Let Not The Light Of Freedom Be Extinguished! American Home over 100 years of serving American- Slo.venians Vol. 108, No. 20 America" U<'ue Ameriška SLOVENIAN MORNING NEWSPAPfcK 8956-1-80^ HO AtitiEd -L33yis oiho eeee NOHVI/\|0|/\| NVltiVI/V USPS 024100 /•ISSN Number 0164-68X AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 Phone: (216) 431-0628 Cr-mail: ah@buckcyewcb.com 70* Thoughts on 15 Anniversary of Slovenia Independence by MARY ANN VOGEL Dear esteemed international, national, state, county, city, church, and civic leaders. Once again I would like to welcome you to the Cleveland Slovenian Days celebration in honor of the 15lh anniversary of the creation of a free and independent Slovenia. I was very honored when the Consul General, Dr. Zvone Žigon, asked me to speak about what this day and what Slovenija means to me. I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Mary Ann Vogel, and I am a member of Pevski Zbor Korotan and the St. Vitus 9 a-m. church choir. I am also a member of the Slovenian-Amcrican Heritage Foundation, a member of the Slovenian Cultural Garden Association, a board member of the KSKJ 169 Trust Foundation, as well as a member of that lodge, and finally a hoard member of Slovenska Pristava. Somewhere along the line I find the time to be Jansa visits Cleveland Janez Jansa, the Minister of the Repub Slovenian stopped in C land on his way to President Bush. He mei mcmbers of America’s Cst Slovenian communil Jansa addressed an f°rum at 11:30 a.m. or Urday, July 8 at the 5 man National Home, Clair Ave. ,°n Friday night, July v'sited local Slov ^hurches of St. Mary’: t- Vitus and attended ^te dinner at St. Vitu: a8e. There he presente government’s thanks ti ^obct2, 79> of Wi,l0l ' s- who founded ovenian Research C 0t America. Jansa met with Pres ,uiy the principal of a new up and coming Catholic high school in this very neighborhood, St. Martin de Porres High School. Thank you for allowing me a few minutes of your time. Some questions I asked myself as I began to prepare for this talk... Why is someone without a degree in history standing humbly before you now? What can I possibly say that you do not already know about being Slovenian? How do I make these few minutes of your time worth your while? How does one talk about why one is proud of a nationality and set of traditions that is over one thousand years old in a few minutes? In a nutshell, I come before you as a child of political refugees who learned what it means to be a good person, citizen, and person of faith from my Slovenian parents and ancestry. The days in the years before and in the early months of 1991 were filled with anticipation and fear. No one wanted to see war - all wanted true freedom. Independence, the expectations were so high for what that meant 15 years ago. It was historic, to be part of the conversations happening around tables here and to listen to the nervousness, the hopes and excitement of what independence could and should bring to our tiny Slovenija. To grasp the idea that for the first time in over a millennia our tiny nationstate would soon be its own autonomous country, gave chills of excitement to Slovenians around the world. Now would be the time to stand out, and form a country and free nation based on the principles of democracy. This new Slovenija would not be perfect overnight, there were years-old practices that would have to be phased out as new policies and procedures were brought into the political arena. As our young Slovenija would go through growing pains, the country would have his- Newspaper Schedule t, i next issues of Ameriška Domovina will be dated ly 20 , and July 27th. In August, the American Home will be dated Aug. 10, '•and 24. On Friday, June 23, “Slovenian Days” were celebrated at the State House in Columbus, Ohio. A group from Cleveland met at the statehouse for a flag raising ceremony. State Representative Kenny Yuko talked about the importance of preserving our Slovenian heritage. The group enjoyed a tour of the statehouse. Before breaking for lunch and then boarding the bus for the ride back to Cleveland, the Slovenian flag remained flying throughout the weekend._________________________________________(Photo by Kenny Yuko) tory to turn back to in order to make sure the political missteps of the past would not happen again. The thought of Slovenian independence gave all of us the belief that now was the time for what had been wrong to be made right. Slovenija could shed, not hide, its history and forge ahead to become a strong country. We Slovenians are proud of our heritage. I believe that almost anyone here can recite the facts of our homeland and about Slovenians living in Cleveland; we are the third largest Slovenian city in the world, we have the largest Slovenian Catholic church in the US, etc. Being Slovenian was not a part of my life, it was my life. I was very surprised when I went away to college and people had no idea about Slovenija - talk about culture shock. For so many of us here, if not all of us, we learned about Slovenija through the stories of our parents and grandparents. They talked about the rolling hillsides, the mountains, the znamenje, the small village chapels, the hard work and fun of the farm, the joys of village life, how holidays were celebrated, the proverbs, the legends, the tail-tales of our country (Kralj Matjaž, zlatorog, the stories of Lake Cerknica), but they also talked about the hardships that either brought our loved ancestors to the United States on their own or was forced here because there was no place else to go. They talked about the Slovenija they left behind with love and longing. It was the world of the Slovenija lost that we grew up in here in Cleveland. It was that love and longing that made this neighborhood “Little Slovenija,” so important to them, walking up and down the street, going into stores for groceries, dry goods, shoes, flowers, and speaking Slovenian. Family was not just decided by blood, family was the community. So much was left behind that the greater Slovenian community filled in for the missing pieces. Families watched out for one another, people were able to talk about the old ways while adjusting to the new and the Church was the center of it all. The work ethic of Slovenian parents was the foundation for generation after generation to make a place for themselves - children of farmers, miners, small business owners, refugees of either economics or politics were able to become teachers, lawyers, accountants, doctors, engineers, and the list goes on and on. With the groundwork set, the Slovenian heritage legacy continues. We, the young and not so young children proudly carry on the traditions of our Slovenian way of life through our family prayers, songs, parishes, Slovenian schools (to my teachers, I apologize, I wish I could do those years over again), sing- ing groups, dance groups, fraternal organizations, cultural centers, and of course, traditions set around food and drink. Speaking with a young group of 20-somethings the other night, I heard that they understand the responsibility that is upon their shoulders of carrying on the traditions of their parents. These great young people (please remember it wasn’t too long ago when I was being called young, so it is a bit difficult to pass on the baton) - they understand the mission, to keep the culture, heritage, traditions, and language of Slovenija alive for the next generation. The magnificent joy of this is that the next generation of parents still would like to continue to teach our children to know what makes them both special and different - that it is not just the narodna noša and potica, but the value system of diligence, faith, and dedication that makes us different. Being the child of Slovenian emigres taught me to be politically active; my parents would say, “Mary Ann if it can happen once, it can happen again. Be prepared to stand up for what you believe.” Our parents have instilled into us to remember and to always be aware of how we live our lives to remember the lives of those who came before. We also must continue to teach the next generation that it is hard work to keep traditions alive. (Continued on page 2) AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 2 AMERICAN HOME AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103-1692 Telephone: 216/431-0628 - Fax: 216/361-4088 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA (USPS 024100) James V. Debevec - Publisher, English Editor Dr. Rudolph M. Susel - Slovenian Editor Ameriška Domovina Permanent Scroll of Distinguished Persons: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Louis B. Baznik, Michael and Irma Telich, Frank J. Lausche, Paul Kosir NAROČNINA: Združene države Amerike in Kanada: $35 letno za ZDA; $40 za Kanado (v ZD valuti) Slovenija in tujina, letalska pošta, $165 letno (v ZD valuti) SUBSCRIPTION RATES United States and Canada: U.S.A.: $35 per year; Canada: $40 in U.S. currency Slovenia and other foreign: $165 U.S. per year (air) AMERICAN HOME (ISSN 0164-680X) is published weekly, except 1st week in July and 1 week after Christmas, for $35 per year by American Home Pub. Co., 6117 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AMERICAN HOME, 6117 St. Clair Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. No. 20 July 13, 2006 Loyalites Planning Picnic at SNPJ Farm Grounds The SNPJ Lodge #158 Loyalites are planning a nice afternoon for their annual picnic on Sunday, July 30th at the SNPJ Farm on Heath Rd. in Chardon, Ohio. The gates open at 12 noon with a $5 admission. As always, children are admitted free, so bring all the family. Dinners this year include Slovenian sausage, delicious chicken dinners, and a special feature - a pig roast, expertly slow cooked by Jeff Grdina. Dinners for $7.00 will be served from 1 to 3 p.m. Slovenian potatoes and salad will be served with the pork and chicken. The sausage dinners will include Slovenian potatoes and sauerkraut. Sandwiches will be available throughout the day. Homemade krofe will also be available. At the picnic we will be honoring the members who attained their 50, 60, and 70 year SNPJ anniversaries. There are 12 of our honored members who will get free admission to the picnic, a complimentary dinner, and a corsage donated by Jim Slapnik. During the picnic, from 3:30 to 7:30, music will be provided by Ken Zalar and the Captains’ Crew. Also featured that afternoon will be Ron Pivovar playing his unique original styling on the button box. --Kathy Hlad SNPJ Lodge 158 V.P. Circle 2 Sings at Disney World Disney World in Florida will echo with Slovenian music as the Slovenian Junior Chorus of Circle 2 SNPJ performs at the world famous amusement park. The 26 children, who are in the tour choir, will sing at 11:20 a.m. July 14 at the Galaxy Star Stage in Tomorrowland. The youngsters are sure to have a memorable time as they will go behind the scenes of the entertainment complex. This is not the first program by the group at Disney World. In 1987, Circle 2 performed at Epcot Center. This wonderful experience is possible because of Super Button Box Bash, and the support of the button accordion groups who play at the event and the audience who attends each Spring. The Youth Circle was founded in 1938, and has met continuously all these years. In 1955, choral music established as the main activity of Circle 2, and has contributed greatly to the success of recruiting new members. Each year, the youngsters perform two concerts at the Slovenian Society Home in Euclid, Ohio. The chorus usually appears in colorful, traditional Slovenian national costumes. Cecilia Dolgan Director Everyone Invited to St. Vitus Parish Picnic St. Vitus Parish, established in August, 1893 as the first American Slovenian Roman Catholic parish in the state of Ohio and Diocese of Cleveland, will have its annual parish picnic on Sunday, July 16 at Slovenska Pristava, a recreational facility located in Harpers-field, Ohio. There will be no admission or parking charge on July 16. The St. Vitus parish picnic will officially begin with a Mass at 12:00 noon in the main pavilion. The principal celebrant will be Father Joseph Božnar, pastor. A dinner will immediately follow the Mass. An expertly prepared boneless breaded pork chops and/or chicken paprikash dinner with all the trimmings will be provided. The melodic sounds of the Joey Tomsick Orchestra will perform for your listening and dancing pleasure from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. After the dinner the kitchen will be open until 8 p.m. serving side dishes such as hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, etc., as well as having refreshments available throughout the entire afternoon. An open pit will have a specialty dish, Slovenian style “čivapčiči after the dinner. Other activities will include: • Special raffle • Open swimming (with nominal fee for non-members of Slovenska Pristava). • Children’s interactive games • Chinese craft raffle • Children’s games The committee is planning to have “open display” stands in honor of the 15 years of independence of the Republic of Slovenia; and the role American Slovenians contributed toward its independence. The net proceeds from the parish picnic and raffles will go toward reducing a bank loan for the recently completed church and rectory roofs and maintenance project, which cost an estimated $1.7 million. The outstanding balance of the original $300,000 is $195,000. Directions to Slovenska Pristava are: Take 1-90 east to the Geneva Exit (Route #534). Take Rte. 534 south to South River Road, approximately two miles. Turn right on South River Road. Take South River Road approximately one mile to Brandt Road. Turn right at Brandt Road. Slovenska Pristava is about Vi miles down the road on the right. For additional information call the parish house at(216)361-1444. A Few Thoughts on the 15th Anniversary of Slovenia Independence (Continued from page 1) We have been given a beautiful gift by our ancestors both in Slovenija and here in Cleveland. For our heritage to continue we have an obligation to take an active part in its life. These Slovenian days are a fantastic example of what can happen when groups and individuals pull together. This would have been impossible for one organization to have solely managed on its own. Yet in collaboration with many individuals and organizations it became a magnificent showcase of Slovenian tradition and spirit. I hope that this energy continues. We can no longer wait for the perfect situation to arise; we need to extend the collaboration. If we hope to see a celebration as this for the 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence, then we must set the seeds today. I call upon each and every one of us to take a vested interest in bring new Slovenians into the organizations that are currently in existence and for those of us in organizations already in existence, to keep working together. I can say with pride before you today, “Slovenska sem." From the last verse of France