URADNO GLASILO SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE
^UMBER 5
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION ' SLOVENIAN WOMENS UNION
MAY, 1980
VOLUME 52
Mothers' Tribute in May
Joyce Le Nassi and Faye Moro,
‘'The Bittenc Twins’’ represent Branch 10, Cleveland, Ohio as Mothers-of-the- Year!
ZARJA - THE DA WN
DATES TO REMEMBER
(ISSN 0044- /848)
INO. 5	MAY,	1980	VOLUME	52
Member. Illinois I ruler mil Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women's Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Ženske /veze.
Published monthly except one combined issue. July August — izhaja vsak mesec razen skupne številke za juUj-avgust.
Annual Subscription for non-members. $1(1.DO — naročnina $10.00 letno za ne-dune. I or social Members. .65 per month za družabne članice .65 mesečno.
Publisher: Sl OHM IV WOMEN'S UNION OE IMENU A /ARJA. 4M No. Chicago Sl. Joliet. III. 60432 Telephone (SIS) 727-1926
Second C lass Postage paid at ( hicago. III.
AH communications for the next issue oj publication must be hi the hands of the Editor by the I IUS I of the month. —
I si dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti r rokah urednica do I. r mesecu.
Editor. COK IN NI LESKOV A K lililonal Office: 2032 H . Cermuk Rd.. Chicago. III. 6060S Telephone (312) S J 7-6670
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN MAY
May I — Hon. Regional Presideni, Mary Tomsic, Strabane, PA.
Mary 27 — Ann Hodnik, Youlh Direcior, Hr. 35, Aurora, MN.
Presidents:
May 2 — 1 ranees An/elc, Br. 39, liivvabik, MN.
May 5 — Bernetta Misehc, Ur. 84, New York, N.Y.
May 1 I — Christine Konte, Br. 66, Canon City, CO.
May 23 - Mary Kittmanic, Br. 22, Bradley, IL.
May 25 — Frances Yerman, Br. 57, Niles, ()l I.
May 28 — Marge Preshiren, Br. 23. [ ly, MN.
May 29 — Rose Kosko, Br. 21, ( leveland, OH.
May 30 — Mary Sne/ie, Br. 67, Bessemer, PA.
Secretaries:
May 1 — Maric A. I loryan, Br. 17, West Allis, WS.
May 3 — Anna Mae Anderson, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA. May 9 — Catherine Hocl'fler, Br. 106, Meadowlands, PA.
May 13 — Helen I . Majee, Hr, 103, Canon City, CO.
May 13 — Mary I . Mejac, Br. 103, Washington, D C. May 14— Mary Pabijan, Br. 15, Cleveland, OH.
May 16 — Ciladys Buck, Br. 16, So. Chicago, II .
May 19— Mary Maeek, Br. 55, Ciirard, OH.
May 22 — Jennie Tavchar, Br. 65, Virginia, MN.
MANY HAPPY RKTllRNS OF THE DAY!
3/Co/^e-t I ?/X  
c/
”vse najboljše za materinski dan!”
May 1
MOTHER OF THE YEAK POT LUCK, Br. 100, Fontana, CA
May 3
RUMMAGE SALE, Br. I00, Fontana, CA May 4
MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTIES, Br. 35, Aurora, MN; Br. 41, Cleveland, OH
May 7
MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARLIES, Br. 73, Warrensvillc Hgts., OH; Br. 95, So. Chicago, II May 8
MOTHER'S MASS&PARTY, Br. 2, Chicago, II. MOTHER OF THE YEAR PARTIES, Br. 16, So. Chicago, II ; Br. 43, Milwaukee, Wl; Br. 105, Detroit* Ml
May 9
BAKE SALE, Br. 56, Hibbing, MN May 11
MOTHER’S DAY MASS, Br. 68, Fairport Hrbr.,OH May 12
BOWLERS’BANQUET, Br. 20, Joliet, II May 13
LUNCHEON & GAMES, Br. 26, Pittsburgh, PA; MOTHER OF THE YEAR MASS, Br. 42, Maple Hgts-OH PARTY, Br. 71, Strabane, PA
May 17-18
RUMMAGE SAI E, Br. 43, Milwaukee, Wl
MAY 17
DINNER-DANCE, Br. I05, Detroit, Ml May 18
GOI DEN JUBII IT & MO I HER’S DAY PAR LY, W 39, Biwabik, MN; 50TII ANNIVERSARY MASS ^ DlNNE.R, Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH
PARIIES, Br. 79, Enumclaw, WA, Br. 92, Gunnisoi1’ CO
May 21
MOTHER OF I III YEAR DINNER. Br. 32, Elicit" OH
June 1-2
Rl NO I RIP, Br. 13, San Francisco, C A June 19
I	UNCI 11 ON IS SERVED, Br. 13, San Francisco, ( A-June 21-22 Sl OVENI AN HERITAGE DAY, Joliet. II June 26
JUNIORS’ PICNIC. Br. 12. Milwaukee, Wl June 29
Oil I DOOR MASS, Br. 50, Cleveland, OH July 20
ZVEZA DAY IN I I MON I, II Br. 2, Chicago, II Sept. 14
MINNESOTA /VEZA DAY. Br. 14, Soudan, MN Sept. 21
CARD PAR LY. Br. 12, Milwaukee, Wl Sept. 28
WISCONSIN SIAM CONVENLION 50th A NIVERSARY Br. 43. Milwaukee. Wl
Our Branches have selected their favorite mothers	J
and members for a special honor — we proudly	^
present them.	§
f
OUTSTANDING iMOTHERS — MEMBERS OF 1980
Johanna Zore in a typical pose, ^ith her famous accordian
JOHANNA ZORE ^r- 1, Sheboygan, IVI
Every branch should have a Johanna Zore as a member! Why? because she is the happiest when •flaking others happy with her music! J°hanna and her accordian can be Seen and heard whenever there’s s°mething going on, so Sheboygan Members are fortunate!
She is the widow of Joseph Zore '''ho died in 1916. She keeps herself "Usy as an employee at the Prange Apartment Store, and in the ®venings, likes to play cards with her Jr>ends and go bowling. She is a *°ng-time member of the Sts. Cyril & Methodius church choir, too.
For every event, she enjoys playing Slovenian songs and leads the Slr>ging. This has always made their Parties, conventions and bus-trips ^specially pleasant and popular, •ears ago she was a members of the oily Slovenians orchestra. She is a Very conscientious member of 35 years, has 5 in her family as members ar|d is willing to help whenever ^eeded. Her maiden name is akrajsek and she was born in Aurora, MN. August 8th is her lrthday.
A very hearty salute to Johanna ,<-0re, Member of the Year of Br. 1!
^LORIA nusko
r- -2. Chicago, II.
Gloria Nusko, nee Novak, was named by her mother, Albina, for e joy she felt at her birth. With a eeP abiding love for the Holy Mass, Ur mother always told us that our ames come into the Latin liturgy fen. in the prayers spoken by the lest. So, Gloria “in excelsis” was •Hewhat of a lovable nickname for
her as was “sursum corda” for me.
It’s difficult to write about someone you know so well, and to be objective in this report. Gloria is a very loving and selfless person, one who has never spoken a coarse or unkind word, and has full acceptance of her life — feeling fufilled as a wife and mother.
She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Oct. 14, 1944 and lost her dad when only 10 months old. There she attended her primary grades of school. After the family moved to Chicago in 1952, she continued her schooling at St. Stephen’s grammar school and St. Ann’s High. She was very helpful in matters pertaining to lodge work for she was brought up living in the midst of Slovenian Women’s Union offices! She was a favorite granddaughter of Angela Križman. Today she reminds her
own children of the many summers she spent as a small child, accompanying Grandma Križman to the Slovenian Sisters’ farm in Lemont. They were staunch companions. Gloria also accompanied us on a grand tour of the Northwest and western states in 1950, visiting many members in branches scattered in these far away states. Many of our old-time members remember Gloria because she was always at our mother’s side.
They lived together for all the years of Gloria’s adult life, until 1971 when our mother passed away. Gloria and her family are still on Cermak Rd. in the bungalow they shared.
In the 16 years of her marriage to Ray Nusko, Gloria has become the mother of ten children. She and Ray are the proud parents of 6 boys and
Gloria Nusko is the mother of ten children. She is seen here holding Paul John while Susane holds his twin sister, Amy Jean, horn on New Year's Day. Mark is on Sue's right and Jeff is behind her. On Mother's left is eldest son, David and in the foreground are Kathy, Shawn, Matthew and Michelle.
four girls. The eldest is David, a sophomore at St. Rita High School. Following him are Kathleen, Michelle and Jeffrey, students at St. Stephen’s grammar school, Susanne and Matthew, students at Walsh School and Mark and Shawn at home with five month old twins, Amy Jean and Paul John, born on New Year’s Day. All ten are members since birth of Br. 2 and diligent children who are helpful and kind. Neighbors and friends admire Ray and Gloria for the fine training of the family. (At the writing the chicken pox epidemic has hit their household entailing many hours of extra work and worry — very slightly lightened by the fact that it will soon be over for good.)
She finds little time to be away from her family, but enjoys coming to the branch meeting and events of her sons’ high school and boy scouts’ clubs.
When news of the twins arrival swept the community, our members unanimously said: “Gloria must be our Mother of the Year! There is no one more deserving!” The members who will attend the party we are planning for May 8th will see a very happy person as the honoree, one who will undoubtedly bask in the smiles of her family and friends.
C. Leskovar
ANGELA Z. MIKATICH
Hr. 3, Pueblo, Co.
Angela Zupancic-Mikatich married Nicholas Mikatich on June 25, 1938. Mr. Mikatich was employed by the city of Pueblo as a police officer for 28 years. Upon his retirement he became a bailiff in the District Court and was so Employed for 15 years.
Angela and Nick are the parents of two children, Barbara Anderson, age 39, who is employed in the District
Court, and Nick Jr., age 37, who is employed by the C.F. & I. Corp. as a foreman in the Rail Mill. He is married to the former Kathleen Scupholm.
Nick and Angela are the grandparents of Luanne Anderson who is a freshman at the University of Southern Colorado,	and Judy
Anderson, a junior	at Pueblo
Central High School.
Angela has been a	member of
Slovenian Womens Union, Branch No. 3 for the past 23 years. She attends our meetings regularly — always loyal and willing to help out at affairs. She has	a cheerful
disposition, as one can tell from the smile on her photo.
A very Happy Mother’s Day, Angela, from all the members. Branch 3 is proud to name Angela as Mother of the Year.
FRANCES SIMONICH, Secretary
AGNES CESNIK Hr. 5, Indianapolis, //V
Agnes Cesnik of Speedway, Indiana is our 94 year “young” Mother of the Year. Mrs. Cesnik left her native Slovenia 75 years ago not knowing a word of English. Born near Ljubljana to Blaz and Theresa Klcmons on January 18, 1886, Agnes was one of 13 children — only she and a brother Ferdinand survive. She began working at age 10, tending cattle and helping with the chores of local farm families. Like most immigrants, she heard of the wonderful opportunities in the United Sf-lcs and saved her money to make the move. At the age of 20, Agnes emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio. She later moved to Indianapolis where her “pen-pal” of two years, Luka Cesnik, resided. She lived with the Frank Radez family for six months before her marriage to Luka.
For 20 years, Agnes and Luka Cesnik lived in rural Brown County, south of Indianapolis, on the twenty acre farm. They reared five children, Joe, Frank, Centrona, Rudy and Louie. Luka passed away in 1957 and all her children except Joe (Dec. 28, 1979), still survive. She also has 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Besides being wife and mother, Mrs. Cesnik worked at Kingman’s (Hygrade), a meet-packing plant in Indianapolis.
Because of her rural background, Agnes Cesnik is an avid gardener who can make a few acres “look like a park” according to her daughter-in-law. She is also affectionately called the “Candy Lady” by the neighborhood children whose visits always end with a sweet treat from Mrs. Cesnik.
Branch No. 5 members hope that the honor of being our Mother of the Year will be a “sweet treat” for Agnes Cesnik, one of our courageous Slovenian immigrant mothers.
Reporter
MARY (MITZI) AGNES
SWAGGARD
Hr. 6, Harberton, OH
A sincere wish for Happy Mother’s Day to Mitzi Swaggard, secretary of Br. 6 for the past 4 years. Mitzi is a member for some 16 years and has three members of her family enrolled.
She is a widow for 28 years and reared her daughter, Patricia Ann by herself. She has three wonderful grandchildren, Christine Marie and Nicholas Less and Mary Elizabeth Kaiser.
Her education was through high school and she has been employed as a housekeeper for Merryweather Co. She is on the Board of the West Theatre (movie), Civil Service VA Hospital in Cleveland, and Trustee of the Domovina Slovene Center.
Mitzi is a native of Barberton; January 18th is her birthday. Her maiden name is Skrabo. Her home is at 566 Woodster Rd. North.
Among her hobbies she enjoys
MITZI SWAGGARD
cooking and baking, social dancing and reading.
She is always kind and thoughtful with friend and strangers — a trait that has endeared her to Br. ^ members.
A very Happy Mother’s Day-Mitzi!
ON THE COVER
%
g/K-
Moreen and Don Spencer with their I win sons, Kenneth and Kevin.
JOYCE LENASSI and
faye moro
10,	Cleveland, OH
Br. 10, Cleveland, has selected to honor the inseparable “Bittenc” twins, Joyce and Faye, as their Mothers of the Year! Close all their lives, it is only proper that they share this distincon, too!
They were born in Cleveland, on March 8th, and married their respective husbands on the same day, May 25, 1940. That they should fall >n love and marry on the same day, is 0ne of their many similarities. They also each have two daughters, are housewives and live next door to each other on East 169th St. in Collinwood and were both members °f the Frances Susel Cadets drill team winning two medals for First Honors for competitive dnll work in 1940 and 1941!
This month, in the 25th, Joyce and her husband, Matthew LeNassi and Faye and her husband, Albert Moro will observe the 40th Anniversary of their double ring wedding ceremony! Joyce’s daughters, Joyce Srsa and Barbara Harty and Faye’s girls, Elaine Anderson and Marion-Bokausek will have their families in attendance to make this a gala oc-casion. Also on hand will be grandchildren, Sandra and Allan j*rsa; Deborah and Rebecca Anderson and Michael Bokausek.
The twins’ late mother, Mary Bittenc was an active member of Slovenian Women’s Union Br. 10 for wjany years and instilled her pride in “'e organization to her daughters.
*	hey are members themselves for 44 Vears.
They attended meetings regularly j*nd have such friendly personalities hat make the other ladies very c°rnfortable, and so, were voted tjianimously for the honor of 1980! j/t the State Convention May 25th osted by Br. 10 in Collinwood, we VV}H undoubtedly see Joyce and Faye ^'th their beautiful smiles greeting everyone warmly. We hope they enjoy their day and many, many ^re just like it in the years to come!
Mary dezman
Br- 12, Milwaukee, WI
Our Mother of the Year, Mary ^ezrnan, is a very remarkable lady, ^he is a friend to so many people I ?°n’t believe she can count them all. Whenever someone is in need of ransportation, Mary is the one to ^lunteer; if there is a need at the ranch, Mary is sure to be one of the *lrst to assist.
Courage is her second name. As a young lady, she took care of her mother and older brother and married later in life. To her were born two nice boys, but mother nature gave her and her husband a bad jolt. Her first born is retarded tho he is a fine young man whom we all know and love. Twelve years ago, a tragedy befell her again when her beloved husband, Max, died of a heart attack while bowling. Then, her younger son, Mark, at the age of 18, was killed a few years ago in a motorcycle accident. So, her heart has been broken many times.
Late last year, Mary had a very serious operation but strong determination to get well and her belief in God’s power helped her to a good recuperation so she is coming along just fine. The one thing she is waiting for is her doctor’s o.k. before resuming her outdoor activities and going to Minnesota to her home town of Tower where she hopes to retire. She also loves dancing — as I say, she’s a very sociable lady!
May our Mother of the Year get all her wishes but the last one — we want her to stay in Milwaukee among us for we love her.
For Br. 12 members, Sophie Stampfel
Ed. Note: Mary is the secretary of Br. 12 for 13 years and a reporter for almost all that time. She is a grand person and we salute her for her loyalty and diligence on behalf of our members.
MOREEN SPENCER Br. 13, San Francisco, Ca.
Moreen Spencer, Br. No. 13, 1980 Mother of the Year, has been our Financial Secretary for the last four years and previous to that was recording secretary.
Moreen will be married five years, June 1, 1980, to her handsome hubby, Donald Spencer. They have
the most adorable twin sons, Kevin and Kenneth, who will be three years old on July 14, 1980. They are so friendly and always smiling, just like their mom.
Moreen has a very close family and they all join together to keep Br. No. 13 going. Her twin sister, Doreen Sustaricl\, a former Auditor, helps babysit so Moreen can attend the meetings. Her lovely mother is Helen Sustarich, a former vice-president and recording secretary and Mother of the Year 1977. Aunt Jo (Pres. No. 13), aunt Gini (Auditor), cousin Michele (treasurer) and her nana Katie Judnich (looking down from heaven)are very proud of her.
Moreen has a very unique family of twins. There is one set of twins in each of the last four generations, Great uncles in Slovenia, Aunt Gini and Uncle Matt, Moreen herself and sister Doreen and Moreen’s sons Kevin and Kenneth.
Our love and best wishes to Moreen and her wonderful family!
Reporter
ADDIEM. HUMPHREYS
Frances Andolsek with her daughter, Frances (Wayne) Sillanpaa, right, and granddaughter, Judy (Gerald) Larson, left. In front are twin great grandsons, Bryan and Kraig l.arson.
ADDIE M. HUMPHREYS
Dr. 14, Euclid, Ohio
Addie is named as Member of the Year of Br. 14, but she has a true mother’s heart and soul. For her dedication to family and friends, she has earned the love and respect of all of us. She took care of her sick mother for many years and now is making a home for two brothers.
She is a widow for the past 9 years, after being married to Marion W. Humphreys since June of 1955. She lives in the Collinwood area and Oct. 11th is her birthday. Many old-timers remember her as a Kokely girl.
Addie comes to every meeting and is always available when called on for any kind of help including monetary help. She has been an auditor of Br. 14 for 8 years and kitchen hostess for the past several years.
She is an excellent seamstress and gardner and enjoys reading, too.
A happy wish — our thanks and God’s blessing!
EMMA KRALJ
Br. 16, So. Chicago, II.
Loved and respected by all her sister members is our 1980 Mother of the Year, Emma Kralj, maiden name Laich. Emma was born on the East Side of Chicago and will celebrate her 80th birthday on November 22, 1980.
Emma graduated from Englewood Business College upon completion of a business course. Having been accepted for a position with Montgomery Ward Company, Emma’s grandmother convinced her that her services were of more importance to her mother in assisting with the 11 children in the family of which Emma was the oldest.
Emma married Frank Kralj on November 19, 1922 which was his 22nd birthday and was 3 days before her 22nd birthday on November 22nd. Five children blessed their marriage, they are, Betty Natarelli,
Frank Jr., Edward, Carol “Dolly” Zuzich and George. Emma and Frank also took into their home Mary Priesol, the daughter of Frank’s sister who had passed away when Mary was just 3 years old. So well did Mary fit into the Kralj family that she is considered their sister rather than a cousin. Some years later when Emma’s sister, Rose passed away, again Emma and Frank took in Rose’s son, Victor at the age of 12 and he, too, was part of the family until his marriage. We all know it takes real motherly love to blend love and understanding within a family and Emma is to be commended for the outstanding job she has done. Emma has 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who bring much joy into her life.
Her husband passed away four years ago. Her son, Edward, has taken over the family tavern after the father’s death. They have been in the tavern business for many years and are located in the heart of the Slovene section of the East Side making it a friendly gathering place for the Slovenians. As mentioned earlier, Emma has never been employed but all through her life has been a homemaker.
She has been a member of Branch No. 16 since April 1, 1936. She is a member of the Christian Mothers Confraternity of St. George Church and has also held the office of President. She is currently the President of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Along with the activities of these organizations, she enjoys crocheting, card-playing and has done extensive traveling in the U.S. as well as abroad. She is also a member of the Branch No. 16 Kitchen Band.
In November of 1922, Emma and Frank celebrated their Golden
Wedding Anniversary at St. George Church with Rev. Jerome Sellak officiating, followed with a reception at the Joval Inn. Emma is so grateful for having been blessed with the opportunity of celebrating a 50th Wedding Anniversary.
The S.W.U. has been a part of Emma’s family for many years since her mother, Caroline Bach, was a member of longstanding; she passed away in April of 1949. Emma has been a member for 44 years and her daughters, Betty and Mary carry on in the third generation of the family' Her sister, Elsie also is a member of longstanding and was our Mother of the Year in 1979.
All of our sister members extend their wishes to you for a very happy Mother’s Day and we hope the Mother of the Year program on Thursday, iMay 8 will be another highlight in your life, a life that has given so unselfishly for the happiness of others. We love you, Emma.
Gladys K. Buck
ELSIE VALENČIČ
ZARJA—THE DA
Elsie valencic
tor. 17, West Allis, Wl
Elsie Valencic nee Iller, was born 'n Novo Mesto, Slovenia. She has lived in our city for many years, however, and reared a daughter, Dorothy M. Rozman who has two children, Linda and Gary. Mrs. Valencic lost her husband, Anton whorn she married in 1923, 9 years ago, but still retains her interest in lodges and activities that they both enjoyed. She is a member of St. John the Evangelist church for 57 years and Golden Age member for the last '5. As an “Old-timers Club” Member for the last decade, she has enjoyed friendship with many neighbors and countrymen. She also belongs to the Mt. Hope Senior Center and other fraternal organizations.
She loves to travel and be with People. She’s always on hand when ®r- 17 plans something special, deluding bus trips. As a 38 year Member of Zveza, she has attended [fiany monthly meetings and shared her pleasant personality with us.
Her granddaughter will be getting Carried this summer, so Elsie is busy sewing for the family. She is an excellent seamstress.
We wish her a very happy and long hfetirne — years filled with activities ar>d pleasant moments.
Frances andolsek
Br■ 19, Eveleth, MN
84 years ago, Frances Lovsin was °°rn in Ribnica, Dolenjsko, ^'ovenia. She was an immigrant to "*e United States in the years of ^eatest strife, but surmounted all difficulties to make a happy home 0r her husband, Frank Andolsek, ^hom she married in October of *^14 and the four children who were h°rn to them. The sons are Frank Louis and two daughters are fences Sillanpaa and Beverly ulbrandson. She is a widow for 27 J'ears. There are 6 grandchildren and great grandsons, Bryan and raig Larson whom you see on the Photo with Mother Frances, her aughter Frances and grand-aughter, Judy Larson, t, their early years of marriage, rank and Frances Andolsek grated a grocery store. In 1931, a r,end and neighbor passed away ,ter giving birth to a daughter. Our hosen Mother took that daughter /'d reared her along with their own . ree children. Beverly has thus . ecome their own daughter. She lives
11	Minneapolis with her husband and Frances’ other children live in lrinesota except Frank who is in
California with his family. She has lived in the same home for 62 years and is known to everyone as “grandma”.
