$ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International Zarja Official Publication Slovenian Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki Volume 85 Issue 1 January/February 2013 The Dawn SUA Presented... “Taste of Slovenia” Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St. LaSalle, IL 61301-1359 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 85, No 1, January/February 2013 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA (Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America) 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Communications for the next issue of publication Do you have something SUA-related you would like to share with readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please email the editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to SUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15th day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the March/April issue must be received by January 15th. Thank you. Submission Guidelines Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address with each submission, including e-mailed submissions. Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted materials. It is best to e-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal (or better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach your photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable, please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies must be a resolution of 300 or higher.) By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian Union of America (formerly the Slovenian Women’s Union of America) the use of the material, including your name, hometown and state. We may modify, reproduce, and distribute it in any SUA authorized medium and in any manner or appropriate place. Letters to the Editor What a treat to read the various articles in the November/ December 2012 Zarja magazine. I so appreciate the writers gathering their genealogy (or in the case of George Plautz, other’s genealogy) and stories to combine them into charming pieces of history. The story of Abbie Smuk’s church by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk, and ‘Holding On To the Hope Chest’ by David Sodac are tender reminders that our beautiful Slovenian ancestors all had stories. Most of their lives we will never know, but these tid bits are precious because we love them. It inspires me to write a story about some of my ancestors for publication, but I may try to convince one of my “real writer” siblings to do it instead. Snow Simms, Basalt, CO, Branch 3 Dear Ms. Pohar, Just received my Zarja and noticed an error that involves my mother. At the bottom of page 8 is a small photo of her when still in Ljubljana. My mother is Jean Kurilich and is no relation to the woman in the photo near her. I had sent this photo earlier in relation to scholarships in her name. Can you please acknowledge this error in your next edition? Thanks very much. I am her daughter, Frances Kurilich. Jean Kurilich in Ljubljana Dear Frances, We apologize for the mistake in placing the above picture of your mother, Jean Kurilich, in the article on Branch 2 Chicago in the November/December issue of Zarja. Debbie Pohar, Editor Front Cover: “Taste of Slovenia” Gail Woodshank and Vicki Klein, both of Branch 24 - LaSalle demonstrate making pala~inke; Eileen Kochevar playing the button box, Branch 20 - Joliet. Photos: by Mary Carmody President’s Message Happy New Year to all our Zarja - The Dawn readers May 2013 be a wonderful year filled with family, friends, and laughter at each of your homes and for our 87-yearold organization. Yes, that is correct; the Slovenian Union of America will reach 87 years in 2013. This is unbelievable, but more importantly, very encouraging. We have worked very hard this past decade in keeping the Slovenian spirit alive. We have done this through events across the United States; conventions, Zarja - The Dawn, online newsletter, our website, heritage museum, programs, scholarships, culinary classes, and so much more. building. Recruiting and retaining members needs to be our number one goal for 2013. Please consider purchasing a membership for someone or encouraging someone to join. Don’t sit back and think someone else will do it; take the initiative now. Use the application in this issue or download one from our website at www.slovenianunion.org. Our future depends on this. Without members we can’t reach 100 years. Can you help? Bonnie Pohar Prokup National President Slovenian Union of America Every year we say, “We need more members,” but as we keep getting older it is more evident we need to keep SUA Donations Thank You! 2015 National Convention $50 Donation Dorchak, Olga, 47, +Jennie Gerk $50 Donation Henkel, Nancy, 89, +Margie Walter $35 Donation Huc, Ruth Ann, 43, Zarja Triglav or Bust $100 Donation Family of Raymond Schultz, 99 $25 Donation Peterlin, Victoria, 50, +Frances Peterlin Wallace, Katherine, 47, +Elsie M Spellacy $50 Donation Anttila, Rosie, 35 $20 Donation Mulvey, Maureen, 20, +Anna Marie Sternisha and Alice Valek $35 Donation Herbst, Jean, 20 $15 Donation Kramer, Monica, 43, +Florence Champa Hunter $25 Donation Kolesari, Betty Ann, 43 Heritage Fund $5 Donation Kulaga, Thomas, 2, Zarja $25 Donation Klatt, Lois, 30, +Jacob and Louisa Loncarich New Members Mathis, Halcyon, 3 Turk, Linda, 5 Turk, Ronald, 5 Panian, Ronald, 13 Ancel, Joseph, 20 Carlson, Lori, 20 January/February 2013 Yazbec, Mary Ellen, 20 Zupancic, Sarah, 20 Skala Jr., Joseph, 33 Cebasek, Breda, 43 Sedora, Deborah, 71 Yuvan, Dianna, 71 Lukach, Emma Grace, 89 Lukach, William, 89 Makovec Petrik, Tanja, 93 Konchar, Katie, 108 Konchar, Natalie, 108 Konchar, Noelle, 108 Monson, Jamie, 109 Setnicker, Ben, 109 Setnicker, Sam, 109 1 Ryba’s Reminders by Carol Ryba - National Treasurer Invoices Annual dues invoices will be mailed via U.S. mail during the first couple of weeks in January. We remind you that payment is due 30 days after receipt. We continue to send too many reminders because many members do not pay their dues until very late in the year. Last year we had to send over 800 reminders in May, and in October we sent over 300. It is requested that you pay your invoices by April 1st as required in our SUA bylaws. Sending so many reminders greatly increases our mailing costs. We will no longer send the annual invoices via e-mail. In the past we tried this in order to save money on postage, but unfortunately many members claim that they do not receive e-mailed invoices because apparently some go into spam mail. We may still occasionally send reminders and other important news via e-mail so everyone still should check their spam mail. Also, you do not need to receive an invoice in the mail. You can always pay by using the renewal portion of the application form which is printed in every issue. Update on 501(c)3 The IRS is working on our application because they have queried us on a few clarifications, and with the guidance of our attorney we provided additional information. Hopefully, by the time you receive this issue, we will have received non-profit status. Burial Insurance Per our attorney, the Department of Insurance will not make a decision on how we proceed to get out of the insurance business until the IRS has ruled on our application. What did Treasurer Carol Ryba wish for when she rang the church bell on Bled Island? “Keeping the Spirit Alive” and Increasing Membership Let’s help fulfill this wish by making a New Year’s Resolution Recruit and sign up new members! Holiday Gift Product Fundraiser I wish to thank all members who participated in this fundraiser. I also want to extend a special hvala lepa to Cookie Maxin, Vice President of Branch 50, who proved to be an excellent salesperson. Her boss, who is a nonmember, submitted a large order because Cookie made the effort to help us. If each Branch would just ask a 2 few non-members to purchase these lovely gifts, we could double our profit next year. As I have said before, we will need to rely on fundraisers for additional income because we want to keep our membership dues from increasing. We need your help in the future. Zarja The Dawn Zarja’s Unforgettable Journey October 2012 January/February 2013 3 Once again the Slovenian Union of America had an unforgettable journey to beautiful Slovenia. Everyone arrived home safely with lasting memories. We had a total of 18 travelers from Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. One family group of eight included three sisters, their husbands, cousins, and a friend. Another family group of three included mother, daughter, and son-in-law. Some became “adopted” Slovenians, but they soon learned the words “Na zdravje” and “dober tek.” Additionally, everyone enjoyed the wonderful Slovenian hospitality, culture, and heritage. Manja Lilek again was our Slovenian tour-guide, and as usual she did an excellent job. This was my sixth trip to Slovenia and three have been with SUA/Zarja sponsored tours. I can say without reservation that in addition to making every effort to provide excellent educational information about our culture and heritage, we also make new friends and have a good time. If you are thinking about visiting Slovenia, we hope you will consider joining SUA on a future trip. We promise that we will do our best to educate, celebrate, and of course laugh. - Carol Ryba 4 Zarja The Dawn Membership Application and Renewal Slovenian Union of America (Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America) slovenianunion.org swuhome@sbcglobal.net 815.727.1926 For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page Adult Dues $25.00 Adult Dues (International Address) $35.00 Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00 If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dues are for January through December If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year Invoices are sent annually in January Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to: Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 Last Name________________________________ First Name_______________________ M___ F_____ Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________ Date of Birth_________________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________ Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES ___________________________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about us? SUA Member___ Newspaper___ Website___ Other_____________________ I would like to volunteer for the SUA. My area of interest or expertise is______________________________ Applicant’s Signature__________________________________________ Date______________________ Tell a Friend! If you wish SUA to send information to a friend or relative, please provide us with their name and address: Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ (located on back cover) Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________ Mail to: SUA/SWUA, 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703 January/February 2013 5 SWU Scholarship Foundation SWU SCHOLARSHIPS available for the 2013-2014 academic year by Mary Turvey, SWU Scholarship Director CELEBRATING 64 YEARS OF FINANCIALLY ASSISTING STUDENTS Mission: To generate funding to financially assist students with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture. JOSEF PRINC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP $4,000 SWU SCHOLARSHIPS $1,000 and $ 2,000 Graduate Student for 2013-2014 Academic Year College Students for 2013-2014 Academic Year The Josef Princ Memorial Scholarship for a Graduate Student will be available to a full-time graduate student majoring exclusively in Science, Mathematics, or Engineering during the 2013-2014 school year. The Scholarship will be awarded in April 2013. The SWU Scholarship Foundation is offering $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships for college students attending accredited colleges or universities full time. Applicants must hold membership in the Slovenian Union of America organization for three (3) years prior to applying. Application forms can be found on the website http:// www.slovenianunion.org. All application materials must be sent by land mail, postmarked no later than March 1, 2013. E-mailed documents will not be accepted. This Scholarship is open to full-time graduate students who have one (1) parent, grandparent, or great- grandparent of Slovenian ancestry, and