Preseren’s Zdravljica - a Toast, “At last to our reunion, to us the toast. Let it resound. Since in gay communion by thoughts of brotherhood we are bound. May joyful cheer never disappear from all the good hearts now gathered here.” May we take Preseren’s words to heart as we leave here today and more forward to tomorrow. Slovenian flag is raised in Columbus, Ohio on a rainy Friday, June 23. (Photo by Anna Lunder) Attention West Side Residents KWICK-N-CLEAN DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY SAAD SIBAI 226-3730 ALTERATIONS BULK LOAD PROFESSIONAL DRY CLEANING ■ SHIRT SERVICE ON PREMISES 15019 MADISON AVENUE • LAKEWOOD, OHIO 441Q7 PERKIN’S RESTAURANT 22780 Shore Center Dr. Euclid, Ohio 44123 216-732-8077 Operated by Joe Foster v - Independence for Slovenia What Really Happened 15 Years Ago Part III by STANE KUHAR (Writer’s Note: Parts I and II described what occurred prior to the Republic of Slovenia seeking to separate itself from the then socialist federal state of former Yugoslavia as well as the initial beginning of the Slovenian American Council. This article begins with how and why the United Americans for Slovenia was formed. By June 25, 1991 the citizens of the Republic of Slovenia through its elected representatives in the then three chamber house of elected government officials, voted to secede as a “socialist” republic from Yugoslavia and become a sovereign and independent country. Six months prior to this, the citizens in this former socialistic republic had a plebiscite vote to determine whether or not to formally secede. Over 90% of registered voters affirmed to secede. On June 26, 1991 the Yugoslav’s “People’s Army” attacked Slovenia by rolling in tanks and other equipment to close the borders of this newly declared republic as well as take over control of communications, thereby seeking to take control again and force this newly declared independent country to remain in the state of Yugoslavia. The Yugoslav Army, through its leadership, thought that the initial resistance would be quickly suppressed. The exact opposite, however, occurred. For the ne*t 10 days there would be fighting, bombing of institu-t'onal and residential struc-tnres, and eventually loss of ’yes. More than 60 persons ^ere killed during those 10 hays. It was calculated that *]early $3 million (USD) in amage had occurred. ^hat was the response of American Slovenians after he initial attack on June 26, 1991? °n June 27, 1991, the 0vcnian American Council callcd on its membership and ^hcr Slovenian Americans ~ c°ntact elected public of-'cials, especially those in vJu- S' Congress and the mtc House, to intercede nh halt the killing that was °ccu ■ O-G Us rrmg in Slovenia. Mail-ranis were sent to all Ij Representatives and p' Senators as well as then Resident George Bush (Sr.) c th*s matter. The U.S. {}^erence of Catholic tonPS’locatcd in Washing-V ’ was asked to inter-c 0n behalf of Slovenia, through the efforts of the Slovenian American Council. The staff of the American Home/Ameriška Domovina (AD) mobilized and began the arduous task to publish a special edition of the AD so that a publication would be ready for mailing by July 1, 1991. Those who know Jim and Madeline Debevec, along with their staff, made enormous sacrifices during this time and over the course of the next one-to-two years dedicated numerous articles and printed material in both English and Slovenians to keep northeast Ohio and the rest of the USA and Canada informed of what was occurring in Slovenia. The constant weekly information over the next one-to-two years would be invaluable as it kept the momentum to have Slovenia recognized as a sovereign and independent country by the USA. On June 28, 1991 a press conference was held in St. Vitus auditorium that was attended by the major local television stations as well as other electronic and print media. This was the starting point to begin to have the local community mobilize and become active in this endeavor. On June 29, 1991 the local Slovenian and Croatian communities in northeast Ohio went to Washington, DC to protest events occurring in the respective countries with a peaceful demonstration in front of the White House. A series of prayer services were held in local Catholic parishes on June 30, 1991, led by St. Mary the Assumption Parish (Collinwood) and St. Vitus Parish. This action had a profound effect as all in attendance were reminded that the way to a peaceful conclusion to the current bombing and killing in Slovenia was to keep the focus and pressure on elected officials to resolve this matter in a diplomatic manner rather than by warfare. On the same day (June 30, 1991) a general community meeting was called at the Slovenian National Home (SNH) on St. Clair Avenue. Local attorney, Charles Ipavec, and then Cleveland Yugoslav Consul General, Matjaž Jančar, called this meeting. It began at 7:30 p.m. in the lower hall of the SNH, according to the minutes I kept along with signatures of the many individuals who attended this meeting. (Writer's Note: a copy has been provided to the publisher of the AD for histori- cal purposes.) After a long series of discussions and debate the following three activities were decided by those in attendance: 1) the chosen name of the entity to coordinate this activity would be “United Americans for Slovenia (UAFS),” as recommended by Father Joseph Božnar, pastor, St. Vitus Parish; 2) The work to be performed would be under an “ad hoc” committee format, meaning that this would not be a permanent committee or organization but one that would work for a specific purpose and that once the purpose had been achieved the com- mittee would dissolve. Representatives from various parishes, organizations, fraternals, etc., would be on this “ad hoc committee; and 3) the specific purpose of UAFS and its work would be toward having the USA federal government recognize the Republic of Slovenia as a sovereign and independent country. Attendees at this meeting were informed that Father John Kumše, pastor of St. Mary the Assumption Church, was organizing a Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland for July 1, 1991. the Mass on July 1 set the tone for the long hours and tremendous amount of work that would be awaiting American Slovenians over the next year to achieve the above stated goal of recognizing Slovenia as a sovereign and independent country. Over 1,100 people attended this Mass. By July 3, 1991 the name of “UAFS” was accepted in a formal motion by representatives for UAFS and Edmund Turk was elected as the chairperson. NEXT: Part IV, The long road toward recognition of Slovenia by the USA. Slovenian Coast Real Estate Increases 300% in 10 Years NEW QUIZ by James V. Debevec II Last quiz: What is the biggest word you can type using only the top row of a typewriter? Thanks to Don Avsec who submitted the correct answer: TYPEWRITER. New quiz: This TV show aired an episode in 1972 with Ron Howard and Marion Ross about a guy in the 1950s who had a girl suddenly become interested in him because his family bought a TV. This skit became the launching pad for “Happy Days.” What was the name of the TV show this skit aired on? Send answers to Jim ah@buckeveweb.com or mail to Jim, American Home, 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103. Slovenians R Us Euclid Slovenian Home Friday Meals Serving 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 216-531-8348 for take out orders. Featuring deep fried Canadian pike and baked cod dinners, breaded pork chops, beef goulash, four-cheese macaroni and cheese and Slovenian Home fries, polenta, hand-cut French fries, coleslaw and assorted desserts. 10 & under children’s menu available. Every Friday will feature a different dinner_ Kres Performance Mark your calendars. Kres’ annual performance will be on August 26 at the Slovenian National Home. Summer is upon us and many people will pack up the car and head toward the seaside. Those who already live there can just sit back and relax and leave all the jostling to the less fortunate. Most Slovenians already know where their car will be parked during summer - either in front of their own house or somewhere along the Slovenian coast. _____by Roman Zajec_______ We asked investors and real estate agencies what the Slovenian coast has to offer and what has caused the extraordinary leap in property prices. How much should an interested party be prepared to pay to secure their coastal dream house? Well, the same as the locals, who feel they are ‘paying a lifestyle tax’ just to live there due to the housing shortage caused by the increasing demand for holiday homes. “The fastest selling properties along Slovenia’s coastline are vacant land with panoramic water views and smaller apartments also with water views. Buyers rent them and use them for their own holidays during summer,” according to the Sifra Real Estate Agency, one of a number of agencies we visited to get a better understanding of the current real estate situation along the Slovenian coast. What are the current prices for land and buildings per square meter? Well, that depends on the level of luxury the property offers and on the quality of construction -but anywhere from EUR 1500 to 4000/m. “Last year we sold a house that was close to the beach and had water views for 100 million Slovenian tolars,” said a member of Sifra’s sales team. Vacant land costs anywhere from EUR 100 to 400/m and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find in a good location. Real estate prices along the coast have risen 300% in the last decade, and the price of land per square meter is the same as you would pay in Ljubljana. The comparison with Croatia always pops up, because their prices are still much lower than in Slovenia. However, foreign buyers are put off from purchasing property there because they cannot register the purchase into the Croatian land register. —The Slovenian Times Specialists In Corrective Hair Coloring /___________ f V tina & brenda’s HAIR SALON 461-7989 / 461-0623 5216 Wilson Mills Rd. Richmond Hts., Ohio 44143 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 4 Mlakar Walks Down Memory Lane to by RAY MLAKAR Well, I am back, but still not hitting on all cylinders but will make the best of it. I am sure that a lot of our readers have suffered a lot of the storm damage in the recent downpours and unfortunately, they even hit both of my sisters homes with one living in the Bedford area and the other in North Royalton. Here is hoping that flash floods like that are few and far between. Unfortunately in times like this, a lot of us lose more than material things for there are some things that money, rebuilding, cannot replace. Our hearts go out to them. Special thanks go out to Emilee Jenko who in the June 22 American Home published a special recipe on Cottage Cheese Dumplings which are better known as Struklej. I made a copy for my sister Irene and asked her to “cut it in half for me” since my brain is not fully engaged. Well, she surprised me and the next day brought me a whole pan full of cottage cheese dumplings. I thought I had died and gone to heaven and Ma had the meal prepared for “Little Old Me.” It goes without saying that if the dish served at the “Last Supper” was struklej, everyone would have been so satisfied, there would have been no crucifixion and consequently, no Catholic religion. Goes without saying that the dish was our special “Poor Dish” to eat on Fridays when we were all fasting every Friday. I’d certainly like to pass that recipe on to the hospital for if any one can use help in preparing meals, they can. I am still some 28 pounds down, but the doctor says I am better off without them, but it has left me weak. In fact, it cost me some 25 bucks for special medication to stimulate the appetite. Now tell me if that makes sense, for with the $25 I could have had some fancy meals at Sterle’s. I am in high hopes that I gain some of my mobility back so I can get after the flower beds which have grown over with weeds. But the doctor says to take it one day at a time. Fortunately, through all this, my younger sister Irene has been here to see to my every need, and now even Happy Harry awaits her constant visit for she never comes empty handed. I have said it before and will repeat it, that throughout life, we take it too much for granted and never take the time to thank God for the good health that we have enjoyed up until now, and it is only in faith in him that we have any aspirations of gaining our old health back. Well, I won’t make this a long column since I get very short winded, so will go on with some jokes to keep us looking on the bright side. Got a few “Blonde jokes” for you. A blonde pushes her BMW into a gas station and she tells the mechanic it died. After he works on it a few minutes, it is idling smoothly. She says, “What’s the story?” He replies, “Just crap in the carburetor.” She asks, “How often do I have to do that?” Okay, one more for the road. A police officer stops a blonde for speeding and asks her very politely for her drivers’ license. She replies in a huff, “I wish you guys would get your act together. Just yesterday you take my driver’s license away, and then today you expect me to show it to you.” In closing, may the Good Lord bless and watch over all of you and above all, keep you feeling well and here is hoping you had a “bang-up” Fourth of July. Midwesterners Baragaland Trip CHICAGO, IL - the annual trip to Baraga Days 2006 is now in the final planning stage and reservations are being accepted for the four day motorcoach trip from Chicago to Calumet, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula, and a special itinerary on the return trip that includes mass at the cathedral in Marquette in which bishop Frederic Baraga’s sacred remains are enshrined. This year’s Bishop Baraga Days Solemn High Mass will take place on Sunday, Sept. 24 at Sacred Heart Church in Calumet, presided by the newly named 12th successor of Bishop Baraga as Bishop of Marquette, Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample. It will be followed by the annual meeting and banquet of the Bishop Baraga Association. The Slovenian vernacular liturgy is on Saturday evening at the old St. Paul the Apostle Church which was founded by Slovenian copper miners and their families in IVORY CITY PIANO SERVICE Albert J. Koporc, Jr. 446 East 152nd St. Cleveland, OH 44110 216-486-1105 Calumet more than a century ago. John Vidmar, Ph.D., the well known deacon at Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek Slovenian Catholic Mission in Lemont, Illinois will be directing the tour and giving us the historic insights about our pioneer Slovenian churches in the area, and information about the work of numerous Slovenian priests who followed the example of Bishop Baraga when he was a missionary among the Native Americans and settlers of this area. These priests left Slovenia in the 19'1’ century and founded parishes that were among the first in North America. Much of this history has never