ZARJA - THE DAWN
	URADNO GLASILO	OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
	SLOVENSKE ZENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI	SLOVENIAN WOMEN'S UNION OF AMERICA
	NUMBER 7-8	JULY-AUGUST 1997 VOLUME 69
SWU Members and friends! ')Reunion in Las Vegas »»♦(umi fj October 24-26, 1997
ZARJA - THE DAWN
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Sand all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE
DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615-1703
NO. 7-8 JULY-AUGUST 1997 VOL. 69
Member, Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze.
Published eight times per year - osemkrat na leto.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Second Class Postage paid at Chicago, IL
All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do 1. v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615—1703 Telephone: (773) 548-8878
On the Cover...
Read more about Las Vegas in “Kathleen’s Konnection” on page 3!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN JULY & AUGUST
National Officers:
Jul. 2 - Dorothy Sleigh, Regional President of Western States, Enumclaw, WA Jul. 16 - Bonnie Prokup, Regional President of IL-IN Streamwood, IL Aug. 1 - PatriciaFigurowski.Nat’l Auditor, Joliet, IL
Presidents:
July 5 -July 6 -July 17 -July 21 -
Ann Cooke, Br. 32, Euclid, OH
Maria Selak, Br. 55, Girard, OH
Mary Lou Terselic, Br. 103, Washington, D.C.
AnnTercek, Br. 50, Cleveland, OH
Aug. 4- Betty Matjašič, Br. 101, Bedford Hgts., OH Aug. 7 - Rose Ivancic,Br. 5, Indianapolis, IN Aug. 22 - Mollie McIntyre, Br. 22, Bradley, IL
Secretaries:
July 7 - Eileen Kaplan, Br. 3, Pueblo, CO
July 10 - Rosemary Donald, Br. 33, Duluth, MN
July 19 - MaryPercic.Br. 67, Bessemer, PA
July 23 - AlouiseEpley, Br. 73, WarrensvilleHts., OH
July 27 - Marylou Matthews, Br. 108, Virginia Beach, VA
Aug. 2- Mary Satkovich, Br. 97, Caimbrook, PA Aug. 2 - Dorothy Szumski, Br. 101, Bedford Hts., OH Aug. 7 - Moreen Spencer, Br. 13, San Fran., CA Aug. 13 - Virginia Bendich, Br. 59, Burgettstown, PA Aug. 16 - Frances Ulle, Br. 68, Fairport Hbr., OH	^
Aug. 19 - Dorothy Bruce, Br. 71, Strabane, PA Aug. 20 - Charlotte Perdan, Br. 32, Euclid, OH Aug. 30 - Evelyn Pipoly, Br. 50, Cleveland, OH
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY:
Sep. 28
Oct. 5
OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION, Br. 101, Bedford Hts., OH hosts. Mass at Holy Trinity church in Bedford Hts., followed by dinner at the City Hall Party Room ILLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVENTION, hosted by Br. 24, La Salle, IL
DATES TO REMEMBER
July 20 ZVEZA DAY IN LEMONT, Br. 2, Chicago, IL hosts
Aug. 6	NOON LUNCHEON, Br. 35, Aurora, MN at
H J Country Club Sept. 14 MINNESOTA STATE CONVENTION, Br.
33, Duluth, MN Sept. 17	COMMEMORATIVE MASS, Br. 32, Euclid,
OH at St. Christine’s Church, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10-11-12 LAS VEGAS REUNION for all members, Contact Kathleen Emerson, Ph. (810) 370-0015
Oct. 15	CHINESE AUCTION, Br. 32, Euclid, OH
Haberman — Zimmer
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Call for information and a free booklet "For Future Reference (815) 722-0524
1997 Regional
115*788
JEAN KORSMAN, NATIONAL PRESIDENT
VOLUNTEERING COMES NATURALLY TO US!
One of the most enjoyable “duties” for me as the National President of SWU has been to accept the various invitations to attend local Branch meetings, summer picnics, Scholarship Award Ceremonies and “Mother of the Year" programs. 1 was privileged to attend such a dinner in Ely, Minnesota on May 12. As usual, I was greeted by Br. 23 members with an abundance of enthusiasm, proper protocol and the respect due the National Officers present. Our members are always “at their best” at these pleasant functions, and I am so proud to meet their “Guests of Honor” and hear of the love and respect the Branch members have for this individual. All the fond memories recalled, the praise and kind words spoken about the hon-orees are beautiful to listen to and well-deserved.
The woman chosen in Ely, MN this year was Sally Pusovich Davidson; her story in our May-June ZARJA was eloquent indeed. But now for the REST OF THE STORY.
In the past months you will have read or watched on TV about the meeting held in Philadelphia, PA where President Clinton, notables like retired General Colin Powell and other prominent public officials met in a conference to make a plea for VOLUNTEERISM. They hope to encourage everyone from the average citizen to the CEO’s of major Corporations to VOLUNTEER to support and strengthen our Country by joining together for causes that range from helping the homeless, aiding in our schools, cleaning up our neighborhoods, feeding the hungry, assisting the elderly and forging a broad support group for our preschoolers.
One of the thoughts that came to my mind as 1 listened to the inspiring story of Ely’s Sally Davidson was of the extreme generosity of spirit and selfless good work accomplished by this ONE WOMAN! For many years she acted as the caretaker for her paraplegic mother, she VOLUNTEERED to deliver meals for the homebound, she was an active member of the “Moose Club Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, she VOLUNTEERED for her Church Circle, for the local Hospital and the Vermilion Interpretative
Center, to list just a few; there seemed to be no end to her VOLUNTEERING. This incredible woman, now 81 years young, twice widowed, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE, has given her time, her energy and her talents to make life better for others, and in doing so has enriched her own life and inspired and challenged others to do the same.
Recently our ZARJA Editor, Corinne Leskovar spoke to me of her concerns, thoughts and hopes of finding a way to unite our members of SWU across the country, young and old, and to encourage the enrollment of new, active members. After reading about President Clinton’s PUSH FOR VOLUNTEERISM and my impressive encounter with one of our very own SWU VOLUNTEERS, it would follow that “together we might make a difference, in our own lives and in the lives of others, by taking on, as a group, some specific action of VOLUNTEERISM! This joint effort would bring added life to Branches whose members struggle to keep active in some meaningful way other than birthday parties and card games. This active VOLUNTEER participation would excite others to join us and give added prestige to Slovenian Women’s Union in our own communities.
Perhaps you have your own favorite VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY; perhaps you know of a SWU member (or Branch) that does many hours of VOLUNTEERING! I challenge all of you to write to us with your ideas for revitalizing our SWU Branches through just such a group effort! We would like to add stories of individuals and suggestions for VOLUNTEER projects in future editions of ZARJA.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Following the President’s push, and VOLUNTEERING to do some project under the banner of SWU would be a giant step in promoting our group as a progressive and caring Union of Women willing to accept the challenges of the 90's. God will surely continue to bless us for our efforts.
Jean Korsman
NATIONAL SECRETARY - - KEEPING UP-TO-DATE
We are still amazed at the number of members who (insist) they were not informed about the direct billing and the increase in dues/assessments. Callers have even said “I don’t even belong to the organization” but state they do belong to ZARJA. Members question if their benefit will decrease, because they are paying a lower rate after age 75. One message in ZARJA was heeded, and to date only six small (dues) books have been received. A trickle of cash still is being sent, kinder notes are received. We consider the effort successful.
The billing is completed. If you receive this issue of ZARJA and have not received your bill, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and return it with your payment. We will trace your membership and correct our records. We spent a great deal of time this year on updating information sent to us. We find Grandmas are very concerned that they receive the bills, not the family member. Many members in nursing homes have their financial matters handled by sons/daughters. All these notations are made ASAP. At the same time we are programming the computer for 1998. It all takes time, and we apologize for any delays.
Secretaries, please take note of the following: When sending in new applications please take time to fill out the bottom portion of the application. Your signature is important, as is the date of the application and the branch number. Many, many applications have been received without this portion completed. We have no alternative but to assign the member to Branch No. 30, Home Office. If an application is given/sent to an outside party, this same information should be filled out. Also, when sending in a certificate for a death benefit, please note on the certificate if the beneficiary information is current, and if you want the benefit check mailed to the recipient or to you. All members did not respond to the request printed in ZARJA many, many months ago. When checking with Home Office records, we find numerous cases where children (beyond) the parents are deceased, leaving no true beneficiary. If the death certificate states “widowed” and our certificate lists the husband as beneficiary, you must check further. Doing this before you send the certificate(s) will help a great deal.
Concern has been expressed because a deceased member received an invoice. When a certificate is sent to the Home Office, it is not immediately sent to us. When certificates are received here (Bedford, Ohio), we immediately notate the records DECEASED, just as we do CANCEL(lations). The period between the time of a death, the gathering of proper paperwork and the processing of the benefit can in no way be tabulated to avoid such errors. A simple “disregard” to family members calling you in such instances is all that is needed. All mail regarding any of the above should be forwarded to P.O. Box 46539, Bedford, Ohio to avoid delays. Mail concerning purchases from the Heritage Museum should be sent to 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432.
Concerning our repairs at Home Office in Joliet, the portion of the office that was damaged by water in December has been repaired, plasterboard and ceiling tiles have been replaced, walls have been painted. Volunteers from the museum are doing somewhat of a spring cleaning, and the last item that will be taken care of is carpeting. The building is aging, and the most we can do is keep the working conditions comfortable. A major repair was undertaken in May, when the east wall of the building, below the ground level, had to be repaired to alleviate water seeping into the basement where records are kept. Consideration is being given to moving records to the second floor away from any possible future problems.
Rest assured that your Board of Directors is working with one goal in mind, to keep our organization functioning as long as possible. We have started our seventy-first year, we are already looking forward to our seventy-second, and with help from everyone, yourself included, we will mark seventy-five years, our diamond jubilee.
Respectfully,
Evelyn A. Majercik, National Secretary
If you have received ZARJA and if you have NOT received a statement for your annual dues, please fill out the following form, send it to us with your payment.
Name:
Address:
Zip:
Class A Member, under 75 yrs of age Class A Member, over 75 yrs of age Class B Member, under 75 yrs of age Class B Member, over 75 yrs of age Junior Member Social Member
Make checks payable to: S.W.U.
Check No.:
Amount: _____
Br. No.: _
Certificate No.:
$12.00
8.00
15.00
10.00 4.00
15.00
Mail to:
Circle amount that applies to your membership.
S.W.U.
P.O. Box 46539 Bedford, OH 44146
athleen’s
(9lS
/\ onnection
Everyone who knows me knows I love to travel, but there are other activities that we can do as a group. For those of you in the Cleveland area, or SNPJ Members across the country, you know that a group of people have organized to restore the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. My mother, Patricia Adamic, contacted them regarding the price of a new bust of Bishop Baraga. The cost is in the area of $3,000.00. It seemed like a good idea to present the proposal to the Board. 1 did and we elected to start a campaign to start a fund raising campaign to make the SWU a permanent part of the garden. Since this is a National campaign, I am hoping each member will consider a small donation and each branch make it a goal to make a donation. There is a separate article in ZARJA to give you the details! Although you may not live in or near Cleveland, they do have thousands of visitors each day, and if we are successful in collecting the necessary funds, the Slovenian Women’s Union will be a permanent part of the Garden as well. Who knows, your Branch may get new members as a result! Let’s keep our heritage alive.
In the ZARJA (back cover) you will also find an ad for a book on Slovenia. Our Pots and Pans columnist, Marion Bowers, discovered this treasure. The profits from the sale of this book will go to our Convention Fund. We will only have it available for 1 year, so do not miss this opportunity to share the beauty of this land with all your friends and relatives and gain a lot of knowledge about Slovenia.
Note to Moms and grandmoms: This is a perfect resource for students who have to write papers or make projects about their heritage.
ON THE COVER: LAS VEGAS!
At the recent National Board Meeting in Joliet, your National Officers were once again busy at work making decisions on what to do to keep our Zveza going strong.
These meetings always remind us that our organziation needs to cultivate new members and new activities to keep them!
Once again I have researched the possibility of organizing a trip to Las Vegas. Last year we found it too expensive to put together a package across the country including airfare and hotel. This year I have chosen to arrange the hotel portion only, in order to allow each city to take advantage of their local specials for airfare. I am pleased to announce that I have made the following arrangements.
THE STARDUST HOTEL WELCOMES SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OCTOBER 24, 25, 26, 1997 $95.00 per room + tax, double occupancy
The hotel has blocked 20 rooms for us for Friday and Saturday night, however if you want to arrive earlier or stay later, just let them know when you call them to book your room. Reservations are on a first come basis and you need to contact the Stardust at 1-800-824-6033 and speak with the Group Sales office to get one of our blocked rooms.
I	would also like to make reservations for us to attend a dinner show as a group on Saturday. If you are interested please notify me by phone or mail. Prices range from $30
-	$40 which include the meal and show. I am leaning toward the Dinner Show at the Excalibur, which sounds like fun.
Just a reminder, I am always open to suggestions for activities to promote the SWU and encourage new members to join. Please feel free to send your idea’s anytime.
Kathleen M. Emerson,
^0	Women’s	Activity	Director
41 Sparrow Hill K	Orion, Ml 48359
The Strategic Consumer:
By Bernadette J. Kovačič
]
Free Brochure Available to Assist in Choosing a Health Plan
The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), in conjunction with the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA) has published a new brochure, “Choosing and Using a Health Plan,” designed to aid consumers when choosing a health insurance plan and to help them understand the benefits provided under insurance plans. This guide will be helpful for consumers who have the option of choosing various health plans, as well as those who cannot choose their own health plan, but want to better understand the benefits and protection the plan provides.
When choosing and using a health plan, consumers are more confident if they understand the basic benefits and are
able to make an informed decision. The brochure outlines a comparison of plans, the services offered, choice of providers, quality, cost and location. Included are tips on how to obtain care for you and your family, how to better understand the plan’s hospitalization procedures and the strategy one can take in case there is dissatisfaction of care.
You may receive a free copy of the guide by calling the Health Insurance Association of America clearinghouse toll-free at 888-844-2782.
The guide can also be found on AHCPR’s web site by using a web browser, specifying URL http://www/ ahcpr.gov/ and clicking on “consumer health.”
I!! SLOUEHM
Here is something to keep you in touch with Slovenia, Slovenian culture, art, media, economy, education, holidays and other things Slovenian and put a book in your hands while you're waiting for the new SWU cookbook to be published. It is an up-to-date travel book titled SLOVENI A, a "Travel Survival Kit", (part of a series of travel books), by Steve Fallon of Lonely Planet Publications. The reader will find more current information packed into its 300 + pages than in any other book around. In addition, there are dozens of color photos, dozens of maps, dozens of drawings in this well-bound paperback.
The first portion of the book is devoted to facts about Slovenia - history (especially WWI to the present), geography, flora, fauna, economy, arts, I'cxxJ, festivals, sporting events etc. There is a chapter devoted to Ljubljana plus extensive chapters for each of the eight provinces.
The author is a very objective writer for he credits by name many, many Slovenians in Slovenia from government officials to museum curators who assisted him with the book. A Slovenian who has lived in Slovenia knows his or her province well, but he or she may learn more about other areas with this btxik, for as Father David Stalzcr of Joliet, Illinois said, "Even though Slovenia is a small nation, it is somewhat diverse in its customs, foods and practices." As mentioned in Love to Cook in the April issue of Zaija, "It is a well researched, detailed, current book and excellent armchair reading.."
It is a must for anyone who is planning or has had a trip to Slovenia. And what better gift to give the younger generation or senior citizens than a book that speaks to their roots? It can be a gift for birthdays, graduation, Christmas or other holidays or special occasions. SLOVENIA can be given to a grandson or nephew after a grand-daughter or niece has been given a copy of the SLOVENIANS LOVE TO COOK BOOK. Maybe its a good idea to give each of them both books? And, while you're at it, why not give yourself this gift?
To truly personalize SLOVENIA, the person giving it can write a lovely dedication inside the front cover, highlight or annotate the book throughout its pages, and, a big bonus, SLOVENIA has 10 blank pages titled, "Notes", where gift givers can further personalize the lxx)k with their own memories and special sentiments to the recipient.
It is also a lund raiser (a beneficial arrangement has been worked out with Lonely Planet), so, by purchasing SLOVENIA from SWU, members will not only enjoy the contents of the b<x>k but they will be helping to support ZVEZA!
To order SLOVENIA, please send $16.00 ($13.95 + $2.05 packing and mailing) to:
KATHY EMERSON
DIRECTOR OF WOMEN'S ACTIVITIES 41 SPARROW HILL ORION MICHIGAN 48359
the new smvxMMJVs mvz emjc sumzjc recipe format
So that you, the SWU members, can create a more understandable, harmonious and professional cookbook, your recipes arc
going to be compiled in a uniform format as follows:
A. Introduce your recipe with something interesting about it, such as a funny anecdote, history (origin), poetry, memories evoked, etc. Examples:
Pretzels were "born" during Lent when a monk rolled leftover dough into a "rope" which he Imped to resemble "arms" lolded across the chest in prayer. (This interesting vignette was sent in by our national secretary, Evelyn Majcrcik.)
A nice memory of childhcxxi was coming home from sch<x>l and having the delicious smell of homemade soup meet me at the d(x>r. Here is mom's recipe for GOVEJA JUHA (BEEF SOUP):
B. Write rccipe titles in Slovenian followed by the English translation. Example: See above.
C. Enter al| ingredients to be used in the recipe in a list above the preparation pr(x:cdurc, and list them in the order that they arc to be used. Example: See rccipes in this issue.
D. Give exact measurements, when applicable, for all ingredients - with exceptions like "salt and pepper to taste" and "cover with tomato juice". Example: 1 cup milk, I tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, I package (3 oz.) lime gelatin,
1	can (6 oz.) tuna fish.
E.	Spell out words like cup, tablespoon, teasp<x>n etc. to avoid errors. (Abbreviations arc used in the recipes in Zarja only bccausc of the space restrictions of trying to get three recipes on one page).
F.	Include information about pan sizes, oven temperatures, cooking times, etc. Example: 9" x 13" casserole, Bake 375° for 35 minutes.
G. Include the amount the recipe makes, if applicable. Example: Serves 4, Makes 3 dozen ctxikies, etc.
H. Make your rccipc to test it for correctness and completeness before submitting it if you don't prepare it often.
I.	Pnx)frcad your rccipc yourself, plus have someone not familiar with the rccipc pnx>frcad it for undcrstandability, errors, etc. Incomplete or incorrect rccipcs cannot be used.
J. Following the rccipe, you may wish to include options or suggestions. Example: Sec rccipcs in this issue.
K. Include your name, address, and branch number so your name can be listed with your rccipc, and so it will be personalized with your name when you give it as a gift.
&mV£nian* JM CGCUC
Ua
your S.l<wenian recipes for the
•ACette Sutaaenian Čaa&fraafo
using the recipe outline in this issue. Let's do it for each other and for people like Elliot Pleše who also said, "I just celebrated the. 35th anniversary of my 40th birthday so you must excuse my need to expedite this gift (cookbooks) process." He goes on to say, "...an introduction to potica, strudel and sarma will lead to a desire (by my six daughters) to find out more about their roots."
Thanks to Pat Pogačnik Hagcmcier, Branch #30 (at large) of New Smyrna Bcach, Florida (50 miles from Orlando, site of SWU's 1999 convention), and to Father David Stalzcr, Branch #20 and pastor of St. Mary's Nativity Church, Joliet, who answered the request for axik txx)k ideas. Everyone, please, send more!
Pat says, "I would suggest a table of equivalency converting European metric to our decimal system be included. I think this would be a very meaningful addition, and would be particularly helpful if we should choose to include recipes directly from Slovenia." Good suggestion, Pat. We'll do that!
Father Stalzer writes, "A suggestion I would offer is that (the cookbook) be made as complete as possible. If possible, divide the Slovenian cooking into the regions of Slovenia as fcxxis do vary. It would help people to understand that even though Slovenia is a small nation, it is somewhat diverse in its customs, foods and practices. Also included should be the traditional Easter and Christmas celebrations." Great idea. Father David! Everyone, please send your traditional celebration customs with your recipes!
From the heart, God bless you , Marion
Send recipes to:
SLOVEnians TO COOK c/o Marion Juricic Bowers 940 Galleron Road St. Helena CA 94574 (707) 963-7795
P.S. While you're waiting to read the new cookbook, see the information about the GREAT new travel book,
Slovenia
advertised in this issue!!!
Refreshing for summer (and using your garden cucumbcrs) is a recipe from Leo Rožič of Bloomingdale, Illinois that he sent to Hermine Dicke long ago. Easy!
CUCUMBER SOUP
1 C. chickcn broth	1/2 t. salt
2 T. Hour	1/4 t. white pepper
2	large or 3 medium cucumbcrs	1 C. sour cream
1 medium onion, chopped	Dill weed, chopped, for garnish
Dash of garlic powder
Blend broth and flour in a blender. Pour into a pan. Heat to boiling. Simmer 3 minutes. Chill. Peel, seed and coarsely chop cucumbers. Blend cucumbcrs, broth, onions, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in sour cream by hand. Chill. Garnish with dill.	Serves	4
Elliot Pleše of Fort Collins, Colorado wrote to the Home Office in Joliet to ask about buying Slovenian Cookbooks. Jonita Ruth sent his letter to Love to Cook. There arc no cookbooks to sell now until a new one is published! S o, please, send in your Slovenian recipes following the format in this issue, ladies and gentlemen ▼! Elliot wants to give a copy to cach of his six daughters, so they can learn to cook Slovenian foods like:
SARMA (CABBAGEROLLS)
3# head cabbage, cored	1	t. salt, or to taste
2# ground meat (pork & beef) 1/2 t. pepper
1 C. uncooked rice	1	large (27 oz.) can sauerkraut
1	large onion, chopped	2	C. (about) tomato juice or 1/2	juice, 1/2	water
Cover cabbage with boiling water. Cook about 5 minutes until	pliant.	Separate
leaves, cutting away (thinning) part of center rib. Mix meat, rice, onions, salt and pepper. Form into balls the size and shape of eggs. Roll up each in a leal', tucking in sides. Secure with a toothpick. Place 1/2 of kraut in bottom of roasting pan. Place rolls on top. Cover with remaining kraut. Cover with tomato juice. Cover roasting pan. Bake 350°, 1 hour, or see *. Serves 6-8
Options: Instead of boiling, to soften, freeze cabbage for 1 or 2 days in a plastic bag, thaw. The 2# ground meat may be pork, beef and veal. Add 1 egg, 1 t. sweet paprika 2 t. chopped parsley and/or other herbs of your choice to the meat. You may omit the kraut, or replace it with leftover chopped cabbage. Water may replace tomato juice. Garnish with dollops of sour cream and sweet paprika.
*Thc old-fashioned way to bake is 2 hours. Nice with a glass of zinfandcl wine.
