceeds going to the White Community Hospital Nursing Home in Aurora. Rose Anttila also demonstrated the art of making butara (bundles), an arrangement of decorated greenery. Members also got to make their own butara to take home. In Slovenia the butara are made for Palm Sunday, brought to church to be blessed, and then displayed in the home for protection against misfortune until the next year. What a great custom to celebrate the beginning of Holy Week. The activities incorporated during our meetings have proven to be fun, complementing the good company and discussions that take place. We will continue to brainstorm new ideas in the coming months. THERESA BAJDA MORAVITZ BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413/twogames@wi.rr.com To honor our Members of the Year (ALL THE MEN IN OUR BRANCH), a pasta dinner with Slovenian music is May/June 2015 planned for May 27, 2015, at 6 p.m. in the Constitution Room of the West Allis Library. We are appreciative of all the ways our male members complement our Branch activities and meetings. All members of our Branch are encouraged to attend; complimentary for our men, $5.00 for guests. We hope to see YOU there! Please contact Treasurer Helen Frohna at 262.821.5295 to RSVP. June 18-21, 2015, are the dates of the SUA National Convention. Remember all members are invited to Naperville, Illinois, for this special event. The committee is planning a packed four days for our enjoyment. Members of our Branch are planning to attend. We fondly remember the 2011 National Convention in Milwaukee. The Branch meeting of June 24, 2015, will be held in the Constitution Room of the West Allis Library at 6 p.m. Please note that this is an evening meeting and hopefully members who are unable to attend our luncheon meetings will attend. We are planning a special celebration commemorating the June 25 Independence Day of the Republic of Slovenia and will be eager for a report from the Convention attendees. Members of Branch 43 will gather at Triglav Park in Wind Lake on August 2, 2015, for a fun-filled afternoon. There will be plenty of food, liquid refreshments, and good music at the Slovenian Cultural Society Triglav’s regularly scheduled picnic. Please join us! There are no regularly scheduled meetings for July and August, but I encourage all members to attend the May and June meetings to get more details of the summer activities. Please refer to your calendars. Scheduled meetings will start up again in September and hopefully we’ll see you there. You will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our members and share fellowship with friends prior to our meeting. Enjoy a summer of relaxation, fun, and travel. Be safe! MICI BREGANT BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio Contact Information: Debbie Duris 330.467.2281/dcduris@gmail.com Happy Spring! Our first luncheon is Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m. at the Burntwood Tavern on Kruse Drive in Solon. Please call our President Debbie Duris, contact info above, so you can be included in the reservation count. Plan to attend and bring a friend. I hope to see many of you there. A very happy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to our members. I will gladly share any of our members’ activities. Just call me on my cell 330.730.8951 or e-mail me at kjferrante@gmail.com and I will include it in the next Branch report. I look forward to seeing you all very soon! KATHLEEN FERRANTE 35 BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: Barbara Bruch 815.339.2714/barbarabruch@yahoo.com We had a great apple strudel-making demonstration provided by President Alice Ebner. She and her husband, Jim, brought all the ingredients, including three pounds of peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples. Alice and Jim really made it look easy and stressed the importance of keeping the dough warm and letting it rest long enough. The most important thing we learned is that Alice cuts the dough in half and makes two strudels. That makes it much easier to roll the dough extremely thin and it doesn’t even need to be pulled. And most important, rolling the dough makes it much easier if you are hesitant to try to pull the dough. After the two strudels were made we drew names for the strudels and I was one of the lucky winners, along with Mary Jane Gunderson. Mitzi Banich won the floral centerpiece. We had a fun meeting and Alice had lots of assistants laying out the apples and rolling the dough. It was rolled thin enough to see the pattern of the sheet beneath it. So let’s all make a strudel! Alice’s concise directions and demonstration made it look easy. Remember to bless the baby before it goes in the oven. BARBARA BRUCH 36 BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: Elizabeth Gross 718.335.8459/Lizg669@gmail.com Many Branch members made the trip to Brooklyn when the Slovenian girls’ choir, Carmina Slovenica, performed at St. Ann’s Warehouse from January 8-11. Six of us who were there for the final sold-out performance were lucky enough to be in the center of the first row