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A Magazine for SNPJ Juvenilei *?*
JANUARY
1944
II 480S9
Mladinski List
JUVENILE
IVAN MOLEK -PHILIP GODINA -
Editor
- Business Manager
CONTENTS FOR JANUARY, 1944
(Vsebina januarske številke)
POEMS, STORIES, PLAYS, ETC.	Page
Lukec in njegov škorec (nadaljevanje) _______________________________       3
Luna (pesem) ..................................................             6
Na pragu novega leta (pesem) __________________________________________     1
Včeraj je hilo, jutri bo ...................  '________________________     5
FEATURES, ARTICLES
Birthdays of the Great Men................................................. 2
Just For Fun..................................v............................ 9
Let’s Play Games.........................................................  10
Origin of the World, The.................................................   4
Our Own Juvenile Circles of the SNPJ.......................................20
Our Pen Pals Write  .....................................................  27
Our School ............................................................... 11
Zgodbe o bombažu .......................................................... 7
Published monthly by the Slovene National Benefit Society for the members of its Juvenile Department. Annual subscription, $1.20; half year, 60c; foreign subscription, $1.50. Address: 2657 S. Lawndale Ave.( Qjicago 23, 111. Entered as second-class matter August 2, 1922, at the post office	111.,	under Act of August 24, 1912.
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MLADINSKI LIST
JUVENILE
leto xxiii—št. i
CHICAGO, JANUARY, 1944
VOL. XXIII—No. 1
NA PRAGU NOVEGA LETA
Katka Zupančič
Oj, leto staro, lahko noč! Prav kmalu boš za nami; ko ura bila bo polnoč— Vse hudo sabo vzami!
Pa hujše še sovražnikom oglodalo si silo— široke špranje in polom “osišču” si pustilo.
Rekordov se nabralo si, imaš jih polne vreče— a mnoge treba plačati z oglodki naše sreče . . .
A ni pretrgan še oklep, ki tare naše brate; ko tuje zlobe bo pogreb prižgo se zarje zlate.
Oh, leto staro, lahko noč! Vse hudo sabo vzami; le nade pusti nam in moč, da zmaga bode z nami!
Birthdays of the Great Men
tl ton CUk ou
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, the famous Russian novelist and dramatist, was born on January 17, 1860, in Taganrog, on the Sea of Azov, the scene of recent bitter fighting against the Nazi invader. Chekhov’s name in Russian and all Slav languages is spelled Čehov. His father was a tradesman and the son of a serf. Young Chekhov was educated at the high school of his native town, and at the age of 18 entered the University of Moscow, where he studied medicine.
Chekhov completed his studies at the Mos-cow uvniersity and obtained his degree as doctor of medicine, but practiced medicine very little. He began his literary career while yet a student, and soon became one of the most welcome contributors to the comic papers. His early stories appeared over the signature Antoša Čehonte. In 1886 some of his stories appeared in book form entitled, “Particular Stories.” The book had a great success.
At the age of 27 Chekhov wrote his first play “Ivanov.” Three years later he traveled to the convict island of Sakhalin. The result of his journey was his book “Sakhalin Island,” which had a tremendous effect on the mitigation of the penal regime. He then settled with his parents on a small estate he had acquired not far from Moscow. At the age of 36 Chekhov wrote his second play, “The Seagull,” which was staged by the Moscow Art Theater and proved a great success.
Henceforward Chekhov’s connection with the Moscow Art Theater became very close. Soon thereafter his famous plays “Uncle Vanya,” “The Three Sisters,” and “The Cherry Orchard” were produced there, all with considerable success. In 1900, Chekhov was elected an honorary member of the Academy of Science, but resigned his membership when the election of Maxim Gorky, his famous contemporary, was canceled by the government. About this time he was threatened, with tuberculosis and was forced to live in the Crimea and abroad.
The early stories of Chekhov are chiefly
humorous. They are, particularly in Russia, the most popular part of his work. Then followed a series of more serious stories against a background of nature—“The Steppe,” “Happiness,” “Easter Eve”—where the lyrical elemetn of his genius received its fullest expression.
By 1889, at the age of 29, Chekhov aU tained perfection in his style. To this and the following years belong a succession of masterpieces, the principal of which are “A Dreary Story,” “The Duel,” “Ward No. 6” “The Teacher of Literature,” “Three Years: An Artist’s Story,” “Peasants,” “The Darling,” “Ionitch,” “The Lady with the Dog,” “The New Villa” and “The Bishop.”
Somewhat apart from the other stories of Chekhov stand what are perhaps his two masterpieces, “My Life” and “In the Ravine.” They have a clearer and harder outline; they are free from the atmospheric haze that pervades the others, and are animated by a more active sense of moral and human values.
Chekhov’s dramatic work consists of the same element as his narrative work. It includes one-act plays which were extremely popular in Russia. His longer plays are five in number, as named in a paragraph above. The principal thing in them is not the action but the emotional accompaniment of the action. His plays were imitated by Gorky, Andreyev and others, but without any success.
Anton Chekhov is almost universally regarded as the greatest Russian writer and as the greatest story-teller and dramatist of modern times. English critics have even called him the greatest dramatist since Shakespeare. Here in America, a number of his famous plays has been produced, notably “Uncle Vanya,” “The Cherry Orchard” and “The Three Sisters.”
Most of Chekhov’s stories and plays were translated into Slovene; in fact many of his short stories are so popular among Slovenes that he has often been tought of as a Slovene writer . . .
Anton Chekhov died on July 2, 1904, at Badenweiler in the Black Forest, Germany, at the age of 44.
LUKEC IN NJEGOV ŠKOREC
Povest za mladino France Bevk
(Nadaljevanje)
Fant? Besede so bile tako čudne, da je Lukcu zastalo srce. Stiskaje ga za roko mu je Slokar povedal:
“Mati je umrla.”
Lukec sprva ni verjel. In vendar: bila je resnica. Vse se je ujemalo: obrazi, materino težko slovo . . . Parnik, nebo, morje, ljudje— vse se je vrtelo okrog njega. Opotekel se je. Iztrgal se je. Iztrgal je roko iz Slokarjeve in jo nesel na obraz. Da, obljubil je, da bo mož. V tistem hipu ni mogel premagati solz. Same od sebe so mu začele teči po licih.
“Kje je mati? Kje je mati?”
Slokar je stal nekaj trenutkov ko nem. Posvaljkal je novo cigareto in jo zopet vtaknil v žep.
“Pojdiva!”
Šla sta. Ne v bolniško, ampak v mrtvaško sobo. Ta je ležala poleg prve. Po poti se je Lukec zdramil iz žalosti in iz omotice.
“Kdaj je umrla?”
“Ponoči.”
“Zakaj me niste poklicali?”
“Saj sem tudi jaz izvedel šele zjutraj.”
Mati je ležala na ozkem ležišču. Ob nji je gorela luč. Ob vzglavju je stal križ. Bila je voščeno bleda, mirna. Njene oči so še vedno gledale skozi pol odprte veke v strop. Na licih ji je ležal nasmeh. Skrb in blaženost sta sijala v njem.
Lukec je obstal ob nji. Klobuk mu je bil padel na tla. Noge so mu klecnile v kolenih. “Mati!”
Ni mu odgovorila. Zdelo se je, da se mu smehlja: “Ali boš priden?” Lukec ji je obljubljal v srcu:	“Priden,	priden,	priden!”
Prepozno. Mati je bila mrtva. Mati se ne bo prebudila nikoli več.
Prijel bi jo bil za roko, jo objel. Ni si upal. Telo se mu je začelo tresti v ramenih. Prsi mu je hotelo raznesti. Zdaj ga nič več ni bilo sram. Zajokal je na ves glas . .
24.
Bil je lep dan, solnce je sijalo, ko se je vršil na parniku pogreb. Ljudje so prišli v obil-
nem številu. Tudi nekateri potniki iz prvega in drugega razreda.
Trupla niso zabili v krsto. Zašili so ga bili v vrečo, nanjo so privezali kamenja. Mornarji so bili pogrebci. Ti so položili vrečo na desko in jo dvignili na rob ladje. Navzoča sta bila tudi kapitan in zdravnik. Duhovnik je molče gledal nekam predse in držal črno knjigo v rokah.
Vsi pogledi so bili uprti v Lukca. Ta je stal blizu kapitana. Ni vedel, kaj se z njim godi. Vse je bilo tako čudno. Ali je res, da mati leži mrtva v zašiti vreči? Morje je pljuskalo v bok ladje in šumelo. Lukec je pogledal čez krov. Zdelo se mu je, da se odpira veliko žrelo, ki težko čaka, da bi požrlo plen.
Duhovnik je pel in molil. Nato je trikrat pokropil mrliča. “Počivaj v miru!” Monarji so dvignili desko. Truplo se je zganilo in zdrčalo navzdol . . .
Potniki so pogledali čez krov. Vreča je letela po zraku, pljusknila na vodo. Valovi so zadovoljni zagrgrali. Platno je bilo videti še za trenutek, nato je izginilo. Na mestu, kjer je bilo padlo truplo v vodo, so ležale bele pene. Ladja se je naglo pomikala od groba.
Lukec se je šele tedaj zavedel, kaj se je zgodilo. Zajokal je na ves glas.
Nekatere ženske so zajokale z njim. Drugi so imeli solze v očeh. Španjolka se ni mogla premagati. Prerila se je k Lukcu in ga objela:
“Ubogi fant! Ubogi fant!”
Jokala je tudi ona. Nato je zbežala.
Ljudje so se bili razšli. Lukec je dolgo ostal na mestu. Nehal je jokati in se ozrl. V bližini je stal Slokar. Približal se mu je.
“No, zdaj pa pojdiva!”
Lukec je ubogal. Odšla sta.
Na krovu je sedel Lukec v kot, ni se ozrl. Gledal je predse in mislil. Videl je mater pred seboj . . . Nato očeta . . . Kako ga bo našel? Bil je sam. Kako mu bo povedal? To je bilo najtežje.
Pritekel je škorec.
“Luka! Luka!”
(Dalje prihodnjič.)
THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLD
(Continued.)
There were iguanas on the shores of all the islands; but they were not the bright-colored, swift-moving things that lived on the banks of the Tumbes River. They were big, black, horrid-looking things that made you shudder to look at, and they were very sluggish—on the land. They were absolutely helpless, and seemed to have no idea of either fighting or running away. I had chased the “goanas” in Peru; but they were too swift for me, and now I could lay hold of these, horrid ones, by the tail, and they would scarcely struggle. If you stood on the edge of a cliff and threw one into the sea, it appeared to wake up, and would swim as fast as lightning to the shore, and come right back to your feet and let you throw it in again. Why? Mr. Darwin told me! These iguanas came from the mainland, ages ago, on the roots of floating trees. The tough, leathery eggs of the iguanas stood the trip, and were cast on to these rough, volcanic shores. Then the little iguanas found nothing to eat, and they were very hungry. The only green thing about was the green laver, a sort of sea-lettuce, in the salt water; so the poor little beggars had to eat that. And they lived—at least, some of them did—and their children learned to like the green laver (if they did not, they died); and so through the ages the family learned to go deeper and deeper for the laver; and they learned to swim very fast, for the sharks came and caught them, and ate them up, if they were not pretty quick at getting ashore.
All the slow iguanas were eaten up by the sharks, especially the colored ones; so colors went out of fashion, and the only iguanas that survived were the sombre-skinned ones, and the ones that could swim fast. The only danger that was recognized by the “goana” was the shark; for its poor little brain could contain no other idea, and that meant getting ashore as quickly as possible. When man came and flung it into the water, its little brain was too sluggish to understand that men were worse than sharks. So, as soon as it struck the water, it came right back to the shore, where the man was, thinking it was safe on the rocks.
Do you observe now how the law was work-
ing out? The iguanas loved life—as we all do —and, in the struggle for existence, the only ones that survived were the ones that adapted themselves to the new conditions. That is to say, the survivors were the ones that had varied in a direction that was favorable to continued existence. The colored ones— such as I used to admire in Peru—were soon eaten up; therefore the colored variety soon died out. Then the slow swimmers died out, and the only ones that lived were the dark-colored ones and the swift ones. They were the ones that brought forth young, which inherited the parental tricks and appearance; so that in the struggle for existence, on the Galapagos Islands, the survivors were the ones best fitted for the new conditions.
It was not through any cleverness on the part of the iguanas themselves, but just owing to the operation of very simple laws. The laws of Nature are simple in the extreme; but we will keep on thinking that they are complicated. They are no such thing. The entire world originated in response to these simple laws, and is kept on its course by them, and we are what we are by their operation.
I hope you see what I mean, and how things work? If you do, and care to stud}*-the matter carefully, read good books, and keep your eyes open and your mind alert, you will come to understand the origin of the world.
The Galapagos Islands were furnished from the mainland of South America by drifting timber, carrying the eggs and seeds of living things which found a resting-place on the volcanic islets, and found means to live there. But the change was very great from the mainland to the islands, so the living things that survived had to adapt themselves to the new conditions, just as he iguanas did. Thus it has come to pass that nearly all the island life—birds and tortoises, turtles and insects, snails and trees—are different from those on the mainland. But not much different. They are all South American, with a difference. They have varied a little, owing to the changed conditions of life on the islands; but they are the same sort as they have in America, only different. You see what I mean, do you not? (Continued)
VČERAJ JE BILO, JUTRI BO... “ " Mueh,en:
Pravljice Poslovenil A. C.
kaj pripovedujejo petrčkovi PRIJATELJI?
Kaj pripoveduje premog
Peterček si je na poledici zlomil nogo. Moral je popolnoma mirno in nepremično ležati. Neznansko se je dolgočasil. Njegova mati je ves dan delala v tvornici, njegovi tovariši pa so bili na prostem in so se igrali po snegu; prav nič niso mislili na to, da bi obiskali bolnega tovariša. Podnevi, ko so sončni žarki pokukavali skozi okno in risali po stenah vsakovrstne smešne sence, se je Peterček vsaj malce zabaval. Zvečer se je stemnilo. Ozka izbica je postajala vedno temnejša, Peterček se je vedno bolj bal. Kako težko je Pričakoval, da bi se na stopnicah zaslišale mamine stopinje! Najčešče ga je zeblo, zakaj mama je zakurila malo železno peč šele zvečer, ko se je vrnila z dela.
Ves popoldan je snežilo. Peterček je s postelje opazoval dolge, puhaste, bele snežinke. Proti večeru se je znočilo. Peterček je ležal, prezebo-val; bil je žalosten, bilo ga je strah.
Nenadno se mu je zazdelo, da je na podu nekaj zašepetalo. Peterček je močno vlekel na uho. Iz malega zaboja za drva — v zaboju je bilo nekoliko koščkov premoga — se je oglasilo dvoje nežnih, tenkih glasov. Peterček se je zelo prestrašil ter se ni upal niti dihati. V tihi izbi so glasovi postajali vedno glasnejši. Kosi premoga so se Pogovarjali med seboj.
“Tukaj je pa res temno,” je rekel prvi kos premoga, ki je ležal na vrhu. “Prav ničesar ni videti.”
“Tam, odkoder sem prišel jaz, je še temneje,” Je odgovoril drugi kos.
“Odkor si prišel?”
“Iz zemlje, bratec moj. Bil sem zakopan v zemlji. Spal sem. Bilo mi je toplo in prijetno. Poleg mene so, tesno ob meni, spali nešteti bratje. Nekega dne se je naše ležišče streslo. Velikanski hrup me je zbudil. Zemlja se je odgrnila, jaz pa sem se zvalil z ležišča. Padel sem v neki rov, ki j® bil tako ozek in nizek, da ni mogel človek v njem stati pokoncu. Neki moški je ves zgrbljen tolkel po steni. Sopihal je; pot mu je lil s čela. Ubogi človek, kako je bil izmučen! Roke so se mu tresle, večkrat je prav glasno zastokal, drgnil se je po hrbtu, kakor da ga je v križu bolelo. Kmalu pa je začel zopet udrihati po steni. V ozkem rovu je bilo neznosno vroče. Odkar sem videl, kako nujnQ potrebujejo ljudje zraka, ne morem razumeti, kako je mogel tisti moški v rovu strpeti. V rovu ni bilo zraka ter je zelo slabo dišalo. Mislil sem, da je bil tisti človek, ki je moral globoko v zemlji tako trpeti, da mu je z obličja gledala žalost in jeza, slab človek, ki so ga za kazen zaprli v tako ozek rov. Pozneje so me naložili na neki voziček. Tako sem prišel iz rova. Vseeno pa sem moral še prav pogosto mi-
sliti na tistega človeka, ki ni mogel v rovu stati pokoncu, na moškega ki ga je tako zelo bolel hrbet.”