been known or disseminated among Slovenians heretofore. The trip will be comfortable for all the passengers at one of the best hotels in the Calumct-Houghton area with amenities such as pool, spa, The Romans believed wearing a bay leaf wreath would protect them from lightning. sauna, restaurant and business center for your convenience. This excursion is cosponsored by the Chicago Chapter of the Bishop Baraga Association and the Slovenian Cultural Center, 14252 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439. Reservations will be accepted at the Center or you may contact: John Vidmar, voice: 1 708 485 8412 or email: iohn.vidmar@svnovate.com or Corinne Leskovar voice: 1 773 275 1115, or email: corleskovar@sbeglobal.com Cost per person includes round trip via motor-coach, sight-seeing, hotel (3 nights), and BBA banquet, as follows: Single, $412; double, $262, Triple, $222, Quad, $200. Please make full payment with reservation. Make checks to Chicago Bishop Baraga Association. For Rent - Sale Open House Sun. 1-5 Must See! Completely updated 2 family brick colonial .on cul-de-sac. 3 Bedrms, 1 full Bath ea unit. Liv, Din, eat-in Kit., 2 car det. Garage, full Bsmt. w/Laundry. Rent: $725-$750; Buy: $185,900. (440) 655-9170; zkpcro@comcast.net_________ m i ■ "Vg'i A Man From Cleveland (Rudy is pictured right of center, next to his wife, Marie) I know a man in Cleveland Rudy Pivik is his name. He once worked for United Airlines And softball was his game. Now he plays his music As the polka dance floor rocks. The crowds just keep on dancing While he pumps his button box. Rudy came from Harwich Where coal mines are the work. That’s why Rudy left there Cause Rudy ain’t no jerk. Rudy often travels To see what he can see. United pays his airfare So Rudy flies for free. Sometimes he comes to Texas And sees his nephew Sonny. Then off he goes to Corpus With a pocket full of money. The Grandkids put their hands out And Rudy reaches deep. Before the week is over, There is nothing left to keep. He quickly packs his suitcase In Cleveland he’ll arrive. Not at 2 or 3 or 4, But exactly 6:05. I have lots of uncles All are old and wise. But Rudy is my favorite I hope he’s not surprised. St. Clair Pensioners News Our next trip is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 14 to Seneca Allegany Casino located in Salamanca, New York. The cost is $28.00. The bus will depart the Slovenian National Home at 7:15 a.m. and depart the On-Arena at 7:30 a.m. Please indicate whether you will board the bus at Slovenian National Home or Orr Arena. Also, bring along a State of Ohio identification with picture or driver’s license or you will not receive the $28.00 bonus. Don’t for- get to bring your Advantag6 card with you. If you are going on D6 trip, but have not Pa' ’ please make check payab ^ to St. Clair Pensioners CD and mail to Jeanette Ru minski, 25801 Zeman Av6'; Euclid, OH 44132 (Ph°nCg (216) 261-1667. At this tiD we still have scats available PLEASE NOTE: If y°js know of someone who interested in joining 0 ^ club, they will be most w<^ come. Our next meeting on Thursday, July 20. f --Sylvia PlymcsS My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I said f°J her to lose 40 pounds and buy me fishing equipment an golf clubs. Instead, she presented me with divorce papo^>» 5 Mysterious Landscape of Notranjska by Helena Marko Notranjska is a karst landscape, which occupies the area between Primorska and Central Slovenia. Part of the region is made up of the Pivka basin, which is enriched with numerous unique karstic phenomena - the disappearing river Pivka, mysterious underground caves, vent holes, sink holes, karstic valleys, and 17 periodic lakes (periodic meaning that the lakes completely disappear during part of the year). Marked bicycle trails lead from Pivka, where the information post and railway station are located, to the periodic lakes. The most well-known are Petelinjsko Lake Kleniško Lake and Pal iško Lake. The depths of the lakes vary from 0 to 45 meters. All of them are well worth a visit whether in the dry season when the lake beds are covered with lush green grass and some unique plant and animal species, or in the late autumn when they are filled with water, or during winter when they are covered with ice. The Pivka River is the ntain branch of the underground river system which formed the Postojna cave system. It begins southeast of the village of Postojna and flows aboveground for a while, then disappears into the Postojna cave and flows through the lower level of the cave system, and finally re-emerges in the Ljubljana basin as the Ljubljanica, the river which flows through the capital of Ljubljana. Both Črna Jama (Black Cave) and Pivka Jama (Pivka Cave) are part of the Postoj-na cave system and are con-nectcd by a man-made tun-jtel- The guided tours show ^°th caves together. Črna ama was named after the lack color of the speleo-therns. Typically, smoke r°tn torches stained the spe-cothems, but this cave was 'flerent. The spelcothems Were already black when people first entered the cave. Wording to one theory, Sni°ke from the huge fires ^utside entered the cave and ^C(i the spelothems. The Path through the two-story . avc is well-marked, but vis-s are only possible by ar-angement with the cave Uldes. The Pivka Jama was riginally only a deep hole in ^ forest floor. After World . ar 1 the area around Posto-ord ^ecamc kalian and in the Cr to Protect their border, t^c Italian Army equipped trie CaVC W*tb Paths and elec-tod However, even ac a^’ the cave is not easily Cssible, which makes it even more enigmatic. To reach the bottom, where the river flows, the visitors must conquer 317 steps, cut into a cliff. The path ends shortly afterwards, as the water disappears into the rock. Cavers have swum their way through 400 meters of the flooded tunnels, but beyond that, the two kilometers to the Planina Cave remain an unexplored mystery. Pivka The area of the Pivka municipality was already populated in the Stone Age, as is evident from the findings at the archaeological site Par-ska golobina Grotto, the ancient forts from the Iron Age at Selce and the Roman road which connected the Pivška kotlina (basin) with the Košanska dolina (valley). Pivka trg (square) has had many names in its 700-year history, and the area suffered greatly from Turkish raids until the 17th century. An important landmark in the development of these places was the construction of the Southern Railway, which connects Vienna and Trieste. From this time the famous legend of the Slovenian folk hero Martin Krpan, who supposedly lived in this area and outwitted the Habsburg gendarmes when he was smuggling salt with his mule. He is now present in the coat-of-arms of the municipality. After WWII, the former town of St. Peter was renamed Pivka. The lives of people from the Pivka basin have long been connected with a tradition of wood Moodys may upgrade Slovenia bonds NEW YORK (June 7) -Moody’s Investors Service today placed the Republic of Slovenia’s Aa3-rated foreign and local currency government bonds, as well as the Aa3 ceiling for foreign currency bank deposits on review for possible upgrade. Similarly, Slovenia’s Aaa local currency guideline, which is the highest possible rating that could be assigned to obligators and obligations denominated in local currency within a country, remains unchanged. The rating review is prompted by Slovenia’s continuing, solid macro-economic performance, its structural reform initiatives, its accession to the European Union in May 2004, and its formal acceptance for adoption of the Euro no later than early 2007. This news from -Phil Hrvatin processing, which has passed down knowledge, experience and a respectful relationship with nature from generation to generation. In the past, there were also numerous watermills and sawmills operating on the :Pivka river. The young members of the Štirna Kal Association last year established, with the help of the European Youth Program, a “Stonecutter’s Learning Road.” Along the two-and-a-half hour trip, visitors stop at nine locations, among them an old stone cutter’s workshop, several stone-pits, farms, churches and other places of interest. Interesting architectural points are the stone crosses, and local churches, built in the so-called “Pivka style,” which exhibits a mixture of German Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Baroque techniques. The oldest is the Church of St. Martin from the 12th century which has a preserved late-antique apse. The Church of St. Peter was built around 1300 and was expanded twice in the following centuries. The frescoes inside the church illustrate the life of St. Peter. If you decide to visit the ruins of the Church of the Holy Trinity from the 17th century, you will be delighted by its wonderful views over the Kras (Karst), the Adriatic Sea, and on a clear day even Triglav Mountain and the Julian Alps. —Slovenian Times Celje New Slovenian Diocese A special ceremony with a Mass in the center of Celje marked the inauguration of a new diocese in this eastern city and the appointment of its new Bishop Anton Stres. The ceremony was led by the recently-elected Archbishop of Maribor and Metropolitan Franc Kramberger who also conferred a bishop’s crosier on Stres. Moreover, a part of the Pope’s letter on the establishment of new dioceses in Slovenia was read in Latin and Slovenian by Apostolic Nuncio to Slovenia Santos Abril y Castelo and Celje abbott, Marjan Jezernik. Kramberger said Celje holds an honorable position in Slovenian history, also marked 160 years ago by the arrival of the beatified bishop Anton Martin Slomšek. He added that dur- ing and after WWII thousands of “martyrs, who proved their love of their country” were bom in the Celje region. “Maybe reconciliation will prove to be the calling of this diocese,” Kramberger concluded. Stres pointed out that the occasion was a historic moment as Celje is becoming an Episcopal city again after 1,400 years. He also remembered two saints who lived in Celje and outlined three main guidelines for the diocese’s future, namely: trust, cooperation, and joy. Celje is one of three new dioceses in Slovenia established by Pope Benedict XVI at the beginning of April, with the other two based in the cities of Novo Mesto (SE) and Murska Sobota (NE). —Slovenia Times Slovenians "R" Us! r. VTJTJS PARISH Pia tre JULY 16.2006 at SLOVENSKA PRISTAVA Outdoor Moss: Dinner: Bor Hours: Kitchen Hours: Open Swim: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Breaded Boneless Pork Chop A Chicken Poprikosh (Dinner Tickets: Adults. $12 and Children under 12yrs: $6) Entertainment: Joey Tomsick Orchestra Songs from "Melodija" (Nominal Fee for Non-Members) Children's Games:................................................................. 5:30 PM Main Raffle and Chinese Raffle Drawings (50/50 Drawings throughout the day) 12:00 PM 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM 11:00 PM - 8:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM (over for map) AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 ŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 6 Short Notes from Emilee by EMILEE JENKO The 100'1’ anniversary of St. Andrew Church was beautiful. The church shined like a new silver dollar. Bishop Roger Cries’ homily was inspiring, at times made you laugh and at other times made you think. He is a wonderful speaker. The committee put a lot of 2 thought and effort into this ■g lovely affair. All the com-< mittee should be commended for their hard work. Thanks to the Guild ladies, president Sophie Hudak and Treas. Millie Grubach and all who assisted in this wonderful day. The luncheon was delicious, an engraved commemorative wine glass was given to each setting. What a lovely remembrance. What a lovely day. God bless all and to many, many more years with St. Andrew’s Church. Just caught the Polka Polka Polka TV show on Adelphia on June 8. Ann and Ken Tomsick were dancing as well as Joey’s wife, Lisa. Ed Ostrey and Barbara were also tripping the light fantastic. The program ended at 5 p.m. with my favorite tune by JTO, “Smile.” Phil Srnick Productions produces the show and T.P. (Tony Petkovšek) was MC. The St. Clair Pensioners went by bus to Casino Greek Town on June 19 with guides Peter and Jeanette Ruminski. Get well wishes to Don Slapnik (who is now convalescing at home.) Ed Arhar (remains in the hospital), Eleanor and Paul Rasper, and Angie Shine are also in the hospital. I attended the Bridal Shower for Angelique Skorich given by her bridesmaids. It was held at the American Irish Club on Lake Shore Blvd. Her fiance Mike Pastwa assisted in unwrapping the gifts. The food was delicious, all prepared by the bridesmaids. A job well done. My table partners were Jean Mack, Sylvia Plymesser, Bernie Sajovic, Marilyn Vidmar, Ann Ljubi, and Rose Cimperman. It was a fun crowd. Best wishes for a bright future to Mike and Angelique. 51 years of wedded bliss to Val and Dom Cekada; 49 years to Mary Jane and Frank Hiti, 58 years to Julie and Frank Sadar, Frank and Terri Mullec, and Jerry and Jeannine Rovanšek. Best wishes and much happiness to all. July 12 at Eagle Club grounds on Euclid Avenue was the location of the picnic for all the Holmes Avenue Recycled Teenagers. Hope they had a ball. Fred Zwick is the swinger. Main celebrant Bishop Roger Cries at the 100,h Anniversary of St. Andrew Church on Superior Ave., Cleveland, with Emilee Jenko. June 14 was Flag Day and June 18 was Father’s Day. We love you - all the fathers. Get well wishes to fellow writer of the American Home Ray Mlakar. He is undergoing tests at Parma Hospital. Yours truly wishes him a speedy recovery and hope to see you in print real soon. Have you attended any of the festivities for the 15lh anniversary of the freedom of Slovenia? Last night I attended the Collinwood raffle on Holmes Ave. We had a lively group at the table. Larry Hočevar who is always a jokester, Dorothy Gorjup, and Pat Nevar, the two kitchen angels at Waterloo Slovenian Home who prepares the delicious fish fries every Friday, Helen and John Kozlevchar, Eddie Kenik, and Marian Slejko, and of course, myself. Important wedding anni- versaries: Robert and Marcie Mills, 57 years. Eddie and Helen Morel 56 years. Many, many more happy years. Forgot to report that Stef-fie Segulin won a little bit, but lo and behold our whole table, not one winner. Better luck next time. I hope, I hope. Bumped into Frank Koenig, my bingo buddy, also at the raffle, and Pete and Mary Jo Rom who are faithful participants in the Collinwood raffle, as is Elsie Zalar and her group. Hope you were winners. See ya all next time. Till we meet again, I’ll leave you with this thought. Faith is not belief without proof, but trust in God is without reservation. No God - no peace. Know God - know peace. Luvya, Emilee Corned Beef Dip \ This recipe is a nice change from the spinach dip that is j served with pumpernickel. You can also serve this with party : rye breads. The dip literally takes about 5 minutes to make : (provided you have all the ingredients on hand.) Ingredients: 2 C mayonnaise j Vi C sour cream 1/3 to Vi lb. corned beef, chopped 3 green onions, chopped 2-3 T chopped parsley ; 1 T Italian seasoning 1 T dill Directions: Mix all ingredients together until blended (Kitchen-Aid : mixer works well.) Chill. Serve in hollowed out round j pumpernickel loaf. i —Kim Ann Kaifesh i Our Family and Friends Recipes j The oldest map known is a clay tablet found in Iraq. Made about 2300 B.C., it probably shows a man's estate in a valley. Coming Attractions Saturday, July 15 Moonlight Bowling, 6:30 p.m. at Slovenian National Home Co., 3563 E. 80th St. $25 per couple includes bowling, prizes and meal. Call Tony at 440-243-4062. Sunday, July 16 St. Vitus Parish Summer Picnic at Slovenska Pristava. 