thanks to Ria Whitmire ordering tickets the minute the show was announced - others had attended previous nights and raved about it. The show, entitled “Toxic Psalms,” was a collection of eight moving tableaux with wide-ranging music and poetry, from medieval to modern times, from a broad swath of cultures. The program stated it was intended to be an “Ultimate Collective Experience” reflecting the spiritual anguish of today. If this group (which performs all over the world) makes it to your area, be sure not to miss them! Movie buffs had the rare opportunity of viewing a collection of 8mm experimental films by internationally acclaimed, Slovenian “hippy” filmmaker, Karpo Godina, and “post-Punk” Davorin Marc, made from 1965 through 1984 - on March 6 as part of a series screening avant-garde cinema from Ex-Yugoslavia, 1950s-80s (Croatian films followed on the 7th, Serbian on the 8th) at the Anthology Film Archives in Manhattan. The organization works to preserve experimental films and seeks to have them recognized for their merits. Since one of our Branch members is adding the finishing touches to a documentary film she’s made about generations of her family in Slovenia, we’ve all become more enthralled in the magic of celluloid! We’ll have more on this in a future Zarja! Once again Kulturni dan was celebrated at the Marlene Tavern in Sunnyside, Queens. A special treat was the Jan Kus Quartet - Jan (a 27-year old Slovenian-born, New York City-based jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger) joined by Sean Fitzpatrick on piano, Dan Martinez on double bass, and Joel Mateo on drums, played jazz, traditional tunes, and some new compositions. Žan Tetičkovič, a longtime friend of Jan Kus, made a cameo appearance on drums. In honor of Slovenian literary achievements, we heard the poetry of Kajetan Kovič, Ciril Zlobec, Janez Menart, Tone Pavček, and of course, France Prešeren, read in English and in Slovene by Branch members Joan Walker, Chris Jisi, Iris and Anton Zarja - The Dawn Maier, Ria Whitmire, Camille Okoren, and owners of the Marlene Tavern, sisters Ana and Kandi Kitich, who couldn’t bear to stay away from the fun! ELIZABETH GROSS BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois PHOTO Contact Information: Jana Hlade jmhlade@hotmail.com Happy Spring! We wish you all a wonderful new season! It’s great to be back outdoors enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather, especially after such a cold winter. Congratulations to our Branch president, Julie LaJoie, and her husband, Phil, on the birth of their daughter, Eden Marilyn LaJoie, born March 13, 7 lbs, 2 ozs, 20¼ inches long. Many blessings to all of you! Thank you to all who attended the Member Celebration and Convention planning meeting in April. And thank you to Sonja DePratt for hosting the event. The Convention is just around the corner and we thank everyone for their help and support in making this a fantastic Convention. The Convention will be held June 18-21 in Naperville and Lemont. Thank you to Joan Kaczmarek who will be the member representative of Branch 99. There are many fun activities planned, including a Welcome Event, Lipizzan Horse Show, Beehive Presentation, Slovenian Fashion Show, Polka Dance Lessons, Potica Contest, a visit from Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Božo Cerar, and a Mass, Grotto Tour, Picnic, and Art show at the Slovenian Catholic Center. The May/June 2015 hotel is offering our Convention attendees a special room rate, which includes a full breakfast. Convention registration and hotel reservations are now underway and can be completed by mail or online. Details are in this issue. If you have any questions, please contact the Chairperson, Julie LaJoie. We truly hope you will be able to join us at the Convention. Come for part of it or stay for all events. It will be a great time! You won’t want to miss it! And remember to join us on July 18 for a meeting at 12 p.m. at the Olive Garden restaurant at 215 S. Weber Road in Bolingbrook. Soup, salad, and breadsticks for $5.00 per person! Please RSVP to MaryAnn Partyka at craftmar304@comcast.net or 630.661.3600. We will be doing a Convention recap and discussing upcoming events. Hope to see you at the National Convention! JANA HLADE BRANCH 100 - Southern California Contact Information: Jean Koci 949.495.0097/ajkoci@cox.net I’m so glad that we at Branch 100 - Southern California can include our baking class in this issue, as it was just held yesterday, Saturday, March 14. Fifteen members traveled many miles to be able to attend this year’s class at the home of Bonney Zupan. We usually get together in February or March to learn to cook or bake something Slovenian or with a Slovenian connection. This year it was lemon strudel. Several of our members were somewhat familiar with it, but to others, it was a completely new idea. The original recipe came from my mother who first made it with traditional strudel dough that was stretched and pulled, and then she discovered a quicker method using fillo dough. Of course, I had to take the easy way out… but it’s every bit as delicious! This is not a light version, but if eaten in moderation, is a fantastic treat for a special occasion. It consists mostly of butter, eggs, lemon juice and rind, along with sugar and the delicately thin sheets of fillo. Working quickly in a cool place is the secret in handling the dough as it dries out quickly. With 90-degree weather in Southern California this weekend, it was a bit of a challenge! The finished product was worth it, however. 