IV* FIRST FESTIVAL CAMPAIGN WINNER First of our Ju venile Festi¬ val C a m paign contestan t s to qualify as a win n e r o f a FREE TRIP to the N a t i o n al Juvenile Cultur- al Festival, JULIA KRAM- ZER, also, leads in the number ol' new members enrolled... Bora on Sygan Hill, Pennsyl- vania. and there she has lived ever since ... Mother and dad emigrated here from Trbovlje, Jugoslavia ... Taught her to speak Slovenian, vvhich she does almost to perfection... Re- ceived four years of schooling in tli" little red schoolhouse on Sygan Hill and eight in the South Fayette Tovvnship cen- tralized school... Completed her clementary education last Junc by graduating from South Fayette High School... Has one outstanding ambition, to be a l:eauty advisor and operator .. . Plans to enter the Winifred Beatuy Academy at Pittsburgh . . .Among her favorite hobbies ari' reading books, studying shoithand and corresponding witli Vrtec members in Indiana¬ polis, Cleveland and tovvns in Pennsylvania ... Thinks it’s a lot of fun ... Has been a mem- ber of the SSPZ for many years, last four of vvhich have been spent in the capacity of Vrtec Secretary (and a mighty good one, too — we know) ... And as she, herself, vvrites: “Each ycar I have found this vvork more interesting and beneficial for my future years of service to the SSPZ — and I enjoy be- ing a boastful SSPZ member and vvorking with our fine group.” 2nd FESTIVAL CAMPAIGN WINNER Perhaps, no one gave the Juvenile Festiv¬ al Campaigners a more complete surprise t h a n our little friend from the Iron Range, north in Minnesota. No one, except her closest friends, knew of her intentions to be¬ come a contestant until—bang! ■Just like that, her decision was EVAGENE CHAU JULIA KRAMZAR JUVENILE SECTION OF "NAPREDEK" CLEVELAND, OHIO, DECEMBER 20, 1939 Our Campaign IVinners made and her entry and one application, filled out for a new member, was sent on its way to the SSPZ Supreme Office in Chicago . . . We like surprises and thrills and we have Eveleth- born Evagene Chad to thank for a big one in this campaign . . . Her birthday falls on Feb. 20, and on that day three months hence, she will celebrate her 18th anniversary . . . Six of these years vvere spent in the Gillette Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., vvhere she underwent treatments and eight operations for a badly dislocated hip. When 10 years old, she returned home to resume a normal course of life. By vvorking hard, and she must have vvorked very hard, she finally caught up vvith girls of her ovvn age in schoolvvork and is now vvinding up her third year in Eveleth’s Senior High... Her main ambition is to become a beauty culturist . . . Likes ali outdoor sports and enjoys danc- ing and singing, which we be- lieve she does very vvell, in spite of the fact she claims she does a little of each ... Being a mem¬ ber of the SSPZ, and campaign- ing for and vvinning a trip to the Juvenile Festival, are a few of the brighter spots in her busy program of activities. Although the campaign revvard is assured, Evagene has promised to keep right on building the SSPZ in Eveleth vvith more new mem¬ bers. veland for a long time, and it was through the SSPZ I finally got my chance. I vvas born in Govvanda 16 years ago and have never lived anywhere else. I am novv in my Junior year in school and am taking a commercial course vvith typevvriting as my favorite sub- ject. My ambitions are to become either a stenographer or a dressmaker, but prefer the lat- ter. My favorite šport is basket- ball and, occasionally, I go hik- ing. From the beginning, I vvas in- terested in joining the Dawn Patrol Vrtec as it vvas some- thing different from vvhat the juveniles usually have in Go¬ vvanda. Electing our ovvn offi- cers, holding meetings regular- ly, and having a Slovene school, and many other activities have ali proven very interesting. Es- pecially have I vvanted, for a long time, to be able to read and vvrite and, also, improve my speech in Slovene. I have that opportunity novv and am grate- ful to those vvho have made this possible. Before I close, I vvish to thank sisters Rose Matekovich and J u- lia Pečnik for helping me reach the quota of 25 nevv members and also those vvho vvere kind enough to enroll their children in the SSPZ. Fraternally, Violet Widgay 3rd FESTIVAL CAMPAIGN WINNER We are going to let Violet teli you in her ovvn vvords a fevv vvords a f e vv t h i n g s about herself. “Dear Brother Vrhov¬ nik ... I had just come into the house from the store vvhen I heard a voice calling from the next room. It couldn’t be sister Rose Matekovich, the Vrtec Ad- ministratrix, I thought to my- self, but there she vvas and brought me the good nevvs that I vvas chosen to represent Davvn Patrol Vrtec of Govvanda, N. Y., at the first SSPZ National Ju¬ venile Cultural Festival in Cle¬ veland. I hardly could believe my ears and certainly vvas ex- cited as I’ve vvanted to go to Cle¬ VIOLET WIDGAY FOURTH FESTIVAL CAM¬ PAIGN LOUIS ZNIDERSICH WINNER Born in the city of Indian¬ apolis, Indiana, on October 1, 1922, vv h i c h makes our 4th Juvenile Festiv¬ al Čamp aign vvinner a young- ster of 17 vvin- ters, spr i n g s, summ e r s and autumns old ... A big fellovv for his age, too. tipping the scales at around 175 pounds and stands about 5 feet 10 inches in his stockings ... Louis is a Senior in the George Washington High School vvhere he is majoring in printing, and is the studen-foreman of the printing shop vvith almost com¬ plete authority and responsibili- t.y over students under his su- pervision ... Hopes to graduate in January, 1940... Has been Witli Our Juniors By MICHAEL VRHOVNIK, Director of Vrtec and English- Speaking Lodges BEST AT CHRISTMAS If I had to paint a picture of a man I thlnk I’d wait Till he fought his selfish battles and had put aside his hate. I’d not catch him at his labors when his thoughts are of pelf, On the long days and the dreary vvhen he’s striving for himself. I’d not take him vvhen he’s sneering, vvhen he’s scornful or depressed; But I’d look for him at Christmas when he’s shining at his best. —E. A. G. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR Since Christmas is the time to think of good old friends, the tried and true, it is also the sea- son of the year ivhen our thoughts turn to those ivhose friendlg associations and co- operation have made possible bigger and better things for the SSPZ. To our Vrtec Adminis- trators(trices) and Supervisors, to our Vrtec Officers and mem¬ bers, I extend sincere icishes for a VERY MERRV CHRISTMAS and a NEW YEAR filled ivith good health, true friends and happiness. FESTIVAL CAMPAIGN- O-GRAMS For the first time in four vveeks vve haven’t a nevv cam¬ paign vvinner to report, but vve do have another contestant and that honor goes to our charming Secretary of the Ambridge COMETS, AGNES TEKSTAR, vvhose entry vvas received this vveek along vvith 22 nevv mem¬ bers . . . And in her letter she explained that she and her dad, vvho has been the local Lodge Secretary for many years and active, too, made the rounds to- gether and in less than tico Continued on page 3 of regular sectlon a member of the SSPZ for the past tvvelve years and is novv finishing his fifth year as Treasurer of Vrtec Yugoslavs ... Pitched and played left- field for the 1939 Vrtec Softball Champs — Has been a member of the team for three consecu- tive years and next season, if ali goes vvell, expects to be the first four letter man of the Yu- goslavs ... And he’s a chip off the old block, too. for like his active dad, he is a steady SSPZ Booster. PAGE 2 Ju venile Section ol “Napredek flPORTS By Bill Wapotich Subject: Ice Hockey This year as every year, boys are receiving' ice skates, hockey sticks, and pucks for Christ- mas. Their first urge is to go to the nearest pond to skate or play ice hockey. At first their ankles seem to be on the ice, but they learn, their ankles become stronger. Most boys usually have a slight idea of what hoc- key is about. They know that they are supposed to try to get a round object of hard rubber, called a puck, into the opposing team’s goal cage. They also know that their are six men on a team: a center, two wingmen, two defensemen, and a goalie. But that is just about ali they know. In the early days of hockey, it was known to have different names by which is was called. For instance in Wales it was known as “bandy.” The Irish called it “hurley” while the peo- ple in Scotland called it “shin- ty.” But our word probably came from the French who call¬ ed it “houquet’ ’which means “shepherd crook.” At that time hockey was played on a field. But when they brought the game to Canada, they changed it from field hockey to ice hockey. The first regular hockey clubs, Montreal and Quebec, were organized about 1881. Hoc- key was lafer introduced to American Colleges and High Schools. It