mgmem mmm $ 3.99 U.S./S 8.99 International Official Publication Slovenian Women’s Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze V Ameriki Volume 80 Issue 4 July/August, 2008 The Dawn II ■ hTA» BM • Ww?.' :', flPT f... ->&,y ’ s'AS-®? Imffi "Ji ^BBWi S'*' r 9* v jSpQ gp*. _ CONTENTS IT’S IN EVERY SLOVENIAN HERITAGE NEWS 1 From the Editor 16 Revisiting The Return by Jacqueline Stewart 2 National President’s Message 19 “Secrets of Slovenia” 2009 SWUA Tour 3 Membership Campaign 2008 20 The Path Taken - Dopoljena pot 4 Membership Donations 26 SWUA Heritage Museum 8 SWUA Financial Review 27 Forget-me-not Tour 10 SWUA Scholarship Program 29 Calendar of Events 13 Let’s Explore... 14 Men in a SWUA World SPECIAL REPORTS 15 Slovenian Gardening “Maintain your Heritage” 30 Branch Reports Front Cover: Maria Selak s Slovenian Garden, Branch 55 CULINARY 40 Entertaining... With a Touch of Slovenia Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup CONSULTING EDITOR: Corinne Leskovar EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St., LaSalle, IL 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 FAX: 815.224.1074 WEB SITE: www.swua.org PUBLISHER: Slovenian Women’s Union of America TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926 Vol. 80, No 4, July/August 2008 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Communications for the next issue of publication: Do you have something SWUA-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 e-inail 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 SWUA events or members. The deadline for articles is the 15 day of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles for the September/October issue must be received by July 15*. Thank you. Show Off Your Slovenian Heritage Branch 1 has come up with another way to show off your Slovenian heritage! We received so many compliments on our own personal t-shirts at church picnics and other Slovenian functions that we thought it necessary to make them available to the masses! There are two t-shirt designs to choose from, as shown, in sizes small through X-large. Cost per t-shirt $12 plus postage/handling For more information contact LeAnn Tevsh 920.458.7513 tevshs@charter.net Wear your Slovenian pride and support the SWUA. Hvala! From the Editor I hope you enjoy reading this issue about gardening, this is one of my favorite subjects. My own yard is very typical of our immigrant ancestors. I have managed to utilize almost every available space for gardens. The amount of grass that I have left can actually be cut in less than five minutes. Just as I enjoy watching my garden grow, it is becoming very pleasing watching SWU A grow. Please read our national President’s message. In only one year our growth has been considerable. Just look at the back page and see how we are being recognized as a leader in the Slovenian-American communities and with Slovenia. With everyone’s help we can keep on growing. Let’s feed and nurture SWUA and see what we can harvest. - Debbie Pohar, Editor SWUA’s New Mission/Vision/Purpose MISSION Dedicated to honor and preserve our Slovenian legacy; to promote its ideals and to ensure its longevity for future generations. VISION To be recognized, with high esteem, as the leading Slovenian heritage and cultural association responsible for promoting interest and awakening passion in those Americans of Slovenian ancestry and serving their diverse interests. PURPOSE To commit ourselves to keeping the spirit alive by fostering in our membership an understanding and appreciation of our Slovenian heritage and by reaching out to awaken or instill this passion in others through communications, education and the provision of resources. A Slovenian Garden of the Past Ma’s Rock Garden The following is in keeping with the “garden” theme of this issue of Zarja. My mother, Antonia Legan, was one of the founding members of Branch 42 and was a life long lover of flowers and many times attended the Cleveland Home and Flower Show at the Cleveland Convention Center where her dream of a fish pond surrounded by beautiful flowers was bom. She knew that if she suggested the plan to my father, the thought of his beloved yard being dug up would be a definite no-no. While Dad was at work she solicited the talents of her brother, Uncle Rudy Franetič, to begin the project. It got as far as the hole being dug before Dad got home from work and put a screeching halt to the whole plan. Being faced with what he considered major damage to his yard, my astute mother convinced him that a beautiful rock garden minus the “ribe” (fish) could still be a reality. Peace was finally restored and culminated in Ma’s Rock Garden, eventually becoming the focal part of our back yard and continued to grow in size and beauty. How sweet it was! Pictured is an early shot of the infamous rock garden. Over the years she kept working on it with more vibrant flowers and eventually they put a very nice bird bath in the center mound. - Lit Sadowski, Branch 42, Maple Hts., Ohio [f V\ ((-§ LJUBLJANA £;] National President’s Message SWUA National Board... One Year Later We Have Much to be Proud Of! Greetings to all! It seems like yesterday when our new National Board of Directors met for the first time in July of 2007 to start laying down plans for the next four years. Looking back I can say we started off in the right direction because one year later we have much to be proud of. Just read Zarja the Dawn to see how true this is. A good place to start is in the branch reports. Notice how many are reaching out into their community by getting involved in ways that highlight our Slovenian heritage, or the branches that are having culinary classes, recruiting new members, learning about their culture and so on. Notice too, how this magazine continues to improve and grow. We are always looking for new stories and themes. We are working on an exciting line up for 2009 when Zarja turns 80 years old. A trip to Slovenia scheduled for May 2009 called Secrets of Slovenia is a tour you won’t want to miss. A special calendar with pictures of Slovenia will go on sale this fall. The calendar will have important holiday dates in Slovenia and America. The proceeds will be used for future Zarja projects and contests. (Zarja costs approximately $16.00 per member. Our dues are $20.00 and this leaves barely enough to cover the running of the museum, home office, a few very small salaries and just the organization in whole.) We also have a group of seven volunteers who are taking time off from their jobs to travel to Slovenia paying for their own airfare, lodging and meals in search of more articles, pictures and to expand on our culinary section for Zarja in 2009. This group will also meet with various organizations in Slovenia for future projects we can do together. Another visible change is the SWUA Museum and Home Office. In less than one year we have a new look and displays in the museum, better organizational skills with our home office procedures and we are remodeling the upstairs of the building. This floor will serve as an apartment for volunteers and the NBOD when we travel for the board meetings, thus resulting in savings. Insurance money from storm damages is paying for the majority of this. Most of the final touches will be done by volunteers who will come in to paint, clean and do various other jobs. We’ve identified our strengths, weaknesses and continue working on the strategic plan. We have a new vision/ mission/purpose that follow our goals. We have exciting events coming up. This September the Forget me not series will be back on tour in cities in the USA. They will feature their new books and provide entertainment for those attending the event. Also in September we will have an Open House at our Heritage Museum in Joliet in conjunction with Baraga Days, which will be held at St. Joseph’s Church across the street. Also recently we hosted Camp Heritage at Iron World with a team of representatives from the Slovenian World Kongress. Recently, we had two important groups of visitors at our museum. The first visit was from the Slovenian Parliament. We had 9 visitors who came to learn more about our organization and our goals. The second visit was the Ambassador to the United States Samuel Žbogar and Consulate General Zvone Žigon along with his wife and secretary. Also notice the new formatting of the online newsletter. If you have not signed up, please do so. Jan King is doing a fantastic job. Yes, I do believe we are heading in the right direction. We have one year of service to SWUA behind us and three exciting years to come. In closing I would like to thank everyone who has made this past year so successful. I would like to also thank those who have signed up to volunteer your time with SWUA. If you forgot, it’s not too late. Send me an email. The time is now! Bonnie Pohar Prokup National President, Zveza wprokup@aol.com Top Recruiting Branches Branch 20 - Joliet, Illinois Branch 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Branch 35 - Aurora, Minnesota and Branch 100 - Fontana, California (tied) Congratulations 2008 New Member Campaign Your recruitment efforts and dedication to SWUA is keeping our membership growing strong and new applications just keep coming in. So let’s continue reaching out to those who share our interest in all things Slovenian, and would appreciate the benefits of membership. There are hundreds of prospective members in all 50 states that are yet to be recruited by you, our current members. Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons Vice President of Marketing & Fundraising 2008 ENROLL A NEW YOUTH MEMBER CAMPAIGN May 1 - September 1, 2008 Let’s recruit more junior members this summer! Pass on the love of your Slovenian heritage and traditions this summer by taking a few minutes during summer vacation or a family outing with a prospective junior member. Show photos of family members to see who resembles who; try cooking something together from the SWUA Cookbook, or simply tell a few anecdotes or stories about your Slovenian ancestry. Our youth want to feel connected to their past and it’s up to us adults to initiate their interest to help preserve memories and traditions. Grandparents, parents, godparents, aunts, uncles, or any other member, sign up a youth member this summer! Free Membership to the first 25 new junior member applicants. To download an application, go to www.swua.org, or call the home office at 815.727.1926. The SWUA New Member report from November 1, 2007 - April 30,2008, totals 142 new members, 16 of whom are junior members. Congratulations to all the following branches that are recruiting: Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois Adults 15, Juniors 4 Branch 1, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Adults 15 Branch 30, Home Office Adults 14 Branch 35, Aurora, Minnesota Adults 8, Juniors 1 Branch 100, Fontana, California Adults 9 Branch 3, Pueblo, Colorado Adults 7 Branch 102, Willard, Wisconsin Adults 7 Branch 109, Twin Cities, Minnesota Adults 7 Branch 2, Chicago, Illinois Adults 1, Juniors 4 Branch 39, Biwabik, Minnesota Adults 5 Branch 43, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Adults 3, Juniors 2 Branch 99, Lemont, Illinois Adults 5 Branch 108, Olney, Maryland Adults 4, Juniors 1 Branch 23, Ely, Minnesota Adults 2, Juniors 2 Branch 24, La Salle, Illinois Adults 1, Juniors 2 Branch 50, Euclid, Ohio Adults 3 Branch 89, Oglesby, Illinois Adults 3 Branch 93, New York, NY Adults 3 Branch 103, Washington, DC Adults 3 Branch 5, Indianapolis, Indiana Adults 2 Branch 13, San Francisco, CalifomiaAdults 2 Branch 16, South Chicago, Illinois Adults 2 Branch 32, Euclid, Ohio Adults 2 Branch 33, Duluth, Minnesota Adults 2 Branch 38, Chisholm, Minnesota Adults 2 Branch 26, Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAdults 1 Branch 86, Minnesota Adults 1 Welcome to Our New Members! 001, Govek, MaryAnn 001, Repenshek, Betty J 001, Repenshek, Thomas J. 001, Sandwick, Mary J. 001, Thill, Andrea 001, Vertacic, John M 003, Anderson, Barbara 003, Kochevar, Judith 003, Sargent, Betty 003, Struna, Judy 003, Yengich, Ann C. 005, Fon Sr., Steven 010, Bruno, Ann Marie 013, Milar, Elaine 013, Sutos, Tessie 020, Barker, Patricia 020, Bokar, Catherine 020, Frances, Katherine 020, Larson, Richard 020, Pascente, Georgiana 020, Ryba, Matthew 020, Simmons, Shirlee 020, Smolich, Raymond 023, Janezich, Leona 023, Shaver, Marguerite 030, Burrch, Marjorie 030, Gacnik, Patricia 030, Greco, Cheryl 030, Kosir, Mary C 030, Rapaic, Antonia 030, Rossanda, Nelson 030, Sadar, Mary Ann 030, Sandhofer, Dorothy 030, Skufca, Mary 033, Gajman, Katherine 035, Bonach, Francine 035, Ochsendorf, Marcus 042, Tercek, Barbara 043, Homa, Kathryn 043, Howard, Carole 043, Nord, Larry D. 043, Vugrinec, Terezija 047, McDonald, Marybeth 050, Kalfas, Rosemary 050, Oberman, JoAnne 050, Totha, Ann 086, Shilton, Nicole M. 089, Briddick, Beverly 089, Novack, Rebecca 089, Szott, Karen 093, Hmcic, Izidor 093, Missig, Carol A 099, Zerial, William E. 099, Zupančič, Martina 100, LaVallie, Mary Lou 100, Nagode, Julie 100, Pirich, Maida 100, Scholin, Therese 100, Wood, John Eric 100, Wood, Julianne 100, Wood, Kaelyn 100, Wood, Phyllis M. 102, Folland, Zoe 103, Nash, Barbara 108, Pugel, Diane 108, Ziemke, Elaine 108, Ziemke, Katherine E. 109, Keller, Robert 109, McComber, Alfred 109, Medved, Bemadine 109, Stately, Joan M. Zarja the Dawn Donations - “Keeping the Spirit Alive” $100 Donation Glavich, Richard, Memory of Sally Glavich Kosir, Mary Ann, Memory of my father, Michael Kosir Kotze, Sylvia, Zarja Pohar, Debbie, Zarja Reichelderfer, Frances Jean, Memory of Jean Kurilich Spreitzer, Joseph F, Memory of Edna M. Spreitzer Teitelbaum, Mary Ann, Memory of Mary Ferlic Winter, Dorothy Ann, Memory of mother, Ann Winter $80 Donation Bayuk, Edward W, Memory of Josephine Bayuk Burger, Mariana, Zarja Kambich, Anthony, Memory of Helen M. Kambich Whitmire, Maria, Zarja $75 Donation Friesenhahn, Barbara, Memory of Ivana Bozic Semancik, Maryann, Memory of Louis & Mary Papes $60 Donation Dvornik, Donald, Memory of Cecelia Dvornik $55 Donation Ferrante, Kathleen J, Zaija $50 Donation Baldin, Don, Zarja Dicke, Hermine, Memory of my mother, Marie Prisland Hočevar, Suzanna, Memory of my loving grandma, Frances Meglen James, Margaret A., Memory of Mom, Virginia Decman, & Uncle Leo (Rev.) Lauritzen, Mary, Memory Milka Krpan/Louise Keleminic/ Caroline Suhadolc Louthan, Barbara M, Memory of John & Gertrude Toni Polainer McComber, Yvonne J, Memory of Josephine Koslucher Erickson Morrow, Hermine, Memory of Albin John Blatnik (father) Shober, Rose Marie, Museum (with thanks to Mary Lou Deyak Voelk) Tomasich, Rose M, Memory of Tomasich family Trebian, Kathleen, Honor of Fran Morison $40 Donation Grabowski, Josephine, Memory of Josephine Brekan Pohar Rechlitz, Judith, Zarja $30 Donation Bush, Mary Jo, Memory of mom, Helena Zaver/Villone Brann, Marceline, Memory of Jean Lourin Cesnik, James M, Honor of Balbince Bayuk & Jesa Cesnik Gale, Jean K, Memory of Frances Kerkoch Gottardi, Paula M, Memory of Frances Nemgar Jagodnik, Irene, Loving honor of Marie Beck Lipic, Hilda, Zarja Morrissey, Janet, Memory of Rose Sleyko-McCarthy Mosquin, Sonja, Zaija Pesec, Julia, Zarja in reflection of my 97th birthday Pohar, Barbara, Zarja Sadowski, Lillian, Memory Antonia Legan/Frances Tomsic/ Jeanne Legan $25 Donation Aheame, Mary Ann, Memory of Mary Link Burk, Mary, Loving memory of my mother, Louise Schoener Cullen, Mary Ann, Memory of Catherine Perko Edwards, Milena, Memory of Mirko Zupan, Father Globokar, Mary Louise, Zarja Grisham, Linda, Zarja Heim, Lydia, Zarja Holmes, Beatrice, Memory of Frances A Papesh Krpan, Anne, Memory of Krpan & Ahcin families Laskowski, Paula Uremovic, Memory of Mary Rose Uremovic Millman, Helena M., Honor of Maria Knap Mueller, Maureen, Memory of Caroline McGuckin & Mary McAsey Pohar, John IV, Memory of Mr. & Mrs. John Pohar Sr. Rugroden, Mary, Memory of Agnes Troutman Sanders, Millie, Memory of Ahcin & Krpan families Stratton, Anne K, Memory of Ann Tamse Tarizzo, Marilyn, Zarja Taylor, Karen, Honor of Valeria Taylor Tusek, Dorothy, Memory of my mom, Ann Dekleva Stanonik Warren, Joann, Zarja Wolf-Astrauskas, Marianne, Memory of Mary Wolf $20 Donation Adelman, Verdean, Memory of Mary Foys Lauretig Anderson, Brenda J, Honor of Josephine Trost Antich, Anne M, Zarja Appelbaum, Margaret, Memory of Margaret G. Fischer Barnett, Stephanie, Memory of Charles & Joe Barnett Bartol, Gladys, Memory of parents, John & Antonia Bartol Bissell, Heather M, Memory of Sally Glavich Bodziony, Ellen, Zarja Bokar, Margaret, Memory of mother, Anna Shelko Kozan Bruch,Barbara, Memory of Theresa Terselic Burkland, Miriam, Zarja Collins, Caitlin, Zarja Coppinger-Griffin, Patricia A, Memory of Mary F Coppinger Cummings, Dorothy Govednik, Memory of Gertrude Govednik Davian, Julie, Zarja Dovnik, Karl Jr, Zarja Drobnick, Julie F, Honor of Cilka Žnidar Faas, Dolores M, Memory of Jane Yadlosky Fidel, William M, Heritage Fisher, Myra Andres, Zarja Gaber, Agnes, Zarja Ganster, Diana, Zarja Goebel, Gloria, Zarja Golf, Mary Lou, Memory of Mary Borbic Govednik, Joseph F, Zarja Greco, Cheryl, Memory of Helene Zupon Grisez, Sandra, Memory of Josephine Simenc Jacobson, Carol Marie, Honor Josephine Rizzi/Mary Hinnenkamp/Dorothy Jacobson Jermene, Murielann, Memory of Mom & Mary Jermene & Ann DeBord Jex, Erin, Memory of Ann Grambow Johnson, Virginia, Memory of Frank Vidergar Kamnikar, Terry L, Memory of Kemz & Kamnikar families Keltz, Melanie, Memory of Eleanor Glavan Kinkopf, Frances, Honor of Frances Kapel Sr. Klein, Vicki, Memory of Claire Knezevic-Kong, Sonja, Memory of Ljudmila Kroselj Pasetta Kuca, Carolyn, Zarja Kugland, Karen, Memory of Katherine Sayland Leben, Barbara, Memory of Marie Gende Leben Lewis, Dolores, Memory of Ann Kahover Litwin, Rosemary, Zarja Livaich, Marie, Memory of Amelia Zee Branch 16 Martinka, Elizabeth, Honor of Barbara Martinka Masters, Sandra, Memory of Edith Rosenquist nc Perush Medved, Albina, Honor of Mary Bajda & Theresa Vlaisavljevich Megahan, Cheryl, Memory of Anna Karun Mejac, Mary Grill, Memory of Conrad P. Mejac Michalesko, Hank, Memory of Freida Michalesko (Herbst) Mramor, Stan, Memory of Josephine Mramor Pawlicki, Clarice, Memory Mary Gregorich Pecharich, Martha A, Zarja Pelander, Lois M, Zarja Pelander, Lois M, Scholorship Pogorelc, Anne, Zarja Primc, Donna, Memory of my mother, Jennie Prime Pubentz, Margaret K, Honor of Isabel Kodrick Rechlitz, Joel P, Zarja Rossi, Helen Marie, Memory of my mom, Helen (Slogar) Theno Sanders, Joanne M, Zarja Schmaltz, Josephine, Zarja Setnicker, Norman J, Memory of Margaret Ann Setnicker Shelerud, Mary, Zarja Simenz, Susan Marie, Zarja Sleigh-Layman, Staci, Memory of Anna Faulk & Anna Mae Anderson Staut, Becky, Honor of Theresa Kotar Steffy, Marion, Memory of Anna Jackopin Stimach, Joseph, Zarja Stmisa-Simmons, Josephine A, Memory of Josephine J. Stmisa Sustar, Veronica, Memory of Frances Zager & Frances Teshner Sustarich, Doreen V, Memory of Helen Judnich Sustarich Suwal, Laurie Kambic, Memory of Kambics Taylor, Elaine, Memory of Edward Svete Terry, Marsha, Honor of Emma Olson Tesovnik, Germaine A, Zarja Tezak, Dorothy Marie, Memory of Katherine Tezak Twers, Michele K, Memory of my mom, Josephine Aiuto Vecchione, Jordan, Zarja Vicich, Joyce Marie, Memory of my grandma, Frances Ukovich Voss, Nada, Memory of my mother, Zora Peterka Williams, Debra, Honor of Fran Yovanovich Wojdula, Elsie, Memory of Ted Wojdula Yaggy, Claire, Memory of my mom, Mrs. Leo Bistry Zalar, Julia, Zarja Zakrajšek, Mary, Memory of Frances