12 noon Mass. Dinner with all trimmings. Joey Tomsick Orchestra provides dance music from 3 to 7 p.m. Kitchen open all day featuring hamburgers, hot dots, etc Sunday, July 16 Dance hosted by Cleveland Lodge 126 at SNPJ Farm featuring Jeff Pecon Orchestra. Monday, July 17 Camp Pristava until Sunday morning 7/23 (Slov. schools & Pristava children) at Slovenska Pristava. Sunday, July 23 St. Vitus Slovenian School picnic at Slovenska Pristava. Mass at 12:30 followed by pork roast meal. Dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for children. Live music, raffle and children’s games. Sunday, July 23 Dance at SNPJ Farm hosted by Spartans Lodge 576 featuring Joe Novak & Friends. Sunday, July 30 Breakfast time at Collinwood Slovenian Home, 15810 Holmes Ave from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eggs, sausage, bacon, juice, hash browns, toast coffee. Donation $6. Sunday, July 30 SNPJ Lodge #158 Loya-lites annual picnic at SNPJ Farm on Heath Rd., in Char-don, OH. Slovenian sausages, chicken dinners, plus pig roast. Dinners $7 served 1 to 3 p.m. Music by Captains’ Crew. Wednesday, Aug. 2 50-50 Raffle, 7 p.m. at Slovenian National Home Co., 3563 E. 80 St.. $10 admits two. Includes sandwiches, chips and pop. Sunday, Aug. 6 Primorski Club picnic (Tramontana) at Slovenska Pristava. Sunday, Aug. 6 Chicken Barbeque & Dinner at SNPJ Farm featuring Wayne Tomsic Orchestra. Saturday, Aug. 12 Pristava Picnic (Tramontana) Sunday, Aug. 13 Picnic by retirees at Slovenska Pristava. Sunday, Aug. 20 St. Mary’s parish picnic at Slovenska Pristava. Sunday, Aug. 20 Dance hostd by V Boj Lodge 53 at SNPJ Farm featuring Ray Polantz Oreh. Saturday, Aug. 26 Kres annual performance at Slovenian National Home on St. Clair. Saturday, Aug. 26 Polka Hall of Fame Annual Sausage Festival at Slovenska Pristava from 1 to 9 p.m. Advance tickets $6 at Polka Hall of Fame (216) 261-3263, or $7 at door. Sunday, Aug. 27 Dance hosted by Comrades Lodge 566 at SNPJ Farm featuring Joey Tomsick Band with Phil Hrvatin tootin’ his own horn. Wed., Aug 30 Federation of American Slovenian Senior Citizens clubs annual picnic at SNPJ Farm on Heath Rd. Dinner served 1 p.m. by Julie Zalar. Music by Frank Moravcik Orch. 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. Dinner, admission and dancing $13. Tickets call (216) 481-0163 or (440) 943-3784 before Aug. 24. Sat./Sun. Sept. 2-3 Weekend celebration for the official opening of new hall at Slovenska Pristava. Sunday, Sept. 3 Dance hosted by SNPJ Farm featuring Joey Tomsick Band. Monday, Sept. 4 Labor Day Dance at SNPJ Farm featuring Joe Grkman & Wayne Tomsic Bands Sunday, Sept. 10 St. Vitus Altar Society traditional Chicken and Roast Beef Dinner in auditorium. Sunday, Sept. 10 SNPJ Ladies Dance & Goulash Dinner featuring Eddie Rodick Band. Sunday, Sept. 10 Day at the Races presented by Collinwood Slovenian Home. Admission $6 includes sandwich, soft drinks and beer. Horses available for $10. Sunday, Sept. 17 Wine festival (Stan Mejac Ansambel) at Slovenska Pristava. Sept. 23-24 Baraga Days in Calumet* Michigan: — Saturday* Sept. 23 - Slovenian Mass 4 or 4:30 in St. Paul Church. 301 8th St., followed by social in parish hall. Musiča concert honoring Bishop Baraga in Calumet Theater 7:30 or 8 p.m. Theater buih in 1900. — Sunday, Sept. 2 r 1:30 p.m. Mass in Sa-Heart Church, Calumcj wed by banquet an al Baraga Associatin'1 ing at Michigan Tec »ical University Ba , Houghton, MI. Ban tickets $20. Roast p°r* :r. Saturday, Sept. 23 ivenian National Newburgh, 3563 E- ^ Cleveland, Wine af se, 6:30 p.m. Music lattistelli from 7:30 ). Donation $15. ) 662-3339, Death Notices ANTON LAVR1SHA Funeral services for Anton Lavrisha, 94, of Cleveland, were at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2006 in St. Mary Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland. Mr. Lavrisha died Tuesday, June 27, 2006 in Euclid Hospital. Born June 10, 1912 in Horjul, Slovenia, he had lived in Cleveland for the past 57 years. Mr. Lavrisha was a member of St. Joseph Lodge No. 169 KSKJ, St. Mary’s Holy Name Society, Baraga Dom, Slovenska Pristava, Slovenska Pristava Pensioners, DSPB, and Bricklayers Union Local 5. Mr. Lavrisha worked as a bricklayer for A. L. Mason Company for 27 years, retiring in 1976. Survivors are his wife, Maria (nee Tomazic); sons Bernard^ Anton M. (Marge), Paul, Frank (Majdi), Marko (Lisa),and Peter (Jo Ann); daughters, Maria (Mirko) Kristanc, Theresa (John) Sabbath, and Martina (Luan) Luu; grandsons, Adam, Daniel, John, Michael, Matthew, Alex, Nikolas, Luke, Devin, Andrew, Anthony, Joseph, Dario, Jakob, and in Loving Memory of the Third Anniversary of the death of our loving wife and mother Helen Pibernik Died July 19, 2003 A million times we’ve needed you, A million times we’ve cried, If love alone could have Saved you, You never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a Place, bio one else can ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone, P°r part of us went with you l ^he day God took you home. Sadly missed by: Husband: Louis Uaughters: Barbara and Anita Son-in-law: James Mirko; granddaughters, Leah, Danielle, Rachel, Nadi, Kristina, and Natalie; sisters, Marjanca of Slovenia and Ana Zimmer of Canada; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His brothers, France, Ludvig, Valentin and Rudolf; and sister, Marija Kraljic Persin, arc deceased. Friends called 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 30 at the Zele Funeral Home, 452 E. 152 St., Cleveland. The Rev. John Kumse of St. Mary Catholic Church in Cleveland, officiated at the services. Burial was in All Souls Cemetery. The family suggests contributions be made in his memory to Catholic Mission Aid, 17826 Brian Ave., Cleveland, OH 44119, or St. Mary Church Building Fund, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland, OH 44119. PAULINE T. ŽNIDARŠIČ Pauline T. Žnidaršič, (nee Marinčič), age 84 of Euclid, wife of the late Stanley; beloved mother of David (wife Jean) of CA; cherished grandmother of Michael and Christian; dear sister of Caroline Jurcak and the following deceased: Vera Žnidar, Mildred Novak, Sophia Tomasello, Angela Handler, Louis, Frank and Henry Marinčič and aunt of many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21 at Holy Cross Church. Interment in All Souls Ceme- Family received friends at The Dan Cosic Funeral Home, 28890 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills, on Tuesday, June 20 from 4-8 p.m. VIDA A. HABJAN Vida A. Habjan (nee Kovacic), age 92. Wife of John (deceased); loving mother of Vida F. and John; sister of William, Dorothy and the following deceased: Felix, Frances, Josephine and Albert; aunt and great-aunt of many. In Loving Memory 10lh Anniversary Anna T. Oberstar Died July 14,1996 It’s been 10 years since your passing, but your spirit and love live on in each one of us. You are especially missed as a new life enters our family. John, John, Tom, Tammy, Kirsten, Eric Oberstar Friends were received at the Zele Funeral Home, 452 E. 152 St., Wednesday, June 14 from 4-8 p.m. Services were held Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Vitus Church. Family suggests donations to St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103. In Memory Thanks to Apolonia and Joseph J. Žakelj who submitted a $50.00 donation in memory of Anton and Cilka Žakelj. In Memory Thanks to Stansa Žitnik 7 of Richmond Heights, Ohio who renewed her subscription and added a $15.00 donation in memory of her parents, Vincent and Amalia Povirk. She writes, “Thanks for the memories and the great job you all do at the American Home.” In Memory Thanks to Matevž and Ivanka Tominec of Cleveland, OH who donated $10.00 in memory of Ella Samanich. In Loving Memory Bernadette lie Died on July 7, 2004 We hold memories as Treasures in our Hearts Until the day we can hold you in God’s presence. Ati - Metod Mami-Mihela Brother - Todd Stara Mama - Cecilia lie Teti - Cilka (Pavle Košir) Aunts and Uncle, Cousins Zele Funeral Home MEMORIAL CHAPEL Located at 452 E. 152 St. Ph: (216) 481-3118 Family owned and operated since 1908_ In Fond Remembrance wm John Kovacic March 19, 1907-July 10,1998 Hi, Dad, Your voice has been silenced To those still here on earth, But the wisdom you taught us Will always stay with us here from birth. “Always be truthful - Never tell a lie.” “Have faith in God and Trust in His love.” Remember I’ll always be with you Guiding you from heaven above. We love and miss you, dad. Ed, Pat, Jack, grandchildren, 3_________great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren. In Loving Memory of Catherine J. Hopkins July 18, 200.3 On the third year anniversary of your passing: There is not a day that goes by That we don’t miss you... Your smile, your thoughtfulness, Your sense of humor, your love, Your guidance was an inspiration to us all. Sadly missed by: Loving husband - Sheldon Son - Robert Daughters - Lynn Raymond, Lisa Hupfer Grandsons - Zackary & Michael Raymond & Roman Hupter Daughter-in-law — Geraldine Son-in-law - Douglas and many family and friends AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 ŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 8 The life and times of Joseph Mihevc May 1945 - June 1948 My Journey as a refugee (Continued) Soon after, we were registered and given a DP (Displaced Person) identification card. The camp kitchens were staffed by the Russians and, at the beginning, they cooked for us. There was »2 little food and we had to be ^ resourceful in taking care of < ourselves. Because we had left home in such a hurry, we had overlooked packing some essential items, such as cutlery and bowls. I had two spoons and I gave one to someone who did not have one. Soon after, though, I broke my own. So I found a small, copper pipe and attached it to the spoon. This spoon served me well for a long time. A bigger problem was the bowls from which we could eat. At the beginning, we used ordinary “tin soup cans.” However, soon after our arrival in Peggez, I created for our group from Notranjska bowls out of the large tin cans that the English had tossed when they were done eating the well wrapped dried food. Camp food generally consisted of the following: 1 kilogram loaf of bread for 10 people daily, 1 liter canned meat for 10 people daily, 1 small spoon lard and sugar daily. In addition, in the morning and evening, we received a cup of tea, and at lunch, some kind of vegetable soup with a few pieces of potato, with occasionally a few pieces of pasta. Our daily meal totaled about 700 to 900 calories daily. The daily rations, delivered in a bucket, were picked up from the camp kitchen based on the number of people listed in each barrack. The commandant of the barrack generally distributed the dried food at around 10 a.m. Because of these low rations, we often wandered to the neighboring villages “to beg” and were thus able to acquire some potatoes. These we cooked ourselves out in the open in tin cans, making a fire using small twigs that we picked up in the woods nearby. There was lots of damage caused by a major storm and we were put to work loading gravel to rebuild the roads and bridges around Lienz. Because we were malnourished, we did not accomplish much and the chauffeurs of the army trucks were sympathetic to our plight. Thus, a truck only half full of gravel would drive back at 4 o’clock. We learned that there was more food available in the camps in Italy and many people decided to go there. Four or five of us decided to go. The trip was arduous, over the mountains by the Drava River, the roads being closed. The narrow valley of the Drava River opened up at Toblack by its source, where the view was beautiful with the mountains in the background. Here is where the water forked and either went into the Drava through Slovenia or went into Italy. A narrow railroad wound through the Tyrols in Italy to Cortina di Ampezzo. From there, an occasional civilian truck would make its way along the serpentine route toward lower ground further south. Some of these truck drivers would be kind enough to pick up travelers. Nonetheless, it was still a long trek to the refugee and army camp in the suburbs of Travi so. It took us four days and three nights. We reached Travi so at the end of June or the beginning of July, 1945. In order to obtain food, one had to register and obtain a DP identification card. The food was really better than in Austria, but the intense Italian heat was unbearable for many. In order to improve the food situation, people helped themselves by participating in the black market and by selling tobacco in order to obtain Italian lire and other needed supplies. After a few days, our group of four or five decided to return by the same route to Austria (I don’t recall why we decided to return), where we remained until we were settled overseas in 1948. Soon after we returned to Austria from Italy, the authorities closed the border to Italy. It so happened that someone named Telic from the Loska valley in Notranjska attempted the trek to Italy. He did not obey the border guards and was shot. His body was returned to Lienz where he was buried in August, 1945. Soon after we arrived in the camp, we started to have choir practice two or three times a day in the nearby forest. We had no sheet music and everything was learned from memory. The choir leader was Professor Mihelčič. We organized a concert at Tristach in July, 1945. We continued with the choir practices along with the concerts, which took place in the large church in Lienz and also at the camp itself. Late in the fall of 1945, the United Nations Relief Agency came to our aid and provided us with clothes for the coming winter, and in the picture taken of the choir in January, 1946, we are all wearing the same suits, many of which had been made over, although this was not obvious. At the same time, the leaders of the camp, along with the cooperation of the Slovenian members, organized various tasks, such as preparing firewood, peeling potatoes, making cloth toys for the children, working in the sewing room, making tin plates, bowls and various wood products, working in the store room, and various other tasks. Any larger tasks could not be undertaken as there were no tools or