Let Not The Light Of Freedom Be Extinguished! American Home over 100 years of serving American- Slovenians Vol. 108, No. 35 American u Ameriška D 99Q6'V80frV HO AtibBd 133H1S OIHO £866 NOHWVN NVItiVIAl SLOVENIAN MORNING NEWSPAPER USPS 024100 ISSN Number 0164-68X AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 7. 2006 Phone:Y2161431-0628 70t A Cure for Political Problem by JOE GLINŠEK Nobel economic icon, libertarian/market force advocate Milton Friedman, beat the actuarial average by over 20 years. He opinioned that a Republican congress and a Democratic president was the best recipe for fiscally responsible government - cited Clinton’s ‘budget surplus’ as an example. Conceded that the real reason was gridlock, which stalled spending. If gridlock is the answer, maybe we should just make the already ridiculously short congressional “sessions” even shorter. Say, two weeks. Fourteen consecutive days of actual 12 hour sessions, hammering out issues. ” (They love that phrase.) They can eat Danish, drink coffee, and pee in a cup. Save the taxpayers tons of money - expenses of traveling back and forth to their home districts, eliminating junkets and Washington housing and accepting bribes from lobbyists. We’d foot the bill to take over a big hotel in the off-season, say March, and house the entire Congress in one place. They could conduct their business in the hotel’s facilities. Sell the present buildings to Disney. What a great tourist attraction - Disney, D.C. Maybe they’d even eliminate either Daylight Savings Time, or Standard Time and stick with one or the other instead of vacillating in the spring and fall. (Compromising satisfies no one.) They could move the Hall of Presidents there, and add the Hall of Congress - fill it with animated Congressmen selected from two centuries’ best - maybe two or three dozen. Absence diminishes small loves and increases great ones, as the wind blows out the candle and blows up the bonfires. -Bob Mills Your Christmas Customs What are your favorite Slovenian (or American) Christmas customs? Send to ahp@buckeveweb.net or Customs, American Home, 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103-1627. New Subscription Campaign Be thankful the year around with a subscription to the American Home (Ameriška Domovina) newspaper. Our benefactor will again pay $15.00 toward any NEW subscription. The American Home Publishing Co. will add $5.00, and the new reader need only contribute $15.00. The campaign is limited to the first 30 respondents. Send $15.00 for every new subscription to American Home, 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103-1627. Remember subscriptions make wonderful Christmas gifts. The recipient will recall your generosity all year through each time the American Home arrives in their mailbox. An American Home gift subscription is also an excellent way to perpetuate your wonderful Slovenian heritage. There are a lot of Slovenian-Americans who have no knowledge of their Slovenian roots. The American Home is an excellent way to transmit that infonnation. Be sure to include the recipient’s name and address. Best wishes for Happy Holidays. Newspaper Schedule In December the next two issues of American Home will be dated Dec. 14, and 21. In January, the American Home will be printed on Jan. 4, 11, and 18. In February, the American Home will be printed on Feb. J> 8, and 15. Waterloo Hall’s ‘Kitchen Angels’ in Costume Pictured are Slovenian Workmen’s Home Auxiliary, aka “Kitchen Angels.” This photo was taken at their Fish Fry Halloween celebration. Left to right: Front row: Sophie Matuch, Marion Slejko, Mimi Struna, Ellen Downer, Eleanor Godec, Vida Zak. Back row: John Vasilko, Dorothy Gorjup, Nancy Vasilko, Angie Žabjek, President June Slapnik, Pauline Debevec, Dorothy Smrtnik, and Pat Nevar. All the volunteers were in costume and the customers enjoyed an evening of good food, refreshments and a sing-a-long led by Kathy Hlad and Kenny Zalar. After an enjoyable meal, these two couples joined in on the sing-a-long. Pictured are: Frank Kosten, Ruth Hribar, Stan Bohinc, and Olga Rogell. Traditional Slovenian Potica (nut roll) Potica is a traditional Slovenian festive cake that has become famous around the world. Poticas are baked in spe- cial cake tins, traditionally made of very ornate terracotta that are now often used as decorations. These tins are usually round, with a tube in the middle. Baked poticas are mostly round, ring shaped cakes. There are at least 50 different kinds of poticas, differing in fillings. At first, fillings consisted of walnuts, hazelnuts, honey, mint, curd, cream, cracklings, bacon or dried fruits. In the past, sugar was usually not added because it was scarce. Today, poticas are often made with cocoa, chocolate or carob fillings. The dough is made of wheat flour with yeast used as leaven. It is rolled out flat, spread with the filling, rolled up and placed in the tin. AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 7, 2006 AMERICAN HOME AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA 6117 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103-1692 Telephone: 216/431-0628 - Fax: 216/361-4088 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA (USES 024100) James V. Debevec - Publisher, English Editor Dr. Rudolph M. Susel - Slovenian Editor Ameriška Domovina Permanent Scroll of Distinguished Persons: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Louis B. Baznik, Michael and Irma Telich, Frank J. Lausche, Paul Kosir NAROČNINA: Združene države Amerike in Kanada: $35 letno za ZDA; $40 za Kanado (v ZD valuti) Slovenija in tujina, letalska pošta, $165 letno (v ZD valuti) SUBSCRIPTION RATES United States and Canada: U.S.A.: $35 per year; Canada: $40 in U.S. currency Slovenia and other foreign: $165 U.S. per year (air) AMERICAN HOME (ISSN 0164-680X) is published three issues per month for $35 per year by American Home Pub. Co., 6117 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AMERICAN HOME, 6117 St. Clair Cleveland, OH 44103-1692. No. 35 December 7, 2006 Stopped by a Cop by Rudy Flis An item in the daily newspaper caused me to remember an incident which occurred in early 1958, about the end of March. My wife, Therese, and