M. (Dusa) Grahek Zevnik, Darlene, Memory of Dorothy Hustad $15 Donation Boychuk, Dolores M., Memory of Catherine Kroft Buchanan, Jeanette Sevshek, Zarja Butterbach, Patricia, Zarja Curtis, Joann Fabian, Honor of Fabian family Feroni, Olga, Zarja Kastelic, Louis A, Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Louis Kastelic Kochevar, Eileen C, Memory of Anton & Irene Kochevar Kocinec, Wanda, Memory of D. Škamperle Maxin, Catherine, Memory of Mary Maxin Lammi, Rebecca, Memory of my great-grandparents Lanari, Vida, Zarja Prijic, Helen, Memory of my mother, Helen Riffel Strle, Cecilia, Memory of Frances Gregorash Urbas, Helen, Zarja Wadycki, Pamela, Zarja $10 Donation Allendorf, Mary Ann, Memory of Simec/Gregorich families Andrews, Dorothy, Memory of Margaret Ostroska Azman, Alice, Memory of mother, Anna Tomsic Bajuk-Woelfl, Martina, Memory of my grandson, Robert Ewers Bartlett, Robert J, Honor of the Delopst Family Blasick, Elvie J, Memory of Sophia Janes Bodisch, Annamarie, Memory of my mother, Anna Bodisch Bolek, Ludmilla A, Memory of Agnes & Darlene Zagar Brown, Deborah, Memory of my grandfather, Anton Skul Brozina, Dorothy, Zarja Brusacoram, Dorothy, Memory of Trdan Buck, Gladys K, Memory of my mother, Anna Buck Buol, Genevieve, Memory of Jennie Puhek (mother) Buol, Katherine D., Jennie Puhek (grandmother) Burkhardt, Elizabeth, Memory of Anna Anzelc Callander, Keeley Kismet, Memory of Catherine (Medonich) Perko Carlton, Dorothy T, Memory of Katherine Toth Castrovince, Nanci, Memory of my mother, Anna Pavlovič Cox, Dolly, Memory of Millie Ellena Darovic, Mary, Honor of Mary Colnar DiMatteo, Mary T, Memory of my mother, Mary E Bohte Donofrio, Adrienne N, Memory of Evelyn Fabian Tome Dovnik, Rosalie, Honor of Marie Coffebt Dunlap, Dolores, Zarja Dusa, Mary Margaret, Memory of Joseph Dusa Dzamonja, Nevena, Memory of Doris Dzamonja Egly, Joan, Memory of Jen Juricic Emanuel, Arminia G Honor of my family, Venier Emanuel Ferguson, Leslie, Zarja Fitzsimmons, Bernadette K., Memory of Erik A. Kovacic (father) Fitzsimmons, Matthew Erik, Honor of the Fitzsimmons children’s Slovenian heritage Forsyth, Mary Jane, Memory of Emilia (Jancic) Yansick Glivar, Dolores M, Memory of Mr & Mrs Ignaz Glivar, my grandparents Goetz, Dana, Memory of Sophie Stampfel Grambow, Krista, Memory of Ann Grambow Gravelie, Mayda, Honor of Bojan Pozek Grayson, Angeline, Memor of Agnes Drstvensek Hanks, Jacqueline J, Honor of Jennie Omersa Harr, Betty Ann, Memory of Betty Kosak Ganor Healy, Margaret, Zarja Hennelly,Dolores, Memory of Mildred James Hiti, Mary Jane, Zarja Hlavaty, Mary Ann, Memory of Mary Zupančič Rakovec Hmcic, Lisa, Angela Tominšek Janezic, Josephine, Zarja Kambič, Cyrilla, Memory of Martin Kambic Jr. Kastelec, Justine, Memory of The Kastelec Family Klun, Marie A, Memory of Rose Kozar Kobe, Charlene, Zarja Kobe, William, Memory of Ann Kobe Kopfensteiner, Kathleen, Zarja Kovic, Judy L, Memory of my mother, Helen Darin Kramer, Catherine A, Zarja Ksiazek, Anna, Zarja Kuhar, Margaret, Memory of Lillian Novak Kuzma, Barbara, Zarja Lorek, Kirsten, Memory of Frances Globokar Lorek, Lisa, Memory of Margaret Tomazin Lorek, Carol, Memory of Janet Batis Marquardt, Darrell, Memory of Maryann Chumovic Marquardt, Lydia, Memory of LeRoy Marquardt Massaia, Amelia, Zarja McCarthy, Patricia, Memory of Pauline Skufca McFarland, Margaret M, Memory of Arh & Simon (cic) family Mihelich, Clare, Zarja Minnick, Helen, Zarja Mohr, Mary Frances, Memory of Mary Konousek Morison,Terrance, Zarja Musich, Matthew A, Memory of Frances Musich Mustonen, Adeline, Honor of Soudan Branch 34 Newberg, Connie, Memory of Auntie Lee Slogar Noson, Mary, Zarja Oldenburg, Frances, Memory of Mary Rojic Pajunen, Nancy J, Honor of Josephine Koducher Erickson Pavlosky, Bonnie L, Memory of Marija Nemanič Pecharich, Suzanne M, Memory of my mother-in-law, Mary Pecharich Pelander, Lois M, Heritage Peterlin, Victoria, Memory of Frances Glavic Peterlin Pieman, Justine, Memory of my mother, Marija Grcar Pigat, Jessie, Memory of Pauline Pigat Pikus, Maryann, Zarja Pisoni, Viola, Zarja Princ, Rose Marie, Zarja Rastetter, Joan, Memory Victoria Stepolaitis, my mom Rehn, Megan, Memory of Helen Komater Rodriguez, Molly G Ambrose, Honor of Alice Zobavnik Schneller, Julie, Zarja Scholp, Elizabeth, Memory of Rose M. Pasdertz Schoonover, Barbara Perpich, Memory of Annie Purkat Seday, Olga Mary, Memory of Mary Zupančič Sheets, Susan M, Memory of Frances Stergar Skala, Joseph L, Memory of Frances Skala-Silko Skul, Mary A, Memory of Sadar & Skul families Smid, Irene, Zarja Smole, Fannie, Memory of Stavia Dobersek - Branch 12 Soltysinski, Jaqueline, Memory of Mary Kompare Stancar, Frances C, Zarja Stanek, Christine, Memory of Toplak family Staut, Sophie, Honor of Sophia Rifelj Steensland, Janet, Zarja Steffen, Billie Jo McCue, Honor of Mary Anne (Boyance) McCue Steller, Kristina, Memory of Geraldine Tagliaferri Svigel, Josephine, Honor of Mother Antonia Svigel Tarro, Mary Ann M, Memory of Mary Babich & Margaret Shelko Tesch, Sandra Yadlosky, Memory Jane Yadlosky Thorpe, Sheryl L, Zarja Tiedmann, Marie, Memory of my mother, Mary Koscak Todd-Fellows, Mary Alyce, Memory of Todd & Fellows families Tomsick, Anne, Memory of Tomsick & Lorek families Tranbarger, Theresa, Honor of Harriet Isek Udovich, JoAnn M, Memory of Theresa Udovich Vertacic, Shirley, Zarja Vidmar, Marilyn Frances, Memory of my mother, Julia Zak Vodnik, Antonia, Memory of Antonia Lubesek Vogrin, Mary, Zarja Volpe, Marian, Memory of Agnes & John Zomik Vukelich, Mary J, Memory of Mary Radinovich Weber, Diane Sakolosky, Memory of my mother, Josephine Widmar Sakolosky Yakos, Jacqueline, Memory of Mary Yakos Yovanovich, Sue Ann, Museum Zakosek, Jerry, Zarja Zakosek, Thomas, Memory of Julia Prah Zaletel, Josephine, Memory of Albert Zaletel Sr. Zaletel, William A, Memory of my parents Zallar, Helen, Zarja Zorman, Theresa, Memory of my husband, Edward Zorman Zubek, Genevieve, Zarja $7 Donation Malenšek, Anton, Zarja $5 Donation Anderson, Aidan, Zarja Batic-Sciarrabba, Beverly, Memory of my Mom, Mary Batic Bauer, Hedwig A, Honor of Hedwig Bauer Bevsek, Sophie, Memory of my husband, Frank M. Bevsek Brandt, Amy N, Zarja Chumovic, Sylvia, Zarja Chytracek, Angela, Zarja Costell,Linda M, Memory of Clarissa Costell Crouch, Julia Horwath, Memory of Helen M Horwath Debevec, Joyce, Zarja Feguš, Urška Haule, Zarja Ferfolia, D.L., Zarja Fooy, Dori Kregar, Memory of Charlene Fooy Gaines, Kelly Ann, Honor of Josie Gruden Giltner, Emma L., Zarja Glavich, Agnes, Zarja Gruenke, Thomas J, Memory of John & Anne Gruenke, Agnes, Memory of Grace & Ray Grunhard, Elsie, Memory of my mother, Elsie Starcevich Henrickson, Karen, Zarja Hervol, Helen, Memory of my husband, Henry Hervol Hočevar, Josephine A, Zarja Hotuyec, Linda, Memory of Jack Hotuyec Icenhour, Mary Louise, Zarja Jurjovec, Alice, Zarja Kemz, Alice, Memory of Alice Ambrose Zobavnik Koleno, Valerie, Honor of Ann Lustig Korsman, Jeanette K, Memory of Annie G Purkat Kumick, Agnes, Memory of Edward P Kumick Laposa, Josef M, Memory of Marija Filip Laposa (Babica) Lopour, Cheryl A, Honor of Frank & Martha Kotnick & family Lopour, Cheryl A, Memory of Aunt Jean Steffes Majerle-Klug, Rita, Honor Albin Materle Majkrzak, Sister Joan of Arc, Zarja Maslyk, Virginia Bendick, Zaija Mateyko, Louise, Zarja Mavetz, Mary, Honor of Mary Petritz Menchak, Milka, Memory of Mici Coffelt Meyers, Rose, Honor of Nancy Meyers Mills, Marcelline, Zaija Mutz, Patricia, Memory of Mary Mutz - Branch 20 O’Blak, John, Memory of Theresa R. O’Blak O’Blak, John, Honor of John R. O’Blak Okleson, Mary, Zarja Otis, Jennifer, Honor Frances Higgins Pecaric, Irene, Zarja Peterson, Mildred J, Zarja Petrick, Hermina, Memory of Alozzia Galich Piorkowski, Roseanne Kirk, Memory of Anna Fortuna Pivik, Marie, Zarja Polutnik, Stephanie, Zarja Popich, Katherine A, Zarja Purkat, Jane E, Memory of Annie Purkat Pyszka, Rita Mae, Zarja Rabb, Marlys C, Memory of Marion Potočnik Reich, Mary, Memory of my mom Sacsek, Mary, Zarja Schatz, Grace, Zarja Schultz, Frances, Zarja Schwer, Patricia Ann, Honor of Ann Lustig Sebalj, Olga, Zarja Simonich, Helen L, Zarja Špehar, Suntina T, Honor of Ann Podgoriek Tanita, Cynthia, Memory of Frances Kepel Tesovnik, Edward A, Zarja Thoren, Margeret M, Annoymous in Memory of parents Louis and Margaret Turek, Martin, Memory of Frank & Antonia (former President) Turek Valasek, Mildred, Zarja Vozel, Rosemarie, Memory of Mitzi Krapenc Yovanovich, Frances, Memory of Mary Konovsek Yuvan, Jean, Zarja Zupančič, Leopolda, Zarja Zuponcic, Helen, Memory of Johanna Bradach Johnson $2 Donation Walker, Nina C, for TV/VCR at Museum Total $6,469 Thank you! Calling Our Volunteers! We Need You! The SWUA is growing and we need your help. By reaching out as a volunteer, you will be recognized, learn more about your heritage and make new contacts with Slovenians. Fill out the form and mail to the address below so we may contact you on how to get started. Name:__________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ City/State/Zip:_______________________________________ Phone: EMail Address: For further information contact wprokup@aol.com or mail this form to SWUA, 431 North Chicago St., Joliet, 1L 60432 What are your areas of interest? Office Skills Microsoft Access Data Base Microsoft Excel for data entry Analyzing Membership Information Computer repairs (must live near Joliet, 1L) Web site experience Writing Correspondence Research on Slovenian customs and traditions Language column in Zarja the Dawn Writers for feature stories or regular bi-monthly columns in Zarja the Dawn Membership Campaigns State Ambassadors for TX, PA, FL and MI Help on WWII Project Fundraising Cleaning at the SWUA Heritage Museum Painting at the SWUA Heritage Museum Chairperson for Open Houses at the Museum Assistance with Exhibits Sorting through boxes at the SWUA Heritage Museum Volunteer at the SWUA Heritage Museum as needed Attorney assistance in obtaining 501C3 Status Registered Agent (must live in IL) to receive all legal documents for 501C3 Status of Museum Vice President of the SWUA Heritage Museum Secretary/Treasurer of the SWUA Heritage Museum Financial Review for 2007 I took over the National Secretary’s duties in July, but I did not assume the accounting and bookkeeping responsibilities till November 2007.1 found that preparing the annual Department of Insurance report was quite a challenge, but with help from Bill Prokup, Ron Erjavec and the Insurance Department I managed to get through it and now that things have calmed down, I feel more comfortable with monitoring the finances. With Board approval, I have also consulted with an accountant who has recommended some changes to our Quick Books accounting system which should make the preparation of the annual report a little easier next year. The main item I want to point out in the following financial reports is that this was a convention year so our 2007 Profit and Loss statement shows a negative income. In actuality, we are not in the “red” by such a large amount because per our balance sheet assets, we have $8,267.51 remaining in our Convention banking accounts. Therefore, the Convention Committee did an excellent job by staying under budget. The reason that our 2007 Convention income is less than our convention expenses is that the money came from our previous year’s Convention Savings Account and is not reflected in the 2007 Profit and Loss statement. First Midwest Bank continues to do an excellent job managing our Investment Trust Fund. Our balance of $691,178.76 is slightly higher than the previous year. The monthly withdrawal continues at $3,000 per month to meet the operating needs and no major withdrawals were made in 2007. We had some major storm damage to the building in August, and fortunately most of the repairs have been covered by insurance. We are anticipating that we will probably have to make a withdrawal in 2008 to pay for repairs not covered by insurance. Also we are no longer receiving rental income. At the present time the Board has decided to discontinue renting the apartment as major renovations are needed and we want to use the space to improve the museum. We are hoping to recruit volunteers to help us with some of the renovations to the building. Excluding the Convention expenses, our operating expenses were higher in 2007 than in 2006. This increase can be attributed to higher travel costs because we had two Special Board Meetings due to the transition training required by the new Board. We also had an increase in death benefit payments, printing costs and postage. Carol A. Ryba Vice President of Home Office PROFIT AND LOSS January through December 2007 Income 501 Convention Fund 37,201.38 Grant 3,165.45 502 Donations - Zarja 10,261.00 504 Dues Income - Other 73,802.00 505 Misc Income Bank Transfer 36,000.00 508 Rental Income 5,000.00 509 Ads Income 826.96 510 Zarja Other 20.00 Transfer to Zarja from Grant 3,000.00 511 Misc Income/Adjustments 1,755.48 Travel Rebate - Kollander 3,000.00 Insurance Claim 13,527.10 599 Interest Income 210.70 Total Income 187,770.07 Expense 702 Payroll 39,960.00 748 Bank Charges 817.75 750 Bookkeeping Services 65.00 758 Computer Expenses 237.50 759 Convention 49,386.12 761 Non Employee Compensation 4,400.00 762 Officer Stipends 1,075.00 768 Death Benefits 15,140.00 790 Fees Paid Other 1,492.35 806 Insurance 2,139.00 841 Miscellaneous 102.36 844 Office Suppies Home Office Joliet 267.44 Other 703.66 Nat'l SecyA/P Home Office 1,388.56 845 Office Exp Nat'l Secy 1,200.00 846 Printing Other 1,924.21 Zarja 46,104.96 848 Postage Zarja 2,730.18 Other 1,845.47 856 Repairs & Maint 978.50 Insurance Claim 7,263.54 871 Taxes Property 2,452.38 872 Taxes Payroll 3,056.94 873 Taxes Unemployment 587.43 874 Travel Other 456.96 NBOD 6,387.39 876 Telephone & Internet 1,462.74 880 Utilities Electric 1,327.32 Gas 2,256.02 Water & Sewer 327.24 Total Expenses 197,536.02 (9,765.95) Vice President Home Office Review Resolved that the Board has reviewed the Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America dated February 1,2003 and hereby adopts, ratifies and confirms the Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America attached hereto and shall be effective as of March 1, 2003 and renewed for 2008. Vote: 3-0 (5-0) Resolved, that the Board has reviewed and assessed the technical investment and administrative capabilities and expertise of the First Midwest Bank and hereby determines that it is qualified to execute the Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America dated February 1, 2003. Vote: 3-0 (5-0) As required, First Midwest Bank has provided information for the time period January 1,2007 through December 31, 2007. All investments are within the guidelines authorized by the Board of Directors of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America under the investment policy dated March 1, 2003 Summary of Investments Note: Bernadette Fitzsimmons and Mary Lou Voelk absent during review. Cash & Equivalent Fixed Income Equities Unsettled Trades Total Market Value $ 43,363.50 $539,723.89 $133,923.60 $(25,102.23) $691,178.76 % of Total 6.3% 78.1% 19.3% -3.6% 100.0% Per the Department of Insurance Audit report of December 31,2006, it was determined that our unassigned funds (this is amount over what we need to cover liabilities) was overstated based upon the investment limitations of 215 ILCS 5/126. We were still well within our guidelines to cover our liabilities. In 2007 our unassigned funds have increased because it was recommended by First Midwest Bank to gradually reinvest the funds so that eventually we will not have to show non-admitted assets on our annual statement to the Insurance Department. Therefore, our assets will increase for Insurance reporting purposes. We are again well within our guidelines to cover our liabilities. Cash and Equivalents currently exceed the cash needs of the organization and meet current reserve requirements for unpaid claims. For the first half of 2007 no bonds are maturing. The Board must make some decisions with regard to perhaps increasing our monthly transfer in December of each year which will make it easier to manage the cash flow before dues are paid for the new year. Vote: 3-0 (5-0) BALANCESHEET As of December 31, 2007 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 101 • First Midwest Checking 4,946.48 102 • First Midwest Convention 5,084.49 103 • First Midwest Savings 3,183.02 104 • Petty Cash 200.00 Total Checking/Savings 13,413.99 Total Current Assets 13,413.99 Fixed Assets 215 • Building 30,365.00 Total Fixed Assets 30,365.00 Other Assets 251 • Bonds & Stocks 691,178.76 252 ■ Accrued Interest on Bonds 6,375.16 253 ■ Stocks and Bonds Market Value 20,307.10 Total Other Assets 717,861.02 TOTAL ASSETS 761,640.01 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities 331 ■ Payroll Taxes Payable 429.28 333 • SUTA Payable 131.15 391 • Death Claims Unpaid 16,010.00 392 • Insurance Claim Payable 6,263.56 393 ■ Real Estate Taxes Payable 2,500.00 Total Other Current Liabilities 25,333.99 Total Current Liabilities 25,333.99 Long Term Liabilities 398 • Mortality Reserve 216,012.30 Total Long Term Liabilities 216,012.30 Total Liabilities 241,346.29 Equity 470 ■ Fund Balance 530,059.67 Net Income (9765.95) Total Equity 520,293.72 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 761,640.01 Resolved that the Board has reviewed the summary investment reports for the 4th quarter 2007 and determined that all the Society’s investments have been made in compliance with the SWU standards, limitations, and investment guidelines as specified in Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. Vote: 3-0 (5-0) ■ financial solutions dose home First Midwest Bank Joliet, Crest Hill, Lockport & New Lenox 800.322.3623 • firstmidwest.com m™*,™« š! SWUA Scholarship Program Celebrating its 60th year in 2009 The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation is Pleased to Announce the Following Recipients of $1,500 Awards for the 2008-2009 School Year COURTNEY EBNER - Branch 89, daughter of Mitch and Tammy Ebner, Mendota, Illinois will be graduating from Mendota Township High School and entering Lincoln College to study business and psychology in fall 2008. Courtney has participated in 11 seasons of school sports, has studied in the honors program and has participated in an outstanding business internship for several years. Mary Ann Roedl, Foreign Language Department, Spanish Teacher writes: “Courtney is a very capable student who displays personality traits that have led to her success. She is creative, has a great sense of humor, and shows leadership and teamwork skills, as an athlete and in the classroom. ” LISA LOREK - Branch 14, daughter of Mike and Karen Lorek, Mentor, Ohio will graduate from Lake Catholic High School this spring and enter the University of Dayton to study visual communication arts in fall 2008. Lisa holds a GPA of 4.1 Lisa is a member of the National Honor Society, has received two art scholarships from her high school, the 2007 US Achievement Academy National Art Award, and the Dean’s Merit Scholarship from the University of Dayton for academics. During her free time, Lisa volunteers at the Holden Arboretum, the community pool as a swimming instructor, along with serving on the Homecoming, Prom and Video Yearbook committees, playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse during her high school years. Lisa is also a member of the high school’s art and Spanish clubs. Ms. Kelly Finley, Art Department instructor writes: “Lisa has been a blessing to me as a teacher, and I would love others to see the