“Ti nisi kdo ve kaj doživel, bratec moj,” je začivkal neki droban košček premoga, ki je bil padel iz zaboja ter je ležal na pločevini pred pečjo. “Jaz sem videl vse kaj hujšega, nego je bil tisti tvoj moški, ki ga je bolel hrbet. Ležal sem v nekem dolgem, dolgem rovu, ki je bil zelo ozek in nizek, torej prav takšen, kakršen je bil tisti, o katerem si pravil ti. V rovu je delalo deset mož. Spredaj so imeli majhne svetiljke. ‘Kako čudno diši danes tukaj,’ je rekel najstarejši rudar. ‘Kazalo bi, vrniti se gori.’ ‘Da bi nas vrgli na cesto!’ je pripomnil neki drugi rudar. Po tem pogovoru so jeli zopet delati. Če koga vržejo na cesto, tedaj nimajo njegova žena in njegovi otroci česa jesti, tedaj morajo vsi skupaj stradati. Koga pa vržejo na cesto? Vsakogar, kdor ne napravi vsega, kar od njega zahteva gospodar.
Male svetiljke so vedno slabeje gorele. V rovu se je skoraj popolnoma stemnilo. Nekdo je pogledal v rov. Stari rudar mu je rekel: ‘Gospod, tukaj nič dobrega ne kaže. Dopustite, da se povrnemo gori!’ Gospod pa se je razsrdil ter ozmerjal starca kakor kakšnega učenčka. Nato je naglo odšel. Možje so tarnali in delali dalje. Ne vem, zakaj so se tistemu človeku pokorili. Saj je bil prav takšen kakršni so vsi drugi ljudje. Ni bil niti velik niti močan.
Nepričakovano sem se skotalil nekoliko naprej, čeprav me nihče izmed rudarjev ni brcnil. Naenkrat sem skočil kvišku. Hkratu je začelo neznansko grmeti. Majhne svetiljke so ugasnile, velike grude zemlje in premoga so letele kvišku. Rudarji so v temi dolge, dolge^ ure kričali in stokali. Eden je padel name. Čutil sem, kako se ie tresel; z njegove glave pa je curljalo nekaj mokrega. Ne vem, koliko časa smo tako v temi ležali. Najprej so moški kričali in klicali, sčasoma so njihovi glasovi vedno bolj umirali. Sem-tertja je kdo zastokal; zaželel si je vode, pa je nikjer ni bilo. Po dolgem času so jih znosili ven. Prišli so drugi možje ter so jih odnesli. Vsi, razen starega rudarja, so bili mrtvi. Zgoraj so stale ženske in otroci; vsi so presunljivo ihteli. Neki gospod, velik in ves gosposki, je tudi stal tam; ko so nesli starega rudarja mimo njega, tedaj je stari mož tiho rekel: ‘Vedel si, da je bil rov v nevarnosti, a tvoj denar ti je ljubši, nego naše življenje.’ Gosposki človek pa se ni za starčka niti zmenil. Jaz sem bil obvisel na zgrbljenem rudarjevem jopiču ter sem vse to videl. Prinesli so me, namreč z mrtvim rudarjem vred iz rova.”
Tedaj je spregovoril tretji kos premoga:
“Velike slavnosti, ki je bila zvečer pri tistem odličnem gospodu, pa nisi videl, slavnosti, ki se je vršila prav tisti večer, ko so mrtvi moški ležali v svojih kočah ter so njihove žene in njihovi otroci jokali. Mnoge prelepe gospe v pisanih oblekah so tam plesale, nobena pa ni mislila na male sirote, ki so izgubile svoje očete.
(Dalje prihodnjič.)
FUN WITH SNOW
LUNA
Katka Zupančič
Luna zvedava v potoku se gleda:
“Kaj je to, kaj je to— zopet sem bleda . .
Zvezdo pokliče:
“Oj, ljuba soseda, ti morda bi vedela: kaj me pojeda?”
Luni se zvezda poredno nasmeje: “Vstala si luna spet uro pozneje . . .!
Lahko bi lepa, okrogla ostala, če bi se točneje časa držala—
KAKO OTROCI SPE
Otroci spijo. Deklice, ste že kdaj opazovale mlajšega bratca ali sestrico, ko sta spala? Ali pa ste imele morda priliko, da ste opazovale več spečih otrok? Tedaj ste gotovo z začudenjem gledale, kako so ti otroci spali in kakšne čudovite lege so si pripravili med spanjem: pri enem je visela ena noga skoraj vsa čez rob postelje, drugi se je n. pr. krčevito držal z roko ograje okrog postelje, tretji je ležal na trebuhu in imel roke popolnoma pod-vite pod seboj, neki deček se je tako zakopal pod preobilno odejo, da je bil ves potan od vročine. Polno je še načinov, ki nam kažejo, kako spe ubogi
otroci težko, z mučnimi sanjami spremljano nezdravo spanje.
Kaj je vzrok takega nemirnega spanca, ki ne dovoli otroku, da bi se pošteno odpočil ponoči^ Največkrat je temu kriva preobilna hrana zvečer. Temu se bo torej najlažje ogniti. Otrok naj večerja rr alo in ne pretežko hrano. Otrok naj spi v postelji, kjer se najbolje počuti in ne na divanu. Pokrit naj ne bo preveč in tudi posteljna podlaga, na kateri otrok leži, naj ne bo premehka. Čim trša je ta podlaga, tem bolj zdravo je zanj. Seveda vplivajo na deco tudi razburljivi dogodki, ki jih doživi podnevi.
Toda slabo spečemu otroku lahko pomagam v Otroka, ki spi na trebuhu, obrnemo na hrbet, noge, ki so se zapletle med posteljno perilo, odmotamo m mu popravimo nekoliko odejo, da bo ležal čim udobneje. Opazili bomo lahko takoj, da bo otrok laže in mirneje spal. Tako ga spravimo vedno v pravilno lego, pa se bo kmalu privadil in bo sam obstal vedno v takem položaju. Seveda pa zaradi tega ne bomo sedeli vso noč ob njegovi postelji in ga prevračali v pravilen položaj. Ne, dovolj bo, ako pogledamo našega varovančka, kako spi, preden gremo sami spat, in mu tedaj pomagamo, če je potrebno.
WHERE THE FUEL GOES
FARMERS in the Corn Belt used over one billion gallons of gasoline and kerosene in their tractors last year.
ZGODBE 0 BOMBAŽU
Oskar Hudales
(Nadaljevanje.)
“Dobro! Sprejmem vas,” reče don Pedro. In že iztegne roko ter pristavi: “Tamle v barakah boste stanovali. Za postelje si skrbite sami. Jutri začnete z delom.”
Zmenijo se še za mezdo. Ni velika. Don Pedrr ne plača nič več k0 drugi gojitelji bombaža. Čemu? Delavcev je dovoli. Drugi bi morda delali še za nižje plače. Antonio, Miguel in Cu-Teh bi radi imeli nekaj denarja v naprej.
"Da si nakupimo hrane za prvo silo,” pravi An tonio.
"Denarja ne dam,” reče don Pedro. “Ko oberemo bombaž, dobite svoj zaslužek. Glede hrane Pa bodite brez skrbi. Dam vam fižola, slanine in moke. Pri izplačilu odračunamo.”
Antonio se brani, Antonio ve, da zaračunavajo farm arij hrano mnogo, mnogo predrago. Da iščejo zaslužek celo pri fižolu, slanini in moki. Zato zahteva Antonio denar. Zase, za Miguela in za Cu-Teha.
Don Pedro ne more zaupati denarja nepoznanim ljudem. Kje naj jih išče, če mu pobegnejo? S fižolom ne bodo bežali. Pa čeprav zbeže! Ve-liko ga ne oškodujejo. Zato vztraja don Pedro Pri svojem.
“Če nočete, lahko greste. Ne branim vam,” Pravi s hladnim glasom. “Dobim Indijance. Delajo še ceneje.”
Ne! V mesto se ne vrnejo več. Predaleč je tja s farme dona Pedra. Med potjo so za hrano po-i abili vse novce. Ne morejo si pomagati. Sedaj so v rokah dona Pedra. Zato sprejmejo njegovo Ponudbo.
Antonio. Miguel in Ču-Teh gredo v barako. V njej ni drugega ko štiri gole stene in pod. Iz gošče si nanosijo suhe trave. To jim bo za postelje.
Zvečer zakurijo pred barako ogenj. Kuhajo si večerjo. V loncih brbra fižol s slanino. Vsak JUzno-ameriški peon (delavec) nosi pvsod s seboj zhco, lonec in pončo (odejo). Ponča ga varuje hladu in dežja. Kadar brezposeln leži v senci, si Jo zvije pod glavo.
_ Nad kampose je legla noč. Zvezde migljajo na širokem nočnem nebu. Ognji pred barako ugašajo. y gošči se oglašajo nočne ptice. Antonio, Miguel in Ču-Teh škrebljajo z žlicami. Jedo fižol s slanino. V slast jim gre. Že dolgo niso použili nic toplega.
S kamposov zaveje hlad. V hiši dona Pedra gore luči. v baraki ni svetilk. Delavci jih ne ra-JJo. V temi se zleknejo Antonio, Miguel in Ču-en na ležišča. Pokrijejo se s ponči.
Jutri začno z delom.
Brazilsko sonce žge.
Žarki prebadajo sključena telesa delavcev. Obrazi se pote. Vsa mokra so rjava telesa. Košček sence je blagoslov. Hladna sapica je dragocena
J ° z^ato. Požirek hladne vode je vreden premoženje.
Roke se dvigajo in padajo. Od zore do mraka.
Zveneče pojejo sekire. Zajedajo se v sočni les. Kljuvajo in kljuvajo, lomijo treske, grizejo v deblo. Drevesa hrešče in padajo. Od zore do mraka. Delavci trebijo goščo. Bombaž je ne potrebuje. Bombažu je treba rahle, plodne zemlje.
Sonce peče. Sonce žge.
Nepremično visi na nebu. Nikamor se mu ne mudi. Kdaj bo še večer! Razbolele roke se dvigajo in padajo. Zamolklo zvene krampi. Zaganjajo se v zemljo, dvigujejo štore, trgajo korenine.
Ču-Teh molči in zamahuje. Od jutra do večera. V križu ga tišči pekoča bolečina. Če se vzravna, ga zaboli, kakor bi mu kdo zasadil nož v hrbtenico. Ču-Teh misli na obale Rumene reke. Tuli tam trpe ljudje.
Miguel pobira in odnaša vejevje. Prostor za bombaž! Bombaž ne rabi dračja. Miguelova srajca je raztrgana, prsa razpraskana. Na rokah se mu lepi strjena kri. Rane ga pečejo ko ogenj. Od zore do mraka.
Antonio puli korenine. Upirajo se mu. Nočejo iz rodovitne zemlje, kjer so tako dolgo srkale redilne sokove. Ti sokovi so sedaj namenjeni bombažu. Ven s koreninami! Prostor bombažu! Antonia bole vse mišice na telesu. Dlani so mu otrdele ko podplat. Od jutra do noči.
Don Pedro je podjeten mož. Zato ustvarja nov nasad bombaža. Predsednik Roosevelt tega ni vedel, ko je izdal zakon o omejitvi bombažnih nasadov. In zakoni gospoda Roosevelta veljajo samo za Združene države severnoameriške. Izven njihovih mej nimajo zakoni gospoda Roosevelta nobene moči. Kdo more donu Pedru, svobodnemu Bra-ziljcu, ubraniti, da bi ne smel nasaditi bombaža, kolikor ga hoče? Če ima le denar in če je le dovolj podjeten. In takih podjetnih gospodov je mnogo na svetu. Za vsako opuščeno farmo v Združenih državah severnoameriških je zrastla ena nova v Braziliji, v Egiptu, v Turčiji, v Vzhodni Afriki. Celo v Evropi. Vse dotlej bodo rastle, dokler se bo dvigala cena bombažu.
Amerika izgublja svoje dolgoletno gospodstvo v svetovni trgovini z bombažem . . .
Vsak dan prihajajo novi delavci na farmo dona Pedra. Don Pedro sprejme vsakega. Bliža se čas setve. Čimprej mora biti iztrebljena gošča. Da bo čim več prostora za bombaž.
Od zore do mraka se pripogibajo rjava telesa. Rjave roke zamahujejo s sekirami in krampi.
Gošča izginja. Sonce žge razrito zemljo. Žarki prebadajo izmučene ude. Pod noč se rjava telesa zgrudijo na trda ležišča v barakah. Naslednji hip otrpnejo v negibnem spancu.
Don Pedro sedi v sobi in posluša radio.
“Cene bombaža se še vedno krepko drže, kljub temu, da nastajajo vedno nove farme,” pripoveduje radio. “Celo v Jugoslaviji so začeli z načrtnim pridelovanjem bombaža.”
Kje je Jugoslavia? Don Pedro ne ve. Kaj ga tudi briga? Svoj bombaž bo že vnovčil, saj bo gotovo boljši od jugoslovanskega.
(Dalje prihodnji?.)
ACTIVITIES By Bill Ballezar, Butte, Mont.
JUST FOR FUN
By Ernestine Jug i
NEW YEAR
Every year about this time We greet a stranger small;
No name has he, no garments rare He wears a black hat tall.
A basket full of hope and trust He carries in his hand;
And sunshine radiant and bright He spreads thruout the land.
By now you know who this can be.
It's brand new '44;
Let's welcome him and wish him luck And happy days by the score.
*	* * * *
Traveling Twins
Don and John like to travel, and so they really contributed a puzzle for us this month. They traveled all over the United States, through 3 states having four-letters and 3 states having 13-letter names. Do you know the names of the States? *****
Dogville
Scotty, the pup, went to town one day and was disappointed because he couldn’t read one sign on a building or street. The reason for that was because the signs were all mixed	like this:
1. unlch oorm	4.	ourct eoush
2. heatert	5.	keryab
3. rudg tores	6.	ankb
Can you help him identify the buildings? *****
Brain Teasers
1- From the letters A-E-L-P, form four different four-letter words.
2- What President was the only bachelor President of the United States?
3* The letter S is missing in the following sentences. If you place it in the proper places 12 times, you'll have a sentence of G words:
LEEPLENEIAMOT
DITREINGDIEAE
4. In the American flag, how many of the stripes are red and how many white?
*****
Animal Houses
Animal homes are called by different names, as for instance, Scotty, the pup, lives in a kennel. Do you know where the following live?
1. Squirrel	5.	Cow
2. Bee	6.	Horse
3. Pig	7.	Chicken
4. Pigeon	8.	Bear
*	* * *
Mix-Ups
Following are some more mixed-up words, but we give you a clue with each, so they should be easy for you:
1. Oil a bum toe
Clue: A machine to ride in.
2. Hope x only
Clue: A musical instrument.
3. A gufer trip Clue: A fruit.
4. The panel Clue: An animal.
*****
Kwizzers
1. If you go from New York to Chicago by plane, would your fountain pen be full or partly empty?
2. Does the United States have a national flower?
3. What year did Lindberg fly from New York to Paris?
4. If you rode in a dory, it would be by: (a) plane; (b) streamliner; (c) row boat; (d) bus.
% *****
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all SNPJ boys and girls
*	* * * *
(Answers to Puzzles on Back Inside Cover Page.)
LET'S PLAY GAMES
Red and Green Caps
Divide your crowd in two groups. Give one group red crepe paper, the other green. Pins and string should also be furnished. The paper may be cut in strips large enough to fit around the head. Each group is given ten minutes to make caps to wear. At t'he end of the time limit they parade before the judges’ stand. The judges decide which group best expresses beauty and originality in its headgear. An award may be also made to the individual with the most clever creation. These caps are to be worn during the evening.
Bell Trade
Each player is provided with a small paper bell. One of the players is given a gold bell. The rest are all red. Players walk about with closed hands and introduce themselves to ot'her players. As they do so, they extend their clenched hands and tap one of the extended hands of the other player. If the player happens to have his bell in the hand tapped, he must trade wit'h the played who has introduced himself. At the end of three minutes the leader blows a whistle and the player holding the gold bell is given a large stick of candy as a prize.
Wand Swipe
A large sack containing candies and trinkets of various sorts is hung in the center of the room. Players from the Red Caps and Green Caps take turns in being blindfolded, turned about, and given an opportunity to bring the sack down with a swipe of the wand. If a Red Cap brings down the sack, t'hen his teammates are allowed to scramble for the contents. If it is brought down by a Green Cap, then only the Greens have the privilege. Players are not allowed to coach a contestant.
Stocking Contest
Two or more red stockings are hung up, the number depending on the number of contestants you desire to allow for each side. Each contestant is provided with a teaspoon and three apples. These apples must be picked off the floor with t'he teaspoon, carried to the stocking, and dropped in it. It may be run as a relay, each runner putting in just one apple, returning and handing the spoon to the next player. The apples must be gotten into the stocking without the aid of the extra hand.