implements available. I initially assisted with the potatoes, in the garden and then later, helped to maintain the camp trucks. Because of my em- ployment at the railroad station in Ljubljana, I was behind in my knowledge and training in the automotive trade. So I tried to catch up and teach myself by performing jobs even if it was not required, just so that I could learn. Late in the fall of 1945, all German money had to be traded in for Austrian shillings (at a loss), although camp work continued to be paid. The youth at- The conviction that people have a right to privileges and that nothing must be done in return is the biggest hurdle facing reform efforts in Slovenia, Prime Minister Janez Janša has told the panel “Reforms Incentives and Barriers,” in Ljubljana. Slovenians enjoy a high level of social security, while certain things that are deemed facets of social security are in fact privileges. The conviction that certain privileges are an undeniable right to be guaranteed by the state in return for nothing is the biggest obstacle to reforms, Janša stressed. In his opinion, this mindset stems from the time of socialism. Moreover, the prime minister believes that the second tended camp school, which provided education from kindergarten to high school, while any university students went to Gradez. Several courses were offered, including the trades, and one could obtain a diploma. The work and sacrifices made by the teachers in offering this opportunity was very much appreciated. (To Be Continued) hurdle facing reform efforts is opposition purely on the basis of political motives. Janša believes that opponents of reforms would likely use the nod Slovenia got from the European Commission to join the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2007 to claim that Slovenia is dong fine and does not need reforms. JanSa’s views were echoed by all the participants of the panel, chaired by Janez Šuštaršič, the head of the government Institute for Macroeconomic Analysis and Development (IMAD). “Slovenia has graduated in the economy as the first and best and there is no rest for the best,” Šuštaršič said in his opening address. —Slovenia Times (440) 602-5120 Fax (440) 602-5124 Zele & Zele Co., L.P.A. Ronald Zele, Scott J. Zele, Zachary F. Zele Attorneys-at-Law 38106 Third Street ________Willoughby, Ohio 44094 WEALTH Is A Flow Not a Fund May we explore and measure your flow? Call me for a Conference John R. Telich Sr. CLU CHFC 21801 Lakeshore Blvd. (216) 289-7729 Sun^y Life Financial Serving clients since 1949. Located in “Downtown Euclid” Socialist Mindset is Obstacle to Slovenian Reform - Janša 9 How Can We Preserve Our Slovenian Identity? by RICH TERSELIC I grew up living on East 45"’ Street in Cleveland. An elderly immigrant, Bill Marquardt, was a neighbor. I was walking past his house one evening while World War II was raging, and observed him through an open window. Under the influence of too many nips of schnapps, he was talking out loud to himself, “Wilhelm, Wilhelm, you are a disgrace to the fatherland.” He was criticizing himself for not better serving the Germany war effort. While he was wrong in feeling that he should be assisting the country that was savaging Europe, his feeling of iden-tity as a German was evident. I include this recollection and the making of my Slovenian identity as an introduction to the general Problem of preserving our ethnic identity. Identity generally involves the awareness of oneself as a person, in relation to others 4nd the world in which we live. Ethnic identity involves one’s sense of attachment to a particular group or heritage, and the things that make up its distinct culture. I am a “purcblood” Slovenian heritage American. My father and my mother’s par-ents were born in Slovenia and I am unaware of any non-Slovenian “taint” in my lineage. While my parents Were quite proud of their heritage, they participated to a very limited extent in Cleveland area Slovenian activities. We didn’t attend concerts, picnics or other activities. My mother’s niother had been an SNPJ j°dge secretary in Racine, Wl, but neither of my parents belonged to a lodge. Toni’s Slovenian cooking Was limited to potica and ^haidel. On rare occasions ad brought klobase home r°m his meat market. No ^'ne was kept in the house. parents primarily SP°ke English in the house -except when they wanted to CcP something from me. I earned only enough Slove-jan to communicate with randniother Tcrselic during lc years she “baby sat” me. 1 f } leai forgot most of what I rned after she died. J^y father hoped that I °uld follow in Yankovic’s c °tstePs’ and so I took ac-Sjrdion lessons. My profes-fc°nal Carccr was limited to a Pol?88” 1 lcarncd t0 as f 3 rom my mom, as well thc r°’n my £irl classmates at vals 7lrnmer outdoor cami-Con 1C*d at ihc Immaculate CoileCCPtion Church. During c8c, I often took dates to dances at the Slovenian Home on St. Clair Avenue. Mom thought she had relatives back in the old country - but knew little about them. As far as dad knew, when his mom, sister and he came to the U.S., they were the last remaining family. If either mom or dad did have any relatives left in Slovenia, they presumed they would be “Commies.” They were wrong, and when I did connect with family in Slovenia, I found they had paid a high price for avoiding affiliation with the Party. I listened to “Heinie” Martin Antoncic’s Sunday morning and Thursday evening “707” polka programs, and bought flowers for my dates at Jim Slapnik’s florist shop, and accordion sheet music and polka records at Mervar’s. Mom and Dad didn’t try to influence me to date only Slovenian heritage girls, but my relationships with the two that I did date didn’t get past the first outing. During college at Case Tech, I met the Italian heritage girl from Youngstown, OH I married. Dad was convinced that Slovenians were smarter, harder working, and otherwise better than Croatians and Serbs, but that didn’t get in the way of his subsidizing Croatian heritage families who shopped in his market when they fell on hard times. The objective of presenting this personal information is to describe the various influences to which I was exposed during my early life that - I believe - imprinted upon me a strong Slovenian identity. However, looking back, I believe that identity was substantially only skin deep. Later in life, I was blessed in being exposed to circumstances and influences that permitted that identity to penetrate to a much greater depth. I’d bet that many others shared the conditions of my early life. However, after leaving the protective environment of intensely Slovenian places like Cleveland, many young people become separated from that environment and lose their identities. I had a friend with a similar background who for- sook his Slovenian identity once he moved out of the area for a job. I was fortunate, I moved to a community where the opportunity existed to associate with others of Slovenian heritage who cherished the preservation of their identities. I was also blessed to have been able to connect with family members in Slovenia, and that connection reinforced my sense of identity. If a generation is 20 years, we have several Slovenian-Americans that have been bom and raised in this country. Immigration from Slovenia is currently minuscule. While communities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Joliet, and Northern Minnesota still provide the exposures needed to imprint Slovenian identity, this is not the case for many that live in “Heinz 57” communities in America. The unanswered question is... what need we (or can we) do to assure that our identity doesn’t slowly “melt” indistinguishably in to the American melting pot? Rudy Meets the Girl of His Dreams by RUDY PIVIK (Continued) After I heard that young girl playing the organ, things started to change. Alexander Cigale who had two aunts living in Waukegan became my friend. He was about five years younger than me and he liked one of Marie’s four sisters. He lived about 20 minutes walk from Marie’s home so when he would take me somewhere he would stop at Marie’s home. We all got along well. I could understand some Slovenian, but could not talk it. Somehow we all got along, anyhow. This was puzzling to me. Marie’s last name is Novak, but the name of the house was called Keener and she was one of Kocner’s girls. Alexander’s home was called pri Florence, and our other friend Joža Rupnik came from a home called “pri Pivik,” my last name and he had his eyes on Marie’s other sister, Mari-jansa. We all became brother-in-laws, So between Alex and Joza they were always taking me somewhere and we would have to stop at hiša Kocner. Now this year was 1955. There were few cars and few bicycles so everywhere we went, we walked. They had dances that we walked to, but I danced different to their style. After a glass or two of wine, dancing came easier. The family in Logatec had a St. Vitus Slovenian Language school will have its annual summer picnic on Sunday, July 23 at the Slovenska Pristava in Harpers-field. The picnic will begin with a Mass at 12:30 p.m. Following Mass, there will be a dinner of pork roast. Tickets for the dinner will be $12 for adults and $6 for children. There will also be a pasta dinner available for the children. Marie and Rudy Pivik small house but no yard. But they had a plot of land a mile from the house where they spent most all of their days. So I spent most of my time in Jelenci Vrh country. Marie’s mother passed away in 1954 and she always told me if her mother was still alive she would not marry me. Her mother had a brother Petkovič who came to the USA in 1912 and lived in Forest City, PA. He has a son Eddy and Helen Drozin living in Cleveland now. Mr. Novak who was the local tailor called Kocner’s house to say he wanted to talk to me. He said he had plans to come to the USA, but got caught in World War I as a German soldier. He said he could remember my dad, and knew all my relatives in that area and they are all related to me by marriage. The more I talked with Kocner, the more I saw Marie. So I liked that part. Then I started to think, if I would marry her could I take her to the States? So I sent a Tickets can be purchased on the day of the picnic or from any Slovenian school parents. In the afternoon there will be a raffle with many great prizes and children’s games. This year the picnic will also have live music for your entertainment, performed by the Veseli Godci. All are invited and welcome. letter home asking my parents to send me my birth and baptism papers. With the help of Alexander he took me to Idrija. All they said we have to do is go to Ljubljana. So a couple of days later we took the bus to the big city and got there about 3 in the afternoon. We were told to come back the next day, so we did and were told we have to go to the American Consulate in Zagreb. We went to Zagreb by train. They were nicer there and told me if the person has no connections with any political groups, she could come to America, but it would take up to one year. My visa was nearing expiration. Now what am I going to do? Marie was very close to her mother and her mother always said her biggest joy was to hear her children sing when she was preparing the evening meals. The entire family could sing and harmonize beautifully. Marie’s uncle Andra Petkovšek’s name was misspelled at the Immigration office, just like many others. (To Be Continued) It's Cool To Be Slovenian! Notorious Serial Killer Commits Suicide Slovenia’s most notorious serial killer, Metod Trobec, was found dead in his prison cell at the prison in Dob. Trobec was sentenced to death in 1980 for the murder of five women, which was later commuted to a 20-year prison sentence. He killed his victims during intercourse, chopped them up and burned them in a stove. Following the completion of this sentence in 2000, Trobec’s prison stay was prolonged following an attack on a fellow-inmate and an attempted murder, so he was expected to remain behind bars until 2014. —Slovenia Times St. Vitus Slovenian School Annual Summer Picnic AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, JULY 13, 2006 JULY 13, 2006 • *?#< % j?-, < z > o s o Q 'X The Kingdom of Zlatorog, Beautiful Vistas and... «, Adventure Sports ' fife . . • ' Towering peaks above green pastures, waterfalls and deep chasms ■ a paradise for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. >v Hwloni Marko Refreshing Mountains of Slovenia For centuries people have enjoyed going to the mountains to fill their lungs with fresh air and to give their legs a bit of a workout. In northwest Slovenia stands Slovenia’s highest mountain and national symbol, Triglav (2864m). With its three peaks, it reigns like a deity over stunning deep valleys which were carved out by glaciers and are now sprinkled with sheep and goat pastures and lakes with emerald waters. The Slovenian Julian Alps cover around 4% of Slovenia’s territory. Almost a thir^i of the area of the protected Triglav National Park lies within the municipality of Bovec. The highest mountain peaks soar over 2000 meters high, while the deepest karst caves plunge more than 1000 meters underground. Rich Alpine Tradition of Bovec area The earliest mention of the town of Bovec was in 1174, but the area’s history stretches back to the early Iron Age. This is a town with a long history of Alpine tourism, stemming from the time of the Trenta poachers, who led rich town-dwellers on excursions up into the nearby mountains. Between the two gothic churches in town lies a square with typical Bovec houses, which blend beautifully with natural landscape of the area. At restaurants, one can try delicious compe (potatoes) with sheep’s milk cheese and cottage cheese. The picturesque town offers a wide range of accommodations in hotels, apartments, private rooms, campsites, tourist farms, and mountain lodges. The old farm cottages in the valleys between the steep mountains are a testament to the stamina, toughness and vitality of the Bovec people. The mighty fortress Kluže from the 15th century looks down over the wild river Koritnica, and together with the military graveyards and battlefield remnants, silently testifies to the horror of the largest mountain battle of WWI, which took place in the region. Most Beautiful River in Europe The Soča River’s source is in the Trenta valley. Regarded by many to be the most beautiful river in Europe, it flows through the narrowest of gorges in some places and over broad gravel beds in others. Foaming violently one moment, flowing gently the next, the river holds many surprises and delights. The river’s characteristic turquoise hue and the wild beauty of its rapids, ravines and cascades are the image of natural perfection. Many visitors choose to explore the river along the Soča Trail. It runs from the river’s source to the lower end of the Soča Valley and exhibits the valley’s natural curiosities, including the old Trenta trader routes. Organized tours along the trail, guided by locals employed by the Triglav National Park Authority, show visitors what life is like in the valley and reveal the priceless heritage which lies within this, Slovenia’s only national park. The ice climbers and dog sleds give way to the fishermen who will test their luck at catching the famous Soča trout. On the plateau above the confluence of the Soča and Lepenca rivers, a charming old-style holiday village offers horse riding. Each day is a new adventure on the well-marked and maintained trails through the nature preserve. The highest peaks of the Julian Alps (Mt. Triglav, Mt. Jalovec, Mt. Mangrt, etc.) tempt mountaineers throughout the whole year. Even beginners, aided by a skilled guide, can master kayaking on the Soča. If cannoning is your thing, once you enter one of the natural chasms, you can glide across waterfalls and pools with crystal-clear water, swim in limestone baths, and enjoy the peacefulness of a hidden world. Or you can choose rafting if you want to test the team spirit of your friends. During your rafting adventure you will rush across rapids and dark-green pools, pass huge boulders, and finish off with a “mandatory” bath in a of Soča pool. Bronze Age Sword Found in Lake Bled A team of archeologists has found a Bronze Age sword, assessed to be over 3,000 years old, in Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s premiere resorts. The completely preserved sword dates back to the 13th or 12th century BC. The half-meter double-edged sword of the Riegsee group was used in the transition between the middle and late Bronze Ages in the area between Transilvania, SW Germany, the Alps, and the north of the Czech Republic. Illegal Migration Up LJUBLJANA, July 17 -A total of 3,195 illegal crossings of the border were recorded in the January-to-June period in Slovenia, a 26% increase over the same period last year. Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Not surprisingly, it sank. This proves once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it, too. d *Pol& “The Original Polka Tour Headquarters’ SEooenia in Sana! j. celebrate 20 years of touring with yourTosts: * ' Tony and Anne Klepec Featuring: Munich, Lake Bled, Dolensko, Maribor, Ljubljana August 10-24, 2006 Lots of good food, music and fun with local performers! Musical Extravaganza at Sea enjoy a 7 night POLKA PARTY on the Costa Manira Linda Hočevar /Magic Buttons, Denny Bucar, John Gerl Ray Zalokar and The Casuals, Ed Klintczak Gary Brueggen & the Ridgeland Dutchmen Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen Adam Barthalt, Denny Pasz, Frank Moravcik from Ft. Lauderdale, to San Juan, St Thomas, La Romana, Grand Turk March 18 -25,2007 “Celebrating 83 Years in Travel, since 1923” i\ Hollander World Travel “ 971 E 185th St * Cleveland OH 44119 (800) 800-5981 + (216) 692-1000 www.kollander.com [Tj_Please call, write or email for a complete brochure !! | Hospitality is Native to Slovenia LAVRISHA 216-391-0035 Construction & Repair Services Rokodelec Contractor KSKJ AMERICAN Sl OVENI AN CATHOLIC. UNION BECOME A MEMBER WITH ANEW INSURANCE PLAN FROM KSKJ! ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT' PLAN Available from ages 20 to 65 (coverage expires at age 70) Minimum Amount Available $25,000 - Maximum Available $100,000 $30 minimum per mode premium - $1.00 per thousand in PA $1.20 per thousand in CA, CO, CT, IL, IN, KS, Ml, MN, MT, OH, DC, Wl Call your local sales agent or the Home Office at 1-800-843-5755 www.kskjlife.com FOR Freedom AND Justice % Ameriška Domovina Je AMERICAN IN SPIRIT SLOVENIAN FOREIGN IN LANGUAGE ONLY MORNING NEWSPAPER AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA (USPS 024100) Thursday, July 13, 2006 - vesti iz SLOVENIJE - k Clevelanda in okolice Premier Janez Janša pri slovenski skupnosti v Clevelandu Dnevnik Washington Times o obisku iz Slovenije (STA, 8. julija 2006) O Cleveland/Washington - Slovenski premier Janez Janša je v petek (7. jul.) z delegacijo, v kateri je med drugimi tudi zunanji minister Dimitrij Rupel, pripotoval v Cleveland, kjer je začel svoj uradni obisk ZDA z ogledom cerkva Sv. Marije Vne-bovzete in Sv. Vida, v domu upokojencev (tj. St. Vitus Village, op. ur. AD) pa je upokojenemu profesorju Ediju Gobcu podelil priznanje urada za Slovence po svetu. Premier se je zahvalil ameriškim Slovencem Premiera Janšo so v cerkvi Sv. Marije Vnebovzete pričakali župnik Janez Kum-še, ki mu je razkazal cerkev, in Clevelandski Slovenci, med katerimi mu je eno od deklet v narodni noši prebralo tudi pozdravno pesem, ki jo je napisal Edi Gobec. Delegacija se je nato Preselila v cerkev Sv. Vida, kjer jo je pričakal župnik Jože Božnar in po ogledu cerkve je sledila slovesna Podelitev priznanja urada za Slovence v zamejstvu in po Svetu profesorju Gobcu za dolgoletno aktivno, preda-n° ter znanstveno in razi-skovalno delo v kulturno in °arodnostno dobrobit slo-venstva v ZDA in prispevek ^ osamosvojitvi in priznanju Republike Slovenije”. Podelitev je potekala v domu za ostarele Sv. Vida, kjer so delegacijo tudi pogostili z večerjo. Janša se je zbranim zahvalil za vso podporo pri osamosvajanju in pridobivanju priznanja državnosti s strani ZDA. Dejal je, da so ameriški Slovenci zaslužni za to, da je resnica o osamosvajanju Slovenije prišla do tistih, ki odločajo. Prav tako se jim je zahvalil za podporo pri demokratizaciji Slovenije in za vstop v zvezo NATO. Profesor Gobec, ki praznuje 80 let, je poudaril, da je še posebej vesel, da je priznanje prejel iz rok nekdanjega oporečnika, ki ima izjemne zasluge za osamosvojitev Slovenije in ob tem Janši izročil priložnostno darilo. Gobec je opisal tudi, kako je potekalo delo ob iskanju podpore za priznanje samostojne Slovenije in med drugim posebej pohvalil generalnega konzula Zvoneta Žigona in ga označil za najboljšega slovenskega konzula v ZDA nasploh. Odkrili spominsko ploščo Se pred Janševim prihodom je veleposlanik Samuel Žbogar v enem od clevelandskih mestnih parkov svečano odkril spominsko ploščo o Slovencih, Jeffersonu in ameriški deklaraciji o neodvisnosti, ki je bila prvič postavljena leta 1976, vendar so je vmes uničili vandali. Odkritja spominske plošče, ki opozarja na dejstvo, da je eden od piscev ameriške deklaracije o neodvisnosti Thomas Jefferson dobival ideje tudi iz tradicije ustoličevanja karantanskih knezov, se je v parku na aveniji Lakeside udeležil tudi Zvone Žigon skupaj s predsednikom Sklada slovensko ameriške dediščine (Slovene American Heritage Foundation) Tonijem Hitijem. Za clevelandske Slovence ta plošča po besedah člana ameriške zvezne komisije za ohranitev kulturne dediščine na tujem Avgusta Pusta predstavlja konkreten vir ponosa. Na svečanosti so poleg Žbogarja spregovorili tudi mestna svetnika Joe Cimperman in Michael Polenšek, ki sta oba poudarjala pomen tega, da je Slovenija edina med vsemi tujimi državami v Clevelandu ohranila svoj konzulat. Uradni obisk se nadaljuje Premier Janša sicer nadaljuje obisk Clevelanda najprej z zajtrkom pri zveznemu senatorju slovenskega rodua Georgeom Voinovi-chem ter županom Frankom Jacksonom. Po novinarski konferenci v mestni hiši, nad katero zaradi iztekajočih se slovenskih dnevov ob 15. obletnici samostoj- (DALJE na str. 15) Predsednik Slovenije dr. Janez Drnovšek leta 2007 ne bo več kandidiral - Med proslavo Dneva državnosti za nekaj minut izgubil zavest (Marjan Drobež, Novi glas, Trst, 6. VII. 206) - Predsednik države dr. Janez Drnovšek, ki že dalj časa doživlja in utemeljuje svojo značajsko in duhovno preobrazbo, kar naprej Preseneča slovensko in mednarodno javnost. Njegove izjave, j so zmeraj dvoumne, nejasne in nasploh težko nerazum-i*ve, ne dajejo odgovora na vprašanje, kakšne bodo njego-Ve resnične namere v prihodnosti. ^ pogovoru z direktorjem nacionalne televizije Jožetom Možino (Ur. AD: g. Možina je sodeloval kot videograf pri K°rotanovem lanskem projektu “Pozdravljena zemlja - Po po-Mučencev) je zatrdil da na predsedniških volitvah v le-m 2007 ne bo ponovno kandidiral, “ker je bilo dovolj ura-dnih funkcij, vodilnih položajev. Na vrhunski funkciji sem °d leta 1989, ko sem bil izvoljen za slovenskega člana Predsedstva tedanje Jugoslavije. Nimam več političnih ambi-^ V prihodnosti se bom posvetil Gibanju za pravičnost n razvoj, morda pa bom napisal še kakšno knjigo. (dalje na str. 15) Letni piknik to nedeljo— To nedeljo popoldne ste vabljeni na vsakoletni piknik župnije sv. Vida na Slovenski pristavi. Župnik Jože Božnar bo daroval sv. mašo ob 12. uri v glavnem paviljonu. Nato bo kosilo, ves popoldan bo veselo razpoloženje, igral bo Joey Tomsick orkester. Vstopnine ni, pridite tudi vi! Novi grobovi ANTON LAVRIŠA Umrl je 94 let stari Anton Lavriša, rojen v Sloveniji, zanj žalujejo žena Marija, rojena Tomažič, otroci Bernard, Anton M. (Marge), Paul, Marija (Mirko) Kristanc, Frank (Majdi), Marko (Lisa), Theresa (John) Sabbath, Martina (Luan) Luu in Peter (Jo Ann), 21-krat stari oče, brat Marjance (Slovenija), Ann Zimmer (Kanada) ter že pok. France Ludvig, Marija Kraljič Peršin, Valentin in Rudolf. Pogreb je bil 2. julija v oskrbi Želetovega zavoda s sv. mašo v cerkvi Marije Vnebovzete in pokopom na Vernih duš pokopališču. Družina bo hvaležna za darove v pokojnikov spomin Misijonski Znamkarski Akciji, 17826 Brian Ave., Cleveland, OH 44119 ali pa St. Mary Church Building Fund, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. Cirila Sluga Umrla je 85 let stara Cirila Sluga iz Stamforda, Conn., prej živeča v Eucli-du, rojena Kuret, vdova po Bogoslavu, mati Leo-ta in Roberta, 4-krat stara mati, sestra že pok. Ivane Avčin in Štefana Kureta, tega Jacka Avčina in Frances Alič. Pogreb je bil 29. junija v oskrbi Cosicevega zavoda s sv. mašo v cerkvi sv. Vida in pokopom na Vernih duš pokopališču. John J. Perusek Dne 7. julija je umrl 89 let stari John J. Perusek iz Euclida, mož Margaret, oče Peggy Zirbes in MaryJoanne Boresz, 2-krat stari oče, 1-krat prastari oče, brat Elsie, veteran 2. svetovne vojne, v kateri je služil v ameriški pehoti, zaposlen na pošti 38 let, do svoje upokojitve. Pogreb je bil 10. julija v oskrbi Brickman-Didonato zavoda na 21900 Euclid Ave. s sv. mašo v cerkvi sv. Kristine in pokopom na Vernih duš pokopališču. (DALJE na str. 16) Lepo uspelo praznovanje— V zadnjih tednih je bilo v Clevelandu in tudi drugod po ZDA več kar lepo uspelih prireditev ob praznovanju 15. obletnice slovenske neodvisnosti. Precej boste o njih brali v obeh delih tega lista, ker smo pa morali pripraviti številko za natis že v ponedeljek popoldne, bo treba za poročila o nekaterih dogajanjih počakati do naslednje številke. Sicer pa so v tej številki tudi zanimiva poročila. Vsekakor pa je umestno zelo iskreno čestitati v prvi vrsti gen. konzulu v Clevelandu dr. Zvonetu Žigonu za vneto zavzetost pri prireditvah, prav tako njegovi asistentki domačinki gdč. Johanci Bajc ter še kar ducatu in več predstavnikom lokalnih organizacij, ki so se pri stvari zares izkazali. Piknik Slov. šole sv. Vida— V nedeljo, 23. julija, ima Slovenska šola pri sv. Vidu svoj letni piknik na Slovenski pristavi. Ob 12.30 bo sv. maša. Takoj nato bo servirano kosilo, ki bo za odraslo osebo $12, za otroka pa $6. Ob petih pop. bodo igre za otroke, sledil bo še srečelov za kar lepa darila. Za ples in zabavo bo igral ansambel Veseli Godci. Pridite! Zahvala— “Iskreno bi se rada zahvalila vsem mojim prijateljem in znancem za poslana bodrilne kartice, cvetje, za molitve in za maše v času moje uspešne operacije in okrevanja. Neizmerno sem hvaležna dr. Bernardki Jakomin, ki mi je dajala vsestransko oporo v moji bolezenski stiski.” Nežka Tomc Romanje v Lemont— Združena Oltarna društva bodo romala k Mariji Pomagaj v Lemont 12. in 13. avgusta. Cena romanja za eno osebo je $115. Za vse podrobnosti gl. dopis na str. 12, za rezervacijo na avtobusu pokličite go. Ivanko Matič na 216-481-1514. Podpora listu— Dr. Margaret J. Goren-šek, M.D., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., je darovala $100 v podporo našemu listu. G. Frank in ga. Helen Jeglič, Wadsworth, O., sta darovala $65. Ga. Marie Pivik, Cleveland, O., je darovala $30, v spomin na Mary Maršič. Iskrena hvala vsem! Cleveland: Ohranjanje korenin in ponosa Vabilo na romanje v Lemont V Združenih državah Amerike živeči Slovenci so dokaz, kako je kljub dolgoletnemu izseljenstvu mogoče shranjati narodno pripadnost. Ameriško mesto Cleveland v zvezni državi Ohio bo tako kar mesec dni povsem slovensko. Pogled na del Clevelanda od 52-nadstropnega Terminal Towerja (dolga desetletja je bilo najvišje poslopje med New Yorkom in Chicagom). Opozorimo na zelo temno poslopje zadaj od Terminal Towerja; to je ohijsko državno poslovno poslopje, ki nosi ime: Frank J. Lausche State Office Building. CLEVELAND, O. - Kakor vsako leto ob tem času, bomo tudi letos obiskali našo Marijo Pomagaj v Lemon tu. Ti dnevi so za nas članice in člane Oltarnega društvo, Slomškovega krožka in prijatelje vedno lepo doživetje. Marija Pomagaj nas vsako leto z ljubeznijo sprejema, mi pa se zatekamo k njej z zahvalami in prošnjami, da bi nas in naše družine varovala in vodila po pravi poti. Pridružite se nam! Na romanje se bomo odpeljali 12. avgusta ob 6.30 zjutraj. Avtobus nas bo čakal pri Euclid City Hall na E. 222 cesti. Vrnili se bomo v nedeljo, 13. avgusta zvečer, med 11. in 12. uro. Cena za vožnjo večerjo, zajtrk in kosilo je $115 na osebo. Ker čas hitro beži, vas lepo prosim, da čimprej pošljete prijave in plačilo. Vožnja za avtobus mora biti plačana do 29. julija. Prijavite se pri: IVANKI MATIČ 1874 Braeburn Park Drive Euclid, OH 44117 Tel. - 216-481-1514 Ivanka Matič ANA MULLNER Demokracija, 22.VI.2006 (Ur. AD: Ta dvostranski dopis je izšel v omenjenem ljubljanskem tedniku. Po vsebini teksta je jasno, kdo je bil glavni informator novinarke. Dopis je posredovan v celoti, le brez treh drugih fotografij. Dalje, omeniti velja, da je dopis izšel pred osrednjim praznovanjem 15. obletnice slovenske neodvisnosti, kar je bil Slovenski dan na Slovenski pristavi 24. junija in naslednji dan pa slovesna sv. maša v cerkvi sv. Vida, ki jo je daroval škof A. Edward Pevec, in še program v SND na St. Clairju, ki je sledil popoldne. Upoševati je treba tudi, da je dopis namenjen za javnost v Sloveniji. O Ljubljana - Petega junija so se namreč začeli Slovenski dnevi, s katerimi bodo ameriški Slovenci mesec dni proslavljali 15. obletnico osamosvojitve Slovenije. V Clevelandu, ki velja za tretje naj večje slovensko mesto, saj v njem živi okrog 80 tisoč Američanov slovenskega rodu, se je s Slovenskimi dnevi začel največji projekt slovenske skunosti v mestu po osamosvojitvi Slovenije. A pojdimo po vrsti in si najprej poglejmo zgodovino slovenskega izseljenstva v ZDA. Val izseljevanja Prvi Slovenci so se v Severno Ameriko začeli preseljevati že okoli leta 1600, a do množičnega izseljevanja je prišlo več kot stoletja pozneje. V času Avstro-Ogrske je bilo preseljevanje iz kraja v kraj prepovedano in tako so se v tistem času izseljevali večinoma izgnanci, vojni in drugi ubežniki. Kasneje se je začelo množično izseljevanje v Ameriko, povezano z misijonarskim delom; leta 1912 je v Ameriki delovalo že 127 slovenskih misijonarjev, ki so močno pripomogli k