talents I see in her. She has a great eye for design and color and works to the best of her ability. Many times she is doing homework until early in the morning or over vacation because she is working to perfection. ” MARK MARUSZAK - Branch 32, son of Ron and Carol Maruszak, Wickliffe, Ohio will enter Heidelberg College during fall 2008 to study political science and law. Mark received the 2008 FRANCES BARMAN JAMIE GRABNER Branch 1, daughter of Thomas and Karen Grabner, Sheboygan, Wisconsin will be graduating from Sheboygan South High School and entering St. Norbert College to study music education and biomedical sciences in fall 2008. Jamie holds a 4.0 Grade Point and is ranked number 1 of 378 senior classmates. Jamie states that one of her life goals is to be able to help other people, especially children, and teaching music would be her perfect opportunity to do so. Wade D. Heinen, Director of Sheboygan South Bands writes: “Jamie is extremely focused, goal driven, responsible, and one of the most trustworthy students I know. Jamie is a brilliant young lady and is a current member of our National Honor Society, Link Crew Freshmen Orientation program and a performer and conductor of our school musical “Beauty and the Beast. ” Scholarship. Mark holds a 3.4 GPA and during his junior year of high school elected to participate in the Post Secondary Educational Option program at Lakeland Community College. He will graduate from Lake Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in June 2008 and will graduate from Wickliffe High School also during June 2008. Mark realized the cost savings by taking classes at both the high school and college level at the same time, carrying 23 credit hours. Mark has volunteered over 1,000 hours in the community during the past four years and belongs to the Lakeland Community College Democratic Club, volunteers for the Cities of Wickliffe and Willoughby Hills, the West End YMCA, SNPJ and AMLA (both Slovenian Fraternal societies). He raised over $4,500 for the National MS Society and participated in the Pedal to the Point for four years, biking round trip 150 miles. Mark has been awarded the President George W. Bush Gold Award for volunteerism. He was inducted into the National Honor Society, “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”, United States Achievement Academy, National Society of High School Scholars, and the Center for Talent Development Recognition Award. Ms. Leah Money, School Counselor writes: “Clearly Mark is a dedicated, motivated, driven and well-rounded young man. He has mastered the ability to balance time between academics, work and social interests. He will bring forth a voice to the student body, leadership to a community or group, and academic challenges to a classroom. NATALIE MLAKAR Branch 100, daughter of Fred Mlakar, of Irvine, California is currently majoring in nursing science at the University of California, Irvine. Natalie is the recipient of the 2008 SLOVENE REST HOME Scholarship. Natalie first attended Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California majoring in biology with a pre-med focus, but after being exposed to the impact nurses have in hospitals and patient’s lives, Natalie transferred to the University of California, Irvine, entering a new nursing program offered there in fall of 2007. She enjoys school more now than ever and has become a critical thinker and more compassionate while also being forced to deal with heavy issues that affect many people’s lives. Natalie would like to pursue a master’s degree in nursing, perhaps to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Clinical nurse specialist. Ms. Maureen Movius, MN, RN Assistant Clinical Professor writes: "Natalie demonstrates a commitment to learning, is self motivated and takes advantage of opportunities that will enhance her knowledge. She demonstrates leadership qualities as an officer and active participate in the student nurse association. She volunteers at the UCI free clinic and is a self-employed math tutor for middle school aged children. Natalie also cares for a 10 year old boy with cerebral palsy 8 hours per week. ” Mr. Aaron Todd Douglas, Instructor, Department of Fine and Performing Arts writes: "Amanda is a fine young student who has been an integral member of perhaps the most energetic, thoughtful, and productive theatre class I have ever had the pleasure to teach. Though I haven’t known Amanda very long, I have come to appreciate and respect her courage and her sense of self as she continues to chart her way through her academic career. ” The New SWUA SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE is thanked for their work in evaluating this year’s applications. This is not an easy task, but makes the SWUA Scholarship Foundation Program the success it has been for the past 59 years. STUDENTS graduating from high school or college all over the world, please accept our best wishes for your success as you strive to pursue your goals. AMANDA OCHENSDORF Branch 35, daughter of Lisa Ochensdorf, Hugo, Minnesota will be entering her second year of the study of business at Loyola University. Lisa appreciates her unique experience at Loyola: to have the opportunity of learning and to make the most of her experience there. She strives hard for exemplary grades and yet finds time to work part time in the Alumni Affairs Office, help with campus blood drives and is a member of the women’s Rugby Team. Scholarship Donations S15 Donation Bob & Pat Figurowski (+01ga Ancel) $20 Donation Lois M. Pelander - Scholarship Fund Mary Turvey (+01ga Ancel) Marie Kranjec (+Janet Maurin) S25 Donation Jonita Ruth (her sister +01ga Ancel) Mildred Pucel (her sister +01ga Ancel) Ronald J. Erjavec (his sister +01ga Ancel) SWUA (+01ga Ancel) $50 Donation Judith Delopst Rechlitz - Scholarship Fund Janice J. Singletary (her aunt +01ga Ancel) Agnes A. Kurnick (+Edward Kurnick, +Vilas Goeke, +Mary and Joseph Ansel, +Matilda Kambic) Correction of May issue of Zarja $25 Donation: Darlene Nemanich (her Mother, +Margaret Preshiren) CONTRIBUTORS are eternally thanked for their gifts. Without them we could not exist. May you be rewarded for your generosity! For more information on the SWUA Scholarship Foundation Program please visit http://www.swua.org “scholarship” or contact Mary Turvey, mturvey@aol.com Kids Promoting Their Hertiage When it was decided to do a Culture and Heritage Day at our fourth (4) grade class at Mesabi East in Aurora, Minnesota, I had to interview a relative that immigrated to America. We brought potica to let the kids taste it and played a "Mitza Polka" that is about a girl that makes good potica. I especially liked to read about Lake Bled and Triglav. Gramma handed out Registration slips to the students in case they want to attend the Heritage Camp at Ironworld in June with the All-Slav days. I hope we have a good weekend. - Anna Ribich, Jr. Member Branch 39, Biwabik, Minnesota Have you been promoting your Slovenian Heritage? If so we want to hear about it. Send us a picture and short story. Send to wprokup@aol.com. Tezak’s I MX - 2008 Home to Celebrate Life «> 1211 PLAINFIELD RD., JOLIET, IL 60435 YVYVM.lczakfuncralhomc.com 815.741.2563 Fax 877.587.8460 815.722.0524 Celebrating our 100“' Year! ZIMMER FUNERAL HOMES ' Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, W1 53081 (920) 457-7012 - Fax: (920) 457-7013 W 2132 Ganton Rd., Sheboygan, WI 53083 (920) 565-2331 www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com v______________________________________________ I decided to ask my Gramma Rosie Ribich to tell me about my Great-Srandma Mary (Fine) Sertich. Gramma had lots of information about her. She came to Ellis Island in 1920 and I prepared a presentation paper with other facts about Slovenia that I found on the internet. Gramma dressed in her "narodna noša" and had a scarf and apron for me and I showed her "Slovenia Doll". So c'mon... Lets Explore Hi Kids! It's JOJO again. How is your summer going? Going by pretty fast if it is like mine. It's the time to enjoy those lazy days of summer. Enjoy it all. This issue of Zarja is supposed to be about gardening, one of my favorite things. How are you doing on the flower pot garden? Don’t forget to send in your photos by July 10th. I can't wait to see them. In Slovenia, flowers, gardens, orchards, and grape arbors are really great. The warm air coming off the /Adriatic Sea makes the best environment for plants and trees in that little country. Slovenia is home to 3,000 different plant species, with 70 of them found only in that country and nowhere else. Neat, huh? Among the plants there are many animals. Slovenia has a great population of wolves, lynx and even brown bears. There's wild boar, badgers, fox, salamander, deer and rabbits to name a few. There are also many birds, too. Wildlife senses are so much better than a human's no matter where they live. They can see further, hear better, smell scents better and have incredible taste. Marble trout can be found in some of the streams there, as well as other fish. Bet our boys would like to catch one of those! Have you heard of the linden tree? It is also called the lipa and is Slovenia's national tree. It is called the tree of life because it is said that it takes three hundred years to grow, it stands still for three hundred years and then it takes three hundred years to die. Its leaf is heart shaped. In early times the linden tree was often the focal point in the center of a settlement in Slovenia. This is where meetings, trade and recreation took place. Many Slovenes here in the U.S. plant it in their yard to remind them of their heritage. It is a nice tall shade tree. Why not plant a linden tree this fall in your yard? If everyone would plant one tree just think how many trees we would have. Trees provide oxygen, shade and homes for birds and the bees. If you can plant one don't forget to water your tree often. You can call it your SWUA tree. Happy planting. Well, until next time! See ya JOJO m Linden leaf FUNNY CORNER What did the beaver say to the tree? noA 6uimdu6 sdiu ussq s,i j :sj9Msuy Hey Kids! Look what Alex Lenkaitis' (Branch 24) kindergarten class at Roosevelt School in Peru, Illinois made. It's Colee Moly's from the March/April 2008 issue of Zarja. His teacher, Mrs. Duncan said it was a great project and the kids enjoyed watching theirs grow. I hope you gave it a try. Left, Alex with his Colee Moly Below, his kindergarten class A Slovenian word to learn drevo it means tree Men in a SWUA World Humorous Garden Mishaps When I was told that this issue had to do with gardening, I chuckled to myself and thought of a story from my childhood. It is about the prowess of my father as a Slovenian gardener. You see my dad always had the “first ripe tomato competition” in the neighborhood. Which of course he never won, there were all sorts of reasons why, the rabbits got in and ruined the garden or the crows snipped off the plants or the deer ate them or it was too hot and he wasn’t going to pay to water a garden (even though everyone saw him watering every night). Well one particular year he went all out and started the plants in the basement window sill and he had cages for the cherished plants (Big Boys) and he had a fencing system a World War II prison camp would be proud of and he even had a watering system, nothing could go wrong this year. But, in case it did he had a back up plan. He planted a big crop of watermelons so if he lost the tomato competition he would have the big watermelons to fall back on. Things were really looking good too; he even had an outside shot at the big one. Then it happened, the skies opened up and it rained and it rained and it rained and after about the third day of down pours I looked out the window and the sun was out and the greatest thing in the world had happened. Our lower back yard and the neighbors yards were completely flooded! We had our own backyard swimming pool! But I looked over at my dad and I saw a beaten man, his beautiful garden was completely under water, the water was about three feet high. Well I felt bad for the old boy but hey, I only had this swimming pool for so long and outside we went to play in it, we swam and we ran through it and eventually we got up a game of football. Well, we needed a ball and as one of his prize watermelon floated up someone picked it and it became our ball. That’s when my dad came out and with a very stem look on his face he demanded the melon, we knew we were about to get in big trouble but he dropped back three steps cocked his arm and said go deep I’m the quarterback! Oh, what a great summer day that was as all the neighborhood kids and my dad played football in my pool, the only day I ever had a pool. Now I know that this is not a typical Slovenian gardening story but I do think it is typical of growing up in a small town and in a great family which many Slovenians can relate to. Well, I hope you enjoyed my little gardening story and as always may good luck be yours. Don Baldin Memories of the Lovely Flower Gardens and the Abundant Vegetable Gardens of a Once Thriving Slovenian Neighborhood in Maple Heights, Ohio. The garden The “Garden” theme for this issue of Zarja stirs up many memories of the lovely flower gardens and the abundant vegetable gardens of a once thriving Slovenian neighborhood in Maple Heights. The garden was an annual ritual at our homestead with Ma presiding over the flowers and Ata the vegetable garden. I shall never forget one season when there seemed to be a problem with the cabbage. For some unknown reason it had a totally different appearance when it began to grow and nothing about it seemed natural. On this particular day Dad is in his garden trying to solve the problem of why the cabbage isn’t growing into heads when Danny Kidgell, the popular local detective, was walking by our yard on his way to the National Home. He Li) Sadowski’s parents in front of their house always stopped to admire our yard and seeing my perplexed father he asked him what was wrong. Dad showed him the patch of what was supposed to be green cabbage. Danny took one look at it and started laughing explaining to a bewildered Slovene that what was growing was indeed not cabbage but “collard greens”, an Afro-American delicacy. Dad never trusted the seed packages after that fiasco. - Li! Sadowski, Branch 42 Slovenian Gardening Gardens were a Way for the Immigrant to Maintain their Heritage Gardening was a much-used method for Slovenian immigrants to facilitate and ease the transition from the Old World they were familiar with to the new and often traumatic conditions in America. Despite strong pressure to integrate into their new surroundings, gardens were a place they did not have to adapt. It was a way to maintain their heritage and had great therapeutic value because it connected them with nature like they were accustomed to in Slovenia. Gardens were more than a way for the immigrant to maintain their heritage, they were essential in sustaining a family. Along with a cow, a couple of pigs, chickens and a garden, Slovenians were able to live off of the land. Virtually every square foot of open land was transformed into a garden. There were no green lawns because fruits and vegetables were growing everywhere and grass did not feed the family. It is said that Slovenians were among the best gardeners in America, they were able to utilize their Old World knowledge and techniques to create bountiful gardens. They also learned about different plants and gained additional knowledge from their new neighbors. Immigrant gardens spanned linguistic boundaries and helped promote the great melting pot of America. Mining companies got into the action by awarding prizes to the best and tidiest garden to immigrants that lived on small plots of land near the mine. While the prize of money was small, local notoriety motivated many immigrants. It is said that Slovenians won many of these contests. The garden provided a way to prepare and showcase their favorite meals and share them with others. Many picnics occurred in the garden when family and friends would gather to share the abundant harvest of the garden, but a majority of the food was preserved for the long winters. Pickling, canning and drying were frequent events in every household. Today most Slovenian-Americans do not need to rely on their garden for survival, but the sense of pride in our heritage and connection with nature seems to keep many of us gardening. It is a way for us to participate in “Living our Legacy”. Keep the spirit alive this summer and invite family and friends into your garden for a picnic to celebrate your heritage. See Jenka s page for some great culinary ideas to serve at your picnic and remember, enter our contest and show off your garden.