Volume 78 Issue 6 November-December, 2006
Wine growing regions Slovenian wine is excellent and wins many awards on the international level. The three main regions are Podravje in the northeast, most famous for its whites; Posavje in the southeast, known for its reds and Cviček (Slovene wine with a light taste and low alcohol content), and you cannot visit the Karst region without trying the ruby-red Teran wine. It is said that the Slovenes keep the best wines for themselves and only export the lesser wines - and it is absolutely true! In fact it is quite difficult to find Slovene wine in the USA. All the more reason to follow one of the Wine Routes yourself and sample some of these wonderful wines!
Front Cover Photo: Slovenian Wine Producing
Photographer: A Fevžer
Slovenian Tourist Board: www.slovenia.info
In 1992, the Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food introduced Slovenia’s Wine Roads, which embraces 20 wine routes from the three wine making regions of Slovenia where their names for the most part, reveal which wine-growing district they are situated in, or designate the wine-growing regions where the various tastes of fine Slovenian wines can be discovered. Few wine producing countries can compete with Slovenia’s rich viticulture tradition. The common features of all wine routes are genuine wines along with local culinary specialties and their cultural and historical backgrounds. The wine routes are true pilgrimage destinations of the picturesque land.
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CONTENTS
IN EACH ISSUE
1	From the Editor
2 National President’s Message
3	National Secretary News
4	National Convention News
7	SWUA Scholarship Program
8	Annual Meeting Reports
IT’S IN EVERY SLOVENIAN
12	Men in a SWUA World
13	Kid Talk
15	NewsfromSWUA.org
16	Living Your Legacy
17	Discovering your Slovenian Roots
HERITAGE NEWS
18	The Path Taken - Dopoljena pot
21	Archival Records Scanned
21	Slovenian Heritage Museum
24	Branch Reports
33	Calendar of Events
From the Editor
Traditionally St. Martin’s Day is the day that we celebrate the year’s new wine. Wine is considered the national drink of Slovenia, which makes St. Martin’s Day very popular in Slovenia - particularly in the wine-growing regions. Sometime around St. Martin’s Day, November 11, grape juice ferments enough and the must becomes wine. This has always been a good reason for having a party and besides, the new wine must be tasted! Slovenians celebrate the holiday at the weekend nearest to November 11, but if St. Martin’s happens to fall midweek, they observe it at the weekend before and after. The meal traditionally served on the occasion consists of roast goose and red cabbage as Jenka has prepared for us.
Another tale of St. Martin is he was believed to be a considerate individual who cut his coat with a sword to give it to a poor man with no protection from the elements.
Since St. Martin’s Day falls on a Saturday this year we will only be able to celebrate and taste the new wine on one weekend. Luckily it will be spent at my sisters home for our annual party. Each year the party has grown in number. For the non-Slovenians, they learn of a new tradition and always ask to come back again.
CULINARY
36 Entertaining .. .With a touch of Slovenia
But let us not forget the compassionate side of St. Martin and help the poor, needy or some just down on their luck. -Debbie Pohar, Editor
Letters to the Editor
In response to Lynn Zalokar’s letter, 1 think snail-mail newsletters at a branch level would be against the whole concept of SWUA. I believe our mothers and grandmothers started SWUA for the joy of being together and sharing with women of the same heritage and interests. As the organization grew and crossed the country the only way to do this was our “branch reports”. I have always read the news from every branch. Our Zarja is a beautiful publication and a wealth of information. But if we lose our personal touch with each other, we will be just another magazine.
Beverly Jackson, Branch 13
Thank you all for selecting my Slovenian garden the Grand Prize winner. You are welcome to visit all three of them during the blooming season. The prize money is being spent on a statue of the Blessed Mother, in honor of my Slovenian grandmother who gardened in the same yard 1 do. Thank you again. 1 am very proud to be a Slovenian. Mary Mecum, Branch 24
Received this latest issue and though I have not gone through it all yet, it is aesthetically pleasing - a wonderful issue on the “gardens”. Loved the photos on the gardens and Mary Mecum’s garden arrangements certainly seems that it would be the most authentic - very “old world” and something we should never let go. The garden is a “comfort” garden. Deservedly, a winner in many ways. It would be nice to know a little about the winners - branch, location, a little more history on the development of the gardens. The second and third place winners were outstanding as well! You must have received a lot of lovely choices which would have been very difficult to select. A collage photo of those gardens would be wonderful to see if there is room in an issue. 1 guess that would depend on how many you received. See....you do reach the membership and readers! Congratulations to all the winners and submissions. Loved the kozolec - such originality! It’s good to be close to nature and all that is natural. (However, it must be a lot of work which can only come from love.)
Marge Yemec Church, Branch 42
National President’s Message
“Gearing Up For Our 80th Anniversary”
Can you believe it - we are celebrating our 80th year?
I,	for one, find it unbelievable and fascinating. I am sure many of you remember stories told to you from your mothers and grandmothers about events and activities of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America from the past. Don’t forget them! Please continue to share those memories with the younger generations. They not only pay tribute to our loved ones, but it also lends to keep our existence and heritage alive.
The National Board is proud to announce that we have applied for and received a grant in the amount
of $2,670.00 from Slovenia. Special thanks are extended to Mary Lou Voelk and Bonnie Prokup who prepared the paperwork to obtain this money from the Office for Slovenes Abroad. The money will help defray some of the costs of our next issue of the Zarja.
The January/February issue of the Zarja will be a commemorative issue for our 80"'Anniversary. It will be bigger than our normal issue as it will highlight branches and share special features about our anniversary. This issue will also talk more about our upcoming National Convention and our 80th Anniversary Celebration in June 2007. Look for this issue to arrive just before the Christmas holidays.
I am sure that you all join me in looking forward to this issue. I am getting many positive and heartwarming comments about the new look and layout of the Zarja. Your comments and feedback are always welcome. With the column, Letters to the Editor, please feel free to send in your thoughts.
Jjllk
First Midwest Bank
Joliet, IL (815) 727-5222
FD*C	£=J
Love and Blessings, Kathleen Ferrante
178 Gaylord Drive Munroe Falls OH 44262 330.688.4949 kdorchak@neo.rr.com
Welcome to our new members!	
1, Sossi, Maria	20, Monroe, Mildred Dr
1, Sterk, Gary	20, Pucel, Keegan
1, Virant, Barbara	20, Terlep, Carole
1, Virant, Joseph A	23, Hiltbrunner, Barbara
5, Barbarich, Joseph	24, Malcom, Cheryl
5, Barbarich, Luke	30, Manis, Charlotte
5, Barbarich, Paul	38, Rupar, Terry
5, Swails, Elmer	43, Dzamonja, Nevena
13, Widmar, Suzanne	43, Grant, Connor
20, Christensen, Gloria	43, Grant, Courtney
20, Dearbom-Denney,	43, Grant, Lori
Elizabeth	43, Khaldy, Karim
20, Gregorich, Stephanie	Johnstone
20, Lasky, Roberta	99, Rogel, Diane
20, Lawler, Kathleen	99, Zalik, Ann
20, Lukančič, James	100, Potisk, Polly
20, Lukančič, Louis Dr	108, Robinson, Barbara
20, Lukančič, Mary Ann	109, Smrekar, James
186 new members	
so far this year!	
I wish each and every one of you a healthy and joyous holiday season with your Kathleen Ferrante families and special friends. National President Please remember those less fortunate at this time. They really count on those of us very blessed to share our bounty.
National Secretary News
25th NATIONAL CONVENTION - 2007
Choosing The Best Delegate
4.09 Any Adult Class member is eligible to be a delegate or alternate to the National Convention if he/she is at least 18years of age, a United States citizen and a member in good standing. She/He must also be a member for at least one year and must have attended a minimum of five meetings of her/his branch during the year prior to the convention. Attendance and membership requirements may be waived in the case of newly organized branches organized within the past year and Branch 30, which consists of members from all over the United States who do not live within a reasonable distance to a branch. To be elected as a delegate or alternate, individual members must receive a majority of the votes cast during the branch s delegate and alternate elections.
It is important to select a qualified member to help formulate the future of SWUA. As an extension of the bylaw qualifications we ask that you think of these character traits in the person you are about to chose as delegate for the 25th National Convention.
1. ENTHUSIASM: Above all else this delegate should possess enthusiasm for their heritage. Do they recruit members? Do they offer ideas? Attend Slovenian events? Promote their heritage?
2. LEADERSHIP: Are they leaders within your branch? Do they assist and support the vision/mission/purpose of SWUA? Do they lead by example?
3. POSITIVE: Do they believe in our vision/mission/ purpose? Do they think SWUA has a reason to exist? Do they want SWUA to exist and succeed?
4. UNDERSTANDING: Do they understand the organization and its programs?
5. ABILITY: Do they have the ability to motivate others. To be a team player?
If you can answer yes to all of the above, this is a great start at choosing the right candidate. Again, this decision is very important. As each year arrives we grow further apart from our original purpose of organization. No longer does the reason we were founded exist but slowly through the years it has reversed. Today we are looking for leaders
I
who want to promote the Bonnie Pohar Prokup Slovenian heritage by spreading it Nat,onal Secretary to our members across the United States.
We need delegates who want to serve as board members. Depending on how the vote goes at the Convention we may be restructuring our current board positions. Regardless -all positions are open for the 2007 - 2011 term of office.
Choosing these officers is not as easy as it seems. Many times in the past delegates have arrived with no thoughts of becoming a board member. Please send delegates who are open-minded to this. Remember - this is the future of our organization.
Bonnie Pohar Prokup 3119 Carrie Street Peru, IL 61354 wprokup@aol.com
Zarja The Dawn Donations $25 Donation
Somrak, Theresa - 50
$20 Donation
Križnar, Mary Jean - 23 Schultz, Jenny - 10
Schulz, Karl in honor of mother Suzanne Widmar and Immigrant Ancestors - 13
$10 Donation
Branch 13
Henkel, Nancy * memory of Angie Nico - 89 Vovk, Anita - 35
$5 Donation
Branch 24 picture Branch 89
Potisk, Polly * memory of Herman Potisk - 100 Rabb, Maryls * memory of William Slogar - 35
$1 Donation
Wimber, Nancy - 3 Wimber, Noah - 3 Wimber, Venessa Sue - 3
Bylaws Amendments/Revisions
What, When, & Why - SWUA Bylaws Committee - Bylaw Items to Consider
Every four years at our national convention we have the opportunity, after considerable review, to amend/ revise our bylaws to reflect the intentions of the organized membership. The June 2007 National Convention is right around the comer - so it is time once again to hear from the membership regarding bylaws which may be problematic, outdated, vague or restrictive as we provide the authority to our national officers and board of directors to, among other duties, oversee the original burial insurance policies, keep the membership connected through our official organ, Zarja The Dawn, and to provide direction to branch officers in the governing of our branch meetings and state conventions.
A four-person bylaws committee has been formed with Denise Bartlett (SWUA’s National 2nd Auditor and Branch 43 Treasurer) as chairperson. Yvonne Johnstone Khaldy, Vice-President of Branch 43 and acting Vice-Pres. of the Wisconsin Region. Jan King, Branch 30, SWUA’s Branch for members who do not live within a reasonable distance to a branch. Jan lives in Wasilla, Alaska and serves as SWUA’s On-Line Newsletter editor. Norm Setnicker helped organize and is a member of Branch 109. He is also their reporter to Zarja. All four have impressive qualifications.
The bylaws committee will be thoroughly reviewing current bylaws and all suggestions presented by the membership to improve SWUA’s guidelines. It is suggested that all members become familiar with the SWUA bylaws. Your branch president and secretary have copies. Members may also go to www.swua.org to print a 16 page copy. Each issue of Zarja since the July/August ‘06 issue through the March/April 2007 issue will highlight sections of the current bylaws, and will include concerns and suggestions received thus far. Please see below. Chairwoman Bartlett is asking for feedback regarding suggested revisions, information from members regarding the reasons/history of certain sections, lessons learned from past SWUA history regarding the bylaws - in short, members are urged to SPEAK UP. The committee will consider every submission of information before presenting suggested formal (final) bylaw changes for all members to read in the May/June ’07 Zarja, review/consider/discuss at their branch meetings and entrust the delegates at the June 2007 Convention to determine with their vote.
Important points from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Robert’s Rules by Nancy Sylvester, PRP, CPP-T, 2004 Edition, pages 38-39 ...Any member should be able to pick up a copy of the bylaws, read them, and for the most part, understand what they say. Therefore, keep the language of
the bylaws simple and straightforward. .. .Sometimes it is the littlest words that have the biggest impact. Don’t write mav - which means that it is optional - or should - which means ought to, but not necessarily will, when you mean must, shall or will...Bylaws shouldn’t put unnecessary restrictions on the organization. Instead, the bylaws should be an empowering document. Only restrict those things that are necessary to restrict, such as duties of the members. Beyond that, allow for flexibility within the bylaws.
Items to consider from CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS of the SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION of AMERICA: From pages 26 thru 43 of the blue SWUA Bylaws booklet (page 8-Article VII thru page 13-Article IX of website copy)
Article VII Officers 7.01 Should there be a provision allowing officers to continue serving in a 3rd term (or longer) in situations whereby no other member is willing to be nominated and 2/3 majority of the voting delegates votes to elect the current officer to continue in their position? May officers serve again in the same office after a 4-year term has elapsed? Currently the National Secretary serves as a financial secretary. Should this be changed due to the fact that there is no provision or bylaw governing who is responsible for Corresponding or Recording Secretary duties? Shall the Treasurer position be responsible for duties now required of the National Secretary and Treasurer? Would some requirements more fittingly belong at the Home Office? Shall we state that officers may assist each other with their respective job duties? How shall elected positions be filled in the case of resignations between conventions? 7.16 Requirement that the Editor of Zarja must be competent in the use of the Slovenian language should be eliminated as it is too restrictive.
Article VIII Initiative and Referendum 9.08 a) Should this sentence be lengthened to “The members shall honor and pray at the interment of its deceased members if so requested or permitted bv the deceased’s family?”
(1) and (2) Obsolete wording should be removed.
These bylaw revision suggestions are of great importance and demand serious consideration. If you would like your opinion or ideas to be heard, please contact Denise Bartlett. Your thoughts and suggestions are important! Thank you.