Irene Odorizzi has sent Love to Cook a recipe book titled, "Famous Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes", featuring foods from the Good and Plenty Restaurant in Smoketown, Pennsylvania. One of the restaurant’s specialities is:
SHOO-FLY PIE
3/4 C. Hour
2	T. shortening 1/2 C. brown sugar 1/2 t. salt 1/2 t. cinnamon
1 unbaked pic shell 1/2 t. baking soda 3/4 C. boiling water 1/2 C. molasses 1 beaten egg
Make a "crumb" mixture of flour, shortening, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water, mix in molasses, then egg. Pour the liquid into the pic shell. Top evenly with crumb mixture. Bake 375° 35 minutes, or till filling is puffed up in the center. Good with ice cream. Easy!
cJ-fzzitagz. dYztvi and ^1/Lzcvi
by Irene M. Odorizzi, Heritage Director
Mildred Pucel, Branch 20, and Heritage Museum Volunteer, worked on a project with former National Treasurer, Mary Marolt, who along with her husband, Stan, resides in Bradenton, Florida.
Mary had written to Millie requesting items from the Museum Gift Shop which could be displayed at the Ethnic Festival held at St. Peter and Paul the Apostles parish in Bradenton, FL, culminating the parish’s celebration of their 10th anniversary. Millie sent the items to Mary and later received a letter describing the successful event. I’d like to quote from Mary Marolt’s letter:
“I must tell you that it all went very well. The whole day was truly a celebration, a lot of work, but worth it. We had a procession from church after the 4:30 Mass. The procession was led by two men playing bagpipes. We had an accordian player, Fran Reposh, who has just built a home down here in Bradenton. He is Slovenian and belonged to St. Joseph’s Parish in Joliet. His wife, Toni, is Italian hut she really knows how to make all those Slovenian poticas. / also had Slovenian tapes to play during Frank’s breaks.
Mary and Stan Marolt
We had potica, made by my sister, Winnie, smokies and Slivovitz as part of our display and they all went. This was our first endeavor of this kind. I did not have a committee, as there are few Slovenians down here. All these countries represent our parish and were part of the festival: Far East. Luzon, Philippines, Germany, France, Spain, Hungary, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Slovenia.
There were 300-400 people in attendance enjoying the costumes, customs, artifacts, ethnic food, dancing, singing, instrumentalists and orchestras. Saturday, Jan. II, 1997 was quite a successful affair.
Again, thank you Mildred, as Slovenia was very organized and well-represented with displays and literature. ”
It’s great hearing from Mary Marolt once again and we’re so happy that she and her husband, Stan, were cochairpersons for the festival and were was so successful in promoting the Slovenian heritage down in Florida. We’ll see you in Orlando for the SWU Convention in 1999. Keep up the great work!
Learn The Slovenian Language
The first book I’d like to bring to your attention is a paper back book with two audio cassettes. It’s entitled, Slovene For Travelers, by Miran Hladnik and Toussaint Hočevar. The book contains conversational phrases, cultural information and travel tips. Reasonably priced, it’s available for purchase through the Slovenska Izseljenska Matica, Cankarjeva 1/11, Ljubljana, Republika Slovenija.
The next selection is another self-study course entitled Colloquial Slovene: A Complete Language Course by Andrea Albretti. This textbook with two audio cassettes, recently published in England, has all instructions written in English. You can order through your local bookstore (ISBN #0-415—08948-4) or directly from the publisher: Routledge Inc. 29 W. 35th St., New York, NY 10001. The book costs approximately $40.
Old Austrian Empire Map
Maps of the Austrian Alpine Region. Originally drawn about 1887, these 3 11x17 maps show the alpine region in the provinces of Styria, Carinthia and Carniola north of the Italian border. Includes the Styrian and Carpathian Alps, as well as the Karawanken and Sannthal Alpine regions. It is useful for locating small mountain towns and villages in southern Austria and the northern mountain regions of former Yugoslavia. $8.95 for the set. Write to: Jonathan Sheppard Books, Box 2020, Plaza Station, Albany, New York, NY 12220.
The third book on grammar is entitled, A Basic Reference Grammar of Slovene by William W. Derbyshire and is available through Slavica Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 14388, Columbus, OH 43214-0388. The soft cover book sells for under $20.
THINK HERITAGE!
Slovenian Women’s Union Heritage Museum
I (we) enclose $ ____________________________________________
In honor of__________________________________________________
Name and Occasion
In memory of_________________________________________________
Av a Contribution ___________________________________________
Donor’s Name ________________________________________________
Donor’s Address _____________________________________________
In the months of May or November, remember those you love and hold most dear with a gift to the Heritage Fund. Please send the donation to Heritage Director, 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 20191. Your donation will be acknowledged in the HERITAGE HEROES column.
Celebrate your Slovenian Heritage with new, exciting gift ideas!
Two sensational APRONS, specially designed for our wonderful Slovenian cooks!
RED & WHITE STRIPED COBBLER APRON
Made of quality material, 50% cotton, 50% polyester, ,	washes beautifully - made in
WtMMJUanA	USA. Sizes: XL and XXL
(Note: Cobbler Apron size XXL is 21 in. across the bust and 28 in. across the hips. Size XL is 16 in. across bust and 20 in. across hips. Size XXL is blue & white stripe or solid blue.)
Design on Cobbler Apron
$21.00 plus $2 postage and handling
ROYAL BLUE BUTCHER APRON great for indoor and outdoor cooking - unisex!
Made of quality material, 50-50 cotton and polyester, washes beautifully-made in USA. One size fits'all!
Design on Butcher Apron $23.00 plus $2 postage and handling
Make checks payable and send orders to: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION HERITAGE MUSEUM 431 No. Chicago St.,
Joliet, IL 60432
SLOVENIAN CHRISTMAS CARDS!
Again, our artist-member, Lucille Dragovan of Br.
20,	Joliet, IL has designed a beautiful greeting card for us - it is a Slovenian-motif Christmas Card!
A package of 5 cards is $6.00 inc. postage.
Write to the Heritage Museum, 431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Make the check payable to the Heritage Fund.
HERITAGE MAILBOX
It’s wonderful to receive mail from our members. Sometimes there are sections in the letter which are especially interesting or touching. I’d like to share them with our ZARJA readers. One such letter came from Janice Mueller of LaSalle, IL who tells of her dreams of the future.
“I’m writing to my cousin in Slovenia and my dream is to go there someday to walk where my grandmother walked... My grandmother and grandfather’s house is still standing. Isn’t that amazing?
I was successful in finding my cousin in Michigan who I haven’t seen in 39 years and I spoke with two cousins on the phone a few weeks ago.”
Another member, Marjorie Salakar Mitchell, Br. 16, Chicago writes of locating lost relatives through her genealogical research.
‘7 had considerable success in following my mom's family tree. WE were the missing link. Mom at the age of six and her two brothers were put in an orphanage in Omaha, Nebraska, after their mother died. Later their father moved the children to Chicago where they were placed with a foster family. My mother never knew anything about her relatives in Nebraska.
We found out there are quite a few relatives still living in that same area. After months of corresponding, we went out to meet them. Mom was delighted to receive a Confirmation picture of her mother and aunt.
I’m so glad we went to Nebraska because mom has been hospitalized four times since Christmas with congestive heart failure. That is why the trip meant so much to us.”
Tribute to Ethnic Women’s Organizations
On Tuesday, March 18, the volunteers of the Slovenian Heritage Museum participated in Governor Jim Edgar’s “Tribute to Ethnic Women’s Organizations,” at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago.
The organizations were recognized by the Governor for continued efforts “in preserving and promoting their heritage and traditions and for outstanding work in the community and through the State of Illinois. These organizations are of exemplary character and dedicate their efforts to others. They continue to preserve and promote their particular heritage and traditions.”
Representing the Slovenian Women’s Union Heritage Museum were Patricia Figurowski, Josephine Lustik and Mildred Pucel. They displayed cultural items such as literature, books, photographs, memorabilia,
T-shirts and other related information.
Many thanks to these ladies for the outstanding manner in which they represented our Slovenian heritage.
Irene M. Odorizzi 2362 Paddock Lane Reston, VA 22191
THE NEXT GENERATION
Sons and daughters of immigrants lived in two distinct worlds. They were part of a foreign-speaking home and community while at the same time, attending school or earning their living, all conducted in the English language. In most cases these children were part of a hard-working family, which had very little money to spend on the finer things of life. They worked hard for the basic necessities of life.
Being a second generation American-Slovenian was an exciting adventure even though at the time it was happening, the individual never thought of it as a unique experience. It is only years later, when one reminisces, that the events recalled arouse sentimental emotions. Putting these feelings on paper in the form of a short story enables one to share
a part of the past that was locked in one’s heart just as a precious gem may be kept safely hidden away.
We are fortunate to have a lovely and touching story written so beautifully by a second generation American-Slovenian, who is also the National President of the Slovenian Women’s Union. The following story comes to us from Jean Korsman of Gilbert, Minnesota, and is based on her memory as a five-year-old girl growing up during the depression years in Minnesota.
Among Jean’s fondest memories of her mother, Annie Purkat, who passed away last December, are the times she felt the deep mother-love written about in this touching story of the black patent-leather shoes.
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING, AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE
By J.K. Korsman
It was just a block from the big red brick schoolhouse to our small woodframe home, but I was dry-throated and out of breath from running all the way on this cold gray November afternoon.
The birch leaves that collected in damp furrows on the cracked sidewalk were an added hindrance to my pace, along with the flapping sole of my scuffed brown oxfords. I stopped abruptly, just in time to prevent myself from tripping over the ragged shoelace that had become untied. With some preverse satisfaction, I tied the short stubs into a knot, then scurried up the three cement steps of our front yard and raced to the back door.
The cream and green enamel cookstove in the comer of the small kitchen gave off the pungent scent of elm wood burning in its firebox. The oven door was open, and a blast of heat hit me as I burst in from the cold.
Mother stood by the small wall-hung sink washing the bread pans which she had just emptied onto the red plaid oilcloth-covered counter next to the stove. The aroma from the butter-topped loaves filled the room, and my mouth watered as I anticipated a thick slice topped with my mother’s homemade pin-cherry jelly.
“Well, did you get them for me, mother?” I anxiously inquired.
“Now, just catch your breath. You’ll want to have some bread and jelly first, I’m sure,” said my mother, chuckling.
“Oh, you did get them; let me see them, please mother,” I begged.
Mother wiped her hands on the faded towel that hung on a hook by the sink. Then she crossed the floor to the little bedroom next to the kitchen. From the top of her big
brown chiffarobe in the comer, she lifted the shoebox down and handed it to me.
At last! My new shoes! I tore the string off the box and flipped open the cover. I tore the tissue paper off and dropped it on the floor. There in the box lay my long-awaited shoes - the most beautiful shoes I had ever seen. Shiny black patent-leather sandals with a ‘T’ strap covered with a fringed Kiltie flap. Shoes fit for a princess! Shirley Temple shoes! Dancing shoes! Party shoes!
It no longer mattered that as the youngest of five children, I had started school that fall of 1940 wearing my “summer” blue canvas tenners, with my little toes peeking out ignominiously on each side. My two older brothers had paid for their own new school shoes with money earned from their paper routes and also from doing odd jobs for the neighbors. Mother had somehow managed to save a few dollars from my dad’s meager paycheck and from the many sewing jobs she took to buy both of my sister’s new school shoes, but she had promised me a new pair as soon as she received the money from her two weeks of jury duty in Virginia. After one month of some unexplained delay in its arrival, my tenners had literally fallen apart, and I had been forced to wear the ugly brown oxfords which my sister had outgrown. And now! Here they were! Not just any old serviceable school shoes! Real dress slippers! Shoes like the little girls in the Sears catalog wore! Prettier than my sisters’ shoes! Fancier than any girl in my class at school had! The prettiest shoes ever!
I screamed with delight and hugged them to by breast; savoring the feel of the smooth shiny patent and the smell of the new leather.
Mother stopped smiling, and her usual anxious look
came over her face. For a moment, I recalled her defensive words of frustration in the argument with my father about the lack of money and difficulty in outfitting five of us for school.
“I can sew everything from dresses to pants, jackets and winter coasts, and knit stockings, mittens and caps. But even though my father was a shoemaker, I can’t make shoes!” We had all heard the loud words, and even as a five-year old, I understood their concern for our everyday needs in this post-depression year. With a grim look, she walked over to me and said, “Well, you’d better try them on to see if they fit.”
“Oh, they fit; I know they do!” I assured her, and myself, as I sat down in the middle of the floor, buckling them nervously. “They do; they fit perfectly!” 1 announced, as I stood up for her inspection, I whirled around and tapped the leather soles on the worn linoleum. I walked stiffly into the front room where my new shoes made even more noise on the varnished wood floor.
“Come here! Let me check,” said my mother as she kneeled down to press her thumb onto my big toe and run her finger to the edge of my heel. “Yes, there’s plenty of room. Hopefully you won’t wear them out before you outgrow them. Now don’t go kicking and scuffing them right away; treat them with care; they have to last the whole school year,” mother chided. “Put them away in a safe place so you’ll find them in the morning, and come help me get ready for supper.”
As we sat at our places at the table that night, 1 barely tasted the home-made vegetable soup and fresh bread in front of me. The loud and animated conversation of my big family was a faint din; my mind far away, as I wiggled my toes and tapped my feet under the table in anticipation of the next day in school with my beautiful new shoes.
That night as 1 prepared for bed, I remembered my mother’s admonishing me about always leaving things lying
around. “With such a large family and such a small house,” she would say, “we have to have a place for everything, and put everything in its place.”
She wouldn’t have to remind me this time, I thought. I’ll put my school clothes and my new shoes right where I can easily find them first thing in the morning. 1 scurried around, looking for just the right place as mother opened up the day bed in the corner of the living room where my sisters and I slept.
They were both fast asleep, but the excitement of the evening remained with me for a long time. Twice 1 got up quietly from my place in the middle of the bed to move my shoes to the best spot; once from under the bed and once from on top of the large oak library table across the room. Finally 1 placed them side-by-side on top of the heaping coal pail at the foot of the bed.
Sometime later I fell asleep, mesmerized by the flickering reflections on the ceiling from the Isinglass windows of the coal-burning heater.
That night, in the deep sleep of an innocent five-year-old, I faintly remember seeing my father’s silhouette outlined in the glow of the door of the stove.
It wasn’t until after some frantic searching for my new shoes in the morning that my worst fears were confirmed.
My father had awakened in the middle of the cold night, opened the door to the heater, and without turning on the light, heaved the full bucket of coal - and my black patent leather slippers - into the flowing embers!
If any other members wish to contribute a story about their experiences as part of an immigrant family, please send your story and a few paragraphs about yourself and how you came to write the story to:
Irene M. Odorizzi 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 20191
Jane Spellacy: Reflections on 40-Year Ministry
From INTERCOM, publication of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth of St. Joseph Province, Spring, 1997 edition and submitted to us by Secretary of Br. 47, Mary Taucher.
As this issue of Intercom goes to press, Director of Development Jane Spellacy reflects on her 40-year association with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and bids a loving farewell as she departs for the position of chief executive officer at Wesley Institute.
Jane’s relationship with the sisters dates to 1957 when her eighth grade class in Cleveland toured Mt. Nazareth Academy (the Provincialate of the Sisters of the Holy Family in Pittsburgh). Jane knew immediately where life
would take her next. “I loved it,” she says. Today, Jane occupies an office on the second floor of the same building where she was once a student.
The classes, friendships and way of life at Holy Family opened Jane’s heart to religious life and she entered the community; she earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Duquesne University and taught grade school for five years. She then spent 21 years at Holy Family Institute, first as a child care worker and finally as executive director of the facility. While at Holy Family, Jane earned a master’s degree in social administration at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Though Jane’s faith journey led her through a transition from vowed religious life, she continued in service to the congregation, promoting and advanc-
ing the congregation’s mission through fund-raising programs, newsletters and promotional materials.
Jane also hopes that her congregational family will enjoy the fruits of her labor with Sister Mary Paul Krasowski, who has completed a translation of Frances Siedliska’s autobiography, and which Jane hopes to publish from the development office.
As CEO at Wesley Institute, Jane will lead a facility similar in mission to that of Holy Family Institute. “Please keep me in your prayers,” she asks, “that I may be a leader and advocate for families and live out the positive influence that the Sisters of the Holy Family have had in my life and ministry.”
Jane is a member of Br. 47, Garfield Hts., Ohio.
A New Cookbook - from the Traditional to the Modern
TRADITIONAL SLOVENIAN COOKING AS IT WAS AS IT IS AS IT WILL BE
With so much interest for new Slovenian cooking methods, recipes and how cooking can reflect our national culture, the Slovenian Women’s Union will undertake publishing a new cookbook! It will be dedicated to our beloved grandmothers, mothers and relatives who brought this fine art into the very core of our heritage. Delicious, homestyle foods, pastries, drinks, and other household information have been passed down from generation to generation — however, there are so many more nuances and facets of Slovenian cooking that we do not have in one collection. Our new SWU cookbook will try to do all of that!
There will be three areas of Slovenian cooking included:
TRADITIONAL RECIPES NEW TRENDS IN SLOVENIAN COOKING and, INFLUENCES ON SLOVENIAN COOKING FROM OTHER COUNTRIES!
This should give us a complete picture of Slovenian cooking in today’s world and give us the guidelines to help bridge the old to the new! We are asking our members to participate in the new cookbook in two ways.
First, give us your favorite Slovenian recipes, tell us how you use them, where they come from, or any interesting highlights that give it continuity from the old to the new kitchens of today. Your name will be published with every one of your recipes used.
Second, we invite your artistic contributions for the title of the new cookbook and cover design. We wish to use the word SLOVENIAN in the title and its relationship to us in the design. It can be humorous or serious, old-fashioned or modern! Come up with your ingenuity!
You will receive a prize for the selected cover design!
DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS: SEPT. 20, 1997
Contact: Marion Bowers, Food Columnist, 940 Galleron Road, St. Helena, CA 94S74, Phone: (707) 963-7795
SWU BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING March 21-23, 1997
The Annual Meeting of the Slovenian Women’s National Board was called to order at 9:05 a.m. Friday, March
21,	1997. The opening welcome prayer was given by President Korsman.
Roll call was taken and the following board members were in attendance:
Jean Korsman, National President; Kathleen Dorchak, National Vice President; Evelyn Majercik, National Secretary; Beverly Menart, National Treasurer; Cirila Kermavner, First Auditor; Marge Church, Second Auditor; Pat Figurowski, Third Auditor; Irene Odorizzi, Cultural and Heritage Director; Kathleen Emerson, Women’s Activities Director; Marion Bowers, Food Editor; Mary Turvey, Scholarship Fund Director and Corinne Leskovar, ZARJA Editor. Absent: Kathy Schroeder, Youth Director.
Correspondence: President Korsman read the following correspondence: Letter and pictures from Jonita Ruth of water damage to the Home Office, Joliet, IL; Branch 20 -flier of activities for the entire year; various mailers and suggestions to raise funds; Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia for a donation for the children’s spa; Michael Kline, CPA - reviewed computer program, appeared to be in good order; Survey of properties by Will County; Supervisor of Tax Assessment; Illinois Dept, of Insurance meeting in the Home Office this week; Branch 26 Secretary sent sample of note to be sent a with a beneficiary check; letter of request for open hours of the Heritage Museum; letter from older member requesting more perks for older members; Branch 20 participated in a tribute to ethnic women given by the Governor of Illinois; Invitation to Bishop Baraga - 200th natal anniversary - last weekend in June in Marquette, Michigan.
National President’s Report (Jean Korsman)
Report on various concerns facing the Board: the repair of the Home Office, reprinting Ritual & Bylaws booklet, update Bylaws and Regulations booklets as revised at the 1995 National Convention, update job descriptions of the national officers.
The Board discussed the need to update the description of the duties of the National Officers. Kathleen Dorchak moved each National Officer review their current job descriptions and update and revise them for each individual office, and Jean Korsman review the duties of the Regional Presidents. Revisions are due to Bev Menart by Tuesday, July 1, 1997. A committee will be formed with Bev Menart and Kathleen Dorchak to review and edit to determine that the new written duties do not conflict with Bylaws and Regulations as previously printed. Copies will be provided to each Board member. The motion was seconded and unanimously carried. Kathy Schroeder, Youth Activities Director who was not in attendance will be asked to review her duties and meet the July 1, 1997 deadline.
Referring to her article in the April issue of the ZARJA, President Korsman expressed concerns stated by the Illinois Department of Insurance that it is necessary that the National Board be knowledgeable about the financial condition of
our association including each individual branch. Discussion ensued as to how to handle this requirement. The Board authorized Bev Menart, the National Treasurer to develop a packet of information to be sent to each branch President asking her to submit this information to Mrs. Menart on the provided form. The Board is obligated to make sure each branch is conforming to our Bylaws as well as to the requirements of the Illinois Department of Insurance. The motion passed unanimously.
President Korsman stated her concerns about the open hours of the Heritage Museum as well as the duties of the office clerk. The Board will request the Home Office Clerk, Jonita Ruth to provide a list of her current duties, then develop a combined and revised job description to reflect these changes in her clerical duties. This is necessitated by the National Secretary’s residence in Ohio and the requirements and expectations of the National Board as to duties of the Home Office Clerk.
The Board discussed their concerns about the numbei of membership cancellations. The number of members receiving the ZARJA publication needs to be updated on a continual basis. Lists of new members and deceased members will be published in the ZARJA.
Midwest Trust Report (Certified Financial Analysts -Ron Erjavec and Joy Gruber)
A report of the financial status of the SWU was given as of February 28, 1997. A recommendation was made to increase our corporate bonds that will increase our investment income. At the time a bond will mature it will be reinvested from a treasury bond to a high quality, low risk corporate bond. Marge Church moved we increase the current corporate bond exposure from $100,000 to $175,000 at the appropriate increments and times. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
Illinois Dept, of Insurance Audit (Robert Burke, Tammy Neville and Donna Ciszewski)
A preliminary report was given on the results thus far of the current examination for the years from 1991 to 1996. The auditors from the Dept, of Insurance gave the following recommendations: eliminate needless expenses, use personnel resources available within our membership, i.e. bookkeepers; and review, on a quarterly basis, our liabilities as compared to our assets. The Board discussed but took no action on the possibility of dissolving the burial benefit and just have all new membership of SWU as social members. Members already enrolled would be insured, new members would not. The Insurance auditors recommended we hire an accountant or accounting firm in Illinois to do the financial record keeping. The Board will take this under consideration.
National Vice President’s Report (Kathleen Dorchak)
Vice President Dorchak reported on her ideas and suggestions for the next National Convention planned for May 19-24, 1999 in Orlando, Florida. The Board gave their com-
ments and the direction she should follow to make plans. Upcoming publications of the ZARJA will provide information about the planned meetings and tours.
National Treasurer’s Report (Bev Menart)
The Treasurer gave an oral report that she agreed with the report from the National Secretary. Bev willingly accepted assignments from the Board, as her duties are limited to approval and checks on the monthly secretary’s financial report. The Board discussed revising the job description of the National Treasurer.