- Debbie Pohar, Editor Slovenians were among the best gardeners in America, they were able to utilize their Old World knowledge and techniques to create bountiful gardens. Show us your SLOVENIAN GARDEN A contest for all SWUA members! Sponsored by: Zarja the Dawn-your bi-monthly magazine that is “Keeping the Spirit Alive” Grand Prize $50 - gift prizes for 2nd and 3rd place Send in a photo and 200 words or less that describes why your garden is the best. Winner’s photographs will be featured in Zarja the Dawn September/October issue and on our web site: www.swua.org. Send entries by July 10,2008 Email: wprokup@aol.com Mail: Debbie Pohar, 1696 Illinois Street, LaSalle, IL61301 Be creative! We want to hear about it! Get rewarded for your hard work-tell us and you could win a fabulous prize! Revisiting The Return by Jacqueline W Stewart, Branch 100 Yugoslavia is a rare, rare country. When I write of it, very probably I shall not succeed in adequately describing its beauties and picturesqueness, the drama of its national life ... It is potentially a very rich country. Developed and wisely administered, it could be almost self-sufficient in its natural resources. The people, I mean the mass of plain people, with few exceptions, are splendid, capable of great sacrifices; the best human material with which the rules of a new state could start if they honestly and intelligently planned to create a good, progressive civilization. - Louis Adamic This is the voice of author Louis Adamic eloquently expressing his sentiments and hopes for his homeland upon return to Camiola in 1932. At age 33 he had come back on a Guggenheim Fellowship after immigrating to the U.S. at age fourteen as the son of peasants. His experiences and reflections from that time led him to write “The Native’s Return,” a work revered for its insights on Eastern European immigrants of the early 20th century. The author came back to a land caught between two World Wars. At the time he left, just before World War I, his province of Camiola had belonged to the Austrian Empire. During his nineteen-year absence his home territory had come into a newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians and then had become a part of the even newer country of Yugoslavia. Being away for nineteen years at the first part of the twentieth century meant leaving a country that had been under feudal rule for more than a century and coming back to a new alliance of southern Slavs. In 19 years then - from 1913 to 1932-Slovenians changed from serfs to citizens. In 19 years now - from 1989 to the present -a new independent nation of Slovenia has bccome a leader of Europe. In some 1200 years since their ancestors settled the lands from the plains of Hungary to the Adriatic Sea, Slovenians have come full circle. History tells of early democratic practices of a gentle people who united under Samo the Frank to repel their attackers. Although their peaceful existence is reputed to have been short-lived once achieved, the taste of freedom seems to have passed down through the generations. Nineteen years ago, by 1989, Slovenians had grown ever more insistent on obtaining greater autonomy within Yugoslavia. By 1991 Slovenia had declared its independence as a free nation. In 2004 Slovenia became a member of the European Union, took the Euro as its currency in 2007, and the EU presidency in 2008. Within the last 19 years Slovenian life has leaped onto the contemporary stage in a way unparalleled in its history. Louis Adamic came back to find everyday life in 1932 with its essence of earlier times, from when he had left in 1913. In contrast, today’s Slovenia seems far removed from life in 1989, not even two decades ago. Written in his elegant yet conversational style, Louis Adamic gave us snapshots of day-to-day living in the early 1930’s. Peasants drove their oxen on the dirt roads. Girls washed heavy homespun linen, slapping it on big smooth rocks at the river’s edge. Street sweepers held long birch brooms and lamplighters extinguished the lights at midnight with their tall poles. When he caught a glimpse of a chimneysweep covered with soot, out of habit the author grabbed the button on his coat for good luck. In Ljubljana’s coffee houses the men still played chess, read newspapers and spoke in low voices. Book publishers, singing and theater groups thrived. Big festivities called for lots of wine and the fatted calf. Farmhouses and villages belonged to the land - “They appear to have grown out of the soil.” By 1989 there is no denying that the scene had changed. Tractors had replaced the oxen, and more and more dirt roads turned into asphalt. Long gone were any girls washing homespun linens in the streams. Within the last 19 years two fast “interstates” crisscross the country; two Europaths intersect just below Ljubljana; it’s easier to get through cities and find parking by bike than by car; you can find imported goods from all over the world; grade school kids chatter on cellphones; teen-agers flock to concerts by international rock bands; people travel freely without borders and without changing money; computer literacy and English fluency has become close to universal. Within the hundreds of years since Slavic forebearers immigrated to the region, these two short periods of 19 years may hold the country’s most dynamic historical moments. Since those early 7,h century immigrations, war and oppression often have caused Slovenians to emigrate out of the country and seek their fortunes elsewhere. The latest skyrocketing immigration figures suggest that the tide has turned to reflect Slovenia’s newfound fortunes. These days the flow into Slovenia far exceeds any departures. Having seen the difference 19 years made between 1913 and 1932, how would Louis Adamic view the changes of the most recent 19 years? A good guess has him loving the wild blueberry ice cream and hating the billboards. Slovenian Marching Bands in America Exhibition Open Marching bands have been the pride of Slovenian communities from coast to coast since the 1890s. Their stirring music and handsome uniforms earned cheers in every Slovenian parade. The Polka Hall of Fame and Museum premieres a new exhibition: “Polka on the March: Slovenian Brass Bands across America.” The show features historic band photos, vintage brass instruments and distinguished uniforms donated by many Slovenian families. You can listen to band recordings from the 1920s restored to their original glory. “Before there were polka bands, Slovenians had their brass bands”, said Valenčič, a founding trustee. “Many polka hits are actually upbeat versions of Slovenian marches from a century ago. It’s a music heritage we’ve saved from obscurity.” Recent bands are also featured, especially the United Slovenian Society Band. For this exhibit, USS Band alumni donated their personal archives to the Hall of Fame collection, including outfits, photos and programs. Slovenian women cadets are represented in vintage photos. “I’m so happy the Hall of Fame is preserving our musical history”, said Ed Harbie, who performed with the USS Band. “Our musicians marched all over to perform Slovenian songs ...even on the steps of the Capitol in Washington DC.” Classic photos feature Slovenian bands from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; Eveleth, Minnesota; Little Falls, New York: Girard, Ohio; and elsewhere. Slovenian lady cadets pose in a 1909 photo. Another band photo depicts Gottscheer Austrians from Slovenia. The earliest image shows a band organized by Ivan Zorman Sr. in Cleveland in 1897 -the first Slovenian band in America. “Doesn’t my Dad look good in his uniform? That’s 1918, before 1 was born!” said polka legend Lou Sadar. “He was proud to play in the Burgettstown Slovenian Band.” “I’m delighted my father’s trombone is on display”, added Dorothy Tusek of Cleveland. “It was in the attic all these years. Now it’s part of history.” Dominic Dekleva performed in the Library Slovenian Home band in Pennsylvania in 1920. The exhibition is on display through the end of the year. For more information, call (216) 261 -FAME or toll-free (866) 66-POLKA, or check the website, www.polkafame.com. - Joe Valenčič, Trustee American Slovenian Polka Foundation Slovenian women cadets often joined Slovenian marching bands in parades and special events. Organizations like the Slovenian Women's Union and the United Slovene Women of Minnesota (photo) w ere the pride of their communities. On Thursday, May 22, a new exhibit at the Polka Hall of Fame opens. “Polka on the March: Slovenian Brass Bands across America,” salutes the men and women who contributed to this unique aspect of Slovcnian-American culture. BECOME A MEMBER WITH A NEW INSURANCE PLAN AMERICAN SLOVENIAN CATHOUC f /UNION FROM KSICJ! 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 Aeeidcntal Death and Dismemberment Polic Slovenian Women’s Union of America V Slovenska Zenska Zveza v Ameriki Membership Application Yes! I want to join the SWUA. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication Zarja the Dawn; I can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, I will come in contact with fellow Slovenes. Please type or print legibly. Choose type of membership: Junior (Birth to 18) Annual Dues $5.00 Adult Annual Dues $20.00 Name and Middle Initial_______________________________________Maiden Name____________________________ Street Address____________________________________City/State/Zip_____________________________________ Phone/Fax_________________________________________ E-mail____________________________________________ Date of B irth____________________________________ Do you speak Slovenian?___________________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES_______________________________ How did you hear about us? SWUA member newspaper website__________________________________other_______________________________________ Applicant signature:___________________________________________________________ Date:______________________ Branch Affiliation No. (if known)______________________ Location:__________________________________________ Please make checks payable to the Slovenian Women s Union of America and mail to: SWUA 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432 For additional information, contact: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432 815.727.1926 e-mail: swuhome@sbcglobal.net - website: www.swua.org I would like to volunteer for the SWUA. My area of interest or expertise is: Tell a Friend! If you wish us to send information to a friend or relative just fill in name and address here: My friend’s name___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: City____________________________________________________State___________________________Zip_______ Tour Slovenia Sponsored by the Slovenian Women’s Union of America In Honor of Zarja the Dawn’s 80th Anniversary May 8-19, 2009 Have you been searching for the perfect Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift? I earch no further - here it is! S‘ Are you looking for a chance to experience a piece of the Slovenia that our ancestors longingly and lovingly spoke of? will show you! w Have you dreamed of seeing the incredible beauty of Slovenia and its famous sites for the very first time or have you always promised yourself that you would return to Slovenia’s splendor and take the time to enjoy its many unforgettable gifts? [Itimate opportunities await you! u Have you always wanted to learn more about the culture of Slovenia and trace your Slovenian heritage? Have you longed to see your Slovenian family and friends? ttend this trip! A* For further information contact: Kollander World Travel, Michael J Benz 800.800.5981 ormbenz@aaaoma.com or Bonnie Pohar Prokup 815.223.9596 or wprokup@aol.com Explore the “Secrets of Slovenia" as we take you to the sights and sounds of a Slovenia our ancestors described. Come with us as we take you through the unspoiled back roads of Slovenia. Stop at cozy little gostilnas for old world cuisine, button box music, dancing and singing. Visit historic museums, such as those dedicated to the mercury miners or beekeepers of Slovenia, where we can see what life was like for many of our ancestors. Enjoy extended stays in Ljubljana and Potorož, visit Alpine Slovenia, rugged Prekmurje and the rich farm lands of Bela Krajina. Participate in a cooking lesson with the world famous chef, Sister Nicolina. Take part in the day-to-day operations of a local tourist farm-whether you are picking wild mushrooms, making the house wine or baking the evening’s bread, you will be a part of life in Slovenia. Be our guests as we celebrate the 80"' Anniversary of Zarja the Dawn with a traditional Slovenian picnic on the foot of the spectacular, breath-taking Alps, complete with the delicious regional food, live music, dancing under the stars and the kind of fun that memories are made of. Whether this is your first or your tenth time to Slovenia, we believe this tour is perfect for you! We have designed it with an understanding that you may want a few days to visit with your Slovenian friends and family or you may just want time to explore on your own. If you prefer to have your time planned, we will take the worry out of it by setting up one of several optional excursions that will be just right for you. There will be something for everyone, whether it’s enjoying the old world charm of ancient cities, visiting one of the many fascinating museums, hiking in the majestic mountains, exploring a medieval castle or basking in the sands of the Mediterranean you will find a Slovenia that you only dreamed was possible. This truly is the trip of a lifetime so don’t let it pass you by. Come join us as we explore the land of our ancestors. Come discover. The Path Taken.. • Dopoljena pot by Mary Lou Voelk © John and Josephine (Flake) Kastelec “After my father, John Kastelec, passed away in 1985, we found THE BOX in his carpentry shop unbeknown to our family. In it were “memories ” that belonged to his father, Janez Kastelec. Items included correspondence from his sons and a friend. Janez died in 194 7, so for 3 8 years THE B OX was tucked in a drawer. The surname Kastelec appeared to have spelling variations down through the years (Kostelec, Kostelic, Kastelic, Kastelec). My father, John, signed his SSN Kastelec. This spelling has remained our legal surname. ” -Rose Marie (Dolly) Kastelec Shober, Branch 23, Ely, Minnesota %Joi I'anez Franc Kastelic was born to Martin and Ursula Kastelic on December 18, 1884 near Grosuplje, Slovenia. Martin was a shoemaker by trade. Janez was 18 years of age when he made his first trip to America in 1902. After returning to Slovenia, Janez was married to Anna Valentincec, circa 1909. In 1910, twins were born, only a son, John survived. A second son Jernej was born 1 1/2 years later. Janez and his father Martin worked as a team. They would travel throughout the area making shoes to order. In October of 1912, Janez left on a second trip to America. He was determined to “make more money” and most important, to avoid the Yugoslavian army. The rumblings of war were becoming eminent. His wife Anna did not want to leave Slovenia. He left behind his wife and two sons in Ponova vas, Slovenia. At the time, Anna was pregnant with their third son Franc. When World War 1 broke out, Janez was still in America. In Slovenia, 5 year old John remembered hearing the cannons being fired, seeing flashes of fire over Ponova vas, and watching military troops march through their town. With WW I raging, Janez dared not return to Slovenia. Anna had Anna Kastelec and her sons, Franc, John and Jernej contracted tuberculosis at the age of 33 and succumbed to the disease. She left her three young sons, John, Jernej and Franc and her husband Janez, who now had been in America for 5 years. Passed down through the family was the story of Anna’s stepsisters and other family members entering the house after her death and taking everything of value. Three young children could hardly protect their interests. After Anna’s death the boys lived with their grandmother Ursula Kastelec until her death in 1921. Their grandfather, Martin had Letters from Slovenia found in “The Box” 1923 Dear friend, First of all I send you best regards to you and your lady friend or should I say your wife? I want you to know, I did receive your letter. I waited such a long time for it that I thought you were ill and unable to write. Now you ask how soon I can send you the birthdates, month and year of your sons. Are you questioning what it costs to support them? They are all well and well behaved and doing well, but they keep asking if you wrote and I told them it has been a long time since 1 heard from you. John told me to tell you he will be 14 years old, and is going to study carpentry and then he will go to America. I told him that he should write it to you, but he told me to write it to you. Now 1 will close, excuse the poor writing. This fall we had a dry spell but mild weather. Best wishes for a safe happy Christmas. Louis Glinšek 1925 Dear Friend, To start with I will tell you how things are in the old country. First I want to tell you that 1 got married. Things are tough for us especially us farmers. The taxes are so high I am having trouble making the payments. The cost of living is out of reach and I don’t know how we will make it. We are making hay and it is hard to gel help at this time so I have to cut the hay and do what 1 can myself. After the hay is stored, I have to get the soil ready for the next planting. No one can help me as they all have their own work. John is learning well. Franc is a hard worker (ambitious) and he along with Jernej are doing well. I asked him if he writes to you. He said he won’t ask you to send him money since he knows you don’t have that much cash on hand. 1 now have my own home and that cost 2000 kron so I don’t have to pay rent. At least I don’t have to watch every step. I will close now and apologize for the poor writing. Best wishes and good luck from me and my wife and Jernej. Goodbye, Louis Glinšek 1925 Dear Dad, Before I write anything else, 1 want to send you my best regards, also John and 1 have an appointment and he will also find out how things stand. They are saying that things can be straightened out but you have to send us your American status and then they can rewrite our papers once we show that you are an American citizen so 1 am asking you to please address this now. It is hard here. Frank is a painter died prior to Anna’s death. For the second time, the young boys were abandoned. John, at age 11, quit school and went to live with the Palchers who were friends of the family. After just a few months he returned to Pomona vas to live with his mother’s cousin. At the age of 13, John’s confirmation godfather, Frank Tesner (his grandmother’s uncle) brought him to Ljubljana and enrolled him as an apprentice in a cabinetry school for the next 3 1/2 years. On April 11, 1921, Janez married Mary Levau in Biwabik, Minnesota. Mary pressured Janez to “get the boys to America”. She wrote letters telling the boys of her desire to have them join the family in America, but Mary soon died in childbirth in 1922. Janez completed the course for American citizenship. His citizenship papers are dated March 15,1924 and list his children: John age 13, Jernej, age 12 and Frank age 10 years, as living with parent at home. This may be the reason Janez had requested the ages and birth dates of the boys. He wanted their names listed on his citizenship papers. As minor children of a citizen, they would automatically be named American citizens. Janez moved to Ely, Minnesota in 1925. He resided at the Shepel Boarding House. In Ely he was prompted by many to get your sons over here. Documents from St. Louis County and the state of Minnesota indicated his ability to support his son Johan Kostelec, age 15, (Translation: “live at Box 231, Ely, MN U.S.A, 41 years old, a widower, working for the Oliver Mining Company and making $4.50 a day, has real estate valued at $2,000 and savings in the amount of $200. He has lived in America for 14 years and is an American citizen. Dated: February 25, 1926) The U.S. Consulate in Zagreb notified John that he was to come to America. Janez was obligated to sign an oath that he was willing to maintain and support his son Johan and that his son is literate, that he has no criminal record, that he is not a contractual worker, that he is not a beggar, that he is not a polygamist, that he is not an abuser of women or girls, that he is not a prostitute, that he does not belong to an organization which works against legitimate laws and wants the abolition of authority, and that he is in possession of 20 dollars. Because his father was a citizen, and John had come over before the age of 21, he was automatically a citizen. He spoke no English. All he had were his clothes in a wicker basket/suitcase and a nametag pinned to his jacket. John took up residence at the Shepel Boarding house with his father in Ely, Minnesota. He began working “up on the Moose Lake Road” as a water boy. Upon encouragement from his landlady Mrs. Shepel, he enrolled in the Lincoln School. John was placed in the 3rd grade but within five weeks he was moved to the 4th grade. He completed 3 years in 5 months. John quit school after five months because his father would no longer pay his room and board. John expressed disappointment as he was just learning the language. He was speaking well, but he was having difficulty with spelling. However, and sometimes that can be a dangerous job, but he can’t give it up. Whatever you can achieve is better than nothing. In the meantime we are waiting for your papers, so that the money can be divided here and that there will be no hard feelings about it. 1 have nothing new to report except to send best regards to you and your aunt also sends best regards. Farewell, goodbye, till we meet again hoping it will be soon, if possible. 1 remain, your son, Jernej 1926 Dear Friend, 1 received your letter and understand that you give me full power to sell your possessions, but now only God knows how I can do it. Here times are very poor. I will try my best, but it doesn’t look doable. Our dinar is way down in value. I may be able to sell but won’t get much for it. Now I will look for your letter telling me what to do. I don’t want you to be mad at me. I am doing the best that I can under the circumstances. 