will be offered on alternate years. The applicant does not have to hold membership in the Slovenian Union of America. The next award will be offered during the 2015-2016 academic year. April 2015 being the award date. Josef Princ, a native of Velika Bukovica, Illirska Bistrica, Slovenia, graduated with an Engineering Degree from the University of Ljubljana and continued his studies in Germany. After immigrating to the United States in 1957, he continued his studies and worked for Nichols Home Shield as their chief designer and acquired a number of patents. He also was a designer for Anderson Window Company. Josef and his wife, Rose Marie, were married for 36 years before he died in l999. Josef loved being an American, although he was also very proud of his heritage. Applications for the Josef Princ Scholarship can be found online at http://www.slovenianunion.org. All application materials must be submitted before March 1, 2013. No emailed application information will be accepted. The Rose Marie Princ Scholarship of $4,000 for a Graduate Student will be available in alternate years to a graduate student majoring exclusively in the field of Education. The next award will be offered in April 2014 for the 20142015 academic year. 6 Please alert those students in your community who are eligible for these SWU Scholarships. Applications for Scholarships should be mailed to: Mary Turvey, SWU Scholarship Foundation, 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, Michigan, 49855. For more information contact mturvey@aol.com. Scholarship Donations $500 Donation Branch 2, Chicago, IL - Branch 2 Scholarship Fund $41 Donation SUA Home Office Visitor’s Contributions $30 Donation Ivanka Matic $25 Donation Patricia Budzilek, +Monica Mikolic Jean Koci, Branch 100 $20 Donation Agnes D. Zabak, +Elsie Spellacy Zarja The Dawn Introducing SWU Scholarship Foundation Branch Representatives There are a number of students who are members of the SUA who are not aware of our SWU Scholarship offerings. A letter was written to each of 30 branch presidents asking for a representative who would contact and encourage local, young people to apply. We are proud to announce the following education- oriented SUA members who have kindly offered to serve. If you are interested in learning more about the SWU Scholarship Program and its function please call one of them. They will have copies of evaluation, student evaluation procedures, and will be of good help. There are various categories used by SWU Scholarship Committee members, grades being only one part of the criteria. For those from branches not listed, if you would like to become a SWU Scholarship Representative please send an e-mail to Mary Turvey at mturvey@aol.com and we will be happy to welcome you. Branch 1: Marilyn Hendricks 3980 South 18th St., Sheboygan, WI 53081 920.457.1463 Branch 2: Jean Zeleznikar 121 75th St., Burr Ridge, IL 60521-5561 630.325.3965 Branch 3: Bernice Krasovec 4730 Roosevelt Ct., Pueblo, CO 81005-5555 719.564.6779 Branch 20: Annette Koncar 1055 Buell Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 815.726.5119 Branch 35: Marianne Nanti 8429 Mud Lake Rd., Mt. Iron, MN 55768 218.741.6299 Chicago’s Branch 2 Activities For many years in the past, Branch 2 - Chicago, IL, SUA members have set goals to accomplish improvements in the religious community of Chicago. Back in 1989, it took them three years to raise $6,500.00 to fund an Italian, marble covering over a worn statue of St. Francis of Assisi, which graces the grounds of St. Francis Seminary in Lemont, IL. The statue was dedicated in honor of Father Vendelin, a brilliant, much-loved musician of the Franciscan Order. Since that time Branch 2 has done considerable fund-raising to help restore and preserve the Slovenian St. Stephens Church of Chicago. In 2011, Branch 2 held a “Woman of the Year” banquet in honor of Frances Morison, who had served 30 years at that time, and presented the SWU Scholarship Foundation a check of $2,500 in honor of Francis Morison. During April 2012, a $2,000 Frances Morison Scholarship was awarded to Margaret Koncar, a student at Xavier University. On September 22, 2012, during the Baraga Day Celebration held in Marquette, Michigan, Genevieve Buol, past SUA National Auditor for two terms, past Illinois – Indiana Regional President for two terms, and long-time member of Branch 2, presented SWU Scholarship Officers, Marge Church and Mary Turvey, with a check of $500. The $500 balance from the 2011 gift plus this new $500 contribution will result in a $1,000 Branch 2 Scholarship to be awarded to an outstanding student. As always, the Officers and Trustees of SWU Scholarship Foundation are grateful for your support and encouragement. We thank you for your generosity. Branch 42: Marge Church 1028 Skyland Dr., Macedonia, OH 44056 330.467.0696 Branch 43: Rita Majerle-Klug 6260 S. Lake Dr., #809, Cudahy, WI 53110 414.333.5536 Branch 55: Maria Selak 1058 Susan Lane, Girard, OH 44420 330.539.5893 Branch 99: Margie Cepon 6137 Knollwood Rd., Unit 305, Willowbrook, IL 60527 773.520.2944 Branch 102: Candace Johnson 1718 Main St., Eau Claire, WI 54701 715.836.0146 Branch 109: Norman Setnicker 188 Wedgewood Dr., Mahtomedi, MN 55115 651.777.6106 Left to right: Mary Turvey, Marge Church, Gen Buol A little note from the archival collection of Marie Prisland typed years ago: “The mother is the fire, the children the light. By the brightness of the light, we know how great is the fire. May the fire of God’s love burn in each of us as we enter into the year 2013.” For information, questions, and greatly needed contributions, please contact: Mary Turvey, 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, Michigan, 49855 mturvey@aol.com or Marge Church, 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, Ohio, 44056 yemec1@windstream.net January/February 2013 7 Death of a Surname By George Plautz, Zarja Staff Writer A Record of Immigration Slovenian Pioneers to America 1840-1879 We continue with the pioneers who came to Iowa and Stearns County, Minnesota. The difference between these pioneers and those who came after 1880 was that they settled land to farm, and create businesses, while those who arrived later in America came to work in the mines and factories. Some descendants of the families listed in this column still have farms in Iowa and Minnesota. Beginning in the 1870’s, the church of St. Anthony of Padua in St. Anthony and the church of St. Stephen’s in the Woods in St. Stephen were built, both in Stearns County. 1865 - During this year Jacob Gollobitsch arrived in America, settling in Clinton County, Iowa, along with his wife, Anna Adam. Jacob was born May 1, 1839, in Trata, Semic Parish, Slovenia, and his wife, Anna, was born March 1, 1846, in Tanca Gora, Dragatus Parish, Slovenia. Jacob and Anna were married January 12, 1872, in Sugar Creek, Iowa. Children are: Mary, born December 1872, married Mathias Stukel, died abt. 1905 in Michigan; Jacob, born August 1874, died May 26, 1932; John Henry, born January 1877, died June 26, 1940; Joseph, born October 1879; Peter, born February 1885, died November 1, 1948; Anna, born March 1887; and Helen A., born 1890, married Frank W. Wolever, died abt. 1959 in North Dakota. Jacob’s brother, John, settled in Iowa, arriving in 1870 and is listed below. According to a family tree, it appears that Jacob, John, and Matt were brothers, and the sons of Stefan Golubic and his wife, Anna. While it appears this may be true for Matt, born abt. 1848, it could not be true for Jacob or John, as Stefan Golubic of Trata 2, married Anna Rauch, in 1842. In the Slovenian language, the word “golob” means pigeon, hence Golobic, is a keeper of pigeons. The variations on this surname in Iowa alone are very numerous. I have found some family listed under Golobits, Gollovit, Gollobith, Gollobitch, and Gollobitsch, making research of the families very complicated. August 4, 1866 - John Cherne (Cerny) arrives in Baltimore and settles in Albany, Minnesota. John was born August 15, 1848, in Dobrava, Slovenia, to Simon Cerne and Appolina Supan. John married Mina Svolshak on April 19, 1875. Mina was born on August 5, 1855, in Altach, Austria, and died on October 15, 1923, in St. Anthony, Minnesota. John died on November 6, 1932, in St. Anthony, Minnesota. The couple had the following children: Mary (Sister Mary Ann), born July 2, 1876, died October 22, 1909, in Rock Island, Illinois; John, born abt. 1878, died abt. 1944 in Virginia, Minnesota; Joseph, born January 10, 1880, married 8 Gertrude Anna Ostendorf, died December 18, 1954; Anna, born November 29, 1881, caretaker for cousin, James Cerne, a priest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died abt. 1956, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Anton, born August 4, 1882, died abt. 1890; Katharina, born August 7, 1885, died abt. 1888; Frank, born December 28, 1885, married Elizabeth M. Wenker, died abt. 1943; Andrew, born December 3, 1887, married Mary Elizabeth Brednick, died October 14, 1982, in Eveleth, Minnesota; Mike, born November 17, 1889, married Frances Wenker, died September 26, 1931, in Ely, Minnesota; Katie, born February 22, 1891, married Frank John Hoeschen, died January 1, 1979, in Albany, Minnesota; Frances, born April 7, 1893, married Frank Malley, died January 8, 1982, in Buhl, Minnesota; Tillie, born April 29, 1896, married Anton Wolking, died October 21, 1947 in Stearns County, Minnesota; Rosy, born June 16, 1897, married William Schiller, died August 27, 2001, in St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Bernard Albin, born March 25, 1902, died April 11, 1980, in Petoskey, Michigan. All 14 children were born in Albany, Minnesota. Many descendants of John and Mina are maintaining a family tree. Helena Cherne married Gregor Peternell; she was the sister of John and is mentioned in the listing of 1866 for Gregor Peternell. In 1868 Lovo Erlah is the first Slovenian settler in Omaha, Nebraska. I was unable to find any reference to an Erlah in Nebraska, not sure if he stayed in America or not. 1868 - During this year, Mathias Schifler (Schiffler) arrives in Albany, Minnesota. Mathias married Anna Maria Notch, daughter of Laurent Notch and Appolina Pierz. Mathias was born June 9, 1840, in Kranj, Slovenia, died June 14, 1924, in Albany, Minnesota. Anna was born August 7, 1841, in Birkendorf, Austria, and died November 12, 1919, in Albany, Minnesota. Mathias and Anna have the following children: Louis, died June 17, 1913, of tuberculosis; Frank, unknown, Joseph, unknown, Mathias, born February 12, 1871, married to Anna Thovacer on January 17, 1898, died October 23, 1944, in St. Paul, Minnesota; Anna, born August 16, 1872, married Matt Schulte, died May 14, 1915, in Allerston, Alberta, Canada; Anton, born April 24, 1878, married Margaret Krakar, died September 4, 1964; John, born December 25, 1875, married Maria Frye, died January 13, 1946, in Albany, Minnesota; Lawrence, born November 19, 1882, died June 15, 1948, in Albany, Minnesota; and, Mary, born March 3, 1885, died September 23, 1943, in Albany, Minnesota. All the children were born in Albany; Zarja The Dawn the 1885 Minnesota state census shows the children born in this order: Mathias, Joseph, Frank, John, Anton, Louis, Anna, and Mary. Lawrence is not listed on the census, however in that time period, he should have been. Lorenz (Lawrence), born November 1881, and his three brothers, Joseph, born September 1872, John, born December 1876, Anton, born April 1879, work on a farm in the 1900 U.S. Census for Krain, Minnesota. Ann, their sister married to Matt Schulte, lives next door to them, and her birth is given as August 1872. So there is a little mystery as to the actual dates of birth. All of the family farmed in Stearns County. May 11, 1869, Joseph Gasperlin arrived in America and settled in St. Anthony, Krain Township, Minnesota. Joseph, born January 17, 1830, in Slovenia to Urban Gasperlin and Marja Bucar, died October 25, 1913, in St. Anthony, Minnesota. He married Maria Budner in Slovenia. Joseph and Maria appear to have lived in Vienna, Austria, for some time. Their children were all born in Slovenia or Austria. They are: John, born August 12, 1851, died September 12, 1931, in Minnesota, married Theresa Maschisnick; Mary, born about 1856, died about 1939, married William Gerads; Michael, born May 1857, died April 2, 1936, in Stearns County, Minnesota; Johanna, born June 19, 1959, died August 23, 1939, in Barnesville, Minnesota; Frank, born May 1861, died May 14, 1947, in Koochiching, Minnesota; Margaret, born July 1, 1863, died March 25, 1915, married Frank Rass (Ross); Joseph, born March 6, 1866, died March 23, 1960, in Koochiching, Minnesota; and Jacob, born July 23, 1876, died March 28, 1955, in Waite Park, Minnesota, married Clara Rakotz, born October 6, 1897, to Frank Rakotz and Caroline Gerads, died on October 9, 1995, St. Cloud, Minnesota. Joseph Gasperlin is mentioned in the history of Stearns County as having served as town clerk and a resident of Krain Township for 44 years. He is also mentioned in a history of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church as instrumental in building the original church. The first school in Krain Township was conducted at Joseph Gasperlin’s house in 1874. 