37 We thank Bonney and Terry for hosting us again in their “professional grade” kitchen. Out of the past six classes that we have had, they have hosted us three times! Members brought salads, fruits, and other snacks so even though some of us left home around 8:00 in the morning, we certainly didn’t go hungry, even though most didn’t leave until around 2:00 p.m. I think everyone had a couple of extra pieces of strudel to take home for anyone who might be waiting for them. us by skillfully playing a few Slovenian folksongs on the harmonica. Dr. Peterle retains a seat in the European Parliament, as a permanent member of the foreign affairs committee. Our Branch members have missed meeting regularly, and hope to have more opportunities now that the harsh Mid-Atlantic winter has passed. We surely Bernadette K. Fitzsimmons, Dr. Lojze Peterle, and Nika Kovacic. There were two adorable, little girls helping… I think the littlest one, Lila, left to take a nap before it was all over. Juliette stayed with us the whole time. She has been a regular at these sessions for three or four years now, even at her current age of 10. My hands-on helpers were Rosemary Mlakar, Elvie Blasick, Marcia Leathers, and Bonney Zupan. We appreciated Terry’s help, as the only male of the day and a great dishwasher and photographer. We enjoyed the tasty lemonade from the Zupan tree and the great hospitality. We will all be together again for our Member of the Year Luncheon on April 25, just before you receive this issue of Zarja. But, mark your calendars for the Temecula Wine Tasting Picnic on Sunday, May 31, at Wiens Family Cellars on the Wine Road in Temecula. Contact me for more information! JEAN KOCI BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bernadette Fitzsimmons bettekfitz@verizon.net Several members attended the Cultural Day Celebration gathering held in February at The Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. Dr. Lojze Peterle, former Prime Minister of Slovenia, was present as a guest, and also entertained 38 Dr. Lojze Peterle playing the harmonica, and Dr. Cerar enjoying the Slovenian tunes in the background. can’t complain since other regions in the U.S. were more affected than in this area. Some of us are still waiting for our plants and shrubs to recover from the cold blast we suffered this winter. Members and guests are planning to meet on Palm Sunday for painting “Slovenian Eggs the Slovenian Way” with natural dyes and nature-themed imprints of clovers and small flowers that grow in early spring. Bernadette Zarja - The Dawn Fitzsimmons was recently contacted by a prospective member of Slovenian descent from Baltimore, MD, for help with translating a letter from English to Slovenian for her relatives in Slovenia, and invited her to the event. What good news it was to receive a positive e-mail that Michelle Stoll and her mother will join us for this activity. We enjoy meeting and finding people of Slovenian ancestry in the Maryland area, and look forward to introducing them to our Branch members and guests, and also sharing a potluck buffet with a few Slovenian-style foods. Congratulations to all our high school and college graduates that will be celebrating graduations this spring, 2015, and all best wishes in their future endeavors. BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities (TC) of Minnesota Contact Information: Norm Setnicker 651.777.6106/normas188@msn.com I am beginning to feel like Maksim Gaspari’s idealized view of rural Slovenia and perhaps Minnesota: the world of the “cheerful Slovenian man from winter to spring and from morning till night.” Gaspari was a folk artist who depicted everyday life in Slovenia, especially rural life. He will be featured in this year’s Festival of Nations (FON) exhibit, which is in the planning stages as Zarja goes to press. The theme for the FON is “International Arts” with the four-day exhibition from April 30 to May 3 at the Excel Center in St. Paul. On February 16 our regular membership meeting drew over 50 people. Oral history videos of longtime members Yul Yost and Mimi Gorshe Manning were presented and directed by Dr. Tea Rozman Clark, director of Green Card Voices, a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis. Utilizing web-based video storytelling, Yul and Mimi shared their journeys as young immigrants from what is now Slovenia. Both videos were moving and informative, provoking questions and stories about each of them. Yul’s video highlighted his years at the University of Kansas where he excelled in volleyball and had an athletic scholarship as a shot putter on the UK track