1 have been big worries over this. Now I will close and send my best regards to you and your son John. And France also sends best regards and also Jemej. Please excuse the poor writing. I ask for a reply. Goodbye, Louis Glinšek 1927 Dear Dad, Before 1 start my letter, I want to send you my best regards. I received your letter and I was very happy to receive it, as 1 have waited a long time, and I was beginning to think that you died, but once again you remembered me. You say I don’t write. 1 wrote four letters and have received no reply. This is the first time. Maybe you did not get my letters because I did not have the right address, if you changed places or the post office lost them. 1 am happy to hear that things are going well. You say John is ornery, but think about it. He didn’t always obey here either, but he will be better there since he has a better life there. Jemej is hardly waiting until he can go. And Aunty is happy that you think of her. I would like to hear from you more often. So makes no difference, I am here and you can write to me or Jemej, it doesn’t matter. We share all the letters. Once again, I send you my very best wishes hoping we will see each other soon, Franc Kostelic 1930 My dear father, I will start my letter with best regards. 1 want you to know that I am waiting for my service notice as they won’t let me go until 1 serve my time. 1 wrote to John today and I am wondering if he is mad at me as he hasn’t written. He promised me that in a year I would join him. There is no way that I can earn the money here. Times are bad. So once again I apologize for my poor writing and send my best regards to you and your friends. Goodbye from your son Jemej (age 18)_____________________________ I John, passport photo John took the initiative and enrolled in night classes at Memorial High School. Despite being American citizens, Jernej and Franc never set foot on American soil. All their hopes and dreams of joining their father and brother in America never transpired. Perhaps it was the “military service obligation” that was the force that kept Jernej in Slovenia? A ticket had been issued for Jernej but he never arrived in America. Was it the Act of 1914? Perhaps it could have eventually happened, but then tragedy struck. Jernej, was thawing out a pipe “on a ship” when it exploded. The wording “on a ship” leads one to believe he was in the military service. It was a fatal accident, killing him at the age of 23. Franc was 22 years old when he died of a ruptured appendix. John found work at the Rock Crusher, a quarry south of Ely. In order to reach the work site during the winter months, John fashioned himself a pair of skis and took the shortcut across Shagawa Lake. John put in a 10-month stint at the Sibley Mine. At this time he began doing carpentry work. He then became gainfully employed by Oliver Mining Co. John had been handing over his paycheck to Janez each payday. It was Mr. Shepel who suggested that John begin banking his money. John met Josephine Flake at the mine site. Each day Josephine would carry a lunch pail to her father at the mine site. This was usual practice so that the hard working miners could have a hot meal. The mine site became their meeting place, the beginning of a romance. John would always chuckle telling the story of how he ruined his suit when he was courting Josephine. Josephine lived in Chandler Location, which was quite a walk for John. He had stopped off in town to buy a poppy and pinned it to the lapel of his suit thinking it would look “dapper”. It began raining and the poppy faded all the way down the front of his suit jacket. John kept this suit until he died. John and Josephine Flake were married on October 12, 1931 at St. Anthony de Padua Church in Ely. It was in 1938 that construction began on the Ely Community Center. John became gainfully employed from the onset of construction. From the laying of forms, to the interior finishing, his talents and labor are embedded in the building; He was paid $ 1.25 per hour. Mr. Shepel’s advice of putting his earnings into a savings account proved to be good advice. John was able to purchase the land for the next 4 homes he built for his family. From 1930 - 1938, John built 4 homes: the former Novak, Deyak and Mobilia homes and then the last home overlooking Shagawa Lake. By this time, he and Josephine had two daughters, Marcella and Rose Marie (Dolly). When young Johnny was bom, John put on an addition, building the kitchen cupboards, the bedroom furniture, whatever he could make out of wood. For each home John dug the basement by hand. He built his carpentry shop and every night after supper John would walk across the driveway and enter his shop, and turn on his saws/planers. Frankie Deyak, a neighbor, would say, “There goes “Junny” Kastelec, working again”. All this “family building” was in addition to his full time career as a carpenter. John also helped his father build his home on the upper slope of Finn Hill, overlooking Chandler Location, a predominately Slovenian neighborhood. Janez died in 1947. On September 22, 1966, John lost his beloved wife Josephine to cancer. In 1971 John married Katie Klobuchar Sandstrom of Ely. They were married 3 years, and were planning a trip to Slovenia, when Katie was diagnosed with a fatal illness. John never returned to Slovenia, he was known as the Last letter from Slovenia, No Date My Dear Friend, Excuse my writing, but first of all I want to send you my very best wishes and also your son John. The figures stand as written, the balance is 10.056 K. This is all that belongs to you that is left of your money. It seems strange that so little is left but this year was very rainy and we did not get a very good harvest. I am glad this is over as 1 have had a lot of work with it all and I don’t know if 1 pleased you or not. Now I close with my poor penmanship and I send best wishes from Leona and mother and your son Jernej. Also regards from Franc who lives in Ljubljana. Leona thinks she would like to be acquainted with you. I ask for your reply. Goodbye, Louis Glinšek. Today is Sunday and 1 am sending (10038.200 K) and I had to pay for the charges to have the papers signed in Ljubljana and the charges all together came to 3.800K I had to pay it all and now I am telling you, so you can pay me back. Once again, I ask you how you are doing? 1 am sending you the statement so you will know how much money etc. there is and how much is left. And maybe none will be left. Good bye, Louis Glinšek “wood butcher”, an endearing term for a man who would look at a piece of wood and know exactly what it could become. Throughout the area his private homes and cabins continue to be fine works. His carpentry and finishing work continue to be exemplars of a master. John learned well and he taught his son Johnny well. He often quoted the words of his teacher during his internship as a mere 15year old: “it’s not how much you do, it’s how you do it”. John’s children never heard him speak Slovenian. He rarely talked of his mother or brothers or his life in Slovenia. At a very young age his losses were tremendous, the death of his mother and grandmother and then feelings of responsibility toward his brothers. His father was a figment of the imagination for 14 years. But finally at the age of 16, he found an “identity”, one that could not be taken away, he found beauty in creating out of a mere piece of wood and then he sailed for America. When he set foot on American soil, he took it to heart, he became an American! John passed away on November 12, 1985. Josephine Flake* Kastelec *(Flake, Flak, Flek, Fleck, or Flack) The name used in America was Flake. Josef Flak bom on February 2,1878 in Ribnica, Austria was one of six children bom to Andreic and Josefa Jernesic Flak. In Slovenia, Josef worked as a blacksmith before leaving for Hibbing, Minnesota to be with his brother Ignatz in 1903. In America, Josef met Ursula (Bertha) Marolt who was bom on October 19,1888 in Slovenia and they were married in 1903 in Tower, Minnesota. After marriage they settled in Chandler Location and had nine children with only six surviving into adulthood, Mary 1904, Anna (Fanny) 1907, Caroline 1910, Josephine 1913, Angela 1915 and Joseph 1918. The family was very poor. Elaine Fenske, a teacher at the school and the wife of a hardware store owner in Ely, would give the Flake girls clothing and shoes. The story is told that whoever was the earliest riser, got to wear the best outfit and the most comfortable pair of shoes to school that day. Josef became employed in 1903 at the Pioneer Mine. It was an underground mine, accidents were frequent and Josef was not to be spared. In a cave-in he was buried underground for 3 days. He incurred head injuries which caused him to have seizures for the rest of his life. His bruised and cut lips were tell tale signs that the seizures were occurring. But Joseph was one tough guy. When asked about the cave-in, Joseph’s comment was, “I just wasted a day’s chew of snuff.” In another accident a cable hooked around his hand and hoisted him to the next level. But he was never one to complain. Dolly’s Memories Everything about Grandpa Flake was big. He was a tall man, therefore his name, Big Grandpa. His big yard was ringed with sweet smelling lilac bushes. The huge garden that produced so much of the family food gave much enjoyment to extended family. Marcella, Johnny and I always knew that after we finished the picking, a big bag would be going home with us; low beans, pole beans, peas, carrots, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. The house was a large two story with an attached front porch. We loved playing on that porch! The front porch was the gathering place during any celebration. It was the extra room when the front room was crowded. Upon entering the kitchen one noticed a hand pump at the kitchen sink. Looming in the kitchen was a good-sized wood burning stove that was used for cooking and heating. A trapdoor in the kitchen floor led to the dirt basement where shelves held jars of canned fruits and vegetables and a potato bin. On December, 28, 1929, tragedy struck when Bertha was killed in a Greyhound bus accident. She and son, Joseph, age 11, were on their way to Duluth when the bus slid off the highway and hit a rock ledge. Josef never remarried. Daughter, Josephine, was 16 at the time. The shy, quiet Josephine quit school and became the family caregiver. Josephine met John Kastelec at the mine site and they were married in 1931. They had three children Marcella, Rose Marie (Dolly) and John. John and Josephine Kastelec Grandpa was a perfect example of early to bed early to rise. He never owned a car, he walked whereever he went. For years my mother did his laundry. It was only recently that I realized how difficult it must have been to make that trek to our house carrying his laundry bag. It meant walking up a hill, which is close to an 80 degree incline. My daughter Carrie and I walked up that hill about five years ago. Our noses almost touched the ground as we struggled to make it to the top! (Josef Flake died on May 24, 1962.) Birthdays, religious rites of passage and weddings were our social life and a reason for family to get together. Holidays were the most important. Lent and Holy Week meant that certain things must be practiced. On the Fridays of Lent my mother always made struklej. The prominent žegen basket was always part of Easter. My dad planted horseradish for that one reason only, žegen. The basket and white cloth would be readied. The hard boiled eggs were cracked on one end so the holy water could reach the egg! There were the mouth watering slices of ham, potica, special breads and fresh orange slices. The white cloth was brought up to cover the food, but one comer was always folded back so that the blessed holy water could reach the food. This was our first food on Easter morning. Any crumb or cracked shell was gathered together and burned. It is amazing, that after all these years, this tradition remains so vivid in my mind and how proud we were, carrying that basket to church on Holy Saturday! Visiting Uncle Ignatz at the farm in Greaney was delightful. We always had a great time. During one visit we were treated to lamb roasted on an outdoor spit. One particular trip was made in my dad’s little old pickup. We got stuck in a whole lot of mud while trying to cross through a rain swept road. That old pickup didn’t have enough horse power to rev us out, so Uncle Ignatz got a real horse. It took the horsepower of the horse and the strength of my dad, who was all dressed up in his finery, to pull us out. The story behind my nickname is what my mother told me. As a newborn Marcy looked at me and called me “Dolly”. To this day I am still referred to as Dolly! My mother was shy and quiet. I don’t ever remember our parents getting angry, and we respected and obeyed them. As kids we spent many hours outdoors playing any game we could think of from jump rope, hopscotch, duck-duck-goose, Captain, May I and tag. We chased each other with our slingshots, collected flowers to grace the family table, caught butterflies, fireflies and frogs. All of the kids in our neighborhood played together. During the summer we were swimming at Shagawa Beach or on a picnic with neighborhood families. Our neighborhood was near the main railroad tracks that came into town. On days the coal trains came into town, we lugged a coal bucket as we walked along the tracks picking up coal. We felt so proud bringing home a pail full of coal. We were helping out. Sometimes we would just sit by the tracks waiting for the railroad workers to wave to us. Our mom did not drive so we would often walk to the grocery store or we would visit friends and relatives when we weren’t in school. Our dad was busy working most every day. On the weekends he worked in his shop. In the evenings Marcy, John, our mom and I would gather around the radio listening to those old time radio shows. My mother never worked out of the home. But much to our surprise she was a volunteer for the Ground Observer Corp. She and her friend Ann Lunka spent their volunteer time on Uncle Joe the roof of the Ely City Hall acting as plane spotters during the 1950’s. There was always the smell of a good meal waiting for us along with the cookies, cake, or pastries that we loved so much. The delicious chicken noodle soup and fresh homemade bread smeared with butter were always special as were stews, liver, kidneys and zganci, pasties and spareribs with sauerkraut. Often times our supper table was graced with rabbit, venison, fish or partridge. . ~ My dad and Uncle Joe got along really well. Of course, everyone got along with my Uncle Joe. When he left to go to war (WW II) we were all devastated. Uncle Joe was an MP in the Air Force. His stories were fascinating. He guarded people like Joe Lewis, the heavyweight champion of the world and King Farouk. He even saw the king’s estate and the stables with thoroughbred horses. When he talked about the pyramids in Cairo our eyes were as big as saucers. He guarded Generals Montgomery, Bradley and Eisenhower. From Rome he sent us rosaries blessed by the Pope. We received letters from wherever he was stationed. I can remember certain parts being cut out because of censorship. It was a happy, joyous homecoming when he returned. After his marriage to Mary Jerich, my father helped him build his home. Most of the building materials came from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church which was being dismantled to make room for a new church and parking lot. Another Generation Marcella married Jerome (Loush) Loushin of Ely. They had five children, Renee, Conor, Karen, Guy and Jan. There are now 12 grandchildren. Marcella passed away on November 9, 2003. Dolly married Albert Frank Shober. They had five children, Cynthia, Cathleen, Albert, Carrie and Daniel. There are 9 grandchildren with the 10th to be born in July or August and 3 great grandchildren. Albert Sr. passed away May 28, 2004. John married Paula Grabler of Louisville, Kentucky. \TTiey have two children, Cheryl and John.____________^ In Memory Josephine Flake Kastelec September 22,1966 John Kastelec November 12,1985 Back, John and Josephine, Front, left to right: Rose Marie (Dolly) John, Marcella Our Legacy Wyoth our mother and father came from U humble beginnings and both endured incredible odds. Our father built houses. Our mother was devoted to homemaking, each house became a home. Added to this was the extended family, and our Slovenian heritage which allowed us to celebrate and live a life in traditional style. Our parents were a union who gave their time and energy without ever a murmur. The Kastelec and Flake family stories are dedicated to them, in the hope that grandchildren, great grandchildren and those who come after, will read of our ancestry. Hopefully the legacy John and Josephine lived, will nourish future lineage to “grab onto the tenacity, the faith, and the dedication “that builds family ”. - The John and Josephine Kastelec Family Heritage Donations $25 Donation In Memory of Olga Ancel by Ken and Irene Odorizzi $25 Donation Mary Lou LaVallie $50 Donation Flat Screen TV Barbara Nash $20 Donation Branch 102, Honor Book Donation of Slovenian Music Mary Palcic, Branch 93 May Be Rain by Fr. Horzen Branch 24, for the Museum Library Forget-me-nots Spomincice Books Forget-me-not announces two new books in their bilingual series for children. Due out in September2008 are: “Luisa From Outer Space” by Majda Koran and “Anton s Circus” by Peter Svetina. There will be a book signing at the Heritage Museum during Baraga Days, September 27-28. Mark this date! Come and meet the authors! The Slovenian Heritage Museum Heritage Report................... Muse musing....................mused A report on the WW II Survey I received a phone call from Bill Lesnik of Joliet, Illinois regarding the WW II survey, Bill said he could help! He told me of the Grotto at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Joliet. He named the 17 young men from St. Joseph’s Parish that died in that war. He read me excerpts of their lives. Yes, we had a very sobering conversation that Saturday afternoon. I personally want to acknowledge Bill for coming forward and making his historical data available to the SWUA for the WW II Project. But he isn’t done yet. Bill has turned in the survey to the American Legion historian in his area so that the survey can be made readily available to their Post. The next day I left on a mini vacation. I always shutter at returning home from a mini vacation. Going through the stack of mail is bitter sweet after having spent a few fun days away. BUT NOT THIS TIME. There in the pile were four surveys; from Mike Skorich of Leesburg, Florida; Robert Blatnik of Rowlet, Texas; Anton Perushek of Willard, Wisconsin and Anthony Mauser of Bainbridge, Indiana. The intimate letter from the family of Tony Mauser is a most somber look into the gruesomeness of war; the newspaper clipping and photo of young Robert Blatnik and his 6 years and 9 months of service; the four years served by Anton Perushek in both the European and Pacific Theaters; the nephews of Mike Skorich one of whom was killed in action and the other wounded. I believe the Anthony Mauser family has said it best: “As some say, the greatest generation is leaving only shadows. We must keep their sacrifice alive. Thank you for this opportunity.” Thank you Mauser family! To members out there on the Home Front, we all know someone who gave their time or their lives for this country, it is the highest honor we can give to those. I have my uncle, the late Fred Perovshek of Cleveland that has a place in history and Louis Zgonc of Ely Minnesota, the husband of my aunt, the late Julie Perovshek Zgonc of Ely. I remember the remorse in the family when we heard he was missing in action. We were all gathered at Grandpa Perovshek’s in Chandler Location. I will forever remember the scene in the kitchen. Yes, I await your envelops in my mail box. Meanwhile Carol Novak and Carole Terlep are scanning the 1940-1945 Zarja issues that document the involvement of the SWUA in the Home Front. Zarja Project On April 21, 2008, an unprecedented occurrence! It occurred at a kitchen table! Five members from Branch 16 sat around the kitchen table at the home of President Marge Mitchell to begin the official reading/indexing of the past Zarja issues. The KT Committee consisted of Gladys Buck, Dorothy Rossie, Therese Rossie, Dolores Franko, and Marge Mitchell. A quote from Marge: “The first sitting went really well. At first we had all kinds of questions, then we moved on to actually indexing. We had worked on the project at our last meeting so everyone involved was already familiar with the process. We each did our own Zarja but when someone read an interesting article we all stopped to enjoy it. We will continue in May.” In one afternoon, the KTC sorted Zarja articles into categories and documented them with a pencil on a spreadsheet. Sharing an article with the group is “proof in the pudding”. The Zarja is filled with some very interesting history! Thanks to this Kitchen Table Committee for attempting something new and foreign. As they say, “try it, you’ll like it”. In those 5 hours around the kitchen table, 7 issues of Zarja were readied for the computer spreadsheet. BRAVO! Now I ask other Branches to come forward. Make your Branch meetings historical Slovenian sessions. 