Please send all correspondence to Denise P. Bartlett, 7902 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee, Wl, 53220-1612 telephone: 414-327-4990 e-mail denisepbartlett@wi.rr.com
SWUA National Convention
Starved Rock Lodge and Convention Center Utica, Illinois
JUNE 21-24, 2007
Dear SWUA Member,
Dober Dan! Much work is being done for the upcoming SWUA National Convention June 21-24, 2007, even as we write. Although, the main reason for this Convention is the meeting for delegates from each branch of SWUA to vote on various issues, this is also a reunion for people of Slovenian heritage. We want to keep our heritage alive with the knowledge of this beautiful culture.
We have many exciting and different fun events planned during our four days of gathering. Starting with a Wine Tasting Party Thursday evening, featuring Slovenian wine to a Slovenian Expo with many venues. There will be Slovenian musical entertainment and wonderful food. The Potica Contest, Silent Auction and Kids Heritage Camp are all back by popular demand, Polka Mass Sunday and a Grand Gala Banquet for the 80th Anniversary of our beloved SWUA on Saturday evening and much more. You will not want to miss a thing, so mark your calendar today.
Other years this National Convention was held in wonderful large cities across the USA, but we want you to experience something different, a place where many Slovenian immigrants came over 100 years ago to establish their new homes and lives. Although most people think of Illinois as a flat farming state with only cornfields, this area of the state is nestled deep in the woods along the beautiful Illinois River. The area is becoming known for its wineries and wine tasting rooms (wouldn’t our ancestors be proud, as they all had vineyards), so we want you to enjoy the fruits of this area.
hand dug by early settlers who were immigrants. The famous Wild Bill Hickock was bom close by. So come and enjoy the scenery in our historic valley. Come see why the Slovenian immigrants loved it here in the Illinois Valley.
Starved Rock State Park, with its 18 canyons, many waterfalls and hiking trails to explore is known for the long ago Indians and the legend that as two tribes battled each other, one starved the other who had climbed a tall chimney rock to escape the conflict. Thus, Starved Rock. Fr. Pere Marquette said the first Catholic Mass here in 1675. Many explorers came down the Illinois River. Abe Lincoln traveled here often and the first historic Lincoln-Douglas debate on August 21, 1858 was held just miles from here. The now restored Illinois-Michigan Canal was
We have decided to keep everything contained in the large lodge so once you are here you will not have to move again. There is an indoor pool, sauna, cafes, gift shops, a Visitor Center which contains a small museum and video theater, dam is on site, and you can see the barges down the river.
A working river make their way
stahvkpKock HOTEL——
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We assure you will not want to miss the 25th SWUA National Convention and 80th Anniversary Celebration. We hope to see you here.
Sincerely yours,
Bonnie Prokup and Nancy Henkel,
Convention Co-Chairmen
SWUA Scholarship Program
Continuation of 2006-2007 SWUA Scholarship Recipients’ Essays
“My Heritage and My Culture”: The dictionary defines ethnic as one retaining traditional customs, outlook, and language. Ethnicity is one of many aspects that make a person who they are. My Slovenian heritage is a huge part of who I am. I have been taught many wonderful traditional customs. I remember as a little girl, getting the basket ready for Zegen, carefully filling it with eggs, sausage, horseradish, and potica. I looked forward to eating Easter morning breakfast more than seeing what the bunny had brought to me!
My grandmothers have instilled in me a love for Slovenian food and cooking. I will roll up my sleeves with Grandma Golobich to make strudel, potica, and krofe. My Grandma Zgonc always had a large garden and she taught me the art of canning vegetables - beans, beets, tomatoes, peppers, and sauerkraut. At my high school graduation party, I didn't have the usual graduation cake, but rather chose to have walnut potica for desert! It was meaningful to have a part of my ethnic culture at this special occasion.
As I reflect on my outlook, I know I have been influenced by the struggles of my ancestors when they immigrated to America. My grandpa worked in the underground mines, and has taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I have learned that with Slovenians, helping others is not a choice, but a significant event to be carried out every day. Another important aspect of my heritage is our family’s involvement in the Catholic Church. I began my service to the church as a Mass server and continue now as a Eucharistic Minister. The closeness ofour family is rooted in the early days of learning how to polka and listening to the “Polka Pal ’’program on the radio station. My parents, grandparents, and 1 would dance from the living room to the kitchen and back again, smiling, laughing, and enjoying each other.
As far as the language, I only know a few sentences and words. I was always amazed that my grandmother could speak fluent Slovenian long after her parents had passed away. One of my goals is to learn more of the Slovenian language.
As generations pass, it is easy to lose sight of where we came from, being 100% SIovenian-American, I plan to make preserving my heritage a priority and will pass the traditional customs, outlook, and language on to my children. I hope they will treasure the ethnicity of our Slovenian culture as I do.
Jennifer Golobich, Branch 23
“My Heritage and My Culture”: Growing up in Pueblo, Colorado has put me in contact with a Slovenian community since I was young. From my youngest years I was told about what it entails to have Slovenian blood, and the behavior that is expected of me for possessing it. The principles of hard work, honesty, and responsibility were taught to me when I was young and they no doubt have a strong connection to my heritage. My Slovenian upbringing has had an important effect on who lam today.
Anthony Perko, Branch 3
[ Scholarship Donations j August and September 2006
$25.00 donation
Agnes Zabak (In memory of Teresa Lausche
Janezic on the 25lh anniversary of her death)
$20.00 donation
Angela A. Erchull (+William Slogar)
$10.00 donation
Branch 42, Maple Hts, OH (+Frank Urbančič, Jr.)
Barbara Bruch (+Angie Nico)
Sincere thanks to all of you who have supported scholarship awards in any way. For information on the SWUA Scholarship Foundation see: http://www.swua.org Donations are needed so that more young students can be financially assisted. If you can help, please mail contributions to:
Mary Turvey, Director SWUA Scholarship Program 52 Oakridge Drive
Marquette, Michigan 49855 mturvey@aol.com
Marge Church , VP and Treasurer SWUA Scholarship Program 1028 Skyland Drive
Macedonia, Ohio 44056 Yemec@earthlink.net
Update on a Past Scholarship Recipient
Elizabeth Fon Walker (1998), Branch 5
As I sit here at my computer, 1 am trying to remember what my life was like eight years ago when I received the SWUA scholarship. 1 remember being an anxious high school senior waiting for the school year to be finished so I could go off into the big world and start my college education. I remember being scared for what the road before me held. I remember being excited to start the next chapter of my life.
When someone asked me where I attended school I have to laugh at myself because not everyone can say they attended three universities. My first school was Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I went to Carthage to play volleyball and run track and field. After the first year, I decided that 5 Vi hours from home was too far for me so I headed back down to Purdue University. There I studied Interior Design for the next 2 years. During that time my picture ended up in the Slovenian Women’s Cook Book, and I also took a trip to Slovenia with my sister Sara. We were there for 4 weeks taking a language course. I am sorry to say that I didn’t pick up on the language very quickly but I have a thousand memories that I will have with me forever!
After Purdue, Mom and Dad’s house became home when I moved back in and finished up my studies at Indiana University in Indianapolis. After many moves, a lot of books, and many all-night study sessions, I graduated with a degree in Interior Design, a
Betsy and Grant Walker on their wedding day.
degree in General Studies, and an engagement ring! Lots of people have romantic stories about their proposals. Mine involves a surprise graduation Luau, me in a grass skirt and my fiancee dropping to one knee and asking me to marry him in front of 40 people. That was a great day.
My husband, Grant and I were married a year later on September 24th at Holy Trinity Slovenian Catholic Church here in Indianapolis. It was important to Grant and me to have our ceremony in a place that is such a part of my family history. During our ceremony our priest spoke of the history within the walls of Holy Trinity. He spoke of my grandparents and how they were also married in the church and how this place was such a part of who we are. He said if you listen closely enough you can still hear the voices of Slovenian Choir in the arches. I know I can hear them.
Betsy and Grant Walker on their wedding day.
So that is the path I have traveled down the past few years. Who knows where it will lead me next? Right now my life is focused on my husband and our new puppy, Lucy. I hope that it continues to go as well as it has been. My life is full of blessings and I hope the next eight years gets even better. Adijo! - Elizabeth Fon Walker, Branch 5
SWUA National Board Meeting
Minutes from February 23 - 25, 2006
Attendance:
President - Kathleen Ferrante Vice President - Betty Ann Kolesari Secretary -Bonnie Prokup Treasurer - Jonita Ruth First Auditor - Beverly Menart Second Auditor - Denise P. Bartlett Third Auditor - Nancy Henkel
Special Projects Director and Cultural Heritage Director: Mary Lou Voelk presented a power point presentation that was given to various organizations during our visit to Slovenia in January 2006. The four board members that traveled to Slovenia were: President Ferrante, Secretary Prokup, Editor Pohar; Cultural Heritage Director and Special Projects Director Voelk. Mary Lou explained the necessity and highlights of the trip. One of the most important aspects was the contacts we made to obtain Slovenian information and news, travel, literature, and what we needed to do to be eligible for grant money. These contacts are vital to the future and success of our organization.
The board was presented with a questionnaire as to how each of us thought the museum should appear and its maintenance. The results of this survey will be published in a future Zarja.
First Midwest Bank Trust Accounts:
Ron Erjavec and Joy Gruber, CFA from the Midwest Bank and Trust presented the investment update of the SWUA investment accounts. We comply with the ruling of having our investments split accordingly to 80% in Fixed Income and 20% in Variable Income. Their presentation resulted in the following suggestions:
• Reinvest any Bonds coming into term into A-rated Bonds for 3 or 4 years rather than the 10 years that we usually bought in previous years.
• Sell $25,000.00 from the Vanguard Index #540 and split $8,333.00 between the Fidelity Growth Company Fund #25, T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth Fund #64 and Vanguard Windsor II Fund #73.
• Take the PIMCO Total Return II #153 and purchase American Fund Bond Funds R which will be available on April 1.
The board agreed unanimously to their proposals.
Special Projects - Director Mary Lou Voelk
Zarja Editor - Debbie Pohar
Zarja Consulting Editor - Corinne Leskovar
Scholarship Director - Mary Turvey
Website - Leslie Cummings
IL-IN Regional President - Genevieve Buol
WI Regional Vice President-Yvonne Johnstone-Khaldy
Museum 501C3 Tax Exemption Status:
Vice President Kolesari discussed the need of specific paralegal help in IL to assist SWUA in acquiring our 501C3 status. Also, our “agent representative” would need to have dedicated bookkeeping and organizational skills to keep records in continual order, as described and required by the IRS. President Ferrante would further investigate legal avenues available.
Auditors Report:
First Auditor Menart presented the results of the auditors review on all of the accounts and their financial books. Record keeping recommendations were made. All of the accounts were found to be in order.
The Scholarship Program:
Scholarship Director Mary Turvey furnished a detailed report of the progress and financial situation of the Scholarship Fund and Scholarship Foundation. Several changes have been implemented to enhance the structure of how the scholarships are considered and disbursed. The scholarship award amount has been increased to $2,000.00 from $1,000.00. Also, the candidates are not limited to only one award. The students will now be able to apply for an award each and every year. These changes are going to benefit our youth even more during the trying years of college.
National Secretary:
National Secretary Prokup gave a presentation on the “Living Our Legacy” membership Campaign. She provided and described numerous graphs that detailed the status and trends of our membership. As of this date we have 4,108 members.
Accountant William Prokup presented the financial situation as of December 31, 2005. As per The Illinois Department of Insurance the Board unanimously adopted
The Slovenian Women’s Union of America Investment Policy of February 1, 2003.
The Board further reviewed and discussed the 2006 Budget and the board agreed unanimously to accept the budget as submitted.
Bonnie, Debbie and Nancy shared with us their plans and agenda. Committees were formed with the following chairs:
•	Awards and Recognition - Denise Bartlett
• Bylaws - Denise Bartlett
•	Credentials - Genevieve Buol
• Nominating Committee - Bonnie Prokup
Website: Leslie Cummings represented the website committee. She gave a detailed description on the requirements and items needed to keep the website current and timely.
Home Office Manager: Jonita Ruth requested the salary for the Office Manager be raised to $6.50 an hour. After much discussion a vote was taken and passed to increase the hourly wage effective January 1, 2006.
Reports were given outlining the revenue on the various categories such as: More Pots and Pans and Women’s Glory cookbooks, pins and charms, donations, and gift shop items.
Heritage Museum Gift Shop: Numerous comments were discussed as to the need to refurbish and update our Museum Gift Shop and spending procedures. Secretary Bonnie Prokup motioned that no future purchases for gift shop items, excluding the Berlitz Phrase Book and Dictionary and Learn Slovenian CD, shall be purchase until a strategic marketing plan is in place. Vice President Kolesari seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Zaria Editor. Zaria Design Editor, and Consulting Editor: The board discussed the new look for the Zarja which can partially be credited to the contacts made during the trip to Slovenia. The Zarja team presented revised deadline dates for article submission, advertising suggestions, branch reporter guidelines, and a request for approval of 40 pages for each issue. The board unanimously approved the 40 page issue for each issue. Mailing labels for the Zarja will now be provided by the National Secretary. There will be no further need to have a duplicate listing.
Discussion also ensued about the possible location of another printer for the Zarja. The board gave permission to the Zarja team to make decisions in matters involving smooth operation and keeping expenditures low.
National Convention 2007:
The upcoming National Convention will be held in the historic Illinois Valley at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center June 21 -24,2007.
Vice President Kolesari motioned to allow individual branches to purchase a whole box of 30 Women’s Glory Cookbooks for $15.00 each. In turn, the branch would sell the cookbook for $20.00, having the additional $5.00 go towards the branch’s delegate traveling fee to the convention. Treasurer Jonita Ruth seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Other Important Issues:
The Board discussed various topics:
• The Board reviewed the assignments completed from the 2005 board meeting.
• The Board approved the creation of the Calendar Raffle for January 2007.
• Ways to highlight and celebrate our 80th Anniversary coming up on December 19, 2006. The board approved a Special 80th Anniversary issue of the Zarja and a banner to be hung on the side of the building.
• Trip to Slovenia for September 2007 entitled “Moja Slovenija”
• Debbie Pohar and Theresa Burns will work together to complete a list of Heritage Gift Shop Items for sale.