Mrs.	Andolsek	joined	th
efraternal societies of her area when she was much younger, so noq has a 40 year membership with Zveza and even more than that with other societies. She is also with the Senior Citizens group and Jugoslav Club.
As one of the branches pldest members, she has earned the respect and love of every one of us. We all hope she will enjoy her home, her pasttimes of sewing and crocheting and tending her garden for many more years to come.
DOROTHY KONCAR Br. 20, Joliet, II.
Dorothy Koncar was unanimously acclaimed by the officers and members of Br. 20, Joliet, Illinois as 1980 MOTHER OF THE YEAR.
Her association with the Slovenian Women’s Union is deep rooted. Her mother, 5 aunts and numerous cousins preceded her as exemplary members.
Dorothy holds the office of trustee and this is her third year as chairman of the food concession stand at the Slovenian Heritage Day Festival. Her spirit of willingness and voluntary contributions to the branch are outstanding.
On August 12, 1951 she married John Koncar. Not only is she known for her meticulous housekeeping but also for her culinary art of baking. She prepares scrumptious meals which are enjoyed by her family of 4 sons: John 27; Bill 25 — daughter-in-law Susan and grandson Matthew; Ray 24; Paul 21; and a daughter, Elaine 17.
For relaxation you will find Dorothy and John enjoying a stage play or for a more romantic evening, dancing cheek to cheek to the tunes of the Great Bands.
Because of her daughter Elaine’s interest in track, Dorothy has accompanied her to many competitive events which has expanded her travel itinerary.
Her project this year is compiling a picture scrap book “This Is Your Life” for each member of her family.
Dorothy attended Providence High School and is a graduate of St. Francis Academy.
She holds membership in the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Joseph’s Church.
Congratulations, Dorothy — may happiness and good health be with you for many a year!
Reporter
ROSE PUCEL
JOSEPHINE ZAI.ATEL Hr. 22, Bradley, 11.
Josephine Zalatel has been a member of Br. 22, Bradley, for one year. In that time, she has endeared herself to all of our members. She is a faithful member and attends all of our meetings.
Josephine’s maiden name is Malnar. She was born in Joliet, Illinois and now lives in Bour-bonnais. She and her husband, Joseph, have a son, Robert.
Josephine is one of the first to volunteer when there is work to be done. She is the treasurer of United Parents for Exceptional Children and donates much of her time and energy for this and many other projects.
She is a great cook and gives very generously of her tasty treats.
“Josie” has a wonderful sense of humor and we are all proud to have her as a member of our branch.
Reporter
ANNA LUSHINA
ROSE PUCEL Br. 23, Ely, MN
Rose Perushek Pucel has been selected “MOTHER OF THE YEAR” from Branch 23 Ely. Although Rose is not a mother herself, allthe energy and dedication she has given to our branch could not go unrewarded any longer.
Rose was born on August 6, 1917 in Aurora, Mn. She is a member of a large family; three half brothers, two brothers and two sisters. (Her sister, Helen, is a member of our branch.) Rose lived and attended school in Aurora until she was nine years old. Her family then moved to Ely, where she completed her education. Rose married Frank Pucel on Oct. 12, 1940. They have shared almost 40 years of happiness together and are looking forward to celebrating their 40th anniversary this October.
Family is important to Rose. Although she has no children of her own, each and everyone of her nieces and nephews thinks she’s special lady; always interested in their needs, accomplishments, etc. as though she was indeed their “MOM”. Rose is always there for any member of her family if they need her.
Rose has been a member of Branch 23 for 28 years. She has held the office of president for 10 years and now is serving as vice-president. She has been our state and national delegate to conventions several times. Whenever anything has to be done for Branch 23, Rose is always there to volunteer her help. Rose is also a member of the Slovenian Octette and has been president of the Dawn Club (social).
Rose is an active member of St. Anthony’s Church, where she has sung in the choir for years. She has been co-chairmen of her church circle since it’s inception and is an active member of the Women Foresters and Catholic Council.
Not only is Rose active at church and our SWU, she is active at the community’s hospital. She has been a member of the Ely-Bloomensen Hospital Auxiliary for years and had been president of that organization for 4 years. She also finds time to volunteer her services as a Red Cross volunteer at the nursing home; this for 13 years.
Rose is also a member of the VFW Auxiliary.
In her spare time Rose loves to bowl (she has been on a league team for over 20 years); she enjoys baking for others; loves to fish and spend time at the lake cottage, when she finds the time.
Whenever Rose is called upon to do anything for anyone, she is
Anne Stekel, left, with her sister, Frances Parke, on a visit to Preloka, Croatia, dressed in the clothes similar to the kind worn by ladies in her parents' home town.
always there. This is why our Branch 23 is proud to have ROSE PERUSHEK PUCEL represent our Union as MOTHEROF THE YEAR 1980.
We of Branch 23 congratulate Rose and say THANK YOU for a job well done!
Darlene Nemanich •Reporter
ANNA LUSHINA Br. 24, LaSalle, IL
Our members chose Anna Lushina as their Mother of the Year. She is a mother of six, grandmother of 15 and has 7 great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy is this large family and she is happiest when they can all get together. All live within a short distance of La Salle except for James and his family who lives in Hillsbro, Oregon. She never forgets a birthday (and there are 40 of them) and has a gift for each at Christmas. She loves the “young people” and enjoys having them around and listening to them.
She is very musical and still has a good alto voice. She played the organ at St. Roch’s Church before she was married and sang in the choir for many, many years. She can still squeeze out a tune on her piano accordian and this delights her grandchildren. For many years she was in demand as an actress and appeared in all of the Slovenian plays that were put on by the Zveza, church groups and the Slovenian Dom. This gift of music, drama, etc. has shown up in successive generations — so her family is one that enjoys playing and singing together. Her grandchildren recall their Christmas tradition at gran-
dma’s house — dinner, the gift exchange and then the annual Christmas Pageant. Mary, Joseph and the newest baby would become the Christ Child. This followed by the Christmas carol singalong. Her summer birthday called for a variety show with each performing in turn.
She was born of immigrant parents in La Salle; a native American but a Slovenian wife and mother. She is still an excellent cook and baker and serves many Slovenian dishes and pastries. Each daughter, as she became of age to help in the kitchen, was taught how to stretch the strudel dough and roll Potica. Now the granddaughters come to her for recipes and advice and bring samples to see if it meets with her approval.
She doesn’t believe in idle hands; and when she sits in her favorite chair you’ll find them holding her rosary or a crochet hook. Each daughter, daughter-in-law, new bride and great-grandchild has been given a beautiful afghan. Her youngest son, William, who is single, lives with her and plants the large garden his Dad always had. She cans and freezes food for their table and they give more than they use themselves to others in the family and friends and neighbors.
Her faith in God, love for the church, home and family, the Zveza, her optimistic nature and sympathetic ear have been an example to all of us. A mother like this is a hard act to follow. 1 should know — I’m her eldest daughter! I can think of no greater compliment than “Boy! this is good. It tastes like grandma’s.” Or better yet, “You’re just like your mother.”
Anne Marie Wangle1-' Reporter
ANGELA KOVACH
Br. 25, Cleveland, OH
Angela Kovach is a member of the St. Vitus Altar Society, the Christis1’ Mother’s Club and other fratern^ societies, in addition to a seven year
Membership with our branch. She volunteers at least one day a week at the St. Vitus School Cafeteria and enjoys the activities of the Goodrich-Gannett Seniors and the St. Clair Slovenian Pensioners.
For a time, Angela lived in Canada, but after her husband Andrew’s death, she moved back to Cleveland now living on E. 66th St., Just across the street from Mrs. Otoničar.
She has two daughters, Jeanne Marie, a nurse and Carol Ann, a secretary.
She doesn’t miss a meeting and is always ready to help with work or baking etc. She was born in Lorain, ^hio and her maiden name is Frasier.
She is one nice lady! God bless her.
ANNESTECKEL ^r- 26, Pittsburgh, PA
Anne was born and raised in Pittsburgh, but enjoys the traditions and music that her immigrant Parents instilled in her. That she has Continued the tradition is evidenced “V the fact that her three sons, Eric, Alan and Gregory, were active uUquesne Tamburitzans while in their younger years. Anne enjoyed his very much, a sit meant she could travel with the group as they toured lhe country on concerts.
Anne also enjoys traveling down ^ Florida to visit her sister, Frances arke who lives in Miami and is our ^mber, too. Another sister-jl^niber, is Rose Marie Steckel who lves in Pittsburgh.
Ann is a member of our branch for years and an officer for 9 of them, ■te is very helpful with our events
t^esa BAGATINI
M*v, 1980
Tončka Lucich and brothers, Tony and John Lopp.
and branch doings, and keeps a constant eye on our business proceedings as an auditor. She is also a member of the Police Auxiliary and Moose Auxiliary and a past officer of the Christian Mothers.
She is very jolly and her smiling face attracts many new friends. She has three grandchildren and loves to be called for baby-sitting chores.
All her good qualities helped to make her the choice of Br. 26 for this honor. Happy Mother’s Day, Anne!
TERESA BAGATINI Hr. 28, Calumet, Ml
Teresa has been a member of our branch for 48 years! She has served as vice-president, treasurer and reporter. She helped organize the girls’ Drill Team many years ago and two of her sisters and two nieces are also members. With so many years of service, Teresa has earned the distinction of being our Mother of the Year. Hers is an exemplary family, a son and daughter are married and have their own families. She is the grandmother of nine and expects a great grandchild soon.
Teresa was the owner of “Teresa’s Pasty Shoppe” in Laurium, Michigan for many years, specializing in pasties and other delicacies, but now has retired and lives quietly in her home in Calumet. She is a widow for the past 14 years. Her late husband, Edward, and she were married in 1924. Son, Edward Jr. and his wife operated Kniebes Music Mart in St. Joseph, Michigan and daughter, Gloria is married to Capt. M. Paul Hrebec, 4th Dist. Commander of the Michigan State Police at Jackson.
She typifies the modern grandmother with her appealing smile and generous spirit!
ANTOINETTE LUCICH
Br. 31, Gilbert, MN
It’s such a pleasure to hear from our members in Gilbert, Minnesota who have chosen this time to honor their long-standing member and officer, Tončka Lucich. She is a 48 year member and has been their president for 20 years and secretary for 15 years. She is well-known in the Gilbert community, being the sister of Tony Lopp a pioneer businessman and city official. Tončka and her husband, Marko, were operators of a station with two gas pumps and candy store (on their front porch) for 38 years — and altho she’s a widow for 19 years, Tončka still does this work today!
Children still love coming to visit her everyday. They plan birthday parties for her and even baked her a cake! And it’s always fun for them to come lo buy candy and listen to Tončka tell stories of the “old days!”
One of her prides is her garden. In the summertime, she finds time every day to work in her garden. She has three apple trees in the backyard and a big raspberry patch, a variety of vegetables that never fail and also, a big patch of strawberries that are so plentiful she can sell them by the quarts!
She was born in Komenda, Slovenia and visited her brother, John there in 1953. The accompanying photo was taken then with two brothers, Tony, left and John, right.
She has been involved for so many years, it’s hard to think of our branch in Gilbert without synonymously thinking of Tončka. She was a friend and co-worker to our pioneer national officers and remembered fondly by all. God love her!
Reporter
FRANCES BREGAR Br. 32, liudid, OH
Frances has never let life, age or difficulty hold her back from living a full and exciting life. She is recently retired but even so, has a list of 10 organizations to which she is an active participant. They include the League of Christian Women, the Amer. Assoc, of Retired People, the Garden Clubs, the Northern Ohio Opera Assoc., volunteering at Richmond Hgts., Hospital and four other senior citizen groups. Agter being widowed in 1964, she found employment at the Parker Hannifin Corp where she worked until her retirement in 1976.
She has been a wonderful member
7
of Br. 32. She is a regular meeting hostess contributing not only her time but her delicious pastries. Everyone is impressed with her wonderful personality and sociability.
She is a mother of four, Denise, David, Darrell and Daniel and has 6 grandchildren. She lives in Wickliffe and, is a native of Cleveland. A very happy day to her — and on May 21st, we will celebrate as she is honored for being our Mother of the Year!
DOLORES DINCAU
Hr. 33, Duluth, MN
Everyone attending the last National Convention in Duluth will remember the grand ladies who were our hostesses and among them was Dolores Dincau co-chairman of the convention committee with whom we had many wonderful conversations. Dolores is an efficient person, an energetic kind of gal, with a brighl smile and happy disposition. Surely the work of the convention was lightened by people like Dolores who gave it all an atmosphere of competence.
DOLORES DINCAU
Sharing the honor with aunt and mother, who among the 4 have 100 years in the organization are left to right, Kay Berglund, Barbara Johnson, Helen Chiabotti and Agnes Mesojedec.
Dolores is the mother of four grown children, Robert, Dennis, Carol (Bloomquist) and Sue M. (Oestreich). She and her husband, Elmer have 12 grandchildren and mourn the loss of an infant granddaughter who was a victim of infant death syndrome.
The Dincau (pronounced Dinnko) family lives in West Duluth and are members of the St. Elizabeth church, where she is very active. They enjoy their holidays at home with family reunions being the best times.
Dolores is a 25 year member of Br. 33 and secretary for the past 3 years. You know she is efficient! She is also employed at a dry cleaning firm as an inspector. She relishes her free time, when	she enjoys furniture
refinishing, antique collecting and babysitting for her grandchildren.
Her many, many friends, neighbors, and sister-members join in a heartfelt wish saying: “Dolores, you are the best!”
AGNES MESOJEDEC Hr. 34, Soudan, Mn.
Since joining SWU in October 1955, our Mother of the Year, Mrs. Herman (Agnes Chiabotti) Mesojedec has been an active member and willing worker. Born in Soudan and attending public schools in Tower-Soudan, she married on April 20th and Herman and Aggie (as we know her as) will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on that day!
Herman and Aggie have two sons, Paul, who lives in Virginia, MN, with his wife, the former Darlene Berg of Tower; and Mitchel,, who lives in I libbing with his wife, the former Ginger Bristol of Tower. Darlene and Paul have one son, Chad, and Ginger & Mitchel have three children, David, Jodi, & Jennifer.
Aggie is also active in our communities, she is now President of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post No. 1209 in Tower; is the Vice President of the Council of Catholic Women; St.
Martin’s Parish Co-Chairman of the
12	circles of women in the parish; and a volunteer driver for the Social Services in the Tower Soudan Area. These positions make her very busy and whenever she is called upon, you know that the task will be accomplished with perfection. 1 might add that the circles of our parish furnish the food and serve it after every funeral we have in our parish, with no cost to the bereaved family’ Aggie will help plan these meals and know the exact amounts and supervise the serving, done with neatness and precision. We cannot forget her ability to make delicious coffee in the big coffee urns in our church kitchen, which means she goes days in advance of their use to rinse the urns out for freshness.
Her hobbies are numberous. from doing macrame to gourmet cooking, however, her main interest and enjoyment is her home and family^ Her mother, Mrs. Helen Chiabotti and her aunt, Mrs. Barbara Johnson, are also members of our branch.
We are most proud to name Agnes Mesojedec our “Mother of the Year”! May she continue to take an active role in our Branch and wish Herman and Aggie a Happy Anniversary for their 40th Year may they have many more, with good luck and good health!
Adeline Mustonen
ROSE VIRANT Hr. 35, Aurora, MN
A mother who has devoted her lifetime to her family may describe many of our mothers in this MaV ZARJA tribute, but none more tha'J Rose Virant. She is the mother of four, Charles, William, Donald and Rosemary and has 19 grandchildren' She spends all her time with them.
FRANCES BREGAR
individually or in groups! She and her husband, John, will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary, June 21st with a big family reunion.
She loves her home and garden, enjoys making it a pleasant place and does a lot of sewing during the long Minnesota winters.
She is the member of Br. 35 for 35 Vears, quite a record! In all this time, she has gained many new friends and kept solid old friendships which low, on reflection, have made her Very happy. We hope God will continue to shower her with blessings °f happy home and family.
Frances bezek
39, Hiwabik, Mn.
Branch No. 39 will honor Frances Bezek as “Mother of the Year” in conjunction with the Branch’s 50th Anniversary on Sunday, May 18, *980, St. John’s Hall. Reverend Father James Hayden will officiate at a Special Mass honoring Frances ®ezek and members of the lodge at ’1:00 A.M.
Frances (Turk) Bezek was born in Aurora, Minnesota, attended the Aurora schools. Frances and Valentine Bezek were united in Carriage on February 18, 1939, “iwabik, Minnesota. Frances and Valentine are the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter: Valentine, Jr. who is employed .'l< the Shirt Factory in Hibbing, Minnesota, Robert who is presently a student at the University of Minnesota Dental School, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Ann (Mrs. Edward Steblay), Biwabik. Frances and /alentine have two grandchildren, Sara and Lee Steblay.
Frances transferred from the Aurora lodge to the Biwabik lodge in *58, and has been a dt ’icated Worker for our branch. he is ^specially known for her home made a°ughnuts and noodles which she
AfvJTONlA UDOVICH MAY, 1980
donates for the branch activities.
Frances enjoys gardening and fishing. One has to see her beautiful garden to appreciate the flowers and rows of vegetables in her well kept garden.
Branch No. 39 is very happy to honor Frances on this special occasion we feel combining the “Mother of the Year” dinner with our 50th anniversary will make May 18, 1980 a very special day for Frances to remember.
Florence J. Milos Recording Secretary
ANTONIA UDOVICH Br. 40, Lorain, OH
At the age of 16, Antonia Mavec came from Vas Preserje in Slovenia to make her home in America and settled in Lorain, Ohio, an old Slovenian community close to Cleveland. She has lived here ever since. She married her husband, Joseph on May 8, 1911 and is a widow some 16 years. They had three children, Annette (Mrs. Sam) Septarich, Hermine (Mrs. John) Strancar of Cleveland, and Joseph. When the family is together you can count 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
For many years, Mrs. Udovich had to work outside her home, in addition to child rearing. She was a custodian at the Palace and Dreamland theatre but retired some years ago. In January she was 87 years young!
Mrs. Udovich lived alone until she became very ill and suffered a stroke in March. Now she is with her daughter, Annette and son-in-law Sam Septaric.
She has made three trips to Europe iO visit her brother and sister, nephews and nieces. Besides her daughter, Hermine, she has a number of other relatives in Cleveland including a niece, Jean Balogh who is our member.
Being the only living charter member of Br. 40, Mrs. Udovich is always a celebrity when in their midst and all the members hope to see her with them for many future events! They wish her good health and happiness.
AMELIA OSWALD Br. 41, Cleveland, OH
Our mother of the year was born in Begunje pri Cerknici and she came to Cleveland in 1923 where she met Louis Oswald a native of Ribnica. One year later, on Feb. 21, 1925 they were married at St. Mary’s church on Holmes Ave. They worked together in their own grocery and meet market and ran the business for 45
ROSE VIRANT
years at which time it was sold in 1971.
Mrs. Oswald is a member of Slovenian Grocer and Butchers Club; Euclid’ Pensioners, The Maccabees; Altar and Rosary Society at St. Mary’s Legion of Mary; and is currently the President of Branch 41, serving her second term.
Her hobbies are knitting, crocheting, gardening and she loves to cook and bake.
She also wrote about her life story for THE IMMIGRANTS in Zarja, which was published in spring of 1979.
The Oswalds have two children: daughter Wilma Smith who is executive secretary working for Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, N.Y. and a son, Walter who is Health Commissioner in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. They have seven grandchildren whom they enjoy very much. Amelia and Louis celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary Feb. 21, 1980. Sunday, May 4th is the
AMELIA OSWALD
date we shall hoiior our Mother of the year. Following the 10:30 Mass at St. Mary’s church on Holmes Ave. celebrated by Fr. Victor Tome, a dinner will be held at Slovenian Workmans Home with Mary Dolsak in charge.
Reporter
OLGA PONIKVAR
Br. 42, Maple Hgts., OH
Congratulations to Olga (Olgica) Ponikvar, our chosen Mother of the Year! She served in many capacities and still helps us at all our affairs. She and Bill have three children, daughter Patricia and sons Bill and Ronald, 7 grandsons and 2 granddaughters. She is very active in Singing Society Planina and has been featured in solos and duets. She was leading force behind the Planina Junior Chorus and not only saw to it that the children learned perfect diction but also outfitted them in Slovenian costumes (narodne noše)
—	she likes to sew!
Olgica likes anything oriental. Three years ago, we remember enjoying their 40th Wedding Anniversary celebration held in their Japanese garden setting.
They are surrounded by music, too, as their four grandsons and nieces (our Lynn Hrovat) are members of the Wolf Band who play beautifully, many Slovenian songs and melodies. So, you can imagine the beautiful atmosphere at their home when the band is playing and the music is floating harmoniously through the house.
Olga, as I said, loves oriental art. She does flower arrangements and decorates her home in this style.
Her husband, Bill, is retired, so they have time now to travel and visit relatives. They enjoyed going to Europe, especially Slovenia, and to places in the US where their sons, Major Ronald has been stationed.
She has also been our diligent reporter and secretary during her 30 year membership, a good worker and always willing to help us out. We are certainly proud of our Mother of the Year and wish her all the best!
Mary Lou Prhne
STELLA POUSHA Br. 43, Milwaukee, H I
Stella Pousha likes to attend the meetings of Br. 43, to be with her friends and sisters. She was selected for this year as Mother of the Year with feelings of love and admiration.
Stella is a registered nurse since 1938, having attended primary, secondary and Misericordia School of nursing before her studies at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Olga and Bill Ponik var.
Varied experiences in the nursing field have enriched her life. From 1949 until 1978 she was with the Milwaukee County health department, retiring as assistant director of nursing. She belongs to many nursing and fraternal organizations.
Stella is married to her husband Frank since November 1951. They have two sons, Michael and Robert.
Her hobbies include traveling, reading and painting.
Heartfelt Mother’s Day wishes to her.
ANTOINETTE JANDERS
ANNABARTA
Br. 45, Portland, OR
Many branches select one member each year for the honor of naming her Mother of the Year. Br. 45, has chosen this year to honor a charts member, Anna Barta who joined on June 10, 1930, the day their group was orginized. She was the firSl secretary and at one time served 3s president also. She always take5 great interest in whatever the branch is doing and is always ready to help out.