Slory-leller
Give the players the names of things that would likely be in Santa’s Pack—doll, horn, knife, candy, orange, gun, tie, etc. The crowd is seated in a circle with no vacant chairs. The player who is without a chair, starts walking around the circle telling a story about Santa filling up his pack before starting on his journey. “He put in a pretty little doll, a scout knife,” etc. As he mentions the names of articles, the people bearing those
Submitted by Marge Jeric
names get up and follow him around the circle putting hands on the shoulders of the person immediately preceding. When the player who is telling t'he story mentions “Reindeer,” each player makes an effort to get a chair, t’he story-teller among them. The player left without a chair, starts another story, and the game continues.
Pinning on Pack
The old game of pinning on the donkey’s tail being adapted. The one w'ho pins Santa's pack in the most correct place should be given some sort of award. As persons arrive at the party, they should be tried at this stunt.
Human Trees
Have two or three girls to act in this capacity. They are to wear tight-fitting, green crepe paper caps with red tassels on top. These girls are to be placed at a sufficient distance from each other to allow the groups space in w'hich to work. The crowd is divided into as many groups as “trees.'1 Each tree is numbered. The players draw numbers and then gather about their trees. A decorating committee is appointed by each group, and tinsel crepe paper streamers, pop corn, needle and thread, etc. are provided. The trees are then dcorated, and presents are hung on them, or placed about the foot of the tree. When the job is finished, the tree is put on display. The leader announces that each person is to find the tree on which is his present, and help himself to that present. Fifteen or twenty minutes is allowed for decorating the trees. Presents are provided for all. Each person is asked to bring some toy or trinket, not to cost over ten cents. As guests arrive, they are registered and leave their presents at the door. Names are placed on the presents and they are turned over to the tree decorating committees.
Prophecy Web
A web is made out of string at one end of the room. Each player takes hold of a loose string and begins to unravel the web. He must follow his string to the end. It is tangled with other strings on the floor. The player must stop to untangle his string. This makes the game a good mixer for other players are doing the same thing. The strings are wound around table and chair legs. When the player comes to the end, there is some sort of prophecy attached to the string. This may be accompanied by some sort of trinket such as a toy hammer, or a horn, or a doll. With the hammer there would be a prophecy after this fashion:
A builder you will be,
That’s very plain to see.
With the horn there would be something like this:
In the orchestra you will play.
At least it surely seems that way.
OUR SCHOOL
Final Our School Achievement Awards for 1943
The 1943 “Our School for Victory” contest closed with the December issue of the Mladinski List. During the year 436 juvenile members, more than seventy-five percent of whom were girls, contributed one or more written compositions (including “Pen Pals” letters) or drawings. It is surprising to note that 238 of these are members of our Juvenile Circles. Altogether, 105 members, or approximately twenty-five percent of the total number, shared in the distribution of the quarterly and final awards.
The sum of $500 was originally appropriated by the Supreme Board of the SNPJ for prizes, these in the form of United States War Saving Stamps and Bonds. Of the total amount $225 in stamps already have been distributed in the first three quarters, leaving a balance of $275 for the year as a whole combined with the final quarter, as shown in the latest prize list.
All of the prize winners, you will note, were divided into a number of groups according to the amount each received. The winners in each division have been arranged in alphabetical order of the initial letter of last names. Because of this arrangement, your name may appear last, and yet merit a higher rating than any other in the same group. Several of the winners, whose names appear in the prize list, contributed many of their Writings to the Circle Section of the Prosveta. These have been accorded the same consideration as those who submitted all of their contributions to the Mladinski List.
The Juvenile Circle chosen as the one having contributed most towards the success of the “Our School for Victory” contest, is Circle No. 1 (Pioneers) of Walsenburg, Colorado, the Manager of which is Sister Mary Tomsic. Except for the month of August, when for some reason contributions failed to arrive in time, this Circle had a page or section of its own in every issue of the Mladinski List, and the choice of material as well as composition was generally good. The first place achievement award, a $50 War Savings Bond, goes to this
Drawn by Florence Alich, age 16, Aurora, Minn., Lodge 111.
Drawn by Rosemary Panyan, age 16, Buhl, Minn., Lodge 314.
outstanding Circle. Three other Juvenile Circles each received a $25 War Savings Bond for having the next best records of the year.
In addition to war stamp prizes, fifty-three SNPJ Junior Victory pins were awarded to juveniles who, during the year, contributed to three or more issues of the Mladinski List, seventeen of them coming in the closing quarter. This same feature will remain effective in 1944, with this exception and to your advantage—If you contributed once or twice last year, credit for such contributions will be given you towards a victory pin this year, so that you will need send in a written article or drawing only once or twice more to earn it. We’re sure that when you 'have received your pin, you will agree it was well worth the effort.
While none of the members contributed to all twelve issues of the Mladinski List in 1943, there were six who missed only one month; these were Zora Gostovich, Verna Mae Duzenack, Frank Lekse, Frances Strozar, Annie Čretnik and Florence Alich. Five other members succeeded in having something published in all but two issues, these being Zita Bozanic, Mildred Čretnik, Elizabeth Duzenack, Margaret Polončič and Caroline Tavzelj. Starting with the opening month of the new year, let’s see how many perfect records can be established in 1944. If you missed this month, then beginning with February make it eleven in a row.
Many pictures of our prize-winning contributors were received for the January issue of the Mladinski List, so many in fact, that it has been decided to publish them a page at a time until all have appeared. If you fail to see your picture in this issue, it is very likely being held for a following month, unless it was one too poorly taken and, for that reason, had to be rejected.
The judges of the “Our School for Victory” contest extend congratulations to the winners of achievement awards, and thank all contributors, those who won and those who failed to win, for their many contributions to the Mladinski List in 1943. . . Before you turn your attention to the prize list below, you are reminded t'hat the new contest begins with this issue and will continue throughout the year. Attractive prizes again are offered by the Society. Be sure to read the rules. Join the contest.	JUVENILE	DIRECTOR.
Our School Achievement Awards for 1943
First Prize, $50 War Savings Bond io:
Circle No. 1 (Pioneers), Walsenburg, Colo.—Mary Tomsic, Mgr.
Three Prizes, $25 War Savings Bond Each lo:
Circle No. 47 (Youth of America), Johnstown, Pa. —Anne Bricely, Mgr.
Circle No. 26 (Perfect Circle), Chicago, 111.—Ann Sannemann, Mgr.
Circle No. 11 (Jolly Kansans), Kansas Federation -—-Anton Shular, Mgr.
Four Prizes of $10.00 Each to:
Gostovic'h, Zora, Box 531, Raton, New Mexico, Lodge 297.
Machek, Violet, R.D. 4, McDonald, Pa., Lodge 231.
Tomsic, William, 823 W. 7th St., Walsenburg, Colo., Lodge 299.
Trojar, Sylvia, 2803 S. Central Pk. Ave., Chicago, 111., Lodge 1.
Four Prizes of $7.50 Each to:
Bozanic, Zita, R.D. 3, Worcester, N. Y., Lodge 393.
Duzenack, Verna M., 709 W. 6th St., Walsenburg, Colo., Lodge 299.
Lampe, Jennie, R.D. 3, Box 434, Girard, Kansas, Lodge 434.
Rovan, Irene, 62 Smithsonian Ave., Girard, Ohio, Lodge 49.
Six Prizes of $5.00 Each to:
Čretnik, Annie, R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark., Lodge 24.
Lekse, Frank, Box 465, Roundup, Mont., Lodge 700.
Polončič, Margaret, Mount Pleasant, Pa., Lodge 124.
Panyan, Rosemary, R.D. 3, Box 293, Buhl, Minn., Lodge 314.
Strozar, Frances, R.D. 3, Box 245, Johnstown, Pa., Lodge 82.
Tavzelj, Caroline, 1425 McKinstry St., Detroit, Mich., Lodge 518.
Six Prizes of $4.00 Each io:
Alich, Florence, Box 607, Aurora, Minn., Lodge 111.
Duzenack, Elizabeth, 709 W. 6th St., Walsenburg, Colo., Lodge 299.
Močivnik, Georgie, Box 47, Kingston, W. Va., Lodge 24.
Perechlin, Herminia, Avon Park, Girard, Ohio, Lodge 49.
Rubrecht, Dorothy, R.D. 3, Box 209, Johnstown, Pa., Lodge 82.
Udovich, Edward, 2623 S. Springfield Ave., Chicago, 111., Lodge 1.
Eight Prizes of $3.00 Each to:
Beniger, Myra, 3602 W. 26th St., Chicago, 111., Lodge 559.
Doles, Matilda, 213 Penn St., Verona, Pa., Lodge 680.
Kolar, Christine, 421 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa., Lodge 684.
Padar, Mildred, 1676 Linden St., Brooklyn, N. Y., Lodge 580.
Podboy, James, Box 227, Strabane, Pa., Lodge 589.
Slansek, Frances, Box 88, Fraklin, Kan., Lodge 187.
Stambal, Frances, 1084 S’herman Ave., Sharon, Pa., Lodge 262.
Žagar, Nada, 1111 E. 66th St., Cleveland, Ohio, Lodge 137.
Eight Prizes of $2.00 Each to:
Dyba, Betty J., R.D. 3, Box 229, Johnstown, Pa., Lodge 82.
Janezic, Rosemary, 977 E. 239 St., Euclid, Ohio, Lodge 450.
Britz, Lillian, Box 28, Export, Pa., Lodge 232.
Čretnik, Mildred, R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark., Lodge 24.
Pinelli, Helen, R.D. 3, Box 241, Johnstown, Pa., Lodge 82.
Ruppe, Michael, 728 Walker St., Milwaukee, Wis., Lodge 584.
Ulepich, Carl, R.R. 1, Mulberry, Kan., Lodge 65.
Vidmar, Olga, Colorado Springs, Colo., Lodge 94.
Sixteen Prizes of $1.00 Each to:
Briselli, Louise, Box 27, Lawrence, Pa., Lodge 245.
Canalas, Clara, 717 N. Holmes Ave., Indianapolis, Ind., Lodge 105.
Cervenka, Marian, 5126 W. 24th PL, Cicero, 111., Lodge 449.
Duzenack, Albert, 709 W. 6th St., Walsenburg, Colo., Lodge 299.
Gornick, Thomas, 331 Third St., Trafford, Pa., Lodge 629.
Lozinskij Donna, Walsenburg, Colo., Lodge 299.
Knafelc, Mary, 13312 St. James St., Cleveland, Ohio, Lodge 257.
Mastrovich, Marie, Roundup, Mont., Lodge 700.
McKinley, Phyllis, R.D. 3, Box 225, Johnstown, Pa., Lodge 82.
Nenadich, Mary, 214 First St., Chisholm, Minn., Lodge 322.
Lipar, Rose, R.D. 1, Hyndsville, N. Y., Lodge 393.
Powell, Josephine, 937 N. Holmes Ave., Indianapolis, Ind., Lodge 105.
Rudich, Mary Ann, 163 Baker St., Aliquippa, Pa., Lodge 122.
Tomsick, Delma, Box 143, Black Diamond, Wash., Lodge 57.
Tomazin, Dorothy, 2285 Burton St., Warren, Ohio, Lodge 321.
Zorman, Millie, Walsenburg, Colo., Lodge 299.
Seventeen SNPJ Victory Pins, One Each io:
Derzich, Mildred, La Salle, 111., Lodge 337.
Gornick, Thomas, Trafford, Pa., Lodge 629.
Hevalo, Mary M., Struthers, Ohio, Lodge 277.
Gerdance, Grace Ann, Cicero, 111., Lodge 559.
Franter, William, Eveleth, Minn., Lodge 130.
Kavcic, Agnes, Midway, Pa., Lodge 89.
Kordan, Mary J., Salem, Ohio, Lodge 476.
Kosmerl, Mary J., Hibbing, Minn., Lodge 125.
Mastorovich, Marie, Roundup, Montana, Lodge 700.
Malnar, Dolores, Willard, Wisconsin, Lodge 198.
McKinley, Phyllis, Johnstown, Pa., Lodge 82.
Nagode, Donna, McDonald, Pa., Lodge 89.
Reichel, John Jr., Samsula, Fla., Lodge 603.
Ruppe, Michael, Milwaukee, Wis., Lodge 584.
Tomazin, Dorothy, Warren, Ohio, Lodge 321.
Urbas, Helen, Frostburg, Md., Lodge 243.
Verbic, Margaret, Cleveland, O., Lodge 126.
Drawn by Frances R. Zilko, age 16, Greensburg, Pa., Lodge 223.
NIAGARA DAREDEVILS
Niagara Falls has irresistible lure for daredevils. A procession of fullhardy or mercenary men and women have dared death by parading above the chasm on a tightrope, plunging over the cataract itself in a barrel, trying to swim the torret, or shooting the Rapids and the Whirlpool in boats. Some died, but a surprising number got away safe with their stunts.
Only one won fortune and worldwide fame. This was the Frenchman, Blondin, who “for the glory of France,” and some cash, cavorted on a rope stretched across the chasm in the summer of 1859 and 1860. Among those who watched from the United States and Canadian shores were many prominent persons. Tens of thousands traveled by excursion steamer and train to watch the spectacle.
Blondin, born Jean Francois Gravelet, son of a hero of Napoleon’s armies, had won considerable repute as an acrobat in Europe. When he announced his plans to brave Niagara, the newspapers here and abroad gave his project wide publicity. Blondin’s rig at Niagara was a three-inch rope anchored on the Canadian side to axletrees Planted in rock; on the American side, a horse-powered windlass kept it tight. Even so the rope sagged 50 feet at the middle of its 1100-foot length. Guy ropes every 20 feet extended from the main rope to the riverbanks. Sacks of salt were hung from these guy ropes to help keep them tight. Still, there was a space above midstream which no guy ropes could reach, and it swayed in the wind like a quaint hammock.
On June 30, 1859, crowds of spectators blackened the cliffs on both sides of the river, as Blondin, carrying a 50-pound balancing pole, walked boldly from the American side to the Canadian shore. After a 20-minute rest, Blondin started back, carrying a chair. Midway he balanced the chair on the rope and sat on it.
Blondin walked his guy rope a second time on the Fourth of July, and again on Bastille Day. Many other performances followed, in which he stood on his head, danced a jig, or carried out a
chair and table and sat down to a meal halfway across. He crossed it right in the glare of locomotives’ headlights; when part way over, the lights were extinguished and he finished in darkness. He made perilous trips blindfolded or with his feet in baskets; twice he crossed walking backwards, and even went over on stilts. The supremo thrill was when he carried a man on his back. Such were the feats he performed.
For pure courage, Capt. Webb, an Englishman, a strong swimmer, decided to swim in Niagara Falls. He got hit by a great wave and died.
Carlisle Graham tried to shoot the rapids in a barrel. On his fifth trip he got caught in a whirlpool and was trapped for hours. When he was rescued, he was unconscious and near death.
Maud Willard also tried the barrel with her dog. She circled for 5 hours in which she died, but the dog lived.
The saga of Niagara’s daredevils presumably is complete, for today the law forbids such harebrained stunts.
(Source: From an Article)
ZITA BOZANIC, 16, lodge 393,
R. D. 3, Worcester, N. Y.
❖
JUGOSLAVIA
The capital of Jugoslavia, the homeland of the Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, is Belgrade. The area of Jugoslavia is about 100,000 square miles, or slightly more than that of Oregon. The population in 1940 was about 16,000,000.
Jugoslavia is bounded by Austria, Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria on the north and east, by Greece and Albania in the south, and by the Adriatic Sea and Italy on the west. The country was occupied by the Axis in 1941. The government escaped and established its seat in England, which was recently moved to Cairo.
. Italy, Germany, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria and Albania took slices out of Jugoslavia. In Croatia a puppet government was created by the Nazis, also in Serbia. In Slovenia, Montenegro and other provinces similar attempts failed when the people revolted.
Agriculture is the basic industry in Jugoslavia, for the country is a land of small peasant holdings, and it is closely followed by cattle raising and forestry. These furnish occupation for 85% of the population. Nearly one-third of the area is covered with forests, about 60% is devoted to agriculture, and of this, 80% is sown to cereals. The chief crops are wheat, barley, rye, oats; corn, hops and grapes.
The principal minerals are coal, iron, copper, chrome-ore, lead, salt and bauxite. The country is the largest producer of copper in Europe. The river navigation of the Danube and the Sava is important. Split and Sushak, with excellent docks, are the largest of the 58 ports, while Boka Kotorska, with its beautiful mountain background, is a splendid natural harbor.
Elementary education is nominally compulsory and free. There are universities at Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia; at Zagreb, capital of Croatia; at Belgrade, capital of Serbia, as well as of the coun-
try; at Skoplje and at Subotica. All religions are recognized.