made rapid strides in popularity and people flock- ed to the rinks to watch the games. Hockey is now one of the mest popular winter sports. In 1893 Lord Stanley present- ed a cup known as the “Stanley Cup” to the winner of ali Cana¬ da. Montreal has had the honor of holding the cup for the great- er part of the time since 1893. It used to be that almost any Canadian team could beat the best team in the United States with compartive ease. But ali that has now been changed. Team work has reached such a high degree that the leading teams in United States are able to compete with the best from Canada. Ice hockey is a very fast game and played on a surface of ice, 112 feet long and 58 feet wide; along the sides are boards known as side boards which are from three to four feet high. At each end of the rink there are goal cages, consisting of nets placed between two posts, four feet high, and six feet apart. A goal is scored when the puck passes bet-ween the goal posts. An ice hockey game is divided HIGHLIGHTS IN HISTORY OF ANDREW ILERSICH On April 20, 1922 the fore- most executive of the Spartan Juniors was born in a dingy coal mining town called Hriskon, Pennsylvania. Andy has nowex- isted 17 years and he stili hasn’t won in Bank Night. When An- dy was three years old he per- suaded his family to move to the city. This has saved him the trouble of going to the city and making good at a later age and he now has a head start of ali the other persons born in that memorable town. Andy has now lived in Cleve¬ land for fourteen years. He now goes to John Hay High School. Yes, good old John Hay. I don’t know if this is a rumor but the last census taken said that there were 700 boys and 3000 girls. Of course I know that this fact had no bearing on why Andy chose this school to go to. His subjects are Filing, Typ- ing, Bookkeeping, Advertising and Journalism. His favorite subject is Advertising. The best thing that Andy can advertise is his presence. Andy is the Assistant Sports Editor for the John Hay Ledger. He also belongs to the movie operator’s club. The main ambi- tion of our President is to be an executive. Probably one of those guys who sit with their feet on a desk ali day and do nothing into three periods of twenty minutes with intervals of ten minutes between each period. In čase of a tie an extra period of ten minutes is played in an ef- fort to break the tie. If the score is stili tied at the end of this ten minute period the game is declared a tie. Fouls may be called by the referee on offending players for such offenses as tripping, charging, holding, p u s h ing, slashing, rough play, four and abusive language, and other sim- ilar things. The offending play- ers may be sent to a penalty box from two to five minutes of ac- tual playing time, and his team must continue without his help. Some of the above rule are made more essential by the fact that ali organized h o c k e y leagues play their games indoor on articificial ice. Boys who play outside cannot have some of the above rules because they have no referees to call fouls, no timekeepers to keep time, or any other things that are need- ed for a proper game of ice hoc- key. So it is more of a rough and tumble match with boys who at- tempt to play it outdoors. Well, I hope you know now a little bit more about the game of hockey. In closing I wish you ali a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. but think. If Andy had this job he would probably think of his pet diversion which is pretty girls and try not to think of his pet deversion which is homely girls. It seems to me that there are not very many homely girls at John Hay so he won’t have a hard time trying not to think of them. Thomas A. Tavčar P. S. I go to John Hay too. SPARTAN JUNIORS December 22 the Spartan Juniors will herald Christmas in regal style. With a great variety of games and prizes we can really promise ali you Spar¬ tan Juniors a real good time. This promises to be the out- standing social function of the season. Our meeting for December will be brief (very brief) so as to allow more time for the par- ty. Before the meeting is ad- journed, however, we will give a\vay 50c. * * * The main event at the Jan- uary meeting will be the elec- tion of officers for 1940. AH the members should make an effort to come to this meeting to aid in the election of these officers. The officers are your repre- sentatives and should be of your choosing. The officers, in part, at least, are responsible for the policies of your lodge. It is a person’s duty, as a mem- ber of the lodge, to come to the January meeting and vote for the persons he or she believes are best fitted for those offices. Andrew Elersich, Preš. Vrtec 5 SPARTAN JR. GOSSIP COLUMN Say Tommy Tavčar, what are you doing these days, we have not heard or seen you around lately. Is is a girl ? It seems as though Willie Wa- potich is going to be a great help to the Vrtec page. Andy Elersich, our president, talks an awful lot about the Cadillac he hasn’t got. When ya gonna get it? The girls want to know. Elsie Drobnič enjoys herself at the meeting by bringing fun- ny books to read. What’s the matter? Bored? Three girls seen together a lot are “The Three Musketeers” of our lodge. They are Aliče, Helen and Mary. Eddie Stokel hasn’t been seen around. Don’t forget the Christ¬ mas party, Ed. What happened to the idea about the drill team. How about turning up at some of the meet- ings so we can start something? Dolores Rossman ilerrj) Cljrtetmag to 21U __ Pecem ber 2 Q, iflao NEWS Do You Kno^ Do you know that the first American bathtub was built in 1833 of Mahogany lined with sheet lead. It was seven feet wide and weighed 2000 pounds. The United States makes one- third of ali the matches used in the world. Sweden and Japan rank next. Our country uses three hundred billion matches a year. Soldiers always break step when Crossing a bridge to pre- vent a regular vibration which might lead to a breakdown of the bridge. Modern candymakers u s e spinach to color their candy green. The hippopotamus has a hide 1 inches thick. It can stay un- der water from eight to ten minutes. In spite of its size it can run faster than a man. Polar bears have hair on the soles of their feet. This pre- vents them from slipping on the ice. Eamon de Valera Prime Min¬ ister of Ireland was born in New York City, U. S. A. Florence Nightingale was the first and greatest of war nurses. Born into a noble English fami- ly, she scorned gay society, pre- ferring to help the wounded soldiers on the battlefields of the Crimean war. Bananas grow upside down on trees. * Safety First “How many are there in your family, madam?” “Just my husband and I." “No children?” “No.” “Any cats or dogs?” “No.” “Do you have a radio?” “No.” “Now have you any saxo- phones, pianolas, ukuleles or other musical instruments?” “Indeed not. And why ali these questions?” “Madam, I’m just the man who intends to rent the houhe next door.” Sophie Colarič Vrtec 5 T’was the night before Christmas And ali through the house Not a creature was stirring Not even a mouse. The stockings were hung W the fireside with čare, They’ve been worn six months And they needed the air. _Borrovve« pecemker 20, 1939 Vrtec 140 Juven ile Section of “Napredek’ INDIANAPOLIS JUGOSLAVS U0W THE LEGEND OF SAN- TA CLAUS BEGAN Do you kno\v ho\v the story 0 f Santa Claus first began? Sev- er al hundred years ago, around 1500 , a Christian bishop fell in- to the bad graces of his Em- peror. He \vas imprisoned and painfullv tortured. It wasn’t long before the Em- peror died. His successor was a mU ch kinder man and soon brought about the release of the bishop who was later called St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas, like so many martyrs of his day, was a true friend of the poor and un- derprivileged. The story goes, he once presented doweries to three daughters of a Citizen so that these young ladies, thru marriage, might avoid lives of shame. For many years Christians honored St. Nicholas on the 6th of December. Later on they shifted to Christmas and start- ed the gift giving ceremony we know today. Early Dutch colo- nists settled in New York and introduced the custom here. Gradually the name of St. Ni- cholas developed into Santa Claus. St. Nicholas stili lives in the minds of children and grown- ups. iLttle folks visualize him as a fat, .jo 11 y character in his North Pole vvorkshop, reading their letters, checking behavior references and filling orders. • THE CHRISTMAS TREE St. Winfried, a missionary to the Scandinavians in the eighth century, c ut down a great oak tree on Christmas to show the people they had been deceived by the Druids. (Druids were an old sect of priests who wor- ships the trees in the forest.) As he turned he saw a young fir in its plače, which had suddenly sprung up, so he told his hear- ers that this