Auditor’s Committee Report (Cirila Kermavner,
Marge Church, and Pat Figurowski)
The Auditors reported on their audit for 1995. The financial statements will be completed with final adjustments. The Auditors have requested that the entire Board be notified of the findings of the examinations of the insurance auditors upon completion of their audit. The Auditors have no report on the Heritage Gift Shop.
President Korsman adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
The Board meeting reconvened Saturday, March 22, 1997 at 9:20 a.m.
Food Editor (Marion Bowers)
Marion outlined her goals and ideas to develop a new Slovenian Cookbook. She outlined what items need to be considered for format and content. The Board agreed that the cookbook should include traditional recipes and regional, specific historical information on Slovenia. A committee was formed and committee assignments were made to begin work on the cookbook. The following members will work on the committee: Bev Menart, Kathleen Emerson, Kathleen Dorchak, Jean Korsman, Irene Odorizzi, and Cirila Kermavner, Requests for recipes will be in the May issue of the ZARJA and letters will be sent to all branch presidents to provide information to branch members. A contest will be held to title the new cookbook. The winner will receive a prize to be determined. Deadline for submission of recipes and cookbook titles will be September 30, 1997.
Women’s Activities Director (Kathleen Emerson)
Kathleen expressed her disappointment in the cancellation of the trip to Slovenia in 1996. She will be working on a weekend trip to Las Vegas on October 10-12, 1997. (Subsequently changed to Oct. 24-26, 1997). She will coordinate group activities for a hospitality event and an evening show. A block of rooms in the same hotel will be reserved. Those interested will be responsible for their own flight arrangements.
The Board discussed the possibility of asking the membership for donations for the restoration of Bishop Baraga’s monument in the Cultural Gardens in Cleveland, Ohio. We would like to raise $3000.00 by September 1, 1997 to have only our S.W.U. name as donor on the plaque.
Regional President’s Reports
Reports from the Regional Presidents were read by President Korsman. They will be printed in the ZARJA.
Ritual Booklet
The Board discussed the layout and contents for a revised Ritual booklet. Kathleen Emerson moved that each branch receive two ritual booklets and any requests for additional booklets will be $1.00 each. The motion was seconded and unanimously carried. Corinne will have 200 booklets printed.
Scholarship Fund Director (Mary Turvey)
Mary gave her report since becoming Scholarship Director in August, 1996. She advised that an existing Certificate of Deposit needs an additional identifying line added to the name which will designate the funds for the S.W.U. Scholarship Fund. Kathleen Dorchak moved the adoption of this change. This motion was seconded and unanimously carried.
Mary mentioned her various expenses for publishing memorial cards and postage.
Mary requested permission to use the First of America Bank in Marquette for the Scholarship Fund deposits. This bank is also connected to a bank located in the State of Illinois. Banking locally for her would be cheaper and easier. Kathleen Dorchak made a motion that the Board approve her request to bank in the Marquette Bank. The motion was seconded and passed.
The Board appointed four committee members to work with Mary to help select the future scholarship winners. The committee is comprised of three Board members, Kathleen Emerson, Marge Church, Irene Odorizzi, and a volunteer from Branch 30, Margaret Francel. If Margaret is unable to serve, Kathleen Dorchak will participate on the committee.
Duties of the Home Office Clerk (Jonita Ruth)
Jonita Ruth gave a report on her duties and responsibilities. Her duties vary and include being a hostess to the Heritage Museum and clerical duties for the membership. The Board discussed her specific job functions.
The Board directed that specific hours be set for the Museum to be open. The open business hours will be posted and have not as yet been established. Due to the fact the Home Office has been damaged by water, the building will be closed for repairs and clean up. No specific dates have been set for reopening.
Jonita has been advised to contact Contractor, Mike Mueller and/or Nat’I. Secretary, Evelyn Majercik when issues arise requiring maintenance and repairs at the Home Office. These calls should only be for matters that require immediate attention.
Pat Figurowski, Marge Church, and Irene Odorizzi will visit the office in the near future to reorganize and inventory the Heritage Museum items and the Home Office.
The Board advised Jonita to maintain detail record keeping on the Heritage items. To make this task easier, a receipts booklet will be purchased and implemented when items are sold.
National Secretary (Evelyn Majercik)
Evelyn highlighted some important issues in her written report. The Board was made aware of the necessity to make repairs to the Home Office due to the water damage and old age. This past fall the windows were replaced and a new furnace installed upstairs. Based on the tact that the
building still needs additional repairs, the Board decided not to rent the second floor apartment. There is also a sewer problem that must be resolved. The Board is very concerned about these costly repairs that will impact on our treasury in the immediate future.
Direct billing to members continues on an annual basis. The FoxPro Computer program was purchased to compile the necessary statistics. Evelyn will be looking into going on-line with the Web site using AT&T. The Board discussed creating our home page for S.W.U.
Unfortunately, our membership is in decline. Evelyn has 13 death benefits to be paid so far in 1997. There were 118 death benefits paid last year (1996) as compared to approximately 80 new members enrolled.
The current wage structure was reviewed for the members of the national board. President Korsman requested that the National Secretary be reimbursed for expenses rather than to receive her monthly $25 petty cash. The Board approved this change. The Editor’s salary remains the same. In 1995, Evelyn requested a reduction of the National Secretary’s salary from $700.00 to $500.00 per month. She asked the Board to consider an increase of her salary from $500.00 to the original $700.00 a month, plus add an additional $100.00 for office maintenance. Motion was made by Kathleen Dorchak, seconded, and carried. The Board also approved a monthly administrative stipend for a data entry clerk of $200.00.
The Board of Directors approved a per diem for each day of meetings plus one day per diem for travel.
Since our ownership of the building, we have paid real estate taxes regularly. The building does qualify to be tax-exempt and an application for this consideration will be made. We could (possibly) receive reimbursement of tax payments made for the past three years.
ZARJA Editor (Corinne Leskovar)
Corinne expressed her feelings on the importance for the National Board members to keep communication lines open with individual branches. We need to find a way for the Board to be more available and be in touch with the membership.
At the beginning of 1997, the Post office requires nine digit Zipcodes for the mailing labels for ZARJA. Labels will be changed to reflect this requirement. Corinne expressed how important it is to be notified on a timely basis of changes and corrections in addresses for members. We hope Branch Secretaries will help in this effort.
Cultural and Heritage Director (Irene Odorizzi)
Irene expressed her concerns for the Heritage Museum. She has requested that for now the Heritage Museum continue to be maintained by the volunteers without further expansion and renovation due to the deteriorating condition of the building and the costly major repairs.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Minutes were prepared by Kathleen Dorchak.
Kathleen J. Dorchak	Jean	Korsman
Vice President	President
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Since our annual meeting last February, 1 have attempted to carry out the duties of the President as directed by our SWU by-laws, and keep focused on the recent and ongoing problems presented nearly weekly.
My correspondence has tripled since then, as I have been made aware of my responsibilities and assignments. Hopefully, all letters were answered with clarity and in a timely manner. Since travel is so limited, it is vital that the President keep open the lines of communication between the Board and the membership in general; whether it be by phone, fax, or mail. In the past year 1 have recorded sixty-six incoming phone calls, two faxes, made fifty-eight phone calls, written thirty-eight letters and eight thank-you’s, and received over one-hundred mailings concerning SWU. I have also contributed an article to each of the seven ZARJA’s published.
Invitations were received to the three Regional Conventions; I was able to attend the Illinois/Indiana gala celebrating their 70th Anniversary in Chicago. I was present at the Minnesota State Convention in September, but had to decline Wisconsin’s invitation, as it was held on the same day. I received the required Convention Reports from Ohio-Michi-gan President Olga Dorchak, Wisconsin President Joan Yak-lich, and Minnesota President Charlotte Laurieh. I have had almost continuing dialogue with Joan Yaklich and feel encouraged about some difficult problem solving in that area. There has been no correspondence with the Regions of California, Oregon and Washington; Colorado, Missouri, Kansas; or Washington, D.C., New York, Pennsylvania.
When in Illinois as the guest of Regional President Bonnie Prokup, we toured the Home Office, and I have tried to deal with the problems concerning the disrepair of the building; mainly the water damage, sewer damage, window and furnace replacement, and other near emergencies. These have been mostly resolved with the help of the office clerk, and the joint efforts of Irene Odorizzi and Evelyn Majercik, who took on the task as “Project Foremen.”
One of my main concerns as President of SWU has been the BUDGET and the uncertainty of our paid membership numbers. I would like to see a quarterly report of membership losses and gains; plus a BOTTOM LINE quarterly financial review initiated in the future.
* There has been no progress in the GOAL SETTING as prescribed in last year’s meeting.
* The Ritual and By-laws have not yet been published as corrected.
* Recruitment of new members remains a problem.
* ZARJA publication remains costly; an updated subscription list is needed to compare with current membership statistics.
I feel a three-day Board meeting, as in the past, is needed.
I greatly appreciate the reports sent me from the various directors over the year concerning their activities and programs. I was invited to serve as a judge on the 1996 Scholarship Committee, which, although rewarding, was also a time-consuming and difficult task. I have a great respect for the interim and new directors and all the committee members.
On a personal note, I wish to thank all the Board Members for your patience and help, as well as:
Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi, for her support and friendship, her dedication and diligence, the revised application forms and the help she offered in the drafting of the Christmas Letter;
ZARJA Editor, Corinne Leskovar, for her editorial excellence, her informative letters, her kindness in chauffeur-ing me and providing me with such a pleasant stay in Illinois last October;'
Vice President, Kathy Dorchak, for her invaluable help in providing swift answers when I didn’t even know the question, and for sharing my concerns with the unfamiliar duties of the office;
Mary Turvey, for plunging in without a complete job description, for all the correspondence concerning her new position, and her conscientious record-keeping and attention to detail;
Marion Bowers, for her enthusiasm, insight and love of Slovenian Cooking, for her creative logo, and for attending the Illinois Convention;
Treasurer Beverly Menart, for her patience in receiving no specified job assignment and her willingness to give credence to the office;
Kathleen Emerson for her detailed work with the planned trips;
Kathy Schroeder, for her willingness to accept an unfamiliar position without any guidelines;
The auditors, Chairman, Cirila Kermavner, who assisted with the updating and progress of the books and records;
Marge Church, for a job well-done as interim Scholarship Director, and her expertise and knowledge of accounting procedures;
Pat Figurowski, for her helpful phone calls and the delicious lunches;
and last, but not least, to Secretary, Evelyn Majercik, for her hard work, long hours, and practical solutions as well as her honesty, integry and friendship.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Korsman
NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
What a pleasure it is for me to extend warm greetings to the members of the National Board. It is an honor to be able to work with you at our annual board meeting.
It is heartwarming to know the board members are dedicated to maintaining the ideals and beliefs upon which our great organization was founded. We are facing many challenges such as loss of members and direct billing. The transition to the direct billing that was painful at the onset, has proven to be beneficial to all members. I am glad our membership has kept an open mind. We all must do our best to obtain new members. I am optimistic that as a united group we can pull together to get through the rocky roads.
As for my job, I strive to be supportive and helpful to the other board members. I hope I can be there when needed. My long range goals are to be committed to coordinating an exciting and eventful convention in Orlando in May 1999.
I am hopeful many of you are already thinking about attending.
I am honored to be associated with this special group of women. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of an organization that is very dear to my heart. May we have God’s blessing for a successful and productive year.
Kathleen Dorchak
NATIONAL SECRETARY’S REPORT
Attached you will find copies of the Annual Statement Report submitted to the Department of Insurance, State of Illinois. This report is thirteen (pages) long, however, it is these four pages that are the most important.
Again, I stress that fact that those of you who are computer literate and especially those of you who are accountants, or have accounting knowledge, will not only find fault with the report, but will criticize factions of it. I ask that you be considerate in those criticisms and acknowledge the fact that the responsibility I took on to organize a very disorganized process is slowly but surely taking place.
The following matters will be discussed at length in my verbal report, not necessarily in the order listed.
1) HOME OFFICE - Repairs that have been made, and repairs that are being considered. Michael Mueller, Maintenance/Construction, Window replacements, Furnace/Air conditioning, second floor, Sewer problem and Water Damage (December).
2) UPSTAIRS - Rental property. Cost vs Usage.
3) COMPUTER - Updating of memory system, installation of FoxPro Program for statistics. Purchase of wide bar printer, Invoices (blank paper v.v printed forms), and Social Member Registry.
4) HERITAGE - An inventory was requested in July
1995,	and March, 1997. No such report has been submitted, no accurate record is kept of our inventory. This must be accomplished and accuracy is a must.
Purchase orders are not being used properly. Requests are presented after purchases arc made and paid for, making the accounting process difficult.
A curator is being considered for the purpose of an inventory of our artifacts, etc.
The petty cash fund at the Museum/Home Office is not being properly maintained. The fund is depleted, then requests for money are made. This has been called to Jonita’s attention. Again, records from “this end” are poorly kept and poorly presented.
5) SCHOLARSHIP FUND-This is maintained at First Midwest Bank in Joliet, in accordance with the Department of Insurance Regulations.
Monthly statements are to be presented for entry into the Chart of Accounts, making the Annual Statement more complete.
A CD is held at First Midwest Trust, for safe-keeping. This CD was purchased when the account in Indianapolis was closed and the funds were turned over to the secretary. Ron Erjavec, our Trust Administrator, advised against putting the entire amount into a checking account where activity would be limited on the money.
It is interesting to note that, according to the Department of Insurance, we were not complying with their regulation
at the time the account was held outside the state. This has been rectified.
6) ZARJA - The last issue of ZARJA was cut back to 4900 issues, as compared to the 5300 that has been printed for several months (years??). The magazine itself is not self-sustaining. Ads, donations, etc. bring in a minute amount of income. I think it would be safe to say that, since certificate holders have basically paid for the death benefit they eventually receive, (plus many, many extra dollars), the Social Members are the ones who cover the ZARJA costs, if that is a fair comparison.
7) MEMBERSHIP - One does not need to be the National Secretary or the clerk in the Home Office to realize that our membership is declining. Two factors enter into this—first, the demise of our older members. The statistic sheet attached will prove to be interesting. Death claims far outnumber new applications.
Within the next 2-3 months, approximately 200 members will be cancelled for non-payment of 1996. We have already cancelled several who did not pay for 1995 or 1996. This is a sad commentary on our goals, our work, our future. There are many situations 1 could present, and although many of them give the raise in the dues as their reason, 1 firmly believe that these members have, for years, lost interest and are now using what they consider a “good excuse” to leave. One member wrote that she did not want to belong, but since she was selected as Mother of the Year, she felt obligated. These delinquent members refuse to pay for the year they received ZARJA. They will not tell you at the beginning of the year they intend to quit, they wait until the “Past Due” notice arrives, then cancel. They have received ZARJA, a costly venture, for FREE.
It might be well to mention that these NP members were all sent past due notices and in most cases were also contacted by their secretaries.
8) WAGES - To be discussed in detail.
9) Ron Erjavec to address the group regarding our Trust Account.
10) Inventory of Safe-Deposit Box to be taken.
11) Annual Statement for 1996 WILL be done by someone else.
FIRST AUDITOR’S REPORT
Dober dan, “Bohdaj”, Madam President, Officers of the SWU National Board!
On 4/27/96 the auditing committee, consisting of: Cirila Kermavner, First Auditor, Marjorie Church, Second Auditor, Pat Figurowski, Third Auditor met to verify the records of SWU. Also in attendance were: Evelyn Majercik, National Secretary; Kathy Dorchak, National Vice President. Sue Evans, an accountant, was asked to assist with the verification.
A review of the 1995 records of the SWU was made at that time, but a formal audit was not performed.
The formal audit of 1995 and 1996 records is scheduled for the Board Meeting to be held in Joliet, Illinois on March 20th thru 23rd.
Sincerely,
Cirila Kermavner
FINANCIAL REPORT - 1996
Balance Forward Death Claims Paid
Scholarship Fund (Establish Chk Acct)
Salaries, Officers Salary, Office Help Expenses Officers, travel/etc. Insurance Dept, fees/licenses Taxes, FICA, Unemployment Professional Fees Taxes, County, State Utilities
Printing (Including ZARJA)
Postage/Telephone (Includes ZARJA)
Office Equipment/Supplies
Per Diems/Administrative Stipends
Bank Fees
Maintenance
Total Disbursements Taxes deducted from payroll
Balance
ASSETS
Checking Account/Savings
Bonds/Investments
Publications
Real Estate
Office Furniture, etc.
TOTAL
$952,314.73
$19,000.00
9,104.71
$28,104.71
14,727.96
3.780.00 3,763.40
1.565.00 3,547.27
600.00
2.169.00 4.281.83
25,973.24
7,778.67
1.337.00
4.950.00 7,327.77 10,349.06
$ 92,152.50 3,208.08 $124,059.29
$828,255.44
$ 43,416.98 739,568.07 345.00 44,075.05 850.34
$828,255.44
Evelyn Majercik National Secretary
SCHOLARSHIP FUND for the period ended December 31,1996
Beginning Balance July 1996: Checking Savings
$7,204.71
10,399.44
17,604.15
INCOME
Donations
Interest earned-checking & CD Total savings, checking
EXPENSES
Scholarship Awards,
1 st payments-4 total Interim director expenses,
Marge Church Scholarship director 6 month stipend Printing, supplies, miscellaneous Postage
$2,306.00
321.80 $2,627.80
20,231.95
$2,000.00
423.65
300.00
555.73
94.76
Balance at December 31, 1996
Certificate of Deposit - total value Dec. 31, 1996 Checking Account balance - Dec. 31, 1996
$3,374.14
$16,857.81
$10,664.81
$6,193.00
Mary Turvey
SECOND AUDITOR’S REPORT 1995 RECORDS
The Audit Committee met on April 27, 1996 to review and verify SWU records for the year ended 1995.
In attendance: Evelyn Majercik, National Secretary, Cirila Kermavner, First Auditor, Marjorie Church, Second Auditor, Pat Figurowski, Third Auditor, Kathy Dorchak, National Vice President and Sue Evans, Independent Account.
Location: Slovenian National Home, Maple Heights, Ohio.
Since this was the first meeting of the current auditors, an accountant was invited to assist with the procedure for verifying records for the year ended 1995.
With the turnover in the National Secretary's position mid-year, two different sets of records were kept and the combination of the two sets of books had not been compiled for the entire year to present the auditors with a balance sheet, or all the records to review. Though long delayed, this procedure of combining two sets of books is in process as of this writing and it is the intention of the auditors to have the books balance for the year ended 1995 and to utilize the same procedure for having a statement prepared by the National Secretary for the year ended 1996. In conclusion, the books for 1995 were reviewed but not audited.
Reports were prepared throughout the year apprising all Board Members and Directors of the Auditors’ progress and suggestions.
We would like to thank the Maple Heights Slovenian National Home for allowing the National SWU Board members to use their meeting room facilities for that entire day, free of charge to our membership.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Church
* * *
For the second half of 1995 and the first half of 1996, I was extremely proud to have taken on the responsibility of Interim Scholarship Director while the SWU Board was searching for a capable individual. We have found her and her name is Mary Turvey! We welcome her to the Board and wish her much success in her new position and hope the membership continues to support the Scholarship Fund for our young members. I was pleased to have the opportunity to correspond with our ladies throughout the country and was most gratified at their generosity. But as it is with all fund raisers, it is critical that we get more people to participate. Your support to the scholarship fund is appreciated and I wish to thank those who sent their contributions to SWU during my tenure as Scholarship Director and look to the future when I see more and more support coming from within and outside the membership.
As an additional activity taken on as a Board Member, we are working on bringing ur By Laws up to date since the 1995 Convention. As my 1996 assignment, I was requested to include (type up) the new revisions with the old, and once all committee members have determined the revisions for accuracy, we hope to get an updated copy to all Branch Secretaries.
My interest and activities in SŽZ for the past 15 years has been extremely devoted and involved. (Local Branch
42, Maple Heights, Ohio - Secretary-Treasurer). I am proud to be a member and hope that we can find a way to get more young women (and young men) interested in their heritage, join our group and help us preserve our history. Our parents, grandparents and great grandparents came from a lovely part of our world which we should try to understand and appreciate. From a letter a cousin Frank Hostnik wrote about his first visit to Slovenia, “It is said that Slovene National Folklore has added a postscript to the Book of Genesis, according to which the Almighty, having overestimated his needs for the creation of the Universe, ended up with an extra fistful of earthly wonders; He let them trickle through his fingers onto Slovenia”. (Source Unknown)
Zbogom,
Marge Church
THIRD AUDITOR’S REPORT
The three auditors, National Financial Secretary, and a CPA met in Cleveland in April of 1996 to audit records from January of 1995 to December of 1995. No conclusion could be made as all records were not available. Because of the transition from the former secretary to the present secretary, and the great difference in which all records were kept by the two different parties, it was very difficult to classify and balance the figures. It was decided that more work and study needed to be done in order to bring all records up to date and categorized so as to be understood.
Pat Figurowski
HERITAGE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Heritage Director’s position was busy again in
1996.	I’d like to mention the duties that have kept me productive during the past 12 months. The Geneology Note book Column in the ZARJA attracts many researchers and requests for information. All correspondence was answered and information which could lend assistance was sent. Researching current information in the genealogical field and making it available to researchers, along with xeroxing and answering letters is a time consuming job. A Genealogy Booklet was compiled with the assistance of Matilda Au-sich #103 and is sent upon request and a donation of $ 10.
The Poetry Corner continued for another year with readers sending their poems for publication in ZARJA. This column appeals to the creative spirit in members.
Back to the Future articles have appeared for the past six years and this year featured Branch 2. Compliments to Jean “Daisy” Železnikar for her extensive research and to Corinne Leskovar for additional photos. May I also suggest that each branch historian continue to record the history of her branch as in the past.
Other ZARJA columns include The Next Generation and Heritage News and Views which report current information on a variety of subjects relating to Slovenian heritage.
Museum volunteers, Molly Gregorich, Helen Plut and Mildred Pucel continue working on Tuesdays at the Slovenian Museum. I send appreciation from the organiza-
tion to these ladies for their efforts at the Museum and to any others whose names were inadvertently left off this report. Jonita Ruth welcomes guests and answers questions at the Museum. My efforts continue in search of a part-time curator for the Museum.
(Condolences are offered to the family of Helen Plut, Museum volunteer, who passed away after this report was given. She will he missed.	I.O.)
Lucille Dragovan and Lillian Brule, professional artists and members of Branch 20, received an Illinois State Historical Society award for the beautiful four-panel mural in the Slovenian Row area of Joliet. The murals centered around the Slovenian immigrant establishing a new home in America. Postcards of the murals are available from the Museum Gift Store which also continues to handle many other items. A list is available upon request.
The SWU joined other Slovenian organizations in preparing a sign about fraternalism in the U.S. for the Olympics. Copy for the sign was prepared by Corinne Leskovar. A photo of the sign was displayed in the SWU National Office.
The SWU membership form needed to be updated and I supplied the revised master which the National Secretary then had printed and distributed to secretaries.