Her home town is Koniiz3, Jugoslavia, born Anna Vitalich b11' she has lived in this area for many years. She and her husband, Petef' were married in 1920. For the past 2* years, she has been a widow.
The family consists of a son anjj daughter, Jerome and Frances, ° grandchildren and 2 great gran1'' children.
She enjoys hobbies of sewing' crocheting and knitting. She has a friendly personality and is a loveW lady.
Our best to her always!
ANTOINETTE JANDERS
Br. 47, Garfield Hgts., OH
Br. 47 has chosen as their Mother of the Year a most deserving member, none other than AntoinetI£ Janders, daughter of deceased Ant011 and Mary Russian, nee Klun. Afl' toinette was born in Cleveland April 5th, 1915. On April 10, shea11 her husband, Hank will celebr**1* their 37th Wedding Anniversary’ They have three children, s01!’ Kenneth, who has completed h1* apprenticeship as a diemaker’ daughter, Karen, a graduate fr0!11 Ursuline College with a Degree ,n education and daughter Joanne, graduate from St. Thomas school o nursing. They also have two gran0 daughters, Robin and Lisa.
Antoinette graduated from Dy* business College and since children were born, has worke occasionally at part time jobs. Sn devoted much of her time while tllCJ were growing up to both Boy a" Girl Scouts, and received award from them; active also with ^’ Wenceslaw church oraganizati1’1' and with Chanel & Lumen Cordin'1 high school.
Her hobbies include baking, i-’3 decorating, crocheting, sewing playing cards and traveling-favorite trip was to Europe thr ( years ago. There she met for the f*1^ time, many of her relatives 1 Slovenia.	s
Working at the polls for electio11 has been an interesting experiencC
Anna Baria and her son, Frances (Mrs. Adrian) Stanga.
Jerome, and daughter
Ann Verrant holds her grandson, while daughter, Lois A'ess looks on.
Brian A'ess.
Also has been co-chairman and faithful worker for rumage sales, held twice a year for the benefit of the Ursuline College fund. She tries to attend all our meetings, works and bakes for our grape festival and whenever and needed.
May the good Lord bless you, Antoinette, and keep you in His care always and in the best of health. We congratulate you as our Mother of the Year. Her deceased mother, Mary Russian, was one of our past Mothers of the Year.
Mary Taucher Secretary
molly mauer
Br. 50, Cleveland, OH
Our MOTHER OF THE YEAR, Molly Mauer (neč) Siska, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 13, 1916. She attended Collinwood High School, was employed at Eaton Axle and General Electric Companies. She married to Fred Vidmar in October 1936. After 5 years they had a daughter, Diane. Molly became a widow 3-1/2 years later. Upon remarrying she had 3 sons, Michael, Jeffery and Robert Mauer. She has a granddaughter, Cherri Bencin, 11 years old. Diane and Cherri are both members of Branch 50, and the beauty part of this is that they attend meetings regularly. This is what all branches need, to get our youth mterested at an early age.
Molly’s hobbies are bowling, dancing, gardening, cooking and baking. Bowling takes preference for she bowls in 3 different leagues.
She is a member of the Mother’s Guild at Holy Cross Church, Altar Society, at St. Mary Church, Utopians Lodge No. 604 SNPJ, Club Ljubljana, and the Euclid Slovenian Pensioners. FULL OF ENERGY, THAT’S OUR MOLLY!!
When our Branch has a Card Party, Molly is our No. 1 solicitor. Even though she does not drive, she manages to bring in over 150 prizes.
She comes to all meetings and brings bakery every time.
Molly loves people and has a heart of gold, is very generous and giving of herself. She is our most deserving 1980 MOTHER OF THE YEAR!
Ann J. Tercek, President
MOLLY MAUER
MARGARET KOCHEVAR
Hr. 52, Kitzville, MN
Margaret is well-deserving of a tribute by our branch for unselfish performance of duty as a loving daughter and sister. As the eldest of
8	children, she had to take care of a sick mother and her 7 sisters and brothers. She never had time for herself and had the responsibilities of both mother and father.
She completed 12 years of Schooling and took a job as a waitress to help with the family income. She loves to do all the domestic arts of sewing, cooking and baking, and also loves to read.
She has been an auditor of the branch for some time and a member for 20 years. She is also a member of other fraternal associations.
We all feel she is most deserving of this honor.
Reporter
JOANNE PONIKVAR Br. 54, Warren, OH
Our mother of the Year is a faithful and hardworking member. She is a busy career woman, working for a surgeon as his office nurse, and is a diligent homemaker for her husband and four children. Added to this is her responsibility as our secretary-treasurer for the past 14 years.
We cannot begin to count all the hours she has put into activities concerning her children in their schools and extracurricular interests. She is always helping her parents, too, especially her mom, Rose Racher, who has been ill. She takes care of their business (financial records), taking mom to the doctors, and all their requirements.
Joanne and her husband Harry, whom she married in 1956, have a great family. Their sons are Philip, Thomas and Paul and a daughter is called Patty. Philip will graduate from college this spring. Her husband, Harry, is an engineeer, working in data processing and has done much to make theirs a comfortable life.
When she can, Joanne enjoys a
MARGARET KOCHEVAR
game of tennis, also reading and baking goodies.
She has been a member of Br. 54 for 45 years, and 14 years as officer.
For the past number of years, she has also been their conscientious reporter. Her mother, Rose, and mother-in-law, Mary Ponikvar, are pioneer members and Joanne’s own family members are all enrolled.
With love and affection, the members salute their lovely Mother of the Year, 1980!
ANNA MARIK RACICK
Hr. 55, Girard, OH
My mother was born June 8th, JOANNE PONIKVAR 1923 in Youngstown, Ohio to the parents, George and Josephine (Greblicki) Pavlinič. They were born in Croatia and came to America (o settle in the Youngstown area. As
daughters and their mates and then, take a refreshing swim afterwards.
Can you tell how much we love our mother? We do and always will.
Ann Marie Gearhearl MARY DROBNICK Hr. 56, H'lbbing, MN
Members of Br. 56 love Mary Drobnick. She typifies many mothers and grandmothers. Not only is she a brave woman, suffering the loss of two husbands, but she has been a fine mother to a son, Joseph and daughter, Veronica Kali Babky and loving grandmother of 6 children. Three great grandchildren naturally are the delight of their grandma.
Her hobbies include gardening, ceramics and flower making. She won many prizes for her beautiful roses and is supervisor of the St. Louis
ANNA MARIE RACICK
members of the Croatian parish of SS. Peter & Paul, the family grew. Mother attended grade school, then Ursuline High School and Youngstown State University. My mother was married to my dad, Louis Racick for 20 years.
She was a very strong person and was able to make a beautiful life for her children and herself. Her motherly duties always came first in life, along with managing a small neighborhood store. After she sold
il,	she went to work for Youngstown State Univ. in the Grants and Contracts office doing accounting. She felt that her main job was to raise us as best she could. She saw to it that all her children were educated and married to good mates.
Ann Marie, the oldest, is married to Phillip Gearhearl and has a son, Michael Joseph. We live on 7 acres in
Leavittsburg, Ohio. Louis III, her only son, is married to Claudette Krumanocker and has a son, Louis IV, who is in the US Army in Germany with his family. Francine Marie, another daughter is married to Raymond SanSota and they live in New York. She is a registered nurse and he is studying to be a chef. Ursula Marie, the youngest of the daughtes is a senior this year at Girard High and will continue her studies after graduation at YSU or UCLA.
Mother is a member of St. Rose Church and belongs to the Padre Pio Prayer Group for 14 years. She is secretary of the Girard High PTA, treasurer of the Parents Awareness League and Secretary of SNPJ lodge.
She enjoys doing for others. Whenever anyone is sick, she is there to do what she can and to help. She enjoys doing for her children and now her grandchildren. Not long ago she made a comment that she always enjoyed her motherhood even with trials and tribulations and now enjoys her grandmotherhood even more.
She spends what time she can with two grandsons, introducing them to Jesus, the Blessed Mother and St. Michael the Archangel. She tells and reads Bible stories to them, takes them shopping and enjoys playing games. Louis IV just can’t understand why she doesn’t come to visit them in Germany. It’s hard for him to imagine the distances.
Mother likes to read the Bible, biographies, and to walk in any kind of weather, but prefers snow. She walks to the Cathedral in Youngstown to attend noon Mass whenever possible and attends craft classes at the Univ. In the summer she likes to play tennis with her
MARY DROBNICK
County fair flower dept, for the pas*
25	years. She is a member of the Rosarians, and serves as secretary’ She is active also with the Arboreturn Memorial for deceased members the 8th district Horticultural Society-
She makes flower arrangements, corsages, and table centerpieces. We love receiving her special-made corsages for our special occasions' She belongs to the Gladiola — Ir,s Garden Club too. Flowers bring in touch with the hospitals which sl>e enjoys, especially visiting patients.
She loves to play cards and to 6° fishing!
She is an officer of our branch
13	years and a member since 19**' Her home town is Chisholm and is member of the well-known Tank family.	.
Guess you could say (hat Mary always “on the go!” A nice way 1 live — bringing happiness to othe^5' A very Happy Mother’s Day to her’
Linda and Walter Romano with their family, Wally Jr., Julie, Jeff, Mike, Chris and Tom.
prances travnik
73, Warrensville Hgts., OH
GEORGENE PEARSON Br. 79, Enumclaw, IVA
Mothers of the Year are a dedicated lot — they have placed first priority on their family’s wellbeing. We are happy to give verbal expression of thanks to Motherof the Year, Georgene Pearson who is not only a devoted mother, but is attentive to her own mother and grandmother. Always available when needed, Georgene has been a model lifetime member of Br. 79. She works diligently, without complaint and has fresh ideas for our activities. She is also our Sgt.-at-arms.
She was instrumental in organizing our Fall Jam Session several years ago and this gives our local musicians a chance to share their talents with all. In addition to all her regular motherly duties for son Craig, five, and daughter, Carrie, 8 years old, she is a half-time teacher of elementary children. She is a graduate of Washington State University in 1963 and is a P.E. specialist for regular and multihandicapped children.
Georgene is very desirous in preserving her heritage and passing it on to her children. Her son and husband just recently made 500 klobase for an annual event and she had the task of smoking them! They say her homemade sausages are a real treat to one’s taste buds!
She also raises English Springer Spaniel pups and French Lop Rabbits.
The outdoors is a part of their family life and includes camping, hunting, horseback trips into the mountains and the sports of tennis and golf.
It’s an honor to have her as our Mother of the Year!
LINDA ROMANO
Br. 67, Bessemer, PA
When she was just a little girl, Linda’s mother, Mary Perric, enrolled her in the branch. Since then, she has learned about our organization right at her mom’s knee
—	as Mary is the secretary and reporter for the branch for some time.
Linda married Walter Romano when she was just 20 years old, in 1961. They have a wonderful family of six children, all seen on the photo of Linda and her family. Linda and Walter arc proud of Julie, Wally, Jr., Jeff, Mike, Chris and Tom, ages from 19 down to 10.
All her time is spent as a homemaker but she does a lot with her children and in their interest. She is also a member of the Bessemer Boro Recreation Committee and the Baseball Finance Committee. She enjoys bowling, has a lovely garden at their home and specializes in cake decorating.
A young mother with many years ahead of her — we hope they will all be happy ones!
MOM WITH 50 GRANDCHILDREN!
Mother of the Year of Br. 71, Strabane, PA is a lovely lady who has reached her 95th birthday and is the beloved great grandmother of 50 youngsters! She is Mrs. Pauline Fartro of Cononsburg, mother of 14 children, 9 of whom are still living, and has a family of 22 granchildren. Along with the others, there are 2 great, great grandchildren!
She is a remarkable lady and we extend all our best wishes to her.
Her photo and story is in the Slovenian section of this ZARJA.
GEORGENE L. PEARSON
We have a wonderful member, Frances Travnik. In her many years, 42 of them, as a member of this organization, she has never shirked a duty and thus, has been their President, vice-president and rePorter at various times. She Participates in all monthly meetings and is generous in donating bakery and door prizes and assisting in any Way,
She is very active as a parishioner °f St. Jude’s church. Next year she and her husband, Joseph, will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They have a son, Joseph and daughter, Gloria Downs and 6 grandchildren.
Frances was an alternate delegate to the last national convention and attended the event, enjoying it a lot as seen by the photo taken at the Duluth convention, the Radisson
Hotel.
A hearty and sincere wish to Frances for a Happy Mother’s Day celebration!
pFiANCES TRAVNIK
Mary Zakrajšek in her kitchen.
ANN VERRANT
Hr. 81, Keewatin, MN
We were proud to select Ann Verrant as our Branch 81 Mother of the Year. We feel that she represents all the devoted mothers who are members of our group.
Ann was born in Elcore (near Gilbert), Minnesota on January 18, 1912, to pioneers of the Iron Range. The family moved to Keewatin in her early years and she received her diploma from the high school there.
On December 27, 1934 she married Louis Verrant. They were proud parents who worked hard to provide all the things necessary to raise their children in a good Christian home and to inspire them to get most out of life by getting an education.
Ann has been a widow for sixteen years and looks, with pride, at the achievements of her children. Allen is a Cosmetology Manager-Operator in Chicago, Lois (Verrant) Ness is a Supervisor in [he Social Security Office in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Edward, her eldest, is disabled and lives with her. Then there’s Brian Ness, her three year old grandson, who naturally is the “Apple of Her Eye”.
A Charter member, she has been active in Branch No. 81 for forty-four years in June. She participates in our meetings, social activities, and conventions. When called upon for extra duties, she always responds willingly.
For fourteen years she served as Secretary-Treasurer for the S.N.P.J. Lodge.
The church, community, and her neighbors know her as a true helper and friend.
Never afraid of hard work, she was employed at the high school
cafeteria and she also worked for our Parish Priest.
There’s never a dull momeni in the busy life of Ann as she bakes, takes care of her plants, swims, fishes, enjoys a stay at the cabin. She also enjoys playing the piano.
Yes, Ann Verrant is our choice for Mother of the Year, an honor of which she is deserving.
She brings honor to all mothers through this Special Honor we have chosen to bestow on her.
Mary Michelich Reporter
MARY ZAKRAJŠEK
Br. 86, Nashwauk, MN
Mary is most at home in her kitchen! She is not only a wonderful homemaker, keeping her kitchen duties informal, but she is also a caterer so it’s a profession as well. She has always liked helping people
Addie Craft, among the plants in her generaI store.
and this way can do a lot for her friends and neighbors.
Mary Laurich was born in Glidden, Wisconsin and when she married to John Zakrajšek made Nashwauk their home. They have a son, Richard and a grandchild. She enjoys her church work, too, besides being active with our Zveza.
In her 35 years membership, Mary has been president for many years, and writes occasionally in ZARJA.
The members appreciate and admire Mary for all these good qualities and wish her all the best in life.
ANNA HROVAT Hr. 91, Oakmont, PA
Faithfulness and friendship are two of the qualities most often found in our chosen mothers of 1980. They also represent Anna Yurkovich
MARY OBERCH
Br. 85, DePue, IL
Soon after joining br. 85 in 1969, Mary was elected president and served from 1970 thru 1980. She has faithfully attended to the activities of the branch and has inspired much interest by others in our progress.
Mary is a native of Spring Valley, Illinois and lives in rural Princeton. She and her husband, John, Have three children, John, Sharon and Ricky who is studying for the priesthood. They also have a 7 year old grandson.
She loves to do crocheting and enjoys her home.
A happy Mother’s Day and many more!
Hrovat who is the Mother of the Year of Br. 91. She comes from the mountainous region of Primorsko in Slovenia, the town of Bovec. She was born in 1904 and was married at the age of 17. A widow for the past 4 years, she and her husband Andrew had 55 years together. Their family consists of son, William, and daughters, Gloria and Brenda; deceased are Andy, Lucy and Omar. There are 7 grandchildren and two grandchildren.
After 25 years of dedicated service to fund-raising for the American Slovene Radio Program, she was selected as “lady of the year in 1966. She is still active in soliciting funds for the radio program which is on every Sunday for an hour at noon and is heard all over the greater Pittsburgh area.
We wish her a Happy Mother’s Day and many more to come!
Frances Seabloom on her Golden Anniversary Day.
ADDIE craft
Br- 92, Gunnison. CO
The pioneering spirit of Addie J-onarty Craft has seen her through a 0tlg and busy life. She has always w°rked, it seems. As a young girl she forked her way through high school r~ later as a practical nurse assisting ln delivery of babies and after Carriage, operating a family store vv,th her husband. After his death, as a widow she continued and now runs a Nttle general store in a Pitkin, a "tali community in the Colorado 'Sh country which accommodates Jurists, hunters and fishermen. esides her business accumen, she als° is an expert quilt maker, Cr°chets and raises plants.
Her experiences, her enthusiasm 0r life and her ideas to make the Ambers more active in the branch are all major contributions.
Altho she cannot attend all the J!*eetings, Addie takes part in ac-v*ties with the nursing home and ITl0ney-making projects.
. Addie is a 70 year young business whose happiness is helping 'hers, especially senior citizens and er Pleasure is doing for anyone.
She has a son, Warren and six ®randchildren.
■lust knowing her is a bright spot in tyone’s life! We love her!
J^ances SEABLOOM r' 95, So. Chicago, II.
y Recipient of the “Woman Of The ear Award” of 1980 is Frances reLabloom, 10408 Ave.
Ch
F”,
June 22, 1929 she married
Th
eodore Seabloom; from this .' rriage two children were reared, a u8hter, Rochelle Halsen 43, and is n’ ^e°dore Seabloom, 38. There a strong bond linking her with her
three grandchildren, namely, Ronald and Randall Halsen, and Caroline Seabloom. It is the bond of a loving grandmother and with her sisters, Mary Nicksic and Mildred Poropat (Secty) they provide the added assurance of stability of a solid family.
Over the years, she has contributed her time, bakery goods, and cash, attends our meetings regularly, and she’s always there with her helping hands, and giving of herself.
The talents of Frances are generously divided among all family get togethers, knitting, baking, and bowling, attending Sacred Heart Church, of which she is a member of 50 years, and recently the celebration of her 50th Annivarsary.
She also acquired a early familiarity of rearing a family and working for General Mills for 22 years. She believes by working she
'cago, m.
0j“°rn December 9, 1909, a native Chicago, nee, Andretich, she is a ,„?^uate of grammar and high •tools.
“O’ Lesar in her general store. 1980
ANNIE JELOVCAN
gave her children more advantages for an educational background, and it helped create interest in entering the professional fields for themselves.
She is truly a woman who lives her faith, Frances does a lot of behind the scenes work, such as serving on committees, as a loyal and devoted member who shares with us our ideals, our thoughts and our desires. As you can see, she has inherited an instinctive feeling for the branch. I am sure if anyone deserves this honor, she deserves it fully.
Our congratulations to you, and may the almighty God grant you good health, and may you continue to receive greater rewards and recognition.
We salute you, Frances Seabloom, bouquets of thanks for all the years you have given us, by bending backwards for our branch in many countless ways!
This is my tribute to a grand lady.
Mildred James
ROSEMARY MLAKAR
ANNIE JELOVCAN Br. 96, Universal, PA
Annie Jelovcan was selected as our Mother of the Year. She was born in Javorjah na Polanski Dolini in Slovenia on July 18, 1898 and came to this country in 1921. She was widowed in 1941.
Annie is the mother of two daughters, Mary Langerhole amd Millie Unterberger; a son, Vencil died in 1968. She has seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
She is a charter member of Br. 96 and held office as treasurer in the early years.
We salute our wonderful mother and member.
Reporter
ROSEMARY MI.AKAR
Hr. 100, Fontana, CA
We know thet Rosemary Mlakar has many sides to her personality and lifestyle that would be interesting to read about. This month, however, we focus on her mothering qualities that have given her a special place in the affection of her sister members in Fontana. She has a family of five children, Joe, Jr., Fred, John, Marty and Teresa, and grandson, Matthew Mlakar. With her husband, Joe, whom she married in 1949, they have a most fulfilling life.
Rosemary is a graduate of the Chisholm, Mil high school where she was born and raised. She attended junior college classes, too, to make her more profficient in the business world. She is a member of numerous societies and school groups.
During the past few years, she has fully participated in all the branch activities and in all matters pertinent
Rosemary Ramacciato, her husband, Ron and children.
ANA SKOPEC
Br. 103, Washington, D.C.
Our wonderful members in Washington have elected to honor a woman with a magnanimous spirit and love for her family. She is Ana Skopec, nee Fink, who with her husband, Frank, has two children. Marlene and Frank C. They are young school students which involves Ana in many projects and activities within the family circle.
Ana was born in Bele Krajina, Slovenia in a village called TanCa gora and her birthday is August 13th. She and Frank were married in West Germany in 1964 and have lived in the United States in the recent decade. She studied in at the Teachers College in Novo Mesto, a large city in Slovenia at the Pedagogic Institute and there began her teaching work. Later in Frankfurt, W. Germany she again taught school — before her family grew.
Now she is employed at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD.
She still likes to study, language5 being her greatest interest. She enjoys the meetings of Br. 103 and always contributes some of her delicious pastries.
She has a marvelous spirit which the members admire and wish to recognize in naming her to this honor. We extend bouquets of love to her and all our Mothers of the Year!
Ann Skopec with her son, Chari1* on his first day of school, 1977.
to the welfare of the members and has 5 members of her family enrolled. Since her election as secretary-treasurer, she has served that office with utmost reliability and diligence.
She’s a wonderful lady and we all extend our very best wishes!
ROSEMARIE RAMACCIATO Hr. 101, Bedford Hgts., OH
Our chosen Mother of the Year, Rosemarie Ramacciato, has been our recording secretary for the past two years. Rose is always willing to lend a helping hand. She was Chairman of our “Lunch with the Easter Bunny” which was a hopping success!
Rose and Ron will be married 12 years in June. They met while they were attending KSU. Ron is currently an auditor for the Ohio Lottery.
She has three children — Kimberly, Ronald and Kortney, who are junior members. Kim and Ronny attend St. Anselm School where their “mom” is active in church and school affairs. Four year old Kortney helps Rose around the house.
The Ramacciato’s will be celebrating their first anniversary in their Chesterland home at the end of June. Rose has a flair for interior decorating — doing her own painting and papering. She even rctiled her bathroom.
Her hobbies include racquetball, crocheting and sewing. Rose’s artistic abaility can be seen in her silk flower arrangements.
We’re proud of Rose, the daughter of Joe and Florence Mirtel. She’s a great young lady, generous and cooperative and indispensible to our club.
God Bless Our Mother of the Year!
MARY LESAR Br. 102, Willard, W1
Mary Lesar has been chosen as mother of the Year. She is a charter member having joined in 1941 when it was organized in Willard.