evergreen tree was like the new faith which would supplant the religion of their fathers. The lights on the Christmas tree in your home are a relic of the fire-worshippers; the ap- ples and balls are for the moon and stars. Christmas carols were sung from the earliest days not only by the wandering minstrels, but also by youthful singers on Christmas morning. These sing¬ ers went from house to house caroling such beautiful songs as “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” and many others. FoIlowing the custom of the wise men who brought gifts to the Christ Child, we bring Him gifts when we give to those in need. The Christmas Star that stood over the Inn in Bethlehem on that far-off Christmas Eve has uplifted man by drawinghis gaze heavemvard. It will yet make ali men brothers in peace and good work. Mary Klevisher, Sec’y Vrtec 140, Pierce, W. Va. The above picture is that of the 1939 National SSPZ Junior Champions. This team is con- sidered as one of the greatest ever produced in the Vrtec’s history. Besides being the cham¬ pions of the SSPZ Juniors, they are one of the foremost teams in the local city. The team finished the sea- son with a record of 22 vic- tories against 8 defeats. The final victory of the regular sea- son was achieved at the ex- pense of the Hoosier Pals. Tony Qualitza was the manager of the team for the third succssive year. The mascots, as you prob- ably ali know were Rose and Mary Klarich. Looking ahead for next year’s prospect, there are but six re- turning lettermen, outstanding of which is Louie Znidersich, who is capable of playing any position on the field. Others re- turning are Louis Dragan, Al Armin, Bill Komlavc and Ru- dolph Flajs. These boys and a few others will have the task of success- fully defending the champion- ship of the Vrtec’s teams. Extending to ali members and friends the season’s greetings. The Pubilcity Committee * SCRAPS AND SLANTS Don’t forget the Christmas party for Vrtec and Danica members on Dec. 24. There will be entertainment and refresh- ments. A fine friend from the North Pole will distribute Anthony Bayt, Algerd Armin, August Zupančič, Louis 'Žnidoršlčh. Captam Martin Dragan goodies to ali good boys and girls. Vrtec No. 9 will regret the graduation to the older lodge of 3 prominent members, name- ly Martin Dragan, August Zu¬ pančič and Anthony Bayt. Ali three were members of the soft- ball team. Flash! John Praprotnik has taken up another šport. John rolled a game of ten pins. What vvas your final score. We wish to congratulate Julia Kramzer, Evagene Chad and our own Louis Znidersich in gaining a trip to the Festival in May. Al Armin is a likely debator. He’s always arguing. Adolph Flajs, the figure skat- er at Holy Trinity rink, is al- ready getting into shape to play softball by playing basketball. Louis Dragan, Martin’s un- derstudy, will be a challenger for a starting position on this coming year’s team. Melvin “Red” Scott, our star catcher, has signed up for the CCC Čamp. Don’t work too hard Red! Rose and Mary Klarich sure did enjoy seeing the movies of the Meet. Bruno Canolas, the Gable of Houghville, has been a changed man here of late. He has been sporting a new outfit. Now that we have written a little gossip we believe it is closing time until the New Year rolls around. A Top-Hatter GIRARD BUDGETS Girard, O. — We are planning ing will be perfect so that what- to have a Christmas party on Dec. 23, 1939. As you ali know, this is our first Christmas Par- ty. I want ali of you members to come and bring a friend. We are going to play games, we will have prizes, dancing, and re- freshments. Bring your parents along too, for I am sure they will enjoy themselves. The par- ty is going to be at Nagode’s about 7:00. How many of you realize that January is just around the cor- ner, and that means election of new officers. Start thinking about that right now. I hope that our attendance at the meet- ever we strive for will be made that much easier to attain. A good attendance at meetings will make our efforts more worthwhile and will make it less difficult for our administra- trix to convince the parents that they too should become mem¬ bers. Please try to attend the meet- ing and don’t forget our Christ¬ mas Party. I hope to see some of our out-of-town Vrtec mem¬ bers, such as the “Rainbows.” Wishing you ali a Merry Christ¬ mas and a Happy New Year. Irene Rovan, Sec’y Vrtec 30 FAGE 3 Vanding, Pa. — Pioneers held their last monthly meeting for 1939 on Dec. 10, 1939 at Naprej Hall. Taking into consideration the number of members that at- tended previous meetings, we had a record attendance. Anthony Trelc presided at the meeting. The time and day on which we are to hold our meetings may be changed, due to the fact that the hali may be used by some other lodge. At this meeting arrangements were made for a Christmas Party. The date—Dec. 22, 1939. The time—7:00 p. m. The plače—Naprej Hall. Refreshments will be served. A program will be staged. Pio¬ neers will receive gifts from Santa Claus who will be there with his pack. We extend an invitation to our parents and members of lodge 27 to come and enjoy themselves with us. To ali SSPZ members I wish you ali a very Merry Christ¬ mas and a Happy and Prosper- ous New Year. Wm. Pevc, Sec’y Pioneers Mihvaukee, Wis. — Vrtec No. 33 announcing over Station SS¬ PZ. Calling ali good boys and girls, stand by! Attention! A letter from the cold North Pole, sent by the jolly old Nich¬ olas just got into the hands of our Christmas celebration com¬ mittee. In a big red coat, trim- med with white fur, a fuzzy beard, he climbed into the latest Clipper trpe aeroplane and is traveling with lightning speed toward the south. He gave his word by radio to our Adminis- tratrix Sophie, that he will be with us Sat., Dec. 23 promptlv at 7:30 p.m. at the Tivoli Hall, cor. 5th and Natl. Ave. with his bag, reindeer and gifts for ali youngsters. Ali Vrtec mem¬ bers with their parents and our friends should be there to meet and greet dear Santa in proper form. A very appropriate pro¬ gram for our Christmas cele' bration, in which ali children will participate, will be given. There will be singing, comical acts and skits, musical numbers and many other interesting features. The program will open with moving pictures. There will be dancing after the per- formance, mušic furnished by our own talented Vrtec musi- cians, and a good time is as- sured to everyone. We appeal to you adult mem¬ bers for help and cooperation. Together we can make this a real pleasant and successful eve- ning for ourselves and for the benefit of our Vrtec treasury. Let us ali boost our Vrtec, and the SSPZ. Admission 25c, chil¬ dren lOc. Marie Ermence, Vrtec No. 33 PAGE 4. Juvenile Section of “Napredek December 20 , 1939 “Ontlookers’ Corner”, published as a section of the Napredek’* Vrtec page. The Junior Editors are: Edltor-in-chief - Valeria Artei Sports Editor - Frank Gačnik Featare Editor - Fred Bashel ‘‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” HEADLINE FLASHES By Olga Zaubi Flash! Flash! Another new member makes his appearance at the Outlookers’ meeting! Name — Frank Glicker. Address — 1153 E. 168 St. Age — 11 years. Birthday — April 15, 1928. Remarks: — “Watch us grow!” * Due to the absence of our president, and our vice-presi- dent, and because our secretary was busy taking minutes, etc., and because we have no treas- urer, a temporary chairman had to be appointed at our last meeting. Since ali the boys were too bashful, a little girl got up and volunteered her Services as president. In spite of the fact that she is young in years, she proved quite capable of hand- ling the situation. She was non other than Betty Ann Tushar. Mr s. Bashel pooped in, and business was temporarily sus- pended while she held a dis- cussion with Mr. Zaman. Members are asked to think up some brainstorrns which we can use for our part in the Fes¬ tival program to be held in Cleveland next May. Little else was discussed, ex- cept for the membership cam- paign, and the meeting was soon adjourned. * Since we didn’t have our out- ing this summer, we’ll have a super-special Christmas party. We are holding it tomorrovv eve- ning (Friday) in the new club- room joining the dovvnstairs hali of the SDD. We have cho- sen this room because we are to have dancing with our re- freshments. Save up a dime be- tvveen today and tomorrow, so you can join in exchangeing gifts with the rest of us. * Start the New Year off right by being present at our Janu- ary meeting, Friday, January 5. Election of officers will take plače. * Mr. Zaman has been re-elect- ed our administrator for the coming year. * Guess that’s just about ali, so I’ll top it ali off by extending our Vrtec’s wishes for a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to ali the other Vr- tecs, their administrators, and the