1870 - During this year, Martin Teshak (Tezak) arrived in Waterford Township, Clinton County. He was born July 4, 1836, in Suhor, Slovenia. In 1881, he married Appolonia Maurin Messrich, the widow of John Messerich. Martin and Appolonia have three children: Martin, born July 6, 1882, married Wilhelmina Elsner, died August 15, 1966; Anton, born January 11, 1886, married Frances Rose, died November 1967; and, Anna, born June 29, 1888, married Louis Boehmer, died January 17, 1910. The Messerich children lived with the Teshaks but will be mentioned in another listing. Son, Martin, and Wilhelmina had five children: Rosalla, born July 7, 1909, married Cyril Eckenberg, died November 9, 2005; Pauline Caroline, born September 21, 1906, married Joseph Banowetz, died abt. 2002; Irene Genevieve, born May 24, 1913, married Joseph John Rose, died January 24, 2008; Ella Cecelia, born June 6, 1919, married Leroy Ray, died August 29, 1999; and January/February 2013 Cecelia Frances, born February 12, 1930, died February 12, 1930. Son, Anton, and Frances had four children: Della C., born November 18, 1908, married Leo Banowetz, died May 16, 2006; Clara Bernadette married Wilbert John Weimerskirch, died December 17, 2010; Maria-no information available; Vernard Vincent, married Mildred, died May 1978. Daughter, Anna, and Louis Boehmer had three children: Rita Elizabeth, born October 3, 1917, married Walter Joseph Banowetz, died July 20, 2009; and sisters, Dolores and Marie. The Banowetz, Messarich, and Maurin families will be listed separately in future issues of Zarja. Background information on the Teshak family came from SUA member, Arlene Rose Considine. Arlene provided information concerning her Sugar Creek families to the website put together by Marilu Thurman of Brown’s Township, Iowa, and also donated newspaper articles and genealogy data to our library in Joliet, IL. Arlene will assist me in identifying individuals of Slovenian descent in Clinton County, Iowa. If you followed the above genealogy you will find that the Rose and Banowetz families are closely related to the Teshak and Maurin family. This happened in the small villages of Europe and America. 1870 - Prior to this year, John Gollobitsch arrived in America and settled in Clinton County, Iowa. In the 1870 U.S. Census, he is living with his wife, children, and mother, Anna. John’s brother, Jacob, listed at the beginning of this column, is also living with the family. John was born December 27, 1833, and died February 5, 1894. His wife, Anna Maria “Rosa” Nipp, was born September 4, 1833, and died December 18, 1915. John and Anna had the following children: Rosa M., born August 1863, married Jacob Wilwerding, died 1921; Mary Elizabeth, born March 15, 1865, married John Charles Heese, died November 13, 1937; Catherine, born 1867, married Peter Joseph Korth, died March 29, 1894; Mary, born 1869; Theresa, born 1871; John, born March 14, 1872, died February 27, 1890; Anna, born 1874. John and his family moved to Shelby County, Iowa, and farmed. There is no mention of John or his family in the U.S. Censuses after 1880. 1870 - During this year, Jakob Klemencic works at the Bavaria Brewery in California; has one of the first children born of Slovenian descent in California. Jacob, born about 1850, is listed as brewery driver in the 1880 U.S. Census for San Francisco, California. Information about his history is from the history by Don Kambic, titled “The Slovenes of Northern California.” There is no further mention of him in the censuses. To contact me by mail: George Plautz 1307 Dragon Head Drive Valrico, FL 33594 or by e-mail at doblice@gmail.com 9 Two Indian Missionaries at Work Mother Teresa and Father Joze Cukale, s.j. © by Jean Cukale Koci Branch 100 1994 For almost 50 years these two missionaries worked to help the very unfortunate in and around Calcutta, India. Many times they worked together side by side, but often it was separately, but always it was for the needs of people in distress. F irst, I would like to introduce you to this man who devoted his life to his missionary work in India. Father Joze Cukale, s.j. was my first cousin, the son of my father’s older brother. He was born in what is now Slovenia in April of 1915. He was ordained in 1940 and served in a neighboring parish to his home until the end of WWII. During that time, Communists took over the government and the lives of the people of Yugoslavia. Many Catholics were murdered, or if lucky, were able to flee; some stayed and lived under persecution, especially during the first years after the war. Although two of Father Joze’s brothers were killed, as were many of his friends, his other family members stayed in the family home in Vrhnika. Joze was able to escape in 1945 and went to Italy, where he joined the Jesuits in Rome in 1950. He was sent to India in the heat of the jungle. It was his dream to be a missionary and especially to help unfortunate children. Shortly after his arrival in Calcutta, Father Joze met a nun who was helping the very poor and destitute people of Calcutta. She had started her own order, called the Missionaries of 10 Charity. Because she came from a background similar to his, in Eastern Europe, they connected. This nun was Mother Teresa. In the early 1950’s, I started communicating with Father Joze by first including a note in with a letter that my father wrote to him. I was a high school student at the time, and Father encouraged me to be a good student and a good person. Father Joze wrote beautiful letters, and I answered. He sent photos of his meetings and work with Mother Teresa as early as 1956, and again in 1959, he sent photos of dispensaries and an orphanage for abandoned children. At this point I hadn’t heard of Mother Teresa’s work, except through my cousin. In one letter he wrote, “I am pleased to being favored to work with this God-sent woman. In fact, I hope to be able to get a house for her in our Parish of St. Ignatius, where there are about 12 slums and bustees and plenty of everything that goes with this kind of ‘stuff.’ We are conducting a large-scale campaign to convert mud huts into brick; the smelly places into clean, sunny, hygienic dwellings.” Zarja The Dawn January/February 2013 11 Through the years, of course, we heard more and more about the deeds of the Missionaries of Charity as they spread their work around the world. These two missionaries and their associates became close friends and consulted with one another. Their work was not so much trying to convert anyone to Catholicism, as it was to give the poor a place to stay, a way to learn how to grow food, and raise chickens to feed their families. It would give them dignity to do something for themselves, and when necessary, to die in peace. Father Joze was able to build the Church of St. Anthony in the early 1980’s and stayed and served there throughout most of that decade; it was a huge accomplishment. Everyone was welcome. Because Mother Teresa had no priests in her Mother House, she would visit there with some of her sisters and lay missionaries. Father Joze would celebrate Mass for them. He performed the Sacrament of Marriage, Baptism, and First Communion for many families at St. Anthony’s. It was a busy life. Many of his friends, however, were Hindus, and he had learned their language, although English was spoken quite readily throughout India. In order to relax and for self expression, Father Joze was an artist and a poet. Unlike Mother Teresa, he kept close ties with his family in Europe. During a difficult period, he would send letters to me and I would forward them to his sisters in Yugoslavia, because much of his mail had been censored or destroyed. He could not visit until after the 1970’s. On a few occasions he was able to get to the Italian border and the family would meet him there. Finally, in the mid 1980’s things became easier, and then after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the Independence of Slovenia, they felt free. These were also the years where, more and more, Father worked closely with Mother Teresa. They seemed to rely on one another as spiritual advisors and could confide in one another concerning their own problems and the needs of the people. Mother Teresa requested that Father Joze accompany her to Russia and Armenia in 1991; there they found a population that was wildly curious about these religious visitors. Religion had been banned in the Soviet Union through those many years. They were approached on the streets and at the airport and anywhere that people gathered. After Russia, Father Joze was able to celebrate his 50th Jubilee at his home parish in the town of Vrhnika, Slovenia, in 1991, just a few months after the actual anniversary. It was a beautiful and meaningful celebration. Dhyana Ashram, Jesuit Retreat House 12 Zarja The Dawn Father Joze in Slovenia for his 50th Year Jubilee in 1991 About 1993-1994, Mother Teresa wanted Father to return again to Russia, but his superior had another job for him. He was sent to Bangladesh to open a Jesuit High School that had been closed for 100 years. At that time Indians were not allowed to go to Bangladesh, but Joze was a Slovene, so he was given permission. He successfully opened that school and it has been in operation ever since. After that, Father Joze opened a school in Calcutta for Father Joze with his niece and grand-niece at the Pilgrimage Point of Holy Mary at the border of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia January/February 2013 13 Father Joze celebrates a special Mass after the death of Mother Teresa for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity students who could not afford the regular schools. He refurbished an old building and made it suitable for classrooms so that 300 students could come on a daily basis. The thrill of my life happened in 1998 when my husband, Arnie, and I were planning a trip to Slovenia. We found that my dear cousin, Father Joze, would be visiting his family at the same time that we would be there. So, after corresponding with this holy man for over 40 years, we would finally meet. We had about four glorious days together. The family was so excited to have him there! Traveling with him was Bishop Salvadore Lobo of Calcutta, as well as the Jesuit Provincial, with whom he was a very close friend and colleague. Arnie and I were fortunate to be able to travel and tour several churches, pilgrimage places, and view points in the beautiful country, and since it was the weekend of Mission Sunday, we were able to attend several Masses where Father Joze Cukale was the celebrant and where he is loved. He and his colleagues were warmly received. Recently, I found out that Bishop Salvadore Lobo was the head of the Tribunal for the Beatification of Mother Teresa. Father Joze Cukale also took part in some of those interviews. In August, 2010, Bishop Lobo led a concelebrated Eucharist marking the 100th year of Mother Teresa’s birth. The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary and Blessed Teresa was inaugurated on November 13, 2009, as the world’s first cathedral named after Mother Teresa. Bishop Lobo took part in that celebration as well. Sister Nirmala, successor to Mother Teresa A beautiful scene at a view point along the Adriatic in 1998 when Arnie and I met Fr. Joze and his travel mates, Bishop Lobo and the Jesuit Provincial. Also pictured are my cousins Franc and Marjeta Zigman of Vrhnika. Arnie took the photo and Fr. has his arm around me. 14 Zarja The Dawn A large painting of Mother Teresa, that Father Joze completed at the time of her death in 1997, was given to us as a gift along with