Volume 82 Issue 4 July/August, 2010 The Dawn . Official Publication Slovenian Women’s Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze v SADJE in ZELENJAVA $ 3.99 U.S./S 8.99 International President’s astm IT’S IN EVERY SLOVENIAN ':1 ,,i ‘ y: tfff* lional Convention New; 'Wmtei Review atioyu ide Membership Campaign 8 Zarja- The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St., LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: www.swua.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Women’s Union of America TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 82, No 4, July/August 2010 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Communications for the next issue of publication: Do you have something SWUA-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 SWUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15th day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the September/October issue must be received by July 15lh. Thank you. Front cover: Store front in Kobarid Calendar of Events JULY 17, 2010 Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois to host a Bocce Ball and Summer Game Social at the home of Paula Mavec. Registration is required. Bring a dish to pass. Contact pmavec@live.com for more information. JULY 18, 2010 Branch 2 of Chicago, Illinois to host their annual Zveza Days at Lemont. Everyone is welcome to attend. AUGUST 1, 2010 Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois to host a talk about the Slovenian National Costume - Narodna noša. Learn how each article is worn, correct fabrics to use and instructions to make your own. SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 Branch 109 of the Twin Cities to host the Minnesota Regional Convention. SEPTEMBER 19, 2010 Branch 89 of Oglesby, Illinois to host the Illinois/ Indiana Regional Convention. SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 Branch 20 of Joliet, Illinois to host their annual Grape Harvest Festival. For further information contact Jonita Ruth at 815.727.1926. NOVEMBER 5-7, 2010 Branch 93 of New York City will host their 3rd Annual Slovenian Heritage Sampler Weekend. Call 201.947.6336 for further details. Everyone is welcome to attend. NOVEMBER 26-28, 2010 Tony Petkovsek’s 49th annual Thanksgiving Day Polka Party at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Cleveland. Sample Slovenian Heritage Weekend Friday-Sunday, November 5-7,2010 Mohican Outdoor Center - Blairstown, NJ This is our third year! This is a weekend where you can do as little or as much as you want in regards to the planned activities. It s also a holiday! St. Martin s Day is November 11th, around the time grape juice ferments enough to become wine. The Mohican Outdoor Center (MOC) is an AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) facility that is 90 minutes west of New York City and 90 minutes north ofPhiladelphia. The Slovenian Heritage Weekend Getaway includes international folk dance workshop, fun with proverbs, strudel demonstration, a Slovenian film (sub-titled in English) and more. Easier “Mount Triglav at Mohican” hike (a true Slovene has summated Slovenia’s highest mountain)! Fee S134/AMC members, $ 147/nonmembers includes activities, 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, Friday happy hour and Saturday Slovenian wine tasting/dinner. Hosts: Ria (Polajner) Whitmire and Lynn Zalokar. For questions call Lynn at 201.947.6336, lzalokar@yahoo.com and to register call Mohican Outdoor Center, 908.362.5670. Book early/space is limited. Register by Friday, October 29th. Annette Kirk will lead the international folk dancing workshop which will include Eastern European, American and English historical dances. Program will include some circle dances and some partner dances (registrants do not need to come with a partner). Dances chosen will be basic enough so that those participating will have fun and keep moving, rather than dealing with complex footwork or patterns. Check the MOC website to view a slide show: www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/mohican/index.cfm JUNE 16-19, 2011 Mark your calendars for the National Convention to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. National President’s Message Traveling to Slovenia Greetings to all! As I write this I am preparing for my trip to Slovenia and it dawned on me, how many times have I been to Slovenia? I actually lost count. My first trip was in 1989 about two months before I got married. I wanted gifts from Slovenia for my bridal party and working for the airlines it was pretty easy to fly over for the weekend. My next trip was in 1998 where I stayed with friends in Velenje. From that point on it seemed to be an annual or bi-annual trip for one reason or another. What started off with only having my Uncle and a few cousins grew to many close friends that I keep in touch with on a regular basis via facebook and email. My trips have many purposes, sometimes my sister Debbie and 1 organized a tour, to work on articles for Zarja, to attend an important function or to just relax and enjoy the beauty of Slovenia. This trip I am taking my daughter Bekki for her high school graduation trip. She will have fellow cousins joining her who also recently graduated. They are looking forward to a two-week stay in various places around Slovenia. They especially hope to go river rafting on the Soca River. Bekki’s highlight will be golfing at the Bled Golf Course. She will be attending Quincy University this fall studying nursing and was chosen for the golf team. Getting to Slovenia can sometimes be expensive but with a little creativity there are many choices. We are flying into London Heathrow on American Airline miles. We will spend two nights in London and tour one of our favorite cities and then fly on Easy Jet to Ljubljana for about $ 150.00 round trip. Keep this option in mind. Congratulations to all the Scholarship winners and also to my daughter Bekki. It was an exciting moment when the letter came announcing this honor. For ten years Bekki has been a big help for SWUA. She volunteered at the last National Convention, two State Conventions, ZarjaFest and various other events in addition to painting/cleaning the upstairs apartment in Joliet and entertaining numerous Slovenian guests. This is a perfect example of “work hard and good things will happen.” When you read the writeups for the other scholarship recipients you will see they all have bright futures ahead of them. We hope to see them involved with their Slovenian heritage in the many years to come. This November we will have the famous culinary chef Janez Bogataj visiting us in Joliet. We are looking forward to this and will be planning a special event. More information will follow in the next issue. Bonnie Pohar Prokup National President wprokup@aol.com Welcome to Our New Members! 1, Erin Lopour 1, Sandra Rupp 1, Rebecca Simon 3, Eileen Glenn 13, Klavdija Cimermancic 16, Mary Klobučar 30, Theresa Donahue 35, Sharon Kay Starkovich 43, Isabelle Anderson 43, Diane Selke 43, Samantha Selke 50, Kathy Hlad 99, Marica Fister 99, Debra Owens 100, Lina Kerwick 100, Angela Leathers Looking For Something Interesting To Read? Articles of Incorporation - Constitution - Bylaws Are you familiar with SWUA’s bylaws? Please note the following section from the bylaws: Article IV - National Convention - Section 4.06 Resolutions and motions of Branches requesting amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws must be presented to the National Board of Directors no later than six (6) months in advance of the National Convention to allow for Board review and distribution to all members through the official publication, Zarja - The Dawn. If so inclined to do so, that means that Branches have until December 16,2010 to submit Branch suggestions to the bylaws committee. The bylaws committee, the SWUA Board of Directors and the Zarja - The Dawn editors all strongly urge submissions well ahead of the deadline. Every four years at our National Convention we have the opportunity, after considerable review, to amend/revise the bylaws to reflect the intentions of the organized membership. It is time once again to hear from the membership regarding bylaws which may be problematic, outdated, vague or restrictive as we provide the authority to our National Officers and Board of Directors to, among other duties, oversee the original burial insurance policies, continue to keep the membership connected through our official publication, Zarja - The Dawn, and also to provide guidelines and formats to Branch officers in the governing of our Branch meetings and State Conventions. It is suggested that all members become familiar with the SWUA bylaws. Your branch President and Recording Secretary should have copies. Members may also go to www.swua.org to read or print a 20-page copy. Each issue of Zarja - The Dawn from the September/October 2010 issue through the March/April 2011 issue will highlight sections of the current bylaws, and will include concerns and suggestions received thus far. The bylaws committee will consider every submission of information before presenting them to the National Board and finally presenting all suggested formal (final) bylaw changes for all members to read in the May/June 2011 Zarja - The Dawn. Please send all correspondence to bylaws chairperson Denise P. Bartlett, 7902 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53220-1612, or telephone 414.327.4990 or e-mail denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com. SWUA’s 2011 National Convention Mark Your Calendar! Start planning now! The 26lh SWUA National Convention is a little less than one year away. It will be held from June 16-19,2011 at the DoubleTree Hotel in beautiful, exciting downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Branches and individual members and your families should start now to plan your trip to Milwaukee. Besides conducting important SWUA business, we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Slovenia as an independent state, learning Slovenian crafts and traditions to take home to share with your Branch members, honoring past SWUA National Officers, celebrating Zarja - The Dawn, enjoying Slovenian music and learning Slovenian songs, making new Slovenian friends and much, much more. Milwaukee is not only known for its ethnic festivals, music, beer, sausage, cheese and Lake Michigan - we have a very proud, active Slovenian community. Have you heard about our Triglav Park? Uspeh Chorus? UWM - Slovenian Arts Program? We plan to show you a little bit of Milwaukee also. Plan on attending - you won’t be disappointed! The convention is open to delegates and guests of all ages. All are welcome to join in the meals, activities and business portions of the convention. Special activities will also be offered for children and guests. Please mark your calendars. This would be a perfect time and place to have your family’s summer vacation. There are many wonderful attractions in Milwaukee and vicinity. Room reservations may be made at the DoubleTree Hotel at special convention prices beginning in August 2010. Please contact Denise P. Bartlett in Milwaukee at 414.327.4990 or at denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com for help with your plans or for more information about SWUA’s plans. Financial Review for 2009 It is that time of the year for everyone’s favorite reading material! I know it is not as enjoyable as reading about recipes, heritage, culture, etc., but it is important that members are aware of our finances. I am again urging everyone to at least glance at the financial chart showing our normal day-to-day operating expenses. Again, our deficit has increased this year despite the efforts to cut expenses for supplies, postage, etc. The National Board continues to reduce travel expenses every year because we do not submit claims for mileage, etc. and pay for expenses out of our personal funds. Unfortunately we cannot control the cost of our property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of a 100-year-old building. These normal operating expenses do not even cover major repairs to the building, which have been very costly for the last two years. These major repairs are listed in the Profit and Loss Statement. Due to these repairs we again had to withdraw from our investments. Therefore, our assets have decreased by $24,500 this year. There is no doubt that dues will need to increase. We also ask members to participate in fundraisers. Respectfully submitted, Carol Ryba Vice President of Home Office •eath Benefits Paid v $13,810.00 \ 10% Salaries/Stipends/ IVfec Contract Labor \ $15,554.00 ' '-41% Zaija Salaries/Printing/Postage $68,045.11 53% Supplies/Utilities/ Taxes/Postage/ Printing/Building Maint/ Office Exps/Ins $35,137.00 26% Income from Dues/ Donations 88,342 Normal Operating Costs (132.546) DEFICIT 44,204 This does not include Investment withdrawals or major building repairs SWUA Profit and Loss Statement January - December 2009 Ordinary Income/Expense Income 501 • Convention Fund 501.01 ■ Convention Calendar Fund Raiser 2,042.86 501 • Convention Fund - Other 8,519.00 Total 501 • Convention Fund 10,561.86 502 • Donations - Zarja 15,988.00 504 ■ Dues Income - Other 69,840.00 505 • Grant (City Facade Program) 7,461.00 507 • Reimbursed Expenses Income 563.66 509 ■ Ads Income 390.00 510 • Zarja - Other 25.00 512 ■ CD Proceeds 10,000.00 516 - Zarja Celebration 1,204.74 517 • Holiday Fund Raiser 702.33 546 - Fund Raising Zarja Calendar 1,304.00 596 • Interest Income-Saving/Checking 19.24 597 ■ Realized Gains/Losses 25,009.43 598 ■ Dividend Income 2,755.31 599 ■ Interest Income 20,906.44 600 ■ Accrued Income Interest Income -1,025.73 otal Income 165,705.28 Expense 702 • Payroll Expense - Staff 41,275.63 