What kind of government Jugoslavia will have after this war, it is difficult to say at present. There are strong indications that the people there will try to establish a republican form of government based on democratic principles.
(Source: World Almanac)
JUNE KENT, 16, lodge 614, 19802 Arrowhead Avenue, Cleveland 19, Ohio.
*
NEW YEAR'S DAY POEM
New Year’s Day is another holiday,
Which brings much gladness and cheer,
A time when everyone will be gay When snow will already appear.
Nineteen Forty Three has already past,
We have seen 1944 come at last,
We hope to have a beautiful year,
In which war	will	be in no	fear.
We hope that	this	war will	end in ’44,
So our boys won’t have to fight any more, May we have the most cheerful homes To which our soldiers may happily roam.
MILDRED ČRETNIK, 11, lodge 24,
R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
ERIE CANAL
This waterway across New York State was commenced in 1817 and the first boat left Buffalo in 1825. Most of the emigrant travel to the west was by the way	of this canal,	the time taken	being about three	and	a half days from Albany	to
Buffalo, a distance of 352 miles.
Much scandal resulted after 1862 over contracts for the enlargement of the Erie Canal. Governor Samuel J. Tilden in 1872 did much to correct a number of abuses. The canal was enlarged and deepened soon thereafter. Now they have much traffic. CHRISTINE KOLAR, 14, lodge 684, 421 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa.
*
DO YOU KNOW THAT—
An average American housewife spends four years of her life washing dishes?
One-half of the families in the U.S. own their own houses?
Vatican City is the world’s smallest country?
An-average motorist requires three-quarters of a second to react and apply his brakes when he sees the necessity to stop?
One of every 15 families in the U.S. depends upon the milk industry for its livelihood?
A modern army rifle contains 19 different varieties and specifications of steel?
Area of the Pacific Ocean is more than one-fourth the total surface of the earth and it comprises about one-half of the world’s total water area?
Sweet potatoes will furnish one-third of the sweetening for a new kind of candy?
In 10 war plants 24 million pounds of copper
Drawn by Zora Gostovich, age 15, Raton, New Mexico, Lodge 297.
were saved by substituting silver in electric conductors?
A color expert can recognize more than three hundred shades of white and nearly same of black?
Ants are the only animals besides man that keep slaves?
There is no silver in the so-called German silver; it is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel?
Approximately one out of every five Americans wears glasses at some time or other during the day?
Johann Mozart wrote his beloved Requiem for his own funeral; he died while explaining to his friends how the composition should be played?
TOMMY GORNICK, 12, lodge 629, 331 Third St., Trafford, Pa.
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THE PILGRIMS CAME
(By Annette Wynne)
The Pilgrims came across the sea,
And never thought of you and me,
And yet it’s very strange the way We think of them Thanksgiving Day.
We tell their story, old and true,
Of how they sailed across the blue,
And found a new land to be free And built their homes quite near the sea.
They made Thanksgiving—that’s fun,
We thank the Pilgrims—every one!
ALICE DADOFF, 14, Circle 43, 1428 Nordyke Ave., Indpls, Ind.
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UNITED STATES CADET NURSE CORPS
All over the world today nurses are serving our country in the armed forces. That leaves a shortage of nurses on the home front; so student nurses are stepping in, getting ready to take their places.
It was because of this that the United States Cadet Nurse Corps has recently been established. This corps—the USCNC—offers wonderful opportunities to girls who are high school graduates.
The requirements are not very difficult. You must be a high school graduate between 17 and 35 years of age, and in good health. You should be neat and orderly; but, most important, you must be interested in people. That’s what makes nursing such an interesting profession, because it deals with people.
Besides receiving regular monthly allowances (which are increased rather often), your training and room and board are paid by the government. You also receive an official cadet uniform for optional outdoor wear.
Upon graduation, you are eligible to become a registered nurse. You promise to engage in essential nursing throughout the war. You may choose either the civilian or military service.
To join the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, you may apply at the accredited school of nursing of your choice. Acceptance for training in the corps is a high privilege as well as an opportunity. You serve your country and secure your future by joining the proud profession of nursing.
(Source: Pamphlet)
VIOLET MACHEK, 17, lodge 231,
R. D. 1, McDonald, Pa.
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LEIF ERICSSON
Leif Ericsson was the hero of Icelandic sagas and he is mentioned as the son of Eric the Red. He established a settlement in Greenland. On the way from Norway to Greenland his boat was driven off the course by gales and he landed on a strange coast.
One account represents him as exploring the places called Vinland, Markland, and Helluland. Much doubt exists as to the precise location, which some believe to be Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and part of New England. Others believe that the location was at Labrador, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
FRANCES STROZAR, 14, lodge 82, R.D. 3, Box 245, Johnstown, Pa.
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GOLD
Gold is a metal distinguished from other common metallic elements by its beautiful characteristic yellow color which it preserves under nearly all conditions.
Pure gold has a high metallic luster, but is inferior in this respect to steel, platinum, and silver. The metal possesses a higher specific gravity than
Drawn by Zila Boza-nic, age 16, Worcester, N. Y„ Lodge 393.
any other common metal., but is exceeded in this respect by platinum. The metal is thus 1% times heavier than lead and nearly twice as heavy as silver, bulk for bulk. Gold melts at 1045° C, being somewhat more infusible than silver and more fusible than copper.
The pure metal is somewhat harder than lead, but softer than copper, silver, platinum, zinc or iron. It is consequently too soft, in the pure state, for the purposes which it is generally applied. For practical application it is alloyed with copper or silver, and both these metals are often present. The former renders the gold redder and the latter paler than its true color.
Gold is very widely distributed, small or larger quantities being found in nearly every country.
ERNESTINE MOČIVNIK, 16, lodge 24,
P. O. Box 47, Kingston, W. Va.
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ON THE TRAIL OF ANCIENT MAN
Roy Chapman Andrews was a famous scientist and explorer. As he was on his great exploring 2xpeditions in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia, and other parts of China, he wrote down in diary form, of all the things he and his companions did and found.
Mongolia had been crossed and recrossed by excellent explorers, mostly Russian, and virtually no part of the country had been studied by the exact methods of modern science.
Roy Chapman Andrews had found three reasons why Mongolia hasn’t been studied by modern science:
First, Mongolia is isolated in the heart of a vast continent and its borders couldn’t be searched.
Second, The distance is great and transportation is slow. In t'his area there isn’t a single railroad. It can be traveled by camels, horses, and ox carts. A camel can travel at two miles an hour.
Third, the climate is very severe. In the winter the temperature drops to 40 or 50 degrees below zero. The plateau is swept by bitter winds from the Arctic Ocean. Scientific work can be done only from April to the end of September.
(Source: Magazine Article)
JEANIE STONICH, 15, lodge 21,
R. D. 3, Box 135, Pueblo, Colo.
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ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
Robert Louis Stevenson, English novelist, essayist and poet, was born on Nov. 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was the only child of Thomas and Margaret Stevenson. Robert’s father was a civil engineer. The boy spent most of his childhood in bed because of being such a frail and unhealthy person.
His mother read to him many stories he loved io hear. His nurse Alison Cuningham kept him alive with tender care. From the age of six he showed a disposition to write. He went to school, mainly in Edinburgh, but his ill-health prevented his learning much, and his teachers, as his mother afterwards said, “liked talking to him better than teaching him.” When he grew older he attended Edinburgh University. He studied engineering
and law. He spent several years traveling in France, Germany and Scotland for the benefit of his health.
While on this tour he wrote “An Island Voyage” when he was 28. A year later he wrote “Travels with a Dunkey,” and at the age of 33 he wrote his famous, story “Treasure Island,” which was an immediate success.
In April 1888, Stevenson came to America. He spent several weeks in New Jersey and then went to San Francisco, California. Later he traveled to the South Pacific. He found enough material to write several books. It must be mentioned that Stevenson visited America first in 1879, then returned to Scotland, and nine years later came to America again.
The last four years of his life were spent at Samoa in the South Pacific, in circumstances of such health and vigor as he had never previously enjoyed, and in surroundings singularly picturesque. He liked the natives and they in turn liked him a lot. They called him Tusitala. He became an island chieftain. He wrote several more books, and also plunged into the troubled politics of the country. During this time he wrote many stories of Scottish life.
In 1894, while talking on the veranda of his home in Samoa, he suffered a stroke. He then died as a result of it, on Dec. 3, 1894, at the age of 44.
Some of Stevenson’s famous books are: “Kidnaped”, “Treasure Island”, “The Ebb Tide”, “New Arabian Nights”, “Children’s Garden of Verses”, etc.
It is interesting to know that Robert Louis Stevenson was buried in Samoa, where he had wished to be buried—“with the Pacific Ocean at his feet.” DELMA TOMSIC, 14, lodge 57, Box 143, Black Diamond, Wash.
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NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
I made my resolution,
And I’m going to stick it through,
I’ll give up all my bad, silly habits,
And make it a good and solid rule.
I’m going to study harder,
I won’t lose my temper—any more,
I don’t care what will happen—
I’m just going to be—a good sport.
MARGARET POLONČIČ, 16, lodge 124, Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania.
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WILLIAM McKINLEY
William McKinley, 25th President of the United States, was born on Jan. 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio. He was educated in the public schools and at Allegheny College. In 1861, when he was 18, he enlisted as a private and later, during the Civil War, ’he rose to the rank of major.
Young McKinley left the army in July 1865 and studied law. He was member of Congress from 1876 to 1891, and became chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in the House of Repre-
sentatives. He was defeated for Congress in 1890. The following year he was elected governor of Ohio, and re-elected in 1893.
William McKinley was elected President of the United States in 1896, and re-elected in 1900. On Sept. 6, 1901, duing a great reception held for him at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, N. Y., at one of the exposition buildings, a young man, by the name of Leon Czolgosz, shot the President with a revolver at close range. Eight days later, on Sept. 14, the President collapsed and died. The young assassin was promptly seized, was convicted for the crime and executed a month later.
At his death, President McKinley, who is buried at Canto, Ohio, was 58 years old. He was known under the nickname as “Prosperity’s Advance Agent.”	HELEN PINELLI, 14, lodge 82,
R.D. 3, Box 241, Johnstown, Pa.
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BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR
This is the beginning of a New Year,
I only hope it will be filled with cheer;
Rather than sorrows and griefs as before,
As our dear boys are fighting in this war.
Some of the boys have died on land,
Some on the roaring blue sea;
Others in the air, but we know
They gave their lives for you and me.
ANNIE ČRETNIK, 17, lodge 24,
R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
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JANUARY—JANUS
January, the first month of the year in the modern calendar, consisting of 31 days. The name— Latin, Januarius—is derived from: the two-faced Roman god Janus, to whom the month was dedicated.
Among the Romans the month was held sacred to Janus, and was added to the calendar along with February by Numa. However, it was not until the 18th century that January was universally adopted by European nations as the first month of the year, tho the Romans considered it as such as far back as 251 before our era.
The Anglo-Saxons called January “Wulfmonath”, in allusion to the fact that hunger then made the wolves bold enough to come into the villages. The principal festivals of the month are New Year’s Day, and several religious observances.
In this connection, it is interesting to know how
Drawn by Rosemary Panyan, age 16, Buhl, Minn., Lodge 314.
the letter “J” came to be used. J is the 10th letter and the 7th consonant of the English alphabet. The Greeks, and the Romans followed them, used “I” for both vowel and consonant. The distinguished sign “J” did not come into use until the 7th century.
The letter “J” is a modification of t'he Latin “I” and dates back with a separate value only to the 15th century. In English “j” is pronounce'd differently than in other languages.
GEORGIE MOČIVNIK, 12, lodge 24, Box 47, Kingston, West Virginia.
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FANCY LACE
Ornamental work of flax, linen, cotton, silk, metal, or other fibers, looped, twisted or braided is called lace. Though hand- made lace is still more highly priced, machine products have gained tremendously in number and practical uses.
It is known that Egypt had fine laces by 100 A. D. and have made lace by machines, primitive, of course, or by bobbins. Italy in the Middle Ages made some specimens, but England lagged much behind, though embroidery before 1300 attained an excellence never surpassed in modern ages.
It is also known that in Slovenia, especially in the district around the city of Idrija, fine lace is made and transported throughout the world. Of great importance is particularly “klekanje”, or bobbin. However, this fine Slovene product is sold not by its right Slovene name but by other names, because the industry is controlled by foreign interests.
Four methods of lace-making are distinguished: needle, bobbin, crochet, shuttle. All these methods are used in Slovenia. Needle lace is well known m drawnwork, consisting of taking out certain threads from the original pattern or cloth. Bobbin lace is made with bobbins, pins and pillow or cushion. Crochet lace is made by putting one bread through a loop of another by means of a ciochet hook. Shuttle lace, either made by hand °r machine, is woven by passing a shuttle back and forth to make pattern.
Fancy lace is also made in Belgium and Holland, n time the families engaged in lace industry developed special techniques, which were handed °wn through several generations. Thus certain Patterns created now bring great sums of money r°m those who prize old laces. Irish laces also ave led in linen patterns.
Celebrated continental types are those coming l°m Slovenia, although not sold as Slovene product but under foreign trade names; those from Holland, France, etc.
BETTY JANE DYBA, 14, lodge 82, R.D. 3, Box 229, Johnstown, Pa.
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JUGOSLAVIA FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM
Onot’hej year has gone by in this war-torn world, m which the Slovenes for the first time in history ave been prominently mentioned as an active ation among the Jugoslav nations.
Jugoslavia, the home of our forefathers, the seemingly small, helpless, weak nation which Hit-er thought he would have no trouble with, has
Drawn by Donna Gostovich, age 11, Raton, New Mexico, Lodge 297.
risen to show the world that it will not be bound in chains of slavery to be bullied and butchered by a domineering master. Jugoslavia has taken to arms to gain back the most prized treasures of all: freedom, happiness, peace, security, and love and kindness. It has shown the rest of the world what suffering and courage, against almost un-surmountable obstacles, really is. It has shown the world that through the veins of the Slovenes and other Slavs runs blood of fre, which cannot, and will not, give in to the barbaric Hun, and will never rest till the last of them has been driven from, or under, Jugoslav soil.
Jugoslavia was the first of the invaded nations, to declare war on Hitler’s vast hordes. Since then, the Jugoslavs have been so successful in destroying German supplies, harassing and beating the mighty German “invincible army,” and retaking so many towns and villages, that Hitler now considers Jugoslavia one of the major battle fronts.
We here in America can be justly proud of the victories accomplished in Jugoslavia. Because a great deal of the success goes to Slovene fighters who are shedding their blood so that their beautiful country can once more be free. They have shown what true Slovene spirit and courage really is, and we may well be proud that we, too, are Slovenes.
Here in America, we have seen that same courage and spirit working among us. By that I refer to the birth and development of the SNPJ. It was
originated by a small group of men who were determined to create an organization by which Slovene people could be protected and insured against calamities, and the spirit of brotherhood and fra-ternalism, plus progressive education, could be extended to all. Although a small, weak, organization at first, through years of hard work by industrious Slovenes whose only compensation of years of toil was to stand back and gaze with satisfaction and pride at the good they had accomplished, it slowly rose to the powerful, respected organization it is today.
In the homeland of our fathers and forefather^, the young and old, male and female, all are active in the fight for freedom, and we are proud of them. Although born here, we are proud of their indomitable spirit.
How about you? Are you active in a Slovene fraternal or cultural organization? Are you a member of the SNPJ? Are you a member of some Circle? If not, why not? If you are, are you an active member? Are you doing your part for the progress of the organization as well as the Slovenes in Jugoslavia are doing for their progress and liberty? It is our duty to follow the footsteps of our fathers and mothers.
Let us all pull together to show the world that we Slovenes are not only good workers and fighters, but that we are a progressive, cultured nation.	EDWARD UDOVICH, President
Circle 26, Chicago, Illinois.
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WORK IN A HAYFIELD
Summer is usually vacation time for boys and girls, but for me it meant work. I had obtained a job to work in a hayfield. My job was to drive a truck to the field, loaded with baled hay and deliver it. I had two helpers with me to help load and unload the hay.
We started working at about 10 in the morning. As we started loading the truck, I thought to myself, “This is going to be fun.” But in the afternoon after we had delivered about four loads I began to get tired and wished I were home. We baled 12 tons that day, which was the usual amount we baled.
When I came home that evening I was all worn out. I washed myself, ate supper and went to bed.
The next few days weren’t so bad because I was getting used to it. Sometimes when I would be storing hay in a barn that was hot, I thought about the days I sat under a shady tree and I got a drink of good cold water when I wanted it. But not in the hayfield or barn. The water we had with us was warm because of the hot weather.
I soon got accustomed to it and the heat didn’t bother me any more.