several other watercolors that Father had painted for our children. He also gave us a book of his poetry with the personal message, “To my dear Arnie and Jean who brightened my visit in Slovenia, on the days of our long-desired meeting - from Joze Cukale, s.j. 19-1098.” I shall always treasure our time together. Father Joze Cukale passed away in October, 1999, just a year after our only meeting. It is interesting to note that many of Father Joze’s paintings have been displayed in galleries in India and Slovenia. His book of poetry was published in 1994 in Celje, Slovenia. The title is: Naj se te s pesmijo dotikam. January/February 2013 15 Breda Loncar Tribute to Long Time Members When a Slovenian woman encounters adversity, she never gives up, but sees the roadblock as a stepping stone to future success. The Slovenian Language Manual written by Breda Loncar and her sister, Milena, is used around the world by students of the Slovenian language. The newest Slovenian newspaper, the “Slovenian American Times”, is edited by Breda Loncar; a Slovenian woman who overcame many roadblocks and became the mother of a beautiful family, raising 5 successful children and 12 grandchildren, a prominent educator, and an advocate for her Slovenian heritage. Breda Loncar is a remarkable Slovenian woman who was born in Cerklje pri Kranju to Stanko and Albina Osenar. Her father was a Domobranec, who was imprisoned by both the Germans and the Communists and then executed in an open field in the middle of the night. Her uncle found his body and her father was given a proper burial. Fearing for their lives, three year old Breda, her mother, sister, brother, two aunts, and a cousin attempted to escape the country in the night, in a large hay wagon, when the horses were being shot at by the Communist Partisans. The wagon overturned and they were saved when they found shelter in a basement. From there they traveled on foot across the Ljubel Pass to Vetrinje, and some weeks later to the Spittal, Austria, refugee camp where they spent nearly five years. With hundreds of others they stood in line with large cans to get their meals, and on Sundays the children were served a thick slice of white bread with butter, a real treat which Breda divided into thirds so it would last longer. Breda’s mother had chances to have the family immigrate to Canada, Argentina, and Australia, but her heart was set on the United States, and with help from friends, Anton Grdina sponsored the family. Mom Osenar insisted on America because she knew (when she became a citizen) she could petition to bring her youngest son, Stanley, to join the family. When they fled, Stanley (not even a year 16 old), was in a hospital in Ljubljana with an acute case of pneumonia; he could not have made the trip. They came on an Army ship (General Sturgis) which had stopped for three days in the middle of the ocean due to stormy, winter weather. The first day on the ship the children saw a large amount of hard-boiled eggs and understood that they could eat as many as they wanted. Breda ate many- too manyand got quite ill, and for years after would not touch another hard-boiled egg! They landed at Ellis Island where Breda, now eight years old, had to prove that she was mentally competent by passing a multiplication test. She got the right answer, but used the European method of computation which was not understood by the test giver; he could not understand how she got the right answer. She passed. The family arrived in Cleveland on a Sunday evening, and on Monday morning the children were already enrolled and attending St. Vitus School. Breda, at age eight, knew little English, but she studied at least five hours every evening, using a dictionary to learn the language. Even though she was only a child, she worked delivering the “American Home” newspaper, spending her first earnings Zarja The Dawn on a pair of “American” tennis shoes. The Osenar children always knew that they were expected to attend college, and all have college degrees. Mrs. Osenar supported her family by doing piece work, sewing cuffs on uniforms, at the Work Wear Corporation, but she had to hold back her work as she was producing so much more than the other employees. When she needed an operation, which would prevent her from working for six weeks, she was offered disability payments; she refused, as she said she put aside money for when she could not work. One of her happiest moments was when Stanley, then age 12, joined the family. All the children helped with the family finances by holding jobs; Breda, when she was 10 years old, assisted her mother as she cleaned houses, and later worked for a dry cleaner, a caterer, and as a sales lady. In 1964, Breda married Matt Loncar, whom she affectionately refers to as a “saint” for his constant support of all she does. She is the mother of 5 children; Matthew, Tanya, Frank, Martin, and Peter, and the grandmother of 12. Her family is her life and she is very proud of her children, all of whom have university degrees and wellestablished careers, as well as a strong work ethic. They, like her, have a commitment to help and be of service to others. Breda took 17 years off from being a full-time educator to raise her family. During that time, Breda taught adult education for the Cleveland School system and the Mayfield School System; she taught Advanced English to foreigners and many, many Slovenian classes. Her sister, Milena, also taught Slovenian classes, and it was at this time the two wrote the Slovenian Language Manuals which many people have used in their Slovenian language classes. The books have gone through 10 printings and are still being used around the world. A prominent educator, who retired after being the assistant principal (8 years), then principal (5 years) of North High School in Eastlake, Curriculum Director of the WilloughbyEastlake Schools (5 years) in Ohio, Breda had received her B.A. in the teaching of English, French, and German from Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Ohio, an M.Ed. in Education from John Carroll University and at Cleveland State University, a Permanent High School Administrative Certificate (Principal), and a Superintendent’s License. As an educator, Breda wants to see that every student is successful and has started a program for “students at risk” (BTS - Bridge to Success) for which, although retired, she still directs. This program has had a 93% success rate. North High School achieved an “Excellent” status on the state report card, and were state champions in the January/February 2013 “Academic Decathlon Competition” for eight consecutive years during her tenure as vice-principal and principal. A few years ago, the almost 100 year old, American Home (Ameriška Domovina) a Slovenian newspaper, ceased publication, leaving a void in the Cleveland community which needed to be filled. A committee was formed by Breda and fellow classmate from St. Vitus, Tony Petkovsek, to look into forming a new paper, which they called the “Slovenian American Times,” a monthly tabloid. They had no list of past subscribers so they sent free copies of the first issue to addresses they were given of people who may be interested, and the paper was on its way to becoming a success. There was a need for an English editor and the job fell to Breda, who said she would take it for a year. It is now four years later and she is still the editor. She considers the work a “Labor of Love,” a gift to her Dad of whom, sadly, she has not a single recollection. Breda and her sister saw their homeland of Slovenia for the first time since fleeing when they were attending summer school, studying Advanced French at the University of Sorbonne in Paris. The Yugoslav Consulate in Pittsburgh twice refused their application for a visa because their father had been a Domobranec, an enemy of Communism. Eventually the Consulate in Paris granted them a visa and Breda, then 19 years old, was finally able to experience the country of her birth, an emotional experience which brings tears to her eyes even today. She has been active in many Slovenian organizations; as a teacher at St. Vitus Slovenian School, choreographer for many decades for the Kres Folklore Dance Group, Slovenska Pristava, and more recently, the Slovenian American Times. Breda is a member of SUA’s Branch 50 in Euclid, Ohio, and at the last SUA - Ohio State Convention was the featured speaker who spoke about the “Slovenian Woman.” She is truly the “Slovenian Woman!” Tribute to Long Time Members Note: Please notify me if you would like to suggest a SUA/SWUA member to be profiled in this feature. Remember - they must have been active for many years, and are probably in their 80s. My e-mail is pbudzilek@oh.rr.com. 17 Slovenian Customs on All Saints Day Letting Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them by David Sodac, Bettendorf, Iowa and David Smukovi~, of Ra~je vas, Republika Slovenija There is something almost ethereal about flickering candle flames reflecting off the shiny, polished granite of grave headstones. Fitfully glistening candles just seem to be beckoning to the spiritual world beyond! This vision conjures an otherworldly, spiritual sense of experience. Almost all cultures and countries are steeped in death, burial, and remembrance traditions of their family and loved ones. Most of them use lit candles in some fashion of evoking this ethereal feeling and of offering reverence to the beloved deceased. 18 Zarja The Dawn The Slovenian Union of America’s Branch 24 - LaSalle, Illinois, reintroduced an age-old European and Slovenian “All Saints Day” processional custom of placing lit candles at the graves of loved ones. The National President of the SUA, Bonnie Pohar Prokup, had been emotionally moved by the sights of the cemetery customs while visiting Slovenia and wanted to inaugurate a similar tradition back in her hometown. Thanks to Debbie Pohar’s (SUA Vice President of Outreach) imaginativeness, she, along with Bonnie and Donny Baldin, created, planned, and organized the event. Mike Kasap was extremely helpful in locating the many grave sites that were organized into a processional route throughout the cemetery. The event began at dusk as 30-40 enthusiastic members assembled with Brother Luke McLachlan (of St. Bede Abbey & Academy, Peru, Illinois) to begin the activities within the ethnic cemetery of St. Vincent’s in La Salle, Illinois. Those that could walk the distance, followed Brother Luke on a route, pre-marked with red flags, to the grave sites of SUA members’ loved ones. Those members that would find the walk somewhat challenging, remained in their cars and followed the procession along the route within the cemetery. Family members lit clear, glass-encased candles, as Br. Luke blessed each designated gravesite with the sprinkling of holy water. A brief memorial prayer was said by the gathered crowd, and the procession continued winding along its route, led by one of the event’s organizers carrying a red, electric flashlight. As we processed, I became distracted by a soft, background sound that was repetitive and somewhat mechanical sounding. It sounded similar to an industrial, water sprinkler operating in the distance. As we looked up, you could see January/February 2013 thousands of sparrows silently flying and filling the skies. You could only hear the flapping of wings in unison as they flew. Somebody must have been tacitly giving their approval of the night’s activities or else we were scaring away the evil spirits? At the completion of our candlesetting procession, we gathered at a small altar set up for Br. Luke. He said a closing litany of those who were buried elsewhere, but in the hearts of their loved ones present at St. Vincent’s. As we turned to leave, you could see the twinkling candles on the graves throughout the cemetery, it was a pastoral, panoramic view of peace. In keeping with the Slovene tradition, we continued on to the local Four Star Family Restaurant for supper and camaraderie. For generations, the Slavic cultures, which includes the Slovenes, practiced age-old traditions of visiting the graves of loved ones on the eve of All Saints Day (November 1st) through the All Souls Day (November 2). In many of the Slavic countries, this day of remembrance is even a legislated national holiday. The activities begin at dusk as the darkening shadows of nightfall begin to cloak and embrace the cemetery. Grave markers are washed off and cleaned of dirt and debris, then adorned with real and artificial silk flowers. Brightly colored, glass candle holdersmany already in place around the marker- are given new candle inserts and are lighted. Fresh, white gravel is placed around the tombstone area, helping the grave marker stand out in stark contrast. The overall effect emanates an eerie glow throughout the area. The celebrating of family at a meal, both in the memory of those that have died and with those living, typically follows the cemetery visit. 