Supreme officers. The Outlookers } Corner CHRISTMAS EVE By Eleanor Ster A CHRISTMAS GIFT By Valeria Artei The twenty-fifth of December Is surely a day to remember. It’s when Santa Claus comes, On a night so clear, And brings toys to the children Both far and near. He gives dolls ivith curls To the good little girls, And he surprises the boys With different kinds of toys. Down through the chimney he goes And viallcs very genlly on his toes. H e fills the stockings to the top And goes to another, he does not stop. He hurries away ali through the night; H e must finish before it’s bright. Then in the morning the chil¬ dren wake, And ali their present s they mil take. P. S. With ali the holidays coming along in a hurry, I hope nobody celebrates too hard. But enjoy yourselves. I do hope that everyone’s wish comes true, and that Santa Claus gets them what they want. And I wish everyone a merry, merry Christ¬ mas, and a happy, happy New Year. Eleanor I opened up a Christmas gift. And this did lie inside:— A sinile that's greater than man’s ivorld, In bright blue ribbon lied. Another gift I did unmrap, And here is vihat I found: A heart of gold, and very warm, With silver tinsel uiound. And stili a third 1 opened novi; / wept ivith joy, to see A soul so great I kneiv at once ’Tviould aluiays understanding be. With eagerness that children have, I hurried on to more: — / found two bright and shining eyes, The smile of friends they viore. I heard a murmur in the ncrt; I opened it to see A tongue that ivhispered kind- nesses — ’T could neiier hurt or anger ttie. One more I had, and opened it; Tuo hands there I did see; In comfort, viarmth, and friend- liness They viere stretched out to me. I pieced my gifts together then, And laid them end to end; Lo! They became God’s great- est gift — 7 had — a Perfect Friend! Well, well, dear readers, here I am again, none for the better, maybe somevvhat for the worse, who knows? Since I hung up my pencil after my last master- piece (or haven’t you noticed?) I promised myself that I’d never pick up the blankety-blank im- plement again. But, as history goes to show you, many a fam- ous article has been signed by just such a thing. Now ITI try to explain to you people who are afflieted with datemosis am- nesiamosis (better known as date amnesia) just what’s com¬ ing off about this time of the year: Four days from today old St. Nick shall be, or should be, on his way back home with tired feet and a weary body after a hard night’s work. His eyes might be swollen and red from lack of sleep, but he’ll look back and smile to himself as he remi- nisces about ali the good cheer and happiness he left behind him. In other words, I’m trying to teli you it’s Christmas day. Six days from Christmas that little brat with his birthday suit on will make his debut, and the old whiskered gent shall make his exit. This is the day when ali old resolutions are to be brought up anew. Like the ones: “No more smoking” — but can you help it if your relatives brought you a box of cigars? “No more telling fibs” — but it’s easier to blame your little brother or 3ister for breaking the Christmas tree bulbs. That gives you a little idea of what this master-mind brain of mine is trying to express. This nevv 1940 year is also a sort of Sadie Havvkins year (if you know what I mean) to you gals who jitterbug and romp around the face of this earth. Yep, you guessed it, it’s Leap Year. Now, fellows, we are faced with a serious problem which is under the title of “To be hooked or not to be hooked, that is the question.” But don’t take it seriously, because 90% of the women won’t read this column, and 90% won’t know that it is Leap Year until De¬ cember 31, 1940, when it’s too late. But you’ll question your- self, what about the other 10 %, E DEDICATION ^ This, the Christmas issue of the Outlookers’ Corner, is dedicated in true Christmas špirit to our friends everywhere. With every Xmas wish on this page comes our hope that your holidays will be happier, more filled with God’s graciousness, and more crowded with love and good fellowship than kings could command, or beggars pray for. ^ Valeria NEW YEAR’S EVE The year of 1939 will C om a to a close December 31, 1939 at 12:00 m. And the nevv year' of 1940 will step in, which vvill bring either good or bad lučk. But the day celebrated most is Nevv Year’s Eve, December 31 . Then everyone expects to have a glorious and vvonderful time. But do they ? That is the ques- tion. (Girls, don't plan ahead of time, because there is always a chance of being jilted or dis- appoinled.) Here’s a hint, boys, this is a girl’s dream of Nevv Year’s Eve ... Scene I. About seven p.m. she is sitting in front of her dress- ing table, povvdering up and making herself beautiful, just for you, boys. Then off the hanger comes the govvn, yards and yards of pale blue net. Then on it goes, onto a slim figure and the effect is like a cloud gliding along a silver moon- beam. Then the finishing touch- es, and ali is read v. and vvait- ing ... Scene II. 7:45 p.m. The door- bell rings, and her heart is in her mouth, for slu thinks it is he, but vvhen she ansvvers the door, to her ama/.ement it is a boy in uniform, vvho hands her a box. Then off comes the lid, and lo and behold! A WHITE ORCHID! (What a thrill it is, boys, if you only knevv.) On her left shoulder goes the beautiful vvhite orchid. Oh!! She eertainly does look gorgeous!! Scene III. 8:00 p.m. For the second time the beli rings. At iast, a word of grceting, per- haps more... and then a com- pliment. With his assistance she puts on her evening vvrap of vvhite velvet with black acces- sories. With a good-bve to her parents, and a last vvord of in- structions from mom and dad they leave. He opens the door to his maroon convertible Buick, and off they go for a most en- joyable evening. Scene IV. The rest is for you either to know or imagine. GIRLS: If you get a chance like this, consider yourself lucky. But, make the most of vvhat you do get. BOYS: I bet you could slaugh- ter me for giving the girls these ideas and expectations. Josephine Kovic Aha, that’s vvhere they’re šunk — they caught their fish lonb ago. As I look over the mass A jumbled vvords, and try to make some sense out of it, .. • it can not be done. So I wish y° u a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Fred Bashel December 20, 1939 VRTEC 7* !’AGE 5 FRIENDSHIP Friendship is like a snowball That s rolling down the hill, It never grows a single bit VVhile it’s standing stili. But once you start it rolling, It grows along its way, Just as our Friendship's growing Much greater day by day. * (P. S. Wouldn’t friendship be just the appropriate gift for a Vrtec Christmas gift? Come on, ali you youngsters, let’s fight for friendship and keep it roll¬ ing for future years. We don’t want imitation friendship, eh? It’s up to us, but let’s bring it to the surface. We’re ali friends and let’s show it!) * MEMORIES And so another year slowly creeps totvard its end. It’s al- most gone now, never to return again. What remains of “good ol’ ’39” are only a few raem- ories. Let's stop thinking about our future for a few minutes and bring to memory important inci¬ dent s of 1939. * The first two months of 1939 started \vith a bang. We had fine attendance plus entertainment. Sorrow always intermingles happiness—and so, much to our sorrow, Amelia Lazzini passed away. March. — News of Bro. Vr- hovnik’s arrival brought excite- ment. ApriPs, May’s and June’s meetings showed a marvelous improvement. R e f r e s h ments vere being served and a pro¬ gram added. (This did the trick.) ■Tuly and August. — Again our thoughts were stirred. This time we were “Indianapolis bound.” Everyone was anxious to go. September. — Darn the girls’ lučk—only the boys went to In¬ dianapolis. Before laving, we were assured of remaining champs another year. Well, much to our disappointment, they didn’t bring back the ba- con this year. A memorable runners-up trophy has its plače in our club room. October. — News of another important campaign reached us. Everyone thought it was great! It was the National Cultural Festival to be held in Cleveland. Incidentally, the campaign is stili in progress. November. — Couldn’t be- lieve it, but good ol’ ’39 was al- most gone. Our membership had increased and so had our at¬ tendance at monthly meeting. Eleven months are gone—the twelfth is soon leaving. To end the new year with a bang! We are again holding our Xmas party. Be good! It’s near Christmas time, and our Christmas party. This being the biggest occa- sion of the year, everyone should be present to share ali ^s joys. And so, to inform you well, so that ali ye shan’t for- get, remember: Date: December 23, 1939. Ambridge, Pa. — Hello, ali you Vrtec friends, this is Vrtec 44, breadcasting from Am¬ bridge, Pa., the home of the Comets. Well, here it is