Mary was born in Ely, Minnesota in 1898 and moved with her parents to Willard in 1910. She went back to Chisholm later and worked there for 6 years, then to Chicago for about 4 years.
In 1929, Hugo Quast and Co. opened their general store in Willard and she came back to work for them. In 1939 she opened her own general store which she still operates today.
She is always helpful in any activities we have and donates so much. She’s been a dear friend to all the children who grew up here and there have been many.
Her hobbies are flower gardening and reading.
It’s to our credit that we have such a wonderful member and we wish her happiness for many, many more years to come!
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away,
But never forget to remember The blessings that come each day.
President’s Message
The month of May is a time to honor our mothers. Congratulations to the members who have been chosen by their branches as Mothers or Members of the Year. Our thoughts should also be with our own dear mothers, whether living or deceased.
Our Board of Directors’ meeting was held in March at our national office in Joliet. It was a busy time with much to discuss and talk over. The minutes will be Printed elsewhere in Zarja, so I will not go over that. There is a definite need to co-operate with our secretaries ■n order to help our organization run more smoothly. They are carrying a big responsibility in keeping their hooks and ledgers, therefore, let us not force them to remind us of dues not paid. It takes a lot of time and e*pense to write members about their obligation. Our new National Spiritual Director was elected at this Meeting, also. He is Rev. Athanasius Lovrenčič, at Present Custos of the Franciscan Fathers in Lemont and interim Pastor of St. Stephen’s in Chicago. We welcome him and hope that he will enjoy his work with us.
The Illinois Fraternal Congress Spring meeting was held in Springfield and I represented the SWU as a delegate. There were 75 representatives from societies such as Catholic Order of Foresters; K.S.K.J.; S.N.P.J.; Polish Women’s Alliance and others. The sessions were yery interesting, with emphasis on youth. The Theme was ‘Together We Can Do Miracles”. Our Mrs. Prisland a°d Father Okorn were remembered in the memorial
service.
On June 22, the Midwest Heritage Day will again be held in Joliet. I’m sure all the branches received their tickets for this event; please make your returns as soon as possible. Many local branches will participate and there is much work to be done. Won’t you visit us that day? Bring a group with you.
There are many events coming up in various branches that we would like to hear about, therefore, get your local reporters to write to Zarja so we may all enjoy reading about the program. Our Zarja is a way to keep in touch with each other and learn about our sister branches and their activities. Some of our branches celebrating anniversaries and having interesting social themes should share them with us — nice articles to enjoy.
I want to express my thanks to all who made an effort to get a new member; also, let us make it interesting enough for our junior members to want to transfer when they come of age. We NEED them. Our future strength is in them. More to the point: our future is in them.
To all our members and friends celebrating anniversaries and birthdays: our sincere congratulations.
For the ailing members, our hope is for better health and our prayers for our deceased are constant. Especially do we wish to extend sympathy to National Auditor, Irene Jagodnik on the recent loss of her mother. May God Walk With You.
MARY MULLER
COMBINED BRANCHES
We had our first meeting in 1980 on March 26th, at *he Kovacic recreation Center. Officers from the various ^ranches were present. No. 10, 14, 21, 25, 32, 40, and 50. hissing were no. 41, 42, and 47.
Our guests were, Albina Uehlein, Director of ^omen's Activities, from Lorain, Ohio Br. No. 40, ^ermine Strainer, newly elected president of Br. 32, and we welcomed back Frances Sieiz, who was hospitalized for two weeks. Irene Jagodnik, was excused due to the 'Uness of her mother. We were looking for a nice report from our National Auditor, from the last meeting in Joliet.
We had so many subjects to discuss, we dispensed w'th the reports of the Branches. However all the Secretaries had complaints about collecting dues, due to *he increase and we did hear of so many members dropping their membership.
With the months of April and May, so many acuities are coming up: Mothers Day Programs, 50th Anniversaries. There will be three of them, Branch No. 40 Lorain, Ohio, Br. No. 41, Waterloo Slovenian Home, and Br. No. 42, Maple Heights, Ohio.
Congratulations to all of you, may you be blessed w'th good health, and success for many years to come.
One of the important subjects on the agenda of our Meeting, was to set a date for our Ohio-Michigan State Convention. It is all set up for May 25, 1980. We will have a Mass for Albina Novak at 12:00 o’clock, noon. ^rom there we will walk over to the Slovenian Home — holmes Avenue for Dinner. Mass will be at Si. Mary’s Church 15519 Holmes Avenue. Dinner will be at 1:00 o’clock P.M. The Convention will follow at 2:00 P.M.
Let us have a nice group from each branch in church and at the convention.
Congratulations to Angela Kozjan, of Br. No. 40,
Lorain, Ohio and Marie Pivik ot br. No. 21, West Park for being selected Woman of the Year of the Slovenian Homes. We had a beautiful celebration honoring these hard working ladies.
Wishing all the Mothers of Zveza a happy Day. God bless all of you.
SOPHIE MAGAYNA Regional President
SLOVENIAN HERIAGE DAYS June 21-22,1980 St. Joseph’s Park, Joliet, IL
“A “must” for all members and friends will be this year's event, a festival of Slovenian art, music and craft. A most cordialy invitation to all, from near and far, to attend. It's something you and your family will enjoy immensely!
MEET OUR NEW REGIONAL PRESIDENT
VOLUNTEER OF
FOR THE WESTERN COASTAL STATES
MARY JASINA of Fontana, California has been named the new Regional President for California, Washington and Oregon. She succeeds our longterm and hard-working Rose Scoff of San Francisco.
Mary was appointed to (his post by the National President in conformation to the by-laws, upon (he conclusion of Rose’s term of office and without a State Convention forthcoming. She is a very qualified person and we welcome her most warmly. She is a wonderful member and former officer of Br. 100.
On Feb. 2nd, she completed 26 years as housekeeper for Fr. Horvath. As chief cook and manager of the rectory, Mary also assumes the role of parish secretary, doing the bookkeeping, typing letters, recording births, deaths, weddings, first Holy Communions and Confirmations and doing all the office work.
She taught Catechism until others were obtained from the parish and lakes care of the flower arrangements and altar cloths for the church. She even sewed altar boys' cassocks and washed and ironed them, too! In fact, there’s hardly a thing that Mary hasn’t done, willingly and cheerfully, to make the parish life function smoothly.
Her rectory work includes washing, cooking and baking, too. The house is large with three bedroomns, three baths, two studies, office, living and dining rooms and kitchen. Of course, she also takes care of her own living quarters and has made the draperies and upholstered furniture throughout.
In addition to her duties, she finds lime to atlend the meetings of societies in Fontana and the senior citizens’ groups. She visits the sick in hospitals and rest homes and tries to bring a little sunshine into their lives. Many are her long-time friends and neighbors. “Someday, I may be there wishing for a friend to visit me,” she says.
We extend to our new officer all the best wishes of her local members and the SWU and many hopes for a happy and successful tenure of office.
Mary may be reached at 1021 K. Yale St., Ontario, CA, 91764.
ACTIVITIES OF OUR BRANCHES
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, W1S.
The president, Ruth Sheck, opened the March meeting with a prayer and welcomed everyone present.
Our Spiritual Director, Rev. M. Sablica installed the Officers and we were most happy to have him present.
An invitation from the Slovenian Heritage Committee for their approaching event in Joliet, June 22nd was read.
Plans were made for our May 18th meeting, which will be held in the afternoon staring at 1:00 PM and then followed by program and social for Johanna Zore who is our Honorary Member for 1980. All members are invited to attend.
After the meeting our birthday girls served a nice lunch we enjoyed and they were Ruth Sheck and Anna Modiz.
Mrs. Mary Brezonik a Charter member of our branch was honored to receive a plaque representing early parishioners of the St. Cyril and Methodius Church on March 9th at the Land Mark Cemetery.
Our congratulations to Mary Jo Grabner for being named to the
Dean’s List at St. Norbert’s College, DePere, Wis.
Our best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. C. Netzer upon birth of a daughter.
Our deepest sympathy to the husband and family of John Hladc, upon loss of wife and mother, Josephine, who was a long time member of our branch. May her soul rest in Peace.
Just a reminder: There will be no meetings in June and July. Also please take care of your dues and remember the $3.00 raise yearly, beginning January 1st of this year.
A Happy Mothers day to all mothers everwhere. To all deceased mothers and the Foundress, eternal rest grant them, O Lord!
MARGARET FISCHER Reporter
NO. 2, CHICAGO, .1.
The holy days of Easter arc now gone but the spiritual feeling is still with us. Our three day Mission at St. Stephen’s church was given by Bishop Lawrence Graciano of New York. It helped us reconcile with our Lord during the lenten season and gave us a renewed feeling.
THE YEAR!
Mrs. Carmella Carotenuto, an active member of Br. 32, Euclid, Ohio, was named as Euclid General Hospital’s Volunteer of the Year at a program on Valentine’s Day.
Mrs. Carotenuto is an in-service volunteer since 1976 contributing 1125 hours during the past year, working on three separate assignments. She volunteers at the Reception Desk on Saturday and Sunday evenings and sometimes even on holidays. On Thursdays, she is an admitting hostess. She is a member of the Women’s Junior Board and also volunteers several times a month in the Lobby Mart and participates in all the Auxiliary’s fund-raising activities. For the past 3 years she has sold a fantastic number of tickets for the “Euclid Night at the Races”.
She is one of the few who have accumulated so many hours of service at Euclid General, an accomplishment that makes her husband, Carmen and family very proud. So are her sister members of the Slovenian Women’s Union who extend their heartiet felicitations.
MARY DROBNICK
Holy Thursday was a special day Tor Julie Anne Cerar, our junior member. She made her First Holy Communion at St. John’s church in Twin Lakes, Wl. It was a proud moment for her grandmother, Elsie Ciszek who visited over the Easter weekend. Julie is a 4th generation member of our branch. Her mother, Donna, grandmother Elsie and two aunts, Mary Reich and Chris Pirman are all good members of Br. 2 as was her great grandmother, Mary Reich.
Our Mother of the Year is Gloria Nusko. She was in the hospital for a short stay just before Easter. Our prayers are with her for a speedy recovery and congratulations on
New Spiritual Advisor of Slovenian Women’s Union
Fr. Athansius Lovrenčič, O.F.M. was born in Slovenia at Sv. Trojica, northwest of Maribor on Oct. 3, 1922, entered the Franciscan Order in 1939 and after the war, studied theology in Schwaz, a city close to Innsbruck in Austria. His last year he studied in Bolzano, northern Italy and was ordained as priest in Trent in December, 1948. He came to the United States in 1949 and his first mass in America was at St. Stephen's in Chicago on Christmas Eve.
He was stationed at St. Theresa's parish in Johnstown, Pa, and St. John Vianney in Highland Park, Mich. In 1963, he came to Lemont, III. From 1967 to 1977 he was the house superior; in 1977 he was elected as Major Superior of the Slovenian Franciscans in the U.S. He still holds this office.
After the death of Fr. Claude Okorn, O.F.M. in July of 1979, he has been taking care of St. Stephen's parish until a new pastor will be appointed.
At the Board of Directors' meeting of S.W.U. in Joliet on March 3rd, 1980, he was elected as our National Spiritual Director.
We know that Father Athanasius will fulfill his duties most admirably. We look forward to reading his spiritual messages in ZARJA and for his guidance and help to us as good Catholics and members of a generous sisterhood.
EDITOR
Fr. Athanasius Lovrenčič, OFM:
God builds with us
Last year, on the occasion of the Golden Anniversary of ZARJA — THE DAWN, the Slovenian Women’s Union went back through their history and took a good look at what was accomplished in the last fifty years. As we look back we can always see men and women who through their courage and dedication promoted the cause of this organization. No doubt that the name of Marie Prisland will be remembered with love as long as Zveza lives. But there were many members
—	some already gone into eternity — who kept Women’s Union not only alive but flourishing. If a tree is to bring fruit it has to be healthy, full of vigor. The same is with a group of people; if they wish to
bea utiful tribute
reach their goal, they have to be strong, spiritually strong. The strength of an organization comes from within, it comes from its members. Not only the officers are important, but every member counts.
You remember your spiritual directors Fr. Milan Slaje, Fr. Matthew Kebe and two franciscan priests Fr. Alexander Urankar and Fr. Claude Okorn. All of them tried hard to keep the members of Zveza on a high level of spiritual strength and growth. All of them including Mrs. Prisland and many other leaders of the Zveza are in eternity. Now it is up to us, to each one that this Union will flourish. When Zveza was started something good began. There were many difficulties but our predecessors overcame them. — As we go through life, we pause
—	this is our hour to build.
The May issue is a tribuie to the mothers of the various branches who were chosen for the honor as Mother-of-the-Year. But in a sense it is for all mothers and grandmothers. 1 am very happy that our organization lakes the time and effort to publish this special issue. I wish it were possible to recognize each and everyone of our mothers, especially the elderly before they Pass on to their eternal rest. Most of them had very difficult lives with large families to bring up under very adverse conditions. They did it all so unselfishly.
Dear members who have mothers still living, take a lew minutes to really tell your mothers how much you appreciate all that they have done for you. Too often we hesitate or put off how we feel until it is too late. A friend °f mine has a daughter who on her birthday sends her mother a beautiful yellow rose expressing her thanks to her mother for the gift of life. What a beautiful expression of thanks and love!
Two days before my mother died she received a eassette tape from her 30 year old grandson who lives in Alaska. In it he spoke to his grandma telling her how much she meant to him and he thanked her for all she did *or him. More than the material things she gave him, he 'hanked her for being available whenever he needed someone to talk to about his problems or ask her advice.
I.el’s all make a special effort this Mother’s Day to really make it a very memorableday for all our mothers.
ANN L.. HODNIK Youth Director
A special day in May...
May 25th, 1980 is it! Check your calendars now and circle the date for a very special event to take place.
It's the Ohio-Michigan State Convention to l>e attended by all Ohio and Michigan branches. And, to begin the day,
.■1 SPECIAL MASS will be offered in memory of a very fine leader of S. W. I , our very own dearly remembered, ALBINA NOVAK, at noon, at Si. Mary's Church on Holmes A ve.
Following Mass, a dinner will be served at llie Slovenian National Home on Holmes -Irt*, and then, at 2:00, we shall convene our Regional Meeting.
Kindly respond on or before May 20th if you will attend the dinner. Call 261-2856, 261-1034 or 943-0645.
Now is the time to share your viewpoints on why you are a proud member of the Slovenian Women's Union.
FRANCES SIETZ
being our chosen mother. We will celebrate May 8th at a special Mass at 7:30 pm. followed by a social in the lower hall. All members and their families are invited. We hope you who are mothers will bring your daughters along or accompany your moms or grandmas to this nice affair.
Mamie Muller, our National President was also sick with a bad flu for several weeks and Ann Mladic, our Vice-President is now back home after her trip to Texas to visit her son, but not feeling up to par with cold and flu. Ann also went to Arizona on her way home from Texas. She and her husband, Vic, are proud grandparents of a new baby girl, Christine Marie. They have 15 grandchildren now.Congratulations, Ann.
We send our very best wishes to two fine members who have been hospitalized. Irene Carter is at St. Anthony’s at this writing and Ann Masiulewicz is recovering at Mac-Neal Memorial in Berwyn. We ask the Lord to bless them with good health.
Our prayers to the Blessed Virgin for all these sick members and for our Mothers whom we honor this month. Br. 2 has been sponsoring a lovely evening mass at St. Stephen’s for many years now, in honor of our members and Mother’s Day. It’s the second Thursday at 7:00. Please come. There will be the singing of the Litany in Slovenian then the crowning of the Blessed Virgin by our Mother of the Year. We always enjoy the party afterwards when we meet all our friends. Make this an occasion to remember.
Note: All who wish are asked to bring prizes to the May and June meetings to be used for Zveza Day in Lemont, the third Sunday in July. We also ask you to look for your old items for display at our booth on Heritage Day in Joliet June 22nd. Anyone have an old wedding gown? Old items of clothing, books, photos, and anything hand made will be appreciated. We already have a 57 year old bridal veil and now we’d like to add to our collection. Let us know. Thanks. We are planning on chartering a bus to Joliet for that day so please let us hear from you.
Don’t forget to send in or bring your dues to the Secretary, Jean Zubek. The yearly assessment of $1.50 that covers branch expenses and deaths for the year is payable at
the beginning of the year and we know many of you are waiting to do this. Please take care of it and your dues at your earliest convenience. We hope that one day we have all our members paying dues once a year in January. Many already do this and it saves a lot of expenses and time. Why don’t you consider it, too?
Looking forward to seeing you in May.
ANN SCIESZKA
NO. 6, BARBERTON, OH
Wish to inform you that our May meeting will be on the first Sunday at the Slovene Center at 2 o’clock. Try to attend. It will be dedicated to Mother’s Day. We would love to see more ladies. If there is anything I can help you with, please call me at 745 7501. I also wish to remind our members that the dues have been upped $3.00 per year. Many of you are forgetting this. The dues increase started with 1980. Thank you.
Wishes to all branches for a Happy Mother’s Day from Br. 6.
Wishing all our sick members all the best for a quick return to good health. Thinking of you - in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sympathy to Mrs. Mary Mohar’s family in the loss of their mother.
God bless you all.
MITZ1
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH
The beautiful month of May will soon be here, and with it come birds and flowers, and all kinds of celebrations, Masses, Mothers Day programs, and happy days.
Our Mother’s day for No. 10 will be May 18, 1980 at 2:00 o’clock at the Slovenian Home on Holmes Avenue. You are all invited to attend, so please come. We are going to honor Fay Moro, and Joyce Lenassi, our very good members, if you arc wondering why two? Well, they are twins, and we just couldn’t chose which one, so we are honoring them both!
Congratulations to our new members for 1980. Mary O’Boyle, Kathleen Marie O’Boyle, Malanie Leigh Christopher, Helen A. Strumble, Mary Ann Mlinar, and Victoria Sustersic, also Elizabeth Opalich, Jennifer Opalich, Stacy Ann Chiappetta, and Stephanie Chiappetta, these are all granddaughters of our 50 year member Alice Opalich of Coral Gable, Florida. Welcome to our branch!
May I take a correction on one of our members, she is Josephine
Barbo, our member 50 years 1980, Josie used to live in the Collinwood area, but now she lives with her daughter in Richmond Hgts. Naše čestitke za 50 let pri Št. 10, Mrs. Barbo.
On the sick list we have Josie Kuret, Dorothy Perusek, both sisters, and my cousins, and our recording secretary Rezka Ferrac-ciolo, who is in the hospital at the present time with pnuemonia. Wishing all ailing ladies a speedy recovery.
We also have some sadness to report, we lost two members this year, Antonia Miheli, and Helen Škrinjar. Both ladies have been members for many years, ladies who believed in Zveza and the Slovenian Heritage. It’s so sad when they leave us. Our deepest sympathies to the remaining families; our members will not be forgotten. May they rest in peace.
Deepest sympathies to National Auditor Irene Jagodnik, who lost her mother. Many thanks to the Marie Prisland Cadets for their prayers at the wake of Mrs. Mlack. They are from No. 50.
Ladies, I have some very important news for you. We are going to have a Mass in memory of Albina Novak, May 25,	1980 at 12:00
o’clock Noon, at St. Mary’s Church, 15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland, then we will all walk over to the Slovenian Home on Holmes Avenue, and have dinner at 1:00 o’clock. We will have our Ohio and Michigan State Convention following. All ladies are invited to attend, at least 10 members from each branch, ot course the more the better. So, ladies, plese do come.
A very Happy Mothers Day to all the ladies of Zveza.
SOPHIE MAGAYNA, Secretary NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, Wl
The March meeting had a good attendance. It’s very heartening to walk in and see so many members attending so regularly and the usual workers taking care of much of the duties ahead of time so that when we actually do start the meeting, everything is in readiness.
All officers were present, reports accepted as read and we proceeded with the discussion on the correspondance.
Buses and gas are getting quite expensive so we decided against going to the Heritage Day in Joliet as a group, but a few of us will get together in cars.
Our own picnic date was definitely set for Thursday, June 26th in
Jackson Park. This will be for the benefit of our Junior members who will be free. Adults are invited but will be asked to pay for their lunch. We have a good sized committee to plan the event but will miss Tillie Vodnik. We have capable folks to make this as successful as our last summer’s attempt.
The Card Party to be held at John’s Hall at 35th and Lincoln Avenue is	September	21st.	We
cannot occupy the hall until after 1:00 pm so please take note.
The meeting opened with prayer in Slovenian and closed with English prayers.
There were numerous door prizes again with almost half of the attendance going	home	with one.
Thanks to our generous donors and officers.
We’ll be looking for prizes again for the card party so keep this in mind. Thanks.
Remember the sick and elderly in the nursing homes. I’m sure a visit is always welcome as well as prayers or cards.
I	still have some books for sale as well as the	card	party tickets.	We
enjoyed a	light	lunch	after	the
meeting.
God bless you all and take care.
MARY DEZMAN
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
Mother of the Year is our greatest interest at this time. Mother of the Year of 1980 is Moreen (Sustarich) Spencer, our Financial Secretary for low, these many years. Moreen is the wife of Don and mother of twin sons, Kevin and Kenneth who will enjoy a third birthday this July (of course I will long remember this date as it is the date of my worrisome surgery; OK. now.) Moreen herself a twin to Doreen and her Aunt Virginia Sustarich is a twin sister to Matthew Judnich. Rather unusual wouldn't you say? so many twins?
Moreen has been most active in Zveza and most deserving of this honor. As yet we have no positive Place for our breakfast but we know lhe date is May 18 with 8:30 Mass and the usual breakfast to follow. Men are invited, too! Jo Aiuto, our President, and Aunt to Moreen is the phairperson of the day and will 'nform each and everyone where we will have our breakfast as the Jack Jar Hotel is under repair, we will 'nform you where....
As for hobbies. Moreen’s is taking Care of her two adorable little boys, and this is a full time job. Grandma Helen Sustarich (Sustarich) beams
with any mention of her two darlings, they are the happiest children and a pride to Mother of the Year, Moreen Spencer and husband Don, as well as the entire family.
Plans are in the offing for a Luncheon later in the year. We are planning to arrange one of those delightful invitational type of Lunch. At this time we are trying to have it in June but it is too early to tell final plans which are not released to me at this time.
Branch No. 13 is working dilligently to make our year a full success with coming events. It is important for you to attend meetings and voice your suggestion or approval for events suggested. It is only with your active interest we can maintain a good and active group. Our Pot Luck Luncheon just past is proof of this. The attendance was wonderful, a good day with good food and good friends and sisters is truly the answer of the day. Come on. Ladies, be a doer and not a sit back... Now with the good weather coming I’m sure we will see many who could not come out before.