After working five weeks we were finished. During that time we had stored hay in all kinds of barns and also shipped two boxcars full to Arkansas. I never worked so hard in all my life us I did during these five weeks, and I surely was glad when it was over.
CARL ULEPICH, 15, lodge 65, R.R. No. 1, Mulberry, Kans.
ATTENDING SCHOOL OF MINES
I have completed a half-semester’s work at the Colorado School of Mines. It is a wonderful school and is one of the best engineering schools in the world. My ambition is to graduate from there and get a job in South America.
In school I am taking engineering, drawing, English, mathematics, chemistry, physical education, military training, and geology. We always have plenty of work to do and there is no time to loaf. There are also many soldiers taking training at the school.
The School of Mines is located at Godden, Colorado. Godden is a small but prosperous city. It contains the Coor’s Brewery, State Industrial School, Pottery which is making chemical equipment for war industries, and the School of Mines. Near the city is located Lookout Mountain on which is the historic grave of Buffalo Bill. On the mountain adjoining Lookout is the school’s M, which stands for mines.
I am glad to hear that Circle 1 is still carrying on, holding its meetings, and carrying on the spirit of the SNPJ. I hope that the members never lose that spirit, but gain greater and newer spirit to make the SNPJ greater. I am hoping to be home to attend the next meeting, or as soon as possible.
WILLIAM TOMSIC, 16, lodge 299, 823 W. 7th St., Walsenburg, Colo.
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A VISIT AT GARFIELD PARK
One afternoon, when school was out for the day, Miss Pommerance, Gary’s former gym teacher, and nine girls went to Garfield Park here in Chicago. The main attraction we were to see was the Chrysanthemum Show at the Conservatory.
Our guide first showed us a beautiful display of orchids. He explained why they were so rare: orchids need a very long time to grow; the seeds are so tiny you could hold thousands of them in your hand and not realize it; these seeds are kept in airtight containers for about three years, then they are planted in warm places, and about seven years later you have the orchid blossom. That’s why they are so expensive.
We then saw tropical trees: palms, banana trees and so forth. We noticed that many of the leaves had holes in them. Our guide explained that there were many windstorms in the tropics. If nature hadn’t provided the leaves with these holes the wind would tear the leaves and ruin the trees.
The Economic House was as interesting as it could be. There we saw trees that had some real use to man such as the rubber, coffee and orange trees.
Then the chrysanthemums! Oh, how I wish you all could 'have seen them. They were really gorgeous. The colors and varieties were as numerous as they were beautiful. It is said that Garfield Park has over 600 varieties of them. Our guide told us two stories about them:
The chrysanthemum is a native of China, where it used to grow as a weed. One day a captain found a Chinese stowaway on his ship and let him stay hidden aboard his ship. When they docked
the stowaway said that he would repay the captain. Several years later the captain received a package from his Chinese friend. In it were a few frail and worn seedlings which the captain later sent to a park. Later, when he saw the Plant and thought of all the possibilities of crossing this plant and getting several varieties, he realized his idea and made a large sum of money.
Garfield Park once had a cat named Elizabeth, Lizzie for short. But as all lives must end, Lizzie’s ended also. Soon after she died one of the horticulturists found a new variety of chrysanthemum. So, in Lizzie’s honor he named it after her.
SYLVIA TROJAR, 12, lodge 1,
2803 S. Central Pk. Ave., Chicago 23, 111.
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BOYS' TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Boys’ Technical High and Trade School of Milwaukee, Wis., is one of the most famous of trade schools in the country. It is a school where boys of Milwaukee and adjoining suburbs are given a chance to learn a trade.
In various cities are other trade schools but there aren’t enough to meet the demand for those who want to attend these schools. The reason for this is plain. The upkeep is too high. The estimated upkeep for Boys’ Tech is $600,000 yearly, or from $40 to $60 per student more each year than for those attending the regular high schools.
About a month and a half before a boy is to attend Tech he makes out an election sheet on which he picks out 4V4 credits worth of subject. We has program similar to this: shop, 1 credit; algebra, 1 credit; English, 1 credit; Gym, % credit,
i-nis is compulsory. Mechanical drawing, V2 credit, Junior Chorus, V2 credit. At Tech there are a number of shops to choose from.: electric shop, machine, wood, plumbing, printing, chemistry, auto, pattern, as well as other shops.
When a student is 16 years old, has completed he 9th grade, passed in his shop work, then he may take the trade course. When he graduates e receives two diplomas, a high school diploma and a trade diploma.
This year there are more freshmen than ever of ore because of the decline of upperclassmen, he entire student body now totals 2,125 pupils, he faculty being over 50 teachers strong. The Principal is Thomas Brown.
., There »re other trade schools in Milwaukee, e highest being Milwaukee Vocational School where persons 16 years and up attend school.
MICHAEL RUPPE JR., 14, lodge 192, 728 W. Walker St., Milwaukee, Wis.
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CANADA
Canada is our close neighbor in a double sense: s territory joins our own and the two peoples re mainly English in origin and speak a common nguage. The two countries have become mu-ually dependent and a large and satisfactory trade ^developed between them until today our trade with Canada is quite large.
In recent years Canada has sent us more than °t ty per cent of its exports and we have supplied S1*ty-eight per cent of its imports. We sent more
goods to that country than to any other with which we trade, except England.
The Dominion of Canada is a part of the British Empire. It consists of nine provinces and two territories. Canada is the largest country in the western hemisphere. The population of Canada is about 11,000,000.
Canada stretches from our northern border far away to the Arctic and extending for many miles southward are the tundras, or arctic pastures. The region is visited each season by thousands of caribou, or wild reindeer. The hides of these animals are used for leather.
Farming is the most general occupation of the Canadian people. Southern Ontario and southern Quebec have much excellent farm land. Three-fifths of the people of Canada live in these two provinces.
Ontario and Quebec are the leaders in the dairying industry.
Canada was discovered June 24, 1497, however, the first permanent settlement was made in 1534. Canada was French until 1763, when it became British territory. Ottawa is the capital. The nine provinces are: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and the two territories, Yukon and Northwest Territories. Newfoundland and Labrador, the most northeasterly part of North America, are governed as a crown colony of Great Britain. Labrador is a dependency of Newfoundland; the latter was discovered in 1497. Judicial, educational and other conditions are similar to those existing in Canada.
ANNIE ČRETNIK, 17, lodge 24,
R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it in turn will look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly, kind companion.	—THACKERAY.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.	—THOMAS	PAINE.
WINTER EVENING
Our Own Juvenile Circles of the S. N. P. J.
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CIRCLE
Send all your questions and requests for your Juvenile Circles to Bro. Michael Vrhovnik, Director of the SNPJ Juvenile Dept., 2657 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, III. He has been elected the Director of Juvenile Circles and your Advisers should keep in touch with him.
"DAWN OF YOUTH" CIRCLE NO. 7
GIRARD, O.—Our juvenile playlet titled, “Za srečo,” under the direction of Mr. Frank Verbic, presented by Circle 7 on Nov. 20, was a big success and was enjoyed by all. The cast was a little nervous before the play started, but we went through the scenes without any trouble.
Needless to say, we all were glad when the play was over, but we did have a swell time planning for it, rehearsing it and presenting it. Gilbert Robsel and Joey Leskovec were the comedians. Gil portrayed a pijanec (drunkard) very well, and Joey, in the role of a beggar, produced many laughs. The playlet would not have been a success if it had not been started by Mr. John Rowan; but since he was ill and unable to finish directing, Mr. Frank Verbic was very kind to help us finish the task. We owe both of them a lot for our success. The cast wish to thank them very much.
The gasoline rationing did not stop the people from coming to our dance of Nov. 20, as we had a large gathering of both young and old. I am sure that they all had a good time and forgot all the troubles.
The younger generation had their grand time when Jack Persin’s orchestra played jitterbug numbers. The numbers mostly requested were Slovene polkas and waltzes. You can guess who requested them—the Slovene juveniles. When Jack played them, the floors were so crowded
th&t we had a swell time just trying not to step on your partner’s or the other dancers’ feet. I guess polkah and waltzes are still the favorites of both young and old.
We had a few of the Warren Circle members down at the dance to take part in dancing the polkas with us. We had a swell time, didn’t we? By the way, one of our best juvenile boy dancers is Gilbert Robsel. He is going to be a second Arthur Murray some day. The other juvenile boys were probably a little bashful with all the girls around them, so they just sat by themselves and watched the dancers. However, gradually they, too, will learn how to dance.
I may be a little late, but I am wishing all the juvenile members of the Slovene National Benefit Society a very Happy New Year.
HERMINIA PERECHLIN, Circle 7, R.F.D. 1, Avon Park, Girard, O.
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VERONA JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 15
VERONA, PA.—This is Juvenile Circle No. 15 back on the air and broadcasting the latest news and activities.
We meet each Thursday, but our regular monthly meetings are held each third Thursday of the month. Our meetings are held at the same place and time, and now more than ever our meetings are interesting. They seem to be more interesting every time we meet.
On Oct. 30, we had a Halloween party and it was a big event. Every juvenile was cooperating very nicely. The following were on the committee and were helping to make the party a success: Pete Sekel, Richard Zibreg, Eleanor Zibreg, Bucky Kern, Tony Bozich, Margie Tremba, June Tremba, Margie Lipesky, Mary Tomazich, Dorothy Mihe-lich, John Youk, Dolly Youk, Joseph Gario, Rocky Gario, Helen Krulc, Henry Krulac, Mary Budich, George Ulmer, Stanley Doles, our Manager, and the writer.
In addition, we had a food committee, entertainment committee, decorating committee, and a committee called the corn-stock committee. We had sandwiches, candy, a beverage, fruit, cakes, and ice cream. Everything necessary for a real party, which was really a big success.
The December meeting was scheduled for Dec. 9. We are planning to have more parties and activities in the future, such as dances, skating parties, etc. And, of course, a big Christmas party which, by the time this appears in print, will have been over.
Guess Who: The person in this month’s quiz is a bit complicating. This person holds the nickname with which a soldier would begin his letter if he is going overseas. There is a comic strip about her and her friends in the comic section of the Press. Another hint is that this person tries hard to learn how to dance and tries to learn the new steps of dancing. If you can’t guess this month’s quiz, read next month’s ML to find the answer. Last month’s quiz answer was William Martinčič.
Circle 15 is signing off until next month. Best wishes to all readers and writers of the ML, and also a Happy New Year to all.
MATILDA DOLES, Circle 15, 213 Penn St., Verona, Pa.
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JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 48
EVELETH, MINN.—At the special meeting of Circle 48 called on May 14, 1943, we discussed and Passed a measure concerning the celebration of the 5th anniversary of the SNPJ Juvenile Circles. Our plans were to hold a drawing of a war bond and at the drawing to have a little program.
These plans were carried out on June 13, 1943. This program consisted of a play, group and individual singing, recitations, talks, drawing, and a brief community singing. Also, at the May meet-lng, we elected a new manager, Mrs. Bundich.
Eveleth had an exciting surprise on the night of June 14, 1943. It was Flag Day. A two-seater naval plane, lost over our town, crashed while trying to make a landing near the city dump. The Pilot had tried to land on the highway, but too many cars prevented him from landing, so he hit a soft spot in t'he cowpasture near the dump, bounced, and rolled on its wheels. The propeller hit a hill and the plane nosed over.
The pilot, an ensign, about 27 years old, received a sprained wrist and a small bruise under his eye. A day after a large crane righted the plane, dissembled the wings and a large truck took it away.
I must not forget to mention that our Circle
meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p. m. at the SNPJ Hall.
JACOB KOKALY, Circle 48, Eveleth, Minnesota.
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WAUKEGAN CIRCLE NO. 24
NO. CHICAGO, ILL.—Our Juvenile Circle No. 24 is still progressing very nicely. The first Circle meeting that I attended was “a little special” for me. You see, I received two awards at this meeting for writing to the M. L. I received an SNPJ victory pin and a dollar’s worth of stamps. Gee, was I nervous! I was the only one that received it at that meeting.
Our meetings are always interesting and entertaining. First we had to plan for a Halloween party, and we really did lots of planning. The party was a big success and we all had a «ood time. Everyone was dressed up in costume. I was dressed as an Indian.
At the next meeting, because the president was absent, I was named to preside. We had two new members at this meeting and at least one more will come to the December meeting. After the meeting we were dancing. I dancd with two girls. It’s a lot of fun to know how to dance. We’ll learn by practicing, I hope. Our janitor was teaching me how to dance polka, but I didn’t do so well.
It was decided that we buy sweaters for the members. Four members were named on the committee: Lorraine Lingberg, Dick Peckly, Judy Valenčič, and Ray Ark, to pick out the sweaters.
By the time this letter is published it will be
Jacqueline and Joane Jacoby, members of Friendly City Lodge No. 684, Johnstown, Pa., whose mother has been secretary for many years.
Some oj ^}jjfaclinsLi oCiit 3 C^ontrilutorS  
Helen Pinelli Circle 47, Johnstown, Pa,
Zora Gostovich Lodge 297, Raton, N.
Edward Udovich Circle 26, Chicago, 111,
William Tomsic Circle 1, Walsenburg, Colo
Annie Čretnik Lodge 24, Jenny Lind,
Ark,
Matilda Doles 15, Verona, Penna
Oarl-Ulepich Circle 11, Mulberry, Kan,
winter, ice and snow and cold winds. There will be plenty of ice and ice skating will be plenty of fun. By the way, I saved forty tickets to go skating at Lake Forest. A very happy New Year to all.	RAY	ARK,	Juvenile Circle 24,
1120 Park Ave., No. Chicago, 111.
*
EVELETH CIRCLE NO. 48
EVELETH, MINN.—At our last meeting we discussed the Christmas party and play. Our Manager, Mrs. Bundich, read the letter sent from the main office explaining the 30th anniversary of the Juevnile Department. Our Circle sponsored a program and play sometime ago to celebrate the event, which was very successful and netted our treasury about $50.
Our District Vice President, Mrs. Ursula Ambro-zich, attended our meeting and appealed to us to be active in the juvenile campaign. She also urged us to write to the M. L. Lodges 69 and 130 agreed to send Christmas packages to their members serving overseas. Those packages were sent Oct. 15. I helped to wrap some of the gifts. I bet the boys will be happy to know that they belong to such a splendid group of lodges.
The packages were generously filled and money to purchase these gifts was used liberally. Prices didn’t matter; the members wanted their soldier-members to know that the SNPJers at home had not forgotten them.
I hope all the SNPJ members are buying war samps and bonds regularly. I am buving them often. In our school we want to see which room can get the Minuteman Flag first. I am in the seventh grade. Best regards and happy New Year to one and all.
ROSEMARIE STRUKEL. Circle 48, 202 Foyal Rd., Eveleth, Minn.
*
JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 47
JOHNSTOWN, PA.—Our Juvenile Circle, “Youth °f America,” No. 47, had a very successful Halloween party, and each and everyone present 'had a good time.
At the October meeting we appointed new officers; they are: James Lees, president; William Kuzma, vice president; Helen Pinelli, secretary;
ances Strozar, treasurer.
Of course, our Circle is planning a Christmas Pai'ty, too. By the time this bit appears in the Mladinski List, which very likely will be in the January issue, our Christmas party will have been over.
Since I have nothing more to say, I remain a Proud SNPJ member, wishing one and all a very happy New Year.
HELEN PINELLI, Circle 47, R.D. 3, Box 241, Johnstown, Pa.
*
STRABANE CIRCLE NO. 19
STRABANE, PA.—Our Juvenile Circle No. 19 nad a Halloween party at the SNPJ Hall for the Juvenile members of SNPJ lodge 138. The party Was a huge success and we all had a swell time. Good refreshments were served, we played games and won prizes. Awards were also given for the
prettiest costumes. Bertha Pavcic and Betty Martinčič received the latter. For the funniest costume, John A. Zigman (the writer), received the prize; and for the ugliest, Harry Barbish walked off with the prize.
At this party, Bertha Pavcic and Betty Martinčič sang several songs for us. They surely can sing!
Our Circle meets each last Sunday of the month at 2 p. m. at the SNPJ Hall. All members are urged to attend the next meeting. Best wishes and a happy New Year to all.
JOHN A. ZIGMAN, Circle 19, Box 221, Strabane, Pa.
*
REVIEWS CIRCLE NO. 27 ACTIVITIES
STRABANE, PA.—Since January begins another new year for everyone, I thought that I would start the New Year off right by writing to the M. L. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to try to contribute to this magazine every month. In this letter I’d like to review the happenings and progress of the past year of Juvenile Circle 27 of which I am a proud member.
January 1943: Lodge 589 started the new year off right when they decided to form a Juvenile Circle of their own. On Jan. 7, 1943, the Circle held its first organization meeting.