društvenemu in kulturnemu življenju v prvih slovenskih naselbinah. Sicer pa je bilo dolga leta težko voditi evidenco o številu Slovencev v ZDA, ker so jih ameriški uradi sprva uvrščali med Avstrijce, kasneje pa so jih šteli skupaj s Hrvati. Zaradi posledic vojnih grozot v Evropi je sredi prejšnjega stoletja ZDA preplavil nov val beguncev in izseljencev. V tem času je prišlo tudi največ Slovencev, predvsem političnih izseljencev. (Ur. AD: Trditev zgoraj seveda ne drži. Daleč največji val slovenskih priseljencev v ZDA Je prišel v dveh, treh desetletjih pred prvo svetovno vojno. Kakor gotovo drugod v tekstu, novinarka najbrž ni pravilno razumela, kar je slišala, ker - zopet gotovo - ni imela vnaprejšnjega konteksta za asimiliranje novih podatkov.) Po letu 1953 je v ZDA prispela le še peščica ekonomskih emigrantov. Čeprav so se Slovenci tudi drugod po ZDA, se je glavnina nastanila v zvezni državi Ohio. Sledijo ji zvezne države Pensilvanija, Minnesota, Kolorado in Florida, drugod pa je slovenskhi priseljencev precej manj. Medtem ko so prvi izseljenci večinoma živeli v hudih življenjskih razmerah, se je s prihodom večjega števila Slovencev začelo povezovanje v dru- štva, predvsem v okviru ljubiteljske kulture. Tako je v Clevelandu, ki je med obema vojnama postal središče ameriških Slovencev, že sredi prejšnjega stoletja delovalo 19 pevskih zborov in 10 pevskih društev. (Tu novinarka v glavnem, dejansko piše o obdobju pred prvo in tudi pred drugo svetovno vojno, misli pa, da svoje navajanje drži za obdobje po drugi vojni, kar pa drži le delno. Nato takoj začne navajati podatke, sicer precej zastarele, ki se tičejo celotne slovenske skupnosti v ZDA, ne le Clevelanda. Ur. AD.) Hkrati se je začela razvijati tudi knjižna dejavnost v okviru časopisnih uredništev, v katerih so bili uredniki slovenski pisatelji. Kmalu so začele delovati tudi prve slovenske šole, ki so jih ustanovili duhovniki, vzdrževali pa slovenski župljani. Ustanavljanje društev in klubov se je samo še nadaljevalo; konec osemdesetih je bilo 72 slovenskih domov, 38 cerkva, delovalo je 9 izobraževalnih ustanov, 24 pevskih društev, 171 glasbenih skupin, 4 plesne skupine, eno dramsko društvo, izhajalo je tudi 9 časopisnih publikacij. Dosežki, s katerimi bi se težko pohvalilo marsikatero slovensko mesto, četudi s trikrat več prebivalci. Osamosvojitev povezala Čeprav so se v okviru vseh delujočih društev mnogokrat pokazala razhajanja, predvsem politična, med ameriškimi Slovenci ni nikoli prihajalo do večjih trenj. Ameriški Slovenci so kljub življenju prek oceana z zanimanjem spremljali politično in družbeno dogajanje v Sloveniji in nemalokrat odigrali pomembno vlogo pri političnih spremembah v prvotni domovini. Njihova pomembnost je še posebej prišla do izraza v času osamosvajanje Slovenije, ko so pokazali veliko navezanost na domovino. Belo hišo so zasuli s telefonskimi klici in pismi za priznanje nove države. Joseph Valenčič je bil koordinator akcije leta 1991: “Ko se je v Sloveniji začela vojna, so se naše organizacije povezale v tako imenovane Združenje Američanov za Slovenijo. Izmislili smo si telefonski maraton in določili en dan, ko so vsi Slovenci v Ameriki in vsi, ki se zanimajo za Slovenijo, poklicali v Belo hišo in sporočili predsedniku Bushu (očetu sedanjega predsednika), da mora priznati samostojno Slovenijo.” V akcijo so se vključile vse slovenske organizacije po Ameriki: župni- je, društva, dobrodelne zveze, pevka združenja -skupaj kar 850 društev in klubov po vsej Ameriki. Toda to še ni bilo vse, pravi Valenčič: "Ob tem smo dva tedna vsak dan zbrali 10.000 podpisov in jih poslali v Belo hišo za predsednika Busha, da se bo na hitro pozanimal za Slovenijo. V časniku Washington Post smo objavili oglas prav teden dni pred tem, ko so ZDA priznale Slovenijo (7. aprila 1992). Bilo je res lepo, vsi smo skupno delali za eno stvar, za Slovenijo.” Slovenščina se izgublja Slovenci, ki so se iz Slovenije izselili v ZDA. so prva generacija ameriških Slovencev, Danes v ZDA živi že četrta oz. celo peta generacija Slovencev. Pa mlajše generacije še čutijo takšno povezanost z domovino kot njihovi predniki? Odnos priseljencev do slovenščine morda še najbolj slikovito opisuje časopis Prosveta. Tiskati so ga začeli pred 85 leti i° je kot dnevnik izhajal v celoti v slovenskem jeziku. Danes izhaja na štirinajst dni, v slovenščini pa je le še ena stran. "Nove generacije sčasoma niso imele nikogar več, ki bi jih naučil g°' voriti slovensko, zato sC jezik počasi izgublja,” meni urednica slovenske strani v Prosveti Vida Košir. “Da res znajo slovensko, jih je morda nekaj tisoč, nekateri morda (DALJE na str. 13) ^Mdodies from Beautiful Slovenia Slovenian Radio Family EDMEJAC RDC Program Oir&tor WCSB 89.3 FM RADIO HOURS: Sunday 9-10 am Wednesday 6-7 pm 2405 Somrack Drive Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 440-953-1709 TEl/rAX web: www.wcsb.org Cleveland: Ohranjanje korenin in ponosa (nadaljevanje s str. 12) poznajo kakšno besedo, počasi pa se slovenščina izgublja; novi rodovi se je ne učijo. Druga generacija se je še učila slovensko, tretja ali četrta pa ne več.” Kljub temu pa predvsem zanimanje za prireditve narašča, prav tako je večina slovenskih društev ohranila pomembno vlogo pri ohranjanju slovenske kulture. Verjetno najboljši dokaz, da med ameriškimi Slovenci domovina Slovenija še zdaleč ni pozabljena, so Slovenski dnevi, prireditev, ki bo te dni v Clevelandu dosegla vrhunec. Slovenija v malem Ko je pred mestno hišo v Clevelandu 5. junija zaplapolala slovenska zastava, so se uradno začeli Slovenski dnevi. Rdeča nit številnih kulturnih dogodkov je praznovanje 15-letnice slovenske državnosti. Uvodna slovesnost v clevelandski mestni hiši je samo dokaz več, kako pomembna je slovenska skupnost za mesto Cleveland, ki ga je tudi pomagala ustvariti. To je tudi potrdil slovenski mestni svetnik z najdaljšim stažem Michael Polenšek. Proslava je po nj ego ve m mnenju priznanje prispevka slovenske skupnosti v Clevelandu, ki je imela vedno trdno Vez s Slovenijo in njeno Prestolnico. Iz vrst slovenske skupnosti izhaja tudi več uglednih politikov, med kate-rimi sta zvezni senator George Voinovich in pogojni župan Clevelanda, Suverner Ohia in zvezni Senator Frank Lausche, P° katerem se imenuje kar nekaj objektov v me-stu (gl- priloženo fotogra-nJ°- op. ur. AD). G pomembni vlogi slo-Venske skupnosti je v teh dneh govoril tudi ge-neralni konzul v Clevelandu Zvone Žigon, ki mu j® v °smih mesecih, koli-0r Je na tem položaju, UsPelo pridobiti naklonje-^°st vseh Slovencev v levelandu. V svojem naslovu se je posebej zahvalil organizacijskemu od-ru Slovenskih dnevov. Predstavnik zveznega jjnatorja Voinovicha pa slovenskemu veleposla- niku v ZDA Samuelu Žbogarju izročil posebno poslanico senatorja kot priznanje slovenskega prispevka razvoju Clevelanda. Osrednja prireditev v okviru Slovenskih dnevov se bo (je) začela 25. junija z mašo v slovenski cerkvi sv. Vida, nadaljevala pa z odkritjem spominske plošče (to je odpadlo. op. ur. AD), kulturnim programom in pokušino slovenskih vin. Enomesečno praznovanje se bo (je) sklenilo 7. julija z odkritjem prenovljene spominske plošče v mestnemu parku. Ur. AD: V sklopu praznovanj je bil še nastop veleposlanika Žbogarja v clevelandskem City Clubu in obisk predsednika vlade Janeza Janše v Cleveland. To slednje ni ob poročanju novinarke bilo še znano.) Ob tako množičnem proslavljanju rojstva slovenske države pa bode v oči dejstvo, da so tako Slovenski dnevi kot tudi ameriški Slovenci v naši domovini mnogokrat precej zapostavljeni. Kot primer lahko navedemo dejstvo, da je o aktualnem dogajanju v Clevelandu poročalo zanemarljivo število slovenskih medijev, tisti pa, ki so o njem poročali, so to storili precej na kratko. Prav tako je kar malce ironično, da na tisoče kilometrov strani potomci Slovencev z večjim veseljem proslavljajo praznik slovenske državnosti, kot to počnemo v domovini. Državljani Slovenije bi se lahko v marsičem zgledovali po rojakih, ki živijo po svetu, ne pa da nanje mnogokrat pozabljamo. Primer za to so nedavne polemike glede državne proslave ob dnevu državnosti, spričo katerih je praznovanje rojstva slovenske države le še drugotnega pomena. Prav tako v Sloveniji samostojnosti države najbrž nikoli ne bomo praznovali kar ves mesec. (Ur. AD: V kolikor bom opazil druga poročanja v slovenskem tisku o tem praznovanju, ki se mi bodo zdela zanimiva, jih bom tudi skušal ponatisniti. ) GAŠPER BLAŽIČ DEMOKRACIJA, (Ljubljana, 8. Vi. 2006) O Kaj določa ustava? Lani sproženi kazenski postopek proti nekdanjemu majorju Ozne Mitji Ribičiču zaradi njegove vloge pri poboju več kot 200 ljudi očitno dobiva nove obrise, saj je Ribičič v ponedeljek, 5. junija, v spremstvu odvetnika dr. Petra Čeferina znova stopil pred sodišče. Kot je pojasnil Čeferin (Ribičič je na sodišče prišel in ga tudi zapustil brez komentarjev), naj bi bil Ribičič preiskovalni sodnici prebral le svojo izjavo, medtem ko je vrhovno državno tožilstvo sodišču predlagalo, naj ustanovi posebno skupino zgodovinarjev, ki bi raziskala zadevo. Preiskovalna sodnica se mora seveda odločiti, ali bo uvedla preiskavo ali ne. Sicer pa se je Ribičičev odvetnik osredinil zlasti na pravna vprašanja, ali je sploh mogoče soditi Ribičiču, saj slovenska A ustava določa, da ne sme biti nihče kaznovan za dejanje, za katerega zakon ni določil, da je kaznivo, in zanj ni predpisal kazni, še preden je bilo storjeno. Podobno stališče je že lani zavzel dr. Ljubo Bavcon, vendar pa haaška konvencija določa, da omenjeno načelo ne velja, če gre za dejanja, ki so bila v času, ko so bila storjena, kazniva po splošnih načelih kazenskega prava. Po Čeferinovih besedah si haaška konvencija in slovenska ustava v tem nasprotujeta, mednarodne pogodbe, ki jih ratificira slovenski parlament, pa so ustavi podrejene. Skrivnosten kombi Dr. Čeferin je v svojem nastopu po zaslišanju med drugim izrekel kritiko na račun policije in Sove, češ da izvajata hud psihološki pritisk na njegovega klienta. Po njegovih besedah naj bi bil v bližini Ribičičevega stanovanja ves čas, odkar je Ribičič prejel zahtevo za preiskavo, kombi, ki naj bi bil last ministrstva za notranje zadeve. Na dan zaslišanja pa naj bi bil kombi skrivnostno izginil. Ribičič stanuje v neposredni bližini Policijske uprave Ljubljana, zaradi česar viri na ministrstvu za notranje zadeve zavračajo takšne obtožbe, saj naj bi bila policijska vozila ves čas parkirana v neposredni bližini, sum o opazovanju Ribičiča pa se je pojavil šele zdaj, ko se je Ribičič znašel pred sodiščem. Tako se postavlja vprašanje, ali ne gre za taktiko Ribičičevega odvetnika, da bi odvrnil pozornost od bistva ovadbe in morda na ta način na sodni proces proti Ribičiču označil za politično zaroto. Zdenka Kidrič ovadena Predstavnika Liberalne stranke Vitomir Gros in Danijel Malenšek sta pred kratkim na generalno državno tožilstvo vložila kazensko ovadbo zoper nekdanjo voditeljico Varno-stno-obveščevalne službe (VOS) Zdenko Kidrič. Po Grosovem in Malenško-vem mnenju naj bi bila Kidričeva (danes kot upokojenka živi v Ljubljani), omenjeno kaznivo dejanje storila med drugo svetovno vojno in po njej, ko je VOS pod njenim poveljstvom pobila številne civiliste. (Več v naslednji številki, ur. AD.) Kot je znano, je že lani izbruhnil manjši škandal v zvezi s primerom Ribičič, in sicer zaradi objave polnega imena in priimka osumljenca, zaradi česar so letele obtožbe na račun notranjega ministra Dragutina Mateja in celo na predsednika vlade Janeza Janše, češ da je on tisti, ki je dejansko pripomogel, da se je začel kazenski postopek proti Ribičiču. Po nekaterih namigih pa naj bi se izvajali pritiski na uslužbence kriminalistične policije, ki se ukvarjajo z raziskovanjem povojnih pobojev. Bo sploh dočakal konec sojenja? Veliko vprašanje pa je, ali bo Mitja Ribičič glede na visoko starost - dopolnil je že 87 let -sploh dočakal konec sojenja, saj naj bi po navedbah odvetnika bolehal za rakom na prostati, bolezen pa naj bi se mu bila razširila na kosti. Kljub temu slovenskega pravosodnega sistema niti morebitno nedokončano sojenje ne odvezuje od dolžnosti, da razišče eno najtemnejših strani slovenske zgodovine. Vprašanje pa je, ali se bo to zgodilo, saj je dosedanja praksa pokazala, da so zločini komunistične oblasti za pravosodje očitno prevelik zalogaj in da bo vedno mogoče najti pravne luknje, ki bodo nosilce komunističnih zločinov oprale vsakršne krivde. S tem bi se zločini rela-tivizirali, po drugi strani pa bi to pomenilo vnovičen umor žrtev revolucije. Celotna zadeva bo tako prepuščena le moralni (ob)sodbi, o čemer pa slovenska javnost očitno ne bo dosegla konsenza, saj so za del javnosti komunistični poboji še vedno “legitimen obračun z izdajalci", kazenski postopek proti Ribičiču pa predvsem politični obračun. Drugo vprašanje pa je seveda osebni odnos osumljenca (in drugih še živečih protagonistov revolucionarnega nasilja) do svojih dejanj. Doslej sta javno obžalovanje v zvezi s svojo preteklostjo izrazila le Zdenko Zavadlav in Albert Svetina-Erno. ■ Seznanjajte naše bralce z aktivnostmi vaših društev LEMONTSKI ODMEVI P. Bernardin Sušnik Prazniki, ki slede Veliki noči, so se letos potegnili precej daleč v junij, saj je bila Velika noč bolj pozna. Tako so se praznovanja zaključila s praznikom Srca Jezusovega 23. junija, temu pa je neposredno sledil kres. V juliju pa se bogoslužje nekako umiri po spomladanskih praznovanjih in se kot mirna reka vernosti sprosti v vrsti navadnih nedelj, ki segajo tja do adventa. Z bogoslužnega vidika torej mesec julij nima nobenih posebnih praznikov. Sicer pa je julij sedmi mesec gregorijanskega koledarja, z 31 dnevi. Ime je dobil po rimskem državniku in začetniku cesarstva Juliju Cezarju (100-44 pr. Kr.), ki je uredil tudi koledar in se je po njem imenoval julijanski. Bil je v veljavi do leta 1582, ko ga je reformiral papež Gregorij XIII. in je v veljavi še danes ter se po njem imenuje gregorijanski. Starega julijanskega koledarja, ki zaradi svoje netočnosti zamuja, se še V BLAG SPOMIN ŠESTE OBLETNICE NAŠEGA DRAGEGA MOŽA, ATA IN STAREGA ATA Poldeta Zupančič ki je v Gospodu zaspal 7. julija 2000. Šest let je minilo, ko si nas zapustil in Te več med nami ni. Toda ljubeč spomin je na Te, dragi, in ostal boš nam do konca dni. Žalujoči: žena Rezka hčerka Anica, mož Michael Mark Gregor z ženo Christine -hčerka Stephanie hčerka Rezka, mož Bill, otroci Tracy, mož Pat, Jackie, Michelle, Nathan hčerka Cilka in hčerka Angela ter mož Greg sin Leo, hčerka Megan in sin Joel sin Stanley, žena Carol in sin Ryan vedno drže pravoslavni, zato sta njihov božič in Velika noč cela dva tedna za našimi. Zanimivo pa je, da so latinsko ta mesec imenovali Quintilis, ker je bil peti mesec rimskega koledarja, v 'katerem se se je leto začelo z marcem. Pretekli meseci so bili deloma omenjeni že v prejšnjih številkah. Za maj, ko smo kar uspešno praznovali nedeljske šmarnice, naj dodamo še, da je na materinski dan 14. maja pri petih litanijah in pri maši prepeval oktet Vrnica iz Nove Gorice, ki je popoldne nastopil tudi v Kulturnem centru. Posebna zanimivost so bila letošnje šmarnice -pri tem pa ne mislim na pobožnost, ampak