Stationery is popular with our members. Easter cards designed by Lucille Dragovan were printed for resale in the Museum. Additional envelopes were purchased for the carnation stationery which remained from previous years and can now be sold.
A replacement'of the Love Motif design for heritage items has been suggested and a new design for an apron featuring two red carnations on a royal blue background with the name of the organization has been purchased for resale. Additional soccer shirts with the love motif were ordered for resale and a duo of Slovenian and American (lags with a stand was ordered.
In October all branches received a sample soccer Tee shirt to sell, raffle or present as a gift. The project brought a 50% response from thirty-one branches: #1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 13, 20, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 40. 43, 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57, 66, 79, 83, 85, 86, 89, 100, 103, 105, 108. Some of the branches ordered additional shirts from the sample they received. Many thanks to these branches for their participation in this project.
Thank you letters were sent out to secretaries who participated in the soccer shirt sale. Along with the letter was a form which I designed, requesting that the branches suggest women who could be included in the Immigrant Gallery of Women planned for the Museum.
I worked on a project in conjunction with Mary Icenhour #30, a retired nursing instructor, and the Slovenian Embassy, to possibly make arrangements for a group of Slovenian nursing students to visit America. The SWU could not finance this project so the visit did not materialize.
In October, the apartment in the SWU National office building was vacated and National Secretary, Evelyn Majercik and I co-ordinated the basic repairs which included heating-air conditioning, replacement of some windows and electrical outlets, brick work, along with the repair of the attic floor.
A heating and cooling contractor from out-of-state, was used to appraise all the bids secured by Jonita Ruth, to
select the best furnace and air conditioning contractor for the upstairs apartment. A rapport was also established with a reliable Joliet contractor to maintain the building on an “as call basis.”
Kathleen Emerson and I worked on the possibility of a Las Vegas trip from 5 major cities but the time selected had the highest rates so very little interest was shown by the members. Kathleen, who is president of Br. 105, along with branches officers and members, participated in a Detroit Slovenian Festival held July, 1996. The branch, headed by its enthusiastic president, sold $900 in Heritage Memorabilia during the three day Festival. Compliments to Kathleen and Br. #105!
Compliments are extended to Regional President, Bonnie Prokup, for the initiative she displayed planning the Illinois-Indiana Regional Convention. Bonnie displayed and sold heritage gift shop items to the delegates and members. Keep up the good work, Bonnie.
I made 350 chocolate rose lollipops for the Regional Convention of Minnesota and Illinois-Indiana along with the meeting of Branch 103 as a personal thank-you for their support of heritage projects. Sabina Bartol and Matilda Ausich of Branch 103 assisted in the wrapping of the chocolate roses.
The Heritage donations this year are itemized in the Heritage Financial Statement prepared by the National Secretary, Evelyn Majercik. We are very appreciative to all donors who sent memoriams or monetary gifts and encourage them to continue supporting the Heritage Fund and Museum because without the backing of donors we cannot accomplish the heritage goals. In each issue of ZARJA donors are acknowledged in the Heritage Heroes column.
Once again, the SWU commends and sends appreciation to branches who continue to sponsor heritage activities which include projects from concerts and grape-festivals to Slovenian suppers and exhibits. All branches are encouraged to continue their heritage activities so that local communities will be made aware of our ethnic nationality and that the third and fourth generation of American-Slovenians will be acquainted with their unique heritage. Encourage these young women to volunteer for heritage projects even if they haven’t participated in the past. It is through their involvement and participation that we will continue to keep our Slovenian heritage alive. God Bless your future Heritage endeavors.
Respectfully submitted,
Irene M. Odorizzi
WOMEN’S ACTIVITY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
This report covers activities from January, 1996 to February, 1997.
At the request of members at our 1995 convention, I gathered information from several sources for itineraries for a trip to Slovenia in honor of our 70th Anniversary. I selected an itinerary with T. Stefl Travel. He put together a 2-week trip to cover all the regions of Slovenia, plus Austria and Zagreb. All we needed were thirty (30) people to make it a go. Unfortunately, the interest did not materialize and the trip was ultimately cancelled.
I started a column, Kathleen’s Konnection, with the intention of using it to promote activity. I asked for suggestions, shared what information I did receive, and eventually put that on hold for what appears to be lack of interest.
I discussed arranging a trip to Las Vegas this year with our Heritage Director, Irene Odorizzi. Unfortunately, the price she was able to secure was not reasonable enough to secure success. Further discussions will be held to determine different options to see if this could take place.
I promoted the Slovenian Women’s Unions of America at the first Michigan Slovene Polka Fest. Branch 105 rented a booth and sold over $900 of items from our Heritage Museum.
I promoted celebrating our 70th Anniversary in my column. My Branch celebrated by having a multi-cultural sausagefest in October. It was very successful and profitable and provided an opportunity for our members to wear their national ethnic costumes.
What plans have I made for the upcoming year? First, I would like to explore a trip to Las Vegas one more time. I was also approached about the possibility of coordinating a campaign nationally to procure enough money to assist in the restoration/replacement of the Bishop Baraga bust in the Slovenian Cultural Garden in Cleveland, Ohio. This would give our organization additional positive exposure. Based on the membership numbers, if every member donated $1.00, it would be enough to cover the job and then some.
As always, I am open to suggestions for activities that will keep us active and together, both locally and nationally. Unfortunately, my experiences to date make me wonder if it is truly possible; however, like the energizer bunny, I will keep going...going...and going.
Kathleen Emerson
EDITOR’S REPORT
Dear Members of the National Board:
After what seems to be a short time, we meet again to review the past year and make plans for the Slovenian Women’s Union in the year ahead. I am hopeful that we will find good team effort attainable and our endeavors successful.
The course taken by the organization at the last National Convention in 1995 is one that should be of far-reaching benefit to the membership - that is, adoption of the newly installed system of computer record-keeping. I know that our Secretary and the Committee is doing everything to make the business part of the SWU run smoothly and efficiently. It is to our advantage as a society that we have a system that is congruent with the times and on par with the intricate systems of the modern business world.
We have now come midway between National Conventions, and the time seems appropriate to also consider how well we are doing in our associations with members and branches. We have now come to the point, I think, where we must give more emphasis on making stronger and closer contacts with the subordinate branches where our members reside. The members speak to us in each and every issue of ZARJA - The Dawn, and they tell us many things. For one, they tell us that each member feels a primary need to stay in contact, no matter where or how far away she lives.
Keeping in touch is very important to her and she can do it by reading in ZARJA about her home town, and her friends and neighbors. Often, it’s the most real and actual form of letter-writing that a member does. In ZARJA, a member can share more than social news; if you read between the lines, you learn how proud she is of the achievements of her family, how well she and her sister-members are involved in their communities and churches. In each and every branch article we can get the feel for how each of the branches is doing and what activities they incorporate into their meetings. In other words, ZARJA is functioning as the heart of the organization and is a very important instrument that has a very important job, to keep that link open between us that is, at this time, almost impossible any other way.
The number one topic at every convention, every regional meeting and I daresay every branch meeting is how to get new members. There is a worry that the numbers are thinning out and new membership is waning. And, the branches don't know what to do to change the trend. Part of the reason for their concern is, in my opinion, that they feel they might be losing touch with each other, branch to branch, officer to officer, because things are not as they used to be when the officers made regular visits all over the country. I can see how much it means for a branch to welcome a national officer from personal experience. Our president, Jean came to the Illinois-Indiana regional meeting and by being there, coming in contact with the members and getting to know them and their concerns, she became an effective connecting link to the organization. I visited Washington, D.C., Norfolk, VA and Cleveland, OH this past year and at each place, was amazed to sec how the members needed to tell of their concerns to someone they felt might understand and be their representative. I’m old enough to remember how the SWU did their business in the old days, by personal contacts and members thinking of their officers as their sisters because they saw each other often and could express themselves face to face. I feel this is not only an essential part of society work, but possibly the only way we will be able to reinstill the kind of spirit that is lacking today, as we are attempting to increase membership. I know that we can name towns, cities and even states where no national officer has stepped before the members at a meeting or gathering of Slovenian Women’s Union in decades. And where we have had no visible contacts.
The need for new membership is the primary subject that the Board and the branches have had in the past several years; now comes the worry about the future of this organization and whether or not it has a future. And, next, what kind of future. These are all questions that are serious in nature and will require deep and serious thought, with research and study, and more important, with input from the membership.
That is another reason why I feel it is imperative that we find a way whereby it is feasible to institute visits to our branches by the national officers whose mission will be to fully represent the organization by speaking to the most prominent questions and conducting open discussions. In this way the Board will also be able to construct a plan for the future, incorporating the ideas and desires ol the membership in any future long-range plan.
I am proud of our organization and what is has achieved in its 70 years of existence. The past officers were hard working and dedicated women - as are the present officers today. Each one of us must remember that the wishes of the last convention were clear and that high expectations were made of us. In just two more years the membership representatives will again assemble to hear that all the promises made in San Francisco were kept and that this Board has new incentives that will bring us to the new century.
ZARJA - THE DAWN REPORT
ZARJA has been published in an orderly and efficient manner in the year 1996. There were seven issues printed and the order was interrupted only once, with the cancellation of the November, 1996 issue. The costs were kept to the former rates with no increases.
On the demand of the postal service, the mailing method, particularly the addressing system, for our publication is being modernized and by the end of this year each mailing address will incorporate the nine digit zipcode. In the immediate future we can expect to have some additional cost involved in setting up the actual addressing process. Since ZARJA printing and mailing is done at the Croatian Franciscan Press in Chicago and they have the capability of taking on the new sys;tem, they have graciously consented to take care of these new requirements for us at nominal cost. We do not have any information on postal increases per mailing contemplated in the near future by the post office.
May I urge again, that all changes of address be sent to me by members, or secretaries, as concisely and as early as possible to eliminate extra costs incurred for unknown or undeliverable mail.
I wish to thank our members for the material sent to my office for publication. The reporters are the voice of their branches and diligently cooperate with the deadlines and other editorial requirements. I am truly proud and happy to work with such a wonderful group of writers.
We must also recognize what a treasure these many writers are to the organization. Comments are nice to hear
-	especially when they come from other fraternal and newsletter editors - praising the fact that the SWU has so many regular reporters. So, to each and everyone, I extend my salute and thanks.
The Board has always given great support to the editor in the choice of what material should be printed besides branch reports. The goal of the SWU being the heritage and culture of our membership, it is a very easy choice to make as we have a wonderful and prolific contributor in our Director, Irene Odorizzi. Her stories, suggestions, commentary, are all right on target to our goal and she has shown dedication and devotion to this work above and beyond the call of duty. With her professionalism and deep interest in the subject, Irene has given us what would be the equivalent of books and books describing the heritage that is our proud legacy and instructions on how to find that legacy in our own lives by tracing our genealogy.
Another note of gratitude to Irene for her contributions on the SWU Branch histories. This has been an immense amount of work and a never-ending struggle to keep lacts straight and everyone happy. I commend you tor it, Irene.
To our president, secretary and other officers, to the new food columnist and those who have sent in many, many interesting and appropriate articles, my deepest thanks and I urge you to continue. I would like every officer to know that your contributions are most welcome and as always, are given my full attention.
Since last year I have been free from the bookkeeping duties of the Publishers Fund and I thank Evelyn Majercik, our National Secretary, for taking care of this fund. I also thank the members for donations and memorial contributions to the fund. The need for advertisers is evident and the desireability for more donations is obvious. I urge all the branches and members to consider both of these ways to increase funding for ZARJA. Sometimes we “take for granted” the very thing that we like and need the most -and I’m afraid our attitude about ZARJA comes under this over-used expression. Donations from the branches are needed and most assuredly warmly accepted.
In 1996 we passed the 7()th Annversary of Slovenian Women’s Union and the 68th year of ZARJA. These auspicious anniversaries are more than just numbers to repeat... they symbolize a great amount of love, caring, work, loyalty, energy, thought and sacrifice... by many people. What an accomplishment by the Slovenian Women in America!
Corinne Leskovar
REGIONAL PRESIDENT’S REPORTS WISCONSIN
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a successful Board Meeting and a very Happy Easter.
Our Branches in Wisconsin have been busy as usual. There have been Masses for the living and deceased members, Mother of the Year celebrations, visits to Nursing Homes, Bake Sales, Christmas Parties, Valentine Parties and Branch 12 had a fund raiser last year.
Branch 102 in Willard also has a Strudel Day, a Hunters’ Bake Sale and in the Spring they have a Plant Sale. In July they usually have a Potluck with music and singing and visiting. Most of our Branches play their favorite game after their meetings are over.
Branch 1 in Sheboygan had the State Convention on September 8, 1996 and also celebrated their 70th Anniversary. It was a beautiful Convention and Anniversary.
It was voted on at the Convention that there be a State Convention every other year. The majority ruled so Branch 12 will host the Convention in 1998.
At this time I would like to congratulate Evelyn Majercik on the Direct Billing. It is great that the Branch Secretary does not have to send out the bills. Here in Wisconsin everyone is happy with the billing.
A question that has been asked of me is when the Branches are going to receive a computerized list of their members as they do not know if some are dropped or not. I am sure all of the Branches would appreciate such a list.
Good luck again with your Board Meeting.
Sincerely,
Joan Yaklich
MINNESOTA
Another year has passed so quickly and it is hard to believe that I am heading into my third year as Minnesota Regional President. Looking back over the last year, I feel that our Minnesota branches are doing quite well. We had a very successful Convention in September. A few of our branches are maintaining a steady membership, and several have increased their ranks by enrolling new members. Minnesota has nine branches which are very much alive and active!
In the spring we have a luncheon for the Minn, branch presidents and any other members who would like to attend. At that time, we hear of any of the problems that the branches might be having. We also hear about the activities or events that are being planned for the coming year. Along with our Convention, it is an excellent way for our branches to keep in contact with each other.
At our luncheon meeting last May we made plans for our celebration of the Slovenian Women’s Union 70th Anniversary. We planned to have a gathering for all members at Ironworld Discovery Center in conjunction with All-Slav Days. Unfortunately, the participation was not as great as we had hoped it would be. However, the celebration did provide a good exposure for the SWU, when during a brief program, most of the people gathered for the music and festivities were introduced to our two National Officers, Jean Korsman and Beverly Menart. They were also given a brief history and insight into our organization.
President, Jean Korsman and I attended the Ely Mother of the Year Banquet which was held in their brand new Holiday Inn. I also was able to attend a branch meeting and dime auction in Aurora. Invitations were also extended to me from Tower-Soudan and Duluth, but because of prior commitments or bad road conditions, I was unable to attend. I thank you all for the invitations and your kindness to me during the past year.
I feel that our Slovenian Women’s Union is heading in the right direction and the National Officers are doing a great job. I do have a couple of suggestions that I would like to make at this time. To the local branches, please get all changes of officers and any other pertinent information in to the National Secretary as soon as possible. To the National Secretary or Home Office, it is important that each branch is sent a print-out of their insured and social members as soon as one is available. Since branch secretaries no longer collect dues, they have no way of knowing who the active members are. In my home branch (Chisholm) we have a calling committee that contacts members for upcoming functions. Without an up-dated listing it is impossible to contact all the members. I am sure the other branches have the same problem.
I send you all greetings from our wonderful (snowy) state of Minnesota and am looking forward to another year of progress for the Slovenian Women’s Union
Charlotte Launch
SUPPORT YOUR ORGANIZATION
SUPPORT YOUR HERITAGE FUND
NEW MEMBERS OF SWU - 1997
Branch No.	I
Branch No.	2
Branch	No.	10
Branch	No.	14
Branch	No.	20
Mary Ann Schellinger Barbara Hengst
Geraldine Kramer Dolores M. Boychuk Kimberly Stanczak (J) Emily F. Stanczyk (J) Jessica Ann Hozzian (J) Melissa Shachtcr Kathleen Cox Marija R. Rigler
Valerie Cekeda Maria Draginc
Frances K. Marn Emilio Luis Trevino (J)
Branch No. 24
Melanie Glavan Geraldine Mahalik Theresa Rousonelos Katherine A. Holden Cory Kathleen Holden (J) Kristine L. Agnich Romaine Possedi Luke F. Brockman Grace A. Doerk Mathew L. Brockman (J) Mary C. Brockman John M. Brockman (J) Karen M. Tyrell Billie K. Chaplin
Marilyn L. Ciesielski Mary Mecum Linda M. Struna Patricia L. Weilman (J) Mary Jean Weihman
Branch No. 30 - Carolyn Nemanich Kathleen M. Karpen Jill J. Johnson Marlene Bechtel Debra A. Briggs Marlene Dammann Anne J. Williams Patricia Ann Wunder Thomas H. Sarc
Branch No. 32 - Sandra Farrell
Branch No. 33 - MarkT. Foldesi (J)
Jacob W. Špehar (J) Zachary M. Spehar(J) Erin Hart (J)
Robert J. Wheeler Magdaline W. Klun Linda M. LaFrance Patricia A. Reini
Branch No. 35 -
Branch No. 38 Branch No. 39 — Betty Lori
Jacqueline Shuster Gail E. Milton
Continued on back inside cover.
flCTIUITIES
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Thurs. St. Stephen’s lower hall
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
July 4, 1776 -May Old Glory Ely Forever!
At our May meeting, we honored Irma Pasderetz as our Mother of the Year! It was nice to see the Sisters from Lemont who taught her at St. Stephen’s, also Father Vendelin who recuperated enough to come and provide the music for the beautiful Slovene songs. We all had an enjoyable time. Each person was given a white flower to take home and plant to remember the day. Thanks to all for your help.
Dolores Puhek has been visiting some of our members who are unable to attend the meetings by phone or in person - Mary Koziol, Katie Srabar-nek, Johana Oblak and Angie Blatnik. They all send greetings to us and wish they could attend.
Rosaries were said for our sick: Jean Hrastar, Father Blase, Helen Storcz, Bernadine Storcz, Frances Schultz, Paula Arko, Chris Podder and Chris Pirman. Please remember them in your prayers.
Donations were given to the following: In honor of our 70th Anniversary $1,000.00 was sent to Mary Turvey, SWU Scholarship Fund, for one scholarship. $100.00 was sent to Irene Odorizzi, Director, for the Heritage soccer T-shirt. $250.00 was sent to Corinne Leskovar, Editor for the ZARJA printing fund and $500.00 was given to St. Stephen Church.
We were sorry to read Br. 13’s article in ZARJA by Beverly Jackson regarding Michelle Twers and Josephine Aiuto, both had major operations. We will remember them in our prayers; we all remember how much fun we had at the S.F. Convention, and how friendly they both were to all of us. Hope to see them at the Vegas Get-together in October.
ZVEZA DAY PICNIC will be Sunday, July 20. 1997 ... will be looking
forward in seeing lots of our members, also hope our out-of-town branches will be able to attend. It will be an opportunity to renew acquaintances, enjoy the outdoors at St. Mary’s, also see the beautiful Slovenian Cultural Center. Picnic on the grounds after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Lunch will be served on the hill, lots of games of chance, also music will be provided by the Heritage Ensemble. Each member has been sent a raffle book; the money from this will be used to help in S.W.U. projects.
A beautiful trip has been planned to Slovenija in September, many members of S.W.U. will be attending. If you need more info, contact Corinne Leskovar.
Please bring your favorite recipe to the meeting. They will be sent to our Food Editor, Marion Juricic Bowers.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy summer.
Love,	DAISY
NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO Meeting: 1st Tues. St. Mary’s church hall
May was a month full of activities. Our last meeting on May 6, was held as our Mothers’ Day Luncheon at Patti’s Restaurant. Agnes Glavich was honored as “Mother of the Year." Once again, Eileen Kaplan and Margaret Cullen, who were the hostesses, are to be commended for hosting such a beautiful party. It was enjoyed by all.
May Crowning was held the 3rd of May. It was an honor to have Mary Kay Chrisman, daughter of Kathy and Martin Chrisman and Bernice and Rudy Krašovec, Sr., crown the Blessed Mother in thanksgiving for her successful surgery. The ceremony was very touching as Mary Kay did the crowning assisted by her entire family.
The mothers of St. Mary’s Church were treated to a beautiful breakfast Mothers’ Day by the men of the Holy Name Society.
On Saturday, the 24th of May, St. Mary’s celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Brezje—Mary Help of Christians—and our patroness. Rich Eurich lead the Prešeren Glee Club in approp-
riate Slovenian hymns celebrating the Sunday Liturgy in anticipation, and honoring our patroness. Following the mass there was a reception in the parish hall featuring Slovenian food.
The eve before. May 23, a Candle Lighting service was held. Following the Candle Lighting in church, the congregation proceeded to the Prayer Garden with small candles for the Rosary.
Congratulations are in order for Matthew Slaten, son of Diane and Charles Slaten and grandson of Agnes and Matthew Glavich, who was picked as an outstanding junior from Central High School and honored by local Masons at the Scottish Rite Center.
Also worthy of mention and congratulations is Kathleen Kochevar, daughter of Katherine and Edward Kochevar, who was awarded a fellowship by the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency.
She participated in the 1997 program of summer seminars for school teachers, a five week program at the University of North Carolina in Ashville, S.C. Teachers selected to participate received a stipend of $2,825 to cover travel, study and living expenses. Kathleen teaches in the KEEP program at the Keating Education Center.
Anniversary congratulations are in order for John and Marge Bergles and John and Erma Drobnitch who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries.
Mamie Pugel was honored as a volunteer in the Foster Grandparent Program of SRDA—She is to be commended for her volunteerism and is a dear lady with many talents.
Mary Miklich was honored at a party of relatives and friends on her 100th birthday at the University Park Care Center. She is a member of the Slovenian Women’s Union No. 3 and was a very active member years ago.
We extend our condolences to the families of Anthony Hribernik, Betty Perko and Alfred Masciotra.
Get well wishes go out to all who are ill or homebound and, as always, they are remembered in our prayers as well as those in nursing homes.
Have a good summer!
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 5, INDIANAPOLIS, IN Meeting: 1st Thurs. SND, from May to Dec.
Branch 5 recently lost Joanna Sekula, a dear, sweet member. Joanna was a very active 55-year member of our branch. She will be missed. Our sympathy is with her family.
We also would like to send our condolences to Josephine Mivec, who lost her husband, Frank. Josephine, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our May luncheon and meeting was a great success. I think everyone had a good time. We honored our Member of the Year, Alma Sekermestrovich. Congratulations to Alma on being honored and having an all round lucky day. Thanks to all who participated in the games.
Again, Branch 5 will have a Communion Breakfast to be held in October, 1997. The exact date has not been set. 1 know this disappoints those of you who mark your calendars right away, as I request. We will let you know in the next newsletter the date.
Member News: Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Jennie Bastin, who celebrated her 80th birthday.
Did everyone see the article in The Hendricks County Flyer about Mary McCraken, a long time member, and her twin sister, Louise Zore? The article was written just before Mother’s Day. It was wonderful.