1 wait to hear from branches out there telling me, we want to be part of this! The Museum In the stack of mail I also found a package from Museum Director Nancy Henkel, a CD with 83 digital photos of the “New Look” at the museum. Living 1000 miles from Joliet, I was elated to slip the CD into the computer and see the transformation that has taken place. It is obvious Nancy has put her heart and soul into her position. Call or email; Marylou@swua.org, 251.968.4364 or 715.372.8578 Come and see the Forget-me-nots flower! FMN’s and Their Promoters are Coming Back to the States The editor of the Forget-me-not (FMN) series, Jana Bauer (Sodobnost International and Vodnikova založba publishing companies) predicted two years ago that the books would require considerable time and effort to grow. Nevertheless, this makes them even more sweet-scented and unforgettable. Last year, the first five FMN books (bilingual Slovene -English format, illustrated children’s books, with references to Slovenian tradition, geography and everyday life) grew and blossomed. Because they are meant to appeal especially to the children of parents with Slovenian roots, living outside Slovenia, it was decided to introduce them first in the U.S.A. With a lot of help and enthusiastic encouragement from the SWUA members, a reading tour was organized in cities with some of the highest populations of American Slovenes. With financial help from the Slovenian Ministry of Culture, assistant Špela Brecelj and the authors presented the five books to children and their parents at no less than twelve presentations in two weeks. Desa Muck, Andrej Rozman Roza, Tatjana Kokalj, all three popular Slovenian children’s writers, together with Marija Bauer, a co-author of the illustrations in Jana Bauer’s FMN book, Tatjana’s husband Marko and Ms. Brecelj, all traveled together to America for their first trip. They remarked that it was a very exciting trip; as if they were discovering a new continent, of which they had heard many things, but had never actually experienced. Ms. Brecelj fondly recalls their “encounter with smiling Americans that solve all problems with wonderful simplicity, with endless fields that end far beyond the horizon, and with lively cities that enchanted us at first glance; something that can’t be forgotten. The feeling of reading one’s own stories to children who don’t take them just as a means of entertainment but also as a precious bond with the origins of their identity and language of their ancestors, was an utterly new experience to us all.” appearances, where he enthuses his public with acting, recitation and riddles, his Oscar is nearly sold out as well. This September the FMN’s and their promoters are coming back to the States. With another reading tour, those traveling will introduce the first children’s book by an internationally renowned writer and dramatist Evald Flisar, who wrote Pikpokec postane svetovni prvak/Spots Becomes a World Champion especially for the FMN series. The group will introduce the two new titles: Antonov cirkus/Anton’s Circus by a professor of Slovenian literature at the University of Klagenfurt, Austria, Dr. Peter Svetina, and Lojza iz vesolja/Luisa from Space, a story by Majda Koren, a multiple award-winning children’s author. The illustrators, who are at the moment still sharpening their colored-pencils, are Damjan Stepančič, a three-time award-winning academic painter, and Maja Dolinar, a prospective young artist. From the 22nd of September till the 6,h of October, Majda Koren and Ms. Brecelj will travel to several cities; readings and presentations will be held in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Joilet, Detroit, Cleveland and Washington D.C. Ms. Koren, who is also an elementary school teacher, is already preparing for a captivating reading, whereas Ms. Brecelj will introduce the other six FMN books, each as thrilling and humorous as the other. For those parents who feel they are too old to listen to children’s tales, an alternative program featuring a short presentation of some of Slovenia’s most interesting characteristics is planned. At those programs, the FMN books will be available at discount prices. A message from SWUA’s guests: “This tour wouldn’t be possible without the help of many generous Americans that keep Slovenia in a special corner of their hearts. We thank each and every one of them, and as for you, dear reader, we hope to see you in autumn. Se vidimo!” The FMN books saw great success in their homeland, too. The story of how Slovenia got its shape of a fleeing hen, Desa’s Kokoš velikanka/The Giant Hen, was sold out and reprinted within six months. And just this May, Andrej’s Kako je Oskar postal detektiv/How Oscar Became a Detective, was nominated for the Desetnica award - an award by the Slovenian Writer’s Society for the best children’s book of the last three years. Thanks to Andrej’s entertaining This is the delicious cake they made for us for the reception at the Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Žbogar’s in Washington, DC. In addition to the characters from Desa's, Andrcj's and Evald's books, there is also a tree made of menthol bonbons from Jana’s In the land of Gingerbread, and the two sisters with their rabbit friend from Tatjana’s Emil Rabbit. & Please visit our webside at www.forgetmenotbooks.coni. NEW for 2008! You can send a special Christmas Greeting to all of our Zarja readers throughout the world or honor your family of Christmas Past. It’s so simple! Write up a short greeting and include a picture (pictures will not be returned). Our preference is that everything is sent electronically and emailed to: wprokup@aol.com If not able to email, please mail to: Bonnie Pohar Prokup 3119 Carrie Street Peru, IL 61354 The deadline is September 15,2008 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS OR REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS PAST $300.00 Full Page $170.00 1/2 Page $80.00 1/4 Page $50.00 1/8 Page $20.00 Greetings from the John Novak family of Chicago, IL (example) - No picture Looking for a “bit” of Slovenian heritage, culture, information and great stories, before the arrival of the next issue of our bi-monthly magazine, Zarja the Dawn? By subscribing to our monthly Online Newsletter, The New Neighborhood, you can have that “bit” of Slovenia pick-up each month!! Thank you! I look forward to sending you the Newsletter! Jan King, SWUA Online Editor To begin receiving the Newsletter, send an email to: listoperator@swua.org QDQCi] KM /Adriatic C.oast and ^lovenia A 9 day - First Class escorted tour of Croatia, and Slovenia Featuring: Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Ljubljana, Postojna Caves, Lake Bled, Zagreb Departs most Saturdays: April 19 - November 8, 2008 ‘K 802’ - Tour Cost: from S1548 per person KSKJ - Slovenia & Croatia linjoy this 13 night fully escorted tour featuring: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Goriška Brda, Škocjan Caves, Istrian Penninsula, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes, Portorož 4 star hotels - Breakfast. Dinner and sightseeing daily Music, wine lasting, great local foods - all included! September 10 - 23,2008 Tour Cost: S2695 pp Highlights of Slovenia Enjoy this 6 night fully escorted tour Visiting: Piran, Postojna. Lipica, Goriška Brda. t.akes Bled & Bohinj, and Ljubljana 4* hotels - Breakfast. Dinner and sightseeing daily. Music, wine tasting, great local foods - all included! Departures available May - Oct, 2008 Tour Cost: SI475 pp September 12 -26. 2008 Zagreb, Ljubljana & Venice A first class, inclusive tour featuring; 13 nts. in excellent first class hotels, breakfast & dinner daily, wine tasting, guided tours, private coach, local expert sightseeing Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Ljubljana,Venice Visit Croatia, Slovenia, Italy for only: $2248 per person V* ___________________k y\ff ofimc favorites oj ^Europe.' Adam Barthalt's 25th Anniversary Tour !! Please call, write, or email for a complete brochure !! discount airfare available from most cities for any tour Group Leaders? - Call to plan your next adventure! A classic 0k tobc rjcst +ofkajest Tour in the Barthall Tradition! (ireat Local Music and traditional meals 1st Class I lotels, expert tour director Venice - Ljubljana - Portorož Kitzbuhl - Oberantergau - Munich and the Gottschee Region of Slovenia Join the tun ■ catI for the complete brochure! Giving You Tht World Sine* 1923 Kollander World Travel 971 E. 185th St - Cleveland OH 44119 (800)800-5981 - (216)692-1000 www.kollander.com Illinois/Indiana Regional Convention and Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois 80th Anniversary Come spend a night in Joliet! Make it a weekend to remember. The celebration starts with an open house SWUA Heritage Museum 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 18th Regional Convention will begin Sunday, October 19th 7:30 a.m. Ferdinand Hall in the back of historic St. Joseph’s Church. Annual meeting to follow. Polka mass at 10:00 a.m. with the Singing Slovenes of Duluth, MN 80th Anniversary Banquet and program at noon Patrick Healy Mansion. Cost is $50.00. For more information and reservations call Jean 815.725.1030 or Pat 815. 741.1863 Send a Gift Subscription Zarja the Dawn is a perfect gift for a friend or relative. For $20 (U.S.) and $30 (outside U.S.) you can give the gift of Heritage! Just fill out this form and send with money to Carol Ryba, 3305 Glenshane Way, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Please send Zarja the Dawn to: Name:_______________________________________ Address: __________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________ Name of Donor: _____________________________ Address:____________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________ CALENDAR OF EVENTS Friday-Saturday July 11-12 Willard Slovenian Days - A weekend of polkas and good food Friday, July 18 TRAMONTANA from Indianapolis Sister City, Piran will perform at the Slovenian National Home in Indianapolis Sunday, July 20 Slovenian Festival in Sheboygan, Wisconsin at Kiwanis Park from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Zveza Days in Lemont, Illinois Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by picnic with live music Sunday, September 14 Wisconsin Regional Convention in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 8:00 a.m. registration Saturday, September 27 Open House at SWUA Heritage Museum 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. *Book signing, Father Horzen “Maybe Be Rain” *Book signing and presentation by the Forget Me Not Tour of Slovenia introducing three new books to the series *Tour of the museum, scanning project, library *View the documentary Američanke, Look through my Eyes and the Golden Years Saturday, September 27 Baraga Days Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Joliet, Illinois - reception to follow at St. Joseph’s Hall Sunday, September 28 Baraga Days Mass in Lemont, Illinois Sunday, September 28 Grape Harvest Festival by Branch 20 Joliet Sunday, October 5 Ohio Regional Convention 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland Saturday, October 18 Open House at SWUA Heritage Museum Sunday, October 19 Illinois/Indiana Regional Convention and 80th Anniversary of SWUA Branch 20 Joliet, Illinois Saturday, November 1 Apple Strudel Demonstration in Lemont sponsored by Branch 99 Lemont, Illinois register with Julie at 630.229.6416 Friday - Sunday, November 7-9 “Sample Slovenian Heritage” weekend at the Mohican Outdoor Center in Blairstown, NJ Open to all SWUA members, friends and guests For more information on any event contact wprokup@aol.com Branch Reports Poročila Podružnic BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin We had a very eventful spring full of activities for Branch 1. The speaker at our March meeting was member John Vertacic, who gave a delightful talk on žegen. John brought nostalgia, fond memories and laughter to the well-attended group. At our April meeting, member Dick Jelovnik spoke of his membership and work in the Kettle Karvers Klub, a wood carving club. He also brought an exhibit of his excellent work. Amazing how adult hands can produce such lovely delicate pieces of fine woodworking. Dick also talked about the Linden Tree - a tree well known in Slovenian culture. The sweet smelling blossoms are dried and used as a cure-all tea, especially when served with a touch of brandy! We were graced with the presence of two special members at our April meeting: Josephine Janezic, past regional president and Yvonne Khlady, new regional president of Wisconsin, both are from Branch 43 of Milwaukee. Each spoke briefly, mostly of the progress and accomplishments of Branch 1. We liked hearing that! Our May meeting was a celebration in honor of our member of the year, Kathy Schroeder. All had a good time. Invitations to the Wisconsin State Convention (9-14-08) have been sent to the National and State Officers. Do surprise and excite us with your acceptance! We urge all members to offer their ideas and talents to this very important and exciting event. ANGIE FRITZ BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois Our February meeting was planned for Bunco, lots of prizes and a unique lunch, however, Mother Nature once again had other ideas and we had to contend with horrible weather. We were surprised that 38 members and guests were in attendance. Our lunch menu also changed to pizza, salad, popcorn and lots of pastries. We had fun and almost everyone went home with a prize. March, we celebrated St. Joseph Table and St. Patrick’s Day in red and green. We had food in many colors of many nationalities and they were all delicious. April theme, “Singing in the Rain” Joe Worth decorated the tables with bright spring flowers and he gave each member Memorial Prayer Cards of Pope Benedict’s visit to America and his Apostolic Journey on his 81 st birthday. Joe Skala talked of his visits to other branches; he also brought his friend, Mike Gorkas, whose mother was a SWUA member year’s ago. On May 18th we honored Joe Skala as our Member of the Year. Joe is the President of IL/IN Region. We are very proud of Joe. Our annual Zveza Days Picnic is Sunday, July 20 at St. Mary’s in Lemont, IL. Mass is at 11:00 am followed by lunch, live music and games on the picnic grounds. Everyone is invited! We are sorry to report on the death of Gen Buol’s husband, Matt Buol, the father of Katie and Matthew, brother-in-law to Delores Puhek and Mary Podder. Condolences to Tina Swerin and her family on the loss of her sister, Grace Puklavetz O’Reagon. Please remember them in your prayers. Try to send a card to our ill members; Geneva Cerjak is in the hospital. Mass will be said for Millie Poisoli at St. Mary’s in Lemont. Please keep our troops and their loved ones in your prayers. Love, DAISY BRANCH 12 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Greetings! We originally decided to honor all of our members as Members of the Year back in February and March. But lo and behold one of our members recognized that we DID have a special lady to honor, which we did at our May meeting. I guess LILLIAN HARTMANN was always JUST THERE, doing the things she had to do. Good things rarely happen by accident. They come about when people do the things that have to be done to make them happen, and Lillian is that person. Its good that we finally recognized these wonderful traits and that we honored and rewarded her for her efforts. She truly deserves the honor and we recognized her at our May Member of the Year dinner. Her daughter, granddaughter and two great grandchildren helped us to celebrate this remarkable lady’s contributions to Branch 12 and we want all of our Branches to know how absolutely lucky we are to have Lillian in our midst and pray for many more years of her presence. We finished our 2008 season June 19th with a picnic lunch and are now in recess until September and hope to enjoy the many Slovenian doings during July and August. So until the September issue, here’s hoping everything is just right in your little comer of the world. FRANCES REMSHAK BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California We had our most successful Member of the Year Luncheon in recent memory. The attendance was great and we saw members we haven’t seen in a long time. Our Member of the Year Agnes Leach attended with her husband Wallace, all five of her children and two grandsons. What a beautiful family! Our raffle, which is our only fundraiser, did very well, thanks to our generous members who donated gifts. Once again Shirley Cooper donated four wonderful box seats and preferred parking for a San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s games. I was so proud of my daughter-in-law who donated a beautiful framed picture of the San Francisco Bay Bridge and two boxes of greeting cards, which she photographed. (She is a wonderful photographer) and my son’s fiancee who is an executive with Starbuck’s Coffee Company donated a coffee maker and Starbuck’s coffee. Thank you all!!! Congratulations to member Diana Fir Gremett and her husband Andy on the birth of their beautiful baby boy, Joseph Andre. Some of you may remember Diana from the SWUA National Convention in San Francisco, where Diana sang at the banquet. Also congratulations to Diana’s mother (also a member) and father Marie and Joseph Fir. Our sympathy and prayers go out to member Sonja Gregorin Stimach and her family on the passing of her mother Antonia Gregorin. Welcome back to member Jackie Kumbic Lowe who has become an active member again. So nice to see old friends. If any of you members have any news you would like to share, please give