746 • Fund Raising Zarja Calendar Exp Postage 92.19 748 - Bank Charges 91.86 750 ■ Bookkeeping Services Payroll Subscription 100.00 QuickBooks Pro Advisor 185.00 Total 750 ■ Bookkeeping Services 285.00 758 ■ Computer Expenses Access Programming 1,128.75 Computer Online Storage 198.59 Total 758 • Computer Expenses 1,327.34 759 ■ Convention 759.01 • Hotel 500.00 Total 759 ■ Convention 500.00 760 - Misc Labor 310.00 761 • Non Employee Compensation 2,000.00 768 • Death Benefits Current Year 13,810.00 770 ■ Depreciation 4,482.00 772 - Dues & Subscriptions 153.00 775 ■ Education & Meetings 119.00 784 • Gifts 153.25 785 - Entertainment & Meals 25.00 790 • Fees Paid Other 803.00 791 - Fees to Midwest 6,612.83 806 - Insurance 3,031.00 810 • Worker’s Compensation 389.00 818 ■ Website 225.00 820 ■ Janitorial 90.00 841 ■ Miscellaneous Expense 143.71 842 ■ Miscellaneous ZARJA 25.00 844 - Office Supplies Supplies Home Office Joliet 679.00 Supplies Other 105.63 Supplies VP Home Office 607.50 Total 844 - Office Supplies 1,392.13 845 • Office Expense Home Office Joliet 415.00 Other 100.00 VP Home Office 1,200.00 Total 845 ■ Office Expense 1,715.00 846 • Printing File Prep Zarja 1,188.51 Invoice Printing 1,399.10 Other 560.53 Zarja 35,330.40 Total 846 • Printing 38,478.54 848 • Postage Home Office Joliet 257.54 Invoice Postage 1,588.04 Other 254.60 Return Postage Costs 47.25 VP Home Office 321.19 Zarja 7,243.81 Total 848 ■ Postage 9,712.43 856 - Repairs & Maintenance Building Major Repairs 28,341.96 Maintenance & Small Repairs 706.00 Total 856 • Repairs & Maintenance 29,047.96 858 ■ Building 2nd Floor Janitorial/Laundry 77.10 Supplies/Furniture Items 1,037.82 Volunteer Meals 191.16 Total 858 • Building 2nd Floor 1,306.08 871 ■ Taxes-Property 3,322.07 873 • Taxes-Unemployment 370.44 874 ■ Travel Other 725.82 NBOD 1,292.24 Total 874 ■ Travel 2,018.06 875 • NBOD Meals 149.92 876 • Telephone & Internet 1,210.68 880 ■ Utilities Electric 1,223.65 Electric-Apt 374.83 Gas 5,400.88 Gas-Apt 74.38 Water & Sewer 240.73 Total 880 • Utilities 7,314.47 Total Expense 171,981.59 Net Ordinary Income -6,276.31 Other Income/Expense Other Income 0.00 Other Expense 891 • Death Claims Unpaid Adjustments -760.00 893 ■ Real Estate Tax Adjustment 822.07 898 • Mortality Reserve Adjustment -9,040.18 Total Other Expense -8,978.11 Net Other Income 8,978.11 Net Income 2,701.80 SWUA Balance Sheet December 31, 2009 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 101 • First Midwest Checking 102 • First Midwest Convention Check 103 • First Midwest Savings 104 • Petty Cash Total Checking/Savings Other Current Assets 122 ■ Bonds & Stocks 123 - Accrued Interest on Bonds 124 ■ Stocks and Bonds Market Value Total Other Current Assets Total Current Assets 1,509.52 3,105.20 10,063.23 200.00 14,877.95 584,452.41 5,408.54 20,641.54 610,502.49 625,380.44 Fixed Assets 215 ■ Building 215.01 • Building - Purchase Price 51,865.00 215.05 • Accumulated Depreciation, Bldg -33,500.00 Total 215 ■ Building 18,365.00 220 - Renovations 220.01 • Renovations-Cost 34,402.55 220.05 • Accumulated Deprec. - Renovation -882.00 Total 220 ■ Renovations 33,520.55 241 • Land 4,700.00 Total Fixed Assets 56,585.55 TOTAL ASSETS 681,965.99 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Credit Cards 301 ■ Credit Card Bank Card Services Total Credit Cards Other Current Liabilities 331 • Payroll Taxes Payable 333 • SUTA Payable 391 - Death Claims Unpaid 393 ■ Real Estate Taxes Payable Total Other Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities 112.86 112.86 873.08 45.36 17,150.00 3,322.07 21,390.51 21,503.37 Long Term Liabilities 398 ■ Mortality Reserve Total Long Term Liabilities Total Liabilities 195.156.42 195.156.42 216,659.79 Equity 32000 • Owners Equity 470 • Fund Balance 474 • Book Value Over Bonds Net Income Total Equity -58,100.81 520,370.77 334.44 2,701.80 465,306.20 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 681,965.99 Christmas In July Fundraiser It’s early to start thinking about Christmas, but we want to alert all members that we will begin selling Christmas decorations again this fall. Last year we only advertised in the online newsletter and via e-mail because we discovered this great fundraising opportunity too late to advertise in the Zarja due to publishing deadlines. The prices will again range from only $28.00 to $32.00, which includes shipping costs. We were very competitive in our pricing, and everyone was pleased with the products. We sold beautiful live evergreen wreaths, candle centerpieces and small living trees, which made wonderful gifts. Take the hassle out of shopping this coming Christmas, plus you will support the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. We want to thank all members who purchased products last year. We sold 156 items and made $750.00 in profit and though this is just a small drop in the bucket, it did pay for some much needed brick tuck pointing in the back stairwell of our 100-year-old building. By advertising in the Zarja, we hope to sell more products and make a larger profit. More details will be forthcoming in the September/October issue of the Zarja. If you purchased as a gift last year, in addition to a beautiful gift a small tree seedling was also planted in honor of the recipient. The honoree names are listed on Mickman Brothers website www.mickman.com/ fundraising. Then check out natured gifts and choose 2009 gift list to find the honoree names. We hope that you, your family and friends can support this endeavor to help us raise additional funds this year. It is becoming more difficult each year to cover our operating expenses on $20.00 a year in dues. Therefore, we must conduct fundraisers to help offset our expenses. Zarja The Dawn Donations Thank you for your generous support of SWUA. During this tough economic time worldwide, it shows how important our heritage is to all of us. Your donations are truly appreciated. Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. $100 Donation Yuratovac, Annette, 47, Honor of Katherine Yuratovac Vett, Louise, 54, +Anne Savor Seaton, Stasha Furlan, 108, +father, Dr. Boris Furlan $70 Donation Fidel, William, 71, +Bill (Blaz) and Pauline Fidel $55 Donation Petrich, Rosemary, 16, Zarja $50 Donation Lauritzen, Mary, 24, +Millie Sanders Vemer, JoAnn, 30, +Josephine Wess $40 Donation Sanders, Joanne, 5, -»-Millie Sanders, Julia Schmidt and Bemadine Kostellic $30 Donation Corgiat, Annette, 2, +Amelia Troha Smith from great-grandkids $25 Donation Plautz, Ellen, 102, Zarja Kasperski, Tina, 24, +Bemadine T Kostellic Tusek, Dorothy, 50, +mom, Ann Dekleva Stanonik $20 Donation Knezevic-Kong, Sonja, 93, +Ljudmila Krosel Pasetta Luebke, Linda, 43, Zarja Petrie, Pauline, 100, +husband, John Petrie Oldenburg, Frances, 20, +Mary Rojic Litwin, Rosemary, 2, +mother, Antonia Densa Palmer, Roberta, 2, +Josephine Zadel Palmer Toth, Rose Mary, 50, +Albina Mrsnik Hurst, Betty, 24, +James M Hurst Skufca, Mary, 30, Honor of Edwin C Skufca Starcevich, Kathleen Marie, 3, Scholarship Fund Morrow, Hermine, 50, +Albin John Blatnik $10 Donation Peterson, Mildred, 20, +Justine Gregorich Lopour, Cheryl, 1, +Martha Kotnick Mavec, Marylynn, 99, Zarja Koporc, Agnes, 25, +Albert Koporc, 7th Anniversary Boucher, Veronica, 100, +Frances and Steve Novak McFarland, Margaret, 108, +Simon(cic) and Arh(Arch) Families Luna, Dragica, 99, Zarja Hartnett, Janet, 30, +Anna Fear Lockard, Jenny, 42, +Angela Vidic Perko Potočnik, Jennifer, 93, + Veronica Potočnik Gordon, Elizabeth, 43, Zarja Gordon, Kathleen, 43, Zarja Gospo, Clare, 2, Zarja Glasgow, Gina, 20, Zarja Lavoie, Julie Kacin, 99, Zarja Lockard, Jenny, 42, Honor Angela Gruden and Karen Lockard $5 Donation Fabian, Antoniette, 2, +Lewis E. Fabian Martinka, Barbara, 43, Zarja Cedilnik, Marjeta, 108, Zarja Norton, Caitlin Wilkins, 20, Zarja If your donation is not listed here, it will be listed in the next issue. Thank you to everyone who donated to our organization. It’s members like you that truly keep our heritage alive! «|p First Midwest Bank Joliet Crest Hill 50 W. Jefferson St. 1415 W. Jefferson St. 16051 Weber Rd. Lockport 800 S. State St. 2801 W. Jefferson St. 230 N. Chicago St. 1301 N. Larkin Ave. New Lenox 2300 Rt. 59 1888 E. Lincoln Hwy. 800.322.3623 • firstmidwcst.com Member FDIC SS. New Branch Wide Membership Campaign +10 Members by December 2010 Summer is the perfect time to bring along SWUA membership brochures and an application to family and community events. Branch presidents, please encourage each member to be an ambassador for our organization. We are at the half way point of the +10 Members by December 2010 Campaign and once again the top three recruiting branches will win Rocky Mountain Potica. When you meet a prospective member, introduce yourself; invite him/her to an event; provide a SWUA membership brochure and application so the person can peruse the information and don’t forget to jot down the person’s name and phone number/e-mail to stay in touch and keep them informed about upcoming activities. Remember, it may take at least five more contacts before someone commits to joining. Be patient and persistent in your efforts and you will succeed in recruiting at least +10 Members by December 2010. Marvelous Sites to Visit in Milwaukee 2011 Over Palm Sunday weekend, I visited Milwaukee, Jan Gehm. 1 only knew Denise Bartlett, National Treasurer Wisconsin for the first time and spent time meeting Branch and her cousin BettyAnn Kolesari, former Nation VP from 43 members and guests at the butara making activity at serving on the National Board, and they helped my mother Triglav Park, Palm Sunday Mass followed by luncheon daughter and 1 feel so very welcome during our visit by and a farewell breakfast, organized by Branch president introducing us to everyone. Branch 43 members are a Showcasing our beautiful butara creations in front of Dom Triglav at Triglav Park lively, friendly, and funloving group who love sharing their Slovenian heritage in their unique midwestem city. As you know, our next Convention will take place there in June, 2011, and they are planning an extra special convention right in the heart of Milwaukee, by beautiful Lake Michigan. You will have ample opportunities to learn about Slovenian crafts and traditions, and even possibly how to make an authentic butara with colorful ribbons weaved in with the greenery. During the butara making, I created an instructional video to be used for the upcoming convention, demonstrated by Mrs. Minka Mejač on how to create your own butara. Now this art form can be preserved and passed on to the next generation. Denise P. Bartlett, the convention manager took us to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see European Village, where one can peek into an authentic Slovenian home, one of over 100 ethnicities respresented. This is likely the only cosmopolitan city in the U including Slovenia. The convention venue is within walking distance of several museums, including the marvelous architectual wonder of the Milwaukee Art Museum. On the roof of the museum the Burke Brise Soleil has a wingspan comparable to a Boeing 747-400. The two ultrasonic wind sensors automatically open and close the wings; if the wind speed reaches 23 mph the wings close, which keeps the Museum on the ground. For . with this type of display, Milwaukee Art Museum gardening enthusiasts, there’s the Mitchell Park Domes with arid, tropical and show domes filled with flora in climate controlled environments. A short drive from downtown Milwaukee is Triglav Park, named by Slovenian immigrants who Slovenci are listed in European settled there in Wind Village, Milwaukee Public Museum Lake, Wisconsin. Nesteled in the woods, resembling Lake Bled in Slovenia is a quaint Our Lady of Brezje chapel. There is so much more to see and, something for everyone in and around Milwaukee to do, and kids of all ages will love Kopps’s frozen custard, that is really cool after a day of city adventures or meetings. The best of all are the friendly Our Lady of Brezje Chapel at members of Branch Triglav Park 43 that know the true meaning of Slovenian hospitality. This is one Convention you won’t want to miss, so mark your calendar’s for June 16-19, 2011. Many thanks to members and friends of Branch 43, Milwaukee for a memorable weekend, and all the best in planning this fantastic convention! Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Marketing & Fundraising Slovenian house at European Village, Milwaukee Public Museum Membership Application Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki www.swua.orgsw uhome@sbcglobal.nct (815) 727-1926 Yes! I want to join the S.W.U.A. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication, ZARJA - The Dawn; I can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, I will come in contact with fellow Slovenians. Choose type of membership: Adult, Annual Dues $20.00 For January through December (If you join after Check here if this is a gift. Provide recipients name/address below. August 30, you will not be billed in January of the jf y0U agree to continue paying for this membership next calendar year) next year, please provide your name/adress/e-mail on the back of this form for billing purposes. Adult, International Address | | Junior (Birth to 18), Annual Dues $5.00 Annual Dues $30.00 □ Invoices are sent annually in January; dues notices in the amount of $20.00/adult or $5.00/junior will be mailed to the address of the member listed below in January of the next calendar year after joining, unless otherwise specified. Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Women’s Union of America 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name First Name_________________________________ 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? S.W.U.A. member newspaper website____________________other I would like to volunteer for the S.W.U.A. My area of interest or expertise is_______ Applicant’s signature _________________________________________________________Date Tell a Friend! If you wish us to send information to a friend or relative just fill in name and address here: My friend’s name________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City State Zip SWUA Scholarship Foundation Announces 2010 Scholarships The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation is pleased to present scholarship winners of 2010. We thank the Scholarship Committee members most sincerely for their work and salute our young scholars for their academic, civic, and community proficiency. The Committee: Rose Marie Princ, Maria Selak, Virginia Strukel, Richard Terselic, Jean Železnikar ROSE MARIE PRINC AWARD - $2,000 Kara Maruszak, Branch 50 Daughter of Carol and Ron Maruszak, Wickliffe Ohio. Kara holds a 3.8 GPA at Wickliffe High School. She chose to participate in Post Secondary Educational Option during her four years of high school, attending Bryant & Stratton College during her freshmen and sophomore years of high school, transferring to Lakeland Community College in May 2009, and graduating from Lakeland with an Associate of Arts degree at the age of 16. Kara will graduate from Wickliffe High School in May 2010 and in fall will enter Heidelberg College, as a junior, majoring in Accounting/Prelaw. She plans to enter law school in the future. Kara is currently Miss SNPJ and plays the button box, performing with polka bands throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. One of her dreams is to go to a Slovenian school in Ljubljana to learn more about her heritage and the country. stability to her slightly insecure childhood. She is reminded that she comes from a long line of people and has a heritage of her own, just like her African neighbors. Tabitha intends to complete her bachelor in Nursing and will then pursue a master’s degree, becoming a counseling psychologist or nurse practitioner. Her interests include preservation of the environment, world wide humanitarian aid, involvement in her church, and a dream to train so that she at some time in the future can hike the Andes Mountains of Peru, backpack in Europe, and even climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya. FRANCES BARMAN AWARD - $1,000 Francesca DeGarbo, Branch 3 Daughter of Andrea and Bob DeGarbo, Pueblo, Colorado. She will graduate from Central High School this spring, where she holds a 3.8 GPA and will enter Pueblo Community College majoring in Dental Hygiene. An honor roll student for all four years, and involved in many different clubs and activities, including a four year membership on the high school golf team, JOSEF PRINC AWARD - $2,000 Tabitha Ekert, Branch 103 Daughter of Sue and Tim Ekert, Libertyville, Illinois. Tabitha currently attends Olivet Nazarene University majoring in nursing. Tabitha was born in Pennsylvania to missionary parents who raised her in Niger Republic, West Africa. She has been blessed to have learned of African culture, attended high school there and volunteered as a medical translator at a mission-run hospital. Tabitha’s grandfather triggered her interest in her Slovenian ancestors, due to a family history he had compiled. Tabitha states that her awareness of her Slovenian heritage brought a sense of Francesca feels her biggest accomplishment was being elected student body president of the Health Academy Program. Growing up in a large Slovenian family has given her the opportunity to learn how to make ethnic dishes and set out the St. Nicholas bowl each year. Francesca helps with family finances by grooming lawns, baby/house sitting and selling her famous sub sandwiches. She serves Mass, ushers with her father and visits Branch 3 meetings. She plans on working in order to pay off her expensive tuition, while attending Pueblo Community College full time. FRANCES BARMAN AWARD - $1,000 Jeffrey Fautch, Branch 39 Son of Dee Dee and Marty Fautch, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Jeffrey will graduate from Park Center Senior High School and enter Northern Hennepin Community College in fall, majoring in engineering or law enforcement. He has a number of interests, first as a community worker, serving in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. His love of music fueled him to organize his Confirmation class’s rogue presentation of the Passion play, and he played the guitar in the school jazz band. As a member of a large Slovenian family, Jeffrey is knowledgeable of his culture, which his family holds dearly. Although Jeffrey’s goal is to seek a four-year degree, his passion is about helping people. He has spent a year volunteering to help the poor and underprivileged, handicapped and elderly, doing anything that was needed. He states that this work was the most humbling and gratifying experience of his life. As a young adult Jeffrey hopes to be a good role model - to be a giving self. He wants to make a difference. HELEN SKOFF AWARD - $1,000 Anna Fon, Branch 5 Daughter of Phyllis and Stephen Fon, Brownsburg, Indiana. Anna will graduate from Cardinal Ritter High School this spring and will enter Franklin College in fall, as an Art and Education major. Anna is 100 percent Slovenian. Her immigrant great grandparents settled in Indianapolis in a small Slovenian community know as Haughville. The family owned a grocery store and specialized in homemade sausage, using a secret family recipe. The entire family has been lifetime members of KSKJ and the SWUA and participates actively in both. Her help with Branch 5 activities is always appreciated as well as her participation in church work. Anna states that she wants to study art education, knowing that she wants to help children express themselves in any way she can. Art helped her and she believes bringing art and children together would be a wonderful thing for her to do. HELEN SKOFF AWARD - $1,000 Connor Grant, Branch 43 Son of Lori Bachun and Jeff Grant, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Connor is currently attending Case Western Reserve University majoring in biochemistry and Spanish. Connor was the valedictorian of his high school senior class, selected to Who’s Who Among American High school students. A member of the National Honor Society and vice president of Key Club, Connor has worked as a research trainee at the Blood Research Institute, and is a mentor and tennis instructor. He belongs to the executive Committee of the Global Medical Initiative, Case Emergency Medical Service, Slovene National Benefit Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Executive Committee for Study Aboard in Cuernavaca, Mexico, American Medical Student Association, Greater University Tutoring Service, Engineers Without Borders and is President of Mu Alpha Theta. Connor has traveled to Mexico where he worked to bring dignity to the children of several orphanages by cleaning and beautifying their living arrangements and spending quality time with them. He hopes to realize his dream of becoming a doctor so that he can help those in need. SWD SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AWARD - $1,000 Bekki Prokup, Branch 24 Daughter of Bonnie and Bill Prokup of Peru, Illinois. Bekki will graduate from St. Bede Academy High School and plans to enter the Nursing Program at Quincy University in fall. She is already pursuing her CNA certificate from Illinois Valley Community College. She has been a very active participant in golf, cheerleading, ambassadors, softball and theater at St. Bede, along with being the yearbook editor, chairman of Drug Free Week and involved in Lectio Divina. Bekki volunteers for community projects and has experienced the nursing profession as a volunteer at the Peru nursing home. Bekki has an acute knowledge of the Slovenian culture and of its promotion here in the United States. She has traveled numerous times to Slovenia and other parts of the world, developing a deep concept of global community. As a dedicated young leader in SWUA’s future, Bekki has already done research for Zarja and supervised Camp Heritage events. Bekki has been exposed to and surrounded by Slovenian family and friends from early childhood and continues to enjoy and cultivate their traditions and culture. SWU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AWARD - $1,000 Martha Ryzner, Branch 20 Daughter of Diane and James Ryzner, Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Martha will be graduating from Saint Viator High School as a 4.0 GPA student and entering the University of Wisconsin, Madison in fall. Martha has been an active participant of a variety of activities at Saint Viator, including being on the National Honor Society four years, Spanish Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society and has served as a mediator in the Peer Mediation Program (peace in school) and chaired the Ambassador’s Club. She participated in many KSKJ activities. She loves arts, oil painting, writing, and is head artist for the school newspaper. She serves as a receptionist at her parish. Martha hopes to continue to play soccer for fun and express herself though her artwork. Her major at this time is undecided. SWU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION MERIT AWARD WINNERS COURTNEY GRANT, Branch 43 Daughter of Lori Bahun and Jeff Grant, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Attends Milwaukee School of Engineering, majoring in Bimolecular Engineering. MEGAN JOHNSON, Branch 102 Daughter of Candy and Steve Johnson, Eau Claire, Wisconsin will graduate from Regis High School and enter the University of Wisconsin, majoring in retail merchandising. JOHN KONCAR, Branch 20 Son of Annette and Raymond Koncar, Joliet, Illinois is attending the University of Illinois pursuing a major in Accounting and minor in Finance. BAILEY RIBICH, Branch 39 Daughter of Dean and Rebecca Ribich, Plymouth, Minnesota is attending Creighton University majoring in Business Management. VERONIKA STARE, Branch 103 Daughter of Angela and Gojko Stare, Potomac, Maryland, is attending Gettysburg College majoring in music RACHEL VORA, Branch 23 Daughter of Irene and Robin Vora Bend, Oregon is attending the University of Oregon/Central Oregon Community College, majoring in General Social Science and Pre-Physical Therapy. $ Congratulations to All of Our Scholarship Winners CORRESPONDENCE BEKKI PROKUP: “I just received my letter that I received the Slovenian Women’s Scholarship! Thank you so much for choosing me. I am realty excited to start college and pursue my career in nursing!” JEFFREY FAUTCH: "Thank you so much for awarding me the Frances Barman Scholarship. I am so honored to be selected. I have decided to attend college in northern Minnesota at Mesabi Range Community College. Although I still have not decided my field of study that is yet to come. My parents and I are so grateful to receive this scholarship; it will help immensely during these “struggling” times. I am so looking forward to attending college this fall. In great appreciation. ” RACHEL VORA: “I’m writing to thank you for considering me for your scholarship and for sending me the check of one hundred dollars! I really appreciate you being so kind to give me a merit award; the money will be very helpful in helping me pay for college. The scholarship I received from you last year made a huge difference, and this award will continue to help. Thank you so much for your generosity and God bless! ” MEGAN JOHNSON: “Thank you for the $100 award of merit. I will be saving it for expenses at school next year, which I am looking forward to. I appreciate you looking at my application, and I plan on applying again next year. ” Comments, contributions, questions can all be sent to SWU Scholarship Foundation Mary Turvey, mturvey@aol.com 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, Michigan 49855 Marge Church, yemec 1 @windstream.net 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, Ohio 44056 SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS The following contributions were most gratefully received and acknowledged: “All contributions are tax-exempt” $25,000 Donation The Estate of Helen Skoff - Ms. Skoff’s biography will appear in the September/October 2010 Zarja $2,000 Donation Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Colnar - to fund Frances Barman Scholarships $50 Donation Lynn Kossakoski (+Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Frank Legan) $30 Donation Agnes Gaber $25 Donation Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gehm (+Jane Luzar) Nancy Jagodnik (+Mother, Marie Beck, long time secretary of Branch 50) $10 Donation Barbara Perpich Schoonover Thank you, each and everyone who has helped to promote and fund the Slovenian Women’s’ Union charitable cause. To contribute to students is to invest in the future. Our SWUA Junior members make the future look very bright! A special THANK YOU to our long-term benefactors, Fontana Nursing Home Association, Rose Marie Princ, Mr. and Mrs. Colnar and Helen Skoff. Without you, the SWU Scholarship Foundation would not be operating at its present level. For more information on the SWUA Scholarship Foundation Program please visit http://www.swua.org “scholarship” Se^SfesQ)t§AMfifiiftSs Tour Slovenia Sponsored by Zarja The Dawn October 20 - 30. 