Congratulations to Phyllis and Steve Fon on the birth of their new baby son, Stephen Joseph Fon, Jr. Stephen was bom April 11th at 11:46 p.m. He is the new brother of branch members, Katie, Betsy, Sarah and Anna Fon. He is also the grandson of Mary “Tashi” Fon, also a member of Branch 5.
Now it is time to close, thanks for your member news. Please keep it coming. We love to hear from you all. Until next time,
Love from Texas,
BARBARA MOHR
NO. 6, BARBERTON, OH Meeting: 1st Sun. Slovene Center
Hope everyone’s summer is great! July and August should roll right by! Happy 4th!
Lost another member, a dear friend, Mary Frances Kovacic. She was bom 5-28-09 and died 4-27-97. My deepest
sympathy goes to her family. We will miss her.
We miss her when we need a friend On her we always could depend In sickness she cheered us and soothed our pain.
God grant some day we' 11 meet again. The years may wipe out many things But this they'll wipe out never.
The memory of those happy times That we have spent together. Birthdays for July: Christine Stopar, 7-27; Mary Poje, 7-22; Mary Doughtery (Gruden), 7-31.
Thanks to all for dues collected by May. Thanks, again.
Hope Louise Ujcic is doing okay at Doylestown Nursing Center. Anyone wanting to visit her, I’m sure she would love the company.
Enjoy the rest of the summer.
LINDA LAMBRIGHT
LAS VEGAS TRIP! enjoy a reunion planned for S.W.U. Members!
NO. 10, Cleveland, OH Meeting: 4th Wed. 1 p.m. SND Holmes Ave.
On May 28th our members and guests met at Cortina’s II Restaurant -there were 18 members among them. Our meeting was held on March 26th. Pres. Steffie Segulin led the prayers for the sick and deceased members. Business meeting then was taken care of -discussion on plans to honor the Mother of the Year and it was decided to honor all members. It was nice to see Joyce LeNassi attend our meeting.
On our sick list we have Mary Petrich who had surgery and Helen Suhy. Our prayers for you. Mary Pologar is recovering from an accident. Mary Jevnikar is ill. Get well soon.
Our condolences to the following families of our departed, Rose Kovacic, Katherine Gregorinich who was 94 years old, Mary Habit, 92 years old and Paula Adamic; to Fay Moro and Joyce LeNassi on the loss of their brother, Frank.
Our news may be old but due to a fall just before Thanksgiving when I fractured my right hand and had a cast put on, I was unable to write, though I did most of my work. I am so sorry that we had no article in ZARJA.
Our next meeting will be held on Wed. Sept. 24th at 1 p.m. at the Col-linwood Slovenian Home. Please try to attend and get to meet the members and keep our branch active.
ANN STEFANČIČ
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 3rd Thurs. St. Peter’s Church Hall except July & Aug.
No meeting but we honored our Woman of the Year, Julia Schneck. Julia was beaming and with her brother and two nieces, she was very happy. We served a wonderful lunch with plenty of fresh fruit. Evelyn Laurich again made the cake for Julia and we all had some, along with all the other special delights. She was presented a corsage and money from our branch and gifts from personal friends. As Julia attends all the meetings we wish her good health and happiness. Thank you to all who helped prepare, serve and clean up. Thank you again. You made my job easy and pleasant.
Mary Skusek celebrated a special birthday May 5th. She is having health problems, but we wish her the best. Tootsie also was in the hospital, so the best to you. Bernice Blazek is back with us and first thing she heads for is the kitchen! “What can I do?” was her question. Glad your problems are solved, Bernice, and thank you!
I received a beautiful card from LaVerne Korpnick with a note and $20 donation which I gave to the secretary and LaVeme said her mother was a big contributor to the branch in years past, so she wishes to continue! LaVeme has some problems which prevent her from coming to meetings, but she enjoys our ZARJA. We will use her gift for a treat according to her wishes. Thank you for your generosity, LaVeme.
Some of us have received our dues notices these past few weeks. 1 hope everyone has received theirs by now. Our secretary, Theresa Fedran has sure had a lot of correspondence to straighten things out and the postage is terrific. Thanks, Theresa, for your patience.
In June we held our picnic and in July and August there are no meetings. Have a happy summer and don’t forget us at the Sept. meeting. Get well wishes to all!
MARY KIEL
PLAN TO RESTORE BARAGA STATUE
At a recent meeting of your Board of Directors, the restoration of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens was brought up by Kathleen Emerson. The gardens have fallen into disrepair over the past years, and a committee of Clevelanders was formed to restore the cultural gardens to their former beauty.
The Slovenian section of the garden was badly damaged through the years and the bust of Bishop Frederic Baraga was destroyed. Discussion with the Committee for the restoration of the Slovenian garden revealed that it will cost approximately $3,000 to replace the bust of Bishop Baraga.
In view of the fact that Bishop Baraga is very dear to the Slovenian Women’s Union, it was decided that we would make the effort to raise the funds necessary to have the statue replaced. This will be a nation-wide effort which must involve all of our branches, as well as individual members.
A plaque will be placed on the foot of the bust of Bishop Baraga stating that it was donated by the members
A brief biography of Bishop and Sainthood Candidate
BISHOP FREDERIC BARAGA
Devotional works composed by Bishop Frederic Baraga (1797-1868), apostle of the Chippewas, are still used in the Indian missions. Two of his books, the Theoretical and Practical Grammar of the Otchipwe Language and his Dictionary of the Otch-ipwe Language, are standard works for all Chippewa scholars.
Bom near Dobernič, Slovenia, Frederic Baraga received a law degree from the University of Vienna in 1821, but determined to enter the priesthood. He was ordained September 21, 1823, and served parishes in his native land for seven years. After the founding in Vienna of the Leopol-dine Society for foreign missions, he volunteered for service in the U.S., declaring in his letter that he spoke German, Illyrian, French, Latin, Italian, and English. He arrived at Cincinnati early in 1831 and began to study the Ottawa tongue.
In May of the same year, he was sent to the Ottawa village of Arbre Croce, now Harbor Springs, Michigan, where he baptized many converts. He traveled widely through the territory and in 1833 founded a mission on the site of the present Grand Rapids, Michigan, but incurred the enmity of tradesmen for his scathing denunciation of the liquor traffic they carried on with the tribesmen. He was transferred, and on July 27, 1835, he arrived in LaPointe, the American Fur Company’s station on Madelin Island opposite Bayfield, Wisconsin on the far shores of Lake Superior. He built a church here in 1837 for the Indians, retired French Canadian voyageurs and half-breeds, after a trip to Europe to obtain funds.
During the long winters he devoted himself to the study of the Chippewa language, the universal dialect of the North-
of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America.
We urge all Branches to get behind this effort. Much work already has been done to renovate our portion of the Cleveland Cultural Garden and our officers feel that this is certainly a worthy cause.
Donations may be sent to Patricia Adamic, 11381 Briarcliff, Warren, MI 48093.
Results of this fund raising drive will be published in the ZARJA. Also, the Cleveland Committee for the restoration of the Slovenian Garden will be publishing newspaper articles which will detail our efforts to replace the statue of Bishop Baraga.
At this time, the Committee is negotiating with Slovenia to have a well known Slovenian sculptor make the bust. We will keep your Branch informed of our progress. Let’s get behind this effort to bring recognition to the Slovenian Women’s Union and honor Bishop Baraga.
Kathleen M. Emerson Director of Women’s Activities
Baraga bust as it looked at Cultural Gardens of 1935. Baraga bust as it looked at cultural gardens of 1935.
This picture, adapted by Leo Canavan, art editor, shows Bishop Baraga as he appeared shortly before his death.
west. His long and difficult missionary journeys by canoe in summer and snowshoe in winter took him to Grand Portage, Fond du Lac, and L’Anse, now the seat of Baraga County, Michigan. At this latter place he began a mission in 1843 and set up his residence here, where he taught the Indian converts to build log houses and to live in a civilized manner. He also made friends with the miners who were flocking to the newly discovered copper deposits in the northern peninsula.
On November 1, 1853, he was consecrated Bishop of the new Vicariate Apostolic of Upper Michigan, with his residence at Sault Ste. Marie, but he still visited his former missions on Lake Superior. In 1857, the vicariate became the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette. He moved from Sault Ste. Marie to Marquette in 1866 and erected a cathedral in his new see city. This became his final resting place two and one-half years later. In 1931 petitions were introduced urging that the beatification cause of Bishop Baraga be opened.	Register,	September	7, 1952
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Meeting: 1st Thurs. Slovenian Hall on Mariposa St.
1 am now in my new little cottage and 1 absolutely love it! But, still I have many unpacked boxes and my typewriter is in one! If anyone has news for ZARJA, please call me at (415) 631-1098.
We celebrated our wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch and it was a beautiful day. We had about 25 people present. A few very brave husbands and everyone had a delightful time. Josephine works very hard getting the day together, starting with Mass, so she can pat herself on the back! Success!
We have several members on the sick list or unable to get out. We send all our thoughts and prayers. I recently went to see member and dear friend, Mary Wraa. I told her how much we all miss her lovely smile and I got a beautiful smile in return! She’s at St. Francis Convalescent Home in Daly City.
We also miss Agnes Lovrin who can’t make meetings but surely is remembered. Also, hello to Rose Skoff who does join us occasionally at 98 years young!
President Josephine recently had a trip to New Orleans arranged by daughter Michele and several members went. Agnes Leach, Eleanor and Judy Hnilo, Virginia and Rudy Sustarich, Doreen Sustarich, Michele and Dennis Twers and Jo Aiuto had a fabulous time. All one heard about it is raves and how they enjoyed it.
Louise Petrusich will be attending the graduation of grandson. Brad Shaffer from St. Mary’s elementary school in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
We do appreciate the loyal members who get to our meetings. It’s hard because our legs just aren’t as young as they used to be. It’s good to sec Anna Fabian and Dorothy Zaharin. In June we planned our “Hello to Summer” luncheon and we won’t meet in July and August.
And, remember, from one who truly believes in Angels...
Angels may not always come when you call them, but when you need them. If you seek an angel with an open heart, you shall always find one.
See you in September...
BEVERLY JACKSON
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 1st Tues. except July, Aug., Jan. & Feb. SSH Recher Ave.
It was a sunny and bright day on May 6 when we celebrated with our Mother of the Year, Vickie Lindic and her family of forty-four persons who also attended. As we entered the Slovenian Society Home we were greeted with a bower of pastel-colored spring flowers and on the lovely decorated tables were centerpieces of handcrafted baskets with gay bouquets of tulips and daffodils.
Seated at the head table were Vickie’s immediate family: Daughter Judy Agresta and husband, Tony, her son, James Lindic and friend, Jerri, granddaughter Amy Lindic, and grandson Brian Miller with girlfriend, Lindsay Simone. Nearby were sisters, Mary Gerl, Albina Tichar, Josephine Stupica, Margaret Alexander, Florence Fortuna and husband, Jack, and well-known vocalist brother, Paul Yanchar with wife, Paula, plus a host of nieces and nephews.
As festivities began with dinner Paul Yanchar led us in saying grace. Following a delicious home-style meal Paul emceed a short program with introduction of the main table. Daughter, Judy then thanked everyone for the nomination as Mother of the Year bestowed on her mom and read a loving “Tribute to Mother.” Niece, Caroline thanked Vickie for always being there for her. Kelly Gerl, a niece and granddaughter of Mary Gerl, who is a basketball coach from Texas, tearfully thanked Vickie for sharing our Slovenian heritage with the family. Nephew, Eddie Alexander expressed love and appreciation to Vickie from everyone at this happy event along with granddaughter, Amy. President, Marty Koren, presented Vickie with a gift certificate from our members as niece, Kathy tearfully recited a tribute to all mothers. Paul then led the musically talented family along with members as we sang “I Love You Truly" to Vickie. It certainly was a touching and emotional event for a deserving lady!
There are many folks to be thanked for their help in making this evening special. Bob Varney, plus Esther Pod-boy and Ethel Yanchar were Hying throughout the hall selling tickets for
our drawing. Thanks to all the ladies who brought gifts and a special thanks to Mary Sintic who crocheted the beautiful afghan and to Mary and husband, Al, with assistance from Anne Miller, who together made the lovely table centerpieces. (So nice to see you again, Anne!) The beautifully beaded dolls and items were hand-crafted by Jackie and Tini Ulle. Thanks to Mary, Jackie, Anne and all who transformed the hall into a cheerful, spring garden. To Ed Koren who always fills in as our trusty bartender. To Vice Pres. Vera Bajec for handling reservations and to Vera and Jennie Fitzthum checking us in at the door.
It was a delight to see Mary Stra/.isar at our event. Mary, past President and one of our oldest members, had dedicated many of her years to our members, is now residing at Gateway Manor.
Congratulations to Secretary, Diane Varney, a new grandmother, as daughter, Laurie Trevino and husband, Larry, welcomed baby boy, Emilio Luis, also making Jennie Fitzthum a great-grandmother. God bless you all! By the way, good luck to Jennie’s grandson, Matthew and wife, Peggy Fitzthum, who have moved to Indianapolis to open a new funeral home.
Our Family Picnic outing will once again be held on a Tuesday during the month of August at Marty Koren’s home. But the exact date has not been firmed up as yet, so keep in touch with Marty and Vera for exact details.
No meetings will beheld during the hot summer months of July and August but we hope to see all of you at our meeting on Tuesday, September 2 at 6:00 p.m.
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Saturday 1 p.m. Monthly except Jan.-July-Aug. St. George’s Hall
Greetings!
Is it summer yet? Right now we are patiently waiting for a warmer spring; it really has been a cold one till now. But, the trees, (lowers and grass are all in beautiful color and lookin’ good.
Our Mother’s Day celebration at Gaddini’s was fun and really enjoyed by about 25 members.
Thanks to our hard working Presi-
dent Edna Winters. With help from Gladys, Sylvia and Vida everything went smoothly. We all enjoyed a sing-a-long led by Helen Battista, Gladys Buck and Dotsi Rossi - if 1 missed anyone mea culpa! Vida supplied some Slovenian music tapes which we all enjoyed. We also had a free raffle -everyone won!
It was especially enjoyable to welcome Dolores O'Brien and Tončka Krese. Andrea Krai also joined us at our table. So happy you all came!
Our one and only 50-year member is Bernice Jarkovich. Congratulations to you, Bernice!
More congratulations to Erin Whalen, granddaughter of our Mary Rago, who graduated from Northern Illinois.
Our best wishes to all graduates from Pre-K to the University level.
Congratulations to Vicky Putzell who was crowned as “Mother of the Year” at St. George’s Church. Vicky was honored by the Christian Mothers.
Congratulations to grandma Beverly Matushek on the birth of Olivia Made-lyn, born on May 9th.
Congratulations also to my daughter, Sister Lois, who was installed in the Hall of Fame at the St. Francis de Sales High School - a well deserved honor.
1 won’t say more because 1 might embarrass her - she does read my column. My only regret is that I could not attend the ceremony.
Belated birthday wishes to Gladys, Vida, and Clara - golly, you girls keep adding them on and looking younger. If I missed someone please accept my apologies. Happy wishes to July and August celebrants.
We had word that Olga Castiglia had a heart attack. Our prayers are with you, Olga.
Helen Milanovich entertained her girls from Longwood, Florida. Her daughter-in-law, granddaughter and great granddaughter enjoyed her hospitality.
Our condolences to the Grunhard and Starcevich families on the death of Jack Grunhard. Jack was the husband of Elsie, son-in-law of Elsie Starcevich and brother-in-law of Mary Ann Starcevich. May he rest in peace.
Our sympathies to Barbara Maggio and Josephine Hutchinson on the loss of their father, John Maggio. We remember him in our prayers.
We lost a long time member this week - Virginia Komlanc passed away
on June 1. A number of our members met at the funeral chapel for prayers. May all of our friends find peace in their heavenly home.
My dear friends - He gave me some more time; since the last issue (May-June) I had a respiratory failure and was on a respirator for five days. Thanks again for your prayers, masses, cards, calls, visits and flowers. Gratefully yours,
MARGE PREBIL P.S. - Call me with news or just to say hello. (773) 646-0705.
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL Meeting: 3rd Tues. St. Joe’s Park Hall except June to Sept.
Spring time greetings to you all! I have lots of congratulations this time. Congratulations to: The Demick family on the birth of Emily Kay, Kristine Cepon graduated nursing college May I and she will be working at St. Luke’s in Chicago. Zachary Pucel, Junior at Minooka High School, inducted into the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society also Who’s Who in America High School Students. Nicholas Pucel, Freshman at Minooka High, member of the Minooka High band, performed in the school musical “Hello Dolly”. They are the grandsons of Mildred Pucel.
50th Anniversary congratulations to: Marie and John Gulas - June 8. Len and Delores Suhadolc - May 3, and to Rob and Stephanie Kovacik - May 11. Congratulations to Senior Woman of the Year Betty Kolence who is an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society, Rosarian Club and a dedicated Bingo worker for St. Joe’s PTO. She is active in many other organizations too numerous to mention. A very busy and dedicated lady.
John Konopek, President of St. Joseph Seniors was inducted into the 1997 Hall of Fame Honoree for the Senior Service Center May 1, 1997. A lifelong member of St. Joseph parish, John was associated with St. Joe’s Boys baseball for 20 years as coach and manager and also served as Athletic Director for the Athletic Association and was one of the originators of the 300 Club. John started Bingo at the park 20 years ago and is still very active every Monday nite. He ushers at church on Sun-
days and is a member of other church groups. Have you any spare time, John? By the way, Rose, his wife, is very active, too. Many thanks to both of you for your dedication to St. Joe’s. We need more people like you.
Congratulations to Bertha Hofer, reelected President (Mayor) of Shore wood.
We can’t forget our two famous girl baseball players, Bernice Metesh who made a miraculous recovery last month due to the prayers of all her friends and relatives and Virginia Papesh; the two were former members of All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. They were interviewed on our local Radio Station WJOL about their past baseball extravaganzas.
Our Sunshine girl for SWU, Br. 20, Jonita Ruth was elected to St. Joseph’s Church Board.
Now folks, I have to tell you about another really great Polka band leader here in Joliet. His name is Ron Kramerich. His wife tells me he’s been playing the accordian since he was 15 years old. He also has another band called “Beats Working,” a country and rock band. He is a simply wonderful musician and Steve Juricic (Possedi) does the vocals. You can reach Ron at 725-2972.
Get well wishes to: Benny Papesh, Joan Egly, Elizabeth Delaney, Mary Ivanich and Marjean Franze.
Our diligent member, Lillian Cepon went to Slovenia to attend the funeral of her dear mother, Amalija Kaluža who died May 23rd. The family is from Dolenje pri Ilirski Bistrici where Lillian and her brother, Tony and his wife, Julia (our member) have often visited. This time, it was a sad visit, indeed. Our sincere condolences to the Cepon and Kaluza families.
Sympathy to the families of: Helen Plut and Joanna Furlane who passed on to the Lord and to Don Fischer on the death of his father. That’s all for now until September. Have a nice summer.
Your reporter, KATHY STON1CH *****
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See back cover for details.
1997-1998 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce this year’s winners:
Slovenian Women’s Union Award: Leslie Ferguson 1806 Root Street Crest Hill, Illinois 60435 Branch 20, Joliet, Illinois
Slovenian Women’s Union, Branch 2 Award: Nicole Mladic 5827 South Neenah Chicago, Illinois 60638 Branch 2, Chicago, Illinois
These biographies are brief but the S.W.U. Scholarship Committee spent a great deal of time reviewing all applications. Thank you to all of you many donors throughout the United States who make the SWU Scholarship Program possible. The committee members hope they made choices which are acceptable to you the “investors in the Slovene youth”.
Kathleen Dorchak	Irene	Odorizzi
Marge Church	Kathleen	Emerson
Mary Turvey, Director
LESLIE FERGUSON is the daughter of Dennis and Suzanne Ferguson and a member of Branch 20 for the past 10 years. Leslie plans to attend Benedictine Univesity and major in Biology. She ranked 15th out of 200 students at the Joliet Catholic Academy this year. Leslie’s school activities include being inducted into the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, and a member of the Liturgy Committee, helping to prepare for school Masses and as a Eucharistic Minister. Leslie also has been on the varsity track team for four years, winning five medals in the discus competition. Community service includes serving as a day camp counselor during the summer.
Leslie attends SWU functions and especially enjoys the Urape hestival where she can use her dance skills learned at a Slovenian dance class.
Since she was twelve years old, Leslie’s dream has been to become a podiatrist.
Frances Barman Award:
Megan Chrzanowski 2686 Deer Run
Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094 Branch 25, Cleveland, Ohio
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Send your donation to Mary Turvey, 52 Oakridge Dr. Marquette, MI 49855
SHARING MAY REAP GOOD RESULTS FOR YOUR BRANCH!
Here’s a suggestion that may have good results for your branch - at the same time help another group!
Have a member be your ZARJA CONTACT PERSON and share with you at every meeting what is new and interesting among other branches that she has read about in ZARJA.
Oftentimes there are nice hints, or reports on events, or even questions that someone may have an idea about!
You will also pick up on something you might have missed in your individual reading!
It could be “Sharing time” and prove to be quite interesting.
ZARJA Editor will be happy to refer any questions or answers to the right places, in case you want to make contact with another branch or member.
NICOLE MLADIC is the daughter of Robert and Patricia Mladic and a member of Branch 2 for 17 years. Nicole plans to attend Bradley University and major in communications. At St. Ignatius College Prep Nicole has been a member of the varsity dance team for four years, an involved member of Students Against Drunk Driving for three years and been on the Outdoor Ecology club for three years. She was elected by her peers to serve on the school’s executive board which oversees the school’s extensive community programs. Community work includes Toy, book, and coat drives, Hunger Week, Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s parties for underprivileged children. She served on planning committees for alcohol awareness sessions for sophomores, and Habitat for Humanity Days. Nicole went on a service project to Harlan, Kentucky for one week last summer, repairing roofs, and is now serving on the executive board of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, volunteering four days a week at various sites in her community.
Nicole remembers well the SWU Christmas parties in St. Stephen’s Church basement each winter, and hopes someday to travel to Slovenia.
Luckily for many needy, Nicole plans to major in communications, minor in Spanish, continue with community work, and get a job in which she can make contributions towards the improvement of society.
MEGAN CHRZANOWSKI is the daughter of M. Joseph and Lynne Telich Chrzanowski and has been a member of Branch 25 for 10 years. Megan plans to attend John Carroll University in it’s pre law program. She ranked second of 205 students in her high school graduating class at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, Chardon, Ohio.
Megan’s school activities include being a member of the National Honor Society, and has served on the school yearbook staff for the past three years. Community work includes planning a lesson and art project for four year old children at St. Noel’s parish, and serving as a camp counselor for grade school children during the summer. Megan has attended many Branch 25 Christmas meetings and also the Ohio-Michigan Convention held last fall, where she helped greet and serve guests.