June 19, a Thursday at Noon, we will all enjoy a marvelous luncheon put on by “Luncheon is Served Inc.”. Chairman, Beverly Jackson is working diligently to make this a day we will long remember. Tickets for the lunch and games are $3.00 each, this includes a marvelous full lunch with salad, entree and dessert and then, games and door prizes. For tickets call Beverly at 359 0356 or Jo Aiuto at 863 8632. Good times such as this are really what keep us alive and kicking!
Bernice Minoli passed away. She had lived at Lake Tahoe for a number of years with daughter Gloria Jones and family. Bernice’s life consisted of daughter, Gloria, son-in-law, Roy and their two daughters. The finest compliment one can pay Bernice is to say that she was a most devoted mother, good wife to her husband, Primo who proceded her in death and a true and loving friend to many - I was privileged to be one. God take her home to Heaven where truly she belongs, with the many loved ones who await her.
Reno date has been changed due to elections and it’s now June 1-2, Sunday and Monday. Jo Aiuto is working to make this a successful one we will all enjoy, as per usual. Reno, here we come, June 1-2!
Bless all our sick members - you are ever in our prayers. Happy Mother’s Day. FRANE. CHIODO
NO. 16, SOUTH CHICAGO, IL
For a blustery, snowy evening, our March meeting was very well attended. Earlier in the month, Tina Martin and Sylvia Spretnjak had audited the books and Sylvia read the auditor’s report which was very favorable.
It was voted to give an Easter donation to St. George’s Church. It was also decided to buy the tickets for the benefit of Heritage Day. Marge and Sylvia Spretnjak agreed to represent Br. 16 with an exhibit. The date is June 22nd in Joliet, 111.
An announcement was read concerning a tribute to Slovenian coal miners which will take place in Minnesota.
It was reported that Stephanie Hermanek was recently hospitalized. Get well wishes are sent her way.
Welcome to new member Frances Zupančič who joined in January.
Four ladies shared the Sunshine prizes. They were Elsie Starcevich, Andrea Krai, Anita Quilici and Catherine Anderson.
After the meeting we had refreshments and congratulated Mary Brebrich and Mary Fugina on their March Birthadys. The cherry and cheese strudels were delicious!
MARGE SPRETNJAK, Reporter
NO. 17, WEST ALLIS, WIS.
The opening of the European Village at the Milwaukee Public Museum was a tremendous success through the determined efforts of those who donated their time and priceless possessions. The United Slovenes to Preserve our Ethnic Heritage (USPEH) became an integral part of history at the museum.
On May 3rd, 1980 USPEH will have a dinner-dance at St. Matthias hall. All monies will be forwarded to the museum for use on future projects. Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
Congratulations are extended to Elsie Valenčič, our “Mother of the Year”. Elsie is one of our most conscientious and devoted members, who always lends her services to people in need.
Best wishes are conveyed to all of those selected as “Mother of the Year”. Mothers are God’s chosen people and are deserving of all honors bestowed upon them in May and all year round.
We wish a speedy recovery to all our shut-ins.
Attention: members who are in arrears, please get your dues up to date!
Just a reminder — there will be no meetings during the months of June,
President Mary Muller and former national secretary Josephine Erjavec pose with the Marie Prisland Plaque presented to the Home Office by our Founder’s family. In March, Mrs. Erjavec celebrated her 80th birthday. We extend heartiest wishes for many more happy and healthy years.
July, and August. We will resume meetings on Sunday, September 21, at which time we will learn the names of the booster prize winners. Please try to have the entry sheets in before the meetings.
MARION M. MAROLT
NO. 19, EVELETH, MN
The March meeting of SWU was held at the Resurrection church hall with a good attendance. All officers were present except Angeline Sterle who had the flu. We hope she is well now. After our regular order of business, Frances Andolsek was selected as our Mother of the Year. On May 4th she will be honored. Dinner will be served at 1 pm. We will also hold a short meeting.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to two members, Catherine Poliak in the loss of her son, Tom and sister Mary and Jennie Bezek in the loss of her husband, Louis. May they rest in peace.
Get well wishes to Jennie Zupec.
The meeting was closed with prayer for all the sick and those departed from us. Lunch was donated and served by Pauline Turnbull.
Don’t forget the Dinner for our Mother of the Year.
May the good Lord grant you all continued good health.
OLGA KLUSER, Pres.
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
Our meeting in March was well-attended. For the first time we had a St. Joseph table in honor of the patron of the Church and School and all Josephine’s. The table was full of goodies donated from the members. The members who attended hepled themselves to every thing their hearts desired. Later we all stood and sang “Happy Nameday” which concluded this happy occasion. Meeting then followed.
We missed our long time national treasurer Josephine Muster who was not feeling well, but, we will be looking forward to seeing her at our future meetings.
Afterward, movies were shown by my husband, Joe Erjavec, where we saw our drill team in parades, several past Zveza Conventions and weddings of the Cadet girls. We in Joliet were always very proud of the cadet girls. Every time they performed at the conventions, they walked away with the last prize trophy. The girls held dances and sold tickets, so they would be able to purchase new uniforms. The movies also showed clips of Mrs. Prisland in Joliet and
various celebrations that were held in Joliet. If more members would like to see these old time but never-to-be-forgotten movies, just let me know, so that it can be scheduled in at a future meeting. At the same time we had a JUNIOR drill team, it was a thrill for their parents to see their daughters march and drill in various •affairs. After the movies the ladies went across the street to St. Joseph’s Church for the closing of the 40 Hour Devotion. With the Slovenian choir singing and our school children in the procession along with priests of their parishes, it brings one very close to heaven. It is an event no one should miss.
On May 25th a card party will be held at St. Joseph Park starting at 1:30 given by the Altar and Rosary Society. Make plans to attend; you might be lucky and at the same time support a worthy cause.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU!
At this time I want to thank my family and their friends who came to wish me a “Happy Birthday”, my 80th! The years go by to fast! The letters and cards I received will be cherished a long time. 1 also received a letter from Mayor of Joliet, John Bourg, Sen. Geo. M. O’Brien and the Circuit Judge Orenic. Thanks to Mary Marolt for remembering me in the Joliet Herald News. That was very nice of you Mary. Thank You.
Heartfelt sympathy to mother Evelyn Smolich and grandmother Mary Mance on the death of their son and grandson, John E. Smolich, Jr. at the age of 28; also to several aunts and cousins.
The lucky winner of 1 yr. free dues was Beatrice Likar Fothergill.
Happy 50th Birthday to Betty Fassiotto, secretary of our Bowling
League. Many more happy days, Betty.
Listed in the 1980 edition of “The Society of Distinguished American High School Students is Edmund Zelko, Jr. sophomore at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and the son of Donna and Edmund Zelko, Sr. Congratulations and continued success, Ed.
Congratulations to Pauline Sternisha and Dave Harris, her dance partner, for capturing first place in Free Style Competition at the Chicago Arthur Murray Dance Studio. The dance included Cha-Cha and Disco Swing. Awards were presented to the winers.
Congratulations to my son-in-law, Rudy Pucel and also to Frank “Sis” Plankar, winners in the Democratic Primary election for the County Board in District No. 9. Good Luck in the November General Election.
You know by now about our branch’s main activity, the Slovenian Heritage Day on June 21 and 22nd. Tickets are going fast for the special prizes. Make your returns to Secretary, Agnes Lovati as soon as you can.
Bakery donations are still being accepted and your voluntary help will be appreciated for Heritage Night Saturday, June 21 and Heritage Festival Day, June 22.
All out-of-towners, make plans to join us on the 2 day Slovenian Heritage Festival extravaganza!
On Sunday, May 18 we will honor Dorothy Koncar, our 1980 Mother of the Year. We extend a cordial invitation to all members, relatives and former Mothers of the Year to come and celebrate with Dorothy on her day.
Happy Mothers Day to all!
JOSEPHINE ERJAVEC
Hermine Prisland Dicke 3717 Council Crest Madison, Wisconsin 53711
(fm i rtiii
and
It was exciting enough to have in my Friday morning knitting class Mrs. Arthur Thomsen, grandmother °f Beth and Eric Heiden, the Olympian skating champions, but to discover through Corinne Leskovar (on information received from Dr. Edi Gobetz) that Mrs. Thomsen is Slovenian was unbelievable! 1 immediately telephoned her, but she Was out shopping. Her first words "'hen returning the call were “Kaj Pa kuhaš?”
Olga Thomsen, called Ollie (pronounced Allie), daughter of Sylvester and Elizabeth Kumershek of Ljubno, Slovenia, was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wis., where she skated at the Park Street Playground. After receiving a college degree in physical education she •aught “Phy Ed” five years before marrying Arthur Thomsen who for ^5 years served on the athletic staff at the University of Wisconsin-Madison including coach of Hockey. Besides knitting, Ollie, an attractive slim, athletic-type grandmother still skates, swims and golfs. She also loves to bicycle. This summer she and her husband will enjoy a canoe tfip to Canada. Their daughter, Nancy, mother of Eric and Beth, is an accomplished figure skater who also teaches tennis at one of the Madison high schools.
Ollie extends her greetings to all of you and expecially to all the older Slovenians in Milwaukee with whom she has a rich and loving memory. Instilled in her as a young girl, she enjoys Slovenian cooking as does her famiiy. She shares several recipes W|th us: Chicken Soup with Farina dumplings, Šmoren and one of Eric and Beth’s favorite cakes, Spice Cake with Baked Icing.
CHICKEN SOUP
As prepared by Ollie from her mother’s recipe.
* stewing or roasting chicken (has more flavor than a fryer)
^ quarts of water ^ teaspoons salt carrots, sliced
* onion, quartered
‘ ribs of celery with leaves OR tablespoons parsley leaves
1 cardamom seed Pinch of saffron
Wash and place chicken in a soup kettle. Add water and remaining ingredients except saffron and heat to boiling. Reduce heat, simmer covered until chicken is tender (about 1 112 hours for fryer and 2 to 3 hours for stewing chicken). About five minutes before removing from heat add the saffron. Let stand about 10 minutes until soup sets. Skim off fat (Ollie’s mother used a piece of brown paper torn from an odrinary grocery bag and dipped it >nto the soup to absorb fat).
FARINA DUMPLINGS:
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter 112 cup farina
2 eggs, separated 112 teaspoon salt Dash of pepper
Heat milk and butter. When hot stir in farina and cook for about 1 minute until thick and smooth. Cool. Beat egg whites until quite stiff then beat the egg yolks. Add the beaten yolks to the farina blending well. Fold in the egg whites. Bring about 1 quart of the clear soup to a boil. Drop the farina mixture by teaspoonfuls into the boiling soup dipping the spoon first into the soup so that mixture drops off easily. Cover and cook in a gentle boil about 5 minutes. Serve dumplings with chicken soup, cut-up chicken and the cooked vegetables or serve in the clear broth garnished with snipped parsley.
Variation:	Dumplings can be
cooked in a mild bouillon solution and served drained as a side dish with meat and horseradish.
“When making beef soup, serve some of the cooked meat later as Marinated Beef (A favorite of Eric’s): slice beef fairly thin, add one clove of garlic, minced, and thinly sliced onion rings. Toss with oil and vinegar (as desired) and 112 teaspoon sugar. Add small amount of water to cut sharpness of vinegar. A dash of rosemary also add to flavor.”
ŠMOREN
Ollie’s father loved ŠMOREN especially in the springtime when served with a tossed salad of regrad (tender dandelion greens).
3 tablespoons hot fat (lard preferred)
4 large eggs, well beaten 1 cup flour
114 teaspoon salt 112 teaspoon baking powder 112 cup milk
With a whisk or large spoon beat the eggs until well blended. Gradually add the flour mixed with
salt and baking powder. Then beginning with 1/4 cup milk beat well (about 7 minutes) adding flour and milk as needed until the batter drops off in sheets from whisk or spoon (batter is neither thin nor heavy). In a 10 inch skillet heat the fat until fairly hot (not smokey hot). Pour the entire mixture into the pan and fry covered about 3 minutes over medium heat until edges begin to roll and underside is light brown. With a large spoon break into fairly large pieces (about 2 inches square) and turn. Keep turning gently so that all edges become browned cooking about 7 to 10 minutes. Should be puffy and light brown. Serve with crisp tossed salad.
SPICED CAKE WITH BAKED ICING
11/3 cups sifted cake flour 114 teaspoon salt 1 /4 teaspoon baking soda 1	112 teaspoons baking powder
(single acting)
112 teaspoon cloves 112 teaspoon cinnamon 112 cup butter
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar, sifted and packed 1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 /2 cup buttemilk or sour milk Baked icing
1 /4 cup broken nut meats.
Mix flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and spices. Sift 3 times. Cream butter well, add sugar gradually and continue creaming until mixture is light and fluffy. Add whole egg and egg yolk which have been beaten until light; mix well. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk or sour milk, mixing just enough after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Pour batter into a greased 8 inch square pan; carefully spread Baked Icing on top of batter and sprinkle with nut meats. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, remove cake and cool thoroughly on wire cooling rack.
BAKED ICING:
1 egg white
1/2 cup brown sugar, sifted and packed
Beat egg white with rotary beater until a peak of egg white will stand upright when beater is pulled out. Add brown sugar gradually and beat until mixture is stiff enough to hold its shape.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS
Fondly,
Hermine
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL BOWLING NEWS
TEAM STANDINGS: Slovenian Home 43	1/2, Northwest 39,
Merichka’s 38 1/2, Dames Funeral Home 36, Tezak Funeral Home 36, Crow’s Nest 33.
HIGH SINGLE GAMES: Wajchert 235, Fassioto 233, Derlinga 223, Gasparich 214, Rothlisberger 214 and Bernikas 205.
HIGH SERIES: Wajchert 607, Gasparich 568, Fassioto 557, Derlinga 540, Bernikas 553 and Rothlisberger 553.
AVERAGE LEADERS: Wajchert 161, Gasparich 159, Derlinga 158, Bernikas 154, Rothlisberger 149 and Fassioto 148.
First of all, a big THANKS to all the SWU bowlers and all members for the wonderful success of the SWU 44th Midwest Bowling Tournament which was held in Joliet March 1 and 2, 1980. And, also, thanks to the teams and bowlers who participated. Every bowler did her share. We also wish to thank the local bowlers of our league for their help.
The weather was beautiful and all the girls worked and had fun at the same time. Thanks again, girls! You all did a wonderful job.
Meeting was held and plans were being made for our coming bowlers’ banquet party to be held May 12th at the Rivals Club Rooms.
This is it for now, until next time, may God be willing.
MARY RUDMAN, Reporter
NO. 26, PITTSBURGH, PA
To all our members, especially the aged, shut-in and the sick, our best wishes for good health!
At this time, we the officers and members, would like to extend to Frank Widina and family our deepest sympathy on the death of mother, Magdalina Widina. This wonderful woman was the organizer of Br. 26 and a dedicated worker for the Slovenian Women’s Union and our heritage here in the USA. May her soul rest in peace.
Our annual Luncheon and Games will be May 13th at 12 o’clock. Any hand-made articles will be greatly appreciated as prizes. Bring a friend and enjoy a delightful afternoon.
The first meeting of the year was attended by 43 members which is a good showing. Nice weather is ahead, so let’s bring the attendance up to the high 50’s. Plan on making
OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION
SUNDAY, MAY 25,1980
Mass in Commemoration of ALBINA NOVAK 12 o'clock noon,St. Mary's Church, 15519 Holmes followed by Dinner at 1 pm and OHIO-MICHIGAN STATE CONVENTION,
2 pm
SLOVENIAN HOME- HOLMES AVENUE
every third Tuesday of the month an evening of socializing with your “sisters” of Br. 26.
HELEN CESNIK
NO. 32, EUCLID, OHIO
HELLO! Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers and to our members who are not mothers, Happy Women’s Day.
Our March meeting was well-attended and proceeded quickly with all reports given and accepted.
Our dinner for May 21 was then discussed and all the committees were filled. Tickets will be sold until May 16. Members $3, Guests $5. If you need one please call Phyllis D’Amico at 531-7899 or Jo Comensheck 731-8698. We hope to see all our members at this happy occasion.
We wish to thank Dorothy Winter of Branch 50 for the pictures she took of our 50th anniversary. They are great.
Mary and Frank Drobnick, Ann and John Chinchar were quest at the beautiful home of Frank and Agnes Modic in Cape Coral, Florida. Agnes is our member.
We wish to take pride in our membfer- Carmillia Carotenuto, who was volunteer of the Year at Euclid General Hospital Congratulations. Congratulations are also extended to Jim Zakrajšek for making the dean’s list at Cleveland State with a 4.0 average. His mother is our member.
Our sympathy is extended to Jennie Gustinčič and her family on the loss of her husband, Jack. May he rest in peace.
We are sorry to report the death of our member Rose Brezec, 86 years old, the mother of Rose Molek who also is a long time member.
Get well wishes are sent to all of our ill members, especially to those who have had recent surgery, Kathleen Slogar, Genieve Colta, Ann Cooke and Alice Graben.
Mourn Pioneer Mrs. Magdalina Widina
Mrs. Widina passed away on Thursday, March 6th, 1980 at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was the organizer of Br.
26	in December, 1928 and a few of our surrounding branches in later years. She was a former national officer of the SWU and one of the last remaining of the early organizers.
Since 1977 when it opened, Mrs. Widina lived at St. Augustine Senior Citizen Plaza. We remember her attendance at the National Convention when it was held in the Bicentennial Year of 1976 in Pittsburgh. This was a memorable day for her and for all her sister members of ZVEZA. She had an indominable spirit and loyalty. God grant her many blessings in heaven!
MARY SLANEY, Secretary —
Reminder from secretary — Check your books for dues!!!!
May you all have a happy and healthy spring — See you at our next meeting.
God Bless!
PHYLLIS D’AMICO
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN
We were pleased to enjoy two AFS students from Morgan Park Hig*1 School at our March meeting-Mauricio Salazar, 18, from Cali> Columbia, South America, and AnnaSaxebol, 16, Drobak, Norway-
We hope to see as many member* attend our May meeting at which Dolores Dincau will be honored 3s Mother of the Year. Especially hope our newly transferred youth-tO" adult members will attend.
In May we congratulate Rose and Vern Krasky, Sr., who will celebrat* their 50th anniversary May
Honoring them will be their two sons and wives: Vern Jr. and Ann and Robert and Isabell, six grand children and two great grandchildren.
Lisa Radosevich was married in Tanzania. Both she and her mother, Margaret, are members of our branch. Cora Jones’ son Michael was married in Eveleth.
We send prayers for some of our members who have been on the sick list:	Lorraine	Mlodzinec, Marie
Evans, Peggy Collard, Dorothy Rychlak and Gertrude Puchalla.
We should start thinking about attending Minnesota Day in Soudan, Sept. 14.
LOIS M. PELANDER, Reporter
NO. 34, SOUDAN. MN
Branch No. 34 of Soudan has had wonderful attendance at their meetings the past two months, even though winter was still with us. Now spring seems to be on its way and hopefully even more ladies will attend our meetings before we recess for the summer.
We were looking forward to meeting Fr. David Stalzer of St. John the Baptist Parish in Winifield, IL on Sunday, April 13, when the ladies of our Branch will host a noon luncheon after which a meeting will take place to formulate plans toward honoring the Slovenian miner, who played such an important part in the history of the Iron Range in Minnesota. Representatives from the KSKJ Lodge, American Fraternal Union, the SWU Branches and representatives from the Catholic parishes on the Range all are expected to be in Tower at St. Martin’s Parish Hall on that date. We hope to see you there. Our ladies very willingly offered to prepare and serve this luncheon.
When we met on March 19 the winners during the social hour were Adeline Mustonen, Agnes Tekautz, Ann Stefanich and Mary Gornick. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 16, at which time we hope to have committees formed for our Minnesota Day in September. If each one does her part, it will be
successful and fun for all. The hostesses for this meeting will be Angela Planton and Sophie Zavodnick, the attendance prize will be brought by Sophie Zupanich.
I am happy to report that our Minnesota State President, Victoria Bobence is now a proud grandmother! Tory’s daughter and son-in-law, Ann & Dan Carlson, became parents of a baby girl, Laura Ann, on March 20. Laura has already been enrolled in the SWU! Congratulations to Tory & her husband John and the new parents!
ADELINE MUSTONEN, Reporter
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
Our February meeting was held at the Senior Citizen’s Center with 20 members present. Plans were made for our Mother of the Year 1980 meeting in May. Ladies, please plan to attend this event on Sunday, May 4th at 2 pm at th Center.
President Smolich thanked everyone on behalf of her mother, Mrs. Eli Smolich, for remembering her while she was ill. I’m happy to report that Mrs. Smolich is well again.
President initiated our new members who were present and encouraged them to become active with us.
Everyone enjoyed singing Slovenian songs, the President accompanying us on the piano.
A delicious lunch was served by Kris Klandar, Carol Ferris and two of our new members, Theresa McGauley and Barbara Kalar. Thank you, girls.
ANNEM. ORAZEM
NO. 39, BIWABIK, MN
Our annual Christmas party was held on December 16th, St. John’s Hall. Forty members attended the party, which was a pot-luck dinner. Members exchanged gifts and later played traveling “B”. Katherine Steblay was presented the “Attendance Prize” for having attended the most meetings in 1979.
Our Branch will celebrate their 50th anniversary on May 18, 1980 (organized February 3, 1930). St. John’s Hall. The Aurora and Gilbert branches are invited to help us celebrate this happy occasion.
Birthday cards were sent to Mary Vodnich who was 91 years old on February 1st and Anna Spehar who was 87 years old on February 22nd.
Frances Bezek was elected to be our “Mother of the Year”. The
Mother of the Year Dinner and celebration will be held in conjunction with our Golden Jubilee dinner on May 18, 1980.
Election of officers was held at our January meeting:	Pres. Frances
Anzelc, Vice-Pres.. Mary Geržina, Treasurer, Margaret Setnicker, Rec. Sec., Florence Milos, Sunshine Committee, Mary Geržina, Funeral Committee, Mary Geržina, Ann Geržina and Angeline Karish.
Our deepest sympathy to Mary Lou Crotty in the recent loss of her father. Get Well cards were sent to Julia Croteau and Josephine Reishus who have been ill the past few months.
FLORENCE J. MILOS Recording Secretary
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
Our March meeting was well attended and the attendance prize was given to Annette Septarich. Come to the meetings, ladies, and the next winner may be you!
We are now in the final preparations for our Golden Anniversary. The Brunch committee is in full swing and ready for the great day. Now for a lovely, sunny day and we will be all set.
Don’t forget, ladies, we have an increase in dues. Read your ZARJA; all the particulars are there.