December al- ready, which means that the year 1939 will soon be gone. During 1939 our Vrtec has pro- gressed very nicely. Our mem¬ bership has been greatly in¬ creased, which shows that our Vrtec really did some work. It is stronger and better than the previous year. Although we did not have 100 per cent attendance at our monthly meeting, it was, at most of the meetings, quite good. Soon, the most important meeting of the year will be held. The general or annual meeting. At this meeting the important task of electing offi- cers for the coming year will take plače. Every single mem- ber should make it his responsi- bility to attend this meeting. The members should elect cap- able officers who will perform their work faithfully and to the best - of their ability. Make up your mind to be present at the yearly meeting and show us that you are really interest- ed in the affairs of our Vrtec. This meeting will be held on Sunday, Dec. 31, 1939, at 2:00 P. M. in the Slovene Home. Be sure to attend. * The Comets will close the year 1939 with a big party which will be held on December 31 after the annual meeting. At this party there will be plenty to eat and drink, and a chance to be merry. There will be many forms of entertainment. Games will be played and some of our Vrtec members will entertain us with novelty acts. Dancing will be enjoyed by ali those who prefer to. Ali the Comets are invited to attend this party, for I know that ali of you will have a grand time. The Comets’ parents are also invited to at¬ tend this party. Don’t forget to be present for we’ll be looking forward to see ali you members. Each member is requested to bring a gift costing between lOc and 25c. These gifts will be put Time: 7:30 p.m. Occasion: Annual Christmas Party. Comments: Sorry to disap- point you, but we cannot pre¬ sent the Christmas play “Christ¬ mas Orphan” as we once had planned. A fine program will make up double for this play. We’d also appreciate a fine at¬ tendance of ali parents and friends of Vrtec members. Julia C. Kramzer Vrtec 72 together and everybody will have a choice. * The Slovene Home is going to sponsor a Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 2:00 p. m. in the S. N. Home. Santa Claus will be there and he will distri- bute candy to ali the younger children present. The program will include a play entitled “An¬ geline Bakes a Cake.” Five Com- et members will take part in this play. The play is under the di- rection of Miss Margaret Peltz. The “Rožmarin” singing society will render a number of Slo¬ vene Christmas carols. I am sure that ali who will be present will enjoy these beautiful Slo¬ vene carols. Ali the Comets as well as members of Lodge 41 SSPZ are invited to attend this program. The S. N. Home will hold the last dance of this year on Satur- day, Dec. 30, at the S. N. Dom. This is to be one of the best dances of the year. The mušic will be furnished by Tony Cou- sin and his orchestra, a popular orchestra in this vicinity. They \vill play mušic which will be suited to the young and the old. For an enjoyable evening of fun attend this dance. * I am taking this oppotrunity to thank the contest judges for a 11 the Vrtec Iiterary prizes which I have received during the year 1939. I wish to extend my congratu- lations to Julia Kramzer, and the other winning contestants in the Juvenile Festival Cam¬ paign on their splendid work. Flashes The Comets are glad to see James Sekanick home from New Mexico. Charles Kerzan, a fine mush- ball player, was transferred to the adult lodge. Frances Rosenberger made a big hit at the dance. Alberta Vlasic has been ask- ing a certain boy to make her art pictures for school. I wonder why Louis (Flash) hasn’t attended the meetings lately. Frank Tekstar and Joe Yan- char are going in for poem \vrit- ing. Strive to make the SSPZ a bigger and better organization than ever before. Ali the Comets are very glad to hear that brother Gus Rosen¬ berger, a member of our Vrtec, is on his way to a speedy re- covery. It would be very niče on the part of our members to pay him a visit at his home. Keep the “Wheel of Progress” rolling omvard! Agnes Tekstar, Sec’y Vrtec 44 (ElirtHtmaa Christmas has a lot of joys, But not for bad girls and boys, So, if you want to be gay and happy, Be good friends with your pappy. Joe Yanchar (Age 12) OUR CANARY Our cat liked to fight, So he picked on the canary one night, We heard some chatter, And went to see what was the matter. And when we saw, we weren’t merry, For it was the bones of our poor canary. _ _ Frank Teksta r (Age 12) CHRISTMAS IN JURNA VAS The way the people of Jurna Vas celebrate Christmas is very interesting. The preparation begins \vay ahead of the holiday. First they white-wash the walls and change the strav bedding. A complete scrubbing then fol- lows. After that the women wash ali the clothes. (This is the biggest wash of the year.) The day before Christmas, the mother bakes a cake called “Božična potica” for the family and little “Tičkes” for the chil¬ dren. Meanwhile the father gets wine from the vineyard “Lu- ben,” and the eldest daughter prepares a beautiful Christmas decoration. After the work is ali done, the family gets washed and dressed. At twilight, the father blesses the family and ali the property. Then they ali go to the midnight mass. One member of each family is left behind to act as a watchman. When they come from mass, they eat a hearty breakfast. Aft¬ er a rest the whole family goes to the morning mass. When they return they eat their Christmas dinner. In the afternoon they sleep. The evening is spent talk- ing over recent happenings and in joy-making. Frances Rosenberger, Preš. Vrtec 44 CENTER BOOSTERS Center, Pa. — Santa Claus peeps around the window to see who is good or bad. So I peeped through the Napredek to see if there was an empty space left for me. I noticed an empty cor- ner just like Santa Claus not- ices empty corners to set the Christmas trees in. “Starlight, star bright, Christmas star I see tonight, Wish I mag, wish I might, Have the wish I wish tonight, Candles for each Christmas tree. Gifts to fill the world ivith glee, Lot s of friends and lots of fun; Christmas Joy For Everg One.” The Center Boosters are hold¬ ing a Christmas party for mem¬ bers and their parents only, on December 22, 1939, at 7:00 p.m. I hope ali the members and par¬ ents will show up, because we have a big surprise for them. Merry Christmas to one and ali! Helen Knafelc, Sec’y, Vrtec 77 Employer: Now that I have decided to give you the job, I must teli you that early hours is the rule in this store. New Clerk: That’s good. You can’t close too early for me. Juvenile Section of “Napredek” December 20 , 1939 Vrtec No. 16 PAGE 6 Challenger Juniors NEWS Strabane, Pa. — The Chal- lenger Juniors presented a Christmas program and dance at the SNPJ Hall in Strabane, on Saturday evening, Dec. 16. A three act play, entitled “Christmas Dinner” vvas the featured entertainment of the program. Among those that took part in the play were Zel- ma Burchak, Irene Ellis, Betty Beton, oDrothy Helay, Marga¬ ret Slabe, Mary Jone Sciabica, Eleanor Beton, Matilda Bur¬ chak, Helen Pinchak. Other features of the pro¬ gram were recitations by Har- vey Davis, Shirley Bower, Ro- sella Serca, Mary Ann Yarkos- ky, Gloria Gump, Geraldine Da- ley, Herman Helay and Patty and Terry Koval. Songs by Helen Kress and Jenny Tomšič in Slovene were greatly enjoyed by the audience. Other songs by Betty Beton and our singing star Grace Vivian Beton certainly appeal to every- one. Musič selections by Jakie Martinčič and orchestra filled in the program. The program was a huge suc- cess, due only to the splendid cooperation of ali the čast, and faithful rehearsing during the past four weeks. A great deal of credit goes to our administra¬ tiv Miss Frances Vrhovnik, for her impatiently coaching of the čast and her assistant Miss Jo- sephine Ambrose, who helped select costumes and assisted in decorating the stage. SIDELINE GLANCES The Challenger Juniors have gratuated four new members in to the senior lodge namely Bill and Joe Progar, Joseph Zupan¬ čič and John Cornell. Helen Pinchak, who has been ill for the past several weeks following an appendicitis opera- tion, was able to take her part in the Xmas program. We are ali glad to have you back and vvell again, Helen. Duncy “A sailor man will be” Cornell will leave the first of the year for actual training in Uncle Sam’s navy. Duncy wants to see the world. (Wonder what it looks like through a port hole.) During this year’s campaign- ing the Challengers have boast- ed their membership to 105 strong. So let’s keep up the splendid work. Congratulations Miss Julia Kramzer for qualifying as First Festival Contestant. We wish you an enjoyable trip to Cleve¬ land in Marčh, “you really de- serve it.” The Challengers w i s h to thank Mr. John Serca