Megan’s dream is to graduate from law school, marry and have a family.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND REPORT APRIL and MAY, 1997
Donor:	In Honorof	Amount
SWUBr. 2, Chicago, IL	their 70th Anniversary	$1,000.00
Bernice Krašovec	contribution from sale of “Legend of St. Nicolas”	40.00
Mr. & Mrs. William Zagar	In memory of Darlene Zagar	25.00
Gladys K. Buck	John T. O’Brien	10.00
Edna Winters	John T. O’Brien	10.00
Martha Guiiderson	Anna Rose Smolich	5.00
Adeline Mufetonen	Daisy S. Shutte	5.00
Adeline Mustonen	Frank Stupnik	5.00
Edward & Maria Kompare	Anna Kompare	100.00
AnnaL. Hodnik	Anna Rose Smolich	10.00
SWUBr. 32, Euclid, OH	Mary Zifko	10.00
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Shepel	Harold Griffin	5.00
Edna Winters	JackGrunhart	10.00
AnnaM.Orazem	Eli Gozdonovic	5.00
Frank & Fran Shepel	William Tushar	5.00
Margaret A. Prebil	John O’Brien	10.00
SWUBr. 23, Ely, MN	Margaret Shuster	5.00
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Shepel	Margaret Shuster	5.00
Margaret Deyak	Margaret Shuster	5.00
Pat Pogačnik Hagemeier	Frank & Agnes Pogačnik	25.00
SWUBr. 73, Warrensville.OH	Mary Pelc	10.00
Esther M.Garbincus	Margaret Jamnik	20.00
Vitko & Mary Staut	Anthony Suda, Sr.	10.00
Vitko & Mary Staut	Lee & Elmer Kuester	10.00
Vitko & Mary Staut	A1 Friedman	10.00
A very special thank you to all who support our scholarship fund both financially and verbally.
Jennifer Hrovat, another of our 1996-1997 scholarship winners has just completed her freshman year at Denison University, majoring in English. She has been named to the Dean’s list. Jennifer and her family have advised of their gratefulness of our award.
Please remember Marge Church, Auditor, and past interim Director of the Scholarship Program in your prayers. She is recovering from cardiac surgery. Marge is deeply dedicated to our SWU, and we need her back as soon as possible.
Mary Turvey, Director 52 Oakridge Drive, Marquette, Michigan 49855
NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL Meeting: 3rd Tues.
At members’ homes
It’s Independence Day, 1997! Didn’t your feet begin to move and your skin get goosebumps when the band struck up “The Stars and Stripes Forever”? Know that thjs stirring National March was heard for the first time a hundred years ago on May 14, 1897. The audience did not “let go” until the Marine Band, with John Philip Sousa conducting, played the march three times. Sousa, homesick for the USA, heard the melody in his head the while he was sailing from Europe and when he came ashore, he “set down the measure and not a note has ever changed”. (His autobiography, “Marching Along”). Certainly, our immigrant parents were proud to wave that Grand Old Flag!
No band serenaded us at our Mother of the Year luncheon on May 20 at LaVilletta but we enjoyed giving Barbara Rittmanic the recognition she deserves. With her dad and sister Katie present, it became an extra-special occasion! Congratulations, Barbara, and may God be with you all the days of your life!
In the weekly Herald was a story on William Ponikvar, son of the late Charles and Anna. His mother was a charter member of our branch. In October, 1994 (after 50 years!) Willie was surprised to receive a letter of commendation, certificate and medal from the Russian Government for his role in getting supplies to Russia in WW II. He worked for the Iranian State Railroad. His experiences and travel during his
27 months in the Army made him realize what a wonderful country we live in. In 1984 Will retired from the New York Central RR after 42 years and at age 74 he has retired again, this time as Village of Bradley trustee after
28 years! The Lustigs may be partial to Will, as we have known him for all his 74 years as neighbor and friend.
Airman Mark Clutter is home on furlough and is making the most of every moment. Coming from Hawaii, our unseasonably cold weather shocked him, according to his grandmother, Ann Richards.
Belated Happy Birthday wishes are due to Toni Legris and Mayme Drassler (88), observed in April and May, and in July through September there will be thicker frosting on the cake for Ann
Richards, Anne Kinder, Mollie McIntyre and Helen Sebastiani. To all, another year of blessings!
Las Vegas Nights (2) netted St. Joseph School $92,751.55 and its Library Fund is richer by $3,300 because Mayor Ken Hayes and wife Rose requested that their 50th wedding anniversary gifts be directed to the Fund. Nice, indeed!
When we meet again there may be frosting on the pumpkin. In the meantime, have a happy and safe summer!
EMMA LUSTIG
NO. 23, ELY, MN Meeting: 1st Monday St. Anthony’s Church Hall Sept. thru May
Mother of the Year, Sally Davidson, was honored with a dinner at Vertin’s on May 12th. Members enjoyed a delicious dinner. President Jane Yadlosky welcomed the members and introduced our National President, Jean Korsman and our State President, Charlotte Laurich. Past National President, Tory Bobence was also present. It was indeed an honor to have all of these ladies with us. Sally’s son, Tom, was present to see his mother being honored at this dinner. Music was provided by a trio consisting of Justine Carlson, Dan Erzar and Bonnie Starkman. Gloria Smuk and Marcy Zupec presented Sally with a parade of hats which depicted the numerous activities she has been involved in over the years. Ann Lunka was presented with a rose for her fifty years with the Slovenian Women’s Union. The usual Bingo was played after the program; and everyone agreed it was a very nice evening.
Submitted by,
MARCELLA ZUPEC, Reporter
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL Meeting: 3rd Thurs. Catholic School Library Apr.-May-June-Sept.-Oct.-Nov.
There were 14 members present at the April Meeting. Plans were completed for the May Dinner and tentative plans were made for the Picnic-potluck in June. There was discussion regarding the arrangemnets for the State Convention also. Barb Pohar and Helen Swietek were co-chairmen of the May
Dinner and Barb volunteered to host the Picnic-potluck at her home. Barb has a spacious back yard which adjoins Helen’s and it is a beautiful spot for a picnic. We asked Barb to become our permanent Hospitality committee for each meeting, so more people will get a turn at serving refreshments. Minnie Carter and Adele Gensler provided the refreshments for the April meeting which we all enjoyed.
There were 24 members and our Spiritual Advisor, Rev. John Onderko and Pastoral Assistant, Sr. Mary Jane Wallace, O.S.B. at our May Dinner at the Paramount Club. Barb and Helen had the tables attractively decorated with each place having a potted plant to take home and replant in our flower gardens. The large centerpiece geraniums were given as prizes. The first to Barb Krogulski who had the most children, (5), and the others to Mary Ann Brunner, Terese Kinczewski, Fannie Piletič, Rose Mary McLaughlin and Cathy Lenkaitis. Sister Mary Jane will be returning to the motherhouse in Nauvoo, IL where she will serve as secretary to the Prioress. During her four years with us she established the RCIA Program, improved the CCD program, served as Music Minister and Choir Director, helped out as Organist, Cantor, Eucharistic Minister or Lector as needed. She will truly be missed by Fr. John and the Resurrection Parishioners. We thank her for her years of service and for being such a good friend to all of us. We wish her well in her new duties. We thank Helen and Barb for the nice dinner party and Todd Witek, Paramount Chef, for the sumptious dinner.
This is the time of year for graduations and we have two young people we are very proud of. We congratulate William Nienaber, grandson of Theresa Wellner, who graduated first in his class at St. Bede Academy. Bill plans to attend Creighton University to study research science. Junior member, Julie Wangler graduated from La Salle-Peru Twp. High School and will attend Illinois Valley Community College. She will transfer to the adult division of SWU in August. We congratulate Mary Jean Weihman and husband Patrick, whose daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Shawn Flaherty recently presented them with a granddaughter, Norah Angela Flaherty of Aurora, IL.
Congratulations and best wishes are
in order for Father Bernard Horzen who professed Monastic vows at St. Bede Abbey 50 years ago on July 11, 1947. He teaches physics and chemistry at St. Bede Academy and is chairman of the science department. We are looking forward to his Golden Jubilee of Ordination to the priesthood next year. He was ordained on May 3, 1953.
Wanita Helmer attended our May Dinner on May 15, and a few hours later she was seriously injured in an automobile accident near Ottawa, IL. She was flown by helicopter to St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. She has multiple fractures and bruises and will require a lot of physical therapy in the future.
My husband, William Wangler had surgery at St. Francis Hospital on May 22, and my daughter, Marianne Schweickert and I were able to visit with Wanita before we returned to La Salle. Her attitude and good spirits amazed us. Wanita had been Branch Secretary for many years and is very well-known and highly respected in our Parish and Community. Remember her in your prayers. We pray that our prayers will be answered and it won’t be long before she will be able to attend our meetings and participate in our activities.
1 have several deaths to report and there has been much sadness in our Branch families. We extend our sincere sympathy to Florence Smorkol whose sister-in-law, Mary Prazen, passed away in April; also to Jo Grabowski, Helen Swietek, Jean Ficek, Mary Ann Brunner and Barb Pohar, whose aunt, Anne Alteri passed away in early May; also to Therese Kinczewski and Irene Mauser whose sister, Mary Rettko of Br. 85, DePue, passed away on May 27; and to Shirley Miller whose sister, Theresa Jensen, our member, passed away on May 29. We ask God to grant them Heavenly Peace and Rest. Our sympathy to all surviving family members.
A very happy birthday to the members celebrating their birthdays in July: Amy Schweickert, Julie Ann Weber, Junior member Barbara Jean Prokup, Anna Lushina, Mary Mecum, Anne Dresen, Debbie Dobryndia, Mildred Welch, Bonnie Prokup, Alvina Ann Strukel, Junior Member Melissa McLaughlin, Barb Krogulski and Audrey Prokuski, and to the August Birth-
day Celebrants: Junior Julie Wangler, Jane Sherman, Susan Collins, Dorothy Parola, and Barbara Pohar. May each of you enjoy your special day.
We don’t usually meet in July and August but we will call a special meeting in August to complete all our State Convention arrangements. Please watch the church bulletin and our local paper for an annoucement. Plan to attend and sign up to help us wherever you can.
ANNE M. WANGLER, Reporter
NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH Meetings: Every Second Sunday St. Vitus Social Room, 1:30 p.m.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
Don’t forget, August 15, Holy Day.
A short meeting was held before the festivities for Mother of the Year commenced.
Mother of the Year celebration ... was just that, a celebration for Marija Cugelj. Many friends and relatives were in attendance. As usual, Sterle’s Country House staff served as delicious repast. Our many thanks to Josie Perpar and Albina Pozelnik for their artistic work in supplying the beautiful table decorations.
Happy 80th birthday to a very faithful member, Fran Kotnik... she is always “Johnny on the spot” with the bingo articles. Here’s wishing you had a wonderful celebration. Čestitke!
Get well prayers to Jo Mohorčič, Josie Valenčič and all the members who are housebound.
April Meeting Notes
Our July picnic plans will be announced later.
Fran Gazvoda, our president, surprised us with a Black Forest cake for our sweet tooth. Thanks Fran.
We enjoyed our Bingo and socializing with our members.
I will leave you with this “Food for Thought":
Never deprive someone of hope, it might be all they have
Be good to yourself... Be patient. Be kind. Be forgiving. After all, you’re all you've got!
Till we meet again. Love thy neighbor!!!
EMILEE JENKO
NO. 28, CALUMET, MI Meetings: 3rd Thurs. every month St. Paul the Apostle Church Hall
Thirteen members got together for our May meting - went out to eat at Shawn’s Restaurant in Laurium - then everyone convened at the church hall to play bingo and had a wonderful evening.
Our lodge had a great loss in May. Our past President for over 50 years, Ann Heineman passed away. She would have been 96 years old on the Fourth of July.
She was a very good president and devoted member. She enjoyed making little mementos and giving them to the members for our Christmas parties as well as donating prizes for our monthly bingos at our meetings.
She will be greatly missed by hei two sisters, Kate Toth of Calumet and Margaret Bonovetz of New Mexico. They are also members of Br. 28. Also sadly missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Sadly missed by members of Br. 28.
Submitted by
MARY JAKOVICH Secretary
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. SSH Recher Ave.
At our April meeting plans were made to go to the Golden Corral in Eastlake to celebrate Mother’s Day on May 21 at 6 o’clock. We honored all of our members. Thank you to Dorothy Lamm for making the arrangements.
June 18th was planned for our picnic at our regular meeting place. We hoped for a large group of our members attending as it was to be our last meeting until September 17th.
On September 17th we will have a mass at St. Christine’s Church at 7 o’clock which we will honor all the living and deceased members. Meeting will follow mass at our usual meeting place.
Members, don’t forget about our Chinese Auction on October 15th. We will need a lot of help from our members. Please start to gather your gifts. Ann Cooke and Frances Ogoreuc will be happy to accept any donations for the auction. This is our only fund raiser
so let us make it very successful.
It is sad to report the passing of our member, Jennie Hiti on April 17th, at the age of 89 years old. She lived in Cleveland from 1958-1973. She retired from Mutual Metalsmith and went back to Nova Vas, Slovenia. A mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Michael’s fara in Slovenia on April 9th. A memorial Mass was held on April 24th at St. Felicitas Church in Euclid, Ohio. To the family and friends we send our deepest sympathy.
Sympathy to Anna Rossman and family in the loss of their nephew, Michael Corrigan at the age of 38 years old. He passed away on April 8th. Michael was in a wheel chair for over 20 years. May he rest in peace.
Anniversary celebrations: Charlotte and Rudy Perdan celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on April 15th; Ceal and Frank Znidar, their 45th on April 26th. Ceal and Howard McLean, their 44th on June 13th and Adrienne and Steve Jager, their 2nd on May 20th.
*	* *
On May 21st, we had our Mother’s Day dinner. It was well-attended by our members and a few guests. It was held at the Golden Corral. A large variety of food was enjoyed by all. Each lady also received a long-stemmed red carnation, compliments of Jim Slapnik Florist. The ladies were quite delighted to receive them. Thanks, Jim.
Dorothy Lamm and a group of ladies from Ohio went to Chicago for a PS W A conference and while at their dinner, saw Corinne Leskovar our ZARJA Editor. She took Dorothy and a few of the ladies to Lerhont to see the new Slovenski Dom. Dorothy couldn’t say enough describing the details of the Dom. Corinne, busy as ever, was looking great. A nice gesture indeed, to pick up the Ohio ladies and visit with them as well. Thanks, Corinne, for your kindness. (And, thanks to you for the nice words! C.)
Congratulations to great grandmother, Mary Tushar! She welcomed her 19th great grandchild, Kayleigh Valentine on Jan. 7th and on March 27th, her 20th, a baby girl, Abigail Susanne Twilling!
Dorothy and Bob Lamm’s daughter, our member, Denise Kneisly became president of the Ohio State Medical Alliance on May 17th. The theme of her project was “BE WISE, OHIO, UNPLUG THE VIOLENCE!” Dorothy
gave out book markers to the people who were at the Mother’s Day dinner with the theme of being more aware of violence in today’ world.
Our Secy.-Treas. Charlotte Perdan received her Master’s degree in business from Lake Erie College on May 4th. Nicole Smith, granddaughter of Helen and Frank Kovačevič, graduated from high school in Landenberg, Pa. on June 6th. She will be attending Temple University. Nicole wants to become an environmental lawyer. Scott Ogoreuc, grandson of Fran and Frank Ogoreuc and Alice and Elbert Minar-cik, a graduate from Bangor, PA high school will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY majoring in chemical engineering. Scott’s grandfather Minarcik graduated from there 60 years ago!
Our traveling lady, Josephine Gomik went to Slovenia in June for 16 days. We hope she had a good time on her trip.
On June 18th we had our picnic. More on that later. No meetings in July and August - but we will meet on Sept. 17th at 7 o’clock Mass at St. Christine’s for a commemorative mass for our members, living and dead.
Oct. 15th is the date for our Chinese Auction. Tickets are $4. May get tickets from the officers or members. Please start gathering your gifts for the auction.
Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all who are celebrating their special day in June, July and August. May you have good health and happiness always.
Have a safe Fourth of July! Enjoy the summer and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
FRANCES OGOREUC, ADRIENNE JAGER
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN Meeting: 1st Wed.
St. Elizabeth’s Church
It must be summer, because Alice Cacich’s garden is a sight to behold! I see it every day when I pick up my sons after work. Every day something new is in bloom.
Some of our members have been on the road again - Lucy Olaf to England and Sharon and Denise Bucar to Atlanta to Sharon’s sister’s wedding.
Chris Skull and Jenny Dutmer were married on April 19. Their grand-
mothers, Emily Skull and Jennie Fresl are 50 year members of Branch 33. Chris’s mother Susan Skull is also a member. We wish them a happy life together.
It seems it is also a time for anniversaries. Frank and Sharon Bucar celebrated their 25th anniversary, and Bill and Suntina Spehar celebrated their 50th Anniversary on June 28th. Our congratulations and best wishes to both families.
At this writing we are looking forward to the Bishop Baraga’s 200th Anniversary celebration at St. Elizabeth’s Church.
On May 14th, President Bev Menart, Doris Skull, Emily Skull and Sharon Bucar attended a luncheon meeting in Virginia, MN, conducted by MN Regional Pres. Charlotte Laurich.
Plans are finalized for the MN Regional Convention, that we are hosting on Sunday, Sept. 14. Many thanks to all the women who took on chairmanships and volunteered to work.
We would also like to thank our cutlery sales lady, Barb Sorvari. She really has been doing a great job. Keep up the good work! Barb is one of our newest members.
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mary Skender who went to her eternal rest June 7th.
Have a safe and fun summer.
LISA MCDONELL
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN Meeting: 3rd Wed., 1 p.m. St. Martin’s Church Hall Jan. to May; Sept. & Oct.
Our Mother of the Year Celebration signals to us the closing of another year of meetings in our local groups. With the lovely weather we are having right now, summer can’t get any better.
We honored Angeline Grahek on Wednesday, May 21st, and we were fortunate in having our National President, Jean Korsman, MN State President, Charlotte Laurich, and Immediate Past National President, Victoria Bo-bence, with us. We thank them for coming to share in our celebration. Other guests of the branch were Angeline and husband, Rudy, and Rudy’s children, Margie Johnson and husband, Randy, and Michael Grahek and wife, Beth. The children presented a floral arrangement for the head table. Angie was presented with a corsage and
PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION:
In the May-June, 1997 issue of ZARJA, in the article announcing the celebration of Baraga Days in Duluth, Minnesota in observance of the Baraga Bicentennial of his birth, Fr. Patrick J. Moran, J.C.L., M.C.L. was mistakenly given the title. Diocesan Activist. Instead it should have read. Diocesan Archivist. As Fr. Moran points out, he should not be categorized in anyone’s mind as a political activist, which is the terminology someone could have read into it. Sorry, Fr. Moran.
gift also. A good time was had by all, with cards being played after the dinner, winners were Margie Skala, Angela Tekautz, Mary Gornick and Lucille Svatos. The door prize, brought by Jean Zupanich was won by Tory Bobence.
I attended a regional meeting in Virginia on May 14th, which included a luncheon. A good attendance, the best ever, was had and 1 think the meeting each year is necessary and profitable. Things are discussed and changes made, questions are answered. The convention in September was discussed and it is hopeful that we can share a bus with Ely. Also discussed was the Bishop Baraga Bicentennial and people have signed up for that, also. We are encouraging all our members and St. Martin’s congregation to sign up for the bus to Duluth in June.
One of our members, Angela Plan-ton, who has been a member of our branch since 1936, celebrated her 90th birthday on May 31, 1997. Our branch presented Angela with a plant. I delivered the plant and she was so pleased, and in good spirits and seemed to be in good health. Angela’s brother, Jack Yapel makes his home with Angela and he, too, seems to be in good health and mind. May you have many more birthdays, Angela.
Our member, Theresa Berg, and husband, Russ of Rockford, IL and Eagles Nest Lake #3, have a son, Mitchell, who was scheduled for a kidney transplant on Wednesday, June 25th. The donor of the kidney was his sister, Michele Berg Cascarano of Milwaukee, daughter of Theresa and Russ and one of our younger members. We
hope and pray that all will go well for Mitchell and Michele, we ask for prayers for their recoveries. My sisters, Emma Betourne and Agnes Yapel and 1 are his aunts.
We decided to change our meeting time to 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, so starting in September, our meeting will be on Wednesday, September 17, at 1 p.m. in the St. Martin’s Parish hall.
Have a good summer everyone — see you in Duluth in September!
ADELINE MUSTONEN, Reporter
NO. 35, AURORA, MN Meeting: 6 per year Community Sr. Center
We met on Sunday, April 13th with 20 members present. In the absence of Pres. Florence Holland, the secretary, Dorothy Jamnick conducted the meeting and opened it with prayers for our deceased.
The treasurer’s books were audited by Janice Grebence and Phyllis Turk and found in good order.
Ladies, you will be called when there is a deceased member, to remind us to attend the wake (15 min. before the public viewing for prayers) and to attend the funeral mass. This means so much to the families of our dearly departed, so, please attend.
Thank you to Max Shuster for his generous support of our SWU Scholarships again.
Our Mother of the Year, Mary L. Smolich was not able to attend the May 4th dinner, so we went to visit her at Clayridge with her daughters, Sharon and Nancy and Mary’s sister, Ann. She was presented with a vase of carnations, a carnation corsage, the book “Footsteps Thru Time” and a decorated cake which we all enjoyed with coffee. This was a happy time for Mary and all of us as we recalled happy memories and enjoyed a sing-a-long of English and Slovenian songs. Congratulations, Mary! We all enjoyed this special day with you!
Congratulations also to the following young members who were so busy this spring:
Carolyn Hodnik who made her First Holy Communion, also was in a dance recital. God bless you, Carolyn.
Kate Martinetto and Courtney Kalar
who were part of a Flute Choir and received an excellent rating at the Region/State High School Band competition.
Kyle Antilla, Ryan Korpela and James Wheeler who made their Confirmations in May. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you.
In June, Kyle Antilla attended the 51st Amer. Legion Boys’ State to be held on the St. Olaf College Campus in Northfield, MN. This is a practical learning experience in local and state government. Kyle is also an active member of the Nat’l. Honor Society.
Ryan Korpela was chosen student of the week and was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Paul Williams graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Accounting.
Good to see Frances Stark doing so well after her long recovery from a broken ankle.
Sympathy and prayers are with the families of our vice president, Anna Rose Smolich. She passed away on March 15th and is missed by her many friends and especially by her family. Diane Urick’s family is grieving the loss of her father, Richard Laughlin who passed away in May. May the dearly departed rest in peace.
Twenty-one Holy Rosary “Happy Quilters” had a busy season from January through April. We made 82 large quilts and 5 lap robes, 7 baby quilts, 7 afghans, 7 knitted scarves and several baby sleepers. These are all donated to organizations to be given to those in need. Several quilts were sent to the flood victims in North Dakota.
A noon luncheon will be held on Wed. Aug. 6th at the H.J. Country Club to make plans to attend the SWU State Convention in Duluth on Sept. 14th.