February: This month brought about a good deal of progress. At the meeting our officers were chosen. They were as follows:	Pres.	Dorothy
Helay, V. Pres. Marcella Krulce, Sec’y Lucy De Lost, and Treas. James Podboy. Our advisers were Mrs. Mary P. Chesnic and Mrs. Albina Yar-kosky. The name of the Circle was to be “Pioneer Juniors.”
March: Our next monthly meeting was held in March. With everything firmly organized our Circle was ready to begin to plan for the future. In March we began a social period after each meeting.
April: At the April meeting plans were begun to have something to honor our mothers in May. However, it was decided to carry these plans over to the next meeting. After the meeting bingo was played during the social period.
May: This month proved to be a milestone in
Juvenile Circle No. 11, Mulberry, Kans., celebrating the SNPJ Juvenile Circles’ 5th anniversary.
the progress of Circle 27. In this month the Circle held its first affair, which was in the form of a Mother’s Day banquet to honor the mothers of all the members of the Circle. Also on this occasion William Tomsic, president of Lodge 589, presented the Circle with its charter. Besides Mr. Tomsic, other important members of Lodges 589 and 138 were present.
June: President Dorothy Helay transferred to the adult department, with Marcella Krulce taking over her duties. A new vice president was elected at this meeting. The new officer was Chester Kaminsky. After this meeting was adjourned a wiener roast was held at Dernik’s Park.
July: With the attendance being very gratifying the Circle met again in July. Plans were discussed for the summer. July saw the Circle holding a hamburger-fry at popular Drenik’s Park.
August: With interest in the Circle mounting, it held its second big affair, an enjoyable swimming party held at Town Park. Thirty juveniles enjoyed swimming and the delicious picnic lunch that followed. I might add that several mothers also attended this event and enjoyed themselves as much as the younger folks.
September: After holding our regular monthly meeting at which a few more members were accepted into the Circle we went on a hike to what all Strabane residents refer as “Dam Hill.” Following the hike refreshments were served at t'he SNPJ hall.
October: At the meeting in October it was decided to have a point campaign in Circle 27. Points were to be given to each member for such things as attendance, behavior, letter writing, etc. At the end of three months the member with the highest number of points will receive a prize. Later in October a Halloween party was held at the SNPJ hall. This party proved to be a huge success.
November: In November we held our regular meeting, plans were being formulated for the coming holidays. After the meeting bingo was played during the social period.
Officers of the Juvenile Circle No. 11, Mulberry, Kans.: (left to right) Frances Kumer, Treasurer; Frances Slansek, Secretary; Jennie Lampe, Assistant Adviser; Johnny Zibert, Vice-President; Carl Ulepich, President. They most surely will be officers for 1944.
December: First of all we held our monthly meeting at which we decided to have a Christmas party and entertainment. The party was held Dec. 27, the highlight of the evening was a grab-bag when gifts were exchanged by the members. On Dec. 26 our Circle joined with Circle 19 in giving a Christmas program with members of both Circles participating in the play, recitations, and singing. Following the program the annual treat for all the juvenile members of both lodges was given.
Thus we closed a very successful year for the Pioneer Juniors, and with the beginning of a new year we wish to extend to all the Circles our best wishes for a Happy and Successful New Year.
JAMES PODBOY, Treasurer,
7 Latimer Ave., Strabane, Pa.
*
IMPORTANCE OF MEETING ATTENDANCE
FRANKLIN, KANS.—I was asked by our Circle’s Manager to write an article stressing the importance of a good attendance on the part of our members to a Circle meeting. From the start I believe we all agree that the success of our activities throughout the year depends on steady interest in the Circle of you mmbers.
We all know that it is important to be at each meeting, but it is easy to say, “Oh, well, I’ll miss just this one, no one will miss me with everybody else there.” But when each member says that to himself a few times during the year, it soon is evident that interest is lagging when just a few are present. Haven’t you noticed how much more pep and zest our meeting had at our 5th anniversary when so many were there? It challenges the officers and committees in charge to do extra best that time because so many are present to take part.
Those of you who frequently belong to that class that say “Oh well, just this one,” may ask, “What will I miss if I don’t go this time?”
Let me tell you how we usually conduct our meeting. First we have roll call of officers, roll call of members, and at the end of the year we check the records. Those who have a perfect attendance receive a recognition gift. This year I was very proud to hear that I was one who achieved this honor. I was also disappointed to learn that I was the only one who achieved this honor. Wouldn’t the Circle have something to cheer about if ten of our group had earned this? Maybe next year it will be different.
After roll call we take up some part of SNPJ, its campaign, or some work outlined for all the Circles. Then we read interesting things from ML and have our riddles and jokes. We all will admit that the most exciting part of our meeting is the drawing for prizes, usually a box of chocolates or cash. To stretch the excitement we usually divide the cash into 3 parts and have 3 lucky names drawn. What a group of gleaming eyes and eager faces there are waiting for the lucky names to be drawn!
For additional entertainment we bought a portable victrola and a batch of records which we carry around from meeting to meeting. As you know our Circle holds its meetings in a different town each month. Wherever we go, our music box
goes, too. It takes the place of a jukebox that needs nickels, and when our vice president, Johnny Zibert, brings his accordion, things really fly!
After the business part of the meeting is over, We always have refreshments, ice cream and pop or sandwiches. Treasurer Frances Kumer gets all the money to pay for this.
Now you may ask, ‘‘What can I do next year to better our attendance record?” Bring some of your school friends who are members of the SNPJ, or once in a while a friend who is not an SNPJ member, as your guest so that you can show her or him how much fun your organized group is having. You will more than likely appreciate your Circle better when you hear an “outsider,” who has been a guest, compliment all of you for having such a grand organization for young people. It makes you feel very proud to be an SNPJ juvenile member when you hear an outsider tell you how lucky you are to belong to all of this.
So, boys and girls, resolve at the beginning of this year, come snowstorm or hail, that you will make the Circle meeting each time or “bust.” FRANCES SLANSEK, Sec’y,.
Franklin, Kansas.
*
MONTHLY REPORT OF CIRCLE NO. 28
ROUNDUP, MONT.—The Junior Harmonizers, Circle No. 28, held their regular monthly meeting Nov. 14 at the usual time and place. At this meeting several new members were accepted into the Circle. The minutes of the October meeting were approved as read.
Our bingo party held recently brought our Circle $5.79, and in our treasury we now have a total of $29.03. In our new contest, the boys have 11 Points and the girls have 9 points. The losers will have to treat the winners, and the latter will play tricks on the former.
The motto of our Circle is: “Onward always, never backwards.”
Our Circle had no entertainment for Thanksgiving, but a Christmas party was in prospect at this writing. Robert Bilant was named to report at the next meeting of the adult lodge. Our next meeting was scheduled for Dec. 12.
FRANK LEKSE, Secretary, Box 465, Roundup, Mont.
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Juvenile Circle No. 1 Section
By Members of Circle No. 1, Walsenburg, Colo.
Mrs. Edward Tomsic, Manager
THE CLOSE OF 1943
The year of 1943 has passed and we have enjoyed it with happiness and also with a little sadness. In the coming year of 1944 we wish thut everyone will try and make it a good year. In the past year many new members have joined Circle No. 1 and many more will be joining in the coming year.
For the past few years at Huerfano County High School, the school that I am attending, every room has some kind of a club and every student
must join a club. The club that I belong, to is the Knitting Club; there are 25 members in this club, and we are all knitting sweaters for the boys in service. By the time this letter is published in the coming year everyone will have a sweater made and start on another one and I am sure that the boys in Uncle Sam’s service will appreciate them as much as we have been enjoying making the sweaters for them.
I am enclosing a snapshot of myself and I will write more the next time. Best regards from— VERNA MAE DUZENACK, President.
*	* *
By the time this letter is published a new year will be ushered in. So let’s everyone begin the New Year right by making a new year’s resolution to come to the Circle meetings, and to enroll another new member. The meetings of Circle No. 1 are held each third Sunday of the month at the Marck’s Hall.
On Nov. 19, there was a scrap paper drive held in Walsenburg. The people were to collect the scrap paper and put it out on a pile somewhere so when the truck came they wouldn’t have to wait until the people collected their scrap. About 15 tons have been collected. The paper is to be baled and then sent to the regular balers in Pueblo.
I am enclosing a snapshot of myself. I will close for now and write more next time.
ELIZABETH DUZENACK, Secretary.
*	* *
Here I am again writing to this fine magazine of ours, the Mladinski List. I didn’t write for last month’s issue because I forgot. And even now I don’t know what to say; there simply isn’t anything of interest that happened here recently. Of course, our Circle No. 1 is still carrying on and progressing slowly.
I wish to say hello to Catherine Gerovac and Milly Padar. I wish they would write to me soon. I surely do think a lot of my two pen pals.
Here is a joke I would like to pass on: The arithmetic class was learning weights and measures. “What does milk come in?” asked the teacher. “In pints,” ventured Betty. “And what else?” asked the teacher. “I know,” shouted Johnny, who had spent the past summer on the farm, “In squirts.”
MILLIE ZORMAN, Circle 1.
*	* *
Yesterday, Nov. 25, we had a Thanksgiving dinner, and boy, was it good! We had a turkey with all the trimmings and a lot of other good things to eat. However, it was not as happy a Thanksgiving dinner as it was last year, because of my brother’s absence from the family table. He is in Uncle Sam’s army and was not home to enjoy it as much as we did.
This year it is going to be the fifth anniversary of our Juvenile Circle. We are going to go to the show as a treat on this occasion. It is also the 30th anniversary of our senior lodges. Since I do not have anything else to say, I will close, with my best wishes to all juveniles for a Happy New Year.
DAVID ZORMAN, Circle 1.
I am still attending the meetings of Circle No. 1, each 3rd Sunday of the month. There isn’t very much to report on our activities this year. After the November meeting was adjourned, we played games.
In t'he past year I have enjoyed reading the Mladinski List very much. It is a fine juvenile magazine, and I am also glad to be a member of this Circle. The past year hasn’t been a bright one but I hope that 1944 will be a better one.
I like school very much this year. I have finished making my magazine rack and I am making some different things now. I still keep up with the music. I am going to play a solo for the teachers’ meeting in December. I will close now. A Happy New Year to all.
ALBERT DUZENACK, Circle 1.
Juvenile Circle No. 50 Section
By Members of Circle No. 50, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Jennie H. Padar, Adviser
The group of nine children who gathered Nov. 22, 1942, decided upon “Junior All Americans” as the name for their Circle. The number designated by the SNPJ main office was 50. Before long a charter was framed and put on the wall next to that of the parent Lodge 580. The group remained the same number for a while, then, gradually membership increased. By the time the Circle made its official debut in the form of a play and dance program on May 16, 1943, the membership total was thirteen. While rehearsals and preparations were in process, there still was time for the members to write to the special June issue of the ML in honor of the 5th anniversary of the organization of Circles in the SNPJ.
Immediately following the first performance, the children and the adviser took an all-day trip to one of the largest public parks in New York City, namely, Bronx Park. The Sunday was a beautiful one and everyone was well satisfied, but exhausted upon arrival home in the evening.
In the month of June the Circle members sponsored an outdoor party with plenty of cake, candy, and ice-cream for all. This party was a gathering before the summer vacations began. Meetings were discontinued for a period of two months, July and August. During the summer, some of the children traveled to different states for short vacations with their parents, a few children were fortunate to spend all of their summer vacation in the country, and a few were obliged to stay in the city and make use of the public beaches, pools, parks, etc.
When meetings were resumed again in September, the attendance was one hundred per cent. Almost immediately rehearsals began on the first anniversary program presented on Nov. 21, 1943. For this occasion Juvenile Director Michael Vrhovnik of the SNPJ came to Brooklyn, as a guest of the Circle and delivered an interesting address in addition to showing the SNPJ films. By the information he gave as to t'he background of the
Society, the children realized their importance as SNPJ members more than ever before.
Due to this gala celebration advertising, locally we reached our peak. Through this and the juvenile campaign sponsored by the SNPJ, the membership of our Circle in one year increased to 23 members.
The children themselves don’t realize w'hat splendid education is derived from membership in such a Circle. There lies the wonderful opportunity of lifetime friendship. Through meetings held regularly each month the children are in a position to become acquainted with preliminary procedure and are better able to understand the rules of the governing bodies, etc. The writing of letters and articles, making of drawings, etc., for the ML many times bring out hidden talents of the children. Also through such contributions pen pals are acquired in other parts of this huge country, and interesting information in all fields is usually the result. Another very worthwhile result of participation in such- a group is social poise, which proves very beneficial in all undertakings, regardless 'how large or small, through your whole life. Much more good comes through active membership.
The task of adviser or assistants is not an easy one, that much is certain. There is any amount of work connected with these positions which no one can know unless he or she holds them. But when the year rolls to the end and the Circle does show improvements and progress, such as Circle 50 has shown, all the work, and time seem very unimportant.
Thus has been written in a small space the history of the Junior All Americans. My only hope is that the Circle continues up the ladder to the success such endurance well deserves. That a year from now another synopsis can be presented and that it can show the same progress and possibly a lot more.	JENNIE H. PADAR, Adviser.
*	* *
At long last, the day of the play came, Sunday, Nov. 21, 1943, when we celebrated our 1st anniversary—the anniversary of Circle 50, “Junior All Americans.” We were all very excited. The affair was held at the Slovene Auditorium at four in t'he afternoon. The hall was crowded. The program included the following features:
1. A playlet, “Orville’s Big Date,” in which I played the part of Beatrice, the oldest sister. The audience really enjoyed watching us fix up Orville for his first big date.
2. A meeting was held on the stage to show the people what we do at our monthly meeting gatherings.
3. Miss Ann Kepic and Miss Josephine Peshel sang a few selections and delighted the audience very much.
4. I tap-danced and Carolyn Kramarsick played the accordion.
5. Mr. Vrhovnik, Juvenile Director and guest speaker, made a speech and told how the early settlers formed the SNPJ. how women were admitted with equal rights, and a Juvenile Depart-
(Continued on Inside Back Cover)
Our Pen Pals Write
(Naši čiialeljčki pišejo)
"I AM PROUD OF HIM"
Dear Editor:—On Oct. 17, which was my father’s and my birthday, I received a scarf with the Marines’ insignia on it from my brother John F. Ambrožič. I was very glad and proud to get it. He is stationed at New River, N. C. He is a corporal and he likes the Marines very much. I am very proud of him.
I forgot to say that my father got a smoking pipe from John for his birthday. I’m en-John F. Ambrožič. losing my brother’s picture; it’s a clipping from a paper. I would be very glad if you would kindly print it in this fine magazine. Best regards to all SNPJ members and ML readers.—Frances Ambrožič (10), R.F.D. 5, Box 424. Crafton, Pa. (Lodge 88)
"LEAF AND AUNT MARY"
Dear Editor:—I want to thank the SNPJ for the beautiful Victory pin. I like it and I’m proud of *t- I also like school. Recently our school gave two plays and I was in both of them. In one play t was a Leaf, and in the other I was Aunt Mary. When I was a Leaf I wore leaves all over my dress; we were singing and dancing. In the role °f Aunt	Mary	I	appeared	as an old woman. We
gave the	play	also	at	the	P.-T. A. meeting. The
eighth grade sang songs. I’ll write more next time.
still asking for pen pals. Regards to all.— Donnie Frances Urbas, Camden-on-Gauley, W. Va.
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SLIGHTLY INDIGNANT
Dear Editor:—I like to read the Pen Pal Page, and I like the drawings, too. I also like school, t am in the seventh grade and am 13 years old. We have about 30 pupils in our room. My hobby ls collecting pictures of people and things. My sPorts are football, mushball, basketball, etc.
I Would like to get an SNPJ victory pin. I have five pen pals. One thing I don’t like is—girls asking me for pictures and never send theirs in return. I hope they will send their pictures. Regards to all ML readers and writers.—Ralph Taucher, Box 661, Imperial, Pa.
*
I HAVE NINE PEN PALS
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter to the L. I am 13 years old and in the eighth grade ln school. I like school very much so far. I wish some more boys and girls would write to me. I have nine pen pals so far, but I still want more.