for his splendid work in selling tickets for our Program and Dance. He sold some 125 tickets. Congratu¬ lations and thanks a million Mr. Serca. Now, in behalf of the Chal¬ lenger Jrs., our administratrix, and myself, we wish to extend our heartiest greeting for a Da^n Govvanda, N. Y. — This is my first try as a reporter for our Vrtec “Dawn Patrol.” How well I succeed is as yet to be seen. I’m a member of Vrtec but a few months and I take great in- terest in it. One of the main top- ics is the Slovene School. I take great interest in it. I’ve attend- ed ali meetings except one, when I was out of town visiting. Congratulations, Violet! I hope some day I may be in your shoes. Here’s to lots of lučk and lots of fun! Eleanor Mateko- vich won the prize for being the best pupil in the Slovene School for the month of November. So far one boy and one girl have obtained it. Off the record. — Who was the young Vrtec member Corn¬ ing out of show the other night, vvith a young lady at his side? — Who was the young lady that attended our last meeting and was afraid to get kissed? — For Romeo, Milan sure takes the cake. No Matter how we pick a girl out. — Klancer and Matek have recently joined the Boy Scouts. They went camp- ing a few nights back. What were some of the sights you have seen, and how many miles did you have to walk, when you went hiking and exploring with your Scout Master? I hope I haven’t offended anyone by the names or notions which I have used. I am sure you are used to them. For the good of our Vrtec, here’s hoping we ali attend our meetings regularly and on time and that we shall live up to the SSPZ principles. Before concluding I vvish ali Vrtec and Senior members of ali SSPZ lodges a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Roving Reporter Vrtec 148 ©ovvanda, N. Y. — Hello, again, you Vrtec units! I am making a štab at my second ar- ticle to the Napredek. Reading through the last month’s issue I see the campaign is going strong and we’re right in with them. We have already sent in our qualifications, or in other words, our 25 members. The lucky member is our quiet Vio¬ let Widgay. We didn’t come first as my mother thought vve would, being third in line, stili I think we’re doing fine. Congratulations, Violet, and I hope you have a good time. Why do I like the SSPZ ? 1 . It has formed Vrtec units for children, giving us good times and teaching us true frat- ernalism. 2. She is right on hand in any emergency, in čase of sickness, accident, or death. 3. No partiality is shown; vve are ali treated alike. I am very thankful for the Merry Xmas and Happy Nev? Year to you ali. Reporter Patrol prize I received in Slovene School for the month of Oc- tober. Thanks to Sisters Julia Peč¬ nik and Rose Matkovich for helping us get our 25 new mem¬ bers. Well, boys, in my last article I mentioned we needed more talent for football and softball. We are getting there very nice- ly. What we need now is an ath- letic advisor and we’ll have one soon, I think. Hov? about it, gang? Now, until we meet again, Merry Christmas to ali! John Matekovich, Jr., Preš. Vrtec 148 Govvanda, N. Y. — This is my first appearance in this paper and I hope to vvrite more often. Way back in July, Michael Vrhovnik paid a visit to Go¬ vvanda, shovving us some very good motion pictures, and also gave a very interesting talk and ene thing he mentioned, that Gowanda’s juveniles s h o uld have a Vrtec like many other places are having. About a few vveeks later, Sister and Brother Rose and John Matekovich came over and asked my father and mother if they vvould be will ing to have me join the SS¬ PZ. They said we vvould have our ovvn Vrtec vvith our ovvn meetings and officers and also have a Slovenian School and this vvas something nevv to me and the rest of the members and my parents vvere vvilling to enroll me. Our first meeting vvas held at the picnic grounds and a good time vvas enjoyed by ali. A spe- cial meeting vvas called to elect the officers and at this meeting, I vvas eleeted Treasurer of Davvn Patrol. We have held quite a fevv meetings since the first and we have a good time after each one and also refreshments are served. Our Vrtec is progressing along nicely and vve have many nevv members enrolled since July. The Slovenian School is also progressing along nicely vvith quite a fevv members at- lending, and I have learned quite a bit since vve began and you should see us study, as the Davvn Patrol gives a prize each month to the best one. I have heard good nevvs be¬ fore, but this vvas the best nevvs I have heard yet, and that vvas vvhen Sister Rose Mateko¬ vich told me that I vvas chosen as delegate to the Juvenile Con- vention in Cleveland. I can hardly wait for May to roli delegates are j ust as anxious. I wish to thank everyone vvho so kindly helped me in reaching my goal and many thanks go to Sis¬ ters Julia Pečnik and Rose Ma¬ tekovich. Before I say goodbye, I vvish ali SSPZ members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Nevv Year. Violet Widgay, Treas. Davvn Patrol 148 DePue, 111. — No doubt a lot of members vvho read this ar¬ ticle vvill be surprised because they didn’t think there even vvas a Vrtec No. 16. But here in De¬ Pue vve have a very active Vrtec even if it hasn’t done anything to gain national prominence. Our meetings have been enthu- siastically attended by a group of hard-vvorking boys and girls. We have a lot of fun after the meetings vvith games or enter¬ tainment by Mickey Slatner and his accordion, Mary Zickar and I on our trumpets, and Dorothy Yuvon on her clarinet. Of course, everyone delights in the refreshments vvhich our administrator usually provides. Only one sorrovv has come during this year of fun. It vvas the loss of our energetic and hard-vvorking president John Koss, vvhom vve shall never for- get. At the November meeting plans vvere made for a giant Christmas party to be held De¬ cember 23. I think Santa Claus vvill be there vvith gifts for everyone. I don*t have to teli every member to be present be¬ cause you couldn’t keep them away if you vvanted to. The follovving poems vvere prize vvinners in a poem vvriting contest held in October. * THE RAIN By Helen Slatner I like the raln As it comes pattniK on my window pane. It secms to come from ever so nign, From a dark and clouded sky. VVhen I look from my vvindow pane I can see people running about in the raln. VVhen I go out after the rain has stopped I can see people taking flopps. VVhen the bright sun comes out It seems to dry the puddles about, And as I sweep away the rain It comes again on my window pane. * THE CRICKET By Donald Omahen The other day I saw a cricket ne our house. I vvould have a lot rather seen a mouse. . , In the evening vvhen hundreds oi them sing, I vvish they vvould go away bec they make my ears ring. * Well, members, let’s ali be at the December lOth meeting, vvhen vve vvill elect officers or the coming year. Dorothy Omahen, Sec y Vrtec 16 One day Der Fuehrer decided to inspect Berlin’s leading in* sane asylum. The inmates vvere well coached, so that vvhen Adolph marched through the building, they ali stood at at- tention and saluted, “Heil Hit¬ ler!” Goebbels noticed one felloW who failed to heil. Marching up to him, the minister shouted, “Dumkopl, why don’t you sal- ute Der Fuehrer?” “But your Excellency,” stani- mered the offender, “I am the Warden here.” —Baldvvin Wallace Exponent December 20, 1939 Ju venile Section of “Napredek” __ ---_ v, or "Napredek_PAGE 7 VVHITEVALLE Y KINGSTERŠ looking back Delmont, Pa. —The Kingsters have been verv active this year. Our first meet- ing was held on J a n u a r y 15, 1939. The fol- lowing officers were elected: Preš., Helen Kastelic; Vice Preš., Helen Sec’y, Verna Kos- W ashington Sivhts HELEN KASTELIC Mladenič; mach; Rec. Sec’y, Thresa Kaste¬ lic; Treas., Helen Sabec. On the same day we held our third anniversary dance, which was a success. During this year the King¬ sters have lost several of their active members who were trans- ferred to the adult lodge or to the Evening Starš. Josephine Barber and Mary Laurich left us in February; Verna Kosmach and Helen Sabec in March; Thresa Kastelic, Pauline Kogo- sek, and Stanley Previc in June. As three of these transferred members were officers, we then elected Helen Mladenich, sec’y; Edwin Sabec, treas.; Anna Ger- ■ lovsky, rec. sec’y- May 28, marked the day on which Michael Vrhovnik visited and shovved movies at White Valley. The Kingsters next affair was a dance held on October 15, 1939. I wish to take this op- portunity to thank everyone who attended our affair this vear, and making them ali a success. In closing, I wish ali the members of the SSPZ a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Heien Kastelic, Preš. Vrtec 103 fVhat a Christmas Folks love to see Christmas come But I—I shudder at the thought. For not so very