2010 Come explore the “Secrets of Slovenia II” as we take you on another magical journey through Slovenia’s back roads. Your Zarja hosts Debbie Pohar and Bonnie Pohar Prokup promise you another opportunity of a lifetime. This time our magical journey will start off on the east side of Slovenia where we will spend time in Maribor, Ptuj and concentrate on the hidden secrets of the Prekmuije region. Later we will travel across the country with dynamic stops along the way to the coastline where we will dedicate days to the beauty of the Adriatic Sea and its surroundings. We will finish the tour in the capital city of Ljubljana. Much like the last time there will be free days where you can meet up with family and friends, take part in an optional tour or enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to extend your stay and spend more time in Slovenia this can be arranged. Debbie and Bonnie have years of experience in escorting and designing trips to Europe. From the moment you show interest in joining this tour all the way to your flight home, they will be there for you. Not only will you have their individual attention but also that of a professional tour guide from Slovenia with excellent English and Kollander Travel. Come travel with us on a new fully guided tour of our beautiful Slovenia. Let us do the work for you! Space is limited, save your spot now! Call Judy at Kollander World Travel at 1.800.800.5981 x 3 or Bonnie Pohar Prokup at 815.223.9596 or wprokup@aol.com. Land Tour Cost $2,400.00 Per person in twin Single ROOM Supplement $420.00 Land Tour Includes * Accompanied by a professional local tour manager * Excellent accomodations * Four (4) wine cellar visits and tastings * Buffet breakfast daily/1 lunch/6 dinners included * Authentic Roman dinner in Ptuj * Lunch and wine tasting at a typical tourist farm * Deluxe private motor coach * Hosted by Bonnie Pohar Prokup and Debbie Pohar * Farewell dinner at a specialty restaurant in Ljubljana Space is limited, save your spot now! k Men in a SWUA World Occupations of Years Past; Gone but not Forgotten Though nearly half of the population of present day Slovenia now resides in towns and cities, their lifestyles are not nearly as different as most people would think from our ancestors that dwelled in the country side or small villages. Miller A miller’s trade is one of the oldest crafts in Slovenia, known to date back to the time of the Romans. Many of the mills were by the Sava and Krka Rivers and some of them were positioned on boats and floated on the river. These floating mills still functioned on the Mura River after WWII. Poor farmers put Old mill in Northern Slovenia with evidence of Roman military passing through on the inside walls their grain in bags and carried them to the mill while the wealthier farmers were able to take their grain on a cart. The farmer would have to wait for the grains to be ground to flour. For this purpose they had a special waiting room built next to the mill. The mills only functioned between July and Christmas. But as machinery proved to be less expensive and more time efficient the trade became obsolete and was soon just a memory. Shepherd/Herdsman All over Slovenia before WWII, cattle rearing used to be one of the basic activities. Being a herdsman was a very common occupation. Although people nowadays imagine a smiling boy playing the flute while tending to cattle or sheep, it was not easy or carefree work. The shepherd was responsible for a herd and if a cow or sheep got lost or was eaten by a wolf, he had to work long enough to pay for the value of the lost animal. It was common for farmers to graze cattle and/or sheep on common village pastures. In fact, most people still have some sort of tie to the country, whether it be through their parents that still live in the rural areas or perhaps they themselves have purchased a village holiday house or a koča (cottage) in one of the winegrowing regions. Whatever the case when it becomes harvest time; it is as time reverses to a simpler and more pleasant time; in fact it still appears as though the villages are participating in some sort of a holiday tradition as relatives, friends and neighbors all still come to help one another to take in the harvest. This is a phenomenon known throughout the Slovenian countryside a time; it is when people come together strictly to help one another and maybe even honor their ancestors by using some of there long lost methods. But, alas as with all other developed countries some occupations tend to fade into the abyss and ultimately even die out. Though modem technology has brought on many wonderful things and made life much easier, it is sad to see some of the most interesting and skillful professions fall away to efficiency while financial and global awareness prevails. Some of these occupations may still be held in some isolated places as traditional gestures or for tourist significance, they have been lost in progress for most practical uses in Slovenia. A village herdsman standing in the middle of the village blew on a horn every morning. The farmers led their cattle out of the stables and the herdsman took them to a pasture to graze. Charcoal Maker “Oglar” Being an oglar also used to be a common occupation in Slovenia. An oglar worked in the middle of a forest where he would make a chimney from poles and put firewood around it. He would then cover everything with branches and earthen material to let in as little air as possible. He lit a fire in the middle, which then burnt very slow turning wood into charcoal through the delicate process. These piles were quite large and would take strict diligence and stamina requiring long hours without sleep just to produce a load of charcoal. Now of course the charcoal market has become almost obsolete as few houses use charcoal as a main fuel for cooking or heat. Lumberjacks This term usually refers to a bygone era before WWII when hand tools were used in harvesting trees. The work was difficult and dangerous. Only small parts of the hewn wood were meant to be turned into charcoal. All the rest, which was not used for heating, had to be taken elsewhere either along the roads or down the rivers. Though we love to think of Paul Bunyan and all the great lumberjacks in our folklore, the age of machinery and power saws ended his reign. Raftsmen Raftsmen would tie up the cut logs into rafts and drive them on courageous rides on the waves of the rivers throughout Slovenia and to buyers as far away as Croatia and Serbia. The progression of the railroad and improvements in trucking and road networks gradually reduced the use of timber rafts. Carter “Furman” Being a furman was definitely not an easy occupation. He was on the road day and night, exposed to cold, rain, heat, wind and the fear of highwaymen looking to steal his goods. Obviously when new fabrics were developed and animal rights groups began to form the Furman was out of a job. Most of these occupations were very dangerous, requiring extraneous labor but these jobs were a necessity in their time. These occupations were a testament to how hard the times were and also how determined the people were to do them. It is romantic to think of a time in which these occupations existed; it is also easy to figure out why they are gone. Simply put; we found a better, safer and more cost efficient way to produce the same or better products they provided. Fortunately for us, modern inventions and superior infrastructures have decreased and all but eliminated the need for these occupations but we must always remember these pioneers and respect and admire their persistence. Their hard work not only provided a product at the time but also a work ethic to be handed down for generations that all Slovenians should be proud of. As always may good luck be yours. - Don Baldin Try a Tax-Deferred Annuity for 1 Year! I 6 1st Year Tax-Deferred Annuity Rate* /?•/ / For full details, visit www.kskjlife.ors or call 1-800-843-5755 AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHCHIC f /UNION *Rotes subject to change without notice. Not available in all states. Not FDIC insured, Backed 100%by KSKJ Life with no administrative fees. The Path Taken A Trilogy: John Tomsick, Ken Tomsick and Joey Tomsick © by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk July 17, 1984: Ken, Anne and son Joey Tomsick of Euclid, Ohio, were attending the Adams County Polka Jamboree in Denver, Colorado. Joey, an accomplished button-box champion was the co-leader on the Kollander Tour. At the jamboree, Ken and Ann met Ted and Johanna Schaefer and William and Helen Skala of Leadville who extended an invitation to visit their town. Ken needed little encouragement as his parents John and Mary Tomsick, once owned a tavern and boarding house in Leadville. The tavern on 527 Elm Street was now the Leadville Eagles Hall. (See “Tomsick Tavern ”) Ken, Ann, Joey and several tour members were off to Leadville. Through the actions of their new-found friends, the town was alerted. People arrived at 527 Elm Street with their dancing feet and arms laden with food. For a few hours the sounds from Joey s button box filled the air in the building once owned by his grandparents. For Ken it was a stroll down the Path Taken by his parents John and Mary. John Tomšič: DOB 1878, Dobro Polja, Yugoslavia At age 18, John sailed for America aboard the Kaiser Wilhelm. At Ellis Island, the Tomšič surname was recorded as Tomsick by the immigration authority. Forced onto a train, John ended up in Leadville, Colorado where he found work in the mines. In Leadville, he met Frank Zaitz, a Slovenian businessman, entrepreneur and pioneer. Mr. Zaitz catered to many Slovenians and gave John the opportunity to buy a tavern and boarding house. There was a saying in Leadville: “Jože, pošten je” (John, he’s honest) Mary (Marija) Tomšič: DOB 1882, Hinja Dolenjska, Yugoslavia Mary came to America around the turn of the century. Her ocean voyage took 14 days. Coincidently, she also arrived at Ellis Island and was put on a train traveling to Leadville. She found work as a barmaid and cook in John Tomsick’s tavern. In 1902, John and Mary wed in St. Joseph Church in Leadville. (See St. Joseph Church History) Daughters Mary, Rose, Angela and Josephine were born in Leadville. While in Leadville, Mary brought her two sisters, Frances and Jennie, from Europe. Both sisters worked in the Tomsick tavern. They continued to operate the tavern and boarding house where Mary cooked for I Mary Tomsick with her sisters Jennie Zaltar, Frances Hočevar; Easter 1957 about 40 boarders, baking bread in an outdoor oven while John also worked in the mines. Ken’s mother Mary, told him this story: “Each year, Pa would send your sisters Mary, Rose, Angela and me to Glenwood Springs, Colorado to the world famous Glenwood Springs Spa. What a time we had in the largest hot spring pool in the world. ” In 1912 John and Mary sold the tavern for a mere S500. Some time after 1915, the family moved to Joliet, Illinois where son John was born. They established residence at 602 Broadway Avenue in a brown brick house with a side entry. Circa 1920, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Florence, Adolph and Clarence (Ken) were born. The family resided at 5211 Luther Avenue. John worked at the Royal Brass Company in Cleveland. In 1937, at the age of 59, John was killed by a hit and run driver while on his way home from work. Mary was left to raise their children alone. Tragedy struck again, when daughter Angela perished in an apartment fire, she left behind two sons. Her family now grown, Mary took in and raised her two young grandsons. Mary died on July 20, 1976, she was 94 years old. John and Mary Tomsick Ken Tomsick Ken Tomsick met Anne Lorek of Polish descent in August 1951 at the Ranch dance hall and summer picnic venue in Garfield Heights. On that memorable night, Johnny Pecon, was playing. “As he approached me he said: Care to dance? That night Ken and his buddies, The Four Feathers Quartet, sang barbershop and then we talked and talked the rest of the evening. ” - Anne Lorek Tomsick Four Feathers: Seated: Ken Tomsick; LtoR: Tony Stan, AI Orehek, Don Mocnik (deceased) During the late 1940's four young fellows formed the Four Feathers Barbershop. Their motto: “We'll tickle you to death!” The group performed in St. Vitus Variety Shows and for Slovenian parishes in the area. They owed their success to the Four Steps of Harmony, a Slovenian barbershop group who mentored the Four Feathers on the Slovenian language and pronunciations. Ken attended Cathedral Latin High School and was a member of their marching band. His instruments of choice were the trumpet and coronet. Anne initiated their courtship by inviting Ken to the annual Ice Capade show at the Cleveland arena, courtesy of her company, Richman Brothers. During their courtship they enjoyed evenings together at the Twilight Gardens, a dancing landmark. Ken always brought a fresh white gardenia for Annie. She became “the apple of his eye”. Ken and Anne were married on June 6,1953 in St. Hyacinth Church, Cleveland. Their first home was the converted upstairs level of Ken’s boyhood home on Luther Avenue This was a great help to his mother, Mary, who was raising her two grandsons. Ken was employed by the city of Cleveland Health Department. Ken Jr. DOB 1954; violin, guitar; Ken Jr. is the owner of a recording studio and has had the pleasure of recording Tony Randall of acting fame. Larry DOB 1955; cello, guitar; Larry is the owner of a home construction/contracting business. John DOB 1956; classical guitar/instructor; John and Deb (Jobling) have two daughters, Olivia and Emma. John is a Multi Media Manager at University Hospital/Cleveland. Rick DOB 1959; classical piano; Rick and Mery (DeHaas) have two sons Jonah and Zach and a daughter Johanna. Rick is an attorney. He is a board member of the International Piano Competition in Cleveland. Joey DOB 1965; voice, saxophone, tuba, keyboard; Joey and Lisa (Baco), have a daughter Faith; He is the Joey, as in the Joey Tomsick Orchestra! Anne had a love of baking. For many years she donated a large decorated cake for the monthly birthday at the Cleveland Slovenian Home for the