na rože, po katerih je pobožnost dobila ime. Že nekaj let zapored smo jih v gozdiču ob lurški votlini v prvi polovici maja pogrešali, saj so se razcvetele šele proti koncu maja. Letos pa so bile kljub izrazito hladnemu vremenu že kmalu v začetku meseca v polnem cvetju, pa še močno so se razrasle, da jih je bilo res veliko. Zasluge za to ima Stane Anželjc, ki jih je lepo oplel in rešil plevetne nadloge. Julij je v Sloveniji tudi mesec novih maš. Žal v trenutku, ko nastaja ta številka, še nimamo poročila o številu letošnjih novomašnikov. Bo moralo pač počakati za avgustovo številko. Kljub temu pa vsem novomašni-kom že zdaj želimo, da bi ostali zvesti svojemu poklicu in da bi jih v njem spremljal Božji blagoslov. V mesecu juniju smo (prav tako kot v maju) zvesto prižigali lučke, kakor ste jih naročili v svojih pismih. V letošnjem juliju sta napovedani samo dve romanji: 16. julija je ro- manje Slovenske ženske zveze, 30. julija pa Društva sv. Ane št. 170 KS-KJ. Godujeta meseca julija p. Metod Ogorevc v Le-montu (5. julija) in p. Krizolog Cimerman v New Yorku (30. julija). Naj ob godovnem datumu p. Metoda opomnimo, da v Ameriki praznujemo sv. Cirila in Metoda 14. februarja, Slovenija pa je ohranila praznovanje na stari datum 5. julija. Umrli so meseca julija: br. Bonifacij Dimnik (9. julija 1967), p. Klavdij Okorn (11. julija 1979), p. Edvard Gabrenja (18. julija 1972) in p. Bazilij Valentin (v Avstraliji, 26. julija 1997). Naj v miru počivajo! Letošnji maj je bil izredno hladen in se je vreme otoplilo šele zadnje dni. Menda bo držala dolgoročna napoved, ki je v začetku letošnjega leta napovedala dolgo zimo, ko se bo mraz potegnil še daleč v maj, za njim bopa hudo vroče poletje. Pri vseh teh podnebnih spremembah, ki smo jim priča v zadnjih letih, se človek vpraša, ali so to res samo ciklusi sprememb, ki se v stoletjih in tisočletjih ponavljajo na našem planetu, ali pa ima svoje prste zraven tudi človek, ki ga je Bog sicer postavil, da bi naravo čuval in ji gospodaril, jo pa namesto tega zlorablja in uničuje. V LJUBEČ SPOMIN Ob osmi obletnici, odkar Te je Bog poklical v večno življenje 20. julija 1998. Lojze Bajc Osem let je že minilo, odkar Te več med nami ni, toda ljubeč spomin na Tebe, dragi.... ostal bo nam do konca naših dni. Lahko naj Te zemlja krije, spavaj mimo in sladko, luč nebeška naj Ti sije, mir in pokoj naj Ti bo. Žalujoča družina: Žena Maria hčere Danica, Marijana, Karolina z družinami, in Johanna sin Andrej z družino vnuki in vnukinje sestri Ivanka in Ana v Sloveniji in ostali sorodniki Eno je gotovo: z naravo se ni mogoče igrati, ker se za vsako zlorabo hudo maščuje. Sem spada tudi povečano število hurikanov, ki so že lani prizadeli nekatera območja Združenih držav, so jih pa za letos napovedali še več. Od njih imajo korist samo naftni mogotci, ki so to napoved brž pograbili kot vzrok, da so spet dvignili cene bencina. Posebna koledarska zanimivost, ki se začne julija in sega v avgust, so pasji dnevi. Dandanašnji so pasji dnevi oznaka za najbolj vroče poletne dni, ko ljudje rečejo, da je “pasje” vroče. Marsikdo v pratiki poišče narisanega psa, ki 23. julija gleda v desno in 23. avgusta v levo, kar je znak za začetek in konec pasjih dni. Kaj pa v resnici pasja znaka pomenita, malokdo ve. Po dvajsetem juliju začne na jutranjem nebu s soncem vred vzhajati zvezda Sirij - Sirius, ki je že po verovanju starih Rimljanov prinašala nesrečo ljudem, živalim in posevkom. Zvezdo Sirij so imenovali “pasja zvezda”, ker naj bi v tistem času imeli moč psom podobni demoni, ki naj bi škodovali vsemu živemu na zemlji. Ko pasja zvezda Sirij na svoji poti vzporedno s Soncem spet zatone, je pasjih dni 23. avgusta konec. Zvezdo Sirij, ki je ena najsvetlejših na našem nebu, je mogoče videti v omenjenem času tik pred začetkom dneva nizko na severovzhodnem nebu (če nimate smole kakor mi v Lemontu, ki je zaradi odseva chica-ških luči sploh ne moremo videti). Štirje tedni pasjih dni so tudi v srednjem veku Cleveland Public Radio WCPN 90.3 FM Tony Ovsenik: 31731 Miller Ave. Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44092 Phone: 1-440-944-2538 e-mail: tony.ovsenik@sbcglobal.net Saturdays 9-I0pm CONTRIBUTOR TO: 'RADIO OGNJISCE-LJUBLJANA veljali za nesrečno dobo. Ponekod so v pratikah vedno gledali, kako sta obrnjena psa. Če sta bila obrnjena na začetku in na koncu pasjih dni drug proti drugemu, so ljudje sklepali, da bo v tistem času pretila huda ura s točo, če pa sta bila oba psa obrnjena v isto smer, nevarnost neurja ni bila tako velika. Seveda pa zvezda Sirij, ki so jo že stari Egipčani imenovali Pes, ni povsod veljala za nesrečno. V Egiptu so se njenega vzhajanja veselili, ker so se takrat začenjale Nilove poplave, ki so bile bistvenega pomena za egipčansko letino, saj tam dežja ne poznajo. Če je bila poplava prenizka, je to pomenilo pomanjkanje in lakoto. Nil je bil namreč prinašal s seboj iz abesinskega gorovja rodovitno blato, ki ga je ob poplavah odložil na egipčanskih poljih, tako da tam gnojenja sploh niso poznali. Medeni piknik bo na zadnjo nedeljo v avgustu, torej 27. avgusta. Tako bomo praznovali tudi obletnico kronanja lemont-ske Matere Božje, čeprav je bila prava obletnica kronanja že 27. junija. Ob tej priliki se priporočamo za odkup srečk, ki so po $1. Na kupone izpišite svoja imena in naslove ter nam jih pošljite nazaj, glavni del srečke pa obdržite. (Vabila in srečke so že bila odposlana vsem. ki so na našem seznamu). AVE MARIA Julij 2006 V BLAG SPOMIN ob deveti obletnici našega dragega, nepozabnega moža in očeta Milana Dovič Oh! usoda, Ti nemila, ves zaklad si nam razbila-Kar nam jc najljubše bilo, srce naše je izgubilo. Tvoji žalujoči: žena Milenca sin John hčerka Anna Maria Mor-risson in mož Brian ter vnukinja Jillian; vnuk Er‘c Premier Janez Janša na obisku v Clevelandu in ZD (NADALJEVANJE S STR. 11) Dr. JANEZ DRNOVŠEK (NADALJEVANJE S STR. 11) nosti še vedno plapola slovenska zastava, se bo Janša v slovenskem Narodnem domu srečal s predstavniki slovenskih ustanov. (Ur. AD - To se je tudi zgodilo; upoštevati je treba, da je bil ta dopis posredovan zgodaj zjutraj v soboto, še pred dogodki, ki so se vršili v soboto, ta AD pa je morala biti pripravljena za tisk že v ponedeljek popoldne.) Sledil bo obisk Slovenske pristave pri Clevelandu, nato pa še pot v Pennsyl-vanijo, kjer se bo Janševa delegacija udeležila tradicionalnega praznovanja Slo-venefest v rekreacijskem centru Slovenske narodne podporne jednote (SNPJ) v Enon Valleyju. Janša bo tam izročil priznanje muzeju kulturne dediščine ter se srečal z vodilnimi predstavniki SNPJ in drugih organizacij, nakar se delegacija seli v Washington, kjer se bo Janša v ponedeljek v Beli hiši srečal s prredsednikom ZDA Georgeom Bushem. Washinton Times o obisku iz Slovenije Časopis Washington Times v sobotni izdaji (tj. 8. julija) objavlja prispevek o obisku iz Slovenije, premier Janša in ameriški predsednik pa naj bi se po pisanju časnika pogovarjala o napredku, ki ga je ga “balkanska” (besedo je v oklepaj in kurzivne črke dala agencija STA, ur. AD) drsava dosegla od razglasitve Neodvisnosti od Jugoslavije Pred 15 leti. Pri tem navaja besede namestnice veleposlanika v ^DA Miriam Možgan, ki Pravi, da je Slovenija model Za države v regiji, ki je v Zadnjih nekaj letih potrdila, jemlje svoje članstvo v ^ezi NATO in EU kot Zgovornost, da prispeva k širitvi meja demokracije, stalnosti in napredka. Možganova je tudi poudarila, da od Janševega obiska prihaja v pomembnem simboličnem času, ko se je ravno končalo proslavljanje 15. obletnice neodvisnosti in izjemne tranzicije v učinkovito demokracijo ter cvetočo gospodarstvo. Washington Times piše, da je 47-letni Janša eden od nove generacije balkanskih voditeljev, ki se je boril proti avtoritarnemu jugoslovanskemu režimu kot študentski aktivist v poznih 80. letih prejšnjega stoletja. Njegova aretacija leta 1988 je sprožila široke demonstracije za demokracijo. Časopis omenja, da gre za Janšev prvi obisk v Wa-shingtonu, odkar je novembra 2004 postal premier, sicer pa se je z Bushem že srečal kot obrambni minister leta 2001, ko je Bush obiskal Slovenijo na vrhunskem srečanju z ruskim kolegom Vladimirjem Putinom. Časopis omenja tudi, da je Slovenija priznana kot najbolj uspešna od šestih nekdanjih jugoslovanskih republik. Indeks gospodarske svobode fundacije Heritage in časopisa Wall Street Journal iz letošnjega leta Slovenijo uvršča na 38. mesto med 161. državami. Indeks pravi, da je Slovenija med najbolj naprednimi državami, ki so se leta 2004 pridružile EU. Časopis omenja tudi, da je Slovenija poslala štiri vojaške inštruktorje v Irak in 22 vojakov v Afganistan, prav tako pa tudi 34 vojakov na Kosovo in 200 vojakov v Bosno in Hercegovino. ■ Državni poglavar odločno zatrjuje, da bo s prenehanjem svojega mandata odšel iz politike, toda njegovi privrženci in tudi politični nasprotniki ugotavljajo, da bo v politiki še zmeraj dejaven, tudi vpliven, morda le posredno, ker prestiža, ugleda in izkušenj dr. Drnovška pač ne bo mogoče izničiti. Tudi zato, ker bo njegovo Gibanje za pravičnost in razvoj, ki je formalno civilno družbena formacija, čedalje bolj dobivalo tudi politični pomen in razsežnosti, morda celo značaj in podobo prave politične stranke. Državni poglavar pa ohranja svojo politično dvoumnost. Drugi slovenski mediji so namreč zamolčali, da je v omenjenem pogovoru z direktorjem TV Slovenija Jožetom Možino pritrdilno odgovoril na domnevo, da bi rad postal duhovni voditelj Slovenije. V nekem drugem intervjuju, za časnik Dnevnik, je predsednik dejal, da so mu najbližji taoistični misleci, vendar pri tem izvor svojih nazorov razlaga pragmatično in jedrnato. Gre za skupek filozofije, življenjskih pogledov in tudi zdraviteljstva. Na vprašanje, koliko svetovnih voditeljev razmišlja podobno kot on, je odgovoril “da nobeden, na žalost”. Izgubil zavest na javni prireditvi Predsednik države je v soboto, 24. junija, med večerno proslavo Dneva državnosti na trgu republike za nekaj minut izgubil zavest. Ko se je opomogel, je zavrnil zdravniško pomoč. Odpeljali so ga domov v Zaplano. Kot je znano, je dr. Janez Drnovšek pri premagovanju bolezni (op. ur. AD: rak) šel svojo pot in se pri tem odpovedal uradni medicini in tudi alternativnemu zdravilstvu. V nekaterih časnikih pa so ob omedlevici na proslavi na trgu republike zapisali, “da glede na funkcijo, ki jo opravlja, ima javnost pravico vedeti, kako trdnega zdravja je predsednik Slovenije”. Barbara Brezigar možna kandidatka za mesto predsednika države v letu 2007 Politične stranke se medtem pripravljajo na bližnje lokalne volitve, vključno z volitvami županov, in na predsedniške, ki bodo leta 2007. Po ugotovitvah nekaterih javnomnenjskih raziskav, bi bila na volitvah za predsednika države najbolj uspešna dr. Janez Drnovšek in Milan Kučan. Oba pa se umikata iz aktivne politike. Med kandidati za najvišjo predstavniško funkcijo spet omenjajo Barbaro Brezigar, generalno državno tožilko, ki ima v Sloveniji veliko privržencev. O možnosti kandidature za predsednico države Barbara Brezigar še molči. Slovenska vlada predlaga strožji zakon proti kajenju Trst - Slovenska vlada je pripravila strožja določila o kajenju v javnosti. O spremembah ustreznega zakona bo kmalu razpravljal tudi parlament. Po predlogu ministrstva za zdravje bi prepovedali kajenje v vseh zaprtih prostorih, kar pa je sprožilo ugovore zlasti zasebnih gostincev. Le-ti se namreč boje, da bi prepoved kajenja povzročila manjši obisk gostov in s tem znižala promet in dohodke. Ob tem pa je Bolnišnica za pljučne bolezni na Golniku postala eden izmed svetovnih centrov pri izvajanju mednarodne raziskave Eclipse o škodljivosti kajenja. Analizirala bo slovenske kadilce. Raziskava, ki jo financira farmacevtsko podjetje GlaxoSmithKline, vključuje 150 bolnikov, trajala pa bo najmanj tri leta. S tem naj bi Slovenija pomembno prispevala k spoznavanju mehanizmov nastanka in napredovanja kronične obstruktivne pljučne bolezni, ki v Sloveniji ogroža okoli 50.000 bolnikov, večinoma dolgoletnih kadilcev. Novi glas, 15.VI.2006 Z Ameriško Domovino ostajate na tekočem z dogajanjem v naši slovenski skupnosti ter s celotnim slovenskim svetom! KSKJ BECOME A MEMBER WITH A NEW INSURANCE PLAN American siovenian caiho.c un on FROM! KSKJ! ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT PLAN Available from ages 20 to 65 (coverage expires at age 70) Minimum Amount Available $25,000 - Maximum Available $100,000 $30 minimum per mode premium -$1.00 Per Jh°usan : Z Ameriško Domovino ste vedno na V 4..; tekočem z dogajanjem v slovenskem svetu It's Time for your eve exam! J. F. OPTICAL Eye Care Specialists Eye Exams Latest in eye fashion - Contact Lenses We Welcome Your Drs. Prescription 775 E. 185th St. Eye Glasses Cleveland, OH 44119 Repaired Tel.: (216) 531-7933 (34) V resnici je bilo povojno komunistično nasilje le nadaljevanje medvojnega. V večjih razsežnostih le zato, ker komunisti zdaj niso imeli več nikogar, ki bi jih pri nasilju nad političnimi nasprotniki oviral. Med vojno pa jih je, naj se sliši še tako absurdno, oviral okupator. Da pa je bilo medvojno nasilje - zaradi okupacije dežele - veliko bolj problematično (če lahko za nasilje sploh uporabimo ta izraz), o tem danes govorijo gore literature. Le brati jo je treba. Zato je toliko bolj absurdno, da se poslanci v državnem zboru že celo leto kregajo okrog zakona o žrtvah vojnega nasilja. ki je namenjen skoraj izključno žrtvam revolucije, pri čemer smo priča poniglavim žalitvam s “sodelavci okupatorja", s katerimi dediči komunističnih nasilnikov diskvalificirajo žrtve boljševističnega nasilja. Najprej so jih s svojim nasiljem povzročili, potem so jih sistematično in množično pobijali, zdaj pa jih še sramotijo z ideološkimi psovkami. Vse to se že eno leto dogaja pod pretvezo "širokega konsenza” Dopolnila zakona naj bodo sprejeta s “širokim konsenzom" in ne s preglasovanjem (ki je prvina demokratičnega odločanja), pravijo. Ali bodo mar politiki odločali, kdo je bil “narodni izdajalec" ali “sodelavec okupatorja" oziroma v kakšnem razmerju so te ideološko-politične oznake s kazenskim zakonikom? Če zakon predvideva na primer odškodnino (pa naj bo ta še tako simbolična) za prizadejane krivice, potem lahko samo sodišče določi, da si je nekdo ne zaslu- j ži zaradi svojega kaznivega dejanja. Le kdaj bomo demokratične norme in pravno državo vzeli zares? In se poslovili od ideoloških natezanj o “sodelavcih okupatorja", ki so skrajno krivična za desettisoče Slovencev. Tudi to, da ena stran “kolaboracijo’ toliko poudarja, da bi s tem zakrila svoja protipravna in protinarodna dejanja - zločine revolucije - bi moral biti argument za izobražene *° civilizirane ljudi. Nadškof Perko je v Rogu opozoril tudi °3 vnebovpijočo krivico, hi je je v demokratični dru-žbi še vedno deležen nekdanji ljubljanski škof dr-Gregorij Rožman. Septembra bo mind0 že šestdeset let od 13 krat, ko so ga obsodi** na zrežiranem stalinisti nem procesu. Sodba vedno velja, kar g°v°rJ samo o tem, kako glob0 ko tiči politična in PraV na Slovenija v komu0* stični preteklosti - *n tem, koliko smo dem0 kratična, civilizirana i{1 pravna država. DRUŽI«*, Junija 200