Before adjourning the meeting each board member reviewed their assignments to be completed once they arrived home. Respectfully Submitted by: BettyAnn Kolesari
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Slovenian Women’s Union of America Board of Director’s Meeting Financial Review: February 24,2006
Attached is the unaudited financial report for the year ending December 31, 2005. Prior to this date, I have also included supporting checking account detail and year-end reconciliation for the auditor’s review. I would like to ask if there are any issues/concerns before moving forward.
Cash in checking (book) at year end was $1,267.58 Cash in savings (book) at year end was $12,308.24
The attached sheet shows Trust summary transaction detail for the year 2005. Note the amount of dividend, interest income, and gain on sale of assets. The monthly withdrawal continues at $3,000 per month to meet the operating needs of the organization. You may wish to consider delaying this withdrawal to mid year as short term cash needs are met through the assessment process.
No major withdrawals were made in 2005. The quarterly management fee to First Midwest Bank is 1% of quarter ending balance.
The following board resolutions need to be reviewed:
Review and adoption of the investment policy
Review of 2005 investment transactions
Review of First Midwest Bank’s administration capabilities
Detail Attached
Source/Use of Funds
Attached is a report on the source and use of funds. Please note this report excludes information on the investments previously reviewed.
Our primary source of funds is assessments and donations. We thank everyone for the additional funds to support our organization. This year, funds were received from the sales of pins to cover additional board travel. The amount partially offset the added expense. An additional refund is expected in 2006.
Our primary use of funds is to pay for printing, salaries, taxes, travel, insurance and additional administrative help. As you can see, Zarja printing is our largest expense. At the end of 2005, we were current with the Croatian Franciscan Press. This is the first time we have not had a liability at year-end since we took office. Funds were transferred from the convention fund to meet the final 2005 printing obligation. If not for the additional salary expense during the editor transition, this obligation would have been met with operating funds.
Salary expense for Jan Wilt (Heritage) and Debbie Pohar (Zarja) was added in 2005. Salary for Jan was to be covered by the Heritage Fund. I would ask the board for guidance in how to handle this added expense. Debbie’s salary will be covered by the savings in Zarja printing in 2006. Our bills from Croation Franciscan Press will be reduced as some of the layout and design work will be done by us.
Once again, we had some unexpected expense to pay some back taxes for Federal Unemployment. One half was penalty and interest with the other being liability incurred but not paid. All issues have been resolved to my knowledge.
Detail Attached.
Liabilities
Year-end major liabilities include the following:
2005 Taxes $2,500 Mortality Reserve $266,347.86
We must again thank the Croatian Franciscan Press for being so generous in understanding our cash flow needs.
Miscellaneous
These figures different slightly from the annual filing. Adjustments will be made to reflect depreciation and trust activities.
Report presented by Bill Prokup.
Bonnie J. Prokup, Secretary
Trust Activity Summary 2005					
	LLL	Q1	m	Q4	Change
Beg Balance	$707,453.52	$691,030.70	$695,694.12	$691,920.56	
Dividend Income	$1,627.80	$2,416.62	$2,948.67	$3,640.16	$10,633.25
Interest Income	$6,576.26	$3,659.38	$6,576.26	$2,497.35	$19,309.25
Gain/Loss	$(13.896.94)	$9.321.20	$(2.558.32')	$(914.24)	$(8.048.30)
Total Income Misc Contributions Distributions	$(5,692.88)	$15,397.20	$6,966.61	$5,223.27	$21,894.20 $ -
Monthly Withdrawal Misc Distribution	$(9,000.00)	$(9,000.00)	$(9,000.00)	$(9,000.00)	$(36,000.00)
Management Fees	$(1.729.94)	$(1.733.78)	$('1.740.17'!	$(1.718.55)	$(6.922.44)
Total Distributions	$(10,729.94)	$(10,733.78)	$(10,740.17)	$(10,718.55)	$(42,922.44)
Balance	$691,030.70	$695,694.12	$691,920.56	$686,425.28	$(21,028.24)
Summary: $3,000 withdrawal exceeding earnings. This has been ongoing				for 5 years.	
Slovenian Women’s Union of America
Board of Directors Resolutions - 4th Quarter, 2005
Secretary Review: February 24,2006
Resolved that the Board has reviewed the Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America dated February 1, 2003 and hereby adopts, ratifies and confirms the Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America attached herto and shall be effective as of March 1, 2003 and renewed for 2006.
Vote: 4-0 (7-0)
Resolved, that the Board has reviewed and assessed the technical investment and administrative capabilities and expertise of the First Midwest Bank and hereby determines that it is qualified to execute the Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America dated February 1, 2003.
Vote: 4-0 (7-0)
As required, First Midwest Bank has provided information for the time period January 1,2005 through December 31, 2005. All investments are within the guidelines authorized by the Board of Directors of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America under the investment policy dated March 1, 2003.
Summary of Investments		
	Market Value	% of Total
Cash & Equivalent	$16,605.10	2.42%
Fixed Income	$523,899.38	76.32%
Equities	$145.920.80	21.26%
Total	$686,425.28	100.00%
Our market value of equity investment exceeds the allowable percentage per ILCS 215 and our investment guideline. From a cost basis, we are within guidelines. We will need to seek clarification from the Illinois Department of Insurance.
Cash and Equivalents currently exceed the cash needs of the organization and meet current reserve requirements for unpaid claims. For the first quarter 2006 no bonds are maturing. A $25,000 par value bond is maturing May, 2006. It is recommended we instruct First Midwest Bank to reinvest in accordance to our guidelines. In addition, the board agrees to continue it’s $3,000.00 per month transfer to meet the cash needs for the year.
Vote: All in Favor? 4 (7) Against? 0
Resolved that the Board has reviewed the summary investment reports for the 4lh quarter 2005 and determined that all the Society’s investments have been made in compliance with the SWU standards, limitations, and investment guidelines as specified in Investment Policy of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America.
Vote: Agree 4 (7) Opposed 0
Slovenian Women’s Union of America 2005 Financial Report		
Sources of Funds		
Dues	$	74,483.00
Donations - Zarja	$	8,629.47
Interest Income - Check/Savings	$	247.71
Convention Fund - Cookbook	$	17,115.34
Monthly Trust Fund Transfer	$	36,000.00
Miscellaneous Income - Pin Sales	$	3,800.00
Rental	$	6,500.00
Zarja Advertisement	$	6,860.00
Zarja - Photos/Other	$	415.00
Total Sources of Funds	$	154,050.52
Uses of Funds		
Death Claims	$	10,150.00
Salaries of Officers (2)	$	9,840.00
Salaries of Ees (4)	$	21,720.00
Travel	$	7,773.01
Ins Fees	$	200.00
Maintenance	$	854.49
Insurance	$	2,002.00
Bank	$	703.21
Taxes - RE	$	2,503.02
Taxes - Payroll	$	2,897.12
Adver, print	$	389.40
Postage	$	1,611.06
Zarja Printing	$	62,851.00
Printing - Other	$	8,715.20
Utilities	$	7,144.73
Admin Stipend	$	2,996.00
Other Officers	$	200.00
Taxes - Other	$	3,788.66
Office Expense (Zarja-Home Office)	$	6,807.08
Miscellaneous	$	753.64
Total Uses of Funds	$	153,899.62
Net	$	150.90
Note:		
Amounts in Trust and related activity reported separately.		
Men in a SWUA World
Martinovanje:
Popular Slovenian Festivity
St. Martin’s Day (Martinovanje) is held on November 11th, this is the day that St. Martin was buried in the 4th Century. Today’s modem celebration has preserved the Slovene heritage with all of its customs and traditions. This is the day that must changes into wine, and according to Slovenian tradition, celebrating of the new wine includes the serving of a goose. I will refer you to Jenka’s column for the feast that is typically served in Slovenia on this special day featuring a cooked goose.
Today’s Martinovanje is a very festive holiday where eating and drinking are emphasized. So, you can probably guess that it became one of my favorite days of the year. 1 enjoy a bit of goose with all the fixings and what can be better than a holiday that encourages you to drink fine wine? Whether you are old or young (over 21 of course) you can let your hair down in the name of our great Saint Martin. As I mentioned above, Jenka is taking care of the eating part, so it is left up to me to fill you in on the drinking aspect.
According to lore, St. Martin was most noted for having changed must into wine and thus baptizing the new wine. So carrying on with the tradition of honoring this act, in many of the wine growing regions of Slovenia individuals go through the vineyards, wine cellars, vineyard cottages and wine shops dressed as “Bishop Martin” blessing or baptizing the new wine. There is a special ritual form prepared and “Bishop Martin” in recent years is also usually accompanied by a female escort. The cheerful atmosphere is brimming over. In the cellars the men and women are
tasting all sorts of new wines, and they crack jokes, laugh and sing. St. Martin is the merriest of all Saints. Hey, this sounds like a pretty good gig! — 1 think 1 need to get me a Bishop Martin costume and a fair maiden and head out to do some blessing and baptizing!
According to lore St. Martin, was most noted for having changed must into wine and thus baptizing the new wine.
Don Baldin, Branch 24, enjoying a bottle of wine on St. Martin s Day
cold and the football season heats up and a homemade bowl of chili or soup always hits the spot. Also, we need to save a little room for that other bird we eat in November, you know the day, turkey, mashed potatoes and football. Why can’t every month be November? Now guys don’t forget Christmas is right around the comer, so let’s get that shopping done early for the special people in your life. Remember the best way to get her the perfect gift is to listen and she’ll give you enough hints to figure it out. Oh, and remember to stay away from vacuum cleaners, even if you think that’s what she wants, trust me on that one! My new e-mail address is doomsports@aol.com. Well, that’s it for now and as always, may good luck be yours. - Don Baldin
In addition to St. Martin’s Day, this is my favorite time of year. I love when the weather gets
Marie T. Stelow, MS, LCPC
Individual, Couple, Family Therapy
1000 Essington Road Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (815) 773-2303 Fax: (815)744-1623
Kid Talk
Getting Ready for Camp Heritage
It is hard to believe that my summer is over and school has begun. 1 had the best summer ever! My softball team won the State Tournament and my traveling team did very well overall in a National Tournament where teams participated from all over the United States. I wonder how many of the girls I encountered were Slovenian-American?
I know on my team four are of Slovenian origin.
School has started and I am very busy with all my school activities which include: Yearbook staff, Student Council, basketball, Advanced Choir and preparing for the upcoming talent show where I will be in three acts. In addition I have softball practice that gets us ready for the summer of2007.
“Miss Fraternalism”
Monika Vidmar of Branch 99
Monika Vidmar of Branch 99, Lemont, Illinois recently competed in the 2007 Miss SNPJ contest in Enon Valley, PA, representing Lodge 559 of Chicago, IL. She won the Miss Fraternalism Award (the only award voted on by the participants) and was runner up for Miss Talent. For the talent contest, Monika had a presentation of her original oil paintings. The last painting she presented is called Stara Mama's Slovenija which is a painting of mountains. Monika presented her paintings dressed in her Narodna Noša which was made by her grandmother, Ivanka Vidmar. Monika’s whole family including her grandmother, Jean Cherway are all members of Branch 99.
My Class Project
Aubri Ribich of Branch 39
Dear Kids:
I was in fourth grade this year. It was fun and sometimes hard. 1 did a class project on Slovenia; about Johanna Ribich/Sever. There was a lot of research and it took my Grandma and me seven days to complete the project. It was cool because I was the only one doing Slovenia. The other student projects were also all different, like my cousin Bailey; she did her project on England.
My grandma Rosie was a lot of help with my project; I could not have done it without her. She even came to my class room in her authentic costume and helped me with my presentation. We had a lot of fun. The end.
Speaking of the summer of 2007 - how many of you are planning on coming to the National Convention and 80th Anniversary? I plan to take the	Babs getting a base hit in
week off of softball and attend	the State Tournament
the Camp Heritage for kids. I hope you can too. It sounds like a lot of fun. I attended four years ago when it was in Duluth, MN. I thought it was very cool. I met some new friends and hope to see again. I heard that at this convention we will be announced and have the opportunity to perform. Hey... any chance I can get on stage I will take it! Looking forward to meeting many of you. - Babs
Aubri Ribich and fourth (4th) grade teacher, Jim Zupetz, at presentation of Slovenia on Heritage Day.
alarm clock afternoon answer autumn
budilka
popoldan
odgovoriti
jesen
Crossword Puzzle
blackboard	tabla	A	v	R	U	Y	R	P	R	0	S	N	J	K
book	knjiga	J	K	A	A	N	A	C	J	E	S	E	N	0
bus	avtobus	L	R	C	V	B	Z	H	R	E	N	E	C	P
		Y	E	U	T	0	R	U	X	S	L	E	X	I
chalk	kreda	W	D	N	0	V	E	w	E	I	T	L	A	S
classroom	razred	P	A	A	B	U	D	I	L	K	A	M	B	A
computer	računalnik	Y	Z	L	U	C	B	T	U	C	B	W	N	L
desk	pisalna miza	J	X	N	S	N	K	0	S	I	L	0	Q	N
draw		R	A	I	H	A	P	0	P	S	A	D	K	A
	risati	E	S	K	N	U	K	I	M	E	D	P	N	M
homework	domača naloga	D	E	R	0	R	I	S	A	T	I	0	J	I
lesson	učna ura	0	F	U	N	A	W	A	T	R	U	P	I	Z
lunch	kosilo	U	D	0	M	A	C	A	N	A	L	0	G	A
		0	D	G	0	V	0	R	I	T	I	L	A	D
pencil	svinčnik	Q	P	E	L	N	B	R	A	T	I	D	W	R
read	brati	V	U	C	I	T	E	L	J	E	D	A	B	T
teacher	ucitel	Z	X	S	V	I	N	C	N	I	K	N	0	L
SLOVENIAN CULINARY SOCIETY
KROFI PIN/CHARM ORDER FORM
Name:
Branch #
City:
State:
Zip:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Please place the number of Charms or Pins you are requesting on the line(s) below
#__________________________________Charms	#__________Pins
REMIT $10 FOR EACH PIN OR CHARM ORDERED + $1 S&H To: Slovenian Heritage Museum 431 N Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432
The KROFI is being issued as a collector item by the Slovenian Heritage Museum AND IS A LIMITED EDITION ITEM.