Aged. Anne baked and decorated the cake for Frank Yankovic s 80th birthday. It took 2 station wagons to tote the cake to the hall. The cake was 8 feet long, with a center tier and fountain. A thousand people were in attendance! - Ken Tomsick Front: Anne, Ken, Joey Tomsick Back: Mary Tomsick, Frances Hočevar Ken and Anne raised five sons. The boys attended Saint Vitus School, St. Ignatius High School and then went on to schools of higher learning. In those formative years, it was a house filled with all kinds of music, barbershop, country songs and the music of their five sons; classical with Rick, polkas with Joey and rock-n-roll Ken and Anne Lorek Tomsick performed by Larry, John and Ken with their Cleveland rock band Missing Persons. Ken and Anne were active in St. Vitus Church throughout the years. Ken served as president of the St. Vitus Holy Name Society and Anne was past president and treasurer of the St.Vitus Mothers’ Club. Ken also did videotaping for the Polka Hall of Fame. At the present time, Anne is a Zarja Reporter for Branch 50 of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. Music and dance have been Ken and Anne’s lifelong passion. In June 2003, Ken and Anne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Slovenian National Home. On this memorable night Ken and Anne and their guests danced to the music of Jeff Pecon, son of the late Johnny Pecon. Their friends Ted and Johanna Schaefer and William and Helen Skala traveled from Leadville to attend the celebration. Each guest was given a CD as a personal gift, a novel idea of their daughters in law and grandchildren. The CD jacket has a listing of 17 family treasured song titles, each accompanied with a short quip of memorable family times and friendships. Ken’s favorite song: My Polish Love - the title says it all! In June 2010 Ken and Anne celebrated 57 years of marriage. When calling the Tomsick home, Fr. Frank Perkovich (of Polka Mass fame) initiates the conversation with: “Ko pjevo zlo ne misli” Whoever sings does not have evil thoughts! late Frank Novak. Years later Joey began teaching accordion following Frank’s retirement. Joey aSe 18 At St. Ignatius High School, Joey was active in the marching, jazz and pep bands. Joey also served as Director of Cleveland’s Circle 2 Button Box Club. In 1983 he established the “Euclid Squeezeboxers Button Box Club”. Joey is a Founding Trustee for the American Slovenian Polka Foundation and is the editor of the organization’s newsletter, “The Quarterly”. He earned his first paycheck as a musician by winning a button box contest. The celebration went from the Slovenian Home on Holmes Avenue to the Caboose Bar, where the owner handed him a ten-dollar bill for winning the contest! Musicians Ted Hoyer, Lou Trebar and Dante Picciati played a big role in Joey’s life, encouraging him to start up his own band. The year was 1984 and a very good year it was! The Joey Tomsick Orchestra (JTO) quickly became Cleveland’s popular all-occasion band. In 1984, radio Hall of Famer, Tony Petkovšek invited Joey to co-broadcast with him. In the ‘90’s, the duo toured several states, Europe, the Hawaiian Islands and appeared as guest artists on numerous cruises including Carnival and Costa Cruise Lines. In 1993, Joey and Lisa Baco were married. Joey dedicated “Lisa Marie’s Polka” a button box selection to Lisa, a selection on the Joey Now release. They have a daughter Faith to whom Joey dedicated the “Faith Ann Waltz” a selection on his Polka Funhouse release. Joey has performed with an array of notoriety: Roy Clark, Bobby Vinton, Myron Floren and Frank Yankovic. He has performed for President George Bush, Presidential Nominee Bob Dole and U.S. Senator George Voinovich. Four of Joey’s original compositions were featured on two Grammy Award Winning CD’s of Canada’s Walter Ostanek. Through the years, Joey and the JTO have won numerous awards: 1989: Best New Young Band, 1990: Best Button Accordionist, 1991: Best Button Accordionist, 1991: Man of the Year, Maple Heights Slovenian Home, 1992: Grammy Award Participant, 1993: Grammy Award Participant, 1998: Musician of the Year, Collinwood Slovenian Home, 1999: Album of the Year, “SMILE”. National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame, 1999: Musician of the Year, 1999: Best Button Accordionist, 2007: Trustees Golden Honor Roll. In 2009 the JTO celebrated their 25"’ Anniversary with a new recording, “Polka Funhouse”. It proved to be a stellar anniversary. The JTO received 5 major awards, as presented by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame; The Band of the Year and Recording of the Year. Joey received trophies for Best Musician and Best New Song. Band members Hank Guzel, bass and Phil Hrvatin saxophone, were named to Sidemen of the Year. Group photo: L to R Joey Tomsick on keyboards vocals and accordion, Hank Guzel on bass and vocals, Jim Penko on drums and Phil Hrvatin on saxophone Joey Tomsick Joey is the youngest of the five musical Tomsick boys. His cousin Kathy Hlad a gifted accordion player was also an inspiration. At age of nine, Joey joined the Junior Slovenian Singing Chorus. At age eleven, Joey began accordion lessons under the Slovenia, July 1990 Ken, Anne and Joey traveled to the village of Hinja Dolenska, the home of Ken s mother. Fr. Kamnidar, the local parish priest was their guide. After visiting the local cemetery, they began a search for the Tomšič family home. In the neighborhood, a woman introduces herself as Mrs. Ljube. When asked if she knew of Mary Tomšič who went to America she responds with “Mič ka Tomšič ”, and points to the house next door. She runs back into her house and returns with a photo. She doesn’t know who it is? Much to Ken s amazement he is looking at his high school graduation picture! 40+ years ago, his mother had sent the photo to Mrs. Ljube, her friend and neighbor. Before them, Ken, Anne, and Joey are looking at humble abode with a thatched roof. “Hinja Dolenjska, a mere dot on the map, Her footsteps came across the sea. ” Credits: Google Search: Glenwood Springs Spa Ken and Anne Tomsick; Rick and Jonah Tomsick; Joey Tomsick Google search, click www.joeytomsick.com and/or log onto these Dorothy Brown, Joliet, IL; Research on Joliet Addresses video links to see and hear a young Joey Tomsick perform with with William Skala: History of Leadville and St. Joseph Church Frankie Yankovic and Lou Trebar. St. Joseph Church Anniversary Booklets www.youtube.com/watch?v=34_i7cEAYew Friends whose invitation many years ago brought Ken and Anne to www.youtube.com/watch?v=G49gjw5iDdo Leadville: William Skala and the late Helen Skala; Johanna Schaefer and the late Ted Schaefer of Leadville Looking Back in History St. Joseph Church History, Leadville, Colorado Father John Perse was the first pastor. Members of the congregation adopted the corporate name “The Austrian St. Joseph Catholic Church Society of Leadville, Colorado”. * Cornerstone was laid on November 17, 1899 * First mass celebrated on December 16, 1899 * Church raised by fire, March 19, 1923 Bill Skala tells this story: “The ashes were not even cold, and miners who worked in the hard rock underground gold mine and the smelters were donating their dollars. It was a time in history when candles were the only lighting, when blasting and drilling were done by hand, when air exchange and filtering were unheard of, when miners worked for $l-$2 a day. ” At the emergency meeting it was announced the church carried $5,000 insurance on the building. By meeting’s end, $ 1,000 had been pledged. While plans were being drawn for a new brick building, church services were held at the Slovenska Drustav Dom the tavern/boarding house once owned by John and Mary Tomsick. In 1926, Father George Trunk (Fr. Jurij Trunk) a Slovenian priest and pastor at St. Joseph Church, began a two-year project of beautifying the bare cement walls and ceiling with biblical scenes from the Old and New Testaments much in the style Michelangelo painted in the Sistine Chapel. He had no art training and could only come up with $79 for paint. Like Michelangelo, he lay for hours on a high scaffold. Today St. Joseph Church contains some of the finest examples of Slovene folk-art in America. As Father Trunk traversed America and parts of Canada, he gathered material about Slovenian Americans. His book Amerika in Amerikanci (America and Americans) was written primarily for Slovenians in the homeland, for them to learn about the countrymen who left to find a better life. Today it represents the basic work for those researching of Slovenian immigration to the United States. The book is 606 pages. Tomsick Tavern History Around the beginning of the 20th century, John Tomsick purchased a tavern/boarding house from Mr. Zaitz. .John and his wife Mary operated the business until around 1912 when they sold the tavern for $500. There is a gap in ownership. It was known that as of 1925, the building was owned by the SNPJ and KSKJ lodges and was called the Slovenska Drustav Dom (Slovenian Lodge Home). It was purchased from the Zang Brewing Co. Church records give proof that the lodges owned the building as early as 1923 when after the St. Joseph Church fire, in 1923, services were held at the Slovenian Hall. Circa 1970 the two lodges sold the building to the Eagles with the stipulation that lodge meetings, the children’s Christmas party and the St. Joseph’s Lodge Easter Sunday morning breakfast had use of the facility, selling price was $8,000. The Eagles operated the building until circa 1989. Today the 110+ year old building houses a carpenter shop and several other businesses. Credits: William Skala, Leadville, CO, interview Ken and Ann Tomsick: personal Anniversary Celebration booklets of St. Joseph Church Branch Reports Poročila Podružnic BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin As the new secretary of Branch 1,1 am excited to write my first article for the Zarja. There are many exciting things going on as we continue to celebrate Ss. Cyril & Methodius’ 100th Anniversary. In April, our officers attended a meeting in Milwaukee, WI at the Doubletree Hotel to plan the 2011 SWUA Convention. We met a lot of nice people from the newly combined Branches 12 and 43 and shared some good ideas for decorations and commemorative souvenirs. Then we enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. I look forward to our next meeting. Branch 1 is happy to have attained many new members. Some of them are children of our members; it’s nice to carry on our Slovenian heritage. Our newest member, Kathi Potochonick, resides in Ljubljana, Slovenia. We are so happy to welcome her as a member! Ljubljana is the capital and largest city in Slovenia, located in central Slovenia in the Ljubljana Basin. Its population is about 280,000 and it is a city rich in history and culture. There are also beautiful cathedrals and a castle dating back to the 12th century. I look forward to keeping you informed on our upcoming events at Branch 1. CHERYL KOTNICK LOPOUR The above is from our newly elected secretary, Cheryl Kotnick Lopour. A fond farewell as I leave office in her capable hands. Good Luck, Cheryl! A sincere thank you to the officers and members who made my term a memorable time. Nasvidenje. Angie Fritz BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois At our meeting we discussed the history of SWUA, how it was organized at Saint Stephen’s in Chicago. Those women were all Slovene and Croatian. They had a common bond of language and religion, Roman Catholic. We also talked about what the members participated in over the years of Slovenian importance. Because our branch has many other nationalities, Fran took an informal survey to see how many of our members are of Slovene descent. As expected our Slovene heritage was well represented. Also, it is rewarding to have so many other ethnicities present that are interested in helping us preserve the Slovene traditions. Our condolences to the family of JoAnn (Frank) Farraro. She was a member for 25 years. Please remember her in your prayers. Our newest branch member is Alysa Fox, great-granddaughter of Mayme Fabian. On May 16, we honored all members as Members of the Year. We were happy to have mass at Saint Stephen’s Church, which has been renovated. It is beautiful and we hope that members who have moved away will come back for a visit. Father Jim Gartland, SJ celebrated Mass. Food was catered and the sweet table was full of desserts by members. Member Glenn Latrosico (son of Barbara Reich) a member of the US Army Rangers has returned home safely. He was deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan. The Southside Community of Chicago and a match by the Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Team honored him. God bless you Glenn, we hope you are home for good. We pray that all troops will be back soon. Jean Zubek and Mary Newbould are both in the hospital. Remember them in your prayers. ZVEZA Picnic - July 18, 2010 at Saint Mary’s Lemont, Illinois. Everyone is welcome. DAISY BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Greetings from colorful Colorado and the land where the columbines grow wild on the mountainsides. Year 2010 thus far for Branch 3 has presented some special surprises. SURPRISE: The Holy Season of Lent ends with the preparation of the Žegen basket. The Bishop, Fernando Isem, for the Diocese of Pueblo, visited St. Mary Church (Marija Pomagaj) to bless the food and the children. He spoke of importance of tradition and how happy he was to be a part of the service. He was gifted with a Zegen basket of his own. SURPRISE: We came in second place for increased membership and received the prize of poticas baked by the Rocky Mountain Potica Co. We enjoyed them at the April meeting. The families of Mary Gersick and Jacque Simms enrolled