Zarja Official Publication Slovenian Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki $10.99 U.S./$15.99 International Volume 89 Issue 4 Fall 2017 The Dawn Branch 5 member, Jerry Watson, is starting his granddaughter, Mikaela, off on the right foot by teaching her to read the ZARJA! Slovenian Union of America 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703 TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org 2015-2019 National Board of Directors PRESIDENT: Mary Lou Deyak Voelk (Branch 23) ottolou@gulftel.com VP OF OUTREACH: Vacant VP OF HOME OFFICE: Diane Hohenwater (Branch 20) dhohenwater@comcast.com VP OF MARKETING & FUND-RAISING: Norm Setnicker (Branch 109) normas188@msn.com VP OF CULTURE & HERITAGE: Beverly Kochmann (Branch 109) bbkochmann@msn.com NATIONAL TREASURER: Robert J. Kuhel (Branch 16) rjkuhel@sbcglobal.net CORRESPONDING/RECORDING SECRETARY: Jennifer Koff (Branch 20) koff1310@yahoo.com NEW LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ALL BRANCHES SUA’s Commercial General Liability Policy is with Hartford Insurance and has been amended to include all SUA Branches effective May 1, 2017. This type of insurance policy provides coverage to a business for bodily injury and property damage caused by the business operations, products, or an injury that occurs on the business premises wherever held. For more information, you can e-mail National Treasurer, Robert J. Kuhel at rjkuhel@sbcglobal.net. STANDING COMMITTEES: RESEARCH & ADVISORY Chuck Debevec (Branch 109) cfdebevec@live.com Richard Terselic (Branch 103) rat1@verizon.net EDUCATION GRANTS Barbara Bruch (Branch 89) barbarabruch@yahoo.com Frances Kovatovich (Branch 35) velike2000@yahoo.com Bill Zerial (Branch 99) billzer@sbcglobal.net PRESERVATION Carol Novak (Branch 20) sua@slovenianunion.org Carole Terlep (Branch 20) sua@slovenianunion.org Georgene Agnich Larson (Branch 20) sua@slovenianunion.org WEBMASTER Mary Alice Schwanke (Branch 109) piledhigher@msn.com (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703 © Copywrite All Rights Reserved Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Bonnie Pohar Prokup DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Debbie Pohar EDITORIAL OFFICE: 3119 Carrie St., Peru, IL 61354 PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America Vol. 89, No. 4, Fall 2017 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. Communications for the next issue of publication Do you have something you would like to share with readers? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at wprokup@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. Articles must be related to Slovenia, SUA events, or members. The deadline for articles is the 10th day of the month, two (2) months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the Winter issue must be received by October 10. Thank you. Submission Guidelines E-mail your photos attached as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.) By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian Union of America the use of the material, including your name, hometown, and state. We may modify, reproduce, and distribute it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or appropriate place. Living the Legacy of our Slovenian Heritage Slovenian Union of America, Inc (SUA) THE STATE OF THE UNION Introducing Two New Members on the SUA National Board It is a pleasure to welcome and introduce Beverly Kochmann and Jennifer Koff to the National Board. Beverly, Branch 109, has been serving as the National Vice President of Culture and Heritage for just a few months. Jennifer, Branch 20, will serve as the National Corresponding/ Recording Secretary. Their wealth of specialty knowledge along with career experiences will certainly be an asset to this organization. Above all, they have a strong belief in the SUA mission and purpose. They were appointed to their positions by the Board to fill vacancies as allowed in the SUA bylaws. National Vice President of Outreach This position remains vacant. ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS, SECTION 4.3 - National Vice President of Outreach in our Corporate Bylaws reads: “The National Vice President of Outreach shall perform all duties and exercise all powers of the National President when the President is absent or otherwise unable to act. The National Vice President of Outreach shall assist the National President in presiding over National Conventions and perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the National President and the National Board of Directors.” Your services are needed. Please call me with questions or for more information. 251.968.4364 SUA Website Branch Information Updates or SUA Website Issues Please send any future Branch Information updates or website issues to Webmaster, Mary Alice Schwanke. To reach Mary Alice, log onto the SUA webpage, SUA Website (URL): slovenianunion.org. Click on Branch Information. The following is at the top of the page. NOTICE FOR SUA BRANCH OFFICERS Send updates for your branch to the SUA Webmaster. Click on the SUA Webmaster, a link to Mary Alice’s personal e-mail address. Any other matters should be sent in a separate e-mail to the appropriate person. Fall 2017 Member Ties Database Software Member Ties has been chosen to replace SUA’s current membership database program, which has been used since 2003. Member Ties will provide an affordable, streamlined way to track our membership information. Special thanks to Carol Ryba, SUA’s former National Treasurer, for finding this program, Diane Hohenwater, VP of Home Office, and Chuck Debevec, Research and Advisory Committee Member for their research into this project. An anonymous donor has come forward to cover the $350 cost of the software. Slovenian Union of America Facebook Page Since no one has volunteered for managing the Facebook Page, it has fallen on yours truly. It is an interesting experience, noticing what tweaks people’s interest. For sure, it is Potica and Polka. Here is a sampling: People Reached The Waltz of sLOVEnia, YouTube 2,000 The Best Place to Raise Kids 3,000 25 Minute Train Ride 200 Pope Francis and First Lady Melania 11,000 European Easter 1,000 Slovenian Tradition, Blessing of Food 1,000 Potica and Nut Grinder 5,000 Please come forward. The SUA Facebook page needs YOU! I await a phone call: 251.968.4364 Slovenian Heritage Museum Memorial Donors It began years ago, memorializing the names of family or special persons on a plaque. The walnut board with brass nameplates had become filled with 54 names. It is most fortunate that an empty plaque was found in the basement of the museum. It appears it has been around for years. Thank you to Georgene Agnich Larson, Branch 20, for taking on this project. Forty-eight spaces are available on the newest plaque. To have the name of a loved one memorialized, send the name(s) and/or date(s) to the following address: Slovenian Union of America 431 North Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60431 Each brass nameplate measures 3.25 inch x 1 inch high. The cost: $100 per nameplate 1 From Dr. Zvone Zigon, Office for Slovenians Living Abroad Mrs. Alenka Starman-Alič and Mrs. Maja Povalej, archivists from Slovenia, will be at our museum in October, 2017. Their purpose will be to evaluate and catalogue the SUA archives and to advise the SUA as to their management and promotion. This project in America is part of their regular job at the Archives in Slovenia. All travel costs are covered by the Office for Slovenians Abroad. Slovenia had asked American communities to accommodate the archivists while they are in America. Mrs. Starman-Alič and Mrs. Povalej will be staying in our upstairs apartment at the home office in Joliet. The archivists will also be visiting St. Joseph School in Joliet and the Slovenian Catholic Cultural Center in Lemont before traveling to Cleveland. SUA National Convention June 13-16, 2019 - Cleveland, Ohio Kathleen Ferrante and convention committee members are in the planning stage. The dates are set for June 1316, 2019. Do mark your calendar. We await the Winter Issue 2018 for details! Cookbook Sales Less than 6 boxes (130 cookbooks) remain. Educational Grant Congratulations go out to Branch 93. A member of their Branch is the winner of an Educational Grant (EG) for 2017. Read all about this winner in their Branch News. To je to, Mary Lou Deyak Voelk President, Slovenian Union of America Proposed Bylaw Amendment for National Treasurer Position An amendment suggestion to our SUA Corporate Bylaws was presented during the February 4, 2017, Member Representatives’ teleconference. The National Board approved the proposal for the good of SUA and the Branches’ Member Representatives will be voting shortly on the below suggested amendment (In bold). It concerns the description of the National Treasurer position responsibilities. ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS, SECTION 4.8 - National Treasurer, currently reads: “The National Treasurer shall oversee the recording of all receipts and disbursements of the Corporation. The National Treasurer shall sign all checks presented by the National Vice President of the Home Office and the National Vice President of Culture and Heritage, and shall deposit all bonds, investment papers, and documents pertaining to the funds of the Corporation in a safety deposit box located in a bank approved by the National Board of Directors. The National Treasurer shall have access to the safety deposit box only when accompanied by the National President or the National Vice President of Home Office or the National Vice President of Culture and Heritage. The National Treasurer shall be responsible for arranging audits of the financial accounts, records, and investments of the association for presentation at the annual meeting of the National Board of Directors.” The proposed amendment description would read: “The National Treasurer shall be an authorized signer to all bank accounts and prepare or supervise the recording of all receipts and disbursements, monthly Balance Sheet, and Profit & Loss Statement in an automated accounting system following generally accepted accounting principles. The National Treasurer shall prepare or supervise the preparation of the annual IRS Form 990EZ and state of Illinois form AG990-IL for review by a CPA firm as determined or chosen by the National Board.” Denise P. Bartlett Director of Special Projects 2 Zarja - The Dawn It’s Time for SUA National Board Elections Three positions to fill. Are you willing to serve? During the SUA Member Representative teleconference on Saturday, February 4, 2017, the Member Representatives voted to amend the bylaws to enact a staggered election process of the seven (7) SUA National Board positions. This amendment now provides for three (3) of the positions to be filled two (2) years after the SUA National Conventions, namely the positions of Vice President of Outreach, Vice President of Culture & Heritage, and National Treasurer. Only your Branch Member Representatives are authorized to vote. The election process will be done by U.S. mail and the results printed in the next issue of the Zarja. As of press time only two individuals have accepted nominations. For the position of Vice President of Culture & Heritage, the nomination of Beverly Kochmann of Branch 109, Twin Cities, MN, has been received and accepted. Beverly has currently held that position, filling a vacancy for the last few months. For the position of National Treasurer, the nomination of Robert J. Kuhel of Branch 16, South Chicago, IL, has been received and accepted. Robert currently holds that position. The position of Vice President of Home Office is vacant and SUA is eager to accept nominations to fill it. Are you willing to serve SUA as one of our Vice Presidents? Do you know of a member that you’d like to nominate? (The position responsibilities for are listed in the President’s message on page 1.) If so, please ensure that the person you’d like to suggest is willing to have their name placed in nomination. Please send your nominations for any of the three (3) positions to the Home Office by September 30, 2017. The election will be conducted soon thereafter. Mail to: Nomination Committee, SUA, 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703. Fall 2017 EXPLANATION ON FINANCIAL CONDITION The consolidated financial condition report for year ending December 31, 2016 contains all the branches’ revenues and expenses. This report has been prepared with understandable account descriptions. The annual IRS 990 information return, reported in 2015, is complex and many members asked for a more simplified presentation. This consolidated report is prepared annually with the Branches; however, the home office prepares detailed monthly financial reports to monitor and control the various revenues and expenses as seen in this annual report. SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA, INC. Consolidated Financial Condition Year Ending December 31, 2016 REVENUES:   Contributions & Slovenian Grants $16,048 38,483 Program Services-Branches Membership Dues/Support 53,915 Cookbooks, Gift shop Sales (net of cost) 13,282 Investment Income 8,413 Fund Raiser - April Showers Raffle (net) 4,180 Ad Sales-Zarja & Rebates 4,411 Total Revenue $138,732     LESS EXPENSES:   Grants, Educational & Heritage $2,113 Building-Utilities, Real Estate tax, Maintenance, Security 12,642 Office Supplies, Salaries & Taxes 10,002 Zarja-Printing, Proofreading, Salaries, Postage 47,172 Operating Expenses -Branches 41,678 2,217 Depreciation, Building, Equipment, Furniture Insurance- Property, Liability, Workers Comp, D & O 4,400 Investment Fees 3,758 Telephone, Internet, Website & Systems Support 2,633 Board Meeting Expenses 1,853 6,427 Membership Printing, Postage, Cookbooks Shipping Volunteer Recognition 350 Sales Taxes 295 Legal & Audit 750 Permits & Fees 65 Other Expenses 1,154 Total Expenses $137,509 Excess for year 1,223 Net Assets at beginning of year 414,466 Net Assets at end of year $415,689     Consolidated Report Contains Revenues & Expenses from Branches 3 Beverly Kochmann, Branch 109, National Vice President of Culture and Heritage Beverly Kochmann was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Slovenian parents. All four of her grandparents immigrated to Wyoming to find work in the coal mines in western Wyoming. The Slovenian heritage was an integral part of her background. Bev married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Kochmann. They were married in Rock Springs, Wyoming by the Slovenian priest who married Bev’s mother (Mary Strauss) and Peter Koritnik. Bev and Bob have traveled to Slovenia many times to visit the relatives, mostly from her maternal grandfather, Rudolph Straus, and her mater- Donations Donation $100 Amy N. Brandt, 2, +Dolores Nauheimer Tony Augustine, 20, +Agnes Augustine Donation $75 Cheryl D. Barkovich, 100, +Joseph & Edith Barkovich Donation $50 Deena Manna-Skamperle, 