Questions? E-Mail Mary Lou: marvlou@swua.org Mary Lou: 715.372.8578 SWUA: 815.727.1926
Your SWUA Web Site
NEWS FROM SWUA.org
Linking You to the Resources You Need
One of the great things about a Web site is that it allows an organization to provide a growing amount of information to its members at no extra charge. Unlike newsletters or magazines, which have printing costs that increase with pages, Web sites can grow in volume as much as an organization needs without incurring those greater costs that then have to be passed on to members.
That’s why SWUA.org is a perfect place to enlarge our resources for members. Our “Links” page is a good example. Constantly growing, this page offers many links to a variety of useful Web sites, which, although they may not be related to SWUA, we believe our members may find helpful.
If you’re looking for more information about traveling to Slovenia, the “Links” page has several links that offer you just about anything you need to know about the country. One link will take you to a virtual tour of Slovenia - that is, an online tour with photos and descriptions. You might check out the Slovenian Tourist Board link, which offers information about the country, how to get there, regions and towns and some really incredible photos of the natural beauty of the country. Makes you want to hop on a flight right now! In addition, there’s the chamber of commerce link and the government public relations and media office link - both of which can give you more information than you even want to know about the country.
Like to learn more about Slovenian culture? Our “Links” page has a link to just such a Web site that offers a huge amount of information on the subject including a short introduction to the country and detailed guide to an incredible number of cultural topics including: archives, awards, cultural diversity festivals, films, funding, government cultural policy and infrastructure, heritage, intermedia arts, international exchange, libraries, literature and publishing, media, performing arts, research, tourism, and visual arts. Each section offers a detailed directory of key contacts, allowing you to not only to learn about what is happening in a particular cultural area, but also to reach out and get in touch with people working in it.
If you’re a music lover - and we know how our members love a good polka or waltz - the SWUA.org “Links” page provides you with links to eveiything from the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra and information about classical
Visit SWUA.org today to check out our “Links” page and find the information you need. Know of a link we don’t have listed? Just drop me a line at lcc0920@ameritech.net.
About the Editor: Cummings has been an SWUA member for five years. She has a degree in journalism and has been a writer/editor for more than 13 years. She has been writing for Zarja and SWUA.org for the past four years. You can reach her at lcc0920@ameritech.net with comments or questions.
music in Slovenia to Web radio stations where you can	Leslie Cummings
listen to Slovenian music via	SWUA.org Editor
the Internet and places to buy a good Frank Yankovic compact disc.
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Living Your Legacy
The Genealogical Quest
We are also beginning a new column in 2007 which features families who have connected with their relatives in Slovenia and vice versa.
This issue features an article by the President of the Gottscheer Heritage and Genealogy Association (GHGA), Elizabeth Nick.
In 2007, the “Zarja” will continue to focus on organizations and researchers specializing in Slovenian genealogy and George Plauiz culture and who study the historical migration patterns to the United States, Canada and Australia. If you know of an organization or research specialist that we have not invited to participate in our Zarja project, you can email me at Doblice@gmail.com and I will contact them. You can look forward to an article by Branka Lapagne, world reknowned researcher and author, currently living in Canada, and articles by me on preserving photos, ephemera, and other research advice.
We are also beginning a new column in 2007 which features families who have connected with their relatives in Slovenia and vice versa. We already have our first article and some photos to accompany it. The family and the Zarja staff are excited to work on this new project. I am looking for others who wish to write about their experiences in traveling to Slovenia and finding their relatives, meeting relatives for the first time, or occasions of relatives traveling from Slovenia to visit their family in America. I am seeking out these experiences. You do not have to write the complete article, as we will interview you about the event, and use your notes for the article. We are interested in how and where your ancestors came to the United States and where in Slovenia they originated. Photographs are icing on the cake!
I will begin the indexing project for SWUA scanning project and work on genealogy for our 80th Anniversary issue in January. So look for progress reports from Mary Lou Voelk in her Heritage column regarding the indexing.
You, the members, have told us that genealogy is what you want to know about in our periodic surveys and we are making that dream come true. -Adijo, George Plautz
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Discovering Your Roots
Gottscheer Heritage and Genealogy Association
By Elizabeth Nick
Seal of the City’ of Gottschee
The Gottscheer Heritage and Genealogy Association (GHGA), founded in 1992, focuses on the history> and genealogy of individuals who were born in, or have ancestors from, Gottschee.
The Association seeks to preserve the culture, history, and genealogical records of Gottscheers. GHGA has translated into English and published books of Gottschee, recorded oral histories of Gottscheers, established a Gottscheer ancestry register for future generations, and transcribed the marriage records for 16 of the 23 parishes including Altenmarkt 1767-1883 (Stari Trg Ob Kolpi) and Tschemembl 1750-1941 (Črnomelj) which have Gottscheer and Slovenian villages.
The Carinthian Counts of Ortenburg initially settled Gottschee, a vacant forest area in the Kranjska region of today’s Slovenia, prior to the year 1330 with colonists from the Ortenburg estates in Carinthia and Tyrol, and by other settlers who came from the Austrian and German Dioceses of Salzburg, Brixen, and Freising. The settlers cleared the vacant and heavily forested land, and established towns and rural villages. The city received its municipal charter and city seal in 1471. Over time they developed a dialect called Gottscheerisch. The Gottschee linguistic area consisted of 176 villages organized into 19 townships and
18	parishes within 331 square miles. Today, the former district of Gottschee is known as Kočevska, the city of Gottschee known as Kočevje, located about 50 miles south of Ljubljana.
from Partisan victors, along with thousands of their anticommunist Slovenian neighbors.
Gottscheers had already begun to emigrate from their homeland in large numbers around 1870, with most arriving in the United States. Many settled in Brooklyn, Cleveland, and Chicago; while others traveled west to work in the mines, become farmers, or take up other occupations. Family histories show that most settled in California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, many settled in Kitchener, Toronto, and Vancouver. The last group of Gottscheers emigrated after World War II.
In 1941, the German National Family Center microfilmed the Catholic parish records in Gottschee. These invaluable records included baptisms, marriage, death, wedding banns, and family census books (Status Animariam). Most records begin in the early 1700s; a few date from the 1600s. These microfilmed records are now available through the Mormon Family History Libraries. To begin the search for one’s ancestors, one needs to know the name of the village of an ancestor and find the parish for that village. GHGA publishes a list of parishes, the names of the villages within the parish, and the microfilm numbers for all the records.
GHGA holds an annual meeting every June in cities where members reside. Every three years GHGA organizes a tour to Kočevska (Gottschee) for members to visit their ancestral villages; the next trip will be in 2008. A key aid for locating the former villages is the GHGA map of Gottschee, indexed by both the German and Slovenian names. More than 460 GHGA members receive an annual updated membership list with ancestral links to Gottschee, a quarterly journal, and a triennial newsletter. Information about the organization and a list of historical and genealogy books published by GHGA can be found at the website www.gottschee.org.
For over 600 years, the Gottscheers, a German ethnic group, co-existed amicably with their Slovenian neighbors in the former Austrian Duchy of Camiola (Krain/Kranjska), in the Austrian part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From 1918 through 1941, the Gottscheers were citizens of northernmost Yugoslav Republic of Slovenia. With the 1941 Italian-German invasion of Yugoslavia, the Gottscheers were relocated to Lower Styria and in 1945 became refugees
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The Path Taken.. • Dopoljena pot
By Marija Petrich Machek
“Mati”:	Marija
Petrich Machek was born on April 15,
1855 in J a kovic a Planina, Slovenia.
She died on February 25, 1955 at the age of 99 years, in Gilbert,
Minnesota. Marija was known as Mati, the Slovenian word
for “mother”.
Marija was born into a poor peasant family. She remembered the family having one cow, yet they never drank milk. The milk was sold to buy family essentials. In the spring of the year the family would pick dandelion that was sold to the Italians tourists. The family would come bearing plates of dandelion all ready to serve.
It •§
11915: Peter and Marija Machek and daughters I From left to right are Frances, Mary, Johanna
At a young age, Marija worked at a hotel in Ljubljana. She married Peter Machek and on becoming a new bride she showed her practical ways. As a bride, Marija wore a green dress. Peter and Marija settled in Logatec with their three daughters: Mary DOB 1886, Johanna (Eleanor’s mother) DOB 1889 and Frances DOB 1891.
In Europe, the word was out, there were pathways of gold in America. Peter immigrated ahead of his family. Upon arrival in America Peter worked the Pennsylvania mines before settling on the Iron Range in Sparta, Minnesota. Marija and daughters followed and arrived in America, Port of New York, on April 27, 1901. Marija was 43 years of age! Marija told the story of going to a restaurant in New York and pointing to the items they wanted to eat, as she knew no English.
Notice the soft bodices, indicating the absence of boned bodices and full corsets. The full corset is being done away with and the bra patented by Mary Jacobs in 1914 becomes the correct underwear for new dress innovations with softer lines. The necklines are softer. The hemlines are long and the hair styles are coifed in a neat back sweep. The Machek family photos are a prime example of fashions worn prior to WW 1. This war will have a profound effect on dress, hair and social class. The stiff formality that prevailed in clothing and hair styles is about to change, as WW 1 emerges.
Machek Homestead in Slovenia
The Machek Daughters in their 20 s From left to right: Johanna, Mary and Frances
Mother and daughters boarded a train for Sparta, Minnesota. Because of a mix up, Marija and daughters ended up in Biwabik, Minnesota, a few miles “up the track” from Sparta. Extra fare money was now being demanded to pay for the “back-track” to Sparta. Marija contemplated leaving the oldest daughter Mary in Biwabik, but somehow the money situation was worked out and Mary and the three girls finished the last leg of their trip together.
In Sparta, Peter worked in the underground mines and ran a bowling alley and Mati set up a boarding house. Mati had a reputation as being religious. The word was out, “don’t’ go to the Machek Boarding House, you have to pray the rosary every night”. Mati also had a reputation as being a terrible cook. Her specialty was močnik. Eleanor recalled dreading coming home because the močnik was
waiting for them. (More Pots and Pans, page 80) In 1908 the family moved to Gilbert, Minnesota, house and all! In fact, most of the town of Sparta was moved. This new settlement became the town of Gilbert. The mining company wanted the iron ore that was right beneath their houses.
Following Peter’s death on April 14, 1939, Mati and daughters Frances and two sons, Johanna
Berry Picking Time:
Eleanor lndihar, Mati Machek, Frances Machek Curley
The soft bodices indicate the lack of corsets. The skirts falling lightly around the hips, indicates the inner crinoline has been abandoned.
and daughter Eleanor lived together as family. These women lived and worked side by side each giving strength to the other throughout the Depression and the hard years that followed.
But there were happy times. Christmas was special, with the traditional potica, ham and klobasa. Attending Midnight Mass was a tradition. At Easter the traditional Slovenian, Zegen was packed into the basket and carried to church by Eleanor. It was the first food they ate on Easter morning: colored eggs, potica, ham, klobasa, and horseradish. For logistic’s sake, the walk from Sparta to the *Slovenian Holy Family Church (page 20), in Eveleth was 2 miles.
Birthdays were always celebrated. Most special was Mati’s birthday, when family, friends and boarders gathered.
Boarders included Joseph Curley (Croatian/ Kalan), Anton Lopp, Matt Marolt, and John Stebe. The table was set with the all-special linen appliqued tablecloth and the yellow tea set.
And yes, there was the wine Mati’s Birthday: made by Frances. Her specialty Celebrating with friends was dandelion and beet wine. Mary and Jack Stebe Jr.
In her 80’s, Mati underwent unsuccessful hip surgery leaving her confined to a wheel chair for 12 year and bedridden for 4 1/2 years. During those years, daughters Frances and Johanna were her devoted caregivers. Maria Chernoff often walked to visit Mati. She would read the Slovenian paper to her over a cup of coffee.
Mati had some personal identifiable sayings. Florence Stebe visited often and upon leaving Mati would say to her, “1 won’t be seeing you again; but pray”.
As Eleanor braided her meager locks of hair Mati would comment, “my hair is like that of a mouse”.
Eleanor remembers hearing the following Slovenian phrase. Mati would be talking about the pain in her legs and say, ** “Noga me trga".
Mati was a mender and a quilter, using squares cut from men’s wool suits she painstakingly sewed the squares together. Every so often she would say, ** “Ped meyeglata tekunt” (thread the needle).
Marija Petrich Machek saw Gilbert grow out of the wilderness. She walked in mud, on wooden sidewalks, and on streets of gravel, with iron ore under her feet. She carried water from a local pump for about a year for personal and household use. She suffered losses when her husband died and when a grandson, Tommy Curley, lost his life in France in 1944 in WWII. But her personal and physical losses never changed her cheery disposition, vitality and enthusiasm for life. At the age of 90 she was the oldest resident in Gilbert. Mati’s comment, “God has forgotten about me, I am here so long”. Mati died a few months short of her 100th birthday.
*The Holy Family Church (now the Resurrection Church): This church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. (#80004345)
** The way people talked at home; talking “/?o domace". The variances in dialects makes for the differences in spelling and wordings. An interpretation could be:
'To nogi me trga” (one leg)
“Po nogah me trga" (two legs)
“Utakni mi svanko” (thread my needle)
Mati s crucifixtion scene was purchased in 1910 from Matt Pogorelc, a jewelry salesman. This is a very unique religious archive. By turning the knob on the right each station becomes visible as one prays the Stations of the Cross. Eleanor Indihar has donated this religious archive to the Slovenian Heritage Museum in memory of her grandmother, Marija Petrich Machek.
From the Slovenian Genealogy Society Website: Eveleth: I received an unsigned report which stated that there are some 1,200 Slovenes here, among the 200 families and 600 single men. They came from all parts of Slovenia. The first ones were here already in 1894 and were the families ofJ. Murnik and M. Pretner. Most of them work in the iron mines and many families have farms. Some emigrants have prospered. The Slovenes are very hard-working and cooperative. Religious conditions are good.
In 1903 the Church of The Holy Family was built at a cost of $40,000. For five months the parish priest was the Rev. J. Kozan, followed by the Rev. M. Bilban. There are no Slovene schools and the children are educated in Catholicism in the church in the Slovene language. The Slovenes are enrolled in the Lodges of The Holy Family, St. Cyril and Methodius, The Sweet Heart of Jesus (with 154 members), The Holy Name of Mary and the Slovene Society of Catholic Foresters.
Heritage News
Trash or Treasure?