many family members. Ms. Snow Simms discovered a cookbook belonging to her maternal grandmother and learned of the SWUA. The Gersick ladies enjoyed the Zarja and wanted their own copies. SURPRISE: Francesca DeGarbo was awarded one of the SWU Scholarships. She is an excellent student, a dependable church volunteer and a faithful member. The theme for our May luncheon honoring Member of the Year, Katherine Kochevar, was "By the Beautiful Sea”. Margaret Cullen, President, presented Katherine with a shell-shaped mother-of-pearl pendant, saying, “She is our precious Mother-of-Pearl”. The Feast of Our Lady of Brezje was celebrated on May 21s1 and 22nd at St. Mary Church. On the eve of the feast day a Candle Lighting Service was held featuring large votive candles. One of the candles represented Branch 3. The Feast Day celebration included Mass with music provided by the Prešeren Glee Club. Branch 3 members, Mildred Stofac and Dorothy Zakrasek, wearing their Narodna noša and avba, welcomed people to the mass. After the mass, a Slovenian dinner was served featuring kravava and messina klobase, jesperen, zinkroffe, pohanje, kroffe, potica, strudels and 50 of kisle krompir made and donated by Branch 3 member, Bernice Krašovec. Our next meeting will be October 5th. May there be many beautiful SURPRISES in store for everyone. EILEEN KAPLAN BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Slovenians in Indianapolis are small, compared to other American cities, but we are connected to each other. Our families have been inter-twined by marriages, friendships, loyalties and the well-known long-standing feuds! Haughville is no longer the heart of the Slovenian community; neighbors no longer sweep the sidewalks, swap recipes across the fences or walk the alleys to PeeWee’s Tavern or Fon’s Grocery. It is so important for us to preserve the ties we have left. Become a member or a friend of Holy Trinity Slovenian Catholic Church visit the Slovenian National Home for Friday night socializing and music or plan a family or friend reunion at the Slovenian picnic grounds. Most importantly, talk to your children and grandchildren. Tell them of growing up Slovenian, the foods during the holidays and the Slovenian songs at mass. Tell them of the hardships of our first Slovenian families here, how many returned to Slovenia, but many stayed and raised very successful families. Get on-line together and hook up with a relative in Slovenia and begin a friendship that will bring your families close again. But most importantly, do something! Congratulations to Anna Fon for the SWU Scholarship! Thank you to those who regularly donate to the SWU Scholarship Fund. The same weekend Anna received her scholarship; she was crowned 2010 Prom Queen at Cardinal Ritter High School! It was a good weekend! Thanks to all who attended our Member of the Year meeting, and especially to those who brought new members! We had so much fun playing our dice game “LRC” the money was flying! Discussed at meeting were donations to SWU Scholarship Fund and Holiday plans. We welcome our newest member into the Cline-Fon-Poole-Walker-Thorpe family, Jonathon Joseph Cline, son of Scott and Sara Cline, born on April 24, 2010. KAREN, MARY and PHYLLIS BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Contact Information: bchiodo@comcast.net Our Member of the Year Luncheon was fabulous! Dorris Lovrin looked beautiful and helping her celebrate was 12 of her family members, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They drove about fifty miles and crossed two bridges to get to the luncheon. Talk about a lady who is loved by her family! Dorris is also attending our monthly meetings and driving that distance once a month, what a great gal. It was nice to see so many familiar faces. Thanks once again to Shirley Sterbenk Cooper for our Giants and A’s baseball tickets for our fundraiser raffle. Nancy Troya Benedict advises that her sister Carol Troya Goergen is going to be Mother of the Bride Daughter Lindsay Goergen, an SWUA member is getting married in May. Sophie Troya is looking down so proud of her family that the girls belong to SWUA. Four generations including Sophie’s great granddaughters Ashley Benedict, 5 years old and Haley Benedict, 8 years old. We would like to say hi to Agnes Ansel Kurnick and daughters Lynn Yager, Sandra Ferrell and granddaughter Jennifer Yager, this is another four generation family. Agnes’ mother Mary Ansel was one of the original members of Branch 13, as was Agnes’ sister the late Edythe Ansel. We would like to wish a very happy 100"' birthday to Betty Doherty on Augustl6, 2010. Betty was past financial secretary and has been a member for 62 years. Big congratulations to David Rathbun on graduating from Notre Dame and getting his teaching credentials, he is coaching track and football also. If you hear pride, it is because David is this reporter’s son. At our April meeting, member Jackie Kambic Lowe said it would have been my mother Annie Kambic’s 100th birthday. She brought beautiful cup cakes and we all sang Happy Birthday to Annie who was a member of SWUA for many years. BARBARA CHIODO BRANCH 14 - Euclid, Ohio We had our usual lovely Mother’s Day Dinner on May 4th and everyone had a wonderful time getting reacquainted with old friends while enjoying an authentic Slovenian dinner prepared by Sophie Mazi and her assistants. Once again welcomed were members of the Slovenian-American National Art Guild. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a plaque and corsage to our honored Members of the Year, Diane Varney and her late mother, Jennie Fitzhum. Diane is a most worthy recipient as Branch 14 owes its very existence to her. She is carrying on the work of her mother, Jennie. Our branch has been active for many; many years and we have many long time devoted members. Our dinner chairperson, Stana Grill, who contacts everyone and then arranges the seating, is celebrating her 50lh anniversary as a SWUA member. Congratulations! People like her and Diane are the lifeblood of our branch. Due to the age of Branch 14, we have many older members who are leaving us for Heaven. We offer our sympathies to the families of Antoinette Zabukovec and Mary Kokal who recently passed away. Antoinette was a member for 66 years and Mary was a member for 54 years! God bless them both. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Branch 14 will pay the dues of any member who enters a nursing home. It is shameful when a longtime member loses the benefits of her membership because her dues have not been paid. This has recently happened to one of our members and it should NEVER happen again. If you know of a member who is going into or is in a nursing facility, please contact Diane Varney at 330.923.4034 or drop a note to her at 1155 Easton Dr., Akron, Ohio 44310. Diane will see that the member’s dues are kept up to date. Have a blessed summer. PATRICIA BUDZILEK BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois At our April meeting, we had our drive for the Helping Angels Group. It was very successful. This group helps battered women and we were asked to bring items that a woman can use if she needs to set up a place to live. They usually leave their homes with only the clothes on their backs. We all agreed to do it again in the fall. We would like to welcome Mitzie Klobučar to our Branch. We wish Tina Sertich get-well greetings from all of us. She is still recovering; maybe we will see her at one of our meetings soon. Another lady that we miss at our meetings is Lena Americarelli. She is having trouble with her eyesight; pray that the medicines she is getting will help her. Kay Jurincie lost her husband Anthony recently. We send our condolences to her and her family. May he rest in peace. While we didn’t honor a special person this year, we did have a dinner at Center Lounge. It was a very nice dinner and the ladies all seemed to enjoy sitting and gabbing with each other, it was a very relaxing afternoon. Thank you to Terri Rossi for making all the arrangements. In September we will be working on the WWII project, St. George has a beautiful parish almanac honoring all the men and women who were in WWII. We will use that as a starting point. Thank you Marge Mitchell for doing such a good job leading us through this year. Our next meeting will not be until September 11, we hope to see everyone at that meeting. Have a nice 4th of July and a beautiful summer. DOROTHY ROSSI BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: patricia.schager@sbcglobal.net Our Branch members have always been active in the community and one of our own, Ron Erjavec, has been honored as Joliet Catholic Academy Alumnus of the Year. Ron was chosen for his continuing support in JCA activities and community involvement. Congratulations also go to our outstanding scholarship recipients Martha Ryzner, Michalene Ferguson and Margaret Koncar. Martha was awarded a $1,000 National Scholarship. She has been a Branch 20 member since she was one month old, and plans to enter the University of Wisconsin, Madison, majoring in science. Michalene, a member since the 1980’s, has always wanted to be an x-ray tech, and with a $500 help from the Branch, her dream is closer. She plans on attending Joliet Junior College. Margaret, also awarded $500 by the Branch, will be a senior at Joliet Catholic Academy. She is on the varsity softball team, in the Honors program, plays the flute and is a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph’s Church. Woman of the Year honoree Nicki Blowers was feted by over 100 of her closest and dearest friends and well-wishers at the May banquet. The dinner was great, the entertainment enjoyable and we were proud to honor such an outstanding member. Plans are already underway for the annual Grape Festival in September. The last Sunday in September is always set aside for the highly popular gathering of local Slovenes to remember their collective heritage with food, music and dancing. Our condolences to members Jenny Lou Skul and Evelyn Felbinger on the death of their brother; members Deborah Brown, Donna Lawler, Katie Lawler and Amanda Skul on the death of their uncle. And it was with sadness on learning of the death of long-time member Julie (Horvath) Crouch, aunt of member Pat Schager. Julie always kept her Slovenian heritage alive in Texas. PAT SCHAGER BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Contact Information: 91ives@comcast.net Dober Dan! Our annual Spring Luncheon was held at Mario’s Maples on May 20, with 34 members in attendance. Tina Kasperski, Mary (Story) Pryde, Maggie Pryde and Loretta Story hosted the event. As usual, the buffet was delicious as was the homemade desserts made by the committee members. Eight beautiful spring planters were awarded as door prizes to some very lucky ladies. This event has always been one of the most popular with our branch. ' ZIMMER FUNERAL HOMES " Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director mark@zimnierfiineralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 Tel: 920.457.7012 Fax: 920.457.7013 W 2132 Ganton Rd., Sheboygan, Wl 53083 920.565.2331 www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com v______________________________________________ / Margaret (Maggie) Pryde and Bekki Prokup, both graduates of St. Bede Academy, Peru, Illinois, and members of the branch, were honored at the luncheon and presented with a scholarship check. Maggie the daughter of William and Mary (Story) Pryde of LaSalle, will be attending Iowa State University. Bekki, the daughter of William and Bonnie (Pohar) Prokup of Peru, will be attending Quincy College. Preliminary plans were discussed for our annual summer picnic (if it ever warms up). This event should be titled “Slovenian Delight” because of all the outstanding Slovenian dishes that are made. Our thoughts and prayers are always with those who are ill and shut in members, especially Arlene Borys who is recuperating from open-heart surgery. This is the proud Grandma in me talking now - a new Granddaughter, Ellie Grace, was born on May 15 to Heather and Michael Story. That makes 26 total - 14 girls and 12 boys (Girls Rule!) Enjoy the summer! Sit under a shade tree, drink lemonade, go for ice cream, tend your gardens, reminisce and don’t forget your sun screen! And, until next time, may your hearts be filled with peace and love. LORETTA STORY BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Contact Information: anitaml@frontier.com 218.229.3202 We finalized our plans for the Member of the Year party and the State Convention at our April meeting, President Anita Vovk was absent. Hostesses were Helen Simonich and Marlys Rabb. Our sympathy to Secretary Gabriella Goritchan on the loss of her sister, Margie Ball. Two of our members Pauline Korpela and Julie Pirnat are hospitalized, we wish them a speedy recovery. May 2nd the Member of the Year party was held. Many attended the dinner to honor the recipients: Phyllis Turk and Madelyn Klun. The third recipient, Margie Ball was honored posthumously. Our next meeting will be our annual lunch meeting on Wednesday, August 4th at the Aurora Community Center at Noon. The Minnesota State Convention sounds exciting, we encourage you to sign up for the bus and attend this event. Have a great summer. MARYLYS RABB BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota Contact Information: rribich@northlc.com 218.865.6600 Our sympathy to the family of our dear sister Tory Bobence. Several members of SWUA attended her funeral held in Tower, MN on May 1, 2010. You can read about Tory and her faithful membership and continued service to our beloved S WUA on the back page of this issue. Along with Minnesota Regional President, Rosemary Ribich, Branch Presidents from 23 Ely, MN, Gerry Petrich, 35 