Thank you to our hostesses, Anna Hodnik and Betty Turk for the delicious dessert served at today’s meeting. Marly s Rabb won the door prize.
A grandmother shared this with us and I thought you may enjoy it, too:
The night before her 8 year old granddaughter, Shara was going to make her First Holy Communion she told her grandfather, “I’m so happy because I’m going to make my First Communion tomorrow and my soul will be cleansed!” How blessed are our children.
ANNE M. ORAZEM
Remembering Anna Rose Smolich
S.W.U. Br. 35 Aurora, MN, lost one of its most active dedicated and talented members. Anna Rose Smolich died on March 15, 1997 at White Community Hospital in Aurora after an illness of several months. Her funeral mass was held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church where she served as organist for all church services for 20 years and was awarded the Papal Blessing for her many years as church organist. She also accompanied the Festival Singers at Grape Festivals, S.W.U. State Conventions and American Legion and Auxiliary events.
She was an elementary school teacher in Biwabik for 31 years and was honored by the PTA for her dedication to teaching. She used her many talents for community functions-^ of July celebrations, All Class Reunions, K.S.K.J. events and church dinners and celebrations.
Anna Rose held the office of Br. 35 president for many years, was president of the Aurora Library Board and secretary/treasurer for the American Legion auxiliary.
At our S.W.U. April meeting we reminisced her life. Dorothy Jamnik commented on her enrolling and paying the dues for 5 nieces and nephews in our branch. She invited her niece, Michelle Klander, a S.W.U. Scholarship winner, to accompany her to the S.W.U. National Convention in San Francisco. They had a great time! Thru the years she has taken each of these children trips during the summer months.
Tona Soukup, a close friend, said “Anna Rose was an asset to our organization, church and community. I am going to miss her.”
Bemice Ceglar remarked, “I loved to see all the beautiful decorations she and her mother and sister brought to church for the church bazaars and luncheons. She was so creative.”
Anne Orazem said, “She was always so willing to help when asked and made the floral arrangement for our 50th wedding anniversary. Janice Grebence spend many hours practicing her solos for weddings with Anna Rose as accompanist. She wanted the music to be perfect.”
Jennie Klune said, “Anna Rose was good at everything
Anna Rose Smolich, standing, mother Mary, left front, sister Betty Orazem, right.
Mary was a charter member of Br. 35 - 64 years of membership! Anna Rose was a member for 45 years and Betty was a Social member.
she did. I am going to miss her organ music at mass.”
1 visited Anna Rose a week before she passed away and she seemed to have rallied. She was propped up in her bed doing a crossword puzzle. On the bedside table were apricot colored flowers she had finished tatting and was planning to decorate note cards with them. Some of you may have since purchased them, which she donated for the fund raisers at our S.W.U. National Conventions. I was saddened to learn of her death while on a trip and felt badly that I would not be there for her funeral but she was in my thoughts and prayers. Wouldn’t our organization grow and be more vibrant, if we had more members like Anna Rose, so willing to serve and also use the God given talents?
May God grant her a place His heavenly home and maybe she will be playing the organ again for the heavenly choirs.
Anna Rose was honored as our Woman of the Year in 1995, a honor she truly deserved.
A Friend, Anna Hodnik
NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN Meeting: 1st Wed. except June & Jul. Slovenian National Home
The last meeting before the summer break was held in conjunction with our “Tribute to Mothers” celebration. The day was filled with the warmth of springtime as we gathered in a body for Mass at St. Joseph’s Church. The brunch following mass was held in the church social hall. Our own members, Rosie Marino and Rosie Tanko catered a delicious menu. Pam Zalec, granddaughter of member Fran Zalec entertained the group with Slovenian tunes on her clarinet. The ladies sang along as she played the ever popular “Angelus.”
Mr. Terry Rupar was our guest speaker. He gave a very enlightened tallč on Geneology—and offered help to anyone who might be interested in researching their own roots.
Because Bishop Baraga is one of our own, the SWU received an invitation from our Bishop informing us that on June 29th our Diocese would be celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Bishop Baraga. Slovenian and Croatian members from the parishes of the diocese as well as the Native Americans to whose ancestors he ministered were especially invited to join in this gathering. The Diocese of Duluth celebrated the bicentennial because of the presence of Baraga as a missionary in the diocese of Fond-du-lac (then located
within the confines of today’s St. Elizabeth Parish-Duluth.
A report was presented at this meeting on the card party fundraiser held in April. About 70 ladies gathered at the Slovenian Home for an afternoon of cards and fellowship. There were potica raffles, dime-a-time chances and a lovely lunch prepared by Jenny Samsa, Fran Zalec, Rosie Marino and Rosie Tanko. It was truly a fun afternoon. The profits realized were a bonus!
We won’t be meeting again until August 6th.
May God bless your summer days with JOY-but whatever happens-“Count only the good things.”
GERT ZAKRAJŠEK
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH Meeting: 2nd Wed. SS. Cyril & Method Hall
Fourteen came to our April 9th meeting. Thanks to Molly Glavan and Genevieve Wenzel for the delicious dessert-they served. Thanks to all who brought prizes for our money making project.
Agatha brought our meeting to order with prayer in the absence of our Pres., Agnes who is ill. We finalized our plans for our Mother’s Day celebration and sent get-well cards to Sue Tomazic, Ann Rozanc, Angie Tomazine, our Pres., Agnes and Genevieve Wenzel and we prayed for all our sick members.
We hear that our Agnes Drstvensek is back after spending the winter in Florida.
Molly made a motion that we have a group picture taken at our Mother’s Day celebration. (Hope you send it to us for publication! Editor)
Door prize winner was our Jean Balogh. We closed our meeting with prayer and enjoyed playing Keeno.
Report of the meeting June 11th next time. Jean Balogh and Annette Septaric planned to entertain.
Mother’s Day
Twenty-seven came to our Mother’s Day celebration when we paid tribute to all our mothers at the Amber Oaks on May 14th. We were sorry that Fr. Krajnak was unable to be present and our Pres., Agnes was absent due to illness.
Agatha lead us in prayers. We spent an enjoyable afternoon, thanks to Irene Kokinda, her sister from Arizona, her brother from England and our Stephanie Polutnik. They entertained us with their beautiful singing of all the favorite Slovenian melodies. Agatha read us a letter from our Pres, stating her regrets that she was unable to be there to share the happy occasion with us. She also sent a carnation to each one of us. Thanks, Agnes, we appreciate your kindness. God willing, we’ll see you soon.
Several of our members brought their cameras and took snapshots.
Thanks to all who made this a day one we will remember.
Love,
MARY MATOS
NO. 42, MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH Meeting: 2nd Tues. Maple Hts., SND Feb.-May-Aug.-Nov.
The meeting held on May 10th at the Maple Heights Library, was attended by nineteen members. After discussion of current and future business matters, a delectable sandwich tray arranged by Marge Church and desserts prepared by Dorti Zidar and Clara Hrovat were served. Everyone enjoyed the lunch, the video on Slovenia, and the new location.
On May 18th, fifteen members and friends participated in the Mass at St. Wenceslas for the living and deceased members of Branch 42. This was followed by lunch at the Holiday Inn in Independence. It was a great day!
Terri Anzo reported that her oldest granddaughter, Tina, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati on May 10th. The proud grandma also mentioned that another granddaughter. Aria, who is in her third year at Ashland College, majoring in social work and religious studies, will be working in the bush country of Guyana, South America, doing missionary work this summer. Terri’s daughter, Peggy, is the mother of these two outstanding students.
It was great fun having Mary Jo McHenry and her grandmother, Mary Fink, at both events. Mary Jo graduated from the Julie Billiart School in Lyn-dhurst, where she now teaches first graders with learning problems. A special feature story in the Catholic Universe Bulletin of March 21, 1997, details her own personal experience. While in high school, she ran at the International Sports Exchange and placed third in the Chinese competition. She attended Landmark College and graduated from Norwich University in Montpelier, Vermont. She is now looking forward to her marriage to John O’Neill on August 9th.
The funeral Mass for founding member, Anna Draganic, mother of member Eleanor McArdle, was held at the Mt. Alvema Home on April 21st. The funeral Mass for another long-time member, Julia Lipnos, mother of member Lillian Sadowski, was held at
St. Columbkille Church on May 13th. Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the families of the deceased members.
On the sick list, we have Theresa Filips, Mitzi Champa, and Vida Ver-cek. They are in our thoughts and prayers, wishing them well.
Anne and Marge Zupančič will be moving to their new home in Broadview Heights some time in June. We wish them much good luck and enjoyment of their new home.
Our wishes to you, Marge!
As of this writing-May 30th-Marge Church is undergoing coronary bypass surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital. All of us will be eagerly awaiting news of her recovery, as she will be hoping for our prayers and correspondence.
We hope that all members celebrating birthdates during June, July, and August enjoyed their special day. Why not join us for the next meeting at the Library on Saturday, August 9th at 11 a.m.? Details will follow.
ALBINA SKOCAJ Reporter
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI Meeting: 4th Wed. St. John Evangelist Hall
The month of May is just about over, but Spring is still hiding somewhere. Although with the floods and tornadoes in other parts of our country we have plenty for which to be thankful. Today, May 28th, we honored our Elizabeth Gallun as “Woman of the Year. She was given a corsage and presented with a plaque. I had the honor of placing the crown on her head. Her husband, Eddy and their family were present and many of our members. Oh, I mustn’t forget, the food was delicious and everyone enjoyed visiting. We also had a surprise guest, Mary Musich who now lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It was very nice seeing you, Mary, and visiting with you. We miss you at our meetings.
I hope all of you have a safe and happy summer. No meetings in July and August. Hoping to see you in September.
ANNE E. KONCZAL, Reporter
NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
John and Mary Taucher were married at St. Lawrence Church on June 12th, 1937. They have remained life-long members of this Slovenian parish and celebrated their Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary with a Eucharistic Liturgy on Sunday, June 15th, 1997.
May is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Slovenian Women’s Union, Branch 47 of Garfield Heights and Secretary of A.M.L.A. #34. She belongs to the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Lawrence Church and is a Charter Member and Secretary of the Scout Mother’s Auxiliary. She also enjoys a membership in the American Association of Retired Persons.
John has been President of the Slovenian Home on Prince Ave. in Cleveland, Ohio for 23 years; President and Secretary of the Slovene National Benefit Society for 35 years; and President of A.M.L.A. #34 for 27 years. He is the only living Charter Member of the Slovenian Federation of Slovenian National Homes. President and Vice President for the Slovenian Home Federation. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society of St. Lawrence, and has been affiliated with the Boy Scouts for many years. He is a Charter Member of the American Association of Retired Persons of Maple Heights. He has just finished his fiftieth year as an active member of a competitive bowling team.
Both John and Mary have been honored as Slovenian Man and Woman of the Year. They have resided at 15604 Shirley Ave. in Maple Heights, for the past seventeen years and have retired from owning meat markets in the Cleveland area. They have three married children and nine grandchildren.
A sincere wish for more and more happiness and thanks to them for their dedication to the Slovenian community of Cleveland.
NO. 47, GARFIELD HTS., OH Meeting: Mar.-May-Sep.-Dec. SND Maple Hts.
Saturday, May 3rd our Mother of the Year, Kathleen was guest of honor at Luncheon held at Quinn’s Restaurant. Her family relatives and many of her friends joined us. President, Olga Dorchak presented our honoree with a lovely corsage, and gift certificate.
Happy birthday and best of health to all our July and August birthdays.
To all our ailing members and shut-
ins on sick list, get well soon. Mass for living and deceased members was said on June 28th at St. Lawrence Church followed by Dinner at Sterle’s.
Before we know summer is here, but soon children will all be back in school, the leaves will start turning color and falling as we feel autumn in the air. Just about then will be ready to be normal and get back in the swing again.
Br. 101 is host Branch for Ohio-Michigan State Convention on Sept. 28. Mass will be at 11 o’clock at Holy Trinity Church in Bedford Hts. Dinner follows at Bedford City Hall Party Room. All members are invited.
Our sincere sympathy to deceased Mary Korošec family. She was a member for 65 years. Also, to deceased Jennie Cergol’s family. She was a member for 39 years. Remember Mary and Jennie in your prayers. May the perpetual light shine upon them! Naj počivajo v miru!
Next meeting Sept. 14-1 o’clock at Maple Hts. Library. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Drive carefully. See you in September.
Respectfully,
MARY TAUCHER
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BRANCH 50 CELEBRATES!
The members of Br. 50, Cleveland-Euclid, Ohio celebrated St. Valentine’s Day on Feb. 19th by planning their annual Valentine Queen party. This year the honors were given to their diligent ZARJA Reporter, Vi Morav-cek! She is seen on the photo below dressed in the Queen’s regalia flanked by Mary Maxim, left and Josephine Smith right, and standing are Mary Miller and Ann Tercek. This event has been enjoyed for more than 20 years, one of the many activities originated by their vivacious president, Ann Tercek.
A HAPPY DAY-THEIR 21,900th TOGETHER
Jean and Rudy Paik celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary, June 12, 1997. Jean is a member of branch 50, Euclid, Ohio, and has been a member for more than
40	years! She and Rudy have been living in Omaha, Nebraska since 1981. They have four grown children, David, Omaha; Robert, Los Angeles; Donald, Omaha; and Carol, Fruitland, Idaho. Their grandchildren are Eric, Angela and Jaime Paik, and Jennifer, Matthew and Scott Dickinson, and the late Karen Jean.
The family gathered at daughter, Carol’s home in Fruitland to celebrate their anniversary and are expecting family and friends from all over the country attended. Our sincere congratulations!
NO. 54, WARREN, OH Meeting: 3rd Wed. Feb. thru May, Sep., Nov., Dec.
Happy summertime to all and safe traveling, hopefully with warmer weather to enjoy.
We had a very nice Mother-Daughter covered dish dinner at my home in May and ten were in attendance. Our group keeps getting smaller! All the members brought delicious food and we had quite a feast - they said it was one of the best get-togethers we’ve had. We did some Mother’s Day poems, etc. and had a craft sale, which helped the treasury. Special thanks to Elsie Shine who made a whole bag full of scrubbies to sell.
Happy 91st birthday to our beloved Anne Savor. She was at the party with her daughter, Louise Vett and she certainly is remarkable. God’s blessings to you, Mrs. Savor.
Our long-time member, Angela Kaferle is now in Grace Woods assisted
living, and we hope that she is doing better now.
My husband and 1 went to South Carolina for Mother’s Day to see our daughter and her husband and then, the four of us spent some time at Hilton Head. We couldn’t wait to see the ocean and enjoy the beach.
We won’t be having a meeting in
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July or August, but will meet again on Sept. 17th at noon at Vic Zuga’s home at 139 Turquoise Dr., in Cortland. I’ll call you if there is a change of time or place. We haven’t been happy with the arrangements at the Elks, so we won’t always meet there.
Dear members, come to the meetings. We want to keep up our heritage and ethnic backgrounds. I’m so proud to be a Slovenian! Hope to see you in September.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 55, GIRARD, OH Meeting: 2nd Wed. Girard Free Library
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, — if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,—”
Matthew 6:28 & 30 Jake Bestic, grandson of Virginia Bestic, has been in Austria since August as a Rotary exchange student. He
has traveled through Europe visiting 12 countries, while back-packing with four other exchange students. He was in Slovenia and saw the Postojna Caves. He also went skiing in the Alps for three weeks. He returns to the U.S. July 3rd. Mike Bestic, Virginia Bes-tic’s son and wife, Pam went to Austria for 10 days visiting Slovenia and Croatia.
Helene Zupon spent 2 months in Chula Vista, Calif, with her brother, Frank Modic and family. She also visited with friends in Palm Springs and Los Angeles. She recently returned from Williamsville, N. Y. where she attended the Confirmation of her 2 granddaughters, having the honor of being the Sponsor for one of them.
Sophie Kren’s granddaughter and Patty Kren Tate’s daughter, Katheryn Ann Tate received a B.S. in English degree on May 16, 1997 from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Congratulations!!! Brian Kren, Sophie Kren’s grandson, graduated from Girard High School this year. He was awarded the President’s 4-year scholarship to Youngstown State University. He will major in Public Administration or Labor Relations.
Congratulations!!! Sonny Kren is in Las Creus, New Mexico employed in Hospital Administration ordering supplies. Anthony Kren, 3rd Class Petty Officer, is stationed aboard the USS Spain homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
We extend our sympathy and prayers to our member, Rosemary Juvančič and her family on the loss of her sister, Elizabeth Triplet Volk. Rose will be having surgery on her knees in July.
Ivana Selak fell on Mother’s Day and broke her hip again. Mark Selak graduated from St. Rose and will be attending Ursulin High School. Congratulations!!! Monica Selak was chosen cheerleader for St. Rose. Congratulations!!! Andrea Selak, who is on the Dean’s list at the University of Notre Dame, will be class vice president of the class of 2000. Congratulations!
July Birthdays: Stephanie Gordon, Maria Selak, Anna Kalan and Nancy Dombrosky.
JOAN KRISTIN TWADDLE, Reporter
NO. 56, HIBBING, MN Meeting: 1st Tues.
First Ave. Apt. Social Room except Jan.-June-July
Meeting was held on April 1st at the First Ave. Apts. Minutes were approved as read. As there were no bills to be paid, correspondence was read by pres. Valerie Carlson regarding the Bishop Baraga Bicentennial Birthday. He was bom June 29th, 1797 in Slovenia. There was a celebration of this anniversary in Duluth and all members were invited to attend.
Financial Secretary Elizabeth Spolar read a note from SWU Scholarship Director, Mary Turvey of Marquette, Michigan in regards to the Baraga celebration taking place in Marquette also. Elizabeth also read a thank you from Ann Chacich and gave a membership report.
Mary Sikich reported Mary Massich is home and would like members to call to help pass the time as she recovers.
Pres. Carlson asked for suggestions on our Mother’s Day meeting, May 6th and dinner. It was suggested that we have dinner at a restaurant, the Back Yard, on First Ave.
Next year will be the 65th anniversary of the branch and our president asked for ways we could celebrate. Our discussion will continue at the next meeting.
For Mother’s Day, Mary Sikich and Jen Obert delivered (lowers to our shut-in members - nine of them. Elizabeth Spolar brought up the idea that perhaps lunch committee members should purchase the lunch and be reimbursed by the treasury. It was then seconded by Mary Sikich. Pres. Carlson also stated that some of the members who can’t help with lunch give money for their share.
Jackpot drawing was won by Mary Sporer. Ann Voiovich won Bunko, Mary Micheletti, 500.
No further discussion - meeting was adjourned and a delicious lunch served by Ann Satovich, Milenna Koehler and Elizabeth Sporer.
Sincerely submitted by Milenna Koehler in absence of reporter, Edith Jones, due to her illness.
M.K.
NO. 57, NILES, OH Meeting: 2nd Tues. Shepherd of the Valley Center
Our April meeting had 10 members present. The president opened our meeting with a prayer. Our Mother’s Day party was held at the May meeting. Plans included a special lunch and dollar gift from each member for our exchange. There will be more to report later.
We are very sorry that we have lost another member, Phyllis Muccio passed away on March 30th. She was unable to attend our meetings as she was sick for some time and is remembered as a very loving person. She will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in peace.
On the brighter side of our meeting, we nad a very special member in our group. Mrs. Mary Opalka is 95 years old and Jane Logar brought in a lovely cake so we could all help Mary celebrate. Jane was our hostess for the month and also brought in prizes for our Bingo games.
Birthdays celebrated in May were Marge Mollica, Jane Logar and Josephine Pavlocich.
May God bless you also with good health and am looking forward to seeing you all at the next meeting.
FRANCES STANEC
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH Meeting: 1st Mon.
Secy’s Home, except July-Aug.
They say that summer began with Memorial Day, but today it takes real faith for you to believe that, with rain falling, more in the forecast and a real chill in the air. However, you are probably reading this on a sunny, bright July afternoon, and you are quite sure it is summer.
Branch 73 was quite active in the month of May, giving us a chance to spend more time with our members. On May 3rd we met at Dimitri’s Restur-ant and toasted our Mother of the Year, Angie Musil. It was nice to have her sisters, Rose and Frances, with us, and we all enjoyed seeing the newest grandchild in the family, Maxwell. Max’s mom (Angie, Jr.) should be complimented on the well-behaved child, to say nothing of his beauty. Since it
was another cold, rainy day, it made being inside with friends that much more pleasant.
On May 12th several of us joined a group from St. Pius X parish (Bedford) and enjoyed a bus trip to Windsor, Ohio to the Servants of Mary Center where a Fifty-foot statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been erected. For those of you in the Cleveland area, a journey to this location is well worth the effort. You will be awed. We enjoyed lunch at an Amish Restaurant, later made a stop at St. Helen’s in Newbury for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament (perpetual adoration), and returned home refreshed, spiritually and mentally. Thanks to all who traveled with us.
Mother’s Day had a sad moment for us. Our member of forty years, Mary Pelc, passed away. Mary was another member who could not attend many meetings, but who was always present at our church activities, and who always found time to keep in touch. She fought a battle with cancer, but always hanging tough. Our sincere condolences to her family, we will miss her just as you will. Our prayers are with you.
Two members have, had health problems, and we want them to know we are thinking of them, and keeping them in our prayers. Josephine Turk underwent extensive surgery, and at last report was doing as well as could be expected. We are sure John is giving her all the TLC she can handle. At the same time, Virginia Nemeth has had pulmonary/cardiac problems and is presently confined at Somerset Point Rehabilitation Center. It is our understanding that she may be discharged from there shortly. Virginia, please take care of yourself.
Word always reaches us of sister-members from other branches who are experiencing health difficulties. Not wanting to leave anyone out, we will not list names, but we do want to send GET WELL WISHES from all of us here in Branch No. 73, to all of you.
Another new baby to report, as Joanne Tomsick’s son (John David) starts his family. The baby boy is a first for John and his wife, but adds to the list of grandchildren Joanne spoils. This also makes Josephine Turk (Joanne’s mother) a great grandma — again. Congratulations and the best of health to everyone.
As the school year has ended, we want to take time to congratulate all of
the students who are moving on, those from kindergarten to elementary grades, those from Junior High to High School and those from High School to College. For those of you who are moving on even beyond the completed college years, our wishes for successful careers go out to you. Whatever phase of schooling you are in, study hard, achieve your goals. There’s big world out there just waiting for someone like you.
Have a happy and safe summer. Let us know your travel plans. When the date is set for our summer cookout, you will be advised and we hope that you will join us at that time.
Respectfully,
EVELYN A. MAJERCIK
NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WA Meeting: Every 3 months Members’ homes
Members of SWU No. 79 joined SNPJ No. 738 in honoring mothers at a Mother’s Day party in the VWF Hall in Auburn, Washington. Some 70 members and their families enjoyed a very delicious meal, program and great accordian music.
Chairman and head chef was Deryl Sleigh, husband of Dorothy (who supervised). He was ably assisted by pastry chef, Gary Dime aided by wife, Barbara; salad chef, Kurt Vogel was helped by wife, Kathy and Bill Just and wife, Fran decorated the hall and tables with an array of beautiful springtime flowers.