Just recently I received a call from a family regarding ethnic dolls that were purchased in Slovenia about 20 years ago. The family was downsizing and having a yard sale. But luck was with us; they decided to call the Slovenian Heritage Museum.
Whenever there is doubt about an object you have collected and saved through the years, before tossing it out, before putting it in a yard sale, before donating to a local charity, PLEASE ask yourself this question. “Does this item have anything to do with the Slovenian Heritage”?
If there is just a shadow of a doubt, PLEASE call the museum. Let us determine if the item is appropriate for the museum. Let us do the disposing. Disposing without questioning makes our Slovenian heritage the loser. A generation or more of family/ethnic history is lost forever.
And now to something more personal. There comes a day when it is inevitable that making decisions and/or carrying through with our wishes is not possible. Or, simply we can’t take it with us!
We have all heard stories about estates being handled “roughly” with little or no consideration for sensitive memories and feelings. Today, think of your photo collection, family letters, the favorite potica pan, great grandmother’s old grinder, old Zarja’s stacked in the basement. Today is the day to record your treasures and wishes. Tell your family and friends how you feel about your memorable treasures.
Choosing a person to carry out your wishes is a big decision, power of attorney, executor, trustee or administrator. There are key points to consider.
o	This is not an honorary or an award position.
o	This is not an invitation for a person to take charge and do it their way.
o	Do they have the right skills for the job?
o	Will it be a burden to them?
o	Do you have confidence in this person to carry out your wishes?
o	Is age a factor?
Trust has to be the final word. Who do you trust to make decisions regarding your personal belongings, especially when it comes to items that need to be passed on to the next generation, or items that have historical or ethnic dimensions? Remember, “one man’s treasure is another man’s, trash”, or is it “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.
If there is any doubt as to what is important, I encourage a visit to the museum. You will walk out the museum door with a lighter heart. You know the saying, “IT’S IN EVERY S(LOVE)ENIAN”
This is also time to give thanks....
o	To Irene Odorizzi who initiated the museum idea and began it.
o	To those who throughout the years have donated their time to build the museum and library,
o	To all families that have donated their precious items.
THANK YOU for the passion! Always remember the Slovenian Heritage Museum. - To je to, Mary Lou Voelk
Documents Scanned		
Lina Petrick	Branch 13	Date of Death: 3/21/1930
Mary Cimperman	Branch 10	Date of Death: 6/25/1930
Katherine Vesel	Branch 34	Date of Death: 11/3/1930
Mary Likovič	Branch 10	Date of Death: 11/9/1930
Josephine Brzin	Branch 10	Date of Death: 11/16/1930
Johana Krosevec	Branch 8	Date of Death: 12/2/1930
Johanna Milavec	Branch 25	Date of Death: 12/16/1930
Heritage Donations
$100 Dolores Franko In memory of Sylvia Spretnjak Branch 16
$10 Branch 13 In memory of Anna Nanut
V	f
Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Zenska Zveza v Ameriki
Membership Application
Yes! 1 want to join the S.W.U. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication, ZARJA-The Dawn; 1 can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, I will come in contact with fellow Slovenes.
Please type or print legibly. Choose type of membership: □ Junior (Birth to 18), Annual Dues $5.00
Name and Middle Initial_____________________________________
Street Address______________________________________________
Phone/Fax	_______________________
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Please describe your Slovenian ancestry
I I Adult, Annual Dues $20.00
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Do you speak Slovenian?
How did you hear about us? Applicant’s signature:__________
S.W.U. member
newspaper
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Date:
Branch Affiliation No. (if known)
Location:
Please make checks payable to the Slovenian Women’s Union of America and mail to:
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432 (815)727-1926 email: swuhome@sbcglobal.net webpage: www.swua.org
Please allow four to six weeks for membership processing.
In addition to my dues, I wish to contribute to the General Fund:
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Date Received: _ Membership No.: Branch Affiliate:
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Minnesota Regional Convention
September 10, 2006
We picked up Mary Lou Voelk, SWUA Museum and Special Activities Director on our way from Duluth to Chisholm, Minnesota, home of the Iron Miner Monument and Ironworld USA.
We attended Mass at St. Joseph’s Church and then were treated to a chicken dinner with apple strudel for dessert. The meeting was called to order and Mary Spehar White was introduced as the new Regional Secretary/Treasurer. The Minutes and Treasurer Reports were read and approved. Letters from President Kathleen Ferrante, and Scholarship Director, Mary Turvey were read.
Bev Menart reported on the cancellation of the Minnesota Heritage Festival and was emphatically disappointed over the lack of interest and the inability to donate some time.
Bev Menart read a message from Bonnie Prokup and Nancy Henkel regarding the upcoming National Convention at Starved Rock in Utica, Illinois. Mary Lou Voelk elaborated on Starved Rock and described the serenity of the setting as if “being in Slovenia”, and the Lodge as a homey and comfortable setting for all the activities.
Mary Lou read her message and got the chance to adlib as to what volunteering meant. It reinforced Bev’s remarks about the lack of initiative when members did not come through for Heritage days.
Because Starved Rock Lodge and Park was created with the help of Slovenian laborers, Mary Lou suggested they research Starved Rock on the internet, get the history and retell it at a meeting, so that when the delegates travel to Starved Rock they have an “internal fire” about what this
area is all about. This area has Slovenian History! Mary Lou also suggested they look up the Cherry Mine disaster and relate it to their members.
The meeting was adjourned. Prizes were won. Mary Lou was lucky and won an authentic potica made by Mirjam Gremis who was bom in Slovenia.
The membership took up a collection for the Heritage Museum totaling $150.
-	by Lisa McDonnell, Minnesota State President
Special Delivery
Keep an eye on your mail box for an exciting issue of Zarja highlighting the 80lh Anniversary of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America. It will be arriving just in time for the holidays.
Branch Reports Poročila Podružnic
BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Members of Branch 1 were warmly greeted by Branch 12, the hosts of the SWUA State Convention on 9-10-06, held at Sacred Heart Church in Milwaukee. Following the opening address and business meeting. Mass was celebrated in the beautiful recently renovated church. From the choir loft came the beautiful sound of Slovenian hymns performed by the USPEH chorus. A very fine dinner and entertainment followed. Can you imagine - 60 door prizes! Our dolls were also on display in their traditional Narodna Noša costumes. Each one seems to have a personality of her own! Additional dolls will be displayed in the Slovenian Heritage Museum and available for purchase. Interested persons can also contact Aggie Gruenke, Branch 1 President, at 920-452-8808. Branch 1 is also planning to celebrate our 80th anniversary on 12-10-06 at SS. Cyril and Methodius church in Sheboygan. Invitations have been sent to the National Officers and all branches at the State Convention were also invited to attend the celebration. RSVPs to Aggie Gruenke would be appreciated. We’ll see you there!
ANGIE FRITZ
BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois
As of this writing, we are preparing for our 80th Anniversary as well as the IL/IN Convention on Oct.
1.	Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church. It is where so many activities have taken place over the years. Debbie Zefran will be our speaker. She will represent the fourth generation of the Zefran family, all who were members. Our delegate Helen Cukale is also representing four generations of members. We will update you in the next Zarja.
Since our last meeting the following members have been hospitalized: Anne Bunetta, Millie Paisoli, Gen Hrastar, Jean Cerjak, Angie Benedick, Fran Morison and Dolores Ovnik. Please remember them in your prayers.
Get out and enjoy the “Fall Coloring” as the trees turn to their beautiful shades of reds, yellows and oranges. It is one of the most picturesque seasons of the year.
SWUA was well represented at the Bishop Baraga Days in the UP of Michigan. We were all impressed at how the Slovenians built those beautiful churches in the days before modem equipment. How Bishop Baraga traveled in all the snow, ice and freezing weather to provide Mass to the Indians is truly a miracle. Our Lord was with him.
Dates to Remember: November 19: Penny Social - 12 Noon - Please try to come. It is always a fun afternoon. December 2: Children’s Christmas Party - Cards will be mailed with info. December 17: Adult Christmas Party.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! Say a special prayer for all our military personnel that our Lord will keep them safe. Vesele Božične Praznike and Srečno Novo Leto 2007. Love,
DAISY
BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana
Seasons Greetings to all Branch 5 members! The holidays are upon us once again and I hope you all have the time and opportunity to visit with family and friends. I love getting out the holiday decorations and putting up the lights on the house. The Friday after Thanksgiving, we go to a nearby tree farm and cut down our own Christmas tree (after much debate over who picked out the best one!) and then bring it home to decorate with the boxes of ornaments we have accumulated over 32 years of marriage. All the handmade ornaments from the kids get hung up around the house and the special Slovenian one gets hung near the top of the tree. My favorite is the time spent in the kitchen baking! I love all the sights and sounds of the holidays, but the baking aromas are the best!!!
I want to thank Mary Turvey and the SWU Foundation in Marquette for taking the Slovenian magazines; I hope you find them as interesting as I did. I would also like to thank the Chicago ladies for their ongoing support of Holy Trinity by buying poticas HVALA LEPA!
Watch in the mail for your Christmas party/pitch-in information on dates and times. As always we will have a short meeting and election of officers at this time. Might even have a surprise or two!
I want to thank all of you who keep all our servicemen and women in your prayers. Our son-in-law Pat returned home safely to be greeted by a crowd of family and friends. Our daughter Katie appreciated all the thoughts and prayers on his behalf and I know they helped keep him safe overseas. Please remember those who cannot be with their families this holiday season. God Bless Us Everyone. Peace.
PHYLLIS
BRANCH 10-Cleveland, Ohio
Hi ladies. Hope you had a nice summer with all the rain. We had a Mother’s Day gathering in July. All mothers were honored. We are looking forward to a Christmas party sometime in December. Please call Steffie (216) 451-1876. I will tell you the time and place.
We have a few members who are ailing, please remember them in your prayers or with a card. We love you all and think of you often. Our deepest condolences to our
members; Marie Gomback, Justine Girod, Molly Brodnick and Josephine sister of Mary Gibbons. Our deepest sympathies to all of you and may they rest in peace.
Dear members, please write to me and let me know if you received the burial insurance money from the deceased members who have policies. My address is 15613 Saranac Rd. Cleveland, Ohio 44110. Thank You.
Wishing all members Happy Holidays. Until next time stay healthy and God Bless You.
STEPHANIE SEGULIN
BRANCH 12 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
First off-THE WISCONSIN STATE CONVENTION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!! The Convention Committee wishes to thank all of our guests who contributed to making this a typical old-fashioned Slovenian get-together. Our Chairperson did a tremendous job and we were all pleased that our yearlong efforts culminated in success. What a wonderful feeling. Representatives from all four branches, 1-Sheboygan, 43-Milwaukee and 102-Willard honored us with their presence. Of course Branch
12	was well represented.
The delegate’s meeting was preceded with coffee, tea, juice and of course morning snacks. The meeting was very well attended and our State President, Josephine Janezic, made sure that the meeting progressed smoothly as we did have a full agenda, including the National Board Auditor, Denise Bartlett, who informed us of the National Board’s view on a number of subjects. I am sure these matters will be discussed and reviewed at the National Convention.
The Uspeh Chorus sang the mass in the newly refurbished Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and even though final touches had to be made after the event, the pews were installed so that our guests could enjoy the mass in the newly renovated church. The 140 guests were treated to an excellent home made family style dinner of pork schnitzel, mashed potatoes, rice, green beans almandine and baby carrots. Our good old Slovenian salata was of course part of the menu with rolls and butter and topping it all off was Slovenian potica. (Just like our ma’s made for Sunday dinner).
Dr. Zvone Žigon, Counsel General of Slovenia addressed the guests and then graciously presented our May Member of the Year, Rose Luebke with a token gift; and token remembrances to our State President and the Chairperson, Virginia Strukel. We were then entertained with Slovenian Melodies sung by Barbara Sem and John Ash, and rounding out the entertainment were Irish Dancers.
Because of the generosity of our patrons and advertisers as well as some really good begging on the part of our committee we had a large array of door prizes and raffle prizes, for which we are extremely grateful. We want to acknowledge and thank the members of Branch 1 of Sheboygan for donating a Slovenian Doll to our lodge and
also for the marvelous representation of members attending the convention. We look forward to reciprocating in December when they will be celebrating their 80th anniversary. Branch 12 has reserved a bus for the event and if any members of our Slovenian community are interested in attending this celebration on Sunday, December 10th, please contact VIRGINIA STRUKEL, at 414-543-6566.
Now we go back to normal meetings but before closing I wish to welcome Cecelia Trobec, Rosemary Overman and Alice Veit as new members. Maybe you can join us for the 2007 State Convention to be held in Willard, Wisconsin. They treated us royally at the last convention.
So until the next time, here’s hoping all is well in your little comer of the world.
FRAN REMSHAK
BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California
We returned to our meetings in September, and it was good to get together again. A lovely lunch was provided.
I must tell you about an absolutely wonderful, hardbound book written by Frances Yenko Chilcoat of our Branch 13. It is a true story called “Smuggler for the Pope”. I bought a copy, came home, and read the entire book in one evening. It is easy reading, and an amazing story, involving Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, and Frances. Almost unbelievable. You can obtain a copy for $20.00 + postage & handling. Contact Frances Chilcoat at: 2804 Trousedale Drive, Burlingame, CA. 94010, or telephone (650) 697-4738. You will be very glad you did.
Frances also took 3rd place in the Slovenian garden contest, in the last Zarja (Sept.-Oct.). She is a delightful woman, and marvelous artist.
I am so sorry to report that Margie Schleiger’s husband, Don, still has serious health problems. He has had a very difficult time. Please remember him in your prayers. Sadly, I report the death of Bemadine Madronich’s husband, Paul, on Sept. 18, 2006. Our sympathy to the entire family.
I would like to wish a very happy November birthday to Krista Devlin, Agnes Kumick, Arlene Podgoršek, Virginia Sustarich and Robin Talmage. And in December: Katrina Hernandez, Evelyn Kinnear and Agnes Leach.
I cannot believe we are coming to the end of another year. We had some lovely lunches, and shared some beautiful days.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a very blessed Christmas. There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks all of them.