I wish to say hello to Evelyn, Mary, Dolores, Margaret, Marion Marie, Stella, Sadie Ann and Marie. That’s all for now. Regards to all.—Gloria Krilzer (13), 4542 Joliet Ave., Lyons, 111. (Lodge 270)
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"AS USUAL"
Dear Editor:-—It seems as though the ML is getting bigger and better. That’s the way I like it. It’s winter now and even down 'here in Arkansas it’s rather cold. At school things are going along as usual. Recently, my brother Tony was home on a two week furlough, and we surely were proud to see him. Best regards to all.—Mildred Crelnik (11), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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VICTORY AND PEACE
Dear Editor:—I am now a freshman in the Fern-dale High School. I like high school very much. My girl friends and I walk the four miles to and from school. When it is raining and in the winter when it is very cold we will ride to school. By the time this letter is published the old year will be out and the year 1944 will be ready to enter the scene. Let us hope that the new year will bi’ing us victory and a permanent peace. Happy New Year to all.—Frances Strozar (14), R.D. 3, Box 245, Johnstown, Pa. (Lodge 82)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR
Dear Editor:—Here I am again writing to this wondeful magazine of ours. I have an article about Woodrow Wilson from “A Pictorial History of the United States.” I don’t have any more articles. I like school very much. That’s all for this month which, by the way, is the first month of the New Year of 1944. So—Happy New Year to one and all.—Amelia Čretnik (10), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
★
SERVICE DIPLOMA
Dear Editor:—School is going on nicely. I would like to say hello to Mary Alice Paling and I want to thank her for the nice postcard. My sister Mary has now started school. Soon I will receive my Air Warning Service diploma and I surely will be proud of it. Good-by and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all.—Delma Tomsic, Box 143, Black Diamond, Wash. (Lodge 57)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
Dear Editor:—Here it is the month of December and I am very glad. I like this month because Christmas comes in this month, time for joy and cheer. Our Circle will probably have a Christmas party like we did last year. Everyone exchanged names and brought each other gifts. I hope each and all have a happy New Year.—Christine Kolar (13), 421 Ohio St., Johnstown, Pa. (Circle 47)
*
MANY PARTIES
Dear Editor:—After a season full of parties— Halloween and Christmas parties—we are now ready to enter a new year. Our school gave sev eral parties and we had a homecoming football game.
I want to thank the SNPJ for the war stamy-3
1 received. I got a letter from a soldier in India the other day. He used to be my teacher before going to the army. Nearly all the people from here have gone to California. Wishing all a Happy New Year.—Annie Crelnik (17), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
*
"UNITED AMERICANS"
Dear Editor:—I hope this letter gets into the ML like my first one did. I think the ML is very interesting. I like school very much. We buy war stamps in school. We named our Circle “United Americans.” My favorite actors are John Payne, Red Skelton and Lucille Ball. That is all for this time. I remain a proud member—Elsie Ribarich (age 13), Box 93, Avella, Pa. (Lodge 292)
*
SHE IS KNITTING
Dear Editor:—At this time everyone is thinking of Christmas. I have learned to knit in school and am now knitting for the Red Cross. It’s fun and the time passes quickly . I wish to have some pen pals and I will answer all letters. I am collecting picture postcards. Regards to all.—Georgie Močivnik (12), Box 47, Kingston, W. Va. (Lodge 24)
*
FROM A BUSY STUDENT
Dear Editor:—Another year has almost gone, although it seems to me it’s just begun. My freshman year in high school has kept me so busy that time just flies. There is never a spare moment left in my time now because Latin is keeping me busy. You really have to study and concentrate on it if you want to get it. The translation of Latin into English is really simple if you know your Latin vocabulary.
This month of December we are putting on a program at school for Christmas. The glee club is going to be the center attraction, we hope. I am a member and I think we are pretty good. You see we are being tought to sing in three part harmony. It’s taking us members an awful lot of practice and we’re all trying. As long as we put forth all our effort I’m sure we will make a success.
My oldest sister Josephine, w'ho is 21, is now serving our wonderful country as a Wave. She left in the middle of October for Bronx, New York. She thought that as long as there were five of us girls and no boys to leave, it was her duty to take part. Now, I hope she will be the kind of a Wave one would want to be: a good one.
I wish to extend my sincere greetings and wishes to all for a Happy New Year.—Caroline Tavzelj (14), 1425 McKinstry St., Detroit, Mich. (Lodge 518)
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THE 3RD WAR LOAN DRIVE
Dear Editor:—This is my fourth letter to the M. L. I now have five pen pals. Evelyn Kolish, Anna Phillip, Donnie Urbas, Albena Finco and Lillian Palcher. I want to say hello to all of them. I would like to have some pen pals from the western and southern parts.
The New Year is almost here, and I hope every one will have lots of joy and happiness throughout
1944. I also hope that 1944 will see the United Nations victorious. By the way, when the Third War Loan drive was on, our room bought 16 War Bonds, and we bought about $300 worth of war stamps.
I see there are many letters from Pennsylvania in the M. L. Keep up the good work. My favorite sport now is ping pong. We play this game every day in the morning and in the afternoons in our school. I like it very much. I remain a proud SNPJ member.—Anna M. Siilinger (13), Box 15, Merrittstown, Pa. (Lodge 744)
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BARBARA'S "SECOND"
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter I have written to this fine magazine. I had five pen pals, but none of them write to me now. I would appreciate if they’d answer my letters, and I’d like to say hello to them. I would also like to have more pen pals, between the ages of 9 and 12. I am 10 years old. Recently I missed two days of school because of a bad cold. I like school very much. Best regards and a Happy New Year to all.—Barbara Savor (10), 333 Hazel St., Girard, Ohio. (Lodge 643)
*
HELLO TO PEN PALS
Dear Editor:«—First, I want to say hello to Margaret Truly, Dorothy Urbas, Margaret Urbas, Albena Finco, Anna Marie Sittinger, and Dorothy Martinčič. These are some of my pen pals that won’t write to me. Recently I wrote to a girl :n Alaska, two to South America and one in Hawaii. Now I’m going to write to a girl in England. My girl friend Betty Westfall wrote to her first. Our grade won the attendance banner. I made pretty good in tests. I still want more pen pals. Best regards to all.—Donnie Frances Urbas, Camden-on-Gauley, W. Va. (Lodge 285)
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WORCESTER'S RECORD
Dear Editor:—I’m sorry I haven’t written sooner but I’ve been rather busy. I’m a junior in Worcester High School, majoring in Latin and minor-ing in mathematics. I also am a member of Worcester’s band, orchestra and chorus, which, in normal times, have all won highest ratings at sectional, state and national music contests. Due to conditions resulting from the war these contests cannot be continued. Nevertheless, our musical organizations are trying to maintain their standings.
Worcester’s local quota for the sale of war bonds of $30,000 has been greatly exceeded. The total amount of the drive has reached $50,000. The number of men from our community in service is 201. We are proud of our bond record and of our men in service. On Oct. 1, the first annual fair of Worcester and Schenevees (neighboring town) central school districts was held here and was a great success.
By the time this letter is published winter will be well on its way, 1943 will be ready to depart and 1944 will be ushered in. While I haven’t any particular hobbies, I like to dance, play baseball, tennis, basketball and badminton. I am a Yankee
fan, the team that won the 1943 world series. I am 15 years old, 5 feet and 3% inches tall, weigh 115 pounds and have dark brown hair and eyes.
I wish to say hello to my sister Anne, who is in Sharon, Pa., through the correspondence with Mildred Novak, her SNPJ pen pal. A Happy New Year to all SNPJ members. By the way, I’m enclosing an original drawing which I’ll be happy to see published. (Very sorry, but you’ve failed to observe the rules pertaining to drawings.—Ed.) Vera Bozanic (15), Worcester, N. Y. (Lodge 393)
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SATURDAY CLASSES
Dear Editor:—We are now going to have school °n Saturdays. This plan has been put to practice m order that we may get out of school early next spring. I don’t know how I will like it. I am sorry I didn’t write to the ML sooner. I just forgot all about it. Regards to one and all.—Anna May Lander (11), Box 54, Joffre, Pa. (Lodge 89)
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MY FOUR TEACHERS
Dear Editor:—I guess you think I’m awful for not writing sooner. I had my tonsils taken out by Dr. Jones Sr. We started school Sept. 7. I like school very much. I have four teachers: Miss Milliron, Miss Gomely, Mrs. Steed and Miss Horn-stein. I wonder why my pen pals haven’t written to me. My mother still works in a war plant. I still buy war stamps. One of my uncles is in England and one in Illinois. The one in England said ne is having a wonderful time there. Best regards to all.—Marjorie Bisich (10), 1010 Nimic Ave., Monoca, Pa. (Lodge 122)
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QUITE SURPRISED
Dear Editor:—A few days ago I received $2 in stamps and I certainly want to thank the SNPJ for them. That makes $4 which I have so tar from the SNPJ. At our school we are buying stamps also and are trying to get enough for a Jeep.
Since my last letter in the ML I received cards worn Penna, Ohio, Wyoming, New Mexico and Florida. I still appreciate cards from elsewhere 3lso. I’d like to say “hi” to my 10 pen pals. I nave many interesting letters from them, and I Want to thank Anne Sladich for the swell souve-r- Again I’m enclosing several of my drawings and I want to add that I was quite surprised to two of my drawings in the September issue. est regards to all. (None of the four drawings you’ve sent in can be reproduced. Observe tlvj ^les: use standard drawing paper and India ink. ■~-Ed.)—Rosemary Panyan (16), 413 Woodbridge ev Buhl, Minn. (Lodge 314)
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WERE WE A SIGHT!
Dear Editor:—First I wish to express my heartiest thanks for the war stamps and especially for he SNPJ victory pin which I received. It cer-amly gave me a thrill to know that I earned a Pin.
I am a freshman at high school and the first ay of school all t'he freshmen had their faces smeared with lipstick by the upper classmen. Boy,
were we a sight. My subjects are English, Latin, mathematics, civics, and science. So far I like school and I hope that I will continue to like it.
I have been spending my spare evenings going bowling at the SNPJ Bowling Alleys here in Stra-bane. During the football season I’ve attended several high school games and one college tilt, Pittsburg vs. Notre Dame, and enjoyed the latter very much.
Our Juvenile Circle 27 is going along very nicely. We recently secured a few new members. We had a Halloween party and were planning to have a Christmas party. So long, until next month.—James Podboy (14), Box 227, Strabane, Pa. (Lodge 589)
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WAS I THRILLED!
Dear Editor: — I received the lovely SNPJ victory pin. And was I ever thrilled to get it! I am going to try and write every mont'h. I think the Mladinski List is a swell magazine for us juveniles.
I have three pen pals, but only one writes faithfully. I am enclosing a picture of my baby brother Ronald. He was ne a r 1 y 10 months old when the picture was taken. I do hope to see it in the Mladinski List soon. He is also a member of the SNPJ.
Well, I think I will close now, wishing everyone a Happy New Year. —Romaine Urbas, 451 View Ave., Box 173, Strabane, Pa.
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HILDA LIKES THE ML
Dear Editor:—I have always been wanting to write to this fine magazine, and now here I am. I have been a faithful reader of the ML for quite a while. I can truthfully say that I enjoyed reading each and every one of these copies immensely.
I am 16 years of age and a senior at St. Clairs-ville High School. I will graduate in June of 1944. I am taking English, sociology, civics, shorthand and office training. Since this is my first letter to this wonderful magazine, I have no pen pals as yet, but I’d like to correspond with some. I’d also like to get a snapshot of each one that writes to me. Getting snapshots from different pen pals is my hobby. I remain a proud SNPJ member, wishing all a Happy New Year.—Hilda Zdolshek (16), Box 292, Maynard, Ohio. (Lodge 275)
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AT THE RODEO
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter to this fine magazine. On Nov. 21, Circle 50 gave a dance and concert in celebration of its first anniversary. The program was a big success in every respect.
Ronald Urbas, 10 months
old, Strabane, Pa.
Our manager Jennie Padar explained to us how the merit system works and we are using it for our Circle.
I went to see the Rodeo at Madison Square Garden in New ^ork. It was very nice and a great deal of fun. Roy Rodgers was the main attraction. He was there with his horse Trigger. The entire show was very interesting. And during my summer vacation I went to Dilliner, Pa., to visit my grandmother and uncles. I went there by train with my mother and sister. We went swimming there and went to the movies. I had a very good time. I will close now, wishing one and all a very Happy New Year.—Jean Kirk (12), 220 Stockholm St., Brooklyn, N. Y. (Lodge 580)
e
FIRST OF ALL—
Dear Editor:—First of all, my sincere thanks to the SNPJ for the dollar in war stamps, which I received as a gift a few months ago. It increased the amount I already had for the bond of the past third war loan drive. I am happy to say that the village of Hibbing has gone over the top in its quota, a record which has been kept for each drive so far.
Our Hibbing High School and Junior College has welcomed a group of 75 aviation cadets and another group will arrive soon. It is very interesting and exciting to see our boys in uniform, which arouses a spirit within ourselves that tends to compel us to do all we can for the boys wherever they may be. I, as an American, wish ail these cadets and our men in the various services of the armed forces of our country all the luck and success they possibly can have.
Before ending this short epistle, I would like to inform my pen pals to not lose hope of their hearing from me, for I shall soon get down to business. The best of luck and a Happy New Year to all.—Helen Mrkonich (16), Box 386, Carson Lake, Minn. (Lodge 125)
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WANTS MORE PEN PALS
Dear Editor:—I was pleasantly surprised to see my letter printed in the Mladinski List, and as a result I have several new pen pals. School has kept me mighty busy as we are all out for Victory. Our school sent gifts to servicemen here and overseas. I would like to have more pen pals. Best wishes and a very Happy New Year to one and all.—Mildred Ravnikar (13), 1822 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, 111. (Lodge 631)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
Dear Editor:—I was very glad to see my letter in the October issue of the M. L. As long as I am in the Juvenile Department I’ll try to do my bit for this splendid magazine. Also in the same issue I found the history of the SNPJ very interesting material to read.
By the time this letter is published my younger brother will have been transferred to somewhere in Florida. There are more than 440 boys in service from our Shore School alumni. Recently we had a very interesting assembly in our school. A former Shoreite came to speak to us. He told
of being rescued by the Navy Air Corps after his ship had plunged into the sea.
Let’s keep on writing to our boys in the service. By the time this letter is published we’ll be on the threshold of the New Year. At this time I would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year.— Rosemary Janezic (16), 977 E. 239th St., Euclid 17, Ohio. (Lodge 450)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR
Dear Editor:—I noticed that there are very few letters in the ML from Michigan. And, by the way, I’d like to ask why Victoria Ambrožič from Crafton, Pa., doesn’t write, also Kathryn Spraitz from Glidden, Wis. If I didn’t answer any of my pen pals’ letters or postcards, will you please drop a card and tell me so. I cannot remember if I did answer Theresa Turly, Irene Magayna or Millie Yorman. Please let me know. I would like to have pen pals from any state or place, also some more postcards. I promise to send one in return. Best regards and a Happy New Year to all.— Catherine Gerovac.. Box 83, Marenisco, Mich. (Lodge 323)
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IRENE'S "SECOND"
Dear Editor:—I was very glad to see my first letter in the M. L. We had a Halloween party. We played games and had prizes, and had a very good time. Our colors are red and white, our flower is rose, and we have a pledge. Our Circle meets regularly each second Sunday of the month.
I have two brothers in the Navy, both on sea duty. My hobby is skating; that’s all I have been doing all summer. We are planning to have a Christmas party and program, and we had a Thanksgiving program, too.—Irene Cokel, Box 312, Avella, Pa. (Lodge 292)
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"PISTOL PACKIN' MAMA"
Dear Editor:—At long last, I decided to write to this fine magazine again. I’m a freshman in high school and am 14 years old. I have been a member of the SNPJ ever since I was a small child. I will try to write every month.
Right now my most favorite song is “Pistol Packin’ Mama,” and I also like “Paper Doll” and several others. Every afternoon in school wo play baseball. It seems as if Aguilar is losing its population. Almost all of the mines are closing down around here. I mean the small mines.
A very Happy New Year to each and every one in the SNPJ.—-Josephine Kosernick, Box 199, Aguilar, Colo. (Lodge 381)
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CATHERINE'S "SECOND"
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter to this wonderful magazine, and I hope not my last. I am writing this letter in Study Hall in school. The weather has been very cold here and we got our first snow on Nov 7. I belong to the Glee Club. We are planning to have a program in December, and our freshman class is going to give a Pearl Harbor Program on December 7. By the time this letter is printed these programs will have
been over. That’s all for now. Hoping to get some pen pals and wishing everyone a Happy New Year, I remain—Catherine Elouise Bujacich (14), Box 248, Aguilar, Colo. (Circle 20)
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WE LL ALL TRY OUR BEST
Dear Edtior:—At this writing, everyone of my girl friends is getting ready for Christmas gifts. We all are also looking forward to the New Year. All of us intend to do as much for our Circle as We did in 1943. We are thinking of some New Year’s resolutions, too.
Enclosed I have a picture of myself, which I hope will be published with this letter. Good luck and best wishes to all, and a Very Happy New Year to one and all. May the New Year bring us all lots of happiness, health and understanding. Let us hope that 1944 will bring us victory and Peace. I remain—Helen Pinelli (14), R.D. 3, Box 241, Johnstown, Pa. (Lodge 82)
TOMMY'S CHORES
Dear Editor:—I have been very busy lately with schoolwork and the work which I do at home. 1 have just finished plowing our fields for my next Victory garden in spring. Besides these du-tles I take care of our chickens and help my moth-er with the housework.