99, +Anton, Dina & Sue Skamperle Donation $25 Linda Fon Rusie, 5, Educational Grant New Members 3, Sever, Paul M. 10, Urankar, Frank 20, Barrettl, Mary F. 20, Just, Wendy M. 33, Marko, Judith 4 nal grandmother, Marijana Azbe. Bev earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education, a master’s in science from the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado. Bev and Bob moved to Minnesota, where Bev was a professor at St. Cloud State University and is an emeritus professor of Biology and Science Education for St. Cloud State University. Bev and Bob are the parents of two children: Christine (Eric) Ellis of Fort Collins, Colorado, (parents of Dylan, Connor, and Sydney) and Todd Kochmann and Laura Krueger-Kochmann of Duluth, Minnesota (parents of Cordelia). Bev and Bob reside in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Thank you! -Hvala lepa! Judith Price, 43, +Cecelia Verbick Dona M. Stumm, 99, +Dona (Bucar) Saye Donation $10 Noelle Konchar, 108, SUA Natalie Konchar, 108, SUA Frank M. Konchar, 108, SUA Lillian M. Hartmann, 43, +Delvin Hartmann Elizabeth Jelinek, 50, +Maureen Podlogar John Jelinek, 50, +Maureen Podlogar Mary Jane Hiti, 50, SUA Jeanette Weber, 50, SUA James Lilek, 20, SUA Welcome - Dobrodošli 33, Turk, Sophie 43, Carroll, Christina M. 43, Carroll, Inara E. 108, Sever, Cassandra N. 108, Sever, Gary L. Zarja - The Dawn Annual Membership Drive Slovenian Union of America, Inc slovenianunion.org 815.727.1926 Bring in 3 new members and get yours FREE. Complete this membership form and submit with a $75 check or 3 separate $25 checks and send to 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703. If you already paid 2017 dues, we will defer for free 2018 membership. New Member #1 Last Name________________________________ First Name______________________ M____ F____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_______________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ New Member #2 Last Name________________________________ First Name______________________ M____ F____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_______________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ New Member #3 Last Name________________________________ First Name______________________ M____ F____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_______________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ Signed up by: Name _______________________________ Address _______________________________________________________ Phone ___________________ E-mail _____________________________________________ Branch Number __________ MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ (located on back cover) Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________ Fall 2017 5 SWU Scholarship Foundation CELEBRATING 68 YEARS OF FINANCIALLY ASSISTING STUDENTS Mission: To generate funding to financially assist students with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture. SWU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDDATION ANNOUNCES ITS 2017 AWARDS The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation is pleased to present scholarships of the 2017-2018 academic year to the following students: JEAN KURILICH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 JEAN KURILICH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 Rebecca Blackford Thomas Fitzsimmons Member of SUA Branch 50, graduate of Veritis Prepatory School. Rebecca will be entering the nursing program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Member of SUA Branch 108, entering his third year of classes at Saint Vincent College as a communication /graphic design dual major. JEAN KURILICH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 FRANCES COLNAR BARMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 Member of SUA Branch 3, graduate of South High School. Elise will enter the dental hygiene program at Pueblo Community College. Member of SUA Branch 20. Michaela is currently attending DePaul University majoring in actuarial science. Elise Eccher Michaela Fossberg JOSEF PRINC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 6 OLGA DORCHAK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 Jacob Fajnor Maggie Hedrick Member of SUA Branch 100, graduate of Palma High School. Jacob will be studying philosophy at the University of California - Berkeley. Graduate of School of Engineering and Biomedical Science. Maggie will be attending Colorado State University - Pueblo studying nursing. Zarja - The Dawn ANONYMOUS BENEFACTOR SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 SLOVENIAN UNION BRANCH 2 - CHICAGO SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 Rachel is currently studying chemistry at Xavier University. Member of SUA Branch 2, currently attending Central Michigan University, with a dual major of special education/history. Rachel Krevh Tiffany Smrnik STAN JANEZIC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 ROSE MARIE PRINC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 Christopher is a graduate of Parkland High School and will enter Pennsylvania State University in fall as an architectural engineering student. Member of SUA Branch 26 and graduate of Mars High School. In fall Claire will enter the University of Pittsburgh as a behavioral sciences/biology dual major. Christopher Maitski Claire Staresinic JEAN KURILICH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $2,000 Courtney Mascarenas Member of SUA Branch 3. Courtney, a graduate of South High School will enter Dakota Wesleyan University in fall majoring in political science/ pre law. For more information on the SWUSF program contact: Mary Turvey, Director SWUSF 4 Lawrence Drive Marquette, Michigan 49855 mturvey@aol.com The Slovenian Union Scholarship Foundation’s mission is to generate funding to financially assist students with hope that they will promote and preserve their Slovenian culture. The organization is celebrating its 68th Anniversary this year, due to generous support of Slovenian Union members and friends. Over $350,000 has been awarded to children and grandchildren of Slovene immigrants. SWUSF is a tax exempt corporation. Fall 2017 7 The Development of Slovenian Music I By Charles F. Debevec and Rich Terselic Following is the first in a series of articles briefly tracing the development of Slovenian music of different forms in America and what is now the Republic of Slovenia. The authors share a keen interest in the subject and have sought to preserve Slovenian-recorded music from the early 1900s through the 1950s. They intend to share with Zarja readers some of the knowledge they have acquired in the hope that it will increase their appreciation of “our music.” Elsewhere in this issue of Zarja is a book review dealing with the life of an important Slovenian “Cleveland-style” performer, Matija Arko. Music and Slovenian Culture Slovenians have a distinctive “culture.” One short definition for a culture is the sum of the attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguish one group of people from another. One element of a culture is music, and it is hard to find a culture that doesn’t have musical forms that are unique to it. Such is the case with Slovenians. Elements of “our music” are shared with other groups, such as Croatians, Czechs, and Poles; however, Slovenian music is more Alpine in nature and thus closer to the Austrian variety. You may find “our music” in our homes, in our churches, at picnics, in concert halls, and in taverns. Frankie Yankovic even shared it on national television on the Arthur Godfrey and Johnny Carson shows. Persons may perform it with the highest level of professional training or as self-taught amateurs. If one is exposed to it from childhood, one can recognize strains being played without its origin being identified. Church choir music has unique elements as does the instrumental music performed in taverns and at dances. In Slovenia, there are highly educated ethnomusicologists who have traced the development of Slovenian music and the instruments on which it has been performed from their early origins. 8 Music is performed at different levels. At the highest level is classical music, performed in concert halls, in orchestral scores, and operas. As a small group that was under the control of larger and more powerful groups such as the Germans, Austrians, and Italians, Slovenians were exposed to - and influenced by - the classical music of those groups. Aided by that exposure, Slovenians developed their own versions of the classical musical form. The early artists who recorded included many opera singers, some who were domiciled in Slovenia, some who immigrated to or were born in America, and some who recorded while on concert tours in America. Their recordings consisted of folk songs, art songs, and an occasional operatic aria. At the second level are the art songs. These are textually and melodically more sophisticated than folk songs, having been written by composers whose formal educations and backgrounds were in music. Most religious hymns, including Christmas carols, fall into this category. Also included are many well-known Slovenian songs, which are often mistakenly identified as folk songs. At the third level, folk music was performed at wedding celebrations, at funerals, in homes, and wherever else Zarja - The Dawn people gathered. In addition to using wind and string instruments that might be purchased, various simple instruments were developed. Instruments like carved flutes, bagpipes, and bourdon zithers could be homemade. The earthenware pot bass (lončeni bas) was made by stretching a pig bladder over a pot and inserting a hollow reed through it. It was often used to accompany a mouth organ, the resulting sound resembling that produced by a diatonic button accordion with helicon basses. Interestingly, while Slovenians have a special regard for and extensive use of the button accordion, it was introduced from elsewhere in Europe. Its diatonic tuning and keyboard layout made it a natural fit for Slovenian folk music. The Slovenian musical group, Trtamora Slovenica, used homemade folk instruments such as described above in performing old melodies collected at the village level. Slovenian Choral Church Music When Slovenian nationality churches began to appear in America, the sacral compositions brought from Europe were incorporated into the services. Choirs at Slovenian churches, such as St. Stephen in Chicago and St. Cyril in New York, were large and reached such levels of excellence in performance that they were sought out for being recorded in the 1920s. A more recent musical innovation of sorts in terms of Slovenian liturgical music is the Polka Mass, originated in 1972 by Fr. George Balasko of Ohio and popularized by Fr. Frank Perkovich of Minnesota. Slovenian Music in the Home Slovenian music in the home was an important application. Mothers and grandmothers sang to babies, and simple songs were taught to children at an early age. Singing in family homes at meals, while working in fields, at wedding celebrations, and at village get-togethers was also common. Such singing might or might not be accompanied by musical instruments. Like church music brought from Slovenia to America, such vocalizations are likely part of the memories of many SUA members. Slovenian Music for Entertainment The title of this section was chosen for lack of a better way to denote that a point was reached where Slovenians in America were willing and able to pay for the music to which they drank, listened, and danced. The first paid musicians probably played a violin or accordion. They might be paid by a tavern owner, the organizer of a picnic or through contributions from attendees. Valvosor, in his monumental 1689 work Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, describes a practice in Gorenjska of charging for admission to the frequent dances. The money collected was used to pay the musicians and the owner of the barn where the dances were held. The surplus went for drinks. The skill levels of musicians could vary, but the tunes they played were ones they brought from Slovenia or tunes that they had heard since coming to America, adapted to a “polka beat.” Their instruments might have come with Fall 2017 them from Slovenia, might be bought in a store or might be bought from a fellow immigrant. Subsequent generations of American Slovenians changed the instrumentation of their polka bands to include saxophones, banjos, and string bass - instruments used in jazz bands. Their music was likewise influenced by the jazz, ragtime, and Broadway genres, and took on a distinct American flavor. Another important form of musical entertainment for the early Slovenians in America was the choral society, many of which were organized in larger communities such as New York, Cleveland, and Chicago. The sophistication of such groups could vary greatly depending upon the skills of the performers as well as the skills of their director. The societies had an effect of uniting the immigrant Slovenians, a particularly important factor in New York City, where they tended to be scattered. Once the choruses were organized, practice sessions were held and concerts were given. An evening’s entertainment might consist of choral numbers, solo numbers by the chorus’ most talented singers, a oneact play, and finally a dance with music supplied by local musicians. Some of the more musically advanced societies staged operas and operettas. Anton Schubel was a highly trained opera singer in Europe before coming to New York in 1928. He traveled to other cities, such as Cleveland, where he organized choral societies and directed musical performances. One of the first of the Slovenian choral societies in America was the short-lived “Lira” chorus, established in 1893 by Joseph Rems of New York. In 1897, he founded “Slavec,” a choral society which made several recordings in 1917. John Ivanush founded the Zarja Singing Society of Cleveland in 1916. In 1930, as result of a disagreement between members, it split into two separate groups: Socijalistična Zarja and Samostojna Zarja. The latter, under the direction of Anton Schubel, was renamed Glasbena Matica in 1940. Both groups made recordings. The Korotan Singing Society in Cleveland had its start in 1951 and had the benefit of a highly motivated and skilled director, Frank Gorensek. He led this highly sophisticated group for many years. Finally, orchestras provided another form of organized musical entertainment. Ely, Minnesota had a Slovenian band, named the Austrian Band, as early as 1893. Godba Bled was organized in 1915 - the first, and for many years the only, brass band in Cleveland. It was under the direction of John Ivanush for most of its existence. Its broad and variegated repertoire included dance tunes, marches, and classical compositions. In future articles, greater specifics will be presented, with emphasis on musical performers that achieved considerable measures of recognition and commercial success. 