BEVERLY JACKSON
Remember WWW.SWUA.ORG
Hello to everyone from Branch 14 in Euclid, Ohio! Branch 14 is holding its annual Christmas dinner on December 5th at the Slovenian Society Home on Recher Avenue in Euclid. A delicious traditional Slovenian dinner will be served after which our “special raffle” will be held. Dinner attendees generously donate over fifty wrapped Christmas gifts, which are raffled off with everyone having a great chance of winning. The raffle is one of the highlights of the evening! Another highlight is the performance of some of our most talented members singing in Slovenian. When they begin their songs everyone becomes totally silent, enraptured by the beautiful voices of these wonderful ladies. It is truly something beyond description, something one must experience personally. If you are interested in attending our dinner, please contact Stana Grill.
Many members of the Slovenian American National Art Guild had tables at the SWUA Slovenian Heritage Festival on Sunday, October 1 st. The Art Guild members chose to participate in the SWUA Heritage Festival rather than sponsor their own art and craft show because the Heritage Festival is so successful and attracts so many people, some of whom have never seen displays of Slovenian arts and crafts.
I am asking all our members to carefully read the “Bylaws Amendments/Revisions” column in the Zarja magazine. I know this type of article is something we usually pass over, but this time some quite radical changes have been proposed by members including saying that “although we were founded on Christian principles we welcome all faiths to join”. If that happens, will we ever be able to have a Polka Mass like we had at the Slovenian Heritage Festival? Please look over this and other proposed changes and offer your opinion.
Have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
PATRICIA BUDZILEK
BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois
Our Sept meeting was rather lively. Plans were finalized for the Grape Harvest Festival Dance. Rebecca Lantka the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Joliet Visitors Bureau informed us about tourist attractions in Joliet. Millie Briski won the 50/50 prize. Sylvia Plese, who was not in attendance, won the accumulative attendance award.
Approximately 300 people attended our annual Grape Harvest Festival Dance on Sept 24. Many enjoyed the polka/waltz music by Bob Doszak Band. Our honorary Mayor was Mr. John Chumovic who entertains us with his button-box at some of our social events. Delicious food and drink were available, as were many prizes. Thank you to the volunteers for the preparation and cleanup.
The IL/IN Regional Convention and 80th Anniversary Celebration of Branch 2 in Chicago was attended by a group from Branch 20.
Dates to remember: Nov. 1 - Remember your departed with candles on their graves; Nov. 21 - Meeting with election of officers and Debbie Stapleton, Wellness Coordinator from Provena St. Joseph Medical Center; Dec. 17 - Christmas Dinner at St. Joseph Park Hall; Jan. 21 -Installation of officers by Father Tom Paul, search for 2007 Member of the Year and entertainment by Marty Mavec as we will enjoy a buffet dinner provided by the officers; Feb.
13	- Learn about Weight Loss and Healthy Eating.
We send prayerful get-well wishes to Olga Ancel and Louise Sega. Condolences and prayers to Carolyn Tomazic Engers, whose mother passed. She was 103 years young.
Congratulations to: St. Mary Nativity Church Parishioners and Fr. Chris Groh on their 100th Anniversary; Eric and Courtney on their baby girl, great granddaughter of Millie Pucel; Philip Kambic, Chief Executive Officer of Riverside Healthcare (Kankakee, IL) which covers Wilmington, Manhattan, Peotone and Monee.
Many special thanks to Patricia Massucci, Catherine Emery, Anthony Umek, Marcia Judnick and Maria L. Gulas and Roseann Savol for their most generous donations to our recent Grape Harvest Festival; to Betty Tezak for her donation to our scholarship fund. We appreciate the support and donations of all our members to our fundraisers. These meet our expenses of everyday obligations, such as rent, printing, mailings, flowers, Mass cards for our deceased members, celebratory cards and various gifts. “77ie key to triumph is its first syllable.”
SR MARLENE AMBROSE
Branch 24 - LaSalle, Illinois
Dober Dan! We enjoyed attending the annual IL/IN State Convention this year hosted by Branch 2, Chicago. Delores Spelich, our delegate, Rosemary McLaughlin, Mary Ann Pieczynski, Adele Gensler and I made the trip to St. Stephen’s Church Hall, where a delicious breakfast was served followed by an enjoyable and very informative meeting. After listening to the various delegates, we came away with several ideas to incorporate into our own branch. It’s always interesting to hear what the different branches are doing.
It was a gorgeous fall day to enjoy renewing old friendships and meeting new friends. The Mass was beautiful and I have to say that there is nothing more uplifting than being in a church with a large group of women
-	Slovenian women - as they raise their voices in song. “Češčena si, Marija” always has and always will give me “goose bumps”.
The ladies of Branch 2 are to be congratulated also on doing a fantastic job at the Mayfield, where the banquet
was held. We headed home with full tummies and happy hearts.
Our first meeting held in September was well attended and very productive. It was voted by the members to donate our Branch’s original charter to the museum, where it can be displayed along with so many other valuable documents.
Plans for our annual Christmas party were discussed along with our fundraiser - the bake less bake sale. Mary Ann Pieczynski won the door prize.
We all congratulated Mary Mecum on winning the first prize in the garden contest. She told us that she is using her prize money to purchase a statue of the Blessed Mother for her garden in memory of her Grandmother.
Judging from all the beautiful gardens and articles regarding gardens that were submitted to Zarja, I think it’s safe to say that we will be thinking about and planning for our gardens next year. I know I am waiting for my tulip bulbs to arrive so that I can get them in the ground soon. Happy planting everyone!
Wishing each and everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Blessed Christmas. Until next time, may your hearts be filled with peace, love and thanksgiving.
LORETTA STORY
BRANCH 25 - Cleveland, Ohio
Dear members: We had a small attendance at our impromptu meeting. Nine members in all. We discussed a possible fundraiser, and a possible Christmas party. We have some kinks to iron out before we are in progress. I understand our president is on the sick list. I would appreciate a call from her when she is able. We are looking forward to the October 1 st festival at SNPJ Farm.
On the sick list are Albina Pozelnik and Josie Valenčič. Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.
Congratulations to all the winners of the Slovenian Garden Contest.
Happy Thanksgiving, have a blessed Christmas season and a prosperous New Year. Nasvidenje. Happy Holidays to all! With love.. .your friend,
EMILEE
BRANCH 32 - Euclid, Ohio
Our first meeting since the summer break took place on Wednesday, September 20"'. We will continue to meet at the Euclid Library, except for our April meeting. Its location is to be determined. Discussion ensued regarding the November meeting at which time we celebrate the Christmas Holiday. This year we are planning to meet at a local restaurant, which will be announced. Any branch members planning to attend should contact, by November 3, Pam at 216-731 -9252 or Rudy at 440-352-0189. Emails can be sent to lnp331 @.comcast.net. We want to try to
determine attendance for restaurant reservations. At our meeting we also reviewed the bylaws of S WUA that will be discussed at the annual convention next June. We will be choosing a delegate to represent our branch.
The Slovenian Heritage Festival was held on Sunday, October 1 at SNPJ in Kirtland. A beautiful fall day with sun and a light breeze was the background of a day of celebration with family and friends. A polka mass started the day with Bishop Pevec as the main celebrant. Accompaniment was by the Joey Tomsick Orchestra who continued to play in the afternoon for everyone’s enjoyment. Our Branch members donated two baskets for the auction. Good Health to those on the sick list. “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating in October, November and December.
LAUREN
BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota
Members of Branch 35 met for their annual luncheon meeting on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at the Community Center. Thirteen ladies attended and we enjoyed a catered lunch by Heidi Furry. We asked the members to bring their Zarjas along so we could start studying the information on the upcoming National Convention in 2007. Members were encouraged to study and also to prepare any suggestions etc. and submit them for discussion.
We were invited to Rosemary Ribich’s home to have a pot luck picnic and share in some fellowship with the members of Branch 39 of Biwabik, MN. Eight of our members signed up for this event. I know we will have a great time.
On July 22, 2006, some of our members were fortunate to be able to attend a Welcome Reception in honor of Dr. Zvone Žigon and wife Irena in Ely, MN at the lake-home of Dr. Frank Udovich. The Ely SWUA Branch were hostesses along with Dr. Udovich with local musicians performing during the day. As always, Ely did a wonderful job. We met new people and saw many old acquaintances. We met on Oct. 8,2006 at the Aurora Community Center where nominations for Officers were taken and plans for our December Advent Party were made.
ANITA VOVK \
Zimmer
FUNERAL HOMES Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 (920) 457-7012 - Fax: (920) 457-7013 W 2132 Ganton Rd., Sheboygan, Wl 53083 (920) 565-2331 www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com
BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota
It began as a sunny day for an SWUA picnic and soon the wind blew across the lake as members scattered to catch the lawn umbrellas. We looked like Mary Poppins! We gathered in the little “hiša” to hold our meeting and when the Aurora Branch 35 arrived to join us for a pot luck, we were able to set tables outdoors again and enjoy the good food and drink with good friends. It was an enjoyable afternoon to kick-off our 2006/2007 branch year.
On September 10th, Chisholm Branch 38 hosted our annual Minnesota Convention. Anita Vovk, President of Branch 35, Aurora, arranged for a bus to take members from various Iron Range towns to Chisholm for the event. The bus ride gives everyone a chance to renew friendships and share ideas as well as enabling our older members an opportunity to attend. Char Laurich, President of the Chisholm Branch and her crew made the day’s event successful. Our work is ahead of us as the 2007 Minnesota Convention will be held in Biwabik, MN next September.
Our scheduled October meeting was postponed until October 8th to allow our branch members to attend the annual Slovenian Festival at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. This event attracts people from many surrounding cities and the ethnic music and food is enjoyed by all attending. Everyone enjoys the “jamming” and dancing. We are indeed “Living Our Legacy” here on the Iron Range.
Our archive committee will be working on more information that was discovered on our branch history. We will also work on a history of Branch 39 to include in the 80"’ anniversary issue of Zarja.
Are we all getting fired up for the National Convention in Utica, IL? We will be LIVING OUR LEGACY. Zbogam, ROSEMARY (SERTICH) RIBICH rribich@lcp2.net 218-865-6600
BRANCH 40 - Lorain, Ohio
We had a nice group attend our September meeting. All remarked on the beauty of our Zarja and how much they enjoyed the pictures of the lush green Slovenian gardens. However, we did not decide on the location of our Christmas Luncheon so we will need to call you on that.
Our member Angie Zgonc is still a resident of Kingston of Vermilion nursing home in Vermilion, Ohio. Ann Tomsic has moved into assisted living at St. Mary of the Woods in Avon, Ohio. Let’s shower them with cards or visits. That’s always nice, especially around the approaching holidays.
My son John, his wife Jane and their children just returned from a fabulous two-week trip to my homeland — beautiful Slovenia. They all loved it and promised they will return for another visit. John came and loaded 75 pictures into my computer so I can look at them anytime, which I will do often and will be happy to share.
Happy Thanksgiving, and Vesele Božične Praznike to all.
STEPHANIE
We have arrived at the end of another journalistic year with the major holidays looming on the horizon. Can you believe that 2006 will soon be history?
Our August meeting was greatly enhanced but our guest speaker, Dr. Vlado Rus, whose subject was “Slovenia During WWII - A Case of Survival”. His account of what Slovenians endured under the ever-changing powers of Italy, Germany and finally Russia is incredible. How Slovenia survived all these invaders and finally won independence is a feat we should all be proud of. For those of you who may not know it, Vlado is the nephew of our late members, Betty Kosak Gawor, Tonka Kastelic and Franca Legan-Vlado’s mother was their sister. We are indeed fortunate to have inherited this educated loyal Slovenian gentleman as one of our own.
I	had the opportunity to talk to Lou Sadar, Jr. who was enshrined recently in the Polka Hall of Fame by virtue of playing saxophone in the great Johnny Pecon Band. During WWII Lou played with the US Air Force Band and upon his military discharge was invited to join the newly formed big band of Ray Anthony on a national level. When the big bands faded into history Lou returned to his Cleveland roots and became a part of the local scene with the Sammy Watkins Orchestra and eventually the Pecon Band. Following his Pecon years he began teaching and also toured Slovenia and the Caribbean as a part of the Lou Trebar Trio. A product of his teaching is our own Pat Wolf’s son, Bill, who plays sax with the popular Wolf Band. He still recalls visits to Maple Heights as a youth when “visiting” was a way of life and his Dad would play accordion for various doings at the original National Home. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mary Ann McNamara on the loss of her brother, Frank Urbančič, Jr. and get well wishes to her mother, Emma Urbančič.
I	would also like to make mention of the passing of Marge Fabjan Munley in Florida. Her mother, Mary, my father and Joe Legan were brothers and sister.
Our annual Christmas party takes place Sunday, Dec. 3rd at 2:00 PM at Sterle’s Country House. The cost is $ 18.00 for members and $23.00 for non-members. Raffle gifts are welcome or a donation to our branch for a selected charity. Reservations are an ABSOLUTE MUST and may be made with Marge Church at 330-467-0696.
Our next meeting is Saturday, Nov. 11th. at 11:00 AM at the Maple Heights Library.
Have a nice Thanksgiving with your loved ones, a most Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. VeseleBožične Praznike in Srečno Novo Leto. Adijo,
LIL SADOWSKI LRSadow@aol.com 216-398-4367
The new meeting place proved to be very nice and members who attended enjoyed a delicious lunch prior to our business meeting. Just a reminder that our next meeting will be on November 22, at the West Allis Library in the Constitution Room. Why not join us?
A note of thanks to Branch 12, for all their hard work hosting the Wisconsin State Convention. The meeting, presided overby our president, Josephine Janezic, was both interesting and informative. The dinner was delicious and the program was very entertaining. It was nice to see everyone enjoying the day. Thanks again.
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Ed Gallun who passed away on September 21. Ed and his wife, Elsie, who was our auditor for many years, enjoyed many happy years together and raised a family of five children. His music and Slovenian Sausage were enjoyed by all. Rest in Peace, Ed
Remember our Branch Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at Klemmers. Mark your calendars and plan to enjoy the festivities.
You are invited to attend the Annual Christmas Concert presented by the Uspeh Chorus on Sunday, December 17, 2006, at St. Florian’s Church. It will be an afternoon of Slovenian and English Christmas songs for your listening pleasure. A reception will follow. Contact any chorus member for tickets or call me at 414-543-6695.
In closing, greetings are sent to our members who are ill or confined to their homes. God Bless You All.
MARY BREGANT
BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio
Our September meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, prayers and a moment of silence for recently deceased member, Nancy Mramor, daughter of our late president of many years, Ann Hočevar Terček.