I were on our way back home from Bergs, a store with baby stuff. Fulling off Lake Shore Blvd. onto E. 9th Street, I was stopped by the police. They had me get in their cruiser and informed me I was driving with one headlight, and then asked me for my driver’s license, and I gave it to them. “Do you have another license, Rudolph?” And I asked the officer, “Why would I have two licenses?” His answer, “Because this one expired six weeks ago.” They gave me a ticket and told me I would have to be in court next week. I told the officer I was working 12 hour days next week and I would have to take off work. Is there any way I could pay the fine without going to court. He told me if I fixed my headlight, got a new license and then went by this little brick building across the street from the courthouse and have my light checked out and a signed receipt and with that and my new license, sit in the courtroom until the judge is finished, and then approach the judge and explain to him my predicament. If that doesn’t work, you have to be in court. Everything the officer advised me to do, I did, and was sitting in the courtroom that next morning. Man was I nervous as I walked up to ' the judge, who had to be anxious to get out of the courtroom and start his weekend. He patiently listened as I told my dumb story. When I finished, he asked me about my headlight and my license, at which time I handed them to an officer who gave them to the judge. I knew I had to pay a fine, but if I didn’t miss any work I’d be happy. I forget the exact words of the kind judge, but he sent* me home, no fine and no court appearance. He was the Honorable Judge Thomas James Parrino, whose death notice was in the paper last week. May the soul of this kind judge rest in peace. But there is a sad ending to the story. The officer who was so kind to give me advice, lost his life in the line of duty within a few months of my meeting him. May his soul rest in peace and may God watch over all of our safety forces. LAVRISHA 216-391-0035 Construction & Repair Services Rokodelec Contractor Wonderful December in Picturesque Ljubljana by Anja Lorenzetti The jingling of bells, snow, the smell of baking... children laughing and happy faces*. How beautiful Ljubljana is at this time of year. Every year, when once again it smells of winter and the happy festive season that is approaching becomes alive. A large number of visitors from home and abroad come to admire this decorated city, adorned by over 46 kilometers of fairy lights silhouetting the outlines of some of the more important buildings in Slovenia’s capital city. The New Year’s decorations in Ljubljana are becoming a genuine tourist attraction, and the city gets more and more beautiful every year. Last year the decorations were designed by architect Karin Košak and the artist Zmago Modic, who ensured that visitors to the beautiful city of Ljubljana gazed in wonder at the decorations and lights. For a number of years now, Ljubljana has been rec- ognized for its ‘galaxies,’ which have become an essential element of the decorations. These groups of large white spheres are situated in various locations around the city and are truly unique. Of all the numerous decorated trees across the entire city, the most notable is the Christmas Tree in Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg), decorated by around 27,000 white fairy lights which, strung together, would reach a length of approximately 4,500 meters. The magnificent tree stands in front of the statue of the Slovenian poet France Prešeren. The day of the turning on the Christmas lights is also the first day of the Christmas Fair on the Cankar Embankment. Numerous Slovenian craftsmen, artists and others use the attractive, festively decorated stalls to present and sell their wares. The curious will find plenty of hand-made products to inspect and admire. Every year I find presents * 1 here for my family, since the products for sale are truly wonderful and special. Along the length of the embankment a number of stalls sell mulled wine and culinary specialties. The festive atmosphere and music make the fair an ideal gathering place for friends to toast the new year and the old. There is always plenty of laughter. This time of year fills me with such happiness that my soul is filled with laughter and everything seems especially beautiful. Children and adults alike look forward most of all to seeing Grandfather Frost, who will come to Zvezda Park every day between 26 and 30 December with his escort of elves, the Good Fairy, deer, and so on. The opening ceremonies is supplemented by the Good Fairy, who grants the little wishes of all who visit her in front of the Town Hall. St. Nicholas at St. Mary’s The St. Mary’s Slovenian language school invites all to its annual evening with Saint Nicholas on Saturday, Dec. 9th at Saint Mary’s in Col-linwood. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a short program by the students of the St. Mary’s Slovenian Language School. After the program Saint Nicholas will make his annual visit. Refreshments will be available. Everyone is welcome. Love is blind; friendship tries not to notice. —Phil Hrvatin Wine Appreciation l our of Croatia with Chalet DeBonnc Join Tony and Beth Debevc on this journey thru the wine growing regions of the Dalmatian Coast and Slovenia. The tour is escorted by Brane Vidmar, wine and gastronomy and travel expert. Visit Dubrovnik, Korčula, Split, Krk, Koper, Zagreb March 7- 17, 2007 Air and Land Tour: $2815 plus tax Portugal, France & Spain Join Fr. Boznar, Pastor of St. Vitus in Cleveland on a journey to the revered Pilgrimage sites of Fatima. Lourdes. & Santiago de Compostela 1st Class hotels, deluxe motorcoach, expert guides, most meals and airfare from $2649 March 3 - 12, 2007 Limited to one motorcoach! Please call today! “Celebrating 83 Years in Travel, since 1923’ Hollander World Travel * 971 E 185th St * Cleveland OH 44119 (800) 800-5981 + (216) 692-1000 www.kollander.com |!! Please call, write or email for a complete brochure !! | OrO'J m.vP This and that from Emilee by EMILEE JENKO Hi eveiyone. It’s a beautiful morning as I type this article; the sun is shining and the breeze is so balmy. Take