9 A Book Review by Rich Terselic and Charles F. Debevec Music from Both Sides: Gramophone Records Made by Matija Arko and the Hoyer Trio Authors: Drago Kunej and Rebeka Kunej To say that music is important to Slovenians would be an understatement. It is one of the most important elements of Slovenian culture. The Kunejs’ book deals with the life of one of the most important early Slovenian-American music artists, as well as the history of the development of phonograph recordings, with emphasis on the music of one ethnic group. Originally issued in Slovenian, the English version of the book was published in mid-2017. Matija Arko was born in the Ribnica area of Slovenia in 1891, was exposed to the folk music of that area, and learned to make, repair, and play accordions before immigrating to America in 1904. Arko was his mother’s surname, and she died when Matija was six years old. He adopted his mother’s maiden name even though his father’s surname was Simoncic. His father remarried and preceded Matija immigrating to America. Arriving in Cleveland in 1904 at age 13, Matija moved in with his father. The household The label from one of the early phonograph recording by the Hoyer Trio. also included Matija’s stepmother and younger half-brothers and sisters. guitar, and banjo. “Hoyer” was the name of Matt’s birth mother’s home in Slovenia. The Hoyer Trio achieved a high measure of popularity among not Cleveland had in the low thousands of only Slovenian audiences but also other ethnic groups. Slovenian immigrants by the time Matija arrived, and they represented a welcom- The decades that followed the establishment of the Hoyer Trio brought the ing audience for persons who could play group extraordinary success. With the help of Cleveland accordion maker, “old country” tunes on the accordion. Anton Mervar, Matt alone, and as part of the Hoyer Trio, began recording Matija received help in improving his phonograph records. Dozens, such as the one pictured, were issued that sold musical repertoire and accordion skills in large numbers. from John Janzelj and began his professional career playing in an inn operated The music played by the Hoyer Trio was loyal to its Slovenian folk origins but by Simoncic relatives. morphed to appeal to audiences who, in the 1920s and 1930s, were exposed to changing music influences in American society. New compositions by Matt As the years passed, Matija (Matt in and by others were added to their repertoire. The key element of the Hoyer America) married and worked days as Trio music was that it was “danceable,” and that was what audiences wanted. a factory worker, playing accordion alone on weekends and evenings until he Matt Arko created a style of Slovenian polka music that became known as formed a duo with his musically skilled the “Cleveland style,” which is identifiable today, almost a century later. He eleven-year-old half-brother, Frank. was active with his music and in repairing accordions until shortly before his Years later, another half-brother, Eddie, death in 1960 at age 69. The Arko name continued in polka music with Matt’s joined the duo. The trio was named the son, Teddy (Matthew), who joined his father during the latter’s final years. Hoyer Trio and included accordion, 10 Zarja - The Dawn The influence of Matt Arko was not simply in America. His recordings found their way back to Europe and had an important influence on “polka” music. His records were bought by non-Slovenians in countries where the polka was growing in interest. Some songs he recorded had their origin in Slovenia but were not recognized there previously. However, they became a part of the repertoire of performers who used them to achieve a new high level of interest in such folk music. Matt Arko began recording at a time when the related industry and technology were rapidly changing and becoming sophisticated. The recording industry saw the millions of immigrants from Europe as a great business opportunity. The industry focused particularly on persons from rural areas, who it was believed, would be homesick and would use the recordings as a means of reconnecting with what they had left and missed. Arko recorded primarily instrumental recordings. Vocals were few until he recorded as background with the Adria Church Choir from Chicago. By the late 1930s, other Cleveland polka artists, such as Frankie Yankovic, introduced modernized styles, including vocals. The second part of the book presents a thorough and highly technical description of how recording technology changed. Two-sided discs replaced the original one-sided recordings. Materials changed to permit production of more durable records at lower cost. The introduction of electronic recording equipment greatly enhanced the quality of the sound reproductions. Further changes included adoption of long playing (LP) records and other speeds to replace the original 78 revolutions per minute (rpm). The 78-rpm format was discontinued by 1960. At the time of this writing, the book is not available for sale in America, but an effort is being made to correct that situation. The Kunejs are musicologists employed by a scientific organization sponsored by the Government of Slovenija. The book was the product of extended visits to America during which documentary research and interviews with persons who had connections with Matt Arko and his family members were conducted. The book is not sold in the United States but can be purchased from the publisher in Slovenia: ZRC SAZU, Zalozba ZRC E-mail address: zalozba@zrc-sazu.si Wonder When a Slovenian First Arrived in North America? Genealogy is a popular subject with persons of Slovenian heritage both in Slovenia and elsewhere. The Slovenian Genealogy Society International (SGSI), established in the US, is very active in assisting persons in pursuing research seeking family “roots.” The period from the late 1880s to the 1920s is the greatest focus of Slovenian-American genealogical study. Slovenian immigration in numbers began to arrive in the US in the late 1800s and continued into the 1920s. Flow slowed after restrictive immigration laws were passed. A large group of Slovenian displaced persons also arrived after WWII. While it is difficult to make a definitive statement regarding the first Slovenians to arrive in America, research identifies some, including priests, as well as groups seeking to establish agricultural communities. In the 1730s, agricultural groups settled in Georgia and Smyrna Beach, Florida. The group in Georgia is believed to have blended into the population and lost its Slovenian identity. Dr. Fall 2017 Eric Kovacic, the deceased father of SUA Branch 108’s president, Bernadette Fitzsimmons, pursued exhaustive studies of such early arrivals. Priests, as reported by Dr. Edward Gobetz, included Fr. Ivan Ratkaj and Fr. Marko Anton Kappus, who arrived in North America in the late 1600s. Ratkaj worked in Mexico, while Kappus travelled with Spanish explorers in what is now Mexican Baja California and northward into what is now the State of California. In the 1840s and 1850s, Bishop Frederic Baraga (declared Venerable in 2012) was assigned to Michigan and recruited Slovenian priests such as Fr. F.X. Pirc from his homeland to work with Native Americans and settlers. These priests then recruited Slovenian settlers first as farmers and later as miners and steelworkers. - Richard Terselic, Branch 103 Research and Advisory Committee Member 11 Farmers, Miners and Refugees: Slovenian Immigration in Minnesota since 1855 The project Farmers, Miners and Refugees: Slovenian Immigration in Minnesota since 1855, an exhibit which includes banners depicting Slovenian immigrant life, was written and produced by members of the Twin Cities Branch 109. As of this writing, June 16, 2017, the banners have been on display in St. Cloud and Duluth, Minnesota. Ely, Minnesota is next. The banners are scheduled to be at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington D.C. through mid-December 2017. St. Cyril Church in New York City and several cities in Pennsylvania are potential future sites. To log the travels of the banners, a diary has been created. Each city hosting the exhibit will have an entry called a Chapter. Look for the Chapters in upcoming Zarja issues. Chapter I: Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud, Minnesota Marge Pryately, Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, got the idea for an ethnic immigration history project after viewing the Sons of Norway exhibit entitled New Land, New Life: Norwegian Immigration in Minnesota. It was the spark that led to the construction of 15 banners, entitled Farmers, Miners and Refugees: Slovenian Immigration in Minnesota since 1855. The banners tell the story of Slovenian immigrants in Minnesota through a series of topics: Geography; History; Emigration & Immigration; Farming; Missionaries; Monuments of Faith; Life on the Range; Benefit Societies; Refugees; Cuisine; Clothing; Music; Arts and Architecture. The banners relate how Slovenians came to Minnesota in three waves, following in the footsteps of Slovenian missionaries, especially Father F. X. Pierz (Pirc) to St. Stephen and St. Anthony, Minnesota in Stearns County (Farmers) and Father Buh to the Iron Range (Miners) and after World War II to many locations around the state (Refugees). The banners are dedicated to the contributions of Slovenian settlers and their descendants particularly in art, architecture and music. The banners were first displayed at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud, Minnesota, very near to St. Stephen, the oldest Slovenian community in the United States. Members of the Slovenian Union of America, Norm Setnicker, Marge Pryately, Frank Medved, Sue Rademacher, and Charles (Chuck) Debevec, researched and wrote the banner text and found suitable historic pictures to accompany the written material. Chuck Debevec designed and formatted the banners. 12 Zarja - The Dawn KSKJ Life (American Slovenian Catholic Union), the Slovenian Union of America, and the Bernick Company of St. Cloud were major contributors. Donations from members of these organizations and from friends of the exhibit enabled its construction between May and October, 2016. ner. The guest speaker was Miro Medved, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in Minnesota. The exuberant and talented crowd pleasers, The Singing Slovenes, headed by Frank Bucar performed, and the audience joined along. The opening reception of the exhibit was held on October 16, 2016, at the Stearns History Museum, St. Cloud, Minnesota. Dressed in traditional Slovenian costume, Albin, left, and Albina Medved, Ely, smile as they listen to a program to introduce the new Slovenian heritage exhibit titled Farmers, Miners, and Refugees: Slovenian Immigration in Minnesota since 1855 on Sunday, October 16, 2016, at the Stearns History Museum. - Photo courtesy of St. Cloud Times. Farmer, Miners and Refugees: Slovenian Immigration in Minnesota since 1855 remained at the Stearns History Museum until January 14, 2017. The exhibit traveled to Duluth and became a part of the St. Louis County History Society exhibit, The Slovenian Impact on Minnesota’s Cultural Landscape. On display in the Great Hall of the Depot was the most descriptive Slovenian exhibit ever to be held in Duluth and, perhaps, in the state of Minnesota. As my eyes scanned the room, this modern scene faded. I was back in time. There, in the crowd, were Slovenian immigrants holding onto their meager belongings, standing in wait for the next train. The Iron Range was their destination. Most probably they were in awe. I was back in time again. I had not thought until that moment, at least 12 of the people who awaited the train in the Great Hall would, in due time, become my great-grandparents and grandparents. I knew, then, the history of this building needed to be told. Duluth was a growing port city in the late 1880s-1890s. Rail, the wonder of transportation, was bringing in supplies Chapter II: St. Louis County Historical Society/ Duluth Depot in Duluth, Minnesota On April 21, 2017, the St. Louis County Historical Society hosted an opening reception in the Great Hall of the historic Duluth Union Depot for the exhibit on Slovenian immigration in Minnesota, The Slovenian Impact on Minnesota’s Cultural Landscape. On April 25, a social hour followed by an ethnic dinner was served in celebration of the society’s 95th Annual Meeting. The tables were set with red carnations. A traditional Slovenian meal was served using recipes from the SUA cookbook, The Slovenian-American Table. Entrees included pork roast, potato cakes, vegetables, and apple strudel. Father John Petrich gave the blessing over the annual din- Fall 2017 Leslie Bucar, Sharon Bucar, Frank Bucar, Miro Medved, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in Minnesota, and Karen Medved. 13 and people. The wooden depot, built in 1869, had outgrown the number of railroad lines coming and going. In 1891, the Northern Pacific, and St. Paul & Duluth Railroads broke ground for a new depot. Nationally prominent architects, Peabody and Stearns of Boston, were the designers of the French Norman château-like structure. It has a castle-like appearance and style and was designed to greet its guests with a ‘romantic and impressionable welcome.’ The rounded turrets and steep roofline with a yellow brick facade make the building one of a kind. Locally quarried granite, sandstone and yellow brick make up the primary exterior materials. The new Duluth Union Depot took two years and cost $615,000 to build. It opened in 1892. From 1880-1890, Duluth’s population grew more than 859%. The Northern Pacific had aggressively recruited in Europe to bring immigrants to America. They all came through Duluth. The Duluth Union Depot had put out a welcome mat. It was the year 1913. During the period of just a few days, over 2,000 new immigrants came through the Depot. Travel-weary immigrants found comfort in the Immigrant Waiting Room. There were bunks for immigrants to sleep if they arrived in the evening. A shower room, probably the first chance to clean since leaving Europe, was adjacent to the Immigration Waiting Room. Upstairs, there were barbers, shoeshine boys, a fruit stand, and a Western Union telegraph office. The Great Hall was where tickets were sold and where people gathered to wait for the trains. Travelers, regardless of income or social standing, used the Depot. As railway traffic declined in the mid 20th century, the Duluth Union Depot suffered a common fate and was closed in 1969. Luckily, the building was saved from demolition by the citizens of Duluth and has become the home to historical and performing arts organizations and a place for events. Today the Immigration Waiting Room is a museum. In 1971, the Depot Union Depot was placed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The Great Hall of the Depot was the perfect setting. The exhibits, depicting the lives of the Slovenian immigrants, were now in the same room where they had once walked. The exhibit included more than two dozen paintings by the late Iron Range artist, Albin M. Zaverl, from his collection titled Old Country Memories. Many of these paintings had hung in the Slovenian Embassy in Washington D.C. From the Roman Catholic Diocese of Duluth, were artifacts that once belonged to Slovenian missionaries Monsignor 14 Joseph Buh and Bishop Frederic Baraga: a 400-year-oldmissal filled with prayers and a black winter hood worn by the “snowshoe priest.” According to Samantha Tubbs, Collections Manager and Exhibitions Curator, “These are the first loans ever from the Diocese of Duluth.” The Slovenian Union of America (SUA) had on display, artifacts unique to the Slovenian heritage. Each had a story to tell; each was an example of what memories are all about and what makes history real. Brochures on these artifacts were available. The latest cookbook by the SUA, The Slovenian-American Table, was also a popular gathering place! The series of 15 banners entitled Farmers, Miners and Refugees: Slovenian Immigration in Minnesota Since 1855 were aligned the length of the Great Hall. They commanded much interest from the viewers. Comments such as, “I never knew about… I learned so much…” were frequently heard. While the banners have recorded the history of Slovenian immigrants who made Minnesota their home, the exhibit is also important to the country of Slovenia. It is also their history. Whether sung, played, listened to, or danced to, folk music is an intrinsic component of Slovenian life. The Singing Slovenes lived up to the saying, “Music is the soul of every man.” It was more than a concert. The audience was given an oral history of lives once lived. Dressed in ethnic attire, the Slovenes sang the folksongs with full gusto. The audience was immersed, toes were tapping, people were dancing, many were singing along. Those attending another event at the Depot stopped to listen. Thank you to Frank Bucar and The Singing Slovenes for bringing music to our people. Compliments to the St. Louis County Historical Society, to Executive Director JoAnne Coombe, Administrative Assistant Kathleen Cargill, and Collections Manager and Exhibits Curator Samantha Tubbs for the outstanding exhibits and the beautiful set up in the Great Hall, and to the chef who gave credence to serving a Slovenian dinner. Thank you to Debbie Voelk Good for sharing her Slovenian cookbooks and for taking on the responsibility of The Slovenian-American Table cookbooks. She also served as a docent during the month of May while the banners were on display. Coming soon: Chapter III: Ely, Minnesota - Mary Lou Deyak Voelk Zarja - The Dawn Thank You for Your Support! For the month of April 2017, SUA’s fund-raiser – April’s Showers of Dollars - was a huge success. Your entries were very much appreciated! Our profit will enhance all aspects of the venue(s) and activities for our members at SUA’s 28th National Convention in 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Top Seller Winner’s List: 1st Place (31 Sold) Lori Bond - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL 2nd Place (17 Sold) Kathy Cufar - Branch 99 - Lemont, IL 3rd Place (16 Sold) Peter Gaber - Branch 2 - Chicago, IL $150.00 $100.00 $50.00 Daily Entry Winners: Entrant Amount Won/Seller/Branch Apr. 1 Marla Lustik, Joliet, IL $200 Apr. 2 Steph. Segulin, Mentor/Lake, OH $65 Apr. 3 Peter Gaber, Chicago, IL $65 Apr. 4 Denise Graves, Floyds Knobs, IN $65 Apr. 5 Elizabeth Gonzalez, New York, NY $65 Apr. 6 Florence Urankar, Cleveland, OH $65 Apr. 7 Ann Bruno, Parma, OH $65 $65 Apr. 8 Laurie Gornick, Lemont, IL Apr. 9 Virginia Semenick, Indianapolis, IN $65 $65 Apr. 10 Albina Medved, Naples, FL $65 Apr. 11 Jeanne Warsaw, Plainfield, IL $65 Apr. 12 Mary Edgeton, Ramsey, MN Apr. 13 Anne Schneider, Kansas City, KS $65 $65 Apr. 14 Kathleen Zola, Joliet, IL Apr. 15 Germaine Amata, Healdsburg, CA $200 $65 Apr. 16 Sheryl Thorpe, Avon, IN $65 Apr. 17 Helen Troha, Perry, OH Apr. 18 Dennis Welsh, Romeoville, IL $65 Apr. 19 Gale Buzzelli, Centreville, VA $65 $65 Apr. 20 Rose Kellett, Peru, IL $65 Apr. 21 Tillie Skusek, Muskego, WI Apr. 22 Carolyn Zuzich, Flossmoor, IL $65 Apr. 23 John Stiglich, Shorewood, IL $65 Apr. 24 Thomas Roskoski, Virginia, MN $65 $65 Apr. 25 Julie Grah, Chicago, IL Apr. 26 Walter/Linda Ferguson, Joliet, IL $65 Apr. 27 D. J. Duffin, Pekin, IL $65 Apr. 28 Marcia Manning, Tucson, AZ $65 $65 Apr. 29 Patty Dosher, Naperville, IL Apr. 30 Heather Bissell, Broomfield, CO $200 Branch Support 91 Sellers: Branch 20 - Joliet, IL 24 Sellers: Branch 50 - Euclid, OH 23 Sellers: Branch 43 - Milwaukee, WI 20 Sellers: Branch 2 - Chicago, IL 17 Sellers: Branch 23 - Ely, MN 16 Sellers: Branch 3 - Pueblo, CO 16 Sellers: Branch 35 - Aurora, MN Fall 2017 Same - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Same - Branch 10 - Cleveland, OH Same - Branch 2 - Chicago, IL Dorothy Swintosky - Branch 30 - Home Office Pat Figurowski - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Same - Branch 10 - Cleveland, OH Same - Branch 10 - Cleveland, OH Same - Branch 2 - Chicago, IL Same - Branch 5 - Indianapolis, IN Same - Branch 23 - Ely, MN Same - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Same - Branch 35 - Aurora, MN Same - Branch 109 - Twin Cities, MN Lori Bond - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Same - Branch 50 - Cleveland, OH Same - Branch 5 - Indianapolis, IN Same - Branch 50 - Cleveland, OH Jeanne Warsaw - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Kathy Cufar - Branch 99 - Lemont, IL Same - Branch 89 - Oglesby, IL Same - Branch 43 - Milwaukee, WI Same - Branch 16 - So. Chicago, IL Lauren McFarland - Branch 20, IL Rose Ann Chinn - Branch 35 - Aurora, MN Same - Branch 2 - Chicago, IL Michalene Ivey - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Nancy Henkel - Branch 89 - Oglesby, IL Same - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Lori Bond - Branch 20 - Joliet, IL Same - Branch 3 - Pueblo, CO 15 Sellers: Branch 24 - LaSalle, IL 15 Sellers: Branch 99 - Lemont, IL 14 Sellers: Branch 5 - Indianapolis, IN 12 Sellers: Branch 16 - Chicago, IL 11 Sellers: Branch 100 - So. California 10 Sellers: Branch 1 - Sheboygan, WI 10 Sellers: Branch 89 - Oglesby, IL 9 Sellers: Branch 109 - Twin Cities, MN 15 Of Idrijan Mercury, Bobbin Lace, and Delores By David Sodac, Staff Writer, Branch 89 Oglesby, IL bdsodac@gmail.com Animated and with boundless energy, Delores Spelich, an SUA member of LaSalle, Illinois Branch 24, looks forward to any Slovenian event she can attend. She’s eager to share stories about her Slovenian roots and love of all things Slovenian. Up until her husband, Elmer, passed away in 2013, they spent most of their retirement time visiting and dancing in the Slovenian iconic settlement cities across America that most of us have just read and have heard about. They loved to polka and attended polka festivals in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania; Samsula and Spring Hill in Florida; Ironworld, Minnesota; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pueblo, Colorado; Cleveland and Euclid in Ohio; and Fontana, California. Delores is 100% Slovenian from both parent sides of her family tree. She fashioned her own Slovenian heritage dress, appliquéd with her grandparents’ handmade Idrijan lace, to wear at many of these events. She is exceptionally proud of her connection with the industrial town of Idrija, located in western Slovenia. Both of her maternal grandparents came from this hardworking village. Her grandparents, Peter Ferjančič and Katarina Slabe, both brought their Idrijan world-known talents of mining and lacemaking with them when they immigrated to America. The town of Idrija, in the Slovenian Littoral Region, offers the world many outstanding contributions of our proud Slovenian legacies. The subterranean discovery of mercury in Idrija eventually led to the Idrija Mercury Mining complex, considered one of the best of its kind in the development of mining techniques and the production of liquid mercury. Idrija is also the home to the distinguished School of Lace, where the refinement of bobbin lacemaking techniques promoted Idrija as the oldest and most important lace center in the world. The history of mercury mining in Idrija dates back to 1490. Idrija is one of the few places in the world where mercury occurs in both its elemental liquid state and as cinnabar ore. Its mining continued almost 500 years. By burning the cinnabar ore, the mercury miners of Idrija mined over 13 percent of the world production. It was the second largest mining production of its kind. Increased knowledge of Delores Udovic Spelich 16 Zarja - The Dawn the poisonous effects of mercury contributed to no longer making it ecologically viable to continue mining. In 1988, the Idrija mine closed forever. A noteworthy fact is that Idrija mining gave rise to many technical inventions and machines which contributed valuable technologies to the world. The craft of lacemaking in the Idrija region is closely associated with mining. The women made lace while the men worked in the mercury mine. Some historians believe that as the need for increased workers expanded, more and more men were applying to work the mines, many coming from neighboring countries. Possibly some of the wives that accompanied their mining husbands brought their lacemaking skills to Idrija. However, it was the citizens of Idrija that refined the art of lacemaking. Bobbin lace is made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread which are wound on bobbins to manage them. Idrija lace is famous for its use of seven bobbins, which makes this lace stronger and more valuable. As the work progresses, the weaving is held in place with pins set in a lace pillow; the placement of the pins is determined by a pattern or pricking pinned on the pillow. In 1876, the world-renowned Idrija Lacemaking School was established and has been nurturing and enriching the art of lace throughout all these years. The most typical of all Idrija laces is the so-called ‘ris,’ a ribbon traditionally made with seven pairs of bobbins. Distinctive to Idrijan lace are its age-old patterns, which have popular names such as hearts, peonies, cradles, and birds. Anna Žakelj Jesenko’s interesting YouTube video on the Internet entitled Slovenian Bobbin Lace Maker features bobbin lacemaking. Delores recalls quite a few stories from her Ferjančič grandparents, as they lived on the same property growing up in Jonesville, Illinois. Her grandfather, Peter Ferjančič, was born on June 29, 1875. He was the son of Leopold Ferjančič and Marija Koler. Peter was tall, muscular, and fair-haired. He worked the mercury mines of Idrija, taking time off to enlist in the Austro-Hungarian Army. He served as a cook to the troops. Upon his return, he met a young girl named Katarina Slabe at a Fall 2017 local dance and soon proposed. Katarina was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lorenc Slabe, a poor farm family experiencing hard times. When Katarina’s youngest sister was born into the family, they made the emotionally difficult decision to send Katarina, then about seven years of age, to be raised by a farming family down the road. She toiled on the farm and never attended school. However, she did learn to craft beautiful bobbin lace. Katarina was a very petite lady, almost a foot shorter than her tall, burly fiancé, but she quickly learned how to show him who was in charge. After a hard day’s work in the mines, Peter and the guys would grab a few pivos at a local gostilna. Katarina would walk into the bar and slightly tug at his sleeve. Then, without saying a word, she would leave out the door. Peter would quickly finish his drink and join her. Her grandmother always told her granddaughter, Delores, “That’s how you should train a man.” Peter and Katarina gave birth to their first child, Ljudmila, born September 16, 1905, while in Idrija. When Ljudmila (Amelia) was two years old, her father made the decision to leave Idrija and make his fortune in America. When he made enough money to pay for his wife and child’s passage he would send for them. At the age of 33, Peter Ferjančič boarded the Kronprinz Wilhelm, out of the Port of Bremen, with three fellow Idrijan miners. They arrived in the Port of New York on October of 1907. All four went directly to Virden, a coal mining town 25 miles south of Springfield, Illinois. Virden was made famous by the 1898 coal miners’ strike during which Mary Harris Jones, known more just as “Mother Jones,” played a major role in leading the miners into a union battle for coal miners’ labor rights. When traveling down I-55, you can’t miss the billboard sign advertising the Mother Jones Museum site. Peter and Katarina Ferjančič in the back with Delores’s mother, Cecelia, (left) and Aunt Ljudmila “Amelia” (right) holding hands in the front row. One year later, Peter sent for his wife and his threeyear-old daughter. They were booked passage on the same ship as Peter had taken a year earlier, the Kronprinz Wilhelm, and arrived on September 29, 1908. Their final destination was to eagerly reunite with Peter and start their new life in Virden. Peter continued to work various mining jobs while the family settled into the town of Virden. To relax, 17 he would craft bobbin lace in the traditional Idrijan style. One year later, they gave birth to Cecilia on November 22, 1909. Another child, Adolph, would be born seven years later. Their oldest daughter “Amelia” would meet her eventual husband, John Zavasnik, and marry on July 1, 1922. In the late 1920s, the Ferjančič family had moved further south to the mining town of West Frankfort, Illinois. Their daughter, Cecilia Ferjančič, had met her future husband, Anton Udovic, while living in West Frankfort. Anton had come to America as an eight-year-old being raised by his aunt. Both of his parents had died young in Škocjan, Slovenia. Anton had been in LaSalle, Illinois but headed off to help his sister, Antonia, run a grocery store in Johnston City, a neighboring town to West Frankfort. When the mines started shutting down, Cecilia made the decision to move to Chicago, staying with an aunt. She had gotten a job at an Italian baking powder company. Her fiancé, Anton, followed her there, and began working as a sand blaster for Western Electric Forge Company. They married in the Slovenian St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois on April 29, 1928. Their only child, Delores, was born the following year on February 2, 1929. By 1931, the young Anton Udovic family decided to move to LaSalle County where they had the support of relatives. They purchased a small miner’s home in Jonesville. As the mining companies began exhausting the coal, Cecelia’s parents, Peter and Katarina Ferjančič, would also leave West Frankfort and join them in Jonesville. They built a small home on the same lot