Get well wishes were extended to Dorothy Winters, Ann Arhar’s husband Ed, and Rose Mary Toth’s husband John.
Welcome to new members, Maureen Huefner, and three daughters of Helen Sturm, Carole Schloss, Sally Deitrich, and Jacqueline Maxwell.
Rose Mary Toth, our President, announced the forthcoming National Convention on June 21st through June 24th 2007, at Starved Rock Lodge and Convention Center, Utica, Illinois.
Our Slovenian heritage Festival on October 1st was extremely successful. A Polka Mass celebrated by Bishop A. Edward Pevec with assistance from Deacon Bob Lester of St. Joseph Church in Strongsville, Ohio, accompanied by the Joey Tomsick Orchestra, set the tone for the festival.
The presence of National SWUA President, Kathleen Ferrante, and her involvement in the planning with members of several branches contributed to the success of this huge undertaking. Highlights included the Circle 2 Junior Chorus directed by Shirley Ivancic Stall, the Slovenian-American National Art Guild, bobbin lace displays, genealogy information, woodcarving by Mr. Krulc, Polka Hall of Fame representatives and Slovenian artifacts by Olga Petek. Many thanks to all the volunteers who participated.
Hi everyone. Thank you to everyone who came to the Festival. It was a great success and we all had a good time. More about the Festival and the Ohio-Michigan Convention in the next issue. Hope to see everyone at the Christmas Luncheon on December 2nd at the Valleyview Center, at 1:00 p.m. Bring something to share. Also bring a $5.00 gift for the raffle.
Birthday wishes go out to all our November and December members. November members: Sarah Huffman, Josephine Korman, Valentina Mervar, Frances Romano, Jo Walters and Angela Zakrajšek. December members: Jodi Caultert, Ann M. Harsh, Karen Tolhurst and Elizabeth Wallace.
Best wishes to all!
KATHERINE WALLACE
Remember to shop at SWUA Heritage Museum for your Christmas gifts.
Charter member Christine Basca (Duche), celebrating her 98lh birthday, and now residing at the Lutheran Home in Westlake, Ohio, attended our festival with her daughter, Rosemary Kalfas and family members. Rose Mary Toth took great pride in welcoming Christine. Rosemary Kalfas presented our branch with a 1973 photo of the Marie
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SWU Heritage celebration, photo by member Phil Hrvatin
Prisland Cadets printed in Zarja, of which Christine and her sister Nettie were'members.
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PRISLAND
[ - .. i row! Ernestine Pm,, M.ry Swnik. j Leslie, Rose Zelcxiec. Marv Rnunn vi».
Special greetings to Rudy and Jean Paik residing at Parson’s House at 143 Eagle Run Drive 402, Omaha, NE 68164.
Ivanka Matic, President of the St. Vitus Altar Society, hosted a very successful trip to Calumet, Michigan for the Baraga Days.
The branch 50 Christmas party will be held on Sunday December 3rd, from Noon till 5 p.m. at Tizzano’s Party Center, 1361 East 26011' Street, Euclid Ohio. This gala event is special since we will be celebrating 75 years. Information, call Anne 1-216-531-2745.
ANNE TOMS1CK ciavnow@vahoo.com 216.531.2745
BRANCH 54 - Warren, Ohio
We had our first fall meeting at my home. It was wonderful to have our charter member, Vic Zuga, who will be celebrating her 92nd birthday, she came with her oxygen and walker and was so happy to be with all of us. I provided the lunch and Louise Vett brought dessert. We finalized our plans for our Christmas Luncheon, to be held on Wednesday, December 20th at 1:00 p.m. at the Cafe 422. I’ll be calling you for reservations.
I	don’t have much news in our area, but our sympathy to Anne Tomazin on the death of her sister, Helen, and to Isabelle Rek, whose sister-in-law, Christine, died recently. Chris was our member many years ago and relocated out west.
Four of us attended the Heritage Festival. Happy Thanksgiving to all and pray for world peace.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio
the party will be held on Thursday, November 30th at 5:30 p.m. at Little Peppino’s Restaurant in Girard, Ohio. As in the past, the event will be celebrated along with members of AMLA Lodge 42. Members are asked to call Maria Selak by November 20th at 330-539-5893 to make reservations for the event. Dinners will cost around $14 and will be served in a buffet style. Carol singing, delicious food, a raffle, and camaraderie will surly make this an enjoyable evening. In the spirit of the Christmas Season, those attending the party are asked to bring canned goods that will be collected and donated to the Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard, Ohio. As it is the season of sharing, donating these food items is one way all of us can express thanksgiving for the many gifts we have received and can share with our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the community. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Party in November! Vesele Praznike in Srečno Novo Leto 2007!
MONICA SELAK
BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois
Greetings to everyone, especially Branch 89 members who live away from Oglesby and can’t attend our meetings. A great potluck brought us together after not meeting in July and August. We all enjoyed seeing each other and catching up.
We’ve been working on our part in the National Convention at Starved Rock in 2007. Our member, Nancy Henkel, is co-chair and keeps us informed. Starved Rock is a beautiful place and anyone who isn’t from around here will find their preconceptions about flat Illinois farmland dispelled.
We went to the IL/IN State Convention hosted by Branch
2	at St. Stephen’s in Chicago. Fran Morrison and Branch
2	did a stellar job arranging such a nice day. IL/IN President, Genevieve Buol kept things moving and on track. We were really impressed with the food and music and Fr. Blase Chemazar preached a thoughtful homily.
We came away with some good ideas for future meetings and talked about new things to do all the way home. That’s the most important thing about the conventions, learning from each other.
BARBARA BRUCH barbarabruch(o),vahoo.com
BRANCH 93 - New York City
The past several weeks of autumn have quickly come and gone. I hope that many of you were able to enjoy the beautiful colors of nature and participate in some fall activities. As the weather outside begins to change in preparation for winter and the Christinas holidays, it is time for the annual Branch 55 Christinas Party This year,
Several members and friends met in September to say good bye and good luck to Sonja Knezevic-Kong and her husband Hoon who are moving to Seattle. Sonja is originally from Belgrade, Serbia (her mother is Slovenian). We thank Sonja and Hoon for their work on our beautiful branch website. Check it out: www.swuanyc.org (http://
www. swuanvc. org) We also watched the Slovenian movie Rezervni deli (Spare Parts). This is a bleak movie! The two main characters illegally transport people from foreign countries to Italy-Europe through Slovenia. It was made in 2003 and opened up discussion - is this still happening?, why were the main characters made to seem likeable? Slovenian movies offer the chance to hear the Slovenian language, to see Slovenians on screen, to see Slovenian locales, to see films created and produced by Slovenians and to see Slovenian names in the credits. Slovenian films in the U.S. are subtitled in English. Contemporary story lines put us into the present, life as it is today for “our cousins” across the ocean. Check your local libraries, Slovenian movies can be found there! We hope to offer the movie “Ode to Prešeren” in February for Kulturni Dan (Slovenia’s Culture Day) and to celebrate the fifth anniversary of our branch reorganization. The tentative date is Sunday, February 5th. Since many branch members are not from New York we are hoping to arrange tours or talks about neighborhoods where Slovenians settled in the early 1900’s. We know of the area in Manhattan where the Slovenian church St. Cyril’s is located; Ridgewood, Queens and Hoboken, NJ. We have been advised to try for a free listing in the event section of the major newspapers for a good attendance and it might also unearth more Slovenians in the area.
LYNN ZALOKAR lzalokar@vahoo.com
BRANCH 99- Lemont, Illinois
We have some nice news and some sad news. First, the nice: our member, Theresa Krampač who has been with us since the beginning of Branch 99, has just been elected as a jurisdictional director of KSKJ, the American Slovenian Catholic Union. She replaces Mary Ann Jereb of Waukegan, another good friend of our branch. Congratulations, Rezka! We wish you a happy and fruitful term of office!
Our darling young member, Monika Vidmar was chosen as Miss Fraternalism at the recent SNPJ Slovenefest. Such a beautiful young lady! We often see her helping at the Slovenian Cultural Center, in the kitchen. Her mom, dad, brothers Michael and Joey and grandma, Jean Cherwy are all our members. She’s quite an athlete, too. Our best wishes!
Our deepest sympathy to Mihaela Simrayh and family on the death of her husband, Stanley. He will be missed by his large and loving family. Michaela is a very loyal member; she was our first treasurer and now is an auditor. Her daughters, Magda and Bernadette, daughters-in-law, Suzy and Bonnie and granddaughters, Lydia and Tatiana are also members.
Because of the funeral on the same day, we cancelled our potica class day, Sept. 30, and rescheduled it on Nov. 4, 1 p.m., Slovenian Cultural Center- our potica teacher, is a close friend of the Simrayh family.
The Schultz family again took care of a very successful Bunco party on Oct. 29th. Thanks to them and to all our members! With their smiling faces, and good will, it was another hit event for the year!
The annual meeting is Dec. 3rd, at noon, at the Cultural Center. That morning we will be selling Christmas Cookies, this event is co-chaired by Mary and Paula Mavec. The meeting will be only one hour and we have lots to take care of, including elections. Please be there.
CORINNE LESKOVAR
BRANCH 100-Fontana, California
The Christmas Holidays will be upon us and we hope that you have received an announcement concerning our Christmas Party for this year. We have something special planned this year. On Sunday, December 10th, we will attend the Curtain Call Dinner Theater in Tustin for their matinee performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” with music. A tasty turkey dinner will be served followed by the play. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. with dinner being served around 12:00 noon. The cost is $38.00 per person which is payable to Rosemary Mlakar who has been kind enough to make the arrangements. After the program, everyone is invited over to the Mlakar residence in Irvine, which is less than 10 minutes from the theater. We will continue our social and have our annual meeting there. We hope you can come, and if you have not already made your reservation, we hope that there will still be time when you read this. Please contact Rosemary at: rmlakar@cox.net Our junior members are back in school and working hard after their summer vacations. And so, their parents are now back into their guidance roles with homework and meetings, as well as music and athletic participation. The college students are back in school also....some never had a break, with summer jobs or summer school, but we hope all are happy with their new schedules. We senior members look forward to our special outings and short trips and being “on-call” to help out the younger families when needed. As
I	write, the gardens, here in California, are still producing bountiful crops. We enjoyed the beautiful garden photos in the recent Zarja\ Congratulations to the winners. It seems odd to be wishing all a Merry Christmas when it is still
Photo from farewell gathering
September, but from the Officers of Branch 100, Mary Lou Vidergar, Mary Lou Jensen, Rosemary Mlakar and myself as your reporter, we wish everyone a “Blessed and Joyous Christmas and New Year!”
JEAN KOCI aikoci@cox.net
BRANCH 102 - Willard, Wisconsin
Our meeting Sept. 16th was highlighted by a strudel making demonstration by Vicki Krultz. We had many non- members attending and we all got a taste of the delicious pastry. Our thanks go to Vicki who generously donated both the ingredients and her time.
Pat Sixel brought her pictures and talked of her first trip to Slovenia in July and when asked if she would like to go back for another visit, she replied “in a heart beat!” Theresa Zorman also told of her trip to Slovenia earlier in the summer. We all enjoyed hearing of their experiences. Friends and relatives surprised Dottie Podboy on her 80Ih birthday on Sept. 8th at Chelseas’ Supper Club. All six of her children were present. Dottie has returned to her home in Michigan after spending the summer at her cottage at Rock Dam.
Karen Spires of Lake Villa, IL was the delegate for Branch 102 at the WI State Convention in Milwaukee on Sept.
10,h. Betty Fraid of West Allis also attended. Branch 102 will host the next State Convention Sept. 9’h, 2007 A reminder to members that the Hunters Bake Sale will be held Nov 18th and 19th before and after Saturday night and Sunday Masses. Monetary donations from out of town members will be greatly appreciated as there are so few local members to support our bake sales.
Our Christmas Party and meeting is set for Saturday, Dec 2nd, beginning with potluck lunch at noon. Na svidenje,
ROSE PAKIZ
BRANCH 103-Washington DC
Branch 103 is no longer holding meetings at St. Columba’s Church, but rather at St. Ann’s Church hall on Wisconsin Ave. and Yuma St. However, it did meet on the first Sunday of September in the cafeteria at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception after the Slovenian Mass at 11 a.m. Ten members were present. The meeting started out as a short one just to let the members know about future plans, but it turned into interesting and spirited discussions about our social evening on Saturday, November 11, 2006, and the charities we are hoping to contribute to.
The social is to be held in the Colonial Room at Christ the King Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, and will be catered by Mama Lucia’s restaurant, well known in the Washington, DC-Maryland area. We still intend to serve
the perennial favorite - sausages and sauerkraut. As usual, there will be music to dance to and other entertainment. We will be celebrating our 41st anniversary as an SWUA Branch, the 80th anniversary of SWUA, and the 15"' anniversary of the independence of Slovenia - three important and far-reaching events. We will also be honoring two Members of the Year - Matilda Ausich and Peter Mejac.
Vice president Angela Stare and her family went to Slovenia this summer. Ica Zebot visited Slovenia in the fall. In the summer she visited member Tončka Cigale, who had moved to Cleveland to be with her sister several years ago, as well as Mara Chokel, who now lives in Arizona. We periodically hear from members who have moved out of the Washington area or who are unable to attend our meetings but still like to remain in touch - Sabina Bartol, Cecilia Hlebanja, Mary Bodling and Jill Augustine.
Treasurer Molly Thomas is still recuperating from her injuries with her usual determination and energy. Her daughter Mary Lynne, who is a senior resident inspector stationed in Paducah, Kentucky, for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, recently visited relatives in Slovenia.
Secretary Mary Mejac has not fully recovered from her knee replacement surgery. She and her husband Conrad are both undergoing physical therapy at a rehab hospital.
Ana Sonc-Jevtic’s son was married at the end of August.
As a final note, we would like people reading this report to keep in mind the date for our social evening - November
11,	2006 - and try to attend. We also would like to say, as many have noted, that Zarja is extremely informative and a pleasure to see and read.
BRANCH 108 - OIney, Maryland
Members met on September 10 for a luncheon meeting, a video presentation and discussion about upcoming events. Welcome to new members Barbara Robinson (Marie Robinson’s daughter) and Albert Tramposch, both from the state of Virginia.