me a call at 650.593.9576. BARBARA CHIODO bchiodo@comcast.net BRANCH 14 - Euclid, Ohio This is one of the few times that 1 am able to write an article after one of our wonderful dinners! Our Mother’s Day Dinner was held on May 6 at the Slovenian Society Home where we honored all mothers, both members and member’s mothers. As usual we had the delicious traditional Slovenian dinner prepared by our member Sophie Mazi and her staff. I doubt that you could get better Slovenian food anywhere from the chicken liver dumpling soup to the homemade strudel for dessert. Afterwards we had our raffle where we raffled off wrapped gifts that were donated by the attendees. Some other prizes were lovely hanging baskets, and beautiful roses, which had been the table centerpieces. One rose bush is right now on my patio blooming in all its glory. Stana Grill once again did a most commendable job notifying and then seating all our dinner attendees. What would we do without her? She had as her special guests for dinner her brother-in law A1 Grill and his wife, Clara, from Pennsylvania who were in Cleveland for Al’s induction into the Collinwood High School Hall of Fame. We missed the Stupica family who had been coming to our dinners for many years, sometimes more than twelve people. Mother Josephine Stupica is not in the best of health and had recently been in the hospital, but is now back at Governor’s Pointe in Mentor. She would enjoy hearing from you or having you visit: Governor’s Pointe, 8506 Hendricks Road, Mentor, Ohio, 44060. Her phone number is 440.974.1725. Many thanks to Josephine Kastigar who for more years than we can remember had taken care of honoring our members who had passed away by bringing our banner to the funeral homes. Due to the fact that today many different funeral homes are being utilized with some being quite a distance away, we will no longer be continuing this practice. Again our gratitude goes out to Josephine for being our banner lady for almost forever. Hello to Frances and Millie Virant who have told us that they enjoy reading the “Zarja”. I’m sure we all can say the same. We are honored to have one of our members receive a $1500 college scholarship from the SWUA, Lisa Lorek, granddaughter of Mitzi Globokar. Congratulations to Lisa as she pursues her studies at the University of Dayton. Have a memorable summer. Don’t forget to support events in our Slovenian community. PATRICIA A. BUDZILEK BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois What a beautiful luncheon we enjoyed at the Jovial Club in Chicago, in honor of Gen Marco, our Member of the Year! The attendance was great and everyone had a very nice afternoon. Gen was presented with a beautiful bouquet of red carnations and baby’s breath. Family members who lunched with us included Gen’s daughter, Mary Ann and son, Ed, along with her sister Dorothy, and brother-in-law John, and two of her nieces, Bernadette and Therese. All Branch 16’s Kitchen Tabic Committee Sec page 26 for more details I Honoring Gen Marco, Member of the Year Branch 16 the others were people from the different lodges from St. George and we all had a very good time. No one seemed to want to leave. Ann Ksiazek was honored to represent Calumet Park as their Women of the Year at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Chicago. In Chicago, Mayor Daley asks the Senior Club from each neighborhood park to choose a Women of the Year and they are invited to attend a beautiful dinner in their honor. It is a beautiful affair. I understand that Channel 7 showed our Ann on TV for a few minutes. Congratulations, Ann! There are 5 of us who have spent a couple of afternoons on the new “Zarja” indexing project. At first it is a little hard to get into it, but once you get into it, it is a lot of fun. Brings back a lot of memories. Our next meeting is September 13, 1 p.m., at the St. George Church Hall. DOROTHY ROSSI * Gladys Buck, Branch 16 writes: I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members for the most beautiful bouquet of red carnations I have ever received. Our President, Marjorie Mitchell at the Member of the Year luncheon, presented this bouquet to me. It was presented to me in recognition of the 66 years I served as secretary of Branch 16 and was a complete surprise. I must say I enjoyed the years I served and I made many beautiful friendships throughout the organization as a result of this position. Again, my thanks to you for remembering me with this beautiful bouquet. -Gladys Buck, Secretary BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Our Member of the Year banquet was well attended and the honoree, Nancy Horwath, was pleased. A $500 scholarship was awarded to John W. Koncar. An honor is bestowed on member Bertha Hofer. Bertha and her husband Fred were instrumental in helping Shorewood become a great community having a positive impact on schools. A school, bearing their name, Troy Hofer Elementary School is under construction. Bertha was Village President for 10 years. Congratulations to William and Charlene Kobe and William and Theresa Bums who are celebrating 55 years and to Mando and Lillian DeBartholomeo who have 50 years of marriage. Congratulations to Jr. member Benjamin Pucel who received a Certificate of Excellence for outstanding achievement in mathematics. He is the son of Victor and Jean Pucel and the grandson of Mildred Pucel. We have a Jr. member that made a name for herself in baseball. Jessica Tezak’s RBI gave Joliet Catholic Academy’s “Angels” a win over Benet Academy with a score of 1-0. Still can’t give away the progressive award. Those not in attendance and missing the prize are March, Mary Rose Schumn, $60 and for April, Nicole Marquardt, $70. Deepest sympathy goes to the family of Olga Ancel and Jean Govednik. Mark you calendar for October 19 for a memorable day marking the 80th Anniversary of Branch 20. As part of the event we would like to get 80 new members. Please keep your calendar of events handy so you will not miss a meeting that you had planned on attending but forgot. Remember ZVEZA DAY in Lemont hosted by Branch 2 of Chicago on Sunday, July 20. Details are in your calendar as to time of events. To start off the new calendar year mark September 16 for the first meeting after summer. A few members participated in the “March of Dimes” walk for healthy babies. Our Heritage Museum had some important visitors recently. Members of the Slovenian Parliament made a visit and were very impressed with what they saw and heard. National President Bonnie Prokup served as hostess and tour guide. Office Manager Jonita Ruth conducted a tour of St. Joseph Catholic Church. They are touring the U.S. sites with high concentration of Slovenian descendants. From our Treasurer, Jean Herbst. It has been the custom of Branch 20 to pay dues of our insured members at age 80, however we have to make the change and pay for those only over the age of 85. There were 60 members age 80 we paid for and now there are 30 age 85. It’s not too early to plan sending Christmas Greetings to be published in the Zarja. Deadline for submitting one is September 15. More details in this issue. Need help in sending them electronically; call Pat at 815.741.1863 PAT FIGUROWSK.I “Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas has been selected the Illinois Woman’s Press Association Communicator of Achievement for 2008. The award encompasses career success and service to both the community and to IWPA/National Federation of Press Women. She was honored at the May 17, 2008 IWPA Spring Awards Luncheon held at the Union League Club at 65 W. Jackson, Chicago. Marianne is the Director of Volunteers for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. She is also a member of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, Branch 20, serves as president of the Illinois Wesleyan University Chicago Alumni Organization, on the board of the TallGrass Writers Guild, and as the 2nd VP/Membership Chair of the Illinois Woman’s Press Association.” BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Dober Dan! Finally - warm weather! After the long, cold winter we were all beginning to wonder, “Where Is Spring?” Time to get those gardens going and work on your flower beds for the “Slovenian Garden” contest. Entries are due by July 10,2008. Our annual Spring Luncheon, held at Mario’s Maples, was once again a beautiful occasion attended by 28 members. Hosts, Mary Mecum, Linda Struna and Olivia Karun did a fantastic job with decorations and dessert. We are all looking forward to our annual Slovenian summer picnic to be held at the home of Martha and Hank Lushina on Thursday, July 10th. It’s going to be a double celebration because this year Branch 24 is celebrating it’s 80th anniversary! Fr. Bernard Horzen, who is now an official member of Branch 24, will be our guest of honor and those who have not as yet purchased his book, “Maybe Be Rain”, will have the opportunity to do so and have it personally autographed. This has become a truly fun celebration because everyone has to bring a Slovenian dish to pass and the end result is a culinary delight! We were greatly saddened by the death of Antonia (Toni) Hoefferle, our Member of the Year, who passed away on March 21,2008, three months after her 100th birthday. Fr. Bernard Horzen said her funeral Mass and gave a very touching homily about this woman who was an inspiration to so many. May her soul rest in peace as we pray for all the souls of our dear, departed members and who were remembered in a special Mass on May 18th. Warmest congratulations and best wishes to James and Betty (Lushina) Hurst who celebrated 50 years of marriage on May 17, 2008. Best wishes also to all of our graduates of 2008 - may God’s love guide them on their journey through life. This is something I’ve taken from my “Little Book of Wisdom" and it pertains to all of us, not only those young people who are graduating - “You cannot climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets!” Until next time, may your hearts be filled with peace and love. LORETTA STORY 91ives@comcast.net BRANCH 33 - Duluth, Minnesota On May 1, 22 members gathered at the Buffalo House where they celebrated with a dinner. The winners of the raffle were: Josie Rzatkpwski who won the full size electric blanket, Linda Hart won the hand made hooked rug, both prizes were donated by Agnes Galleberg. The cash gifts were won by: Alice Cacich $25, Dorothy Jacobson $50 and Frank Bucar Jr. won the $ 100 prize. Thank you to all who participated. We ran out of tickets so that is the reason some of you did not get any. We had a limited number printed. I hope many of you got to enjoy the Festival of Nations in St. Paul. It was wonderful to have Slovenia represented. BEV MENART BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota We finally had a break in the weather and were able to meet. Oh, it was nice to be together, it seemed like a year not a month. Today we were excited about having a guest, Rosemary Ribich, our Minnesota Regional President. We ran through our agenda for the day and got a few more details confirmed for the convention, we felt good about that. Plans for the Member of the Year Party is now finalized and we just need to show up. Rosemary spoke about the Slovenian Camp Heritage at All-Slav Day in Ironworld and talked to us about the Festival of Nations in the Twin Cities. We lost one of our former National Board Members, The SWUA Youth Director, Anna Louise Hodnik. Anna was serious about her role as Youth Director and encouraged the young members to participate and they did. Anna was so proud of her Slovenian Heritage and worked hard to promote it every chance she had. She cared deeply for people and tried to help out in any way she could, even if it was just to listen. One of my most vivid memories are of Anna, blessing food at žegen sharing with her family at Easter breakfast, then driving to the nursing home and shared a bit of blessed food with the residents. She always made sure she had enough to go around. Anna and 1 shared many laughs, a glass of wine and sometimes tears. What will always bother me is the fact that Anna never stopped talking, she was smart in so many areas, but when I visited her last, she did not speak. How could this happen to one who loved to talk? She will live forever as my special friend. Anna, na svidenje in se bomo se videla v nesbesa! We have had some sad days along with the sad weather. Bernice Ceglar, our Secretary-Treasurer, lost her brother, Frank, to cancer. My friend Betty Harwood lost her dear husband, Doug, the same week. We hope that Corinne Leskovar is on the mend and back on her feet again. Ann Orazem is in the Aurora, White Community Nursing facility for therapy after knee surgery. Warm wishes for Spring if it arrives, Prišla Bom Pomlad in tudi Bozic! ANITA VOVK gospanita@yahoo.com BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota Greetings! We had enough members at our February meeting for a quorum to conduct business. The weather conditions were so bad that it was difficult for most to attend. Our March meeting had to be cancelled for the same reason, but we were back on track in April to make decisions for most of 2008. Our Zarja project headed by Mary Lou Voelk was tabled until further notice. We have spent most of our time on the Camp Heritage in Ironworld. Our Minnesota Branches were involved with hosting the Slovenian World Congress representatives from Slovenia. The speaker podium, donated by Dan and Marlene Saarela is now in place and it was decided that a small plaque be made to designate the date and donors. We also decided to make a donation to St. John’s Church for a new rectory roof project. Twenty-three members gathered at the El-Roy Supper Club to honor our Member of the Year, Phyllis Lamkin. Our member “button box” player, Carol Sherek, entertained us. Carol has a CD of her Slovenian polka and waltz music and was featured on a cable network segment recently. If anyone is interested in a CD, she can be reached at crlashr@peoplepc.com or 218.865.4701. We will take a summer break and reorganize our 2008/ 2009 schedule in August. We will then make plans to attend our MN Regional Convention to be held in Aurora, MN. MARIJA POMAGAJ PROSI ZA NAS. ROSEMARY (SERTICH) R1B1CH rribich@northlc.com BRANCH 42 - Maple Heights, Ohio Congrats to Margaret Gorup Gravier who graduated summa cum laude from Kent State University earning an educational degree in mental retardation. Get well wishes to Dorothy Budimlic who is recovering after a recent Branch 39 Member of the year dinner hospitalization. Belated congratulations to Nancy Lipnos Kish and husband Bill who celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in May. Our annual May mass at St. Lawrence and co-celebrated with Br 47 was fairly well attended. After mass we enjoyed lunch at Sterle’s Slovenian Country House. Our May meeting with Dr. Joe Kastelic as guest speaker was greatly enjoyed by all who attended. He spoke on his trips to Central America with a volunteer medical unit. Dr. Joe’s mom, Tonka Kastelic, was one our founding charter members. Have a nice summer. Try to make our Aug. 9th meeting at Maple Hts. Library at 11:00 a.m. Zbogom, LIL SADOWSKI 216.398.4367 LRSadow@aol .com BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin We hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day. Best wishes and congratulations to all who were selected as “Member of the Year”. Special congratulations are extended to Denise Bartlett, who is our “Special Honoree”. Our last meeting was held on April 23, 2008, and was preceded by a delicious lunch prepared by the birthday members. After our business meeting a very informative and interesting talk was given by Karl Dovnik, Jr. on Estate Planning. Karl is a long time member of our branch and an Attorney at Law practicing in the Milwaukee area. A special thank you to him for taking time out of his busy schedule to educate us on this timely topic. We’d like to welcome new members: Carol Howard, Jacob James Rechlitz, Kathryn Homa, Terezija Mugrinec and Larry Nord. Congratulations are extended to all graduates. May all your dreams come true and your future hold happiness and success. Dates for the National Convention, which will be held in Milwaukee, have been set. They are July 7th through the 10th of 2011. In closing, greetings are sent to all of our sick and shut ins. Have a great summer. MICI BREGANT BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio Hi everyone, our President Olga Dorchak was surprised with a cruise by her two daughter’s, Kathleen Ferrante and Diane Fomaro. Everyone had a good time. Happy belated birthday Olga! Olga Dorchak, Elsie Spcllacy, Kathleen Ferrante, Diane Fomaro and Katherine Wallace are expecting cousins from Slovenia. They will be here for about two weeks. The entire family (Kljun Family) is very excited about this. We are planning a lot for them to see. Also we are glad they can come and get to know all of us here in the United States. Our Member of the Year event was attended by a lot of people. Everyone enjoyed the food and the new place. Our next meeting will be in September. Hope to see all of you there. More information to follow. Birthday wishes go out to all our July and August members. CONTACT PEOPLE: Elsie Spellacy 330.699.0031: Olga Dorchak 330.468.7989 or E-Mail Katherine Wallace webblekatt@hotmail.com. KATHERINE WALLACE BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio On March 19, we congratulated Angie Shine, chosen Woman of the Year by the St. Clair Slovenian Home. On May 21, we will be celebrating our own Member of the Year, Josephine Arko, with a special luncheon at Kristy’s Tavern in Euclid, Ohio. Branch 50 will host the Ohio Regional Convention on October 5th, beginning with the 9AM Mass at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland followed by a breakfast buffet at St. Vitus Village on Lausche Avenue across from the church. Newly elected regional President, Cookie Maxin and regional Vice-President Rose Mary Toth will be there to welcome all to this joyful gathering. I recently heard from Nancy Tibbits of Branch 20 in Joliet. She reminisced about good times in Cleveland, and has asked our help in searching for her cousin Stanley (Josephine) Rotar and their daughter Irene. Nancy felt that our Zarja magazine would be a good tool for this purpose. Elaine Tinsley (nee Toporis) was Nancy’s mother. Another pleasant surprise was a greeting card from Ida Yankovic, wife of the late Polka King, Frank Yankovic. Ida enjoys reading Zarja and wishes Branch 50 well. It will be 10 years in October since Frank’s passing. We warmly welcome Emilee Jenko to our membership. Emilee was formerly a writer for Branch 25 and continues to write for the Ameriška Domovina newspaper, which has been an important cultural organ in our community for the past century. Sadly, the American Home is publishing its final edition in August 2008. We extend sympathies to the family of Don Mocnik, who died last month and was a member of the “Four Feathers” barbershop quartet, along with A1 Orehek, Tony Stanich, and my husband Ken Tomsick. Don was the son of Mary Marinko/Mocnik, deceased member of Branch 25. [see Four Feathers Quartet photo] Sympathy also to the family of Agnes Flanders of Yukon, PA, Branch 50 member since 1970 and active for many years with Tony Petkovsek’s Slovenian Radio Club. Our condolences finally to Rosemary Kostansek in Pennsylvania, who informs us that her mother, Rose Zuzek of Euclid, a charter member since 1936, passed away in April. Congratulations to Anne