Good to hear that Mary Kurjan’s daughter, Theresa Skoda is now on the road to recovery. We’re happy for you both and your families.
I must send a special happy birthday to Mary Evanish who just celebrated her 91st birthday, along with Agnes Bucher, Angie Zgonc, Agnes Mrosk and Helen Sekular who entertained at our usual dessert lunch. Happy birthday to all!
Thank you to Mayme Erjavec and Angela Brehaux on donations of gifts. A special “thanks” to Mary Matos on her continued generosity to our lodge, but the date and nut cake she baked for our attendance prize rates a special thank you!
To our shut-ins, God bless you all and keep watch over you.
Here it is, spring and Mother’s Day! This little sentence says it all: “Let me hold you while I may, for it will not always be so.”
So, if you’re lucky, give your mother a great big hug. Remember your loved ones now sleeping in the cemetery. Memorial Day will be another time for remembrance. Happy Spring!
MARY PLOSZAJ
NOTE TO READERS:
In the History of the MARIE PRISLAND CADETS, an interesting recollection of events, we wish to pay special attention to the fact that their first Captain, Sophie Posch and their present Captain, Ernestine Jevec, both have earned our salute for their conscientious efforts.
Gori}rihu{ors
j-o fke 77ienionj of Our cčounder,
T^arie Prisland
Indiana:
Kansas:
Indianapolis: Kansas City:
Br. No. 5 Br. No. 64
Michigan:
Minnesota:
Dear Readers:
To branches, members and friends, we are grateful for the many memorial gifts honoring our mother. Spiritual bouquets including hundreds of Masses and countless prayers were and are offered across the country and in distant lands: Canada, Peru, Rome and Slovenia. Donations supported a number of very worthy causes: to the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Fund, to the Renovation Fund for the Sheboygan Greendale Cemetery; to the Chicago Heart Association; to a School for the Retarded in Ohio; to the John Germ K.S.K.J. Scholarship Fund; to the University Madison League Scholarship Fund and to the Koroško Students’ Program. From Rečica ob Savinji, in Slovenia mother’s birthplace, word has been received that a two hour radio program was dedicated to her memory and church bells were rung in her honor.
Space does not permit to list all of the thoughtful memorial gift bearers, but in honor of our founder of this organization we wish to recognize those branches and members who donated a total of $1,432 to her beloved S.W.U. Scholarship Fund:
California:
Colorado:
Florida:
inois:
San Francisco:
Canon City
Gunnison:
Pueblo:
New Smyrna Beach:
Bradley:
Chicago:
Br. No. 13 Margaret Fager Rose Scoff
Officers and members
Br. No. 66
Br. No. 92
Br. No. 3
Anna Pachak
Josephine Vogrin Br. No. 22
Ludwig and Corinne Leskovar
Mary Muller
DePue: Joliet: Edward and Olga Ancel Joseph and Josephine Erjavec
Ronald and Carol Erjavec Josephine Muster
So. Chicago: Oglesby:
S. Chicago:
Winfield:
Millie Paisoli Frances Zibert Anna Zorko
Br. No. 85
Emma Planinšek
Rudy & Mildred Pucel
Fred, Jonita, Rosannc,
Lorraine Ruth
St. Genevieve Soc.
K.S.K.J
Br. No. 95
Br. No. 89
Br. No. 16
!Mr. & Mrs. Edward
Kompare
Rev. David Stalzer
Minnesota:
Missouri:
Ohio:
Calumet:
Dearborn:
Aurora:
Biwabik:
Chisholm:
Crosby:
Duluth:
Ely:
Eveleth:
Gheen:
Keewatin:
Kitzville:
Nashwauk:
Soudan:
St. Louis:
Barberton:
Cleveland:
Br. No. 21
Br. No. 25-
Br. No. 41 (Officers)
Also from combined branches in Cleveland
Br. No. 28 Br. No. 105 Br. No. 35 Anna Hodnik Br. No. 39 Margaret Set nicker Br. No. 38 Br. No. 83 Br. No. 33
Tony & Frances Blatnik Anna Podgoršek Br. No. 23
John & Mary Bobence
The Dawn Club
.John & Barbara
Rosandich
Br. No. 19
Br. No. 37
Br. No. 81
Br. No. 52
Br. No. 86
Br. No. 34
Br. No. 46
Mary Moenigmann
Josephine Prebil
Br. No. 6
Mary Bostian Irene Jagodnik Marie Prisland Cadets Frances Sietz
P e n n
sylvania:
Virginia:
Washington:
Wisconsin:
Garfield Hgts.:	Br. No. 47
Girard:	Br. No. 55
Lorain:	Br. No. 40
Maple Heights	Br. No. 42
Niles:	Br. No 57
Painesville:	Br. No. 68
Sheffield Lake:	Albina Uehlein
Warren: Warrensville	Br. No. 54 Br. No. 54 (Officers)
Hgts.:	Br. No. 73
Bessemer:	Br. No. 67
Burgettstown:	Br. No. 59
Oakmont:	Br. No. 91
Pittsburgh:	Br. No. 26 Mary Slaney Anna Trontel
Strabane:	Br. No. 71 Mary Kocian Lucille Smith Mary Tomsic
Rcston:	Ken & Irene Odorizzi
Enumclaw:	Br. No. 79
Greenfield:	Mr. and Mrs. L. Visek
Kiel:	All and Millie Mueller
Milwaukee:	Br. No. 12 Br. No. 43 Mrs. Frank Ermenc Mr. & Mrs. A. Govek Rose Kraemer ZARJA—THE DAWN
Port Washington:
Stanza Moegenburg Sheboygan:
Br. No. 1
Br. No. 1 (Officers) American Slovenian Organization Elsie Brager
John and Dorothy Brezonik and family Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brulla Mrs. John Chuck Citizens Bank ol Sheboygan
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Golichnik Mr. & Mrs. Anton Grabner Mr. & Mrs. Frank Jelovnik Mr. & Mrs. Peter Klejunas
Anna Modiz
Joseph and Pauline Rupar Sophie & Joan Rupar
Olga Saye
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Sheck Miss Ann & Mrs. Anna Tesovnik Mr. & Mrs. Edward Tesovnik Mr. & Mrs. Henry Udovich
Agnes Knaus Max Koren Sr.
Frances Krolnik
Steffie Vatovetz
Jacob, Mary and Margaret
Zahn
Mary and Pat Ziegenhorn Frances Znidarsich Johanna Zore
Sheboygan Falls:
West Allis: and:
Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Maurin Br. No. 17
Margaret and Bob Fisher Frances and Ted Prisland Hermine and Bob Dicke
Again, Thank You!
Margaret, Ted and Hermine
MAY!
Just the sound of it is wonderful and gives us the pep and energy to begin summer activities! With the bad weather over, I am sure the women are anxious to get out and do things. Some of the branches are planning short bus trips to different points of interest, and this gives them a chance to get together and also sec new Places and things. Perhaps the branches in neighboring cities can also charter a bus to attend the Heritage Day celebration in Joliet, Illinois. Combining groups from distant cities would also give a chance for more to attend these wonderful activities.
A few months ago, I sent letters to all the State Presidents regarding activities and incentives of getting new members and hope all the representatives at the state meeting were able to convey the message to their respective branches.
The success of the Midwest Bowling Teams is a good example of what can be accomplished everywhere. This can apply to any activity which both the young and young at heart can be a part of. If some of the women have extra time to help organize affairs it can be very gratifying to them to see what they can accomplish. Starting with a few interested persons in a group activity can prove to be very successful and enjoyable. In these trying times we can use this kind of togetherness.
ALBINA UEHLEIN Women’s Activities Director
S ucess
With
U nity!
New Members are the life of any organization! Be a proud member and help us increase our ranks! The new membership campaign is focused on our togetherness. Bring in your family and friends and let‘s work on Sucess With Unity
in our Slovenian Women's Union.
NO. 41, CLEVELAND, OHIO
On our sick list is Josephine Hirter, one of our new members. She had a heart attack and while she was >n hospital she developed a blood clot in her lung. She is doing well and hopes to be home soon. Our best wishes to her!!
Tickets for our mother of the year banquet are available by calling Cecelia Wolf 261-0436 or Justine Girod 481-3122.
We had a nice meeting on March 18th. Our next m. eting, to discuss final arrangements and plans for May 4th was held in April.
We were very sorry to receive the resignation of our efficient
Secretary, Valeria Fortuna. She had reluctantly relinquished her position which was absolutely necessary because of her ill health. She was a mainstay of our club and she will be missed very much. We hope her health turns to her better so that she may rejoin us.
CECELIA WOLF AND JUSTINE GIROD
NO. 42. MAPLE HGTS., OH
Hello, ladies! To all our Mothers, Grandmothers and Aunties, “Happy Mother’s Day”!
Happy Birthday to all our May birthday ladies. Have a nice day!
Congratulations to our Mother of
the Year, Olga Ponikvar! You’ll read more about her in the special Mothers Tribute in this issue.
Special wishes, also, to Josephine Stavec who was elected and honored as the Woman of the Year from our S.N.H. here in Maple Hgts.
Mass for our Mother of the Year is May 13th at 7:15 at St. Wenceslaus Church and meeting will follow at the S.N.H. Our 50th Anniversary is on May 18th with Mass at 10:30, also at St. Wenceslaus and dinner at the SNH. Ladies, we hope you will attend these two beautiful affairs in May!
Your dues? Pay at the meeting. OK?
Betty Harr and her family went to Florida to visit their mother, Betty Gawor for Easter. Bob Kastelic went to Florida also and will return with his parents, Tonka and Louie Kastelic.
Na svidenje!
MARY LOU PRHNE NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI
The Easter holidays are over and we are now in a new season. Spring, something everyone I’m sure has been waiting for. This will encourage members to attend meetings.
The “Luncheon is Served” was a great success, and everyone was well pleased. Now comes our Mother’s Day Dinner on May 8th and if you haven’t called in your reservation, you better do it immediately, as we are permitted only 65 members. The place is Schwartz’s 10725 — W. Greenfield Ave. at 6:30 P.M. Stella Pousha is our 1980 Mother of the Year.
The next project is the Rummage Sale to be held on May 17 and 18. The address is 1005 So. 86th St., West Allis, in Doris Frahm’s back vard. What you don’t need, we need.
The most important future event is our 50th Anniversary and State Convention to be held the last Sunday in Sept. Tickets will be available in June.
Our vacationers in Florida were Chris Wisler who spent a week in the sun and Mr. & Mrs. Bud and Joan Ziebell taking a much needed vacation. Both families came back with nice tans. Toni Phillips came from Indiana and surprised her aunt, Ceil Groth and cousin; they in turn took her to a surprise party given for Shirley Schulta’s husband, Eddie. A real surprise for all.
Olga Yapel was suddenly hospitalized again at West Allis Memorial Hospital but is now back home. Take care, Olga, we need you. To her and all our sick and shut-in members, a speedy recovery. I would like to remind our members that if you know of anyone who is ill, please notify me and also, if possible, go and visit them.
Our sympathies to Amalia Fritzel whose cousin passed away and to Edna Hinich on the death of her daughter, Betty De Trapani, and to the families of Anna Srnovrsnik. She was a patient at St. Camillus Health Center for many years and passed away at the age of 90 years. Mrs.
SLOVENIAN HOME HONOREE
Angeline .Kozjan, has devoted almost half a century of her life to church, fraternal and cultural projects in the Lorain, Ohio Slovenian community. At 78, she says she “remains ready to express an opinion or participate in a new project that doesn’t require too much energy.”
A native of Lorain, she is one of the most visible Slovenian leaders in the area, mostly because of her participation in virtually every project involving the Slovenian community.
As Lorain’s Slovenian Woman of the Year, she was among seven women and seven men honored at the Cleveland Federation of Slovenian National Homes banquet recently.
She is the secretary of our branch, no. 40 for 40 years and in many other organizations, she is a long-standing member. She has been a most eloquent and forceful spokesperson for many of the ideas that the Slovenian Women’s Union has stood for in the years past. The branch named her Mother of the Year some years ago.
Her daughter, Angeline Voytko, is our staunch member as are numerous grandchildren.
It’s specially gratifying to know that one of our hardest working officers is also a respected community leader. Our Angeline Kozjan is one in a million! Heartfelt congratulations!
(Thanks to Reporter Mary Ploszaj who submitted the above information from a report written by her brother. Jack LaVriha in the Lorain newspaper.)
Srnovrsnik was our member for 40 years.
To all our May celebrants, birthdays, anniversaries, best wishes. To all mothers, A Happy Mother’s Day!
ROSEKRAEMER
NO. 50, CLEVELAND, OHIO
March meeting opened by President Ann Tercek with 118 members present. Being St. Patrick’s Day the members remembered to wear green and all the Shamrocks up front. It really looked nice, and with it being St. Joseph’s Feast Day, month we wished all of our Josephines happiness. Eight of them were present, also six guests of whom four filled out applications for class B members! Welcome, ladies.
Future events were discussed and we will have a busy year again; this is what our members like.
Our get well wishes go to Betty Sernel, Mary Champa and Tony Turek, Frances Sietz, also Rose Zuzek’s husband, Joe, who had open heart surgery.
Our sympathy goes to Ann Lukek in the loss of her father Mr. Urankar; Olga Hockenberry in loss of her mother Mrs. Bruiak, and our Treasurer, Irene Jagodnik in the loss of her mother, Mrs. Antonia Mlack. May the perpetual light shine upon them.
Our Branch congratulates Marie Pivik of Br. 21 West Park for being selected Woman of the Year by the Federation of Slovenian Homes. Also to Br. 42 Maple Hts. on their 50th Anniversary. We will come to help you celebrate!
Many thanks to Mary Korošec from Br. 10 who was a guest at the March meeting for her wonderful demonstration on putting in zippers. She will also show us how to put in sleeve at the May meeting.
Fran Baker’s son and daughter in law have a new daughter named Alison; all the other grandchildren are boys. Fran had a pleasant visit with them in Florida.
Off on a long trip to Australia are our members President Ann Tercek, Reporter Vera Mateyka, Ann Slapnik, Stella Rupe, Alice Debeljak, yours truly and their husbands and Marge Masler. This sounds like a very interesting trip.
Ladies, do come to our May
meeting help honor our Mother of the Year, Molly Mauer with music, songs and refreshments.
Also keep in mind the outdoor Mass 11 AM, on June 29 at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine on Chardon Rd., with breakfast following in the new Tea Room. This is such a beautiful yearly mass in the outdoor setting.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers and Grandmothers.
Nostalgia: Longing for the place you would never move back to.
VF.RA MATEYKA Your Reporter
NO. 52, KITZVILLE, MN
You’re not older — You’re better!
We wish to congratulate all Mothers this month and especially sister Margaret Kochevar who was chosen the Woman of the Year of our branch. She surely is deserving of the title. To our mothers, may they all have a very nice day. God bless you. We remember all the yesterdays they filled with loving care, the peace and comfort that were ours just knowing that mother was there. Thinking about the joy and gladness she brings others, we Pray that God will bless you all, the dearest of mothers.
We opened our meeting with the recitation of the rosary for all our deceased members and there was a very nice turn-out. Our weather was just perfect and that way we do have more members attending. Our recording secretary was absent and Mildred Barbatto took her place and did a very nice job. Thank you. We discussed eleminating a few summer meetings and rearranging the hostess schedule.
We have to take this time to express our get well wishes to all sick members. We wish them Godspeed •o a rapid recovery.
The business session concluded, President, Rose Trombly led us in Prayers and then we enjoyed our evening social. Hostesses were sisters Muriel Sabitini, Phyllis Pavitch, Ann Knesovich and Dorothy Ban who served a delicious lunch. Honors were also awarded to the following sisters:
Smear, Hi, Margaret Kochevar, Rose Trombly, Low, Alice Baratto, Ann Roberts; Bridge, Hi, Lucille Strom, Mildred Barbatto, B, Ann Knesovich and Ann Mansfield who also won the door prize with Ann Roberts. It was a delightful evening.
We also welcomed a new member, Lucille Strom, to our branch. We hope and pray that she will be happy among us and attend often. Try to Set more new members, ladies, the more the merrier.
GERTRUDE KOCHEVAR
NO. 54, WARRKN. OH
Happy Springtime to all! Our branch will be holding the annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon on May 20th at 12:30 pm; the place to be announced when the co-chairman calls. Honored as Mother of the Year "'ill be Yours Truly. It is quite an honor to be chosen again after all
Through all the past months’ correspondence arriving at the Home Office we have been seeing references to our older members. But, did you know that old today does not mean what it used to mean?
Now you are not even senior citizens anymore!
Now you are a “late adult” or a “late-late adult”!
The distinction between them is the difference between being 75 and 85!
Yes, you are not all that old — isn't it grand? Average age is interesting — you’re living longer and better, for sure!
(Thanks to Anne Kompare, our National Vice-President, who heard this at a meeting and made us all feel better by telling us!)
these years. Please try to attend. Our president, Josephine Kassan and her co-chairman, Millie Pollock will be contacting you for reservations. It is always such a nice affair and a relaxing afternoon out. You can pay up your dues when you contact us.
Still convalescing and doing fairly well are my mom. Rose Racher and mom-in-law, Mary Ponikvar.
Off to California and Arizona are Vic and Frank Zuga to see their son and wife and in Arizona to visit Frank’s sister, our member, Frances Banozich and family. We all send them our hellos and we know the Zugas will have a great time traveling.
Graduating from high school is Dori Kregar. Congratulations! Graduating from college is our son, Philip who will be a metallurgical engineer and is busy having job interviews now. Good luck, son!
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 56, HIBBING.MN
We had a good attendance at the March meeting. President, Rose
Maras opened the meeting with a prayer. Following usual business discussion was held on a bake sale.
Our guest speaker was Mrs. Joann Muller who gave a timely discussion on the Family, ERA and Abortion.
Lunch was served by the hostesses, Barbara Doshen, Catherine Miller, Dorothy Oberstar and Sylvia Latick. Cards were played and winners were Elizabeth Spcflar, Valeria Carlson, Angeline Passino and Amelia Domen. Sylvia Latick was special prize winner.
April Notes
In April, the meeting opened with prayer and the usual business took place. Our Bake Sale was scheduled for May 9th at the Mesabi Mall. Each member is asked to bake something for $3 or donate cash.
Our guest speaker was Paul Watson from the Social Security Office who was very interesting and the topic advantageous.
At our May meeting we will honor our Mother of the Year, Mary Drobnick. Lunch was served by the hostesses Dorothy Anderson, Katherine Lamson, Mary Okoren
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and Mary Sikich. Special prize winner was Antonia Rapinac. Cards were played and winners:
Agnes Barkis, Angeline Passino, Milena Koehler and Catherine Maras.
With best wishes to all and may all Mothers have a wonderful and blessed day.
ANNE B. SATOVICH, Reporter
NO. 57, NILES, OHIO
Our March meeting, which was held at the home of our president, Frances Yerman and was well attended. Absent were Virginia Zevkovicfi nursing the flu bug, Betty Slanina, recuperating at home after spending three weeks in the hospital and Rose Spirko still on the sick list. We hope she gets better soon, we miss our “life of the perty member”.
Millie Bako was absent due to a death in the family and Mary Opalko lost her brother recently. May the feceased rest in peace.
Plans were started for our Mother’s Day Dinner, which will be held at our regular meeting in May. The place to be chosen at our next meeting. The dinner will be at 4 o’clock. Hope we have a very good attendance for the dinner.
Lucky door prizes were won by Frances Stanek and Frances Yerman.
Things worth remembering:
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
ANN PEASE, Reporter
NO. 59, BURGETTSTOWN, PA
Hi, members and friends! Spring has sprung! We can now look forward to seeing the flowers bloom, leaves on trees, getting out those garden tooks and just enjoying the soon-to-be-summer weather.
Our first meeting of the New Year was held in March with very little attendance. To make our meetings worthwhile we need more members there. Several letters were read by the President, Frances, and Secretary, Virginia. Yours truly read the ’79 report and paid the officers. As in the past, the same slate of officers were voted in ynce again. They are.
President, Frances Korošec (15 years), Vice-President, Louise Paskitus (5 years). Secretary, Virginia Bendick (30 years), Recording Secretary, Hilda Mon-tequin (28 years), and Treasurer and Reporter, Rosemary Orenchuk (7 years).
Hanna Lawrence of Utica, Michigan wrote a card to our branch thanking us for remembering her on special occasions. She became a great-grandma for the second time in January when her granddaughter had a baby boy. Elsie Ferbežar, Stella Delvarney and Mary Farulli were in the hospital. Glad to hear all made a quick recolvery.
First time grandparents are Evelyn and Alex Stetar. Their son, Chuck and wife. Sue, had a boy on March 16th. He was named Jonathan Aston and tipped the scale at 7 lbs.,2 oz. Hanna Vietmeier is the boasting great grandma. They attended the baby’s christening over the Easter weekend. Congratulations.
Welcome home to Mary Serrini who spent 3 months in California. She enjoyed her stay but wasn’t happy with all the rain they had.
Congratulations to all the ladies who were chosen to represent their branches as Mothers of the Year. To all of you, enjoy a fun-filled day!
Ann Lounder flew to Boca Raton, FL to visit her son, Rudy and family. While there she attended the First Holy Communion of her granddaughter, Jennifer.
At the close of our meeting, prayers were said for the sick and deceased members.
Happy day to all.
ROSEMARY ORENCHUK
NO. 71, STRABANE, PA
Our meeting was supposed to be on the 13th of March but that day it snowed and was a bad evening, so we did postpone it until the 26th of March.
Our President, Alice Stanezewski opened the meeting with prayer and recording secretary Margaret Striner did a good job, too.We had 16 members there which was very nice. Do all of you come again.
We were sorry to lose a wonderful member who was a member since August 1936. Frances Tomsic Batista who was 82 years old died on March 4th. She leaves 3 sons and 3 daughters, also a sister, Mary Delost who is a member and a brother in Slovenia.She had 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was a resident of Strabane area most of her live and a member of numerous lodges. We all prayed for her and all our deceased members. Our sympathy to the families. We send a sympathy card.
We had a discussion on the Bake Sale and Flea Market to be held on May 3rd. Agnes Boštjančič will be our hostess. So, please bring your things to her back porch around 10:30 a.m.
We all sang Happy Birthday in Feb. March and April since we don’t have a meeting in April. We signed our names to get well cards sent to our members, Ann Sterle, Frances Tomsic, Mary Flowers, Irene Patrina and Veronica Tolpas.
We will have our annual May affair on the 13th honoring our Mother of the Year, Pauline Fartro, so remember the day.
Happy Mother’s Day to all our wonderful members. God bless you all and see you soon.