Thanks to Bernadette Fitzsimmons for sharing the brief photo and video highlighting the 15th Anniversary of Slovenia’s Independence on June 25 in Cleveland, Ohio. We enjoyed seeing video clips of Folklorna Skupina Kres and the performance by Slovenski Oktet (Slovenian Mastersingers).
On October 21, member guest speaker Stasha Seaton showed the documentary about her father Boris Furlan, produced by Edvard Zitnik. “A New Shocking View - A Tragedy Gospod Professor Documentary Review” was on TV SLO 1 and is part of the series of documentaries shown recently in Slovenia to raise awareness about the Slovenian political regime following World War II. The greater Washington area Slovenian community was invited for this
first public showing of the film documentary in the U.S. and a full-course delicious family-style dinner was served in a private dining room of the Hunan Restaurant in Olney, MD.
On November 19 we will have our last meeting of the year, hold our election and celebrate our third anniversary with a potluck luncheon, socializing and Slovenian music.
Some of our members have been submitting dessert entries to the Montgomery County Fair, held every August. One of our members won 139 ribbons plus 7 Champions in the vegetable division. In 2007, we are planning to take entries to the fair for the ethnic dessert category using Slovenian dessert recipes. With such excellent bakers in our group, we thought it would be fun to present our best recipes to the judges for a taste of Slovenia.
Food is always of great interest with Slovenians so we are planning to publish our own cookbook as a fundraiser. Lynn Koiner, whose Grand Champion market basket appears in the photograph, has collected many recipes from her farmers’ market customers. We plan to “Slovenian-ize” many of the recipes, using Slovenian wines and unique ingredients rather than the traditional ones. Once published, we can sell this at the local fanners’ market and branch events. Blagoslovljene božične praznike in srečno novo leto to all from members of Branch 108!
Lynn Koiner koiner@starpower.net
BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities, Minnesota
Connections and Re-Connections was the theme for our Branch meeting in September. The membership listened attentively to the song “Slovenec Sem - 1 am Slovene. I know this is true because my mother told me.” This song will open all future meetings with Branch 109. The recording was done by the Slovenian Men Choraleers from the Minnesota Iron Range in the early 1960’s and was titled “Slovenska Pesem”.
The rest of the two-hour meeting consisted of sharing stories and pictures. Frank and Mary Medved reconnecting with Franci Rode, Frank’s best boyhood friend in the refugee camp in Spittal, Austria. Frank and Mary received an invitation in April 2006 to the consecration of Franc Cardinal Rode. Sue Zumer Rademacher talked about the oldest Slovenian enclave in Minnesota- St. Stephen’s and why that area attracted such a large number of Slovenians. Barb “Perpich” Schoonover talked about how her great grandfather, from a family of ten, came to America because her great grandfather was the only one who could fit into
the only pair of shoes in the family. Norm Setnicker told the story of meeting a Slovenian family at a picnic in Postojna in 1994 and connecting that family with a Matt Anzelc from Biwabik. Matt was Norm’s father’s best man at his wedding. Norm reconnected with that Slovenian family (Laboda) in 1999 when Norm and his wife attended the language school at the University of Ljubljana.
Geri Karakas, a retired teacher recounted the family squabbles between her Slovenian mother and Croatian father. This brought a lot of smiles from the group. These squabbles are still continuing even at the national level. Mary Ann Palmer, our recording secretary, showed a picture that illustrated the differences in Slovenian costumes from different sections of Slovenia.
One of the interesting characteristics of our Twin Cities Slovenian group is that our meetings offer an opportunity for individuals, originally from different areas of Minnesota, to reconnect with people from the same hometown or neighboring communities. A good example of this was the reconnection of Andrew Percic whose family came from Slovenia in the 1950’s and lived next door to Norm Setnicker, our acting Branch president. Andrew is the owner of the Nectary Restaurant where our branch holds its monthly meetings. Thank you, Andrew, for allowing us to meet at your restaurant.
NORM SETNICKER
Calendar Of Events
Sunday. December 10, 2006
80,h Anniversary Celebration of founding
Branch 1, Sheboygan, WI
Mass: Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church - 9:00 a.m.
822 New Jersey Avenue, Sheboygan, WI
Brunch to follow in the Father Cheme Hall
RSVP to Aggie Gruenke at 920-452-8808 by 12/1/06
MQnday, Febrnary 2007 (tentative)
Branch 93 NYC, 5th Anniversary
Ode to Prešeren movie screening observing
Kulturni Dan (Slovenia’s Day of Culture)
Time and place to be announced
Thwrcdwi Jimsii-Simtiay, Jane 2?» 2QQ7
25"’ SWUA National Convention Starved Rock National Park
Saturday. June 24. 2007
80"' Anniversary of SWUA Celebration Starved Rock National Park
Slovenian
Heritage
Festival
“Keeping Our Slovenian
Heritage
Alive”
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SLOVENIA
Ohio Branches	
Branch 10	Cleveland
Branch 14	Euclid
Branch 25	Cleveland
Branch 32	Euclid
Branch 42	Maple Heights
Branch 47	Garfield Heights
Branch 50	Cleveland
Branch 54	Warren
Branch 55	Girard
Branch 57	Niles
Branch 101	Bedford Heights
All photos by Phil Hrvatin
The members of the Slovenian Women’s Union have a long history of women dedicated to keeping our heritage alive by passing on our knowledge and traditions to younger generations.
The Ohio members have kept working towards that goal by hosting two Slovenian Heritage Festivals, in 2004 and 2006.
The second Slovenian Festival at SNPJ Farm in Kirkland, Ohio was held on Sunday, October 1, 2006. The afternoon started with a lively polka mass celebrated with Bishop Pevec and music provided by The Joey Tomsick Orchestra. The entire day was filled with music, dancing, artwork from the Slovenian Art Guild, genealogy, SWUA Museum Gift Shop items, travel, entertainment, Polka Hall of Fame, delicious food, and time to share with friends.
Rose Mary Toth, chair of the Festival Committee extends a special thank you to the Festival Committee and all members participating in any way to the success of this event.
Let Us Be Your Shopping Headquarters
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Vesel Božič in Srečno Novo Leto (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year)
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We will ship your gifts to the address of your choice!
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For Him:
-Polo shirt with Triglav crest -Tee shirt with Triglav crest -Baseball cap/Slovenia -Sweat shirts SŽZ logo -Coffee mug with logo -Potica and Krofi pin
For All Those on Your List:
-Slovenian music/tapes and CD’s -Slovenian/American flag for desk -Coffee mug with logo -Tote bag with logo -Potica and Krofi pin/charm -Slovenian Dolls
For the Traveler:
-Insight, Travel book of Slovenia with map -Berlitz Phrase Book and Dictionary -Learn Slovenian CD -Slovenian language manual/workbook
MONEY DONATION GIFT:
For Her:
-Tee shirt with carnation logo -Polo shirt with carnation logo -Tote bag/logo -Coffee mug/logo -Potica and Krofi pin/charm
For the gourmet:
-More Pots and Pans Cookbook -Women s Glory, (reprinted) -Apron with towel with logo -Potica and Krofi charm/pin
For the Reader:
-Joliet, Wolfe
-Pepca s Struggle, Janezic
-From Slovenia to America, Prisland
-My Life in Three Countries, Skopec
-Coffee mug with logo
Send a Heritage Museum donation gift. Give us your name, address and the “$ Amount” and we will personally send the person(s) on your list a Christmas card in your behalf.
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To Place Your Order:
Call: 815.727.1926 or View the Website for Gift Shop Items www.swua.org
ENTERTAINING..
With a touch of Slovenia Martinovanje (St. Martin’s Day) St. Martin’s Goose Feast
Different tales are told of St. Martin, but most agree he lived in the fourth century. Legend has it that he tried to hide in a goose stall hoping to escape the people who were hunting for him so as not to become Bishop, but the geese betrayed him with their gabbling and gave away his hiding place. In revenge of the betrayal, the goose became the sacrificial animal symbol of St. Martin. A more important reason why geese are slaughtered around St Martin’s Day or Martinovanje is that they are ready for eating at this time of the year. Whatever the reason, a goose is traditionally the centerpiece of the dining table when celebrating Martinovanje in Slovenia.
St. Martin’s Day was always a special day in my family. I remember my father making wine each year, waiting for this special day to share the new vintage with his family and friends that came to gather at our farm house. This is
also the day my parents were married. I fondly recall enjoying the feast that my mother prepared on this festive occasion.
This excellent recipe for roast goose is best accompanied by a bottle of young wine. Serve with roasted vegetables, sweet-sour cabbage with bacon and žlinkrofi (dumplings) for dessert. Dober tek! - Jenka
St. Martin’s Goose
Ingredients:
1	goose(12 to 14 pounds) salt to taste
3	tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1	tablespoon ground mustard Vi cup port wine Va cup orange juice
Vi cup chicken broth 1 medium onion, quartered Va cup plum or red raspberry jam cold water
Sprinkle inside of goose with salt. Prick skin well; place breast side up on a rack in a large shallow roasting pan. In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of flour and mustard; stir in wine and orange juice until smooth. Pour over goose. Add onion to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180 degrees (cover with foil during the last hour to prevent over-browning).
Discard onion. Cover goose and let stand 10-15 minutes. Pour pan drippings into a 2-cup measuring cup; skim off fat. Add enough water to measure 2 cups. In a saucepan, combine juices and jam. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons flour and chicken broth until smooth; add to juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with goose. Yield: 8-10 servings
Sweet-Sour Cabbage with Bacon Ingredients:
1	medium-sized head of cabbage
1 cup boiling water 4 strips of bacon
2 tablespoons bacon fat
2	tablespoons flour
1	heaping tablespoon brown sugar
1	tablespoon vinegar or as desired
1	teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Shred cabbage. Rinse and drain. Cook covered in 1 cup boiling water until tender. Cut bacon into small pieces and fry until crisp. Remove bacon. Pour off fat reserving 2 tablespoons. Return reserved fat to pan, heat and stir in flour. Bring to boil and stir until smooth. Add bacon. Add mixture to cabbage (do not drain) along with brown sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Simmer for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally. If desired, garnish with additional bacon.
Yield: 6 servings
Žlinkrofi (dumplings) with Dried Fruit Filling and Apple Sauce
Dried Fruit Filling 3 /2 ounces dried apples
4	/2 ounces prunes
3	'/2 ounces dried apricots Cinnamon powder
Pit the prunes, and finely chop them together with apples and apricots. Add cinnamon and stir well.
Dough	7	ounces flour
2	eggs
2	tablespoons water
Quickly knead flour,	eggs and 2 tablespoons	of water in	a	bowl.
Thinly roll out the	dough with a rolling	pin.	Cut	the	dough	to
make the žlinkrofi by cutting into 4 inch diameter circles. Evenly place spoonfuls of filling on one half of the dough (as shown in picture in lower left comer), then fold over the other half, and gently press it together between the filling mounds.
Apple Sauce	5	apples
1	tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar Cinnamon powder Ground cloves
2 cups cold water
The Final Steps
Cook the žlinkrofi in boiling water on low heat for 10-15 minutes, taking care not to overcook them. Drain when done.
Pour the apple sauce on warm plate, placing the žlinkrofi on top.
If served as a warm starter, garnish with lightly browned breadcrumbs. If served as a dessert, pour over with melted butter and sprinkle with a sugar icing.
Wash, peel and grate the apples, and put them in a saucepan. Add Water, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon and cloves; cook for 10 •ninutes, stirring constantly to make a smooth semi-thick sauce.
The Sweet-Sour Cabbage with Bacon recipe is by the late Josephine Artac, President of Branch 102 for 34 years and can be found in More Pots and Pans, page 186, and purchased from the SWUA Gift Shop.
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Tours of the cellar are offered. The wine cellar is < light and sound effects imitating natural elements wh with the cellar’s own images, thus making the visit s interesting for visitors who experience the sunrise, th« wine from a barrel, thunder and lightning, the fer must, the hewing of oak barrels, and the section th off during WWII.
Have you heard of Bombolino? In this rather famous World War II epic, the peasants of a small Italian village hastily elect the local drunk, village clown, and bom loser Bombolino (portrayed by Anthony Quinn) as their mayor to face the wrath of the German army that has just been defeated at Monte Cassino and in retreat is plundering the Italian countryside. A German lieutenant (Hardy Kruger) is approaching the village to “liberate” its famous wines, but Bombolino hides most of them in an antique Roman grotto outside the village and has a wall built to hide the bottles.
Ptuj boasts of the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia. The wine dates back to the Roman times, but viticulture in Ptuj declined during the Dark Ages. The oldest wine cellar still in use in Ptuj, the old cellar of the Minorite monastery, dates back to 1239 and it is a repository of the Haloze and Slovenske Gorice wine treasures.
The makers of this delightful movie probably didn’t know that the plot was not complete fiction: something quite similar happened in Ptuj. Jožef Ornik, a famous Ptuj wine producer, had a section of his wine cellar walled off just before German troops entered the area and thereby managed to save his most valuable and oldest wines. Today, Ptujska klet, the oldest wine archive in Slovenia, can proudly display the rarest of vintages, including the 1917 “Zlata trta” (Zierfandler), the 1919 Zeleni Silvanec, the 1926, 1935, and 1938 Renski Rizling, and many others.
On the second portion of the tour, visitors can watch the multivision presentation “Sparkling of a Drop”, the aim of which is to make a traditional visit to a cellar and wine-tasting different and richer, something others in Slovenia and even wider do not offer. The multi-vision shows the beauties of the Haloze hills, and a faked stroll through the past and present of the viticulture in Ptuj. All those numerous slides are accompanied by music especially chosen for the occasion, and by a voice, which addresses a guest in the first person and presents itself as the wine from the cellar -Riesling from Haloze.
The wine cellar of Ptuj takes pride in Slovenia’s first blend wine, Haložan, followed by two new wine brands - Noblesse and Nobl. The wines of the Noblesse brand are the representatives of younger, but also rich, fresh wines with a pleasant fruity bouquet and distinctiveness across a range of different sorts. The Nobl wines are dry wines of distinct varieties, outstanding harmony, sophistication and fullness. Royal red, a group of red wines, consists of dry, elegantly rounded-off and sophisticated wines. Connoisseurs swear by the Ptuj predicates, particularly the berry selection, dry berry selection and ice wine, as well as the Grand Cuvee, a top quality sparkling wine.
For more information on this popular tourist stop visit www.ptujska-klet.si.