Orlikowski who celebrated her 99th birthday on April 28 and is still a very active young lady. Musician Lou Trebar, (the waltz king with the Johnny Pecon Band) celebrated his 88lh birthday in grand style with member Joey Tomsick and Fred Kuhar joining in the festivities at the Homewood Residence near Euclid Ohio. Lou’s family and friends were there with surprise guest Rev. Frank Perkovich, the Polka Mass Priest from Gilbert, MN. ANNE TOMSICK 216.531.2745 cjaynow@yahoo.com BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio Greetings from Girard, OH! I hope that the warm summer months have been a relaxing and enjoyable time for all. It is always such a great season for graduation parties, weddings, picnics, vacations, and spending time with the ones we love. In Branch news, we will be holding a bake sale on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the Girard Car Show. Members who are interested in helping at this event are asked to contact Maria Selak for more information. There will be plenty of tasty treats available for purchase. Please come and support Branch 55! As the summer draws to an end, those of us who have spent the previous weeks planting seeds and flowers will soon have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of our labor with fresh and delicious produce from our gardens. I know spending time in the garden is one of my mother’s favorite pastimes and has become something that I too look forward to helping with during the summer. Since this is the gardening issue, I would like to close with a short poem, reminding us all of the wonder of nature. "The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God’s heart in a garden, Than anywhere else on earth. ” - Dorothy Gurney 1858 -1952 MONICA SELAK Molly Rodriguez BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois We met to honor Molly Rodriguez, our Member of the year, at Mario’s Maples on Sunday, May 4. Molly was totally surprised when she opened her Zarja and saw her picture and profile. Hostesses Paula Snell and Flossie Argubright planned a great dinner. There were 21 of us including a guest, Carol Corbett, who came with her mother, Mary Alice Corbett, from Bloomington, which is 60 miles away. We enjoyed our dinner and a surprise birthday cake that was brought for Flossie by another guest, her daughter-in-law Trudy and granddaughter Mary who is a junior member. We had great door prizes. They were canvas-shopping totes that were purchased at the SWUA Museum and won by our president, Alice Ebner and her grand daughter, Natalie Landgraff. Good thinking by the hostesses; we gave two nice prizes and supported the museum. The best news of all was learning that a $1,500 SWUA scholarship was awarded to our fifth generation member Courtney Ebner. She is an outstanding student and athlete and will be attending Lincoln College in the fall. Congratulations Courtney. Mass at Holy Family Church for all living and deceased members was Tuesday, June 10, followed by breakfast at Delaney’s Restaurant. Darlene Wasielewski, along with her two daughters and two grand daughters, are going to Austria to visit Gratkom, the village her parents came from. We will hear all about it when we meet again in September for our potluck picnic. Red carnations, our national flower, were sent to Barbara Sitar. She has been a member of Branch 89 longer than anyone else. I love the spicy scent; a corsage of red carnation, rosemary, and scented geranium represents love, fidelity, and hope. We enjoy our time together and always wish that home bound and distant members could be with us. Until next time, BARBARA BRUCH 815.339.2714 barbarabruch@yahoo.com Natalie Landgraff with her prize BRANCH 93 - New York City, New York Branch 93 celebrated Kulturni Dan (Slovenian Day of Culture) on February 9th. Seven members/friends met for afternoon tea at the Washington Square Hotel. In March, a few members hiked with the Appalachian Mountain Club through the Rockefeller Preserve in Sleepy Hollow, NY. In April, nine members/friends met to view the 1961 Slovenian film “Ples v dezju” (Dance in the Rain). Jacqui Stewart from San Francisco (and her husband) joined us for the film. Jacqui contributed a brief review for our branch website, www.swuanyc.org, which includes “it is beautifully photographed and...it gives a view into an era that offers fewer and fewer remaining vestiges.” We learned more about Jacqui’s upcoming book “A Guide to Slovenia” (details in a March/April Zarja article). Katarina Tepesh, author of “Escape from Despair”, also attended. Katarina’s book was described in the May/June Zarja. It’s an easy/inspiring read and we hope the difficult topics addressed in Katarina’s book will build awareness and will be helpful to those who have faced, or are facing, similar issues. Branch 93 members were informed that National Geographic Traveler will present “the very hip and modem culture of Slovenia” with live music performances and showcases of its food and wine - May 30th at Joe’s Pub and May 31 st at Town Hall in New York City. Those attending on Saturday night have a chance to win a 10-day trip to Slovenia! There was active and interesting discussion on our yahoo group over the event’s promotion of contemporary vs. traditional Slovenia (the music includes rock, folk and jazz). Erika Bruno said it well by writing “The beautiful part is that Slovenia is a melding of a rich past cultural history and an emerging contemporary culture. I think both need to be celebrated and promoted. This event sounds like it has music for all types of people.” The “Sample Slovenian Heritage” weekend is November 7-9 in Blairstown, NJ; details were in the May/June branch report. Contact Lynn Zalokar with any questions. Thank you to members who responded to our survey sent out in December 2007. Members expressed the most interest in celebrating Kulturni Dan, Slovenian cooking/ baking demonstrations, a walking tour that would include the area near the Slovenian church in Manhattan (East Village) and reading/then discussing a Slovenian-related “book of the year”. We hope that a book (or books) of the year will help to involve our members who cannot make it to our meetings/events. (We may pass one specific book around or just swap books with each other - to be Top row, left to right: Blair W. Stewart, Jr., Vesna Straser, Katarina Tepesh. Bottom row, left to right: Anton Butolo, Elizabeth Butolo, Jacqui Stewart, Lynn Zalokar determined.) Please send us your book suggestions! If you did not get your survey response in, we would still like to hear your ideas. Our sincere condolences to Adam Tranquilli and family. We recently learned that his wife Fatima (nee Zaku, she was 35 and originally from Maribor) passed away from breast cancer. Although we never got to meet Fatima, she was on our yahoo group for two years. Adam will “miss the Slovenian taste and culture in our house especially for the children (Marlena, 9 and Evan 11), the children and I have been to Slovenia several times.” Adam has generously offered us a donation of Slovenian books. We encourage all branch members on e-mail to join our yahoo group — communication is much quicker and easier. Please send an e-mail to SWUABranch93N YC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe. Branch 93 is led by just a few volunteers; please contact us if you can help. LYNN ZALOKAR 201.947.6336 lzalokar@yahoo.com BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin Greetings from Willard! With summer well underway many of us are enjoying the fruit of our labor in the garden. Branch 102 continues to grow, too, as we welcome new members Zoe Marija Folland, daughter of Andrea (Plautz) Folland, Collette Jordan, Mary Nauretz, Christine Polzin, Theresa Jolivette, Rosemary Bayuk, and Janet Phelps. These ladies are the daughters and granddaughter of our member of the year, Ed Bayuk. We are so glad to have you all in our branch. George Plautz Jr. reports that there were over 100 guests at the party/reunion celebrating George Sr.’s 90th birthday in May. The party was all Slovenian with music by Gigi Plautz, Emily Zamarripa and Dave and Larry Pakiz. Birthday wishes are also sent to members Pat Sixel on August 2nd, Gigi Plautz, August 24th and Charlene Herrick on August 30th. Michael and Gloria Plautz enjoyed a wonderful trip to Slovenia, Italy and Croatia this spring. They tell of seeing many beautiful gardens so similar to the gardens seen in the Willard area. We are glad to hear that GeorSe J- p,autz Betty Fraid is back at home in West Allis, WI. after a fall that required recuperation at the Clark County Health Care Center. We are also glad to hear that Bill Petkovšek is on the mend. Beaver Days in March and Slovenian Days (July 11-12) are our most recent festivals. Both brought folks into our community to enjoy some fun in the country. Branch members are looking forward to traveling to Sheboygan for the SWUA Wisconsin Convention on September 14lh. We hope you can spend the rest of the summer enjoying YOUR garden. Until next time...KAREN HRIBAR SPIRES kleespires@comcast.net BRANCH 108 - OIney, Maryland Happy summer (srečno poletje) to everyone! Our branch held its annual membership appreciation dinner with a potluck dinner celebration on May 25 where we welcomed a few new members. Thanks to all our members and families who attended and brought delicious Slovenian main courses and desserts. This event has always been fun for our many generations of family and friends to socialize together. Junior members Alana Hulse (right) and Jackie Neal (left) are John Klansek’s granddaughters. (See next page for picture) Here they are, showcasing the Easter eggs they made over spring break. The process of decorating took a few hours, but the results were well worth the time as you can see by the first batch of eggs decorated by Alana and Jackie! Sympathy is extended to the Stratton/Hagan family on the passing of charter member and oldest member of Br. 108, Mrs. Louise Tamse Hagan. Louise died peacefully in April, 2008, just one month shy of her 90"' birthday. Louise’s parents immigrated to the United States in 1909. They initially settled in Oklahoma and later moved to Iowa in the Des Moines area where the family purchased a Junior members Alana Hulse (right) and Jackie Neal (left) store they named “Frank Tamse Groceries and Meats.” In 1942 Louise joined hundreds of young women filling Federal jobs, vacated by men serving in WWII by moving to Washington, DC to accept a job as a statistical clerk with the Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines. After the war, she married Joseph Hagan; they married in Washington, DC in 1948. Her daughter Anne Stratton, a member of Branch 108 learned much by listening to stories told by her mother, who passed on the love of her Slovenian heritage. Anne has collected __________________________________ __________ n u merous *n Memory, Mrs. Louise Tamse Hagan photos, visited Slovenia recently to meet family, and has documented Slovenian family history for her two daughter’s, Kate and Lisa Stratton to be preserved for future generations. Louise’s life story will be featured in “The Path Taken” Zarja column in 2009. We look forward to welcoming Kate and Lisa soon to our SWUA family as new members. estimated between 80,000-100,000 people for the four days (May 1-4). The walls of the exhibit featured Slovenia’s rolling hills and mountains dotted with churches and castles along with a visual 3-D kozolec mirrored by a hand made miniature kozolec designed by Miro Medved. The scenic landscape background was designed and painted by Tom Moren and Sue Rademacher. A model Slovenian pec along with a colorful bench seat (built by Frank Medved) served as a base for a 20" Samsung TV monitor which showed a continuous DVD of Slovenian Arts and Architecture -thanks to Don Palkovich and Frank Medved who melded the art work into a truly professionally produced DVD. A third wall served as a backdrop for a number of Slovenian pictures and art memorabilia. Of the some 90 exhibits from other countries, Slovenia ranked in the top five. Over the four days some 25 individuals from the Twin Cities Slovenians manned the exhibit, answering questions, stamping student “passports”, posing for pictures in our “narodna noša”, passing out some 2-3,000 tri fold colored brochures (highlighting Slovenian artists and architects) and perhaps the most unanticipated request-”sign my name in Slovenian.” Thursday was perhaps the most stressful and rewarding with some 17,000 students wanting to meet their teachers’ homework requests. The colorful trifold brochure designed by Mary Schwanke and composed by Norm Setnicker featured Slovenian folk art, Impressionistic painters and Slovenian architects headed by Joze Plečnik. We added some local Slovenian architects such as John Jager who designed two Catholic churches and Frank Strgar, designer of the St. Paul High Bridge. This exhibit marked the first time that Slovenia was represented in the Festival of Nations since it became independent in 1991, but more importantly it became a showcase for the many latent talents within our Twin Cities Slovenian Branch 109. Jim Smrekar, chairperson for the exhibit, could not say enough about t h e enthusiasm and bonding that took place over these last few months as we prepared for the Festival. BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities, Minnesota Branch 109 with the support of the Minnesota SWUA branches inaugurated the Festival of Nations exhibit and theme: Slovenian Arts and Architecture. The venue was hosted at the Excel Centre in St. Paul with attendance Branch 109, Twin Cities Scenes from the Festival of Nations «4 SLOVENIAN It* SLOVENIAN I SLOVENIAN K* Keeping the Spirit Alive Entertaining... With a Touch of Slovenia by Jenka Nothing tastes better than fresh home-grown vegetables, and they are fun and satisfying to grow. Even small gardens can produce abundant food crops all summer long. Just imagine a table placed under a cool shade tree with a gentle breeze, sipping a cold drink with family and good friends and eating vegetables and fruits that you grew yourself. I can think of no better way to spend a lazy hot summer afternoon. The recipes that 1 have prepared today are simple and quick so you can get outdoors and enjoy yourself. Dober tek. -Jenka Rhubarb Pie Crust for a double crust pie 4 cups rhubarb, cut into small pieces 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon tapioca 2 eggs, beaten 1 tablespoon butter Milk to brush top of crust Cauliflower 1 medium size cauliflower 1 stick of butter 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs Wash cauliflower. Remove green stalks and cook in about 3 inches of boiling water for 20 minutes, until tender. Saute butter, add seasoned breadcrumbs and mix for 1 minute. Pour mixture over cauliflower. Use spoon to spread over top and sides of cauliflower. Place cauliflower center of large plate. Place steamed asparagus and peapods around the plate for added flavor and look. Mix rhubarb, sugar, tapioca and eggs together. Put into a crust with a little flour and sugar sprinkled in the bottom. To the top crust add butter and place in a lattice formation on top of the pie. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar and bake at 400 degrees until done. (Note: should be put into a deep pie tin as it may boil over.) Sweet Cucumber and Radish Salad 1 large cucumber (1 lb) 1 bunch radishes 1/4 cup cider vinegar 3 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste Peel cucumber, then halve lengthwise and slice crosswise 1/4 inch thick. Cut each radish lengthwise into 8 wedges. Bring vinegar and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then stir in oil. Pour hot dressing over cucumbers and radishes in a bowl and stir, then let stand 10 minutes. Stir and season with salt and pepper before serving. Serves 4 and can be made one hour in advance. Chill and cover. r 40 sT'X Raspberry Dessert 3 pints raspberries 1/4 cup of sugar Drizzle topping 1 -cup sour cream 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup Grand Marnier liquor Wash raspberries and let them dry on a paper towel. Place in bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Let sit for 3 hours. Mix together drizzle topping ingredients. Drizzle on raspberries. Place in six glass dessert bowls and serve. Cream Corn 8 ears of corn, cleaned 1/3 cup of cream 2 teaspoons of sugar Salt and pepper to taste Hold corn firm with stem end up. Cut downward. Put com in pan and add cream and sugar. Simmer in covered pan 10 minutes. Then add salt and pepper to taste. Egg Plant Parmigiana 2 eggplants 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 eggs well beaten 1/4 cup cream 1/4 cup oil Marinara Sauce Mozzarella cheese Parsley, chopped Beat eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Slice eggplant in 'A inch slices. Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture. Saute in hot oil (medium heat) and brown both sides. Place 1/3 cup marinara sauce in large baking dish. Layer eggplant over sauce and sprinkle 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley over parmigiana over eggplant. Then marinara sauce on top. Repeat layers until you use all of the slices of eggplant. Top last layer with slices of mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degree for 30 minutes to one hour. 6-8 servings Cream Tomato Soup 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 3 tablespoons green pepper, chopped 6 tablespoons celery, chopped 8 ripe tomatoes, pealed and chopped 6 ounces of chicken broth 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons of flour 1 cup milk Salt and pepper to taste 2 bay leaves In a saucepan heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic. Stir until golden brown. Then add pepper and celery and stir for two minutes. Then add tomatoes, broth and bay leafs. Cook and boil 10-15 minutes. Place one half in blender for 30 seconds. Then place in bowl. Blend second half for 30 seconds and place in bowl. In a large saucepan melt butter and flour, salt, pepper and blend. Add milk all at once and cook until thicker. Stir in tomato soup. Cook until heated through. 4 - 6 servings Recent Visits to the SWUA Heritage Museum On May 7th, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar and Dr. Zvone Žigon toured the 1 ieritage Museum. Although we are still under renovation, they were very impressed with our museum and the direction our organization is moving. Left to right: Debbie Pohar, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Denise Bartlett, Bonnie Pohar Prokup, Dr. Zvone Žigon S I SB R On April 14th, Jane/ Kramberger, chairman of the Committee for Relations with Slovenes in Neighboring and Other Countries, visited the SWUA Heritage Museum along with six of his colleagues and Dr. Zvone Žigon. Mr. Kramberger talked about the importance of maintaining ties with Slovenia. “I believe that the activities you are carrying out are very important for the recognition of our nation around the world,” he told members of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. Kramberger pointed out that the Republic of Slovenia is a small country of 2 million people, while the number of people with Slovenian heritage around the world is estimated at 500,000. “These relations are very important to us,” Kramberger said of the work being done by the SWUA to increase awareness of Slovenian heritage. m narodna in univerzitetna DS II 54 7882008 •••****•»•• AUTO**3-DIGIT a* SLOVENIAN CONSULATE GEI> ss PUBLIC SO STL 945 I ||||||||||l||||| II ||||l|| I CLEVELAND OH 44113-1923 | *** 920103987.4