19 I compared notes on our inaugural All Saints Eve activities with my Slovenian cousin, David Smukovi~, who resides in the village of Ra~je vas. He writes that since the 14th century, there have been local and general customs surrounding what is today referred to as “Vsi sveti” (All Saints). There once was a fast on what was called “bedenje” or “bedenji dan” (Stay Awake) day, which was practiced since the 14th Century and was very strict. In the area around Celje, people said that those who didn’t fast on All Saints Day would have to fast before every saint’s feast day. In the areas around Ljubljana and in other sections of Slovenia, people wore black clothes when they visited the cemetery. In the late afternoon of All Saints Day, the people gathered first in their local church. After the litany was said and the sermon was given, the priest would lead a procession to the cemetery. Bells would ring for one hour in the evening of All Saints Day and then again for one hour on the following morning of All Souls Day. During the ringing of the bells, the priest would pray all the parts of the rosary. People were expected to kneel in their own homes and also pray the rosary and then the Litany for the Dead. It was forbidden to visit the local taverns and bars. The older people believe that when the evening bells are ringing, the souls from purgatory come back to the houses in which they used to live. They would remain there until the next morning and when they would hear the morning church bells ringing, they were saved from suffering and ascended into heaven. During the time that the souls were in their former homes, people were not allowed to laugh, but just pray. They would fill the house with the scent from the burning smoke of the “brin” (a branch of a juniper bush). In some areas, people would place blessed water, bread, a glass of wine, and lighted oil lamp. The souls would cool down from the blessed water; put oil on their wounds. The light from the lamp would “lighten” their darkened eyes, and with the bread they would become invigorated. In some locales, they would also place horseradish on the table so the souls would feel more alive. It wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century that the cemetery customs became so commercialized with floral arrangements, elaborate headstones, and lighted candles placed inside glass lanterns. There was a period of time that people didn’t always decorate graves and carry out all the customs and traditions that we practice today. In a 2008 mojvideo interview, Slovenian Ethnologist, Janez Bogataj, discussed that in the olden days people viewed the cemeteries in Slovenia as “holy fields.” Before the 19th century, cemeteries were simple and immaculate. Family members would decorate the graves of their loved ones with just a simple, wooden cross. The traditional church and religious ceremonies surrounding the recognition and reverence given to deceased family 20 members has always been present, it’s just that later the cemetery decoration customs became more elaborate and prevalent. Some of the modern day customs are based on traditions that go back as far as the ancient Celtic festival of “Samhein” that marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. The Slovene people evolved from the eventual settling of the fleeing Celtic and Germanic tribes, who migrated to their present day geographical areas. In the Samhein festival rituals, the presence of the dead spirits were essential in the celebration activities. They were invoked to participate and honored through a communal feast and entertainment. Today, many of the families gather after visiting and the decorating of the cemeteries to celebrate family; this seems partially rooted in the ancient Samhein festival rite. Bonfires were set aflame and used as a part of a cleansing ceremony and a means of inviting the souls to return to our world in many of the ancient, cultural traditions. Barbara Swiech, in an article posted on a Polish Culture site, wrote about the ancient Slavic feast of Dziady. Dziady was a feast that commemorated the deceased and would help lost souls find forgiveness and achieve eternal peace. The ancient Slavic and Baltic tribes would prepare a festive family meal for the souls of loved ones, with the deceased souls invited to participate. Paths and roads would be lit with lanterns and fires to make it easier for the souls to make their way to the feast. Again, today’s customs on the use of meals and lit candles seems to have been derived from ancient rites and traditions. It wasn’t until the 7th Century that the Catholic Pope, Boniface IV, designated November 1st as an “All Saints Day.” The church had always honored select saints on their feast days throughout the year, but, there are over 10,000 saints and just not enough days in the calendar year to name a feast day after each one of them! By designating one day to honor “All” of the saints, we wouldn’t leave anyone out or show favor to only a few. For hundreds of years, burning candles have been a staple at cemeteries, chapels of rest, funerals and crematoriums. Funeral candles are a common presence near or behind the displayed coffin during visitations or wakes, often placed in tall, lantern-type stands. They are consequently used at the funeral Mass as well. The candles that are used in cemeteries and placed at graves go by many names: remembrance candles, grave candles, cemetery candles, or memorial candles. Typically, the candles are encased in bright, colored-glass shells and have an aerated metal cap that protects the flame from the wind, rain, or snow. These glass candle holders also come in a variety Zarja The Dawn of shapes and sizes. Some candles are intended to burn for up to four days. Some of the glass holders are designed to enable replacement candle inserts each year. They can get as elaborate or simple as one would like, as well as expensive. The lit candles symbolize a variety of purposes and meanings. In some cultures, lit candles help provide a means of focus and concentration on the memory of a deceased person; a longing for them. Lit candles are thought to light up the road for the dead, to help them find their way to their final destination and reward. They symbolize an everlasting life. Throughout much of Europe, the tradition of placing lighted candles at the gravesites is a popular means of keeping a vigil and a memory of the deceased loved one. The varied traditions and ethnic customs that center around All Saints Day are indeed beautiful and thought-provoking. Their respectful activities guide your thoughts to the memories of your deceased loved ones. I couldn’t help but envision the delight and pride of my own grandparents and parents to see me reverently placing and lighting a candle, in an age-old Slovenian tradition, at their eternal resting places. After the SUA members of the La Salle and Oglesby branches concluded their post All Saints Eve dinner, I was compelled to go back and look at the candles in the cemetery before I trekked back home on Interstate 80. I pulled into the cemetery drive and just sat there taking in the waning moon night and reflecting on the flickering lights. It was so quiet; so peaceful. I recalled the thoughts expressed by Fr. Francis Weiser in his book on Christian Feasts and Customs, “It is impressive, an unforgettable sight to look upon hundreds and often thousands of lights quietly burning in the darkness and dreary solitude of a cemetery.” People call the burning candles the lights of the holy souls. In German, it’s referred to as “Seelenlicht,” the soul’s light. Our first All Saint’s Eve candle-lighting endeavor maybe wasn’t quite on the grand scale as traditionally experienced in cemeteries throughout Slovenia …but next year, you just wait and see! Until we celebrate again, “Eternal rest grant unto our beloved loved ones, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.” January/February 2013 St. George Cemetery in Catez ob Savi, near Brezice, Slovenia Resources Bogataj, Janez. Mojvideo: Etnolog Janez Bogataj o prvem novembru (video interview of a Slovenian Ethnologist about the customs and traditions of All Saints Day) objavljeno:01.11.2009 Kuret, Niko. Prazni~no leto Slovencev, Starosvetne {ege in navade od pomladi do zime, knjiga 2, Ljubljana 1989 Weiser, Fr. Francis X. “All Souls’ Day Customs” from Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Brace; 1st Edition, 1958 Kondratiev, Alexei. Samhain: “Season of Death and Renewal”. Originally published in An Tribhis Mhor: The IMBAS Journal of Celtic Reconstructionism. Vol. 2, Issue 1.2 Samhain 1997/Iombolg 1998 Reprinted on IMBAS.org Swiech, Barbara. “All Saints and All Souls Day” Published in an article posted on BellaOnline’s Polish Culture site. http://www.bellaonline.com/about/polishculture 21 22 Photos by Mary Carmody Zarja The Dawn Slovenian Union of America Branch Reports BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Here’s a short update on Branch 1 events: In June we held our 3rd annual Slovenian potluck dinner. The members attending enjoyed a wonderful selection of food including smoked fish “caught by a Slovenian fisherman” and a special treat suggested by Dr. Bogataj at the 2011 National Convention in Milwaukee. For a unique taste do give “Bucno olje” a try - it’s vanilla ice cream with a small drizzle of Slovenian pumpkin oil on top. Our members enjoyed our September breakfast meeting held at the Bourbon Street Bar & Grill. In October we held our election for officers to serve in 2013. We thank the following for their willingness to serve our Branch - Mary Ann Schellinger, President; Denise Schueffner, Vice President; Betty Repenshek, Secretary; and Marilyn Hendricks, Treasurer. I’d like to share my experience of a special Slovenian opportunity and quite an honor for me, one that I was so proud to be a part of. On my first trip to Slovenia in 1996 I met Sonja Jamnikar. She was a friend of my father’s sister, Mara, and became our interpreter as we visited with family and friends. Over the years of visits, telephone calls, and e-mails we became “sestras” (sisters) rather than just friends. We shared many interests including crafting in the areas of sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching. When staying at her home, it was not uncommon for both of us to be sitting on her balcony, enjoying a cup of coffee, working on a cross-stitch project and looking in the distance at the Velenje castle. A couple of months ago I received a call from Sonja asking if I would like to send her some of my handiwork to be displayed at a booth at the Second International Embroidery Festival to be held in Velenje, Slovenia, in November. What an honor! I contacted our son, David, also a Branch 1 member, and got an item from him that he had done when he was in eighth grade. So, the items were boxed up and sent on their way to Slovenia. Here is my communication from Sonja Jamnikar, Velenje, Slovenia: January/February 2013 The 2nd International Festival of Embroidery was held from November 9 – 11 in Velenje. More than 50 teams, each with two to ten members, came from Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, France, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, and the United States of America. This festival was part of a large project. The city of Maribor is the European Capital of Culture in the year 2012 and Velenje is one of the partner cities in this project. The University of the Third Age - Velenje (This is not related to a specific age, but refers to a period in one’s life - after the 2nd age of full-time employment), 23 them. Condolences to Geneva’s sons, Joe and David, and their families. Please remember them in your prayers. A heartfelt thank you and tribute to all past and present membership of Branch 2 should be given for a special accomplishment. Through our hard work, countless hours, and many, many, many decades we were able to grant an endowment of $10,000 to the Slovenian Woman’s Union Scholarship Foundation in 2012. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Welcome 2013, Happy New Year to all! DAISY Velenje municipality, and Velenje Museum organized the festival. We invited many colleagues in the field of culture, singers, accordion and zither performers, and other musicians who are members of our University. They also had the folklore dancers group, Koleda. Saleska Society Gambate artists were presented with beautiful curtains made of ceramic. I invited my friend, Mary Ann Schellinger, to participate and on the pictures you can see her exhibition at the Festival in Velenje. It was a very nice embroidery festival, which was seen by many visitors. MARY ANN SCHELLINGER BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois Since I missed a couple of reports, I will try to update you on some of our activities. There were eight members who made the trip to Marquette, MI, for the Bishop Baraga Pilgrimage Days. In 2013, Duluth, MN, will host on October 2-3. You can plan for a great Slovenian weekend. As always, the bus will leave from Lemont. On February 17 at 1:00 p.m. - Valentine’s Day Party, bring a dessert to share. On March 17 at 1:00 p.m. - St. Joseph’s Table, bring a side dish and a dessert to pass. Many of our members attended the 17th Anniversary celebration of our Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont on November 11. Many veterans were in attendance. Louis Pasdertz attended a dinner honoring all WWII vets at Applebee’s Restaurant. His daughter, Patsy, accompanied him. Our prayers go out to Christine Podder who is battling cancer. Please keep her in your prayers. We are very sorry to report we lost another member our former Recording Secretary, Geneva Cerjak. We remember Geneva and her daughters (Connie and Karen - both members and deceased) who were in charge of the Penny Social Sweet Table. Each year they would come up with some very different and unique ideas and they were dressed for the theme. It brought many people to buy and see what the girls would be up to. We really miss 24 BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado Contact Information: amtcharron@yahoo.com 719.696.8583 On October 2, Branch 3 began regular monthly meetings after having a break over the summer months. Norma Becco hosted the meeting and served various delicious breads, juices, coffee, and tea. Greg Perse of Perse Construction came to the meeting to discuss the new ramp at St. Mary’s Church. Since Branch 3 meetings are held in the church basement, the ramp will make the meetings more accessible to Slovenian Union members. The annual St. Mary’s Church Slovenian dinner was held on October 6. Several members of Branch 3 participated in the dinner planning. As usual, potato salad, sarma, apple and cheese strudels, and a variety of sausages were served. The dinner served a capacity crowd of 300 in the church hall. Strolling accordion players provided music during the event. The November meeting was held on November 6 with Marie Mutz hosting. Marie served homemade oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, popcorn, ice cream, and apple cider to the attendees. Marilyn Kristan won the door prize. The meeting included a memorial to longtime member, Katherine Kochevar, who passed away on October 4. President Marge Cullen talked about the Branch 3 membership. Since the meeting was held on Election Day, Vice President Eileen Kaplan entertained the group with some election trivia. She stressed how important it is to vote and how one vote can change the whole election as in the Harry S. Truman/Thomas Dewey election in 1948. Branch members passed a motion to ask for a contribution of $10 to the Scholarship Fund from members who are able to donate at the Christmas Party. ANNETTE SABO CHARRON & BARBARA KARLINGER BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana Happy New Year to all Branch 5 members! Hope you all have wonderful Christmas memories! As we start the New Year, let us reflect on the past year for a moment. Branch 5 has a very diverse age group. We have 31 members born before 1950, 22 members from 1951-1980, and 19 members from 1981-2012. Our oldest member was Zarja The Dawn born in 1914, and our youngest member was born in 2012. We have 16 male members, and 7 junior members. We were saddened by the loss of three members this year. Branch 5 welcomed seven new members to join us at our meetings, or to stay in touch “long-distance” by means of e-mail and Zarja. This year, Mary, Karen, and I, your wonderful Branch 5 officers, would like you to invite a family friend or relative to join Slovenian Union of America. It is really easy if you talk to people who have an interest in our Slovenian heritage. It may be someone you see often, but never think to ask. Show them an issue of the Zarja, send them the on-line application, or just invite them to one of our pitchins! A “gift” membership is always a nice surprise! We would also like to thank all who attended our annual “Koffee and Krofe” at Holy Trinity! What a wonderful way to remember our past members, and have such fun eating krofe and socializing on a Sunday morning! Twentyfour members, who ate their way through mountains of fried chicken, attended our Holiday Dinner at Iron Skillet! Try to support the upcoming events at Holy Trinity... “SAUSAGEFEST” is a favorite evening with your choice of regular, smoked, or blood sausage dinners with polka music and dancing! Holy Trinity Reverse Raffle and dinner is one of the biggest fundraisers for the church, and is always a great evening with good food, silent auctions, and of course, big raffle prizes! Even if you cannot attend, buy a ticket or make a donation - it all goes to Holy Trinity! As always, remember all our members and their families in your thoughts and prayers, especially our military families. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year! KAREN, MARY & PHYLLIS BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California Wishing all of our Branch 13 members a healthy and prosperous 2013. Our officers have been nominated and elected for 2013, and they are Doreen Sustarich, President; Agnes Leach, VP; Moreen Spencer, Secretary; Michele Twers, Treasurer; Virginia Sustarich and Ann Sustarich, Auditors. Our officers are all lovely ladies and dedicated to keeping the Slovenian Heritage alive. Please keep in mind - the Member of the Year 2013 Luncheon will be on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Val’s Restaurant, Daly City, CA. We are so proud of our Shannon Devlin, a fourth generation member, who graduated in June from Mercy High School, San Francisco, and will be attending Blake Austin Cosmetology School in December. Shannon joined SUA as a baby, as did her mother, Krista Devlin. Her grandmother, Marjorie Schleiger, is a longtime member as was her greatgrandmother, Agnes Lovrin. It is nice to see traditions passed on from generation to generation, such as helping her mother and grandmother make potica. BARBARA CHIODO January/February 2013 BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois Our November meeting was a success with 15 members attending, including new member Judy Machek. Welcome! It was an enjoyable afternoon, sampling homemade strudel fresh from Rose Petrick’s oven, plus other goodies, while being entertained with Bob and Frank Kuhel’s slide presentation of Slovenian Carniolan honey bees and a travelogue of Slovenia. Get well wishes are sent to Dotsi Rossi for a speedy recovery following surgery. DOLORES KRAL FRANKO BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Contact Information: patricia.schager@att.net Busy, busy days in November and December. Our slate of officers for the new year will be the same as last year and the year before that: Charlene Kobe, President; Jeanne Warsaw, VP; Jean Herbst, Treasurer; Robyn Coyne, Correspondence Secretary; Diane Hohenwater, Recording Secretary; Jo Lustik, Bernice Nemanich, and Pat Butterbach, Auditors; Nancy Horwath and Sandra Kehring, Sergeants at Arms; Pat Schager, Reporter. They are a dedicated group who always give of their time to the Branch endeavors. Shannon Devlin 25 Installation of officers takes place at the January meeting with our spiritual director, Father Tom Paul, leading us with prayers for a successful year. And of course there is a buffet dinner, this time provided by the newly-installed officers. Many thanks to the membership for a very successful Grape Harvest Fest in September. Raffle ticket winners were all members of the Branch. Mike Vidmar won first prize of $300; $200 was taken home by Ellen Tezak; and the $100 third prize was won by Bea Nemanich. Mildred (Millie) Pucel was the lucky member who won free dues for a year. If you missed this Fest, come join us next September for the truly Slovenian party. Thanks to all who so graciously volunteered their time to make this a fun and memorable evening. The SUA “Taste of Slovenia” at the Heritage Museum in Joliet was a huge success. Music and Slovenian culinary demonstrations (that means tasting) brought out many different Branch members from the surrounding areas. Let’s make this a tradition! PATRICIA SCHAGER BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois To many in attendance, our visit to St. Vincent’s Cemetery on November 1st was perhaps the greatest event held in the recent history of Branch 24. Both young and old were touched by the hard work of member, Debbie Pohar, who created this event and made it happen. Please read the full report from David Sodec in this issue. This was the first of many years to come with this new tradition. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year! BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Our November meeting was on Sunday, November 4th, with 13 members in attendance. Some Branch 39 members have joined our branch and we are very happy to have them! Member Rose Anttila showed a slide show of her family’s trip to Slovenia this summer. They had a family reunion with 75 from the U.S., 4 from Argentina, and around 125 from Slovenia attending the festivities. It was a wonderful presentation of a beautiful country. Many of us were ready to sign up for a trip as soon as possible. What a special time they all had! Our condolences to Josie Trast and family on the loss of Stanley. May his soul rest in peace. Branch 35 will be hosting the Minnesota State Convention in 2013. Some preparations have been started. We hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from Branch 35, Aurora, MN, and many blessings in the New Year! MARLY RABB 26 BRANCH 40 - Lorain, Ohio We have lost yet another faithful and true member. Angeline Grayson died on Sept 15th at age 91, after a long illness brought on by a fall about a year ago. Her husband, three sisters, and five brothers preceded her in death. Sons, William of Columbus, OH, and Robert of Los Alamitos, CA, and one grandson, Jim, of Stanford, CA, survive her. Many nieces and nephews also survive her. Our sympathies to her whole family. Our members prayed at her wake. Rest in peace, dear friend. We shall hold you close in memory and remember you in our prayers. Our president, Agnes Serazin, is still in Amherst Manor, slowly recovering from the stroke she suffered in February. We all wish you well, Aggie! I have found a new outlet that keeps me busy. I’ve joined a group of like-minded seniors - in that we all like to sing. We are called “The Senior Singers,” (at 93, I am the most senior) and we go to area nursing homes and put on an hour-long program. We do this twice a week and visit each nursing home once a month. The programs reflect the seasons, and we have a different theme every month. We are looking forward to our Christmas theme. Needless to say, the residents enjoy our performances, but I think we get more joy and satisfaction from doing this, than they do. With the holidays behind us - I hope you had a bountiful Thanksgiving and a Merry and Blessed Christmas. I want to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year! STEPHANIE POLUTNIK BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contact Information: Jan Gehm 414.321.1413 twogames@wi.rr.com I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. May 2013, be a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed Year for all! Congratulations are extended to member, Krisiti Luzar, niece of Branch President Jan Gehm, and Jonathan Engelken who