The ML has certainly a variety of informative and interesting articles, poems, and letters each nionth. I read many of them to my classmates as Well as at home. I mean such articles as the Birthdays of Great Men and many others.
My cousin Pete is in the Coast Guard, stationed at Edgartown, Mass. He was on a ten day furlough and told me many things about the Coast Guard.
2-	Happy New Year to all SNPJ juveniles.— Tommy Gornick (12), 331 Third St., Trafford, Pa. (Lodge 629)
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"AGUILAR IS SMALL"
Dear Editor:—This will be my second letter
0	the M. L. Although there are quite a few mem-®rs here in Aguilar, I don’t see them writing to nis fine magazine. I’ve received several letters S1nce I last wrote and I surely enjoy hearing from Pen pals. I would like to have more pen pals, both boys and girls.
I surely like school, and the subjects I’m taking aye English, bookkeeping, geometry, history and lc>logy. We have a wonderful football team. The own I ]ive jn js smaii. it is surrounded by small -al mines and is at the foot of the Spanish Peaks, nich are very beautiful mountains.
My hobbies are dancing and motion pictures, nis is all for this time. My best regards to all. appy New Year, SNPJ juveniles!—La Verne Alt U5>, Box 457, Aguilar, Colo. (Circle 20)
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JACOB IS A BIG BOY
Dear Editor:—At last I decided to write to this lne magazine again. I am 15 years old, about 5 eet and 7 inches tall, and weigh about 130 pounds. 1 be 16 on March 27. I have brown eyes and lown hair. I am in my junior year in the Eve-e h Senior High School. I take English, biology,
algebra, auto mechanics, and physical education.
I go hunting very often now. I got a record of two partriges and eight rabbits. I hunt with my father’s 22 Winchester single shot. Our tame rabbits now number about 35. We have six white, four coal black and about eleven dark-colored rabbits, and 14 are light gray in color. Regards to all.—Jacob Kokaly (15), 715 N. Court St., Eve-leth, Minn. (Lodge 69)
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GIVE RESEARCH TOPICS
Dear Editor:—By the time this letter is published, Christmas will be a thing of the past. But right now I can hardly wait till Christmas. Our room at school is planning a yule party. I joined the Girl Scouts. The girls are knitting squares which we will use for making a blanket for a poor child. Also, we are patting our old dolls and making clothes for them. We will give them for Christmas presents to other children.
I have a new pen pal, Frances Suklje, and two other pen pals, Marian and Mary Jane. In our school room we give research topics. I have already given three; one on Germany, one on William Penn, and one on the West Indies. I go to Oliver H. Perry school and am in the fifth grade. My teacher is very nice; her name is Mrs. Gates. Best regards and a Happy New Year to all.— Margaret Verbic (10), 18905 Arrowhead Ave., Cleveland 19, Ohio. (Lodge 126)
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GENE'S DRAWING
Dear Editor:—One night as I sat drawing chari-catures from the pages of comic magazines, my mother stood by and watched me. She told me I had a lot of artistic ability and insisted that I send the ML a few of my sketches. I hope you like them just one-half as much as she does and that they are suitable for reproduction in the Mladinski List.
My mother, grandmother, brother and I are all members of SNPJ lodge 738 here in Enumclaw, Wash. We do not have juvenile activities within our lodge as you do in the larger cities. Therefore, your ML is a welcome visitor to our home as it brings us happy news of lodge functions. Some day I hope we will have active Juvenile Circles out here.
I am 10 years old and was born on St. Patrick’s day. My mother wanted to call me Pat, but grandma and grandpa being of Slovene origin, didn’t want a “Mack” in the family, so I was named Mathew Eugene. Mathew was for my grandfather who died when I was less than one month old.
Some day soon I shall write again and tell you of my school activities and our lovely Evergreen State. I am in the fifth grade of the J. J. Smith school and my teacher is Miss Hansen. Goodby for now.—Mathew Gene Balint, Enumclaw, Wash. (Lodge 738)
(Editor’s note:	We certainly do like your
drawings, Gene, and would like to publish them in the magazine. However, all of your drawings show visible pencil lines in addition to ink lines. For this reason they cannot be reproduced. In future use standard drawing paper, India ink, and
try to send in neat drawings only. We are confident that if you follow the rules you’ll succeed.)
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WE DID—
Dear Editor:—You will surely surprise me if you will print this letter in the January issue of the M. L. Thank you. I am 13 years old and 1 will soon be in 9A or freshman class, that is, when the second semester opens in February. My subjects include English, business training, science, art, geography and physical education. The students in our school certainly remembered Pearl Harbor for we bought $1,000 in War Bonds and Stamps. I wish to say hello to all my pen pals.
I	remain a proud SNPJ member.—Mildred Ravnikar (13), 1822 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago 12, 111. (Lodge 631)
FIRST LETTERS
Frances Jane Vodopivec, 489 Linwood st., Mc-keesport, Pa., tells in her first letter to the ML that she is 11 years old and in the sixth grade. She likes to read the poems and letters in the M. L., and she also likes school a lot. Her teachers are Mrs. Dawson, Miss Toply, and Mrs. Wesling. She likes them a lot. Frances would like to have some pen pals. She has two brothers and her entire family belongs to the SNPJ.
Irene Chopp, Star Rte. 3, Box 358, Hibbing, Minn., is 15 years old and is in the tenth grade, studying World History, English, bookkeeping and biology. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and weighs 115 pounds. Her hobby is collecting picture postcards, and she belongs to the Morton 4-H Club. This is her first letter to the ML and she, too, would like to have pen pals.
Mary Ribarich, 156 State Street, Struthers, Ohio, says in her first letter to the ML that she enjoys reading this fine magazine very much. She is 15 years of age, 5 feet and 3 inches tall, and has brown hair and brown eyes. Her two brothers are in the adult department, and both are in Uncle Sam’s service, one in the Army and the other in the Marines. Mary is a member of SNPJ lodge 277, and s'he is asking for pen pals, saying hello to Mary Hevalo.
Frank Zigman, Box 221, Strabane, Pa., is eight years old, and in the fourth grade. This is his first letter to the ML, and he is a member of Juvenile Circle 19, of which his brother Johnny is vice president. All of his family belong to SNPJ lodge 138. Circle 19 held a Halloween party. Their adviser is Justine Sedmack who bought t'he refreshments. Gifts were given to the persons dressed the prettiest and funniest. Frank has two uncles in the armed forces, Joe Sterle, who is overseas, and John Sterle, stationed at Miami, Fla. Another uncle was killed in the South Pacific.
Jean Kavcich, Box 26, Leoneth, Minn., enjoys reading the ML and this is her first letter to this magazine. She is nine years old and in the fourth grade. Her techer’s name is Miss Turk and the name of her school is Leonidas School. Jean’s mother, father, sister, brother, as well as she herself, all belong to the SNPJ. She has five cousins
in the service, and they, too, belong to the SNPJ. In school she likes English, science and art. She is going to try to write to the ML every month.
Dolores Slabe, 456 View Ave., Strabane, Pa., tells us that this is her first letter to the M. L. She is in the second grade and her teacher is Miss Pod-boy, who is very nice. There are five people in Dolores’ family, all members of SNPJ lodge 138, and she is also a member of Circle 19. She attends all the meetings and their Circle has lots of good times. Dolores will write more next time.
Joan Finco, Box 986, Roundup, Mont., is 12 years old and is in the seventh grade. She is a member of SNPJ lodge 700, Circle 28, and this is her first letter to the M. L. She has an aunt in the Wacs, of whom she is very proud. Joan says hello to Donna Lozinsky from Colorado, and would like to have pen pals, girls as well as boys. She sends her best regards to all juvenile members of the SNPJ.
Patricia Davis, 1739 N. Wolcott Ave., Chicago 22, 111., writes in her first letter to the ML that she is nine years old and in the fourth grade at Drummond School. She likes school very much, and would like to have some pen pals, boys and girls. Patricia likes to play hide and seek, and also plays paper dolls. She has a little sister who is also a member of the SNPJ. Patricia likes to 'help her mother with the dishes, and ironing clothes. So far she hasn’t many friends as yet, because she hasn’t lived in Chicago very long.
Donald McNorion, Box 216, Perrysville, Pa., is eight years old and this is his first letter to the Mladinski List. He also sends his “first poem” which he would like to see published. It’s the familiar “Little Star”: “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder where you are. Up above the world so high, like a dreamland in the sky.”
Bernice Iskra, Box 54, Winton, Wyo., says “this is one of my first letters to the M. L. I am 14 years old and am in my freshman year. I have light brown hair, brown eyes, and I am 5 feet and
2	inches tall. I would like to have pen pals from all over and I promise to answer t'heir letters promptly.”
Veronica Taninecz, Box 33, Avella, Pa., is 12
years old and in the seventh grade. This is her first letter to the M. L. She is a member of the Juvenile Circle No. 51 of the SNPJ. They had a Halloween party Oct. 30, played games, danced a little, had refreshments, and then went home. Veronica has two brothers in the service, one in the Army and one in the Navy. She will write more next time.
Margie Tomsic, Box 202, Strabane, Pa., tells us that she is nine years old, and this is her first letter to the M. L. She is a member of the SNPJ lodge 589 and of the Circle 27. She likes to go to the meetings “because we have some good times after the meetings. Sometime we play bingo and we have refreshments. We had a Halloween party and everybody came masked. I am in the fourth grade in school and my teacher’s name is Miss Clokey. Good-by until next time.”
Mary Robich, Box 17, Presto, Pa., is 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. This is her
first letter to the M. L. S'he writes, “I have always enjoyed reading the ML and I know I’ll enjoy writing to it, I have a brother who is 13 and a sister who is married. My father is dead but my mother is still living. I would like to have pen pals, boys and girls, from everywhere. There are 49 juvenile members in SNPJ lodge 166 and not many of them are writing to this fine magazine. Mary Klemenčič, age 3, from Dutch Hill, a juvenile member, fell and broke her arm. She was in the hospital for a week but is home now. All of us members wish that she gets better soon. Until next time, best regards to all.”
Frances Hren, 7941 Empire Way, Seattle 8, Wash., writes: “This is my first letter to this fine magazine. I would have written sooner but my mother and father are working, so I have to clean house and go to school. I am 13 years old and in the eighth grade. My teachers are Miss Mar-quick, Mrs. Graham, and Miss Tliese. My favorite subjects are history, hygiene, and science. I would like to say hello to Mildred Galicic and Elsie May Simperman, Shirley, Henry and Jerry, also to my cousins who live in Maryland. I’d like to have Pen pals from all over the states. My hobby is collecting movie stars.” Frances is a member of SNPJ lodge 377.
Larry Korošec, R.R. 1, Pittsburg, Kans., is nine years old and this is his first letter to the Mladinski List. “I think the ML is a wonderful magazine,” writes Larry, and adds: “I can hardly wait each month for it to come. I enjoy reading the section Our Pen Pals Write. Also the poems and jokes. I am sending a poem about Christmas and 1 hope it will be published in the December issue. ’ Perhaps Larry didn’t know that all letters and contributions intended for the December issue should have been sent before Nov. 1, and his was mailed Nov. 17, therefore too late for the December number.
Jackie Gornik, Eveleth, Minnesota, writes: “This is my first letter to the M. L. I am 10 years old and in the fifth grade. I am 4 feet and 5 inches tall and have black hair and blue eyes. My teacher is very nice to me. My brother Frank is in the Navy. I am a member of Circle 48 and I attend the meetings very often, and enjoy them. Mrs. Ambrozich comes to every meeting. We decided to have a Christmas party and play. Best regards and a Happy New Year to all.”
John De Pelle Jr., Box 90, Thomas, W. Va., sent m a December poem Nov. 20, which was fully 20 days too late for the December issue. Johnny, £h° is 12 years old and a member of SNPJ lodge "9. Circle 16, tells us in his first contribution that: December is a pretty month, the snow begins to tall. When the people look around they see icicles Sreat and tall. Before you know it, Christmas is ti?re’ soon there comes a happy New Year, and ne people are filled with great cheer.”
Charles Blam, 438 Ohio st., Johnstown, Pa., is 1 years old and in the sixth grade. In his first otter to the ML he tells of a hike to the new airport taken by members of Circle 47. They also ad a Halloween party and he told a ghost story.
Ties would like to have some pen pals. He is a member of Circle 47.
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON JUST FOR FUN PAGE:
Traveling Twins—Ohio, Utah, Iowa, South Carolina, North Carolina, Massachusetts.
Dogville—1. lunch room; 2. theater; 3. drug store; 4. court house; 5. bakery; 6. bank.
Brain Teasers—1. leap; peal; pale; plea; 2. Buchanan; 3. Sleeplessness is a most distressing disease; 4. 7 red and 6 white.
Animal Houses—1. Squirrel—tree; 2. Bee—hive;
3.	Pig—pen; 4. Pigeon—nest; 5. Cow—barn; 6. Horse—stable; 7. Chicken—coop; 8. Bear—cave.
Mix-Ups—1. Automobile; 2. Xylophone; 3. Grapefruit; 4. Elephant.
Kwizzers—1. Partly empty; 2. No; 3. 1927; 4. row boat.
Juvenile Circle No. 50 Section
(Continued from page 26)
ment was established. He also showed the beautiful pictures of Slovenia and of Yellowstone Park.
Our Christmas party was scheduled for Dec. 19 at the Slovene Auditorium and by the time this is printed the party will have been over.
I wish to mention briefly that last spring, as soon as school closed, my mother, brother, sister and I went to our summer home in Smallwood, N. Y. We went swimming every day, and we also had a Victory garden. We planted tomatoes, corn, lettuce, cabbage, parsley, string beans and carrots. The crows ate most of it and we didn’t profit much by it.
LORETTA SEEBACKER, Circle 50.
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I	was going to write about our Circle’s 1st anniversary celebration but one of our members has already done that, so I’ll continue.
Our anniversary affair was a huge success and at this writing we are planning a Christmas party for Dec. 19. A committee consisting of Jean Kirk, Mildred Padar and Loretta Seebacker volunteered to get refreshments, decorations, etc.
On Nov. 21, our Circle celebrated its 1st birthday, and I’d like to give you a brief history of our first year of existence.
At our first meeting there were only nine members present. Now we 'have 23. On May 16, we presented a short program. This was our first affair.
As a group we have gone to see New York’s largest park, Bronx Park. An article was printed in the ML with pictures of our Circle members taken on that day, June 13, 1943.
At this time I would like to welcome our new members, Emil Rucigay, Tony Cerar, Ronald and Robert Stuart, Edward Giovanelli, Caroline Kra-marsich, and Helen and Richard Seebacker.
MILDRED PADAR, Secretary.
Music is the universal language of mankind; poetry their universal pastime and delight.
—H. W. LONGFELLOW.
Straight Ahead -- 366 Days of Opportunities
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, a year of much promise and one, also, of grave responsibilities, let us firmly resolve to make 1944, the FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY YEAR of the SNPJ, one of the most successful in its entire history.
Now that the cargoes of the old year have been unloaded and the inventories completed—now that new officers have been elected and assigned their duties, and the loyalty and confidence of all members pledged anew, let us again spread the sails of our ships to the breezes and once more embark on new expeditions of fraternal adventure and goodfellowship.
As each ship leaves its port and begins the long journey, a book for the keeping of records is in its proper place—366 pages in all, one for each day. Each week a series of events, each month taking up a chapter, and the whole year a story of related parts, the exact contents depending on the importance and the purpose of our respective resolutions, and the details of our plans and programs of action.
It means that we are now starting on a journey that will take 366 days to complete. It means that we have a whole year of days before us to think, to act, to improve and to achieve something good for ourselves and the Society. It means also that we have 366 opportunities to forgive and forget and start over again when something goes wrong, and the same number of opportunities in which to make good for the SNPJ.
What kind of story do you intend to write in 1944? What kind of record will your book show at the end of the year? No one can say now what it will be for the true story can be written only by days, after events have taken place. Plan vour program carefully in advance. Know what, where, .when, why and how each event or activity can be best carried out. Strive for success not by the years, but by days, for when you succeed by days you will surely succeed by weeks, by months, and by years.
In this concluding paragraph, we call upon the youth and their leaders to CARRY ON in the best traditions of the Society. Build character and leadership, teach democracy in work and play, develop higher culture, promote recreational competition, encourage writing for the Mladinski List and the Prosveta, and expand the membership. Your time, energy, ideas and influence cannot be better spent. Use them to advantage for a greater SNPJ in 1944. . . Happy New Year to all.
MICHAEL VRHOVNIK, Juvenile Director
r