long ago My Christmas was ali shot. It happened just a year ago On Christmas Eve at our plače, I went to bed so happy and gay A great big smile upon my face. I hung my stocking with greatest čare Hoping Santa would find it there. Everyone laughed at little me And yet nothing funny could I see. Next morning I rose so bright and early And found my stocking so niče and full, But when my stocking I did unload I became as mad as a great big buli. And I suppose you’ll wonder why Well, I found two oranges and looked for more. But coal was in the bottom half And was I ever sore. My whole Christmas Day was spoiled And I stili can’t figure out, Why anyone would play such a trick To make a soul and body sick. Christmas, Christmas, I can’t stand it Who wants another Christmas like that. I hoped it would never again come 'round And some day that person be found Who dared do such a dirty thing I know it is not very niče And really not polite, To speak so rude of Christmas When ali around is bright. But I will do my very best To be real good this Christmas, And if this Sarata tries again Having spent six months in Washington, D. C., and having seen scores of places of inter- est, I am attempting to relate some of these sights to our many Vrtec readers. Any visitor knows that endless numbers of pages can be vvritten about the city ,but Pil limit my writing and teli you something about the city in general. Washington, Capital city of the United States, rivals in grandeur the great capitals of Europe and by many is con- sidered the most beautiful city in the world. The attractions it has for the visitor always sur- pass the time at its disposal to enjoy them and the growth of its farne as the ideal convention city is attested to by the hun- dreds of conventions now held here annually. As the center of ali activities of the federal government, Washington is of interest to every Citizen in the United States. For future citizens, it holds peculiar interest. In its educational institutions, its re- search organizations, its libra- ries, its stately public build- ings, its beautiful parks, its historic associations, Washing- ton combines features that make it the ideal city for the out-of-town visitor. The United States Capitol is one of the largest and stateliest buildings in the world. It is 751 feet in length and 350 feet in width, covering three and one- half acres. The statue of Free- dom on the dome towers 307 feet above the esplanade. The cor- nerstone was laid by President Washington in 1793; the central building was finished four years later and the extensions were first occupied by Congress in 1857-1859. The Capitol is a his¬ toric building containing four fundred and thirty-one rooms and erected at a cost of approxi- mately fifteen million dollars. The White House, home of the President, attracts thou- sands of visitors annually. The spacious rooms make your eyes blink; the chandaliers are beau¬ tiful and a gorgeous solid gold- legged piano is roped off at the left-hand side. The White House is closed to the public at present because of the war. largest library in the world. The Library of Congi' ess is patron- ized very consistently, not only by the people of the United States but also by niany from foreign countries. Then there are two million dollar’s vorth of buildings in the Federal Triangle, a group that sets a precedent in world history. In the magnificient Lincoln Memorial is the statue of Lincoln by Daniel C. French which is in the central hali while smaller halls at each side of central space contain the Second Inaugural and the Get- tysburg Address. Surrounding the walls, incasing these mem- orials, is a colonade of 36 col- umns, one for each of the 36 States in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. Not far from the Lincoln Memorial are the three thou- sand Japanese Cherry Trees that blossom so beautifully m the spring time, about March or April Aross the Arlmgton Memorial Bridge, a marvel of engineering škili, is the Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway, windTgitswayalong the Po- tomac to the old home of George Washington. Then the Washington Monu- ment is spectacular It rises to a height of 525 feet and is set off on a plače of its own Just last week I went to the top to view the city from a great height. Everything ofcourseis seen in miniature. This build¬ ing, I think should bethe first one for any visitor to see, for from it, the whole city is laid before youreyes! Any visitor commg to Wash- ington ffho wishes information as to the most important and m- teresting places to see, or vvho wishes maps and booklets may obtain such material from the “Greater National Capital Com- mittee in the Washington Board of Trade, 204 Evening Star Building, Washington, D. C. Fraternally, Thresa Kastelic ristmas Thought s As Father time goes on his way The old clock ticks the hours away. Outside the snow is falling fast Telling us summer and autumn are past. But you and I are happy and free And that’s the way we ought to be. For soon it will be Christmas Day And we’U get our little “say." Great happiness we ali should know Cannot be bought by gold or dough. It comes from helping a friend in need To our hearts it is a precious deed. Of course happiness means a greal deal But what is Christmas without a good meal? It’s just like coffee without the cream At least, I’m sure that's the way it would seem. Here’s a little suggestion for this holiday season I hope you use it with plenty of reason And do your share to make your dinner A real Holiday Winner. Here’s a recipe for a Fruit Cake. Christmas could hardly pass without a grand Cake to decorate our table. Fruit Cake 5 cups white raisins 2 cups dried figs 5 cups sliced citron 2 cups halved candied cherries bi cup fruit nectar (pear or peach) 3 taespoons nutmeg 4 teaspoons mace bi teaspoon white pepper 2 teaspoons lemon extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon lbi cups orange marmalade 2 cups margarine 2% cups sugar 8 eggs ibi cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder lbi teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1% cups coarsely chopped Brazil nuts and meats. 2 cups broken walnut meats. SPARTAN JRS. MISTAKES ON PAPER M0NEY Of a 11 the millions of dollars — currency that čeme from the presses of the United States ” *- - 1 -. _ Rinse fruits and peals, drain and dry on a towel. Cut figs into thin strips. Combine spices and fruit nec¬ tar; stir and pour over combined fruits and peel. Add marmalade and stir. Cover and let stand overnight. Cream margarine and sugar. Add beaten eggs and mix. Add flour sifted with baking powder and salt and beat. Add fruit mixture, flavoring and nuts. Stir well and pour into two 9-inch cake pans that have been lined with two layers of greased brown paper. Bake in slow oven, 285 degrees about 3% hours. Decorate tops as and if desired. Baked weight about 9 lbs. Helen Mladenick, Sec’y Vrtec 103 would be fifty dollars short. After working for two hours counting the money over and over, in exasperation he called the manager. They examined There are more than one hun- poverrimeiit, there is rarely a each bili separately and found -j m-.•— 4-1.- » u,au ,. , c » , ,, ... mistake of any kind. So careful the mistake. in dred libraries, the most import¬ ant being the noted Library of Congress, unsurpassed by any institution of the kind in the world. Months, rather than hours, might be spent in the en- joyment of this great building with its mural painting, its or- nate pavilion and the 5,000,000 volumes, which make it the To bring me such a gift I’H get a broom and be darn sure He gete a pretty lift! Helen Mladenick, Sec’y Vrtee 103 are the experts in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing who checkand recheck each bili. But mistakes will happen, and in 1890 the government printed a bank note that shovved $100 on one side and $50 on the other. A hotel clerk in balancing the accounts for the day could not get them to come out right. One time he would count the bills and they would balance with his figu-res, but the next tkne he But strangely enough the Treasury Department in Wash- ing knew that such a bili was out, for a bili just like the one had been caught befere it left the Treasury. There they knew, from the arrangement of the plates on the press, that there, must have been anether bili printed with a corresponding error. Sophie Colarič Vrtec 5 PAGE 8 J uvenite Section ol Power Point Power Point, Ohio. — Well, I guess I was just about asleep when I heard someone say, “Christmas is just around the corner, I looked for myself and it most certainly is. So I’m go- ing to teli you ali, you’d better turn your steering wheels to- ward Power Point. We are go- ing to have a Christmas party, December 23, in the Slovene Home, at Chucks Hollovv. Now if you don’t attend, I’m telling