We are still asking for a branch to respond with willingness to host the regional convention for our states of
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LUCILLE SMITH
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH
Sister members, don’t forget May 5, 1980 as the date we celebrate our annual “Mother of the Year” and “Pot luck Dinner”! We hope to see as many members as physically possible at this annual delightful event. Please try to make this special event if at all possible, and as they say “the more the merrier”.
Very sorry to report that our beloved Josephine Turk fell and broke her ankle and had to be hospitalized for a week. Edward Goga, husband of Sophie, recently underwent surgery and is home recuperating. To the above, and any other members of our branch who have been on the sick list, or members of their families, we all wish them a speedy recovery.
After delivery of over twenty-two pounds of cut and trimmed cancelled stamps as mentioned in my previous article, 1 received the following letter from a Lynn C. Immonen, Volunteer Director of the Kidney Foundation of Ohio, Inc.:
“The Kidney Foundation of Ohio is in receipt of your generous donation of cancelled stamps, and we hope you will continue to support this program in the future.’*
“As you know, the proceeds we receive from the sale of these stamps will be used in the area of patient aid, which includes free medication for our kidney patients.
“Watch for our bulletin ‘ Stamping Around ’, which will keep you up-to-date on the progress of the program.
“Thank you again, and keep up the good work!”
Once again to everyone who so sincerely helped us in the past with our stamp drive, and those who will in the future, many, many thanks.
As per the above quoted letter, each member will be able to tell that this drive is continuous and very Worthy of the time and effort of everyone who wants to give little of •hemselves to help the less fortunate. At this time we want to thank Mrs. Bubnic and Mrs. Mismas from St. Lawrence’s Parish who saved and sent in stamps through Olga Sray. Olga Sray and her co-workers at ‘heir place of business, are our largest donators of stamps and credit Should go to these ladies for all their •inie and effo.rt. Thanks again!
MILDRED D. ROBERTS Reporting Secretary
NO. 79, ENUMCLAW, WA
On Sunday, March 23rd, 23 members and husbands were gathered at Dorothy Kovacevich’s. The business meeting covered discussion and planned of our Spring Dinner-Dance on May 4th. Members were encouraged to attend and help. Also on the agenda was the annual Mother’s Day Dinner on May 18th with location and time to be mailed to all members.
The afternoon was enjoyed by all present and Dorothy served a very nice buffet dinner.
DOROTHY SLEIGH
NO. 86, N ASH W AUK, MN
March meeting was held with 10 members attending. Mary Zakrajšek, president, opened the meeting with prayer. Business was acted on and the following officers for 1980 are:
President, Mary Zakrajšek, Vice-President, Elizabeth Zakrajšek, Secretary and Treasurer, Christine Meyers, Auditors, No. 1 Hilda Denne, No. 2 Mary Gram, No. 3 Amelia Alampi, Recording Secretary, Kate Stimac, Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Rudolph Pakiz.
It was our greatest pleasure of the evening to choose Mary Zakrajšek as our Woman of the Year.
Dues were paid and treasurer’s report given. Hope to see more members at our next meeting.
Mary Zakrajšek closed the meeting with prayer, also remembered were our sick and deceased members. A social hour followed and hostesses were Mary Gram and Hilda Denne.
Respectfully submitted,
KATE STIMAC
NO. 89, OGLESBY, IL
Hello, again to you. It’s spring time for gardens and planting your favorite flowers.
We had our first meeting of the year on March 10th. There were 20 leadies in attendance. Let’s see that many at all our meetings. In April we planned a slide showing by Evelyn Moyle.
Now I would like to read you the list of new officers: President, Mary Ann Samuelson, Vice-President, Georgia Dooly, Financial Secretary, Mary Kernz, Treasurer, Emma Folty, Recording Secretary, Frances Gorišek, Sunshine Chairman,
Darlene Wasielewski, Auditors, Honorine Corpus, Ann Batty and Sophie Frank.
Mary Dornik was welcomed as a new member. Guests for the evening were Theresa Jensen and Shirley Miller.
Congratulations to our bowlers, Helen Komater, Mary Kernz, Betty Hamilton, Lena Dawson and Josephine Argubright.
I have a bus chartered for Sunday, June 22nd to the Slovenian Heritage Day in Joliet. Cost is 15 round trip. We leave from the Lou’s Super Market parking lot on Walnut St. at
9	a.m. We will leave for home about
7	p.m. Send in your reservations with check or money orders as soon as possible. My address is PO Box 52, Oglesby, II. 61348, phone 883 3291. Call after 4 p.m. weekdays or anytime on weekends. Members and families and friends are invited from the Oglesby, Dep-ie and LaSalle areas. Ask your relatives to join us for this marvelous trip. I know you’ll enjoy it.
Ladies, 1 would like to have a bus for the Convention in South Chicago on Oct. 5th. We have now received the note cards and they are available for sale.
We have a White Elephant Sale scheduled for June, and Rummage Sale in Sept. and a Bake Sale in Nov. on the 8th. This extra money will go towards a Christmas gift for our members unable to attend our meetings because of sickness throughout the year.
Our sympathy goes to Frances Rolando and Molly Borovac on the loss of their husbands.
Charter was draped for Elizabeth Zupan, born Nov. 19th, 1888 and died Feb. 24, 1980. She joined our branch in 1940. Agnes is a member.
We had no meeting in Jan. so birthdays for that month, Frances Rolando, Georgia Bima, and for February, Sophie Frank, were remembered in March. We also sang Happy Birthday to Angie Nico, our State President. Frances Gorišek and Georgia Dooley observed them in March and Georgia also her anniversary. I hope you all read Fr. Horzen’s comments in the March ZARJA.
Gary Peterlin, candidate for Stale’s Attorney for LaSalle County was our special guest. His mother, Irene Peterlin is our member. In addition to being engaged in private law practice, he is a special assistant
Attorney General for the State of Illinois. He discussed his responsibilities as well as his views of the position he was aspiring to. Gary is a native of Oglesby.
Committee programs for the year were distributed. Those not getting one should contact me. Our committee for the March meeting were Rosanne Prey, Josephine Morrison, Frances Rolando and Frannie Morrison assisting.
Anyone knowing of a person to volunteer her time for a program at our meetings is asked to call me. I will keep this list for the chairmen of the committees to use. 1 wish to have you consider moving up the meeting times to 7 p.m. This will be discussed at another meeting. It would be nicer especially for the older ladies and during the winter months.
Our branch extends to all of you a Happy Mother’s Day.
MARY ANN SAMUELSON, Pres.
NO. 95, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Our March Meeting with 32 members was very rewarding and we have every good reason to be proud to announce that we welcomed the following new members: Harriet Isek and Fran Griffin, enrolled by yours truly, and our Helen Golich once again enrolled two more members, and they are Lottie and Ann Brkljacic. We extend a very warm welcome to our new enrollees, and to Helen Golich, our thanks for keeping our branch on top with new members. We spent the entire evening preparing our up and coming events, with Julie Hansen, Chairlady for our Mother-Of-The-Year-Party with a full report, and our State Convention and various assignments were made for that affair which will be announced later.
Our May Party was incorrectly printed, it will be held on May 7th not on May 1 has stated.
After a long and busy evening the members sat back and relaxed and enjoyed the goodies prepared by Manda Dosen, Ann Granich, Harriet Isek, Helen Golich, Evelyn Driscoll and Yours Truly, hostessess, Ann Granich, Manda Dosen, Dolores Hennelly, Helen Price, and Mary Perkovich (Matt). Prize winners are: Ann Brkljacich, Harriet Isek, and Rose Winters. Cash by, Vica Rukavina $3 and Fran Seabloom $5, for photo in Zarja. Happy to see that Dolores Hennelly is on the mend, after her automobile mishap.
We also missed Sylvia Vukodinovich who was vacationing with her hubby in sunny Florida as were Mr. & Mrs. John Kopilash and
Dolores Hennelly and hubby.
Our condolences to Eva Starcevich on the loss of her beloved brother, Joe Radosevich. Please remember Joe and all of our departed members in your prayers.
Birthday Greetings to the following celebrating in May: Eva Cora, Lucille Svalina, Mary Bar-sevac, (Tex) Matilda Turica (Nev), Mayme Holmes, and Ann Cackovich.
In conclusion, I would like to extend to all of our members a very special Mother’s Day Greetings, to the young and the old.
mildred James
NO. 100, FONTANA, CA
Our March meeting left much to be desired in the matter of attendance. Ladies, our officers are very willing to fulfill the functions of our organization, but bear in mind that they cannot work alone. Participation of all members is highly essential in order to progress successfully. Make iit a special effort to attend our sessions and enjoy the socials that follow.
I received a letter from Rosie Krainik informing me that she truly misses our gatherings as she always enjoyed the business of our meetings and visiting with our sister members during the course of the evening. Rosie, you are missed, also. Perhaps sometime in the near future you will be able to surprise us with your presence. We’ll look forward to that visit.
Ann Kapel and her husband are on vacation in the Bahama Islands. They also plan to include Florida and Cleveland, Ohio in their itinerary. Son of a gun, and here I am still trying to make it to Cucamonga!
Rose Baraga and Agnes Senger are visitors here from Milwaukee. You want to hear something cute? Even thought Rose makes her home in Milwaukee, she is going to be a member of our Fontana branch. I got to thinking she’ll have to get up read early once a month to be here in time for the regular meeting. Welcome to our group, Rose, a truly warm welcome.
Ann Logo needs your prayers for recovery from a stroke that has befallen her. Prayers are also offered for other members and friends who are in ill health.
I have a long list of birthday celebrants so adjust your glasses, take a deep breath and continue reading this with patience as happy
birthday wishes are expressed for the following ladies:
Mary Omaits, Marie Arneson, Carol Ann Harley, Patricia Koza, Freda Tunny, Edith Videgar, Mildred Zeitz, Steffie Osterman, Mary Železnikar, Elsie Melissa, Mary Proznik and Mary Galassini. Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?
Just think how happy we’ve made all these ladies by remembering them on their day and wishing them all things good.
Ladies, if you haven’t already contributed to our bakeless bake sale, I urge you to do so.
You don’t have to spend time measuring, mixing, baking and cleaning up dirty dishes. Save yourself work and at the same time benefit our worthy organization with your contribution, ok?
Boy, am I looking forward to a treat that Mary Kebe, the former Slovene Rest Home manager, has in store for me. She’s taking rpe out for a Lobster Dinner! Anytime lobster or strudel is on the menu, I have to pick my tongue up off the floor, walk real fast away from my saliva, or else, I’ll drown in it!
I think I’ve bothered you kind folks long enough with my mean-derings, so I’ll hastily bid all of you, God’s blessings.
EDITH DRAWENEK
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C.
A couple meetings were cancelled this winter because of snow, so it was nice to see our friends again during this April meeting.
The feeling of sadness was felt with absence of Mrs. Mary Michelitch who passed away on February 2, 1980 at the age of 84. She is the beloved mother of two of our members — Freda Michelitch (Presodent of Branch No. 103), and Becky Nagel. We miss her.
The meeting was very productive in our discussions concerning the upcoming Mothers’ Day program, and the annual dinner-dance this fall. We once again agreed that Branch No. 103 would participate in the biennial Northern Virginia Folk Festival to be held in May of 1981-This, of course, will require the usual cooperation and help of all members which in the past has always led to the success we realized.
The highlight of the meeting was our special guest, Conard Mejac, husband of Mary Mejac, Secretary of Branch No. 103. Mr. Mejac, Editor and Announcer of the Slovenian Language for the Voice of
BELOVED
MEMBER
MOURNED
America (VOA), gave an account of the VOA, its formation, history, purpose, and how it works. This was indeed a very interesting documentation capturing the undivided attention of all present.
Following the presentation, many Questions were asked and discussion of various aspects of this most interesting function was enjoyed. Once again, in behalf of all members and guests present, we would like to thank Mr. Mejac for his very interesting presentation and for so graciously giving his time and efforts to enlighten us on this most interesting subject.
Best wishes to all from our National’s Capital. The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom and couldn’t be more beautiful. We wish everyone could see these lovely flowering trees that have become a symbol for our country.
MATILDA AUS1CH, Recording Secretary
NO. 105, DETROIT, MI
Our March Meeting was held at the home of Katherine Mihelič. There were 14 members present to enjoy Katherine’s wonderful hospitality. We were all sorry to lose our wonderful Reporter and we will miss her beautiful articles. It will be very difficult to follow in her footsteps, but I will try my best.
Donna Medina, our co-mother of the year, brought pictures of little Daniel to share with the ladies. He is one cute, little boy. Our Mother of the Year Dinner, honoring Alice Sheets and Donna Medina will be held at Joanne’s Restaurant at 7:30 P.M., May 8th.
We will be holding a Dinner Dance to raise the funds in our treasury. It will be held on May 17, 1980 at the Slovene National Home on John R Detroit at 7:30 P.M. Eddie Adamic and his Orchestra will Provide the musical entertainment for the evening. Tickets can be Purchased from any member. We also will have a raffle and thank you ladies for all of your donations.
Happy Birthday to all od our May birthday gals, especially Agnes Gregorich, Zorka Maisel and Ann Pobanz. Also, our love and prayers 'o Gail Simon who is in Mt. Carmel Hospital recuoerating from a stroke.
We are happy to hear that Ann Lindich is returning to Michigan. She has been residing in Florida. Hope to see you at our meetings soon.
Our April meeting was to be held at the home of Ann McGee. Hope to See all of you there. Till we meet Jgain, take care and God Bless!
KATHLEEN EMERSON
Branch No. 103 mourns the loss of its oldest member. Mrs. Mary Michelitch passed away at her home Jn McLean, Virginia on February 2, 1980 of cerebral arteriosclerosis at the age of 84.
Mrs. Michelitch was born in the Slovenian town of Cerknica, the daughter of Jacob .’Žnidarič and Mary Mivec. In 1913, at the age of 17, she left Austria-Hungary having her steerage paid to Davis, West Virginia where she met John Michelitch, then foreman with Babcock Lumber Company. They were married in St. Veronica’s Church, and to this union were born 12 children. They made their home in West Virginia until May of 1949 when they moved to their present home in McLean, Virginia. Her husband died in December of the same year and she courageously managed to raise her family alone with the help of her older children.
In 1971 she returned to her homeland in Slovenia for her first visit where she enjoyed a reunion with one brother and three step sisters, and found the house where she had lived still standing.
Mrs. Michelitch has been devoted member of Branch No. 103. She attended meetings and was always eager to help with preparations for our functions. She was selected as the first Mother of the Year for Branch No. 103. She was a warm, sincere, and hospitable person. Her heart was kind, loving and most generous. She was a mother who gave unselfishly of herself to meet the needs of her family. Friends have made such statements as “she was truly heroic,” and “she cherished her Slovenian heritage, but did her best to become an integral part of her adopted land.”
She enjoyed a full life and spent a great deal of time in reading, writing, working in the garden, playing her
button-box accordion, and singing her native songs.
On the evening of February 4th, the recitation of the Rosary was held by Father Anthony Justs who interspersed the story of her life between the decades. Mr. Eric Kovacic led the first decade of the Rosary in Slovenian with our members and guests of the Slovenian community responding. The readings were done by her sons Herman and Dr. Edward Michelitch. The service ended with some members of the Washington Slovenian Choral Group singing one of her favorite songs, “Gozdič Je Že Zelen.”
On February 5th, a concelebrated Mass was held at St. L.uke’s Church in McLean, Virginia by Rev. John Hughes, Rev. Anthony Justus, Rev. John Hortun, and Rev. Raymond Wadas (Spiritual Advisor to Branch No. 103). The spiritual readings were done by her grandchildren Suzanne M. Cole and Michele Petrick. The communion meditation was given by Robin Ann Michelitch. Interment was at Fairfax Memorial Park, Burke, Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter and two sons. Survivors include three daughters, Freda Michelitch (President of Branch No. 103) of McLean, Mary Petrick of Baltimore, and Rebecca Nagel of Alexandria; six sons, Herman of Rockville, Dr. Edward of Great Falls, Joseph of Phoenix, Robert of Sterling, Phillip of Waldorf, and Harry of Great Falls; 20 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and two stepsisters.
Mrs. Michelitch will truly be missed by all her friends of Branch No. 103 and the rest of the Slovenian community. May she rest in peace.
Matilda Ausich Recording Secrelary
IRENE ODORIZZI: 2362 Paddock Lane Reston, Va. 22091
TIE IMMIGRANT
Štefka from Jesenice
Šlcfanija, age 4
I was born in Jesenice, Slovenia, a part of the old Austrian Empire, on New Year’s Eve, 1911. Jesenice, known for its iron industry, is the highest town in Slovenia above sea level, and is located in a valley (dolina) surrounded by the Alps. The crystal clear river, Sava, flows through the town and is the longest river in Slovenia, rising between the Karavanken and the Julian Alps, and flowing near Ljubljana and Zagreb and eventually joining the Danube River.
My father w'as a tailor by trade, but due to shortage in that line of work, turned to the iron factory, which is similar to the steel mills, for a more secure salary. A year after I was born, there was threat of war in the wind and my mother’s sister, Angela Auman from Ely, Minnesota, later from Willard, Wisconsin, sent my father the fare for passage to America. Off he went, leaving my mother in Jesenice with four children. He intended to send for us as soon as lie had loeatcd employment, housing, and saved enough money, but changed his plans at the beginning of World War I. We received no letters or money from my father for eight years. Mother did the best she could to keep us alive, moving from one village to another in an effort to secure work. At one time we lived on the premises of a farmer and his wile, in a wooden cabin no larger than a woodshed. Our temporary home stood in the courtyard of the farmer’s house. Mother had been employed by the farmer as a field hand.
The wife was very kind-hearted but her husband was unkind and stingy. Whenever she milked the cows, I followed her to the barn and would stand in the doorway watching. When the pail was full of creamy milk, she would check to see that her husband was not around then call me into the barn for a dipper of lukewarm milk to drink.
Every evening as they had dinner, 1 would sit on the doorstep. After the farmer had finished his meal and went out to the barn or the fields, the lady would give me the left-overs. But she dare not do this in her husband’s presence.
One day 1 remember wearing a red dress that a kind lady lady had made for me and as I was walking through the courtyard towards the cabin, a big rooster started to chase me. I ran and fell down. The rooster jumped on my back and began to peck at my head. The farmer lady hearing my cries, came running with a broom and hit the rooster til he ran in the opposite direction. When her husband appeared on the scene and saw what his wife had done, he became very angry with her for hitting the rooster. To this day I have not forgotten that kind lady
and I’m sure that she had earned her reward in heaven.
We children were left alone a great deal of the time, and more often hungry than not. Yet, in my memory, remain many happy hours, especially on Sundays when we were all together.
Many times soldiers from various countries who came on maneuvers would take possession of all premises. Each house was required to take in as many soldiers as possible. We lived on the second floor, while the first floor was occupied by the soldiers. Their kitchen was in the barn. My mother was just a tenant at this house, working in the fields for the owner. Some of these soldiers were very friendly and others were not, so mother warned us children to stay away from them. I recall how they punished a man by tying him to a tree, with his hands behind him, and then forcing him to stand on his tiptoe; I felt very sorry for him.
When we lived in this house, I recall walking to the woods and finding bullets left by soldiers following target practice. I had collected a sizeable box full of these tiny metal nuggets and stored them in my room. One day as I started down the stairs clutching the box in my arms, I had lost my balance and felt my body tumble forward. One of the soldiers picked me up at the bottom of the stairs and attempted to carry me upstairs but I cried and struggled away from him in an effort to retrive the scattered bullets which were strewn over the floor. Mother scolded me and wanted to throw away my collection until she heard my plea: “I wish to save them to make a bell for the church. I miss the ringing of the bells very much.”
At this time we lived in Cesnjevek, Cerklje, near Kranj brother, Tonček, the oldest of second mother to us, especially to me. He had the patience of an angel. When I was a child and couldn’t keep up with the rest of the children, he would carry me on his back. I called him “Tota” before I could speak well. When I became hungry or thirsty I would say, “Tota, pupo!” He would take me home and give me some of the coffee mixed with boiled milk and sugar, which my mother prepared every morning before leaving for work. I missed him very much, when at the age of 10, he went to another village to work as a “pastirček” (shepherd). He not only tended cows, but did all the odd jobs for the farmer. Tonček came home only on special
0	Irene M. Planinšek Odorizzi, 1980
my mother’s village of where she was born. My the children, was like a
T*>e “Šola,” (school) in Cerklje near Kranj, was hundreds of years old, and on my first visit to Slovenia in *964, I took this picture. When I went inside, I found it 'o be the same as I remembered it from childhood. I Pointed out the place where the washroom was. My e°usin, who was with me, replied, “Je še!” (It still is!) This school was demolished in 1967, after a new one was huilt at the different location. Now a self-service store s*ands in its place, a sign of progress.
holidays, bringing with him a round loaf of white bread, which was a treat for us. I recall that as a youngster he Played a mouth organ, and taught me how to dance the valček.” Later on, Tonček learned to play the “squeeze °°x,” as we used to call the button box accordions.
My sister, Paula, next in age, also went to work at the age of 10, because additional education was not required for girls at the time. She went to a small farm on lhe Šentjurska Gora, an area plainly visible from Kranj. 1 used to visit her during the summer vacations.
It was 1921, and I was in the third grade in Cerklje, ''’hen we finally heard from father and received our Passage for America. It was not easy to part with friends, b|Jt off we went to a new land of opportunites.
We traveled by horse and wagon to Kranj, then by train to the port of Trieste, where we were delayed about three weeks till repairs to the ship “Belvedere,” a Cunard Liner, were completed. Sister Rose, from Mt. Assisi Academy in Lemont, Illinois, came across on that same ship in January of 1921.
It took us 21 days to cross the ocean to New York.
children always managed to amuse ourselves on the deck and were not seasick like many of our elders were. Waiters would pass out tiny barrels of wine to each family with our main meals, but most of it was wasted. One day we children tackled one of those barrels and drank a great deal of it, then, you guessed it, we were the Seasick ones and never touched that wine again.
There was a man in our group who achieved the Position of a “leader” as he had made trips across the °cean before. We called him “Ata” and lie acted as our
This photo was taken about 1916 in the village of Cesnjevek, post office Cerklje near Kranj. Center rear is Mother, left brother Tonček (Anton), center front Štelka ^•ephanie) and sister Paula (Pauline). The flowers held hy the children were urtifical and made by the women in 'he village from paper. These bouquets were borrowed *r<>m the church.
counselor when we reached New York, where we were delayed for three days.
On the long train ride from New York to Chicago, “lunch boxes” were passed out. Much of the food was unfamiliar to us. “Ala” showed us how to peal a banana and eat the fruit hidden inside. I don’t remember if I liked the banana, but 1 ate it along with everything else.