Aurora, MN, Anita Vovk and Branch 109, Twin Cities Norman Setniker also attended. A lovely bouquet of red carnations was sent from our Minnesota branches. Her devotion to Living the Legacy was apparent in her eulogy. Zbogam, Tory, go with God and may He grant you eternal peace. Twenty-one Branch 39 members attended our Member of the Year dinner honoring Phyllis Nisen. A delicious chicken dinner buffet was enjoyed. Phyllis was presented with a corsage and a gift certificate and a tribute was read. It’s always fun to hear about members’ interests and talents. Che-stee-tam (Congrats in Slovenian) and we salute you for joining us in promoting our heritage. We sang along to ethnic music played by Carol Sherek on the button box. Congratulations also go to member, Jeffrey Fautch for receiving an SWU Scholarship. Jeff is the grandson of long-time member Phyllis Kukar and has been a member since 2006. We are all proud of you, Jeff. We are still working on a bus trip to the Twin Cities for the Regional Convention in September. Please call Vida Lanari at 218.741.1970, or e-mail her at vmlQl@mchsi@com for more information. ROSEMARY (SERT1CH) RIBICH BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin A big welcome to all of the members of Branch 12. I hope that you will participate in our activities and enjoy being a part of our branch. Please note that our meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 22, at the West Allis Library. Hope to see you there. Palm Sunday was a busy weekend for us. We met at Triglav Park where we were pleased to have guests, Bernadette Fitzsimmons, her daughter, Julianna, and her mom Nika Kovacic, joined us as we made butare. On Sunday, we gathered at St. John the Evangelist Church for Mass and processed into church proudly carrying our butare, where they were blessed. It was a beautiful sight as some members wore their Slovenian dress. After Mass we gathered for a delicious brunch and visited. We hope that Bernadette and her family enjoyed themselves as much as we enjoyed having them visit us. Congratulations to John and Joel Rechlitz on receiving the 2010 Fireslayer of the Year Award from the Fire Safety Company MSA. John and Joel received this national award for saving a little boy from a burning vehicle. Branch 43 is very proud of these two members. Condolences are extended to the family of Jennie Kouchich who passed away. Jennie was a long time member of our branch. May she rest in peace. May 2, was a beautiful day, as celebrated with our Member of the Year, Tillie Skusek. Tillie was proud to introduce her family and they in turn had many loving comments about her. Our strolling musician, Ed Vidmar, entertained us before and after dinner and we even had a little sing along. Tillie was presented a beautiful clock and flowers and our outgoing Member of the Year BettyAnn Kolesari relinquished her tiara to Tillie. Once again, Tillie, congratulations. MICI BREGANT BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio Contact Information: Olga Dorchak - 330.468.7989 Elsie Spellacy - 330.699.0031 Katherine Wallace 330.253.0825 or webblekatt@hotmail.com Thank you to everyone who attended Marge Rys’s Member of the Year event. We celebrated it at The Dolphin Restaurant in Northfield. The food was great and we had 40 members and guests in attendance. Get well wishes go out to Elsie Spellacy. She was in the hospital for our Member of the Year event. Our next meeting will be in September at the Maple Heights Library. Unfortunately there will be no Yearly Mass for Living and Deceased Members at St. Lawrence because it is closing. Birthday wishes go out to all our July and August members. KATHERINE WALLACE BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio Contact Information: 216.531.2745 or cjaynow@yahoo.com Summer greetings from the “50” on the North Coast! We held the annual Member of the Year banquet at Dubrovnik Gardens restaurant at the Croatian Lodge in Eastlake, Ohio, recognizing not a single recipient, but instead honoring our full membership. It was a pleasant and well-attended event. A special Branch 50 welcome goes out to our new member, Emilee Jenko, the personable and outgoing cultural correspondent who has been very active in Slovenian circles, writing often for the Slovenian American newspaper. Member Ann Orlikowski at 99 years is currently residing at the Slovene Home for the Aged. We are so pleased to hear that our member Anne Arhar has joined the team at Euclid Seniors to share her time volunteering at the Euclid Lakefront Community Center. President Rose Mary Toth reminds everyone to verify the beneficiaries on your insurance policy (call Jonita Ruth at 815.727.1926 with any changes or questions). Please also remember to double check that your annual SWUA membership dues are paid up! Congratulations to Branch 50 member Kara Marushak (crowned “Miss SNPJ” 2010) on receiving a scholarship award from the SWUA. In May, local Slovenes gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Bishop Edward Pevec at St. Vitus church. Congratulations, Bishop Pevec, and continued good health and happiness! And finally, it’s not too early to begin thinking about a couple of upcoming important events. First is Tony Petkovsek’s 49th annual Thanksgiving Day Polka Party, which this November will be celebrating 20 years at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Cleveland. This annual celebration has become a treasured local tradition and always promises a weekend of great food and music, dancing and the annual Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame awards presentation. Next is the SWUA National Convention which will be held beginning June, 2011 in Milwaukee. Look for additional details elsewhere in this and future editions of Zarja. ANNE TOMSICK BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio Hello from Girard, I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer. In Branch news, Andrea Selak was a keynote speaker at 2010 Commencement for the Department of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame this past May. Andrea addressed a large audience including department faculty, graduates and family members. What an honor! Congratulations, Andrea! In other branch news, Anna Fooy participated in track during this past spring. She has done very well in her events including relay races and hurdles. Keep up the good work, Anna! Anna’s brother, Nicolas, has also been quite busy. Nicolas participated in the Science Olympiad this past spring in Michigan. Members are strongly encouraged to attend monthly meetings. It would be great to see more members involved! That’s all the news for now. Have a great summer! MONICA SELAK BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: barbarabmch@yahoo.com or 815.339.2714 Our May dinner at John’s North Star in LaSalle was well attended by 23 members and guests. We also celebrated May birthdays for Flossie Argubright, Heidi Huber, JoAnn Cole, Cynthia Carus, Fran Morrison, Hannah Huber, Ona Rehn and Karen Szott. Trudy and Mary Argubright baked cup cakes to celebrate Grandma Flossie’s birthday. Junior members were given M&M’s. President Alice Ebner won the door prize of a dinner at John’s North Star and Annaliesse Sabotta and Mary Theiss shared the 50/50 drawing. President Alice read the names of the members not present. Thanks to Terry Kamnikar and Tammy Landgraf for arranging such a nice evening. Branch 89 is happy to be hosting the 2010 Illinois/Indiana State Convention in Oglesby on Sunday, September 19, 2010. We hope that a lot of people from other branches will be able to join us. The day will start with Mass at Holy Family Church at 10:30 a.m. so no one will have to leave home at dawn to participate. The rest of the activities will be at the nearby Oglesby Elk’s Lodge. Raffle tickets were distributed to all our members and we hope everyone is successful selling them, the top prize is $300 cash. Thank you for everyone’s support in funding our convention. Good Luck to all. Contact me anytime with questions or comments. BARBARA BRUCH BRANCH 93 - New York City, New York Contact Information: 201.947.6336 or lzalokar@yahoo.com or Lgross@tstnyc.org Another prospective member for Branch 93! Yuna Isabelle was born to Sonja Kneževic-Kong and her husband Hoon thirteen weeks early on March 23 (14 inches, 2 lbs 2 oz). Sonja and Hoon keep up our branch web-site while they live in Seattle! Our members have been fortunate with regular opportunities to connect with all things Slovenian - Damjan Kozole’s film A Call Girl shown at the European Cinema festival at the Czech Center, an exhibition of international contemporary art, the Slovenia Press Photo Competition Exhibition in Brooklyn, a discussion of Boris Pahor’s A Difficult Spring at the European Book Club lead by the English language translator Erica Johnson Debeljak, who joined Janez Janša at CEC ArtsLink the next day for a discussion of issues and tensions of “outsiders” living and working in Slovenia. Marta Stemberger’s Slovenian class sang at St. Cyril’s 3rd Sunday of the Month Cultural Hour in May. June found dedicated soccer fans meeting at ESPN to watch the World Cup games. We already have some folks from other parts of the former Yugoslavia joining us at times, and in July we will hear Emir Kusturica and The No Smoking Orchestra at SCOLA WWW.SCOLA.ORG Helping people of the world learn more about one another Planning Committee met, lunch afterwards at Djerdan in November, Annette, Lynn, Katrina from Nova Scotia (who joined us and plans to join our branch as she comes to NYC a few times a year), Ria, Liz the Lincoln Center Festival. (He’s the noted film director of Underground). We’re hoping to reach other former Yugoslavians who would enjoy our events as many have mixed ancestries and could be “a bit Slovenian”. Looking further ahead our 3rd Slovenian Heritage Sampler Weekend is set for November 5-7 and is open to members and friends! Maybe a nearby branch could attend this year with a few members! See our web-site www.SWUANYC.org for current and past activities, or take a look at www.facebook.com (type in “SWUA”). Join our Yahoo group for notification of upcoming activities (e-mail:SWUABranch93NYC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com). Not on e-mail? Call Branch 93 contact: 201.947.6336. Same number to suggest an event, or contact Lynn Zalokar at Lzalokar@yahoo.com. See Branch 93’s report in the Jan/ Feb issue of Zarja for leads to activities in NYC area. ELIZABETH GROSS BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Contact Information: jmhlade@hotmail.com Happy 4th of July! Wishing you a wonderful holiday. Summer is in full swing, and our branch has several summer events planned. In June, our branch held a culinary class to make krofe. Many members were able to learn how to make this popular and delicious “Slovenian donut”. Our next culinary class is scheduled for November 20th. Learn how to make Goulash and Polenta. $10 per person and registration required. Contact secretary Barb Block at barbandlarryblock@att.net or 630.379.6442. New this summer is our Summer Social Event at Vice-President Paula Mavec’s house on July 17th, at 12 noon, 903 Cassie Dr, Joliet. A bocce ball and bag tournament will be held. $5 per person to enter per tournament. The winners will receive half of the total winnings, and Branch 99 will win the other half! Come and learn how to play these games, or just watch and enjoy. Please bring a dish to pass, your own beverages and possibly a lawn chair. RSVP to Paula at 815.729.9787 or Jana Hlade at jmhlade@hotmail.com by July 10"'. Members and families are welcome! At our August 1st meeting at 1 p.m. in the Cultural Center library, come and listen to Slavica Sovan talk about the Slovenian National Costume, Narodna noša. Learn how each piece is worn, what correct fabrics are used, and how to make your own! You won’t want to miss it! Earlier this year, our branch donated many items to troops with OPERATION: MOMS COOKIES. This organization began with sending baked cookies to troops, but has grown into a national operation sending packages all year long. Our branch is considering supporting this wonderful organization again in the future. Welcome new members Marica Fister and Debra Owens. We hope to see you at our meetings and events! Have a great summer! JANA HLADE BRANCH 100 - Southern California Contact Information: 949.495.0097 orajkoci@cox.net Branch 100 was honored to celebrate with a special luncheon for this year’s Member of the Year, Martha Nagy. A wonderful group of members and friends gathered at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant on Saturday, May Is1 for this tribute. Martha was so happy to have her SWUA friends around her and was thrilled with the honor. Everyone had a good time and enjoyed visiting and catching up on the local happenings. We did have a meeting and took care of some business and announcements under the direction of President, Mary Lou Jensen. She was happy to announce that the Branch acquired nine new members since the last meeting a few of whom were present. We were pleased to have Connie Swiderski who is taking over the duties of Secretary-Treasurer as Rosemary Mlakar felt it was time to pass on the office to someone a bit younger. We are sure that Connie will do a great job! Thanks, Connie. Martha Nagy with Mary Lou Vidergar Tezak’s 1908 - 2008 Home to Celebrate Life ® 1211 PLAINFIELD RD., JOLIET, IL 60435 www.tezakfuneralhome.com 815.741.2563 Fax 877.587.8460 815.722.0524 _____________Celebrating our 100"' Year!