became husband and wife on August 8, 2012. May you enjoy many happy years together and we extend our best wishes. Mici Bregant gave a talk about her Slovenian heritage at our October meeting and it was well received by members in attendance. We would like to continue this practice at future meetings. Please contact President Jan Gehm if you are willing to share your family history. Election of officers to serve in 2013 was held and the following were elected: President, Jan Gehm; Vice President, BettyAnn Kolesari; Recording Secretary, Mary Bregant; Corresponding Secretary, Tillie Skusek; Treasurer, Helen Frohna; Auditors, Jack Kolesari and Stanley Vidmar; Sergeant-of-Arms, Linda Absteter; and USPEH Representative, Mary Bregant. January 12, 2013, was the date chosen for our Pobozicna Zabava. Our 2013 Officers will be installed at this gathering. Zarja The Dawn Our bake sale on election day, November 6, 2012, was a very successful event and all due to the cooperation of our members. MANY THANKS TO ALL who baked or made monetary donations and many thanks to all who helped on the day of the sale. Please know that your help was appreciated! A beechwood chair made in Slovenia, and previously donated to our branch by Mr. Yul Yost of Branch 109, was taken to the Heritage Museum in Joliet by members Bob and Denise Bartlett and Jack and Betty Ann Kolesari. Our Branch members thought it should be displayed where many more Slovenians could appreciate its fine craftsmanship. Many thanks to Dave Absteter for assuming the responsibility of getting a plaque made for the chair. While in Joliet, the Bartlett’s and Kolesari’s attended the “Taste of Slovenia” St. Martin’s Day celebration at the Heritage Museum and gave it rave reviews. Our November meeting was well attended and, as usual, a delicious lunch was prepared and served by volunteers. THANK YOU! There was no meeting held in December because of the Christmas Holiday, but your officers met and prepared a calendar for the year 2013. I hope you did not discard it and will use it as a reference for our Branch 43 meetings and events. May you all enjoy God’s Blessings in 2013. Remember to pray for our sick and deceased members. Sadly, our dear member, Toni Needham, passed away unexpectedly on November 26. She was a Member of the Year in 2011. Besides her Slovenian enthusiasm and generosity, she will be especially missed and remembered for her volunteerism with the Red Cross, singing in the USPEH Chorus, and her baking skills. Our prayers are for her and her family. MICI BREGANT BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio Contact Information: 440.655.6735 ricktomsick@gmail.com Greetings from the “5-0” on America’s North Coast, Cleveland, Ohio. Our fond best wishes for a happy and blessed new year to everyone. Srecno novo leto! Let’s all hope and pray that 2013 will bring health and happiness. And may the new year find us each to be a better person! Have you thought about your New Year’s resolutions yet? One of mine is to become more active in our local Branch activities (Rose Mary Toth, our president, has heard that before!) and to research some of my Slovenian historical roots (as well as the usual stuff, like “eat less,” “eat better,” and “exercise more”). One new good habit you can develop is to check in on SUA’s activities by going often to the website at www.slovenianunion.org. Bonnie Prokup reminds me that SUA is always looking for volunteers who like to write, do research, or submit photographs (you can let her know at wprokup@aol.com). January/February 2013 Remember that Easter is early this year, on March 31st. My family hopes to make our annual retreat to Saint Meinrad Arch Abbey in southern Indiana for the holy days surrounding Easter. We should have some additional Easter news in the March issue of Zarja as we prepare for that holiest of days. Slovenians certainly have some unique customs, such as the blessing of food. I would love to hear from you about some of your own memories and current religious customs for Easter, and invite you to write me at the e-mail address above to share stories that I can include in the next article (please let me know by January 10th, if possible). Spring is not far ahead. Our first meeting this year will be at Euclid Public Library on April 17, 2013. Also, as a reminder, please let me know about any news or accomplishments that you have so I can include them in our next article. Hvala lepa! - as always to the hard-working ladies in our Branch, including Maureen Podlegar, who helped organize the Christmas party, and our recording secretary, Jo Wutchiett. RICK TOMSICK BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Contact Information: 815.883.3268 Our branch mourns the loss of our Vice President, Margie Walter, who passed away November 5. A draped chair was in place at our November meeting as prayers by our members were prayed in her memory. Margie’s granddaughter, Josie Walter, presented a red carnation and a holy card to all who were present. Our October meeting included lit candles and praying the rosary in memory of all deceased Branch 89 members. Members of our Branch were invited to join Branch 24 at St. Vincent’s Cemetery on All Saint’s Day as they revived the Slovenian tradition of lighting candles and praying at the graves of loved ones. Our members reported it was a very moving experience and look forward to, hopefully, participating next year. Our committee is planning another “Slovenian Fest” at Claudette’s, in Oglesby, on Saturday, March 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Looking forward to our traditional Slovenian smoked sausage, potica, apple strudel, raffles, polka music, beverages, and a great time. Watch for details as we get closer to this date. After taking a break from meetings in January and February, we will be looking forward to our March meeting when Barb Beer will be hosting a demonstration of making crepes. And to the future of SUA: Congratulations to our Junior Members making the Honor Roll! Watch your mailboxes for a visit from St. Nicholas! Welcome, Will and Emma Lukach, new Jr. Members to our Branch! To our members and their families, especially to those out-of-town, and outof-state, our warmest Holiday Greetings! JIM EBNER 27 BRANCH 93 - New York, New York Contact Information: lgross@tstnyc.org Hurricane Sandy blew away our plans for St Martin’s Day - coats set aside to be donated in memory of the saint’s sharing his cloak with the shivering road - side beggar - were turned in at local collection points to assist the storm’s victims, who were left homeless and without warm clothes. Our plans for the election of new leaders of our Branch were pushed up to the December 2nd meeting, where we officially elected and inaugurated Tanja Makovec Petrik, Esq. as President; Tanya Vajk as VP; and Erika Bruno as Secretary-Treasurer. Lynn Zalokar continues to assist as Past-President, as planning for events began immediately. Later that afternoon, Father Krizolog held a special Mass followed by a reception to greet Ljudmila Novak, Slovenian Minister for Slovenes Abroad. The next day, another opportunity for SUA members and other Slovenians to meet and speak with Ministrica Novak and enjoy coffee, tea, and potica was held at St. Cyril’s church. Once again our Branch enjoyed the music of Vlado Kreslin - this time at Café Marlene in Sunnyside - a charming bistro created and run by Ana and Kandi Kiti~, Maribor natives, serving tasty Slovenian pala~inke (crepes). Mr. Kreslin also introduced the English translation of his book of poetry, “Instead of Whom Does the Flower Bloom?” Members also attended Slovenian photojournalist Manca Juvan’s exhibition, “Afghanistan: Unordinary Lives” at Gallery MC. At the panel discussion held at the opening, Manca highlighted the plight of women and children in this conflict. At this year’s White Light Festival at Lincoln Center we heard world-renowned mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink performing lieder of Schumann, Mahler, and Dvorák. Ms. Fink was born in Argentina of Slovenian parents, and what brought the crowd to their feet was her final song, Benjamin Ipavec’s “V spominsko knjigo (Into the Book of Memories).” Thanks to Ivan Kamin for organizing this as a group event and Drs. Ciril and Suzanne Godec for the reception at their residence after the concert. ELIZABETH GROSS BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Contact Information: jmhlade@hotmail.com Happy New Year! Many blessings to our Branch members for a wonderful 2013! Last September we held a soup culinary class at the Slovenian Catholic Center. Thank you to Fani Fritz for showing us how to make barley soup and dumpling soup! In October, our branch held our annual Bunco fundraiser. Our branch raised nearly $1,200 and will use the proceeds for the member appreciation celebration, contributions, upcoming events, and expenses. Congratulations to raffle 28 grand prizes winners: Jen Kovacic - liquor basket and gift basket; Lorranie Ovnik - GPS unit; Paula Mavec - kitchen basket; Branch 89 - $100; and Corinne Leskovar - $100. A great big thank you to everyone who came out to play, volunteered their time, and donated raffle prizes, door prizes, and bakery. We couldn’t do this without you! Next year will be our 10th annual Bunco event and we have some fun ideas to celebrate it. You won’t want to miss it! Thank you to Megan Hlade and Melanie Morrissette for helping decorate the front windows for Christmas at the Slovenian Union of America office. The windows look great! At our meeting in November, we had the election of officers and planned the calendar for 2013. The new schedule of events will be coming out very soon. Thank you to all who supported our annual cookie sale in December. Whether you donated bakery or purchased a cookie tin, your help is much appreciated. Thanks to Paula and Mary Mavec for their time in organizing this event. Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous New Year! JANA HLADE Zarja The Dawn BRANCH 100 - Southern California The first thing my daughter, Carol, did when she opened up her latest issue of Zarja was to look at the recipes. The Slovenian fried potatoes presented a pleasant memory of Grandma Mici who often made those along with a roasted chicken dinner - so tasty! We wish we could have lived closer so that we could attend the “Taste of Slovenia” on St. Martin’s Day in Joliet. Here in Southern California many of our SUA members took advantage of the California SNPJ Vinska Trgatev Celebration at the Slovene Hall in Fontana. Most of our members are also members of SNPJ, or at least friends who take part in both societies. Mlakar family members were an important part of the pageant this year with some coming as far as the Sacramento area to take part. Fred Mlakar is the director of the event each year and it is really a lot of fun! Of course, the Mlakar Orchestra played all the traditional music for this celebration. We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to our members and friends who are missed because of age or illness. Pauline Buzan had her 92nd birthday in October and she rose to the occasion by having a very good day even dancing a bit to the music of Chuck Blasick, one of her favorite accordionists and son of dear friend and member, Elvie Blasick. We hope that you had a Blessed Holiday and that the New Year will bring health and happiness to you and yours. JEAN KOCI BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland Contact Information: Bettekfitz@verizon.net For our 9th anniversary in November, members met to share their handmade lace and crocheted treasures from Slovenia. Resources were provided about the famous town of Idrija, where bobbin lace festivals are held, museums are filled with the history of lace, and there are opportunities to purchase lace in the form of gloves, decorative pins, tablecloths, napkins, doilies, and more. Helen Sisto brought a beautiful, complex, lace pattern made in ^rnomelj; Nika Kova~i~ and Bernadette brought samples of lace doilies and a tablecloth with napkins from Idrija. It was very touching that Helen and John Klan{ek were proud to show and tell crocheted blankets made by their mothers over 50 years ago. To learn more about the origins of the lace making craft in Idrija, Slovenia, go to http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fws51jCEgxY. We viewed a short slideshow/video created by Bernadette of our potica-making day last spring when Tereza Bevec and Nika Kova~i~ demonstrated their culinary expertise. Thanks to Anne Stratton, we also have a typed copy of the recipe, instructions, and tips for making our very own potica. Our next meeting will be on January 20 when we will meet for our Branch’s installation of officers. Please join January/February 2013 us as we are planning our 10-year anniversary celebration in fall, 2013. All are welcome to join us at meetings and events to enjoy sharing our Slovenian traditions. BERNADETTE FITZSIMMONS BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities of Minnesota Zivijo! “Srecno Novo Leto” 2013. The TC Slovenians will celebrate our 8th anniversary as a member of the SUA family on Sunday, January 20, at the Venetian Inn with a dinner and a video produced by Rick Pisa, which highlighted his recent trip to Slovenia. Rick, along with Bob Grahek and John Skubitz, will chair this popular event. 