advantage of this warm weather. It can’t last. The white stuff is coming. The AMLA 50-year member affair was very nice. Chatted with a number of friends. Out of six honorees of St. Anne’s #4, two made the scene. Ivanka Stupica and Lou Zigmund. Each received a box of candy from the staff of #4. The music was by the International Sound Machine by Fred Ziwich. Enjoyed by all. The program was short and sweet. December birthday celebrants: Dawn, my son’s fiance, my grade school chum Bea Tanko. Have a great day, Bea. Rosemary Reiger, Fran Gazvoda, Angelique Skorich Pastva, and Danny Reiger. (Jan. 1st). Many happy returns to Pauline Buiya, Jan. 5th. Barb Kne-zevic. Give the St. Vitus Food Bank volunteers a big hand. They do a tremendous job each month: Dan Reiger, Lil Kryzwicki, Florence Jaksic, Josie Manfreda, Ann Grigo-nis, Bemie Sajovec, Sister Mary Avsec, and Mario Perčič. Get well wishes to Evelyn Buncic (had surgery), Alice Azman also had by-pass surgery. Keep Ed Arhar and Gwen Slapnik Washington in your thoughts and prayers. They are convalescing, but need all our prayers for a speedy recovery. Birthday wishes on Thanksgiving: Stefanie Se-gulin. Also belated wishes to Jim and June Slapnik, Julije Slapnik who resides at the St. Vitus Village. Many more years of happiness is wished by friends of the SHA who surprised her and feted her with a cake made by Sophie Mazi for all Juliette’s friends to enjoy. Happy special birthday Wishes to Michael Polenšek, Councilman, from all your constituents. All his listeners thank ^fenny Bucar for taking over N°v. 19 Sunday morning Program on WELW 1330 ^M for brother Dale. You did a great job. Everyone enjoyed it. . The other day I stopped mto Shelli’s coffee shop and ^ould you believe who I umped into. It was Rocco p°llutro (ex-Chief of Police Cleveland). He chatted for jfeout two hours, very nos-aigic. Had lunch and then 'Ve left to go our separate Ways. It was so nice to remember old times and nends. We sure did a lot of feminiscing. Condolences to the family of Fran Forsythe. She was very active with the St. Clair Pensioners and many other fraternal lodges. Rest in peace, Fran. Keep her in your prayers. Long time friend Frank Tanko passed away this past month. He will be missed by relatives and friends. God be with you. AMLA’s Christmas party for the children will take place on Dec. 10th at SNH. See you there. I’ll be with the cookie brigade. SWU #50 Xmas Party was Dec. 3 at Tizzano’s Party Center on East 260 St. Dec. 1st Bishop Pevec hosted at Borromeo Seminary St. Nicholas Night. Glasbena Matica sang at the Mass and reception afterwards. CWV Post 1655 will be celebrating their Christmas holiday at the Croatian Center on Sunday, Dec. 17th. It’ll be fun. It was a blast last year. Hope we can duplicate it. A few highlights and quips from the Awards Show #19 Polka. The Next Generation. Two very important presenters were Bob Feller and Bob Dolgan, recently retired after 45 years as sports writer with the Plain Dealer. “Everyone knows Bob Feller.” Ed Ostry, an honoree, was called by Ed Kenik, an “Adopted Slovenian.” Christine Hibbs, hoqoree, said you can’t be a good vocalist without a foundation and that foundation is a terrific orchestra, “The Wojtilas.” Sophie Zalokar, daughter of Ray Zalokar, was beautifully dressed in a gold frock and is quite a performer. She also was a presenter. Good job, Sophie. Fred Gregorich was hep and great and a polished performer. His cheese and crackers is a #1 hit. Al (Big Al) Pestotnik honoree, compared the Polka Award extravaganza of today to the “Rich and Famous” TV show on Saturday evening. Sure says something, eh, Al? Gary Rhamy, an honoree, had a mustache when he appeared on a video show at the affair and had cut it off when he received his award. He quoted Tennessee Ernie Ford, “Go thru the brush to get to the picnic.” Jackie Zorc, long-time polka entertainer, couldn’t make the affair, but sent congratulations. A resident of the Slovene Home for the Aged, he is a perky 98 years young. Zivio. Best Song: Green Valley by Dave Skrajner was so intoxicating, the lyrics and the yodeling. Absolutely goose bumpy. Accordion virtuoso per- sonified was Don Lipovac. He surely can tickle the ivories. One of the Grkman family had their great grandson perform with the band on the button box, 4-year-old Benjamin. The “Next Generation.” He already knew all the body language. The Grkman had a senior partner (their father) with them on the bandstand, - 4 generations. They thanked everyone for the award. You really had to be at the affair to get the true feeling of the honorees and the audience. They were multo, multo gracious. More get well wishes: Ann Kern (resident of St. Vitus Village), Lil Ribarich (knee surgery), Frank Kuhel, Joanne Olaskar, and Bill Young. More belated birthday wishes: Sylvia Plymesser, Mary Turk, Paul Raster, Albina Kostensek, Juliette Slapnik, Gene Drobnič, residing in Cape Coral, FI., and Jo Stinziano. The above are all loyal members of St. Clair Pensioners. Fantje na Vasi and the Kres Dancers were the top notch entertainment at the SNH Brunch. Food was tasty, prepared by the board and plenty of it. A group from Canada also enjoyed the day. They were here for the weekend enjoying the poljca festivities at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Cleveland. Glad you were aboard. I will leave you with this thought since it is the time for all good friends to be together: A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. Christmas in Euclid Concert The second annual interdenominational event of the Euclid, Ohio church community will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., in Saint Christine Church, 840 E. 222 St. (216) 261-1410. Free admission. Singing Along at the weekly Waterloo Friday Fish Fry on Oct 27 (Halloween Party) are Eddie Kenik, Adolph Kocin, and John Kozlevchar. Singers Helen Kozlevchar and Dorothy Spendal use the song sheets supplied by Matt Zabukevec. Harmonizing, left to right are: Kenny Zalar, Pat Nevar, Tony Spendal, and Lori Sierputowski. (Photos by PAT NEVAR) Love is the master key which opens the gates of happiness. ______________________________ --Emilee Jenko UNION BECOME A MEMBER WITH A NEW INSURANCE PLAN FROM KSKJ! ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT PLAN Available from ages 20 to 65 (coverage expires at age 70) Minimum Amount Available $25,000 - Maximum Available $100,000 $30 minimum per mode premium -$1.00 per thousand in PA $1.20 per thousand in CA, CO, CT, IL, IN, KS, Ml, MN, MT, OH, DC, Wl Call your local sales agent or the Home Office at 1-800-843-5755 www.kskjlife.com AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER, 7, 2006 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 7, 2006 i 4 Slovenians Run in New York Marathon by KATARINA TEPESH NEW YORK CITY, Nov. 5 - Every year several Slovenians compete among the 38,368 runners in one of the world’s great running races in the New York City Marathon 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers route. SIMON PREMOZE, age 33, living in California, ran the fastest marathon among Slovenians with official time of 3 hours, 10 minutes and 45 seconds. MARTIN SALA, age 29, second fastest runner at 3:48:34. MATIJA GREGORIČ, age 30, third fastest runner 4:05:59. TATJANA KUHAR AVDICAUSEVIC, age 31, fastest Slovenian woman 4:09:45. UROŠ KLJUČAR, age 28, ran 4:19:53. Among native New Yorkers, our American Slovenian VIKTORIA KAMIN, age 34 completed the 26.2 mile marathon with an official time of 4:45:02. She agreed to an interview. Katarina - Congratulations, Viki. This was your 4th marathon in a row, an amazing achievement. It takes hard work, dedication and commitment. What continues to motivate you? Viki - It’s a goal that I set for myself and want to accomplish. It’s a great feeling to cross the finish line. K - After the 2005 marathon did you take a long break? Or did you never stop training? V — After the 2005 marathon I did take a little break. When I started working out again I added other activities besides running. K - What is your typical day? Do you prefer to run in the morning, before going to work or in the evening? V - I usually run after work or weekend mornings. K - Are you a member of the New York Road Runners club? Do you tend to run with a group or solo? V - I’ve been a member of the New York Road Runners Club for more than three years. Most of the time, I run with my friend who just ran her 11th marathon. We motivate each other when we don’t want to run. The NYRR Club has races throughout the year in Central Park that we participate in. K - Do you ever get a common cold? Do you take vitamins and get a flu shot? V - Your immune system drops when you are training for a marathon, so I try to say healthy by eating right and getting plenty of rest. I .take magnesium, calcium and a multivitamin every day. I’ll get a tiny cold every once in a while. I never had the flu_and I do not get a flu shot. K - The night before the marathon, do you eat pasta and a piece of protein, as recommehded? Did you join the complimentary Barilla Marathon Eve Dinner? V - That’s exactly what I ate, pasta with marinara sauce and grilled chicken. I did not go to the pasta party at Tavern on the Green, it’s too crowded. K - Did you watch the spectacular fireworks? V -1 didn’t watch the fireworks this year, but I have in the past. K - What do you feel and think while running the 42.2 kilometers marathon? Do you pay a lot of attention to the miles? Do you try to amuse yourself knowing it is a long way? What or who inspires you? V - You have to think of everything but how your body is feeling. I focus on the crowds, the bands and my friends and family waiting for me. I do pay attention to the miles; it makes it a lot easier when you know you are halfway done or you only have 4 miles left. My family and friends are the ones who inspire me. They give me the encouragement to know I can do this. K - After the marathon, do you soak in the tub? Stretch and keep legs elevated? V - I stretch, use ice and take lots of Advil. Monday afternoon I got a massage. K - Your family is obviously very proud of you. V - My mom was at the halfway point in Queens and in Central Park. My brother Ivan, sister-in-law and twin nieces were on First Avenue. I had friends in Brooklyn and all along First and Fifth Avenues. My sister Bernadette called me before the race for inspiration and afterwards to congratulate me. K - Does your family boost your energy by offering you crackers, pretzels, trail mix, orange slices or gels? V - I ask them to bring pretzels and bananas. I carry energy gels and salt packs with me. K - Do you take a day off after the marathon? V - Yes, I always take the day off from work. I work for a financial planning firm, Financial Asset Management Corp., located in Manhattan. My co-workers are very sup- portive and extremely understanding during my training. K - Last year you ran for charity. How about this year? V -1 didn’t run for charity this year, but I supported my friend who always runs for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. K - Do you speak Slovenian? V - I don’t speak Slovenian, but understand some of it. My parents try to speak to me in Slovenian and I’ll answer them in English. K - Local press is showing cancer survivor and seventime Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong practice running in groups? Have you seen him or run along side him? V - Unfortunately, I have not seen Lance running. The group he runs with is probably through his sponsor Nike. Marathon facts: A record 38,368 runners started the race. Bedause 93,000 applicants exceeded the number of spaces available, the organizers were not able to accept all applicants. A processing fee of $9.00 is required for all. The majority of U.S. entrants including athletes with disabilities, were selected in a random lottery drawing on June 7. Most international entrants come through tour operators. An entry fee for U.S. residents is $107.00, while non-U.S. residents pay $164.00. Oldest female entrant was 87; Oldest male 88; Male to female ratio: 66% men -34% women; 40% were firsttime marathoners. To avoid shortcuts via the subway, a chip is a mandatory scoring device for all entrants. Crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime for the runner, while a volunteer immediately and carefully cuts the plastic tie holding the scoring chip to the participant’s shoelace. 