___________ Attendees were encouraged to submit the forms concerning WWII participants and those who helped with the war effort during the 1940’s. Also announced was SWUA’s interest and connection with the Slovenian Genealogy Society. Packets were distributed to encourage participation. Mary Lou LaVallie talked a little about the work that she is involved in along with Mary Lou Voelk concerning historical data of the SWUA. Her expertise with computers has been a big help in this cataloguing of data. It was good to have Mary Lou Vidergar with us and as a very close friend of Martha Nagy, she did the reading of Martha’s biography and contributions. Mary Lou is in the process of moving up north to San Mateo, but we hope that she will visit often after her final move. We wish everyone a beautiful summer!! JEAN KOCI BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin Contact Information: kleespires@comcast.net or 847.356.6160 Greetings from Willard! With summer in full swing all members are reminded that our next meeting will be on September 11th at the parish center. Please attend and support our Branch It was reported that over 300 people attended the 100th anniversary of Holy Family Parish in April. This was more than were expected and reminds us of the ties that remain for home and small rural churches. Our President, Rose Dickie Bauer, Branch 102 Pakiz reminded us that volunteers in the parish still make a yearly scrapbook including the sacraments given and highlights of the year. These scrapbooks have been made for many years and are a wonderful source of information for the study of the Slovenians of the Willard area. Doug Krultz, grandson of our member Vickie Krultz recently began serving a one year assignment in Iraq. Please pray for his safety. Also keep Sophie Trunkel in your thoughts, she is recovering from a fall and receiving skilled nursing care. Member Pat Sixel continues to receive treatment for her health problems. Pat and fellow SWUA member Candy Johnson travel together and rarely miss a meeting. We all hope that Pat will be back on her feet soon so that we can enjoy Pat and Candy’s company at meetings again. Many members were spotted at the Slovenska Drubza picnic, Dairy Day’s in Greenwood and the Polka Fest. An interesting piece was found in the Clark County Press (February 10, 2010) from about February, 1950. It stated that beginning in about 1949 at least 44 refugees from the former Jugoslavia had been sponsored by members of Holy Family with the help of the priest, Odilio Hajnšek. While talking about this with older members of our branch they remembered this happening but didn’t recall any more details. Anyone who might know more on these immigrant families please contact Branch 102 or Karen Spires. KAREN SPIRES BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bettekfitz@verizon.net Srečno poletje! Happy summer! Our member and spiritual advisor, Fr. Peter Roič completed final exams and left for Slovenia for the summer. Congratulations to member Charlie Koiner, who is featured in a summer film documentary, “Comer Plot” which explores his steadfast persistence to maintain a one acre farm with the help of his daughter, member Lynn Koiner. They are well known at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and sell fresh vegetables and fruits at the Silver Spring farmer’s market. To learn more about the inspiring life of Charlie Koiner, go to, http:// cornerplotmovie.com/about_us.html. In March Junior member Juliana Fitzsimmons participated in her school’s International Night and helped her mamica, Bernadette Fitzsimmons bring artifacts about the country of Slovenia. There were Slovenian cookbooks for sale and potica cake to taste at the booth. She participated in the parade of nation’s and waved a Slovenian flag along with two friends she adopted to represent Slovenia. Congratulations to Juliana on being selected as the recipient of the Educational Grant for junior members, given by Mrs. Irene Odorizzi. Iskreno sožalje, our deepest sympathy to the Lawrence family of Clarksburg, MD. On April 13lh, Mrs. Eveline In memory of Eveline Lawrence managing the dessert table at Pustna Veselica, Shrovetide Masquerade Festival, February 25, 2006 (Evie) Lawrence, passed away at age 65. Eveline was one of the twelve to attend our first Branch 108 organizational meeting in 2003 and was proud to be a charter member. Despite Eveline’s battle with cancer, she attended meetings as long as she was able and accomplished much, including staying active and time spent with her husband, three children and seven grandchildren. Eveline was always ready to give a helping hand at our events, enjoyed learning about Slovenian traditions, and also served as branch secretary for two years. Nika Kovacic and Bernadette Fitzsimmons attended the funeral Mass at the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bamesville, MD. They had the opportunity to meet Evie’s sister Jennie Kaluza Federko of Jamestown, NY another fellow member who enjoys reading Zarja and is sorry she lives too far away to attend meetings. BERNADETTE KOVACIC FITZSIMMONS BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities, Minnesota After achieving our second consecutive Award of Excellence at the 2010 Festival of Nations our branch looks forward to hosting the Minnesota State SWU A Convention on September 12lh, summer was our opportunity to try and get reenergized for what promises to be the busiest year for the Twin Cities Slovenians. The Church of Saint Bernard in St. Paul, MN will be the site of the convention. The goal of the planning committee was to make Sunday, September 12th an “All Slovenian Day. The church was designed (exterior and interior) by the Slovenian architect, John Jager. The music during the mass will be sung by some of our native “Slovenians along with members of the St. Stephen’s parish (oldest Slovenian enclave in Minnesota with their church also designed by Jager) located near St. Cloud. Our speaker hopefully will be the Honorable Senator Amy Klobuchar along with her father Jim Klobuchar. Jim has led many tours and has traveled extensively throughout Slovenia. We will be honored to have both of them speaking at the same event. Moreover, Andrew Percic, a native Slovenian and owner of the Nectary Restaurant where we have our monthly meetings will coordinate the dinner. How Slovenian is that! Marlene Palkovich and Mary Ann Setnicker are coordinating the events for this special day. Branch 109 has also taken on the WWII Project which was initiated by Mary Lou Voelk this past spring. Mary Ann Palmer has volunteered to gather and collate member contributions for this noteworthy project. Mary Alice Schwanke made an excellent power point presentation on her family’s contributions to WWII. Thank you Mary Alice and to the members who have submitted their information about their families contributions to WWII. Our summer was punctuated with some homework, indexing 10 issues of the Zarja from 1946. Don Palkovich, Liz Miller, Joe Kuznik, Kathryn and Jim Smrekar, Mary Alice Schwanke and Norm Setnicker volunteered to each take on this project on their own time. Digitizing the Zarja magazines without major funding is a daunting but worthwhile project. It will truly be the history of the SWUA if and when it is completed. The last major task, aside from the Festival of Nations 2011, is preparing for the National Convention of the SWUA hosted by the Milwaukee Slovenians. President Norm Setnicker is heading up a study group to recommend possible changes to the SWUA Bylaws. Discussion seems to be focusing on a possible name change as well as the purpose of the regional or state conventions each year. “Kako hitro tece cas!(How quickly time goes by!). NORM SETNICKER KURENT 'MW HUM Jennifer Mayer ‘tty1 Award of Excellence at the 2010 Festival of Nations Elaine Barthelemy and Joe Kuznik. This is an overall photo of the booth. John Zakelj, the Zlatorog with the city of Ljubljana on the panel on the left and Mt. Triglav on the right. (Right to left): Mary Bernard, Sue Rademacher, Sues daughter Becky Park & sons. Passports stamped, brochures & character cards available, as well as having your name written in Slovenian. 2010 Festival of Nations chairs & planning committee, post celebration at Nancy Jean Pajunen s. Left to right standing are: Frank Medved, Marty Medved, Norm Setnicker, Jean Rolstad, Tom Moren, Jim Smrekar, Dave Rademacher. Seated left to right are: Mary Medved, her grandson Julian, Mary Ann Setnicker, Nancy Jean Pajunen, Liz Miller and Sue Rademacher. Jenka’s Taste of Slovenia Nothing tastes better than fresh homegrown vegetables. Remember when you were a kid, going out into your grandparents’ or parents’ garden and picking a fresh, ripe, red tomato and taking a bite out of it, the juices exploding with flavor in your mouth and running down your chin? Growing your own crop of vegetables can be one of the most rewarding garden projects. The vegetable garden is a staple to most Slovenians and taken very seriously. Flavorful Slovenian salads are a refreshing treat for travelers to Slovenia. A very popular item in Slovenian restaurants is a mixed salad (mešana solata), which typically consists of a variety of vegetable salads grouped on a bed of lettuce. The plate is usually served with a combination of three salads depending on the time of year and what is available in their own garden or at the local farmers market. Typical salads used are tomato salad, cucumber salad, marinated beets, beans, potato salad, peppers or cabbage salad. With fresh bread, a mixed Slovenian salad can make a meal. The following are some of the salads you may want to try when making your own Slovenian mixed salad. Try different combinations and create your own variations, but remember the key to its flavorful taste is to always use fresh vegetables free of pesticides. Dober tek! - Jenka Sweet Cucumber and Radish Salad 1 large cucumber 1 bunch radishes Vi cup cider vinegar 3 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Sea salt and pepper to taste Peal cucumber, then halve lengthwise and slice crosswise lA inch thick. Cut each radish lengthwise into 8 wedges. Bring vinegar, sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then stir in oil. Pour hot dressing over cucumbers and radishes in a bowl and stir, then let stand 10 minutes. Stir and season with salt and pepper before serving. Serves 4 and can be made one hour in advance. Chill and cover. Tangy Green Beans 3 bacon strip, diced 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 4 tablespoons cold water, divided 1 pound fresh green beans Boil fresh green beans for 10 minutes, cool off in cold water, drain. In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. In a small bowl, combine sugar; stir in cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Stir into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the cooked bacon mixture to green beans, toss to coat; chill before serving. Potato Salad 1 pound red small potatoes '/2 cucumber, peel and grate 5 green onions, chopped '/2 cup olive oil '/2 cup vinegar Vi cup sugar Sea salt and pepper to taste Boil potatoes for 10-15 minutes, place in cold water, peel and slice. Place in bowl. Combine cucumber, onions, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; stir. Add mixture to potatoes and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate overnight. Balsamic Tomatoes and Mint Salad 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil Sea salt and pepper to taste 10-15 Mint leaves Combine cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add mint leaves, and toss. Chill and serve. Jenka’s faste ^ -JcT Cole Slaw 1 teaspoon sea salt % teaspoon pepper ‘/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon celery salt 2 tablespoons pimento, chopped V2 teaspoon onion, grated 3 tablespoons Mazola salad oil 1/3 cup vinegar 3 cups cabbage, chopped 'A cup green pepper, chopped Stuffed olives, sliced Place ingredients in large bowl in order given, Mix well. Chill thoroughly. Garnish with sliced stuffed olives. AIRMAIL t NARODNA IN UNIVERZITETNA KNJIŽNICA DS II 54 7882010 IRENA SESEK TURJAŠKA 1, P.O. BOX 259 IOOO LJUBLJANA 1000 Slovenia 920100321,4 2147483647 VICTORIA (TORY) BOBENCE 1926-2010 SWUA National President 1987- 1995 On Saturday, May 1,2010, we said goodbye to our dear sister Tory Bobence. Tory was a Slovenian Women’s Union of America member for fifty-nine (59) years, joining the organization in 1951 at the age of twenty-five (25) where she held offices at the local, state and national levels. Tory was bom on March 9,1926, in Soudan, Minnesota, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Breznik) Erchul. It is interesting that she was bom the same year as SWUA was organized by Marie Prisland. It is not coincidence that God sent her to us that year so she could spend a good part of her life in service to SWUA. That may be the reason she truly “Lived the Legacy of her Beloved Slovenian Heritage She was united in marriage to John Bobence on May 27,1950. Tory and John owned and operated the Clear Lake Resort in Ely, Minnesota. She was an avid gardener and an excellent cook. She held local and state offices in the Minnesota Horticultural Society. Tory served as a Secretary/Treasurer and President of Branch 34, Soudan, Minnesota. She served as Minnesota Regional President, elected in 1980. She became a National Auditor in 1984 and Third Auditor in 1986. She stood to the task of becoming the National SWUA President in 1987 and served in that capacity for eight (8) years. Let us not forget the wonderful articles of TORY'S GARDEN that were published in Zarja. In researching the history of her service, we found that many times Tory donated weeklong stays at her Clear Lake Resort in Ely, M innesota to the member who recruited the most members during the campaign. Wouldn’t our SWUA grow if each of us volunteered that much time and energy? Zbogam, Tory, Go with God. Let us remember her and her family in our prayers. Rosemary (Sertich) Rihich, Minnesota Regional President