you, you’re missing something. So don’t forget, friends, neigh- bors, and ali, and turn to Power Point December 23. There will be plenty of refreshments of ali kinds, polkas and waltzes so come one, come ali. We guaran- tee you a really good time. Clara Chuck, Preš., Vrtec 126 Lisbon, O. — Hi, folks, here I am again with a bit of news about most everything but most- about our Christmas dance. The dance will be Saturday the 23 of December and it will be held at the Chuck’s Hollow. And it will start 7:00 p.m. The admission will be men 15c, vvo- men and children lOc. You Girard Budgets had bet¬ ter come, because we came over there twice, and Burgettstown, too. We had a meeting November 26. Most of the members were present. Ali the members had better come December 24. We’re electing new officers then. Now something about the farm. We got our potatoes out about the middle of October and com husked last of Octo¬ ber, so we’re ali done harvest- ing. I hope Pil see you at our dance, Dec. 23. You’re ali vvel- come. Wishing a Merry Christ¬ mas and a Happy New Year. Agnes June Lesjak, Vrtec .126 A BIG DAY Lisbon, O. — Here I am with some big news and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss it. So, here it is: We’re going to have a big Christmas party De¬ cember 23. I’m sure you don’t want to miss this big party be¬ cause you may get a treat from Santa Claus, for ali you know. We’re looking for a big erowd. We are expecting Pirate Jrs. from Burgettstown, Pa., and Girard Budgets, for we went to both places twice. So, it’s your turn to help us enjoy our big evening now. That will give us ali chance to meet some of our Brothers and Sisters. We will have a good musician who will suit both old and young, so please try to come everybody, mothers and fathers and bring your families! I’m sure you will have a good time. It will be held at Chuck’s Hol¬ lovv. This is Rainbovvs vvishing you a happy Christmas and lot’s •Napredek’ A CHRISTMAS POEM Merry is the Christmas mood, E ver happiness and cheer: Round the trees in every wood, Ring, oh beliš from far and near, Yuletide at last is here. Christmas is the time for sighs, Holly vvreaths are himg on high; Reindeer visions dancing and prancing, Icicles from their sleighs a-hanging. St. Nick with his bag of toys To give to each little girl and boy, Make sure you’re good as good can be And merry you will surely be, Seeing what Santa has for thee. Natalie Svetlic, Vice-Pres. Vrtec 171 CONCORDIAN HISTORY As the year draws to a close, we ponder over the events of the past year as follovvs: April — Flash — A big month — Vrtec 171 Concordians and Drill Team Concordettes was organized. * May — Flash — What a number — Going places with 48 new members. * June — Flash — Ju venile month. Received our charter, and celebrated with a social after our meeting. * July — Flash — What fun! Our first outing at Metropolitan Park. * August — Flash — “Grand- mother” — Mr. Vrhovnik at- tended our meeting at which we initiated Rose Iianko as our “Grandmother.” * September — Flash — Down to business — Decided to try for the 100 mark by the end of the year. Have 66 members. * October — Flash — Festival — Entered a contestant in the Festival Campaign. * November — Flash — Night- mare — The drill team had a nightmare, but recovered and is vvorking hard. * December — Flash Flash — Ending our history for this year with 80 members and more Corn¬ ing, a good attendance at meet- ings, a good drill team, at least a couple of articles in the pa- per, and a hope that we keep on progressing. Mary Menich, Sec’y, Vrtec 171 A POEM Christmas comes but once each year Sometimes it brings a little tear, But it’s only a tear of joy To see a stocking stuffed with a toy. And Christmas moming is always cheery, When we see the face of a little dearie Pick up the toys that means so much For a Merry Christmas. Betty Jane Bernik (Age 8) Vrtec 33 of good lučk in 1940. We’ll be seeing you, I hope. Anna Lesjak, Vrtec 126 CONCORDETTES NIGHT¬ MARE One cold, dark and drearv night as we sat and vvaited pa- tiently for our captain, we vvon- dered how much we vvould like our new meeting plače. Our cap¬ tain finally tripped in with a gay smile on her face, and we proceeded upstairs. We found the room to be large, airy, and very pleasing — at first. Once we started marching, we were disturbed by faces at the door. So our captain slam- med the door, and imagine her surprise when she found the door was locked. As we brave- ly smiled and tried to march with confidence, we hear'd a loud hammering on the right and vvondered what vvould hap- pen next. Ali of a sudden we heard the mournful strains of “Old Black Joe” follovved by “mi, mi, mi,” and someone run- ning up and dovvn the scale. We thought our misery vvould never end, but like a ray of sunshine, we heard “The Spring Song.” Trying to adjust our marching to these songs, we suddenly came to life vvhen we heard the “Beer Barrel Polka.” There wasn’t any more marching, for to our captain’s dismay, she discovered she had not a drill team, but a jitterbug jamboree. So vvhat started as a nightmare, ended up with a mad rush for the door vvhich opened up like magic. Natalie and Mary Vrtec 171 ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti CHRISTMAS When Mary and Joseph came to town, The snow flew fiercely ali around, And out in the streets the wind was bold, Oh, who would house them from the cold? Then opened wide a stable door, The animals which vvere on the floor, Ali did put forth their heads, And said, “Come, let the little Lord make here his bed.” The cows breathed to keep Babe Jesus warm, The cocks crowed o’er the hills— “Christ is bom.” VVhile out in file young lambs lay, Poor shepherds came in to adore and pray. These were Thy neighbors, Christmas Child: To Thee their love was given, For in Thy baby face there shone The wonder-light of Heaven. Margaret Oho jak (Age 13) Vrtec 33 V V $ V 9 # v & 9 Rožnik Juniors Chicago, 111..— As the days get closer to Christmas they also get closer to the Christmas Party of the Rožnik Jrs. vvhich will will be held Dec. 25 at Ber- ger’s Hall at 3 p.m. The members have prepared a program consisting of dance numbers, vocal selections and instrumental numbers. After the program, Santa vvill visit the party as usual and present the members vvith gifts. Refreshments vvill be served _ ' December 2 0 . i 939 Balkan Juniors MEANING OF CHRISTMAS A merry Christmas, or better stili, a very happy Christmas to you ali! We cannot ali be merry because some of us are natural- ly grave, vvhile some of us may have suffered grief or misfor- tune. But if we hearken to the Christmas message, we can feel a deeper and more lasting emo- tion than mere merriment, an assurance of abiding peace and joy. As Christmas fires are light- ed and Christmas candles burn, surely a gleam must extend far out into the darkness. As kind hearts glovv even cold hearts feel a faint vvarmth. Unhappy those who never felt the glovv of the Christmas fire, but tvvice unhappy those vvho have knovvn its vvarmth and have closed their hearts to keep it to themselves. I fall vvho ever felt the happi¬ ness of Christmas had taken pain to share its good vvill vvith others, the dark corners vvould novv be bright. No one vvill read these vvords vvho has not been blessed by the coming of Jesus. When he vvas boru, ali mankind vvas lifted up. Ali those that vvere free vvere given a more perfect freedom and those that vvere slaves real- ized their freedom then came. A reign of lavvs vvas closed, a reign of love opened. A great danger for the vvorld is that novv, vvith the first Christmas day left farther and farther in the past, vve may forget that it is th e source of ali that iš best in our civilization and that vve mav let the Christ¬ mas fire go out. Let us listen to hvmns and carols and sing them vvith our hearts even if vve cannot sing vvith our lips. If vve cannot go to church, let us read the Christ¬ mas stories and sing the Christ¬ mas songs among ourselves. Let us make for ourselves and others a happy Christmas. Let us hang holly and trim a tree. Let us carry everyvvhere the message of Christmas, to the old, to the sick, to the poor, and especially to little children vvho shall in turn be messengers to another generation. Above ali, let us keep peace in our ovvn hearts, then vve shall be happy on this Christmas day. Elsie Ohojak, Vrtec 33 Prof.: Why don’t you ansvver me? Študent: I did, professor. I shook my head. Prof.: But you don’t expect me to hear it rattle way up here, doyou? to ali children, games vvill be played and vve vvill have a grab- bag. Ali of you bring a lOc gift for the grab-bag, girls bringing a girls’ gift, and boys a boys’ gift, or one that vvill be for either. So don’t forget the day, or the time or plače and until then ... a Merry Christmas and a happy Nevv Year to ali! Wilma Gratchner