29 We facetiously call them the “three amigos” or some say the “trije pijanci” - not really! In October, our Branch 109 was honored with the naming of Miro Medved as an honorary consul for Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. Miro and his family came to the United States in the early 1950’s and were educated in Biwabik on the Mesabi Iron Range of Minnesota. After graduating from the UM, Miro and his family settled in Roseville, MN, where they currently reside. Miro has been a member of Branch 109 since its inception and has hosted a number of Slovenian cultural events. His passion is to lead Slovenska narodna pesem (Slovenian folk songs). Cestitke Miro! Through the efforts of Charles Podominick, our TC genealogy expert, Peter Hawlina, President of the Slovenian Genealogy Society, paid a short visit to the Twin Cities. A luncheon meeting was hastily assembled at the Minnesota Historical Society. In attendance were Charles Podominick, Miro Medved, Norm Setnicker, and Branch President John Zakel. Mr. Hawlina responded to questions about the genealogical resources available in Slovenia and how to access these facilities. In March 2013 the TC Slovenians will be hosting a “genealogy workshop” for our membership. Plans for the 2013 Festival of Nations to be held in St. Paul - May 2-5 are underway. The theme this year is: “Children, Our Past, Present and Future.” Sue Rademacher and Michael Koski are again chairing this event. This looks to be the most challenging theme that the TC Slovenians have encountered, but are looking forward to the challenge of another award winning exhibit. An item most people do not realize is that there is no audio allowed, so the exhibit has to focus on the visual aspects of the theme. Also continuing into the new year, our TC Slovensko language group of 20 meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Church. Frank Medved is our lead teacher Miro Medved Named as Honorary Consul for Minnesota and Parts of Western Wisconsin 30 Miro Medved, former Minnesota Congressman, James Oberstar, and Ambassador Roman Kirn “ucitelj”, Joe Kuznik, our grammarian along with John Zakelj, and Mici Kochevar, our well-organized coordinator. There seems to be a renewed interest in the Slovenian language as evidenced by classes being held in Milwaukee and San Francisco. February, Slovenian culture month, promises to be busy. Dr. Seth Hawkins will present a program entitled, “In the Footsteps of Dr. Pre{eren” on February 16, and our regular membership meeting at the Venetian Inn will be on February 23, featuring a video of travels to Slovenia. On a sad note, Karl Grahek, our membership chairperson for the past five years, is suffering from cancer; our prayers and good wishes go out to Karl and his family. NORMAN SETNICKER Zarja The Dawn Slovenian Union of America 27th National Convention - 2015 - Lemont, Illinois SLOVENIAN “SPRING FLING” DRAWING March 2013 Fund-Raiser Top Seller Prizes: 1st Place - $110.00 2nd Place - $70.00 3rd Place - $40.00 Towards Convention Package $10.00 PER TICKET CASH PRIZES TOTALING $2,695 27 Daily Drawings at $55 March 1st and 17th at $110 March 20th and 31st at $220 31 Daily Seller Prizes at $10 C U T H E You are eligible for all daily drawings in the month of March, 2013. Sellers of the winning entries will receive $10 as an award for their selling efforts. The daily drawing amount and the seller’s $10 prize will be mailed to the winners of record the next business day. Winners will be sent an e-mail and names posted on the website. For information on how the Fund-Raiser works - see next page. R The following entry form should be printed clearly and accompany your $10 donation. Detach at perforation E Spring Fling Entry Form Entrant’s Information: Name:____________________________________ Address:______________________________ City:______________________________________ State:_____________ZipCode:_____________ Phone:____________________________________ E-mail:________________________________ Seller’s Information: Name:____________________________________ Address:______________________________ City:_____________________________________ State:_____________ Zip Code:____________ Phone:____________________________________ E-mail:________________________________ Branch Location and Number:_________________________________________________________ Please send completed form (Print) and $10 check payable to SUA/SWUA to: Denise P. Bartlett SUA Director of Special Projects 7902 West Howard Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53220-1612 Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com January/February 2013 31 Slovenian Union of America 27th National Convention - 2015 - Lemont, Illinois SLOVENIAN “SPRING FLING” DRAWING March 2013 Fund-Raiser www.slovenianunion.org Need additional entries? Copies accepted or contact Denise P. Bartlett at: Phone: 414.327.4990 or denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com 2015 SUA/SWUA National Convention. SUA/SWUA holds its National Convention every four years in host cities around the country. These gatherings are important not only to conduct SUA/SWUA business but to have a forum for branch representatives to come together to give their reports, share their ideas, discuss concerns and further cement their mutual love and respect for all things related to their Slovenian heritage. Our next SUA/SWUA National Convention will be held in Lemont, Illinois in 2015. Plans are underway to make this another memorable event. The successful completion of this “Slovenian Spring Fling Drawing” Fund-Raiser will provide monies to help defray the costs of conducting SUA/SWUA’s National Convention. The Convention Committee strives to offer an affordable convention package to enable delegates and members from every SUA/SWUA branch to attend. The entries make excellent gifts for the holiday season, birthdays, and to say “Thank You.” How Does the Fund-Raiser Work? Everyone participating in the SUA/SWUA “Slovenian ‘Spring Fling’ Drawing” Fund-raiser has the chance to win cash prizes. Each day in the month of March, 2013, one winner will be chosen to win the listed cash prize for that day - $55, $110 or $220. In addition, each day the person who sold that day’s winning ticket will win $10. The daily winner and seller can be one and the same and win both prizes. The month of March has much to celebrate – including St. Patrick’s Day, 1st Day of Spring, and Easter Sunday. The winners chosen on March 1st – the first day of “Spring Fling” – and March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day (a day of luck for Slovenians, too) – will win $110.00 each. The winners chosen on March 20th – the first day of Spring – and on March 31st – Easter Sunday – will win $220.00 each. In addition, the top sellers (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) will win $110 and $70 and $40 respectively towards their Convention package. It’s a WIN opportunity for everyone. Your Participation is Appreciated! Good Luck! 32 Zarja The Dawn SUA Welcomes Slovenian Delegation to the Midwest SUA welcomed Minister for Slovenians Abroad, Minister Ljudmila Novak (Ministrica za Slovence po Svetu), Dr. Zvone @igon, Secretary in the Office for Slovenians Abroad, and Roman Novak, the Minister’s spouse, in late November. For Minister Novak, it was the first trip to the United States. Their first stop was in Minnesota where Miro Medved, Honorary Consul for Minnesota and parts of Western Wisconsin, along with his wife, Karen Medved, and three members of the Twin Cities (TC) Slovenians: Branch President John Zakelj, Norm Setnicker, and Silvester Vicic, greeted them. Minister Novak praised the Twin Cities delegation for its involvement in preserving the Slovenian culture through the efforts of the Twin Cities Slovenians- Branch 109 of the Slovenian Union of America. TC Slovenians’ President, John Zakelj, then presented 2013 calendars to the Slovenian delegation. The calendars contained pictures of Slovenia that were taken by various members who visited Slovenia over the past two years. Minister Novak then proceeded to present a congratulatory proclamation from the Republic of Slovenia honoring Miro for his “invaluable contribution toward preserving and invigorating Slovenian National Identity in Minnesota and the USA.” Before the distinguished guests embarked on their flight, Karen Medved served gourmet sandwiches and freshly baked potica - true Slovenian-style. Minister Novak’s group with Martin Hozjan, from Lemont as their guide, then visited the SUA headquarters in Joliet. They were warmly welcomed by President, Bonnie Prokup; Vice President of Outreach, Debbie Pohar; Vice-President of Marketing and Fundraising, Mary Carmody; 2015 Convention Chair, Paula Mavec; and Home Office Manager, Jonita Ruth. Fresh Bonnie Prokup shows Minister apple strudel, prepared by Novak an old SUA document Paula Mavec, was served along with refreshments. While time was limited, a presentation summarizing our organization was squeezed in, along with a fairly lengthy tour which included all three levels of the building. The delegation seemed to be amazed at the number of historical documents SUA possesses, the roomy and clean “living quarters,” and the work that is going on. There was much talk about collaboration with other organizations worldwide and of course with Slovenia. Our president was kind, generous, knowledgeable, friendly, and exuberant with Slovenian pride. She is confident that in the short time that we had, we succeeded in forming a meaningful and long-lasting personal and professional relationship with the Minister and her office. Debbie Pohar, Minister Novak, Bonnie Prokup, and Mary Carmody In the end, Minister Novak thanked us sincerely for the work that we do, and she meant it! SUA presented Minister Novak with a beautiful basketful of SUA gifts and goodies. The three Slovenian guests had another busy day in the Milwaukee area. Members of several Slovenian organizations, including SUA, were eager to show them how they keep their Slovenian heritage in high regard. At the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee’s Golda Meir Library they viewed the largest collection of Slovenian music outside Ljubljana. From there they were greeted by a large group of eager members of the Slovenian Cultural Society Triglav at the beautiful 15 acre Triglav Park in Wind Lake, Wisconsin. It is a beautiful area settled by Slovenians in the 1960’s. More Slovenian hospitality with delicious treats before they reached their final destination of the day - a reception in the City Hall chambers of West Allis - a suburb of Milwaukee - a community of many Slovenians. There, more gifts were exchanged after entertainment by SUA member, Ed Vidmar, on his piano accordion, and the beautiful singing of well-known Slovenian songs by the Slovenian USPEH Chorus, which had 10 SUA members among the singers. More potica, strudel, and refreshments to close out another Slovenian heritage day for the special guests. Minister Novak, Mr. Novak, and Dr. @igon made the day one not to forget by the many Milwaukee area Slovenians. It was a very special opportunity for them to be commended by the three for what we all do to keep our Slovenian spirit alive! Jan Gehm, President of Branch 43, Minister Novak, and Dr. John Vidmar, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia for the State of Illinois PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID LASALLE, IL Minister Ljudmila Novak Republic of Slovenia’s Minister for Slovenians Abroad