as their daughter’s family. It was during those growing up years that Delores Udovic learned to appreciate and admire the lace handwork of her grandparents. She would watch their delft fingers manipulate the many sets of wooden bobbins and craft such beautiful pieces of lace. Her grandfather would design the elegant patterns on heavy tracing paper and attach them to the tightly sawdust-stuffed pillow secured in a woven basket. Delores regrets never learning the art carried on in this famous Idrijan tradition. She would ask her grandparents to teach her, but her grandfather Peter would say, “You don’t need to learn this. It’s old country. You should throw them out when we are dead. You should be done with the past.” Delores is definitely not done reflecting on the beauty of the past or on her grandparents. She relishes her childhood memories watching them work their lace 18 Zarja - The Dawn magic. She remembers helping them stiffen the lace by dipping the pieces in sugar water and setting straight pins to stretch their shapes on the bed or couch to dry. She has kept all their lace and to this day she still appreciates the love that went into their crafting. On the occasion of my visit to her home to gather background information for this article, Delores gracefully presented herself and her home almost as a curator or keeper of Slovenian cultural heritage would do. There were tables covered with her grandparents Idrijan-inspired lace, all protected under clear acrylic sheets. Particularly elaborate pieces were framed in glass on her walls. Family photos adorned the wall, including many of her grandparents. She had a storage box opened on a bench for me to see her grandparents’ handiwork, lovingly explaining each piece and each utilized design. Delores has celebrated her grandparents’ lace art through crafting a Slovenian heritage dress, bodice, and apron with sewn-on pieces of their handmade lace. The dress is an absolute loving tribute to Peter and Katarina. She wears the dress to as many Slovene social gatherings as possible. Even though it is over 25 years old, the dress is timeless. She worries that people are getting tired of her appearing in heritage dress, but I assured her it’s well worth a Zarja article. On an intriguing note, Delores’ grandfather, Peter Ferjančič, may very well be a relation to Ivanca Ferjančič, the first lacemaking teacher and director at the Idrija Lace School! This was totally new information to Delores. She was unaware of any other possible Ferjančič relatives from Idrija. Ivanca Ferjančič created intricate patterns alongside her brother, Jožef, a n d s i s t e r, Antonija. She was a native of Idrija, born in 1850, and Fall 2017 she demonstrated exceptional talent and innovation in lacemaking techniques. She is given credit for the re-opening of the school in 1876. Her innovative design technique created the using of even pairs of bobbins in the making of bobbin lace. Sadly, Ivanka died suddenly at the age of 29, but her traditions are carried on to this day. Could this talent gene also be the one our Delores Spelich’s grandfather tapped? We have some people researching the Ferjančič genealogy as this article is put to bed. We’ll let you know what we find out in a later issue. Today the Idrijan mercury mines are no longer worked, except for the shaft mine entrance, which is used as a museum. The museum offers tours of the upper levels, complete with life-sized depictions of workers over the ages. The lower subterranean levels are currently in the process of being cleaned up. The Idrija Lace School has continued its world-renowned success. Its teachers offer lacemaking skills to younger generations. The showroom exhibits remarkable pieces made by students of all ages that are featured in new sales galleries and lacemaking studios. Each year a Lace Festival takes place in Idrija. The Idrija Lace School continues to nurture and enrich the art of lace throughout all these years. Our third proud topic of Idrijan descent, Delores Udovic Spelich, also continues to charm and delight while promoting our Slovenian heritage wherever she goes. 19 Festival of Nations 2017: Slovenian Roots of a Democratic Tradition What does an ancient Roman The theme for the FESstone column have in common TIVAL OF NATIONS with an American president this year was Ceremonies and the Declaration of Indeand Rituals. Chairperson pendence? Sue Rademacher chose Answer: THE RITUAL OF THE to research the Ritual of PRINCE’S STONE. As a symthe Prince’s Stone which bol of sovereignty (self-governwas described in a broment), this ritual had origins in chure that was distributpre-feudal society in what was ed to students and adults to become part of today’s Sloin attendance. Once a venia. What evolved in around day during the four-day 580 AD from a powerful social festival, volunteers from group of free peasants in that the audience would stage part of Europe was a change in the ceremony described leadership - from native leaders Mike Cardinal, Mary Jo Verschay, Marge Pryately, above. To make our preSue Rademacher, and Dave Rademacher. to noble “dukes.” As a concessentation more interacsion to the native people, a ceretive, we designed a short mony evolved that allowed vocal input from the peasants. crossword puzzle dealing with some essentials of the Prince’s Stone ceremony. Upon completion by students as The free peasants would choose among themselves, or by well as adults, we gave a 2-cent Euro coin as a reward for succession, a leader called a “Peasant Prince,” someone completing the crossword. The Prince’s Stone is depicted who was HONEST, JUST, and TRUSTWORTHY. This on the national side of the Slovenian 2-cent Euro. person would sit atop the Prince’s Stone awaiting the arrival of the new prospective duke and his entourage. The Researching this topic was an enlightening experience for duke, dressed in peasant clothing including a grey coat all the individuals involved with the Twin Cities Sloveand Slovenian hat, would stand in front of the stone. The nians. The Slovenian American Times newspaper went into ceremony would be in the native Slovenian language, not depth with their article “Dukes of Carinthia,” but, in order the current language of the empire. for us to depict the ceremony for the general audience, we chose to simplify the ritual and make it more interactive The PEASANT sitting on the stone cried out in Slovenian: for the thousands that visited the booth over the four-day “Kdo stopi naprej tako pogumno?” or “Who comes stretch in May. forward so boldly?” - Norm Setnicker The PEOPLE answered: It is the duke! The PEASANT asked again: Can he be a judge? Is he concerned with the well-being of the country? Was he born a free man? Does he observe the true religion? The PEOPLE answered: He is and he will be. Then the peasant slapped the duke gently as a symbol of the power of the office. Then the duke stepped upon the stone and turned full circle as to face virtually in all directions. All had to sing praises to God for the gift of a new ruler. Finally, the ruler had to be placed on horseback and conducted around the stone three times. Showing his sword, he promised the people to be a fair judge, preserve the peace, and keep the promises he made. The duke then proceeded to the emperor in this same dress and hat and presented himself as the new leader over the people in that location. 20 John Perhay, Sue Rademacher, Liz Miller, Denise Perhay, and Mike Koski. Zarja - The Dawn Slovenian Union of America Across America - Branch Reports BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Contact information: Mary Ann Schellinger 920.457.7946/rhmas@yahoo.com On May 9 we gathered at Rupp’s Riverdale in Sheboygan for a buffet dinner to celebrate our Member of the Year. This year the honor was given to Betty Repenshek. Her ers taken from a previous issue of the Slovenian American Times. To end the festivities, the group played Slovenian Bingo put together by Mary. June and July found many of our members in their kitchens baking batches of potica for the S.S. Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Festival. The event was held on July 9 at Deland Park in Sheboygan. The day started with a polka Mass with music provided by the Jeff Winard polka band. As usual, the bakery tent was very popular selling Slovenian specialties of potica and strudel. Over 125 Mary Sandwick and Betty Rrpenshek daughter, Vickie, son-in-law, Steve, and grandson, Alex, were able to attend the celebration. Betty was presented with some Slovenian handmade ceramic pieces. President Mary Sandwick read an article on God’s creation of moth- poticas were donated for the bake sale. Krajnske klobase (kranskies) were also available in the food tent. A while back it was said that the festival is a day of food, fun, and frolic. Among the hundreds of those attending the picnic, some of our older members were seen enjoying the festivities – Mary Pat Ryan (age 90), Dick Jelovnik and Ed Tesovnik (both age 87). With the sun shining and a Lake Michigan breeze blowing, this was another day for our Slovenians to let their heritage shine. MARY ANN SCHELLINGER BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois Contact Information: Judy Stoll 708.479.2864/judithstoll@att.net We enjoyed one of the our nicest Zveza Day picnics this past July 16th. The weather was ideal, the food was very tasty, the music was upbeat, and the crowd was having a lot of fun. This good time came about because many people helped to make it a special day. Fall 2017 21 Lorraine and Judy Ovnik spent a busy day under a shady tree selling food, drink, and money raffle tickets. Dolores Puhek and her sister, Gen Buol, collected, wrapped, and set up the popular bag raffle tables. There were more than 35 prizes for our guests to choose from. Rosemary Litwin not only manned the bakery table, she baked most of the delicious cakes that were offered to our guests. Even though Jennie Kovacic had to fight a traffic detour, she got the chicken, bread, and coleslaw to our kitchen just in time to feed the hungry crowd that attended Mass. Despite breaking both wrists (don’t ask) around the Memorial Day weekend, Debbie Morris managed to do all the signage and helped in setting up the kitchen early in the day. Then she walked around the picnic grounds filling any container that was almost empty, and she stayed to help with the cleanup. Marija Rigler once again made her wonderful Slovenian potato salad, but this year she had help from her son, Vince. He also entertained everyone with his musical expertise during the day. Gen Buol collected prizes, bought supplies, organized the bar, and taxied non-driving friends to the picnic. Some of our usual workers, Elsie Wojdula, Daisy Zeleznikar, Mary Podder, and Meta Hanzlik were under the weather and were unable to attend this picnic. Many of our helpers were not members of Branch 2, but they worked very hard in the kitchen, at the bar, or at the bag raffle table. So to Susan Stoll, Patsy Pasderetz, Lisa Kasper, Noel Sarbarneck, Sue Robinson, Melissa Kasper, Jeff Morris, Matt Buol, and Mary Movitz... THANKS!! The winners of the money raffle were Gerry McNichols ($50), Frances Kuca ($100), and Judy Ovnik ($250). Congratulations! JUDY STOLL BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Contact Information: 719.569.7125/amtcharron@yahoo.com Branch 3 takes a break from meetings during the summer months. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month from October through May at 12:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s church hall. Special luncheons at a local restaurant take the place of meetings in December to celebrate Christmas and in May to celebrate Mother’s Day and the Member of the Year. The next Branch 3 meeting is on Tuesday, October 3 at 12:30 p.m. Slovenian activities in the coming months include the Preseren Dom Picnic in Rye, Colorado, on Sunday, August 6. Any SUA members in the Southern Colorado area during that time are welcome. Branch 3 will sponsor a bus to the Cripple Creek casinos in September. Please send an e-mail to amtcharron@yahoo.com for the exact date, if interested. The Slovenian Heritage Dinner at St. Mary’s is scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2017. ANNETTE SABO CHARRON & BARBARA KARLINGER 22 BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Greetings to all Branch 5 members! We had our share of heat, rain, and humidity here in Indiana this summer and can now look forward to cooler autumn days, a kaleidoscope of colorful trees, and roasting marshmallows over the fire pit in the yard! Our junior members are back in school after busy summer camps, vacations, and sports. Even if you are just an “armchair” traveler, the slower pace of the fall season is very welcoming. One of our longtime members has been honored with a plaque installed on the Slovenian National Home’s Wall of Fame! Sylvia Stanfield was honored with the SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S SPIRIT award. Sylvia was a wonderful asset to the Slovenian Community, to Holy Trinity Parish, and to anyone she befriended! A former SWU officer, Sylvia was always a willing volunteer for any activity, from cooking in Bockhold Hall, running the JAIL at the Grape Arbor dance, or selling Instant Bingo tickets at the festival, always with a smile (and a smidgen of gossip) for everyone. Be sure to check out the Wall next time you are at the Nash!! Do you go to the Nash for the Friday night dinners? Member Mayda Gravelie and her brother John cooked up a real Slovenian treat, a struklji dinner, with cucumber salad, and strudel for dessert! It’s wonderful when our members share their knowledge of Slovenian heritage through foods, music, language, and arts. Too many of the younger generations have no idea of Congratulations to Anna Fon on graduating their ancestry, from IUPUI University this spring. as grandpar- Zarja - The Dawn ents passed nothing on. Make a plan to bring your family down to the Nash one Friday night, and check out the plaques on the Wall, look through the old picture albums, and marvel at the old sports trophies... Haughville history right in your hands! The annual TASTE OF SLOVENIA dinner will be Sunday, September 10th at 1:00 p.m., downstairs at the Nash! This is always a wonderful dinner, with limited seating, so be sure to get your tickets early. Tickets are $20 each, with all profits going to a designated charity. This is one of the KSKJ matching funds events, so come join us for a good cause. Contact Rick Brodnik at 317.292.3505 for tickets. 2018 will be the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Slovenian National! Do you have any pictures from past events held at the Nash? Were you incarcerated in the Grape Arbor Dance jail? Did you hunt crawdads in the creek at Barlows Park at the annual Nash picnic? Was your name called first to select a gift from the table at the Christmas party? So many family events took place at the Nash, and we are asking you to hunt down your family pictures, event brochures, and other memorabilia to share. We will make copies of any original photo, and would love if you can identify people in photos. Contact Rick Brodnik at 317.292.3505 or Rick.Brodnik74@gmail.com. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. MARY, KAREN & PHYLLIS BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Contact Information: Michele Twers michele.twers@comcast.net Another summer is behind us, and we are looking forward to getting back to our meeting in September. First of all, I would like to thank all officers and members who supported our annual Member of the Year Luncheon in May. Our “Hello to Summer Luncheon” was delicious and everyone had a good time in June. At our meeting we talked about how quickly the time is flying by. President Doreen mentioned that her great niece, Karina Spencer, turned 5 years old and graduated from kindergarten in cap and gown to 1st grade and nephew Jack Spencer turned 9 years old and is in the 4th grade and playing baseball on a San Francisco Little League team. We were so surprised to hear this since we remember when they were born. Seemed like just yesterday. Where does the time go? Special birthday wishes and much love are sent to our wonderful President Doreen who celebrated her 75th on August 7. Doreen is truly a very special lady. She keeps our branch and meetings going strong. Doreen is always there to help anyone who needs it and always has a smile on her face. Also Happy Birthday wishes to all members who had birthdays in July, August, and September. On September 24, Club Slovenia will be having their annual Grape Festival at the Slovenian Hall, located at 2101 Mariposa St., San Francisco. For more information contact President Dave McCormick at wilpen1887@gmail.com. Fall 2017 Congratulations to all of our members. On October 30, 2017 Branch 13 will be celebrating our 90th Anniversary. We are so very proud to know that over the years we continued to grow, build, and maintain an active organization in the Slovenian Community in San Francisco. We are grateful that Marie Prisland founded nationally the SWU in 1927 in Chicago, IL. At that time several women on the West Coast became interested and began to organize local branches under the leadership of Bara Kramer. On October 30, 1927, the national organization recognized the SWU Branch of San Francisco, and it was chartered on that date. Through the years, many daughters and granddaughters have continued to follow the examples set by their mothers. I want to share the following with everyone. Our branch has their very own mascot. She is our Vice President Beverly’s dog, Sabrina. She attends all of our meetings, and when we open and end our meetings with the prayer of the Hail Mary, Sabrina puts her head down, closes her eyes and looks like she is praying with us. This is no joke. Sabrina really does this. Now, our faithful member Jackie Lowe and husband, Jerry, have a new addition to their family. They are the proud parents of “Percy” a one-yearold Yorkie. Looks like Sabrina will have to teach Percy how to act and what to do at our meetings. On a sad note while I was writing this article, President Doreen’s longtime companion “Benny”, an 18-year-old “Bichon Frise,” passed on to doggie heaven. MICHELE TWERS BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: Georgene Agnich 773.205.1326/jim@tmbpublishing.com Sandy Rodeghero is our new member representative, with Marla Lustik as alternate. Sandy replaces Grace Doerk, who resigned because of her own health and that of her husband, Otto. We offer sincere sympathy to Grace and her family in their loss of Otto, who passed away on June 8, 2017. We also send condolences to the family of Fred Marentic, who passed away on June 28, 2017. Fred told his life story as a native Jolietan, musician, composer, music arranger, and teacher in the January/February 2017 issue of Zarja. Branch 20 honored all its members, past and present, at a festive banquet on May 16, at St. Joseph Parish Hall. Ray Ray Koncar entertains at Member of the Year Banquet. 23 Koncar played beautiful Slovenian music on his button box before and after the delicious home-cooked meal prepared onsite by Branch 99’s Lillian Cepon. Nicki Blowers and Laurica Petrella-Zitko sang hymns, including Cescena si Marija, and our spiritual director, Rev. Thomas Paul, led us in a prayer to Our Lady of Brezje. Georgene Agnich gave a brief pre-dinner speech. We all enjoyed cake before cleaning up the hall and going home. Several of us attended the 6:30 p.m. Mass in honor of Maria Pomagaj on her May 24 feast day at St. Joseph Church in Joliet, followed by refreshments and Slovenian music in nearby Ferdinand Hall. Diane Hohenwater, Jean Herbst. and Nancy Horwath enjoy treats after Maria Pomagaj Mass. Several of us also volunteered at the June 25 St. Joseph Church Homecoming Fair at the parish hall by donating baked goods to sell and by working a few hours in one of the many concession stands at this annual fundraiser. The day began with an 11:30 a.m. Polka Mass at the outdoor Jo Lustik and daughter Marla volunteer at liquor booth at St. Joseph’s Homecoming Fair 24 grotto in nearby St. Joseph Cemetery, followed by a roast pork dinner prepared by Branch 99’s Lillian Cepon and her crew in the parish hall. The bands of Ray Koncar and John Churnovic had the crowd clapping, singing, and dancing to Slovenian favorites as people patronized the various games of chance and raffles, visited the St. Joseph School Class Reunion tent, or played bingo indoors. A few of us attended the annual Zveza Day picnic, sponsored by Branch 2, at the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont on July 16. The day began with an 11:30 a.m. Slovenian Mass, with the picnic afterwards on the beautiful and serene grounds. Michael Vidmar, Diane Hohenwater, and Georgene Agnich have volunteered to present Slovenian family history at the SUA Museum as part of the Joliet Public Library’s “Family History Day” on Saturday, October 7, 2017. GEORGENE AGNICH BRANCH 23 - Ely, Minnesota Branch 23 honored our Member of the Year, Julie Puzel, on Sunday May 21. We also celebrated her 96th birthday. Julie came to the United States as a war bride. She met her husband, John, by translating letters written to him in Slovenian during the war from his mother. They were married in Germany and came to live in Ely, Minnesota. Julie worked for 35 years at Vertin’s Café cooking and baking delicious caramel rolls which made Vertin’s famous. She and John raised three children, John, Jim, and Shirley at their White Iron Lake home. She is known as the Patriarch of Sunset Road, which she named at a township meeting. Julie loved picking blueberries, singing Slovenian songs especially, with her husband John playing the button box. She likes making potica, and her son, John, made a video of her doing just that. Julie now makes her home at Carefree Living, a facility here in Ely. She still sings and dances the polka! In the next issue you will hear more about the Taste of Slovenia II held on Saturday, August 5. CHOTSIE HARRI BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Contact Information: Diane Data diane3121@comcast.net Zivijo! After a 3-month winter break, we had our annual plant exchange in April. After a long winter, we were all anticipating summer blooms. In May, we met for lunch at The Maples for our spring luncheon. Good food and good conversation. I overheard bits and pieces of trips to Italy, upcoming cruises and summer trips, and new recipes. I also saw a proud grandmother showing pictures of her new grandson. We had a beautiful evening in June for our picnic at Barb Pohar’s lovely home. Her gardens, flower, and vegetable, are delightful. We had many members and guests, plus Joanie and Peggy from Branch 20 - Joliet and Barbara Bruch from Branch 89, in attendance. The Last Call Band Zarja - The Dawn provided the evening’s music. Lots of delicious Slovenian dishes and a peach strudel! At each of these events, we were updated on the progress of our Slovenian-American Loretta Story, Joanie Olznoi, Peggy Kubinski, Barbara Bruch, and Barbara Pohar. Roadside Chapel. The donations have been overwhelming. We Slovenians are proud of our heritage. On a sad note, on May 19, we lost a longtime member of our Branch, Rosemary (Pieczynski) McLaughlin. Another member shared with me that her mother enrolled Rosemary and her sister, Mary Ann Pieczynski, in Branch 24 when they were young girls, which makes them MaryKaye and Bob over 50-year members. Washkowiak dancing to the Her sister, Mary Ann, a polka music. daughter, Melissa Actis, a son, Matthew, and three grandchildren survive Rosemary. We will miss your smile, Rosemary! Dober Dan! DIANE DATA Our next meeting will be held on September 27, 2017, at noon at the West Allis Library. After a luncheon prepared by our members, we will discuss upcoming events being planned. Please join us as we plan for Martinovanje in November and our December 2, 2017 Christmas Party at Aliotos. Condolences are extended to the families of Rose Zupancic and Agnes Fennig. Both of these ladies were longtime members of our branch. May they rest in peace. Hoping to see many of you at Vinska Trgatev at Triglav Park on September 7, 2017. Enjoy the beautiful Fall. MARY “MICI” BREGANT BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio Contact Information: Debbie Duris 330.467.2281/dcduris@gmail.com Plan on attending our next luncheon at Shula’s Steak House on Saturday, September 2 at 1 p.m. located at 6200 Quarry Lane in Independence. Our Christmas branch luncheon is on Saturday, December 2 at 1 p.m. at Maggiano’s Little Italy at 26300 Cedar Rd. in Beachwood. Please call Debbie Duris at 330.467.2281 to be included in our reservation. On Wednesday, November 8, seven members are planning to travel on an all-day bus trip to Columbiana, Ohio to taste and see the sights of a Touch of Old England and German Christmas. This should be a memorable trip! Our branch and other Cleveland branch members are working on the activities and accommodations for the 2019 National Convention. More information will be in the upcoming issues of the Zarja. Cleveland will be the place to be in June 2019! KATHLEEN FERRANTE BRANCH 50 - Cleveland, Ohio Contact Information: Rick Tomsick ricktomsick@gmail.com The next meeting is at the Euclid library on September 20. Twenty-five ladies attended the Mother’s Day luncheon at Dubrovnik Restaurant. The food was delicious and we BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413/twogames@wi.rr.com It was a beautiful May day when we gathered to celebrate with our Member of the Year, Milly Mursec. The lunch at the Open Flame Restaurant was delicious and our honoree was given flowers and a gift from our branch as well as best wishes from the guests who attended. Fall 2017 25 had a very nice sunny day. Rose Mary Toth expresses her heartfelt thanks to all the ladies for surprising her with gifts and flowers. Thanks to Cookie for photos of the event. Rose expresses her gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy cards that were sent and all the donations to the Lung Association in her late husband John’s name. I was unable to be at the luncheon, but I had the great pleasure of seeing our daughter, Johanna, graduate from Boston College with her degree in philosophy and studio art. Jo is teaching this summer at the prestigious Interlochen School for the Arts near Traverse City, Michigan and has been commissioned to do several portraits and art pieces. Jo has a website with some of her beautiful artwork that combines her background in Catholic philosophy and art: www.johannatomsick.com. Mery and I are very proud of our kids. Our son, Zachary, is a “headhunter,” who helps scientists find jobs, and he’s a drummer in a rock and roll band called The Skies Above Us (taking after a long line of Tomsick musicians, no doubt!). Our son, Jonah, is a medical records consultant in San Francisco. Speaking of San Francisco, I hear from my friends in the Slovenian consulate in northern California frequently about happenings in the San Francisco area, including a recent celebration for Slovenian Independence Day in late June. I want to tell you about John Vidmar, PhD, an honorary Slovenian Consul in Chicago and a Slovenian music aficionado. John is collecting recordings of Slovenian music made in the USA and helping a friend in Minneapolis who has the largest database of rerecorded Slovenian American music. John’s work reveals that many Slovenian records were recorded in the USA and shipped to Slovenia because there were not adequate recording facilities in Slovenia. Other than the obvious cultural aspects, John is looking 26 for any records of Slovenian church choirs, Slovenian folk or other music. So look in the old boxes and suitcases in the attic or basement for those records or tapes of your family members you heard as a child (that you promised yourself you would really check one day) and see if you have anything to add to John’s collection. You can e-mail John at John.Vidmar@ipsos.com. Cookie Maxin has a new great nephew, Levon, who was born on June 10. Cookie also reports that she and our beloved president, Rose Mary Toth, have already attended a planning session for the 2019 National Convention to be held here in Cleveland, and the excitement is beginning to grow! The convention is shaping up to be an epic event for SUA, and what a wonderful city we have to show off to members from across the country. Ivanka Matic recently moved from her home in Euclid to St. Vitus Village. She writes to say hello and of course how nice it is at the Village. Lots of opportunity for prayer and companionship, especially the rosary and litany before daily Mass. Please keep one another and all members of Branch 50 and all of the SUA in your prayers, especially remembering the sick and the suffering, the dead and the poor souls in purgatory, and those they have left behind, to bring comfort and joy to all who mourn. Please write me at ricktomsick@gmail.com with any family news and I will add you to our list of updates for Branch 50. I always like to hear from members near and far. Stokrat poklonov to everyone for all you do in SUA! RICK TOMSICK BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: Barbara Bruch 815.339.2714/barbarabruch@yahoo.com Greetings Everyone! Congratulations to our junior member, Mary Argubright; she has graduated from LaSalle-Peru Twp. High School and will be starting her college studies. Do you know that Branch 89 is on Facebook? You can follow us at Slovenian Union of America Branch 89 Oglesby, Illinois and stay up to date on our activities and see interesting video, pictures, and news about Slovenia. We do not have e-mail addresses for all our members. If you would like a very occasional e-mail from Branch 89, please send your address to suabranch89@yahoo.com. We will see you at our picnic in September. BARBARA BRUCH BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: Kathleen Simmonds 917.780.9412/kathleensimmo@gmail.com On a beautiful sunny day in May, we gathered at an incredible outdoor celebration hosted at the Brooklyn home of Honorary Counsel Erik Horvat and his wife, Karen Horvat. Along with champagne and delicious treats, we shared stories and memories, ideas and hopes for the branch, and Zarja - The Dawn took the time to really get to know one another. It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday and reminded us of how important it is to keep our Slovenian heritage alive amidst the craziness of our New York City existence. Photo Credit: Tanya Vajk May continued to be a busy month, as several thousand people descended onto the steps of the Slovenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. during the EU Open House. Our very own Manca Ahlin demonstrated how to make the most beautiful lace for all of the visitors. Members of Branch 93 delighted in sharing potica and Photo Credit: Stephanie Owens klobase with Ambassador Dr. Cerar and visitors from all over the world interested in our beautiful country and heritage. Highlights for us included a visit by the Kurent (who kept the rain away!) and an update from our President, Stephanie Owens, sharing stories about the community we’ve built in NYC! We’d like to congratulate Marissa Inga for winning a Slovenian Union of America scholarship! Marissa is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan studying in the College of Engineering. She is a memMarissa Inga ber of the Gamma Phi Fall 2017 Beta sorority, is on the financial committee for the Society of Women Engineers, and is involved in several other organizations. Her grandfather, Hank Ostanek, found his Slovenian heritage extremely important to his identity and bequeathed his love for Slovenia to her. She enjoys learning about her heritage and hopes to one day visit Slovenia. Čestitam Marissa! KATHLEEN SIMMONDS Branch 93 President Stephanie Owens with Ambassador Dr. Cerar at the Slovenian Embassy for the EU Open House. Photo Credit: Michael Orme BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Contact Information: Jana Hlade jmhlade@hotmail.com Happy Fall! Hope you are enjoying the changing colors! In May, the Strudel Sisters were again invited to the Slovenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for the European Union Open House. This was the sixth year the ladies have been invited, and they demonstrated how to make apple strudel and potica. This year Mary Mavec (Branch 99), Albina Medved (Branch 23), Rosie Anttila (Branch 35), and their niece, Jana Hlade (Branch 99), attended. The late Paula Mavec from our branch had originally organized the culinary demonstration with her sisters of the Bajda family, and the women are a favorite at the open house. The ladies also had the good fortune to be guests at the Embassy and to do some sightseeing during their time there. Many thanks to Ambassador Božo Cerar and Tjaša Tanko for their hospitality. We will keep you posted of any new events that our branch will host this year. As you may remember, our board has decided to plan fewer events due to attendance. Watch your e-mail for future announcements. Have a Happy Halloween and a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! JANA HLADE BRANCH 100 - Southern California Contact Information: Jean Koci 949.495.0097/ajkoci@cox.net May was a busy month for those of us in Southern California. It started with a luncheon at Marie Callender’s Restaurant in Corona, a midway location between Orange County and the inland communities. The purpose of the meeting and luncheon was to thank Mary Lou Jensen for her 10 years of service as Branch 100 president. In addition, we remembered Dolores Glivar, our 2017 Member of the Year, with the reading of her biography by Bonney Zupan. 27 Dolores could not be present for her honor as she had moved to North Carolina to be closer to her niece with whom she is very close. Everyone enjoyed a nice lunch including a piece of the famous pie for which this restaurant is Mary Lou and Paul Jensen with Mary Lou’s well known. It sister, Linda, at May luncheon. was a nice gathering, and we were happy that Mary Lou and Paul were there. Mary Lou even had a few words to say about her time serving our branch. Teresa Koci will take over as our new president. Later in the month, Ken and Teresa, along with Rosemary Mlakar, and I traveled to Notre Dame for James Koci’s, their son/grandson, graduation, picking up his sister, Ellie, on the way who had already finished her classes at St. Mary’s. One of the highlights of the weekend was a graduation party hosted by the Mazurek family on Saturday evening. Their daughter, Alyssa, was a graduate along with Barbi ProkSUA members at Notre Dame Graduation: up from St. Ken Koci, Jean Koci, James Koci, RoseMary’s Colmary Mlakar, Ellen Koci, and Teresa Koci lege. It was great meeting up with Bonnie and family at this party, and as editors of Zarja, Bonnie and Debbie made certain that the SUA members got together for a photo or more for this occasion (see page 32). Congratulations to the grads and to the families of these amazing young adults. We are truly proud of you! After returning home from the graduation trip, I received 28 a phone call from Bill Zerial of Branch 99 in Lemont. He said he would be in Palm Springs, California in June and wanted to know if there would be something in June. He had remembered hearing about wine tasting picnics before but never had a chance to attend. I invited him to attend the Temecula Wine and Beer Picnic held on June 11 at Wiens Family Cellars. SNPJ Orange Coast Lodge hosts this event. Many members are also members of SUA Branch 100. Bill decided to come to listen to the Button Box Club from Fontana and to meet some of our members. He also enjoyed the apple strudel made by our gals headed by Teresa Koci the day before the picnic. Bill sat with us, so we got to hear about some of his cooking and baking projects. He is eager to get his branch more active and hopes to get more interest from some of the younger members. There seems to a good number of active Slovenes in the Lemont area, but maybe there is too much going on and the attendance is spread thin. Anyway it was fun meeting him, and I wish him luck in making his branch grow. There are lots of Fall activities coming up, so we hope many of you will be able to take part in some of them. I just ordered the Dr. Gobetz book that was advertised in the last Zarja, and I am eager to get it. It is amazing how many Slovenes and Slovenian-Americans have achieved so much. Two of our grandchildren, Mia and Phil Koci, from Reno, Nevada were in Slovenia for a few days June 25-28 to meet up with family and friends. They really need at least a week, even though it is a small place in order to have some visiting time as well as touring. I’m happy that they at least will be at a few notable places. Best wishes to all for a Happy Fall holidays, especially Thanksgiving. JEAN KOCI BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin Contact Information: Candy Johnson candyjohnson1718@gmail.com Willard is a lively place in the summer - the 43rd Annual Polka Fest was held June 16-18. Hundreds of polka fans descend on Willard for this music-filled weekend. Treasures can be found at the Willard Historical Society’s rummage sale which is held during the Polka Fest. Proceeds from the sale benefit Settler’s Park in Willard. The annual Druzba Slovenian Picnic was held Sunday, July 30. Slovenians, young and old, flock to the picnic shelter in Willard for a potluck picnic and Slovenian music. It’s a “must attend” for Slovenians in the area! Of course, the highlight of summer in Willard is Holy Family Parish’s annual breaded chicken dinner and bazaar scheduled for Sunday, August 27. A more delicious meal can’t be found in Wisconsin! Breaded chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, Slovenian dressing, corn, coleslaw, ham, cheese curds, dinner rolls, and, of course, potica! Yum! Branch 102 held its annual “Palm Saturday” bake sale raising $170 for our treasury. At our last meeting, President Zarja - The Dawn Bonnie Brierton distributed a membership list, and the group decided to share minutes with members who have e-mail addresses to keep them connected. At our meeting in September we will honor Jack Trunkel, our 2017 Member of the Year. Speaking of Jack, he went fishing in northern Minnesota this spring and brought home some tasty walleye, bass, and perch. In May, his wife, Sarah, was honored for 35 years of employment at the Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville. Congratulations, Sarah! Junior Members Mike and Sandy Brierton both received the Presidential Academic Award for Excellence achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Mike continues to be active with Boy Scouts. Mike and his troop participated in the USS Cobia overnight program in Manitowoc, Wisconsin where they toured the submarine and spent the night sleeping in Junior member, Mike Brierton, is pictured on the left, along with a fellow scout, inside one of the torpedo tubes on the USS Cobia. the bunks. All the boys were so amazed at how small the quarters were. Mike has completed his last rank and will be working towards his Eagle Scout this fall. Sandy is active in Girl Scouts, recently being bestowed her Bronze Award, which involved organizing and completing a community service project. In June, she attended the Miss Wisconsin Princess Program. The Junior member, Sandy BrierPrincess program is a “little ton, on the right, is pictured sister” to the Miss Wisconsin with her mentor, Miss Door Outstanding Teen Program. It County Outstanding Teen, provides a mentoring atmo- Emma Jeanquart. sphere where young teens from all over the state become role models for the princesses. Sandy also learned and performed a dance routine with the other princesses and Fall 2017 performed at the Miss Wisconsin Pageant. Candy Johnson traveled to Holland, Michigan to attend the annual Tulip Festival. Candy and her husband, Steve, took a road trip to Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota in June to visit friends and see some national parks. Next they will visit their daughter, Megan, in Bullfrog, Utah. Megan is working and continues to visit the sights of the Southwest on her days off. You can read about her adventures on her blog at www.redaroundtheworld.com. Hvala in Bog vas blagoslovi. (Thank you and God Bless.) CANDY JOHNSON BRANCH 103 - Washington, D.C. The membership of Branch 103 lives in several states, and when meetings are held - as most recently occurred on May 7 - the attendees are most likely to include men and women who live in the Washington, D.C. area, who also attend the first Sunday-of-the-month Mass held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. At the meeting news was shared from the recent National Board of Directors and member representatives’ meetings. The annual election resulted in past officers continuing in office: President Mary Lou Terselic, Vice-President Ana Sonc Jevtic, and Secretary-Treasurer and Member Representative Rich Terselic. Mary Lou Terselic was nominated as branch Member of the Year, and the Summer 2017 Zarja included her picture and write-up. The branch was proud to note that members Susan Eckert and Abbie Terselic received scholarship awards. Susan completed a master’s degree in education in May 2017 and Abbie is pursuing a nursing degree. Longtime member, Mary Mejac, is living at an assisted living facility in Potomac, Maryland, and sends her greetings to the many friends she made during her long service as branch Secretary-Treasurer. Branch Vice President Ana Sonc Jevtic continues teaching Slovenian language classes to U.S. State Department staff expected to be posted in Slovenia. She and a group of her current students made a weekend trip from Washington, D.C. to Cleveland to celebrate the Mardi Gras. The event is called Kurentovanje (koo-rahn-toh-VAHN-yay) festival. In addition to encouraging the Kurents in their efforts at chasing away Winter and welcoming Spring, the group was immersed in other Slovenian activities at a local restaurant-brewery and at the St. Clair Avenue Slovenian Archives and Museum. At the museum the Consul General Andrej Rode and Luka Zibelnik welcomed them. Luka teaches Slovenian language at Cleveland State University. The Slovenian Museum and Archives had an exhibit on the many historical carnival masks of Slovenia. Beside the Mardi Gras parade there were many cultural performances in the St. Clair Avenue Slovenian National Home as well as traditional Slovenian food including klobase, potica, 29 kremna rezina (cream cake), and krofi. The ladies who prepared the krofi rose at 2:00 a.m. to start the dough. The travelers also visited the very impressive Slovenian Sunday School at St. Vitus parish where kindergartners, school children, and adults learn Slovenian language and culture. The school evidences much love for the Slovenian language and cultural heritage! The weekend went quickly and all thoroughly enjoyed their full Slovenian cultural immersion. The branch Spiritual Director, Fr. Ray Wadas, retired earlier in 2017 from 44 years of pastoral duties and is currently living at the seminary of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. At the seminary he serves as a counselor to seminarians who come from around the world. After ordination they serve in the archdiocese. RICHARD TERSELIC land ever since. The land here has been farmed on and off for decades. In the 1920s and 1930s, there was a barn with farm animals in the back part of the land. In the 1950s, the previous owner/farmer used to alternate planting peanuts and corn. In recent years, members Charlie and his daughter, Lynn Koiner, have grown a variety of vegetables and fruits which they sell each week at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Silver Spring. Charlie and Lynn have won countless blue ribbons at the Montgomery County Fair. Lynn held a special community wide event in June to tour the Koiner Farm and to share secrets on how they prepare to enter the annual competition. Nika Kovacic and Bernadette and Tim Fitzsimmons joined this event and enjoyed meeting Charlie Koiner and learning about the variety of herbs, vegetables, and trees on the plot of land in the urban center of Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Congratulations to Branch 108 member Thomas FitzContact Information: Bernadette Fitzsimmons simmons on receiving the Slovenian Women’s Union bettekfitz@verizon.net Scholarship Foundation’s 2017 Jean Kurilich Memorial Branch members gathered on Saturday, May 13, to greet Scholarship. Thomas is a junior at St. Vincent College. thousands of visitors to the Embassy of Slovenia for Also, congratulations to Class of 2017 members Juliana the annual European and Matthew FitzsimUnion Open House. mons who graduated Tanja Nelson and May from high school and Kokal coordinated the college, respectively. SUA