team. He grad- May/June 2015 uated with a chemistry degree and moved to Minnesota where he worked in research at the Veterans’ Hospital. His interest in gardening and landscaping was also highlighted. Yul is a true “Slovenian Renaissance man.” Miro Medved, our Honorary Consul, recounted the story of Yul picking up a telephone pole and moving it offsite to allow the Medveds to build a home for their parents. Yul is sort of a modern day “Martin Krpan,” the legendary Slovenian folk hero. Mimi’s video traced her voyage as a young girl from the refugee camp in Spittal, Austria, to her present day home in New Brighton, a suburb of Minneapolis. Our Slovenian members gasped with disbelief that Mary still prepares Sunday dinner for their 7 children and 18 grandchildren. For the family, many of whom knew very little about their mother’s immigrant experience, were overtaken with emotion. Tears welled up for the family and members as the video highlighted Mimi’s years in the Spittal camp, and then smiled when Miro, who was in the same camp, told the story of Mimi playing the “angel” in the celebration of Sveti Miklavž - memorable. As a total surprise, Sebastian Cerkvenic, a native Slovenian from Maribor, doing business as an electrical engineer in the Twin Cities, saw our website and came to our membership meeting. He appreciated being able to meet all of us and presented some Slovenian gifts to some of our lucky members. Sebastian came to our Slovenian 39 language class on the previous Monday and livened the class with some major differences in dialects and word changes that are present in Slovenia. He was here until April 10. Our March meeting featured Miro Medved, our honorary Consul for the Republic of Slovenia. Miro gave a PowerPoint presentation on points of interest in Slovenia along with an overview of the Slovenian government structure and current office holders. Miro’s wife, Karen, livened up the audience with her button box accordion and accompanied some strong Slovenian voices in song. Our next Zarja report will highlight the Festival of Nations theme of “International Arts.” Mimi, husband Jim Manning, and many of their 7 children and 18 grandchildren. Our exhibit will feature the Every sunday she cooks dinner for the entire family! folk art of Maksim Gaspari, the themes of Beehive panel art (uniquely-Slovenian), and the images of Idrijan bobbin lace, along with a 15-minute video. NORM SETNICKER “Born in USA with Slovenian Parts” OPEN HOUSE AT OUR HERITAGE MUSEUM Come visit our Home Away From Home at the Slovenian Union of America Museum 431 North Chicago Street in Joliet, Illinois. This is an opportunity to see treasures from the past, rare artifacts, books, costumes, and our renovated upstairs apartment with views from every window, especially of the steeples of St. Joseph Church. View the collections in the basement and the Preservation Room. Check the CD/DVD digitized collection. Join us for presentations, Slovenian snacks, refreshments, and tours of the area. Listen to our presentations for ideas to share at your branch for meetings. Handouts will be provided. BE THE FIRST TO SEE THE NEW SUA COOKBOOK Come celebrate the new cookbook, The Slovenian-American Table on Thursday, June 18, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel. Meet those who helped with its creation. Be the first to purchase this Slovenian-American masterpiece and take part in the festivities associated with this SUA milestone. No cost to attend. 40 Zarja - The Dawn Membership Application and Renewal Slovenian Union of America (Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America) slovenianunion.org sua@slovenianunion.org 815.727.1926 For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page Adult Dues $25.00 Adult Dues (International Address) $35.00 Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00 If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dues are for January through December If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year Membership Renewal Notifications are sent annually in January Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name________________________________ First Name______________________ M___ F____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_______________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES ___________________________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about us? SUA Member___ Newspaper___ Website___ Other____________________ I would like to volunteer for the SUA. My area of interest or expertise is___________________________ Applicant’s Signature__________________________________________ Date______________________ Recommended by: Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ (located on back cover) Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________ Mail to: SUA/SWUA, 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 to t n a w t o n t! l n l i e v w e You is great e. h d t i s s s n i s mi l i a t e See d PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID LASALLE, IL SUA NATIONAL CONVENTION June 18-21, 2015