611 port-a-potties were m place during the race with more than 1.5 million cups of water and Gatorade passed out along the route. It takes thousands of volunteers to make the race happen. All volunteers receive a souvenir t-shirt and poncho while assisting at aid stations, handing out water, blanket distribution to finishers, directing marathoners to buses that take them to the start, assist with family reunion, ferry loading, hospitality, interpreting, and assisting as needed to keep the event flowing smoothly. Specialists In Corrective Hair Coloring , _________ Z^ tina & brenda’s HAIR SALON xxi 70110 / xxi nxoi 5216 Wilson Mills Rd. 461-7989 / 461-0623 Richmond'Hts., Ohio 44143 2 Hour Cooking Video Tape or DVD • Krofe • Potica • Strudel • Pohanje • Potato Pancakes • Noodles and Cabbage • AND MORE Ideal for Brides, Showers - Christmas Special Occasion GIFTS — or Personal Price: $29 - Send to Florence Petrich 38453 Wood Rd., Willoughby, OH 44094-7604 Call 440-946-2803 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the staff of JAKUBS & SON FUNERAL HOME 936 E. 185 St., Cleveland 531-7770 JAKUBS - DANAHER FUNERAL HOME 36000 Lake Shore Blvd., Eastlake 953-4600 GOLDEN RULE Funeral Home ' v/fYs rtWOlT! :S15 ;t< «>»u; ,311 trtJUD All About Judge Don J. Svet Don J. Svet’s story is not a straight line. Instead it is one of circles and fortuitous conjunctions. A man seemingly at the right place at the right time, he has created his good fortune through hard work and determination. His parents, Slovenian immigrants, most influenced the course of his life. Without formal education themselves, they advised their three children to get an education. Each followed this advice, and Don Svet’s brother, John, has a degree in chemistry and owns a ceramics factory in California. His sister, Nancy Burnett, has a Ph.D. in education and is on the board of regents for Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Don J. Svet himself is a United States magistrate judge for the District of New Mexico. Svet was raised in Cam-den-on-Gauley, West Virginia. He was an All State basketball and football player in high school, and after service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he was recruited by Coach Don Gibson to play basketball at New Mexico Highlands. After two quarters, he married Norma Ordonez from Las Vegas and joined the police force in Albuquerque. An officer from 1959 to 1963, he was promoted to sergeant of police and served the City of Albuquerque in this position from 1963-1966. During this tenure, he met Attorney Pete Domenici, who many years later, as United States Senator, recommended Svet’s appointment as United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico. But before this circle could be complete, Svet came back to Highlands to finish his education. He completed his bachelor’s degree in political science and history in 1968. A serious student, he was consistently on the Dean’s List and was a member of Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society. He continued to earn high marks at law school at the University of New Mexico, receiving his juris doctorate in 1971. Svet was a member of the Order of Coif, a legal honor society based on superior academic achievement. From here, Svet’s career Path took him back to work for the City of Albuquerque, Where he served as assistant °ity attorney, working with Prosecutions. Svet then was aPpointed assistant United States Attorney for the Criminal Division of the Dis-trict of New Mexico and Promoted to First Assistant in 1981. He served as Interim United States Attorney for several months during that tenure, and in 1991, he Judge Svet, left, and President George Bush was appointed by President George Bush to be the U.S. Attorney for New Mexico. His appointment was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In 1993, he was appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge for an eight-year term. He is one of eight U.S. magistrate judges in New Mexico. Civil cases are his primary responsibility. While he has held several positions that were the result of political appointments, Don Svet has never been active in politics. It is this objectivity which may have made him the best choice for U.S. attorney and magistrate judge. Judge Svet has the perspective of 31 years of public service within different areas of law enforcement and the justice system. He continues to like his job and to believe in serving the citizens of New Mexico. Don and Norma Svet have two children whose chosen careers reflect on their parents’ influence as well as their own abilities. Donna Svet Miller is a lawyer and assistant U.S. attorney in El Paso, Texas. Lt. Col. Frank J. Svet serves in the U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. Norma Ordonez Svet received her bachelor’s degree from Highlands in 1968. She was a U.S. probation officer until her retirement in 1995. The Svets have made frequent trips to Slovenia, one of the former republics of Yugoslavia, where Don’s parents were raised. This determination to hold on to the old brings another circle of the Svets’ lives into the round. Because of his service to New Mexico and the pride he brings to his alma mater, New Mexico Highlands University is happy to recognize Don J. Svet as a Distinguished Alumnus. In 2001 Svet was appointed to another eight-year-term as United States Magistrate Judge. He has since retired and now serves on recall duty, carrying out the same duties, with a more relaxed work load. Congratulations! Glasbena Matica Christmas Concert set for December 16 With the holidays fast approaching, mejnbers of the Glasbena Matica Singing Society are busily rehearsing their songs for an evening of joyous Christmas music scheduled for Saturday, December 16th. The event will take place at the Slovenian National Home on St.Clair Avenue in Cleveland. The singing group will offer Christmas holiday favorites in Slovenian, English and Latin. Selections include such songs as Hitite, Kristjani; Božji Nam Je Rojen Sin; O Magnum Mysterium; the Messiah Suite; O Holy Night; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and many more. Glasbena’s singers are very pleased to welcome back their music director Julie Tragon who now has a new last name. Julie was married to Matthew Parrotta in October. Michael Cercek, Glasbena’s accompanist, is also a newly wed; he married the former Jaime Mock in August. The theme for this year’s concert is “Christmas with Glasbena Matica.” Doors will open at 5:30 PM, and the concert will begin at 7:00 PM. Dinners, sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase. Wayne Tomsic’s orchestra will offer dance music immediately after the concert. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased by calling Lori Sierputowski at (440) 449-5643. They may also be purchased at the Polka Hall of Fame, 605 East 222hd Street, Euclid, or at the door. -- Dan Hrvatin, Pres. KSKJ Lodge 25 Christmas Party St. Vitus KSKJ Lodge No. 25 will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. in the St. Vitus school social room. The Christmas Party will begin at approximately 2 p.m. If members are bringing children, give secretary John C. Turek a call at (216) 531 -0230 we then can plan accordingly. Ohio Boychoir Concert Ohio Boychoir is presenting a Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus, 3649 E. 65 St., Cleveland. Krofe Sale St. Vitus Altar Society will hold a krofe and noodles sale on Saturday, Dec. 9 in the auditorium social room. come experience a different side of Europe Custom and small group tours to Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia Hidden castles, Rustic hilltowns, Secluded islands, Charming countryside, Inviting wine cellars, Generous hosts, Rewarding journeys Roads Less Traveled www.roadslesstraveled.net 1-866-486-7173 ir>\ AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 7, 2006 AMERIŠKA DOMOVINA, DECEMBER 7, 2006 e Questions and Answers to Bob Dolgan, author of ‘‘America’s Polka King’: Q: You’ve been a sports writer for most of your career. How did you come to write a book about a polka musician? A: I co-wrote Frank Yankovic’s autobiography in 1977. Yankovic was a real character -the greatest, most successful musician in polka history. You could walk down the street and ask people about famous polka musicians and the only one they really know is Frankie Yankovic, especially in Cleveland. It seems like everyone knows who he is. I felt that his story should be told by somebody who remembers it. I’m Slovenian. I grew up with Slovenian polkas, listening to Frank Yankovic’s polka. Q: Why did Yankovic become such a big star? A: Because, besides his great showmanship, he traveled all over the country. Most polka musicians were basically local, although they might take small side trips. Yankovic was on the road 325 days a year. He played all the way from New York City to Hollywood. Q: What set him apart from other polka musicians of his day? A: You couldn’t mistake his sound. If you heard it, you knew it was his band. For one thing, he never used a saxophone; he preferred a solovox. It kind of had a sound like a piano and an organ. That gave him a distinctive sound. He always hired the best musicians. Also his singing was excellent. Q: Why is Yankovic called “America’s Polka King?" A: He won that title in a contest in Milwaukee in 1948. That was the same year that his first million-seller, “Just Because,” came out. The top recording companies like Columbia, RCA, and Capitol had this polka contest in Milwaukee in a big auditorium with their top bands playing. Frank won the award by a vote of 8-1. He won it three years straight. That was at the peak of the polka craze. He was the only man to win that award before it was discontinued. (Smaller recording companies were getting in on the act, and the bigger recording companies didn’t want to take a chance on having one of the nobodies beating their band out, so they ended the contest.) Q: Is there anything about Yankovic’s life story that will interest readers who are not polka fans? A: Frank was a unique character; one of the most unusual I’ve ever known - and I covered sports for about 50 years. His life was as hectic as any rock star. His family had a lot of problems. He had problems with his musicians. He always wanted to be number one: if one of his musicians got to be too popular, he didn’t like it. He was also a kleptomaniac. He was married three times and had 10 children. His first wife deserted him after 28 years because he was never home. The cops didn’t know where she was; he didn’t know where she was. For a while he was suspected of murdering her. Q: How did growing up in Cleveland influence Yankovic’s music and career? A: Cleveland was called the polka capital because of all the Slovenian and Polish bands here. It was a very musical society. Yankovic and Pecon and Johnny Vadnal and Kenny Bass all lived within a mile of each other and all knew each other. They all got jobs with national recording companies. Q: Did Yankovic make a lot of money in his heyday? Was he a good businessman? A: He made a lot and he blew a lot. In 1949, when he had his second million-seller, “Blue Skirt Waltz," he grossed about $160,000. That was in a time when the average working man might have been making three or four thousand dollars a year. Back in the 1950s the going rate for a polka band was about $200 a job; he was charging $500. Unfortunately, he was a sucker for con men. Q: How is this book different from Yankovic’s autobiography, which you co-wrote with him in 1977? A: In that book Frank was telling his story. This time, I’m telling the story. Slovenia: a top 10 destination by Tom Passavant What are the next hot places in the world of travel? Well, Slovenia is ranked in there as number 9. Slovenia: If you want to drive Slovenians crazy, just confuse them with Slovakians. So let’s be clear: The country we’ve come to praise here is Slovenia, a New Jersey-size nation that touches the Adriatic. It’s the most prosperous of the former Yugoslav republics, and a member of NATO and the European Union. Slovenia is ready for its touristic close-up. With a population of two million, its strong economy and stable democracy make it a comfortable place to visit. The mountainous scenery and close-to-the-land locals seem imported from a distant era of travel. Think of it as an amalgam of the pastoral parts of Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, with lower prices and fewer tourists. “Slovenia will be a revelation,” says Chris Mark of Butterfield & Robinson, an upscale tour company, citing its picturesque castles, friendly people and excellent wine and food. Most visitors begin in either Trieste, Italy, which abuts Slovenia’s 29-mile Adriatic coastline, or in the capital of Ljubljana. The most popular destinations are in the western half of the country. The northwest, for example, harbors some of the most pristine forests and mountains in Europe, with terrific hiking and rafting and the famously picturesque Lake Bled. Straddling the Italian border, the Brda region is fast becoming a popular wine country destination. The food, meanwhile, shows equally strong Italian and Germanic influences: Risotto and gnocchi share billing with strudel and dumplings. Slovenia’s top hotels, like the Grand Hotel Toplice (ho-tel-toplice.com; from $162) on Lake Bled, have decidedly old-fashioned Mit-teleeuropa air, and farm stays are very popular (just-slovenia.co.uk). Thanks to Phil Hrvatin for this article. Alabama, KY Pilgrimage Correction I loved the story of the “Spiritual Journey to Alabama and Kentucky" in a recent issue of American Home newspaper. Sophie wrote what I try to convey to people on a pilgrimage. I could feel myself on the journey again and for anyone who has never been there, the feeling becomes almost real. However, the Tour Leader Kathy Bowers is with The Catholic Tour Company/Pilgrim Tours (216) 751-8301, NOT with Regina Co. I have been going to Alabama for 10 years and this is an annual pilgrimage. So I will, with the Grace of God, be going again next fall. --Kathy Bowers The Catholic Tour Co. 21625 Chagrin Blvd. #25 Beachwood, OH 44122 1-877-627-4268 For Rent 2 bedrooms down with appliances - $450. Please call 216-383-8422. iTil'i i"«" m Coming Attractions Saturday, Dec. 9 St. Mary’s (Coll.) Slovenian Language School annual evening with St. Nicholas at 6:30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Saturday, Dec. 16 Glasbena Matica Christmas Concert at Slovenian National Home, St. Clair Ave., Cleveland at 7 p.m. Tickets $12 adults, $6 for children 12 and under. For tickets call (440) 449-5643 or visit Polka Hall of Fame on E. 222 St., Euclid. Saturday, Jan. 6 Cleveland Slovenian Ski Club bus trip to Holiday Valley, NY. Further information call (216) 280-0617 or (440) 585-4501. Sunday, Jan. 21 St. Mary’s (Coll.) Slovenian School annual lunch featuring pork and chicken, beginning at 11 a.m. $12 for adults, $6 for children. Takeouts available. Saturday, Jan.27 Pristavska noč (Veseli Godci), Slovenian National Home, St. Clair. Feb. 2, 3,4 SlovenSKI weekend in Windham, NY with giant slalom friendly race on Sat., with dinner/dance in the evening. Call John Kamin (718) 424-2711. Sunday, Feb. 18 Immaculate Conception parish, Superior Ave., Cleveland, Social at Slovenian National Home, St. Clair Ave., Cleveland. Feb. 17-24 Slovenian Ski Trip to Val Gardena, Italy. Call John Kamin 718 424-2711. Sunday, Feb. 25 St. Vitus Slovenian School annual benefit dinner between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 City Music Cleveland Concert at St. Vitus Church. Sun., March 18 - March 25 Slovenian Ski Trip to Steamboat, Colorado. For info call John Kamin (718) 424-2711. Saturday, March 24 Federation of Slovenian National Homes Man & Woman of Year at Slovenian National Home, St. Clair Ave., Cleveland. St. Vitus Altar Society Christmas Party Christmas is coming all too soon. Parties are already being planned (often two or more on the same day). It can be difficult to choose which event to attend. The St. Vitus Altar and Rosary Society is hoping all of its members attend their annual Christmas luncheon. It will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10 in the St. Vitus auditorium immediately after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. It is the one time of year when all members, no matter how active in the organization, can gather together for some friendship and hospitality. Its president, Mrs. Ivanka Matič, is constantly on the look out for more members. She knows the importance of bringing in new faces to the organization in order to keep it alive and vibrant. Each Christmas both old and new members come together to renew their commitment to such an admirable organization. Won’t you please make an effort to come and share this time together? Members are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert for the potluck luncheon. Also, don’t forget to bring a nicely wrapped gift for the raffle. Everyone is cordially invited to (Lemont, 111.) Slovenian Cultural Center’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party Slovenian Mass 6 p.m. - cocktail hour at 7 p.m. Dinner at 8 p.m. Prices are $45 adults, $25 for students Children under 14 admitted free After dinner tickets are $25 and will be sold from 9:30 until midnight. Free baby-sitting available from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Please bring pillows and sleeping bags Prices include dinner, entertainment, champagne, and snacks at midnight. Cash Bar! Družinski Trio Pogladic ________Dinner reservations required by Dec. 23 __ V.',h .)=: di ayiatAb&U v» »* yuVifiO Ursula Maria Kuhar Has Graduate Recital Ursula Maria Kuhar, mezzo-soprano sang in a Graduate Recital on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. at Butler University, Jordan College of Fine Arts. Ursula sang La Lucrezia by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), Chansons de Bilitis by Claude Debussy (1862-1918), and Parto, ma tu ben mio (La Clemenza di Tito) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) accompanies by harpsichord, violoncello and clarinet. After intermission she sang Flowers Bring to Every Year from (The Rape of Lu-cretia) composed by Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), three melodies by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Charm of Lullabies also by Benjamin Britten, Things Change, Jo (from Little Women) composed by Mark Adamo; and The saga of Jenny from Lady in the Dark by Kurt Weill (1900-1950). Ursula has earned a Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration (Music) with honors, from Butler University in 2005. Butler University is located in Indianapolis. Ursula is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bogomir Kuhar of Powell, Ohio. San Francisco Celebrates Annual ‘Martinovanje’ SAN FRANCISCO, CA -This year the Martinovanje celebration took place the first weekend in November. For this occasion we invited Father Peter Lah, S.J., now Professor of Communication at St. Louis University, to be fire principal celebrant. He also provided a report °f the event for the Internet, a copy of which was forwarded to the Slovenian section of this newspaper earlier this month. I am now providing a slightly modified transition of a portion of this report. “The feast of St. Martin for the Slovenians may be more identified with wine than holiness," Father Lah told the parishioners at the Mass, ^d he continued, with the assertion that, the Slovenians °f California have been showing for a number of years that happy greetings and healthy religiousness are n°t mutually exclusive. The Martinovanje celebration started with a Mass, continued late into the night the Church of Nativity Hall. The fact that holiness fiid not suffer on account of tl* wine was demonstrated ‘he next morning when the Parish community again Sather in even larger num-ers for the Sunday worship. Our Martinovanje event "'as first organized in San Francisco about 10 years ago by Martinal Sepaher, a Bela Krajina native, who has remained its driving force over the years. It has become one of the most popular annual events for the Slovenian community and their friends. This year Mija and France Rode coordinated the event, and they received a great deal of help especially from Frances Chilcoat, Stanka Pecavar, Kati Pecavar, Mira Palihnich, and Diane Fabian Brahney, with the help of many others. The gourmet feast also included a succulent roasted pig on a spit prepared, as usual, by Franci Pecavar, Tony Lukezic, and Martin Bajuk. We all enjoyed the good California wine donated by Franci Pecavar from his personal wine cellar. The younger Pecavars, Frank and John, worked at the bar and made sure there was enough for everyone. The ladies of the parish provided many homerpade delicacies including the inevitable and inimitable potica and apple strudel. The evening concluded with the happy sound of accordions playing our favorite Slovenian songs. We hope to be able to continue this yearly tradition. --Tony Ravnik Brickman- Dl Donato FUNERAL home am Jeff DiDonato, owner Tom Corrigan Harlan Saxton Lloyd Rankin 21900 Euclid Ave. Euclid, OH 21-6-481-5277 Caring ~ Compassionate ~ Dedicated to Euclid The Various World Gift Bearers 7 The gift bearers of Christmas have different names, depending on which countries they serve: Vassilis - He is none other than St. Basil. His feast day is Dec. 31 which is Greece’s primary Christmas celebration. It is observed by the blessing and sprinkling of water. Babushka - This Russia phenomenon looks like a witch carrying an old broom, but looks aren’t everything. Too busy to accompany the Magi to Bethlehem, she forever searches for the Christ Child, leaving gifts for sleeping children. Christ Child - The Baby Jesus can sometimes deliver his own gifts to children. This was the favorite gift-giver of Martin Luther. Also Christkind (Austria, Belgium), Christkindle (Germany), El Nino Jesus (Columbia, Costa Rica); Le Pe-titt Jesus (France); Menino Jesus de Natal (Portugal), Babbo Natal (Italy), Jezisek (Czech Republic); Jouluvana (Estonia); and Jezussek (Slovenian Father Christmas -- England, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland. - A merry old soul, he wears a crown of Christmas greens and carries bowl of wassail. In Switzerland, his wife, Lucy, accompanies him. Also - Dad Noel Bonhomme Noel (France); Papia Noel (Brazil, Peru, Spain); Kaledu Senis (Lithuania). Gwaizor - Poland, Sweden. - The “Star Man” is a religious figure, sometimes the parish priest in disguise, who is accompanied by his many helpers - “Star Boys.” Grandfather Frost - Russia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia. — This secularized St. Nicholas dresses in blue and white and is accompanied by his granddaughter Snow Maiden. Pere Fouettard (The Bogeyman). He is a murderous butcher and downright evil. His life-long penance is to follow St. Nicholas as his servant. Be very afraid. Saint Lucy - Sweden, Sicily. - Lucy, whose name is similar to the Latin word for “light” was an early Christian martyr in Sicily. She is called “Queen of Light.” She is greatly honored in Sweden on her feast day, Dec. 13. The oldest girl in the family dresses as the “Lucy Bride” in a white robe and a candle crown as she and her younger siblings serve their parents breakfast in bed. Her feast day is also called “Little Yule.” The Pulitzer Prize winners are announced on this day. g Saint Nicholas (Dec. 6). ^ Belgium, Germany. Fourth century bishop of Myra in Asia Minor (Turkey), he became renown for his charity and kindness. He is patron of children. His relics were stolen from Myra and are now in Barre, Italy. Also known in Slovenia as Sveti Miklavž. Santa Claus — United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland. This man needs no introduction. Sion Corn - Wales “Chimney John.” His name says it all. An intellectual is someone who can listen to the “William Tell Overture” without thinking of the Lone Ranger.___________-Rudy Flis Stimburys Accounting Accounting G Income Tax 'Semices 496 E. 200th St Euclid, OH 44119 (216)404-0990 Fax\2l6) 404-0992 http:l/stUnbury^ScowrSing. com to PracBm Betih t* Memaf Revenue Stnict Stnidnn MtkMs CorporaSons t SmHfiuSnesses. PERKIN’S RESTAURANT 22780 Shore Center Dr. Euclid, Ohio 44123 216 - 732-8077 Operated by Joe Foster Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness. ■ Choose a gift that authentically expresses and supports Slovenia. Shop securely on-line at www.HomeFromSlovenla.com Or call (203) 7750853, or write lnfo@HomeFromSlovenla.com Ask for Contact Code *$431 to Receive $4 Off Next Order Howe From Slovenia Handcrafts, Gifts, and Heritage Cuisine o t utm n u The Cuisine of Slovenki Four Season! of Culinary Marterpiete* A iS-ri' ngnew luedmeicoottoot tfiOii.oK-15lcr