Branch 108 disIn addition, May Koplay. Tanja stated, “Our kal’s grandson, Connor table especially had a Roda, also graduated lot of visitors because from high school. Best we were right next to wishes to all our 2017 the wine tasting table, graduates as they conso we got to talk to tinue their studies in them while they were college and graduate waiting in line for their school. wine sample. Also we We look forward to upwere quite a hit with dating members at our the Slovenian folk cos- Branch 108 members at the European Union Open House (left to fall meeting about SUA tumes, and everyone right): Tanja Nelson, Erika K. Roda, May Kokal, Margie Whitmore, activities. Keep an eye was taking pictures of Ana Skopec, Branch 103, and Estelle Zorman. out for an SUA e-mail us. It was really a beautiful day and a great experience, in your inbox about future meetings and events. and everyone from our table had a lot of fun.” Our branch Understanding Slovenian sayings by Bernadette: will miss former Ambassador Dr. Bozo Cerar, as he was Pšenica devetkrat barvo spremeni, preden dozori. fond of our members and supportive of our endeavors in “Wheat changes color nine times, before it matures.” the Slovenian community. We all look forward to meeting BERNADETTE FITZSIMMONS the new Ambassador to Slovenia this fall. BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities (TC) of Minnesota Branch 108 member Charlie Koiner has been a farmer Contact Information: Elaine Barthelemy in Montgomery County, Maryland for his entire life. He elaineab@yahoo.com will be celebrating 97 years in November, 2017 and still Slovenians in Hollywood was the compelling topic of keeps busy working daily, tending to the variety of vegetable, herbs and fruits growing on his plot of land. The our May membership meeting with Joe Valencic, noted family farm was originally located on Rockville Pike at the lecturer, writer, and producer of television documentaries intersection of the Pike and Old Georgetown Road. In the on Slovenian-American history and culture. Joe even does early 1980s, Charlie purchased four lots beside 737 Easley subtitles for Slovenian films. In case that doesn’t keep him Street in Silver Spring, Maryland and has been farming the busy enough, Joe was also one of the founding trustees 30 Zarja - The Dawn of the Polka Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio and serves as its historian and museum director. Inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame in 2007, Joe hosts a radio show on 247 Polka Heaven. In his presentation, Joe highlighted many American-Slovenian and Slovenian native actors and animators beginning in the 1920s. Space here only allows room for a few. Slovenian-speaking Frank Gorshin was a comedian, impressionist, and character actor who acted in many films and television series, including Batman where he played the Riddler on ten episodes. Aurora, Minnesotan native Francine York (nee Yerich) enjoyed a long career acting on television and in films from 1960 until her death early in 2017. Francine got her first break by acting in several of Jerry Lewis’s movies, including The Nutty Professor. Finally, we learned about movies filmed in Slovenia including No Man’s Land about the Bosnian war which received both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film from the people, an early form of democracy, was unusual at that time and an early form of democracy. For our booth a replica of the Prince’s Stone was made, displayed and used as a prop for a reenactment of the ceremony, using fairgoers as actors. Some students were especially happy The set up crew for the booth having some fun with the medieval costumes re-enacting the ceremony of the Princes Stone: Tom Moren, Rick Pisa, Bob Grahek, Mike Koski, and Sue Rademacher. John Zakelj, Mike Koski, Joe Valencic, and Frank Thunander from our May meeting. in 2001. Following the meeting, our Branch 109 board took Joe out to lunch where he shared more stories. For the tenth year in a row, Branch 109 hosted a booth about Slovenia at the Festival of Nations in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ours was one of thirty-nine cultural exhibits that included China, Egypt, India, France, Poland, Russia, and Tibet, to name a few. This year’s theme was Ceremonies and Rituals. At Frank Medved’s suggestion, the Slovenian booth portrayed the Ritual of the Prince’s Stone, a ceremony dating from pre-feudal times in Slovenian Carinthia. When more powerful groups conquered these Slovenian areas, the local people, who were used to their independence, would give vocal input as to who would be their new leader, called the Duke or Prince. In brief, the ceremony involved the new prospective leader answering peasants’ questions about his plans for the people. Only then was the Prince permitted to sit atop the stone, a symbol of his new power. The notion that rulers receive their power not from God or via inheritance but Fall 2017 to put on costumes and act and play the various parts of the ceremony. As always, our participation in this festival was a real Twin Cities Slovenians’ group effort with over 30 people volunteering for set-up, manning the booth, and taking it down at the end. Mike Koski and Sue Rademacher acted as co-chairs and Marian Brezovec assisted. Miro Medved and Sue constructed the “Stone” and Sue also designed the booth and wrote the play. Karna Brewer sewed the costumes, while Norm Setnicker designed and facilitated the brochure handout. Miro Medved was able to obtain real 2-cent Euro coins with a picture of the Prince’s Stone on the back that we gave away. We were happy to share some facts, culture and history of Slovenia. On July 14 we gathered at the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum in Roseville, Minnesota to celebrate the life of Yul Yost and his many contributions to our Slovenian heritage. Many stayed for the reception and dinner afterward. On August 19, we enjoyed our annual summer picnic at the home of Miro and Karen Medved in Roseville with good food, great music, bocce ball, and fellowship. As usual, the Medveds were perfect hosts for Branch 109 Slovenians. Chuck Podominick has organized a wonderful slate of programs for this coming year beginning with Rick Pisa sharing “Out-of-the-Way” places to visit in Slovenia at our September member meeting and Norm Setnicker and Kendra Kauppi talking about the history of Slovenian immigration to Minnesota at our October meeting. We are an active bunch! ELAINE BARTHELEMY 31 Branches Connecting... SUA’s West Coast Meets the Midwest SUA’s members from Branch 100 - So. California and Branch 24 - LaSalle, Illinois at a graduation party in South Bend, Indiana. Back Row (Left to Right): Bonnie Prokup (24), Ken Koci (100), Bekki Root -holding John Root, Jr. (24), John Root (24), Teresa Koci (100), Bill Prokup (24), and Debbie Pohar (24). Middle Row (Left to Right): Bob Ficek (24), Ellen Koci (100), Barbi Prokup (24), James Koci (100), and Barb Pohar (24). Front Row (Left to Right): Rosemary Mlakar (100), Jean Ficek (24), and Jean Koci (100). Ohio Regional Convention Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 12:30 pm Brewsters Café – Bistro - Pub, 2681 Creekside Drive, Twinsburg, OH 44087 Cost: $20. Includes buffet meal, drink, tax, and gratuity. Write checks payable to SUA Branch 47 and mail to the following: Kathleen Ferrante 178 Gaylord Dr., Munroe Falls, OH 44262 Questions? Call: Home 330.688.4949 or Cell 330.730.8951 Email: kjferrante@gmail.com RSVP by Saturday, September 30th I would appreciate each branch to provide a basket/raffle item or a monetary donation of $25. I hope many of our Ohio members will attend. It is such a good time when we get together. 32 Zarja - The Dawn ZarjaFest 2018 DAY 01: Wednesday, May 30 Depart from the United States to Ljubljana. DAY 02: Thursday, May 31 - BLED Upon arrival to Ljubljana airport, meet our tour director and drive to Bled. Time permitting a stop in Brezje. This evening we gather for our Welcome to Slovenia dinner party. Enjoy the evening getting to know our fellow travelers as we begin this amazing excursion to the homeland. (D) DAY 03: Friday, June 1 - BOHINJ - BLED Following breakfast we dedicate our morning to the Wild Flower Festival in Bohinj to enjoy the food, market, folklore dancing, and other activities. Later we visit a local farm to participate and learn how to make cheese and butter with the family. Our visit includes tasting of homemade products along with drinks and music. The evening is free in Bled. (B, S) DAY 04: Saturday, June 2 - BLED - JEZERŠEK After breakfast enjoy your morning at leisure and take in all that fairytale Bled has to offer. Try a walk around the lake, shop in many of the unique stores, swim, or enjoy a spa treatment. In the afternoon we travel to Jezeršek Restaurant and enjoy a cooking class prepared by the well-known Jezeršek family. (B, D) DAY 05: Sunday, June 3 - BLED - KOMEN - KOBJEGLAVA In the morning after breakfast we say goodbye to beautiful Bled and drive to Komen, located in the Karst region. Our first stop is a local lavender producer who will welcome us with a tasting of juices and sweets made of lavender, followed by a presentation of the factory and their products. We continue to the small village of Kobjeglava to visit an old prosciutto house and have lunch. The next stop is the Herb Farm Belajevi to enjoy their presentation with traditional Slovenian dinner and folklore performance. This evening we drive to Portorož on the Adriatic Sea. (B, S, L, D) DAY 06: Monday, June 4 - PORTOROŽ - LIPICA - PIRAN After breakfast we drive to Lipica to arrive just in time to participate in the morning release of Lipizzaners at Lipica Stud Farm. Feel the energy and joy of hundreds of horses running towards the green fields of Lipica. This is followed by a short sightseeing of Lipica. The day gets more spectacular when we enjoy a picnic at their estate; lunch will be served in the refreshing shadows of the trees. Drive to Piran and have time to stroll around or have a drink at one of the seaside cafes. Dinner will be served on the sea in Piran. (B, L, D) DAY 07: Tuesday, June 5 - ŽALEC - TABOR - PTUJ This morning we enjoy breakfast on the coast before we travel to the eastern part of Slovenia. Our first stop will be in Žalec, where a local guide will tell us the story of the “Green Gold” (hops) and the brewery tradition. After we will visit the first world beer foun- THEN - NOW - ALWAYS! SLOVENIJA tain and taste various local beers. Then travel to the village of Tabor (near Vransko) and have lunch in the charming surroundings of the Lisjak Restaurant. Continue towards the Ptuj area and visit a local family who produces the Kurent costume. This family will present us the history and manufacturing of the costume. We then continue with a short walking tour of this charming small town and visit a local wine producer for a wine tasting. (B, L) DAY 08: Wednesday, June 6 - SEVNICA - ZUZEMBERK Following breakfast we visit Sevnica, the charming home of the First Lady of the USA. There we will have a guided tour of the beautiful Sevnica Castle which was built on top of a hill overlooking Sevnica, providing the best view of the town and conclude our castle experience by enjoying a glass of Blaufränkisch wine from the castle wine cellar. Continue towards Mastnak wine cellar for wine tasting with snacks. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic-style dinner at Žužemberk Castle with accordion player and folklore performance. Drive to Ljubljana for overnight. (B, S, D) DAY 09: Thursday, June 7 - LJUBLJANA Our morning begins with breakfast followed by an orientation tour of the city with our guide. There is free time for lunch and personal activities in the old town. Dinner will be on the outskirts of Ljubljana in a local gostilna. (B, D) DAY 10: Friday, June 8 - NOVO MESTO Visit the old city core of Novo mesto with its impressive and magnificent Main Square, with arcade hallways fronting the ground floors of old town houses and the dominant Town Hall. Take a ride down the River Krka on a traditional Rudolf’s raft and see the old town centre from the river. On this unique ride, you will also be served the typical drink and a symbol of the Dolenjska region, the Cviček wine, which is protected with the mark of a recognized traditional denomination. Have lunch on the wooden raft. Visit the Pleterje Charterhouse open-air museum and sample their brandy. On our way back to Ljubljana visit an open-air museum in Šentrupert and tour some Kozolci (hayracks). They are especially prominent in Dolenjska. We will see all types of hayracks when travelling in the region, with the most beautiful ensembles of hayracks found in the villages of Veliki Orehek and Vinja Vas in the Podgorje area. (B, L) DAY 11: Saturday, June 9 - LJUBLJANA Enjoy breakfast at leisure and the whole day free to explore the capital of Slovenia. Start the day with the market, followed by a visit to the castle or a boat ride on the Ljublanjca river or just people watch in one of the many establishments on the river. Or join some optional trips. Farewell dinner in Ljubljana with accordion player. (B, D) DAY 12: Sunday, June 10 - This morning we say farewell to Slovenia, following breakfast we transfer to Ljubljana airport. (B) e e f th ca h t o i a n Joi Zarj Amer om n of 2018 r f rs Unio 10, o t ! i Ed nian June ide cover ins ve 0Slo ay 3 etails on M ed PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID LASALLE, IL Se ZarjaFest 2018 THEN - NOW - ALWAYS SLOVENIJA An opportunity of a lifetime to experience Slovenia! Let’s explore together this beautiful country we call home. Tour Highlights: Professional Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout the tour Excellent hotels chosen personally for this group Deluxe, air-conditioned, private motorcoach Buffet breakfast daily, four lunches, and seven dinners included Musical entertainment throughout the tour Comprehensive sightseeing tours at all major sites Escorted throughout by Hosts Bonnie Prokup & Debbie Pohar Travel Log Memory Book Plus many more surprises! Come experience firsthand the people and culture from the land of our ancestors. Let us pamper you like a VIP with surprises and unique, local opportunities each day as we take a road trip through the unspoiled back roads of Slovenia. This tour offers much more than sightseeing; we invite you to come see why! Let us take you to this magnificent country and introduce you to locals where you will hear and taste the Slovenian language, music, and food. Let us show you the beautiful cities of Slovenia, such as Bled, Portorož, Piran, Ljubljana, Ptuj, Novo mesto, and Bohinj. Let us explore the little villages as we stroll their narrow streets; partake in the various culinary chores, as we sing, dance, and eat together! Cost: $2,578 per person based on two (2) in a room. (Land Only) Call Judy at Kollander Travel: 800.800.5981 /216.692.1000 ex. 7007 for further information or to book this tour.