The buffet featured klobasa, ham, chicken, sauerkraut, tossed and fruit salad with a scrumptous chocolate cake and berry pies topping off the meal.
Our honored mother of the year was Denise Cole, wife of Dave, daughter of AnnaMae Anderson, long-time secretary of our branch, and granddaughter of the late Anna Lokovšek Faulk, a charter member of our Branch No. 79. Denise and Dave are parents of three young children. Denise is very active in her church, singing and playing both flute and guitar. The Coles also run a mini-farm of ten aplacas with two more on the way. Denise, an avid gardener, was presented with a lovely wisteria plant for her garden.
Dorothy Sleigh read the story “When God Created Mothers” to the dozen small youngsters present. Denise, accompanying herself on the guitar, en-
Denise Cole, Mother of the Year of SWU No. 79, Enumclaw, Washington, helping her daughter, Katherine select goodies from the abundant buffet table at the Mother’s Day party.
tertained with an appropriate isong about mothers. Denise is a lovely example of young, busily involved motherhood of today. We are very proud of her. Music, for dancing and listening was provided by Bill Just and Larry Petrowski.
Our party was highlighted by the arrival from the airport of Mateja Hudovernik and Vlasta Debeljak from Slovenia. They were en route to Eastern Washington as part of a study program with the Washington State Dept, of Social & Health Services in conjunction with the University of Ljubljana. Kathy and Kurt Vogel were their hosts while they were in this area, with Mary and Mike Bratovich showing them Tacoma sights and Bill and Fran Just hosting them to see Seattle highlights. We are looking forward to seeing them on their return trip and also hoping to meet other students from Slovenia involved in this program,.
Best wishes for a pleasant summer to all members.
MARY BRATOVICH
NO. 85, DEPUE, IL Meeting: at Members’ Homes
Last meeting was held on May 13th with 6 members present. We did not have too much business to take care of but had a nice social hour.
Our congratulations to grandma Muriel Jermene and her son and daugh-ter-in-law, Ed and Lisa Jermene who became the proud parents of a baby girl, Jenah Alyse who weighed in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. on May 12th. We are all so happy for them and Ed is on “Cloud 9”.
We missed our faithful member, Millie Lavrin at the last meeting as she was in Lexington, KY where she attended her grandson’s graduation from the University of Kentucky. He earned a Master’s degree in sports management. She also spent a week in Gatlin, TN visiting with her son, Roger and family.
Belated congratulations to my cousins, John and Pat Strle who celebrated their 49th anniversary in April. Thirteen of our cousins gathered at Stefanich’s restaurant in Joliet where my cousin, Rich made his famous sausage, neck bones and sauer kraut. Ron also had delicious stuffed pepper soup.
A great time was had by all and the food was “wonderful.”
Frank Kuhar, husband of our member, Mary, and brother of our pres., Gen Grilc recently had 4 by-pass surgery. Our friends, Angie Nico had surgery and Wanita Helmer suffered an auto accident. We wish them our best wishes, and speedy recoveries.
I am sad to report the death of our long time member, Mary Ritko who had been a member for fifty-nine years. Mary lived in DePue for many years and later moved to LaSalle to be closer to relatives. She was a lovely lady and remained with our group all these years. She was always willing to help out in any way she could. Mary was 90 years of age, although you would never know it! Our deepest sympathy to her daughters, Julie and Susan, son, Bill, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and 8 grandchildren, also, five great grandchildren, two sisters and two brothers. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace thru the mercy of God.
God bless.
MARY JERMENC
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL Meeting: 2nd Wed. Apr.-May-June Sep.-Oct.-Nov.-Dec. 12:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Church hall
It’s renewal time for me! It’s also good to be back in print, after a long period of absence.
At our meeting in April only 15 members attended, last, but not least, there were many suggestions and ideas that were presented by our members; hopefully they will be carried out. It would make me very happy to see more members attending our meetings to discuss the many questions that are proposed.
My sincere thanks to Marie Maras who stepped in as our reporter. I respect her ability and her energy on behalf of so many worthy causes. She is a credit to our branch. Thanks again!
SpIit-the-Pot winners were Marie Maras, and Eleanore Bandera. The following hostesses (and goodies from them): Marie Maras. Eleanore Bandera, Molly Mach, Ann Youse, Helen Santy, Mary (B) Perkovich and Marge Nicksic.
Our thoughts and prayers to the following ailing members:
Julie Hansen, Marge Krmpotic, Marge O’Conner, who is making great strides in combating her illness. It’s also nice to see Emma Yergovich back with us after a long, draining illness.
Our best wishes to Fran Griffin (Mother) and Harriet Isek (Grandmother) who want to share the wonderful news about their son and grandson on the opening of his Beauty Shop. The name of the shop is “Concept I” 343-109 St., Whiting, IN, Phone No. 1-219-659-7356. Our best wishes to you,Joe!
*	* *
The cheerful atmosphere brightened our last meeting, even with a small attendance. Our recording Secy., Marie Maras was absent: our thanks to Helen Santy who so graciously accepted the assignment. After a short business meeting, refreshments were served by Helen Santy, Ann Yosue, Eleanore Bandera, Marie Maras, Helen Price, Harriet Isek, Molly Mack and yours truly. Split-the-pot winners Eleanore Bandera, and Yours truly.
Get well wishes are extended to Julie Hansen, Mary Zeleneka, Kate Musa, Mary Malcich, Mary (B) Perkovich,
Helen Alb. Please remember all our families and members in your prayers.
What wonderful news which appeared in the Chicago Times! Kathy Kompare and hubby, Bernard chaired the Bayou Ball, which raised more than $340,000 for the Cancer Research Foundation. Congratulations to you and hubby. May both of you have health, happiness and outstanding success in all your ventures.
I also have more good news.
Rev. Anthony Dosen C.M. is the son of Manda and Michael Dosen -Manda being our loyal and dedicated member. He is an exceptional person and will continue in his studies to further develop the talent and skills of which he is abundantly endowed, with all following degrees; Positions Campus Minister and teaching assistant Marquette Univ., Educational Policy and Leadership, Specialization in School Administration at Lewis Univ. History, Theology, Div. De Andres Institute, major Philosophy of Religion, Asst. Principal in Catholic High Schools in Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Director of Vocations, Advisory Board Vincent Province, Spiritual Counciling and Direction in English and Spanish, Social Studies, Board of Directors, Josephinium High School, Chicago, III. Phi Delta Kappa Marquette University and Epsilon Sigma Gamma Chi Chapter Lewis University. As you can see he has excelled in all his studies. This man has been a blessing to his family and schools.
Wherever you go, Rev. Anthony Dosen, we are proud of you and our prayers go with you. You have learned during your years of education, and that the Lord continues to walk with you each step of your life. A special thanks to Manda and Michael, his loving parents who gave so much of their time and love; their sacrifices have touched and helped make him a man of exceptional gifts and talent that he has given in return as son, friend. We, the officers and members, join me in saying that we are proud of you. It’s an interesting and satisfying life’s work, which is a great reward. May God be with you in keeping it so.
MILDRED JAMES
SEND IN YOUR FAVORITE SLOVENIAN RECIPES. SEE PAGE 10.
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI Meeting: When convenient Parish Center
April Report
Warmer weather has finally arrived. If you like the sound of these words, you’re gonna love being outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and the sounds of spring as I do.
James Dean Arch of Greenwood recently received a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from the University at Madison. Congratulations, Jim!
Vitko and Mary Staut, along with Mary’s brother, Stanley Volovsek, took a 3 week trip to Slovenia. They left May 19th.
Sincere condolences to the families of Tony Suda, Sr. and Lee (Ursula) Kuester. Lee was a staunch supporter of the Slovenska Družba of Willard.
Joe Plautz celebrated his 90th birthday on April 12th at the Willard Athletic Club. It was attended by many of his friends and relatives. A delicious lunch was served. Excellent music was provided by Rich Yurkovich, his son, Mitchell and Dave Pakiz. It was a fun-filled afternoon enjoyed by all who came to help Joe celebrate his birthday.
Two corrections must be made from the March ZARJA report:
Due to the illness of Mike Plautz’s mother, Mary Djubenski, and other circumstances, Mike and Georgia Plautz cancelled their trip to Slovenia and to Prague, Czech Republic. Also, the SWU Plant Sale scheduled for April 27th was cancelled for various reasons.
Our prayers to those who have been ill which include Molly Prebil, Dorothy Bayuk, Mary Djubenski and Catherine Plautz. Also, remember those who are in nursing homes and hospitals. We wish them all a speedy recovery.
May Report
On Sunday, May 4th, the following boys received their First Communions at the Holy Family Church of Willard: Aaron Knodle, Royce Kosik, Jamie McFarlane, Joseph Poehnelt, Adam Stencil, Steve Wozniak, Kenneth Pemsteiner, Craig Bolf and Craig Gentemen.
High School graduation was held on May 17th. The graduates from Holy Family included: Nathan Brom, Mary
Krempasky, Troy Pakiz and Holly Ver-shay. Congratulations to all the graduates and their families. We are all proud of you.
Recently, Willie Volovsek and Olga Hribar underwent back surgeries while Frances Horn had hip surgery. Wc wish them all a speedy recovery.
On May 17th, the Slovenian Singers of Willard sang at Holy Rosary Church in Owen . Several Slovenian songs were sung before and during the mass. One of the Readings was done by Sophie Trunkel while Vitko Staut led the Nicene Creed.
Happy 90th birthday to Lucille Lunka! There was an Open House held for her on May 24th at the Holy Family Parish. Many of her friends and relatives came to help her celebrate this special occasion.
The Sisters from Lemont, IL arrived on May 28th to teach summer school at our parish. Summer School ended on June 6th with a picnic.
Condolences to the Elmer Kuester family who lost both their mother and father within a week’s time. We share your sorrow and feel your loss.
On May 17th, Leo and Dorothy Gre-gorich observed their 50th wedding anniversary. The family held a get-together at Roy’s home with all their children and grandchildren attending. Congratulations and best wishes to Dorothy and Leo!
Dan Trunkel and Crystal Horn exchanged wedding vows on June 14th at United Church of Christ. Dan is Sophie Trunkel’s youngest son.
These people are on the sick list: Dorothy Petkovšek who had cataract surgery, Dorothy Bayuk, Mary Ko-kaly, Cletus Susa and Joe Plautz. Please remember those in hospitals and nursing homes.
FRIEDA KLANCHER
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C. Meeting: 1st Sun. except July & Aug St. Columba’s Ch. Albemarle St.
Our Mother’s Day program on May 18 was a huge success. The honored “Mother of the Year” was Angie Per-čič-Stare. Angie is very deserving, and we are proud to have this opportunity to honor her. A detailed article in the ZARJA for her will be forthcoming. Mistress of Ceremonies for this pro-
gram was Lidija Millonig, granddaughter of Jane Bevec. Thank you, Lidija, for a superb job as MC. After children’s procession and crowning of the Blessed Virgin, the program continued with a piano selection by Tomaž Bevec; Slovenian poem by Verica Stare; Trumpet and drum march duet by Aaron Eddy and Andrej Bevec; song by Kristina Bevec; Slovenian poem by Andrejček Stare; piano selections by Natalie Robinson; Slovenian recitation by Andrej Bevec; piano selection by Kristina Bevec; and, finally, songs by the Washington Slovenian Choral Group. A big thank-you to Jane Bevec and Angie Stare for arranging this outstanding program. A buffet luncheon followed, prepared by the members — thanks to all the ladies for preparing the delicious foods, and thanks to Chris Bohinc for the Slovenian Accordion selections.
A meeting was convened on June 1. We discussed plans for future events. President Mary Lou Terselic was well prepared with an agenda for topics to be discussed, leaving time for socializing and enjoying a light buffet by hostesses Nika Kovačič and Tillie Ausich. Sabina Bartol, member and former president of Branch 103, has been hospitalized and is now recuperating at home. We miss you at our meetings, Sabina. Please remember Sabina in your prayers for continued improvement and rapid recovery.
Warm congratulations are extended to Father Raymond J. Wadas on the 25th Anniversary of his ordination. Father Wadas was bom in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and was ordained in 1972 by Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle. He had very impressive assignments, and is now dean of the Southwest Vicariate and pastorof St. Thomas Moore Parish, Washington, D.C. We are, indeed, fortunate to have Father Wadas as our Spiritual Advisor for these past 20 years, and sincerely wish him all the best, and many blessings.
Branch 103 extends very best wishes to all SWU members for a happy and safe summer — Till September!!!
MATILDA AUSICH
Slovenian Recipe Deadline is Sept. 20, 1997
nflSH SLDUEHSK.l DEDI5Č1HH
BARAGA
Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki
FRANC JAKLIČ
IX. BARAGA REDNI ŠKOF SAULTSK' LETO 1861
V Saultu je 21. julija sprejel v škofijo študenta Friderika Eisa (Ajsa), ki je postal 1. 1899 tretji škof za njim, Vrtinov naslednik. Eisovi starši so bili z Westfalskega v zahodni Nemčiji; ko so se preselili v Ameriko, je imel deček 12 let. V Minnesoti Mine se je Fox seznanil z njimi. Postal je pozoren na dečkovo pobožnost, nadarjenost in pridnost. Nekaj let ga je sam učil, potem pa poslal škofu.
V Cincinnatiju je imel škof Baraga v semenišču bogoslovca Honorata Bouriona (Buriona), ki je bil v maju prišel iz Francije. Bil je nečak Sebastijana Duroca. Imel je šele 21 let; ni še končal bogoslovja. Pa Baraga spet ni imel za Sault nobenega duhovnika; sila je bila velika in podelil mu je mašniško posvečenje. V Saultu mu je potem sam pomagal učiti se še preostalih bogoslovnih ved. Po novi maši 2. decembra 1862 ga je vprašal, ali želi imeti hrano pri njem. Bourion si je seveda predstavljal Baragovo kuhinjo vsaj nekoliko podobno kuhinji francoskih škofov in je ponudbo z veseljem sprejel. Ni vedel, da Baraga že devet let ne uživa mesa. Zjutraj je prihajal na mizo pečen krompir, opoldne kuhan, zvečer pa pogret. En mesec je zdržal, potem je pa le prosil za malo mesa. Baraga je privolil, a je v kuhinji naročil, naj zanj še naprej tako kuhajo kakor do zdaj. Bourionove prošnje je bil najbrž tudi strežaj Gašper Schulte vesel, ker se je skoraj gotovo tudi on že preobjedel krompirja.
Leta 1861 so iz Rima, iz Kongregacije za širjenje vere, vprašali Barago, ali ima v svoji škofiji duhovnike, ki bi bili “vredni in zmožni za škofovsko službo”. Dne 11. septembra je odpisal, da ima dva, Mraka in Foxa.
V	odgovorih na vprašanja, ki so mu jih stavili, ju je natančneje označil. O Mraku pravi: "V vsem svojem delovanju kaže veliko modrost. Je zdrav, zelo zmeren, z malim zadovoljen, v upravi časnih zadev dovolj spreten. Za kar se odloči, tega se trdno drži; je vztrajen v dobrem in zmerom enakomeren. Je in je bil vselej na najboljšem glasu. Sveta opravila izvršuje zelo pazljivo in mirno; dobro pozna vse predpise. Je resen, skromen, v vsem častitljiv." - Foxa pa tako označi: “Vsi, ki ga poznajo, ga imajo za modrega in zelo ljubeznivega duhovnika. Je zdrav in krepak, zmeren in zadovoljen z malim, razumen in previden u upravi
časnih zadev. Trdno se ravna po svojih sklepih, je goreč za rešitev duš, toda moder. Je in je bil vselej na najboljšem glasu. Cerkvena opravila izvršuje natančno in lepo. V obleki, vedenju, nastopu in govorjenju vzpodbudno vpliva na svoje vernike.'' - Ko je v svoji zadnji bolezni v naglici ustno predlagal tri duhovnike, ki bi naj sveta stčlica enega izmed njih določila za njegovega naslednika, pa Foxa ni več imenoval.
Dne 11. novembra je poročal na Dunaj o svoji vizitaciji na Dolenjem Michiganu. Ljudstva, zlasti belih priseljencev, je zmerom več, tako da cerkve postajajo premajhne. V Križni vasi se je domenil z indijanskimi tesarji in mizarji, za koliko in kako naj povečajo nedavno zgrajeno cerkev. Tudi v Srednji vasi to bodo prihodnjo zimo podaljšali. V Eagle Townu je 28. avgusta pri Mraku tako zbolel, da dva dni ni mogel iz postelje.
V	drugi polovici septembra pa vidimo Barago v indijanski vasi Iškonigan na otoku Sugar Island (Šugar Ajlend, Sladkorni otok) v Reki svete Marije, 30 km jugovzhodno od Saulta. Tam je v popolni ločenosti od sveta živelo nekaj indijanskih družin, krščanskih in poganskih, ki jih belokožci niso pokvarili z žganjem in razuzdanostjo. Baragi so bili zato še posebno dragi. Kar je bilo kristjanov med njimi, so ga prišli v Sault prosit, naj jih obišče. Obiskal jih je. Čeprav je bil škof, je hodil od koče do koče, krščanske in poganske, in ljubeznivo vabil k verskemu pouku. Tako prijaznemu vabilu visokega gosta so se tudi pogani radi odzvali in se skozi tri tedne vsak dan po trikrat zbrali h krščanskemu nauku. Kje je škof Baraga tiste tri tedne stanoval, točno ne vemo; pa kje drugje kakor v kakšni umazani in zakajeni indijanski bajti? Spet je zaživel v njem nekdanji indijanski misijonar. Pred odhodom jim je natančno razložil, kje naj bi stala cerkvica in kako jo naj zgradijo. Vedel je, da ga bo mnogo stala, ker bodo morali tesarje hitro dobiti od daleč.
Ko se je vrnil v Sault Ste. Marie, je v svoji hiši lastnoročno izdeloval iz desk, kar je bilo treba za cerkev, kakor je svoj čas pomagal pri mizarskih delih pri la pointski cerkvi in pri hišah redukcije v L’Ansu. Njegov dnevnik nam pove, da je 2. oktobra dodelal tabernakelj, 5. oktobra oltarne stopnice, 9. oktobra okvirje za oltarne slike. Potem je izdeloval stojalce za mašno knjigo in okvirje za 14 postaj križevega pota. Vse te svoje izdelke je 23. oktobra na ladjici sam prepeljal na Sugar Island. Tam je spet z lastno, posvečeno roko oblal, žagal, pribijal itd., kar je še manjkalo. Misijonar Jacker, ki je prišel iz Houghtona uredit neko zadevo z njim, ga je dobil v majhni zakristiji sredi dela. “Gotovo ste lačni," mu je rekel in mu ponudil od živil, ki jih je imel še za dva ali tri dni: poldrugi hlebec kruha, kakšnih 30 dekagramov sira in pol stožca sladkorja za v čaj. - Cerkvico je 27. oktobra blagoslovil v čast sv. Jožefu, varuhu Jezusove mladosti. Potem je še več ko en teden ostal tam in maševal v cerkvici, učil krščanski nauk, spovedoval in obhajal, krščeval, birmal in poročal. V dnevniku je k 1. novembru pripomnil, da je svojo osmo obletnico škofovskega posvečenja med temi skrajno preprostimi Indijanci tako lepo preživel, kakor še nobeno poprej.
NADALJEVANJE
Junior Heritage News and Views
Irene Odorizzi
yiovlry^ U<»r4rib (Jsufaj
The lovely sketches which you see represented on this page are the work of Angela Mlakar, granddaughter of Rosemary Mlakar, Br. 100, former Regional President of California-W ashington.
We are delighted to feature this work not only because it is lovely but because Angela is a fourth generation Slovenian Women’s Union member. It’s wonderful to see our young American-Slovenians participate in the organization in their formative years. We look forward to their increased involvement so that we can depend upon them to assume leadership of the organization as adults.
Angela wrote in her accompanying letter, "I had fun designing these logos. My schoolwork and extracurricular activities do take, up a lot of my time. My little brother is a Boy Scout in Auburn, CA and I have designed two patches and many posters for them. I really do enjoy doing this sort of thing so if you ever need any other logos or designs I would be happy to help.”
When you have other ideas Angela, just forward them to us.
IMO
9
News Sunday Aprl [13] 1997, My Cat.
My Cat is Good.
He Loves Me
.1 Love his name i got a.p.l. he. is	gray
THE END.
Him
is
him
too.
comet
from
the
AND white.
Writ [sic] by Maggie Majercik, age 6, by herself, on her (Dad’s) computer. Member: Branch No. 73
Vera Šebenik: The good Lord intended us to listen more than we talk. Otherwise, he would have given us two months and one car.
Smile
For every person who climbs the ladder of success, there are a dozen waiting for the elevator.
-Zingers
>
ZELE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
TWO COMPLETE FUNERAL HOMES 452 East 152nd St., Cleveland, Ohio (216) 481-3118
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HOMES IN THE JOLIET AREA
COLDWELL BANKER HONIG-BELL Realty
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FAX: (815) 487-314#	Member	ot	Branch	20,	S.	W.U.
NEW MEMBERS OF SWU - 1997 - Continued -Social members will be published in the next issue.
Branch No. 42 -
Branch No. 43 Branch No. 73
Branch No. 100 Branch No. 101
Branch No. 103
Branch No. 105
David L. Lipnos Mary C. Lipnos (J)
Kelly A. Lipnos (J) Nicholas P. Lipnos (J)
Mary Jo McHenry
RitaM. Starich
Andrew Majercik (J)
Debi A. Zolyniak Helen M. Husky Brandon Mueller
Ellen R. Koci (J)
Rosanne Switalski Linda Bradac
Metka Luckmann-Kormont Angela Percic-Staric
Doreen A. Preston MariaT. O’Hara
PERIODICALS
POSTAGE
PAID
CHICAGO
ILLINOIS
A LONELY PLANET TRAVEL BOOK BY STEVE FALLON
The author of this travel guide and “survival kit series book” has done a masterful job researching and compiling information on Slovenia that will surel,y provide the traveler, or just reader, a wealth of good facts. He is a journalist wiht a great curiosity and resourceful enough to find people to help him get these facts. It then assures the reader that everything you want to know about Slovenia is in this little book!
So many young people are looking for this kind of resource! We hope families will want to have SLOVENIA as a part of their library at home.
Slovenian Women’s Union is proud to bring our members and friends the availability of SLOVENIA at nominal cost and convenience. Please send your orders to
Kathleen M. Emerson, Women’s Activity Director,
41	Sparrow Hill, Orion, MI 48359.
Cost is $16.00 ($13.95 plus $2.05 postage and handling)
Proceeds from the sale of SLOVENIA will go toward our 1999 Convention Fund.
AMERICAN	Ji	Ask About
SLOVENIAN JI* HU "KSKJ ANNUITIES”
CATHOLIC MTm	A New
UNION	Beginning
HOME OFFICE: 2439 GLENWOOD AVENUE • JOLIET, IL 60435 • (800) 843-5755