We reached Chicago at night and all the lights gave an illusion of paradise. My father and his friend waited at the railroad station for us with a car, something we never saw or rode in before. This was my first meeting with my father. Needless to say, I shied away from him for he was a total stranger to me — I was merely an infant when he left Slovenia, and it took time, much time, to accept him.
We settled down for the night in a meager four-room apartment on 19th and Laflin Streets. Next morning, all the glitter of the lights the night before was gone, and the reality of the next day brought second thoughts about our life in America. My mother, with our help, had commenced with cleaning our new home. The beds had bedbugs, and we took out all the springs and sprayed them with kerosene. It took a long time to get rid of the pests. The toilets were in the hall, shared by other tenants. This was the month of June, and very hot, so long with the bedbug bites, we also had heat rashes. We never experienced such heat in Europe.
My older sister and 1 wanted to go to church, so a friend of our father showed us the way to walk to St. Stephen’s. Then came September and time to go to school. A friend took us to Cooper School and I was put in the first grade at the age of nine and one-half years. I was very embarrassed among the little six-year olds, and my strong determination for learning, especially English, was the incentive I needed to study hard. I didn’t like being called a “green horn,” as most immigrants were labeled, and tried hard to look, speak,and act like an American. I did well in school graduating in six and one-half years at the age of 15. Very few of us “green horns” went to high school. Most of us sought employment by the time we were in our teens. My brother was 15 when we arrived-in America so he went to work immediately attending night school to learn English. My older sister went to school for only two years, then to work and night school.
Al age 15,1 went to work in a factory, but soon there were lay-offs, and I began walking the streets looking for work. I went to an agency in downtown Chicago. The woman at the desk said, “I don’t have any factory work, but a lady called today asking for a girl to work in the delicatessen store, would you be interested?”
I never worked in a store, but somehow they had always intrigued me; 1 loved to shop for my mother. 1 thought I’d bluff my way. “Yes, Ma’m, I can do delicatessen work.” I took the job and paid the agency $10.00. My wages were $14.00 per week, 10 hours a day, six days a week, including Sundays with Tuesdays off. That was my daily schedule for eight years, along with riding the street car one hour each way.
In 1925, my father bought a house in the St. Stephen Church area. We liked it as there were many Slovenians, and we soon had a host of friends, and conditions were better.
My father made wine in the cellar, I can still smell that fermenting odor. He also made “Snaps.” So you can imagine there were many gatherings around our table and much singing of traditional Slovenian songs.
In 1934, I married Joe Osterman, also from St. Stephen’s Parish. We were blessed with two children and now have six grandchildren. Throughout our marriage, we. operated a butcher and grocery store for a total of 15 years, as well as working for others. In our store we sold fresh dressed poultry. Chickens were my department. After closing hours, my husband slashed their throats and cleaned them out; I dressed them and cut up the fryers as requested by customers. While doing this, I had time to think, so I always had a pad and pencil in my pocket and made notes from the events and conversations of the day. Our Slovenian immigrants, in an effort to learn their new language, sometimes found themselves mixing the two languages together in what 1 call “half Slovenian and half English.” Sometimes the conversations were rather amusing. That was when I started writing the Half and Pol skits, like this one:
“HALF IN POL”
(Half in Slovenian and half in English)
This conversation was heard in an American-Slovcnian store.
Mrs. B. “Hallo! Dans je pa lep dan outside.”
Mrs. O. “This morning je bilo takšno damp sem mislila, da bo rain, sedaj je pa better.”
Mrs. B. “O, si ti tudi tukaj, zmeraj si busy in zmeraj eleanaš. Povej, kaj bomo kuhali za supper. Saj že več ne vem, kaj be, ker so vsi a tako fussy. Moj stari je last night pršu precej natrkan domu pa I think, da bo gut', če malo župeskuham."
Mrs. O. “Kje je pa bil vaš last night?”
Mrs. B. “Basov birthday je bil iz shope in je vzel en bunch u en tavern, pa jih je mal potretov. Dobro, da ni b’la peda yesterday, če ne bi še tisto špendov, ko on zaštarta pit, ne ve kdaj kvitat. Say, ali so tiste klobase homemade?”
Mrs. O. “Ja sure de so, sem jih glih this morning sfiksala, so čist frišne.”
Mrs. B. “Daj me en 2 pounds, bom tryala, če bo likav. Saj moji kidsi tako ne bojo jedli, bom mogla še hamburger naredit. Sem slišala, da imaš gut sauerkraut, pa me daj a little bit samo za starega.”
Mrs. O. “Jast pa tako ne feelam gut in ne smem jesti such a things."
Mrs. B. “Ali imaš kakšen lean porkloin? Pa še listi smoked butts bom vzela, da bo za lunch, samo da ni too fat. Tukaj imaš še tiljanski bread, ga vsi prav zelo likamo. No, I guess, de bo dost mesa for today, bom že še
Osterman’s Food Mari, 2225 S. Leavitt Sl., Chicago. Notice the neon sign “Home made Sausages." We made (he good old fashioned klobase from a recipe m.v father-in-law, Joe Osterman, Sr., brought with him from one of six visits to Kranj where his brother, Miha Osterman, has a meal market, the only one. in town. His son is still general manager there.
Saturday prišla. Še potatoes nucam, ali imaš lam bags ali so žc na weighani? How much so pa jajca?
Mrs. O. “Jajca so po 65<t doz. this week, to je IOC more ko last week, mislim, da sošlečikine na štrajk.”
Mrs. B. “Imaš tam u window tak nice fruit; daj mi en bunch grapes, in še 2 pounds apples. Sedaj bom pa mogla kar hurry up, sem že late. Pa dol zamarkej, bom že Saturday peyala. No, te pa Gut bye...”
TRANSLATION OF “HALF IN POL”
Mrs. B. “Hello! Today is a nice day outside.”
Mrs. O. “This morning was rather damp, I thought it would rain, but now ii is better.”
Mrs. B. “Oh, you are here and are always busy cleaning. Tell me, what shall I cook for supper. I don’t know any more what to have, since everyone is so fussy. Last night my husband came home rather tipsy, so I think it would be good if I cooked a little soup.”
Mr. O. “Where was he last night?”
Mrs. B. “Celebrating a birthday at the shop, and the boss took a bunch to a tavern and treated them. It’s good thing it wasn’t payday yesterday, or he would have spent everything. When he starts to drink, he doesn’t know when to quit. Arc those sausages homemade?”
Mrs. O. “Of course they arc, I just made them this morning, they arc real fresh.”
Mrs. B. "(jive me 2 pounds, I’ll try them to see il they like them. My children won’t eat them anyway, I’ll have to make hamburger for them. I heard that you had good sauerkraut, give trie just a little but only for the older ones.”
Mrs. O. “I’m not feeling too well, so can’t cat such things.
Mrs. B. “Do you have any lean porkloin? I’ll also take some of those smoked butts, just so they are not too fat. I see you have some Italian bread, everyone really likes that. Well, I guess that’s enough meat for today, l’N come back again on Saturday. I also need potatoes, do you have some bags, or are they already weighed. How much arc the eggs?”
THEIR MUSIC LIFTS OUR SPIRITS
Lorraine
In our organization we have many remarkable young women who arc exercising (heir talents for the benefit of others. Among them are two musicians we'd like you to meet.
LORRAINE GORNIK of Br. 16, South Chicago, is a gifted instrumentalist and choir leader of the folk group at St. George’s church. We recently heard her at their Palm Sunday concert. This folk group is one of the best in the city and is composed of persons of all ages.
PATRICIA ZUBEK, a member of Br. 2 on Chicago’s west side, was a guest artist at that same concert, performing two organ solos and accompanying the church choir in their program. Patty is also the organist at St. Stephens church and participates in all the Slovenian liturgical ceremonies. Both of them have had experience leading others in the performances of stage musicals and concerts.
Lorraine is a recent graduate of Roosevelt University and her mother, Helen, is Br. 16’s Vice-president. Patty is a student at St. Francis College in Joliet, III. and her mother, Jean, is the Secretary of Br. 2, Chicago. Their young talents have been a part of branch activities in past years, too.
Those of us who love Slovenian music and especially church music.
ST. GEORGE'S SINGING FOLK GROUP
can take heart in the knowledge that there are young people like Lorraine and Patty who have taken quite a lot of leadership at their respective parishes. They are setting an example for their peers and all generations.
We hope to be hearing more of their musical careers in the future and wish them all the best.
C. LESKOVAR
Mrs. B. “Eggs arc 65C a dozen this week, that is IOC more than last week. I think the chickens are on strike.”
Mrs. B. “You have such nice fruit in the window, give me a bunch of grapes, and 2 pounds of apples. Now *’11 have to hurry up, I’m already late. Just mark the Prices down, I’ll pay you on Saturday. Now, goodbye.”
From 1945 to 1959, when we operated the store, and
•	he children were small, they too, were neglected to some extent as 1 had been in my youth. The youngsters didn’t have a happy childhood or much family life because my husband and I worked so many hours just to survive here 'n America. It wasn’t an easy life for immigrants. Most °f the time they were home alone without companionship qnd personal attention which a mother usually gives her youngsters. Even though we always saw to their basic needs, perhaps they still feel the lack of the parental aUention.
Holiday mail for Slovenia keeps me busy as I always vvrite a few lines to accompany each card; so considering my relatives and those of my husband, 1 always send at least 20 letters, twice a year — Christmas and Easter.
Now my husband and I live in retirement. I write
many letters to our relatives in Slovenia. Even though Joe was born in Chicago, his parents and mine knew each other from Kranj, Slovenia. Since he can’t write in Slovenian, 1 also correspond with his relatives whom we most recently visited in 1979.
Due to arthritis, I find it difficult to write at times, so I make taped cassettes and send them to Slovenia. Our relatives seem to enjoy hearing our voices.
My first trip to Slovenia was in 1964, after 42 years in America. It was the most enjoyable trip ever. My second trip in 1979 was equally good and, God willing, I hope to make another trip some day.
I	was a bit sad about all the changes in Slovenia as I remembered it — new buildings, etc. but, progress is progress, and I realize that one cannot expect the memories of the past to remain the same. All things change — even here in America.
Gratefully, I recall the past and am happy to think that I experienced life in two different countries — both have remained close to my heart.
PATTY
MINUTES OF THE BOARD DIRECTORS’ MEETING MARCH 3, 4, 5,1980, HOME OFFICE, JOLIET, ILLINOIS
The annual meeting of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, Board of Directors was held at the Home Office of the SWU, Joliet, Illinois, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3, 4, 5, 1980. The Board of Auditors began the annual examination of ledgers at 9 a.m. Monday, March 3, until 1 p.m. After lunch, the Auditing Board, National President and National Vice-President met with the Trust Officers of the Union Bank of Joliet, to examine the investment portfolio. Returning to the Home Office at 3 p.m. the Auditing Committee examined and verified the ledgers of Ihe National Secretary, National Treasurer, President of Scholarship Fund and Editor. All investments and accounts were found in perfect order. The meeting was called to order at 5 p.m.
The President, Mary Muller, led the opening prayer. Roll Call of officers present was as follows: President, Mary Muller, Vice-President, Anne Kompare, Secretary, Olga Ancel, First Auditor, Barbara Rosandich, Second Auditor, Marion M. Marolt, Third Auditor, Irene Jagodnik, Editor, Corinne Leskovar and President of Scholarship Fund, Hermine Dickc. Absent due to illness of her husband was Treasurer, Mary Marolt.
By unanimous agreement, the Minutes of the previous meeting were dispensed as they were printed in April, 1979 ZARJA. President appointed the recording secretary, C. Leskovar.
Reports were called by the president. All were approved and ordered to be filed by unanimous agreement.
Report of Officers will be printed next month.
It was moved by the Scholarship Committee President that if there is no journalism major scholarship applicant for the 5th scholarship in 1980, a general scholarship will be given in its place. On motion ol M. Muller, unanimously carried, a special scholarship lor religious vocation will be given in 1981.
A letter submitted by Women’s Activities Director, Albina Uehlein was read and a recommendation made that Mrs. Uehlein sent copies to all branches.
Greetings were received from former officers, Mary Bostian of Cleveland, Ohio, Ann Podgoršek of Duluth, Minnesota, Ann Paehak of Pueblo, Colorado and a message of sympathy from the Slovenska Izseljenska Matica of Ljubljana, Slovenia on the passing of Founder, Marie Prisland.
Meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 4, 1980, ihe meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by the president who also led the prayer.
First on the agenda was the selection of a new Spiritual Advisor since the demise of Fr. Claude Okorn, OFM last September. The President reported having written to all Regional Presidents asking for their recommendations. There were six names suggested at this meeting.
Lengthy discussion followed with the Directors in agreement that the Spiritual Advisor has an important function in writing monthly columns in ZARJA in bolh English and Slovenian languages. They made unanimous agreement to select Fr. Athanasius Lovrenčič, OFM, Custos of the Slovenian Franciscan Fathers in Lemont, Illinois. Fr. Athanasius is currently the pastor of St. Stephen’s church in Chicago. He has a responsible position as head of the Slovenian Franciscans ol the Custody of Christ the King which oversees the Franciscan parishes in the United Stales. His education and ex-
pcrience arc outstanding. The Directors were very pleased to receive the immediate consent of Fr-Athanasius by telephone.
The discussion turned to Ihe Secretary’s report on membership standing. A number of branches, nos. 7, 46, 62, 90 and 29, arc in the process of either merging or disbanding due to lack of officers. These groups find it hard lo elect suitable officers, especially secretaries to handle the assessment. The Secretary was advised 1° accept the dues payments directly in the Home office. If view of the increase in assessment since January, 1980, the Board was encouraged that so many members were accepting the increase, realizing the increase is necessary-The Campaign shows a substantial number of junior transfers to adult dept, which constitute new membership credit in the campaign. Altho there are some junior members dropping, they are doing so not because of the increase in junior dues from 10 lo 20 cents per month, but because the junior transfer age has been shortened Iron'
25	to 18 years.
It was again the opinion of all Directors that branches without active officers are having difficulties, while those with active officers are doing very well. Son'e comments received from members in regard to dues increases for members over 75 years of age were discussed. The Board feels that il is up to individual branches to help those older members not able to Pa/ dues. Members of age 75 are encouraged to keep their policies in order. Since modern medical and living standards are the highest ever, we arc finding people living longer than ever. What was old at 75 is today not old at all. The Vice-President noted that the average age today is over 85, not over 75. These are known as “late-late adults,” whereas people younger than 75 are called “late adults”. As a result of this discussion, the Board asks that through Ihese Minutes, members be advise® lhat the elderly members are an inspiration to all of us and we love and appreciate them.
Secretarial Awards will be increased lo 20<t Per member per year lo Ihe secretary if the branch remains ihe same or increases in membership. She will be awarded lOt per member per year if Ihe branch tola! is decreased in ihe year. This proposal was made by ihe Nation3 Secretary in her report and after the discussion, carried unanimously.	.
The Board hopes that in this way the secretaries o our branches will be encouraged to keep all tl’cl^ members in good standing. In this regard, Mrs. Ance read a letter received from Ihe secretary of Br. 40> Lorain, Ohio and asked t hat il be added to the Minutes o this meeting. Agreed by ihe Board who thank M'v Kozjan and coneurr with her sentiments.
The subject of participation in SWU Heritage Day8 as presented by Cultural Officer Irene Odorizzi followed' The Board places great confidence in Mrs. Odorizzis work and plans for future expansion of this activity. The Board hopes that all branches will respond to her suggestions. The success of the past two Heritage Days’ bolh held in Joliet in 1977 and 1978, was remarkable. ^ a result, the Cultural Fund has been given a g°0^ beginning. The Board will support a plan to use part 0 the Home Office first floor to sci up showcases and beg11^ displaying articles that have been collected in recent year,-from members. The display will be in plain view ol t*1^ passers-by on the street and utilize only a small part 0 the office proper.
FINANCIAL REPORT January 1 to December 31, 1979 FINANČNO POROČILO 1. januarja do 31. decembra 1979
Income — Dohodki:
Assesments..................................$	54,245.40
Interest from bonds............................ 43,912.27
Stock dividends................................... 750.00
Interest bank certificates and savings ....	826.69
Rental income................................... 1,570.00
Taxes withheld.................................... 107.79
Profit on sale of bonds.................... 247.16
Miscellaneous................................... 1,110.93
Convention Fund................................. 9,832.74
$112,602.98
Disbursements — Stroški:
Death Claims— 174...........................$	19,550.00
Salaries....................................... 18,800.00
Administrative, travel and
per diems officers............................ 7,940.27
Unemployment tax.................................. 109.20
FICA............................................ 1,532.37
Electricity, gas and water...................... 2,207.02
Department of Insurance............................ 25.00
Real estate tax................................. 1,179.68
Zarja — The Dawn............................... 36,766.45
Advertising, printing and stationery ....	1,374.20
Postage and telephone........................... 1,063.72
Loss on sale of bonds............................. 337.50
Office building insurance......................... 513.00
Maintenance....................................... 141.50
Bowling, Junior, campaign and
secretarial awards............................ 1,696.40
50-year membership awards......................... 250.00
Equipment repair................................... 30.87
Professional services...................... 1,237.00
Surety bond....................................... 250.00
Apartment appliances.............................. 607.77
Convention ($887.54 from 1978
not included)................................ 13,693.72
Miscellaneous..................................... 864.02
$110,169.69
Gain for Year..................................S	2,433.29
Balance January 1 ...............................$660,656.97
Balance December 31, 1979 .....................$663,090.26
OLGA ANCEL National Secretary
The work of the Cultural Officer, Mrs. Odorizzi was discussed, and the Board commended her for her excellent ideas, especially the documentation of immigrant stories in ZAKJA and the video taping of immigrant women who were interviewed by Mrs. Odorizzi in Cleveland, Joliet, and Chicago and other cities in Illinois. These records will be kept for posterity, and it is hoped that we can have more interviews made by our older members before they, loo, are gone from the scene.
To encourage the idea of heritage appreciation, the Board concurred with a recommendation of the Editor to ask every sponsoring branch at Regional (State) Conventions to hold a mini-heritage day in connection with
REPORT OF THE AUDITING COMMITTEE
National President, Mrs. Muller, and members of the Board of Directors: It is a pleasure and an honor to be here at the Annual Board Meeting and Audit of the Slovenian Women’s Union, which was called to order on Monday, March 3, 1980 at the home office in Joliet, Illinois.
As Chairman of your Auditing Committee, I hereby report that, after a thorough examination of the S.W.U. transactions, the Scholarship Fund and the Editor’s Account, all have been found to be in proper order for the year 1979.
Income from the Branch assessments, interest and other sources were checked, disbursements were reviewed as to issuance of vouchers, and all outstanding checks were accounted for. Bank deposits, records of the National Secretary, Mrs. Olga Aneel, and National Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Marolt, were checked and verified.
A general review was made of all other items on record. A visit was made to the Union National Bank and Trust Co. on Monday, March 3, by the entire Board, and a complete accounting was made of all investment accounts and the bank’s management thereof. All transactions were found to be in proper order.
The Committee wishes to thank our National Secretary, Mrs. Olga Aneel and National Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Marolt, for their assistance and cooperation. They are to be highly commended for their efficiency.
The undersigned members of the Auditing Committee hereby certify that the S.W.U. records for the year 1979 are correct.
Slovenian Women’s Union Auditing Committee Chairman: BARBARA ROSAND1CH 2nd Auditor: MARION M. MAROLT 3rd Auditor:lRENE S. JAGODNIK
their yearly meeting. It would be done according to the desires and limitations of each hostess branch. This would give added meaning to our state gathering. The Board carried this motion unanimously.
State Conventions were announced as follows: Sept. 14, 1980, Colorado, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Illinois on Oct. 5, 1980. Ohio was not announced at this time. On April 13, a meeting will be held in Minnesota of the Heritage Memorial Committee in Tower, Minn.
A project to memorialize the Slovenian miner and laborer of the Mesabi Iron Range in Minnesota has been organized. The pro-tem committee of officers of Slovenian Women’s Union with the originator of the idea, Rev. David Stalzer, had called a meeting of representatives of the American Slovenian Catholic Union, Slovene National Benefit Society and American Fraternal Union. At this meeting held in October' at the Home Office, Robert Kosmerl, National Secretary of KSKJ was present and agreed to continue serving on the committee. To get some suggestions and discusions going, our officers in Minnesota have been advised to organize a local committee from among SWU officers and representatives of other organizations and prominent Minnesotans. The erecting of a suitable monument, plaque, garden, statue, or whatever it will be, is expected to be accomplished in time for the national convention in 1982 in Chisholm, Minnesota.
The meeting was recessed for lunch at 1 p.m. and resumed at 2 p.m.
Correspondence received today was read by the secretary. It included a letter from the Slovene Home for the Aged in Cleveland, Ohio asking for financial support. The Board extends to the trustees and residents of the Home all its moral support and encourages all
members to participate in the fund-raising promotions. We will continue to be proud of the fact that our members are serving on their committees and helping with patient care. A number of our pioneer members arc residents there, including Mrs. Dorothy Sternisa, of Br. 25, a loyal and long-time officer. We extend our best wishes to all and hope the expansion of the Home will be a reality in the shortest possible time. The Editor was authorized to publish news of the Home and their activities in ZARJA. At this time the Board also extended happiest birthday greetings on their 90th birthdays to Mrs. Sternisa and Mrs. Mary Otoničar, Br. 25, long-term secretary and star campaigner for Zveza. Bog vas živi!
Members in Ely, Minnesota have asked for a contribution to help them cover the cost of a float for the National Baseball Tournament Parade in August, 1980. Individual members of the Board responded.
For the membership campaign just concluded this month, (March 31st), campaign awards will be the same cash awards as before, with one dollar cash paid for every new member in Class B, 501 for a new Class A member and 25<t for a new Junior member. For the new campaign, to begin April 1st, until March 31, 1981, prizes will also be cash awards. 1 n selecting a slogan for the new campaign, the Board accepted the suggestion of former National Vice-President, Marie Floryan who coined the phrase “Success With Unity”, using the first letters of each word of our name, S.W.U., for the message to the membership in May, 1963. The Board felt it to be very appropriate during this time when we are seeking unity after the effects of the recent raise in dues.
The Board was visited at this point by pastor of St. Joseph’s church, across the street from the Home Office, Rev. Thaddeus Trpin, OFM. Fr. Tad extended his greetings and hopes for good results from the deliberations. He led the Board in prayer in Slovenian and English, during which we remembered the good work of our beloved Founder, Marie Prisland and other pioneer officers not with us any longer. Since this meeting was the first Mrs. Prisland has not either attended to reported to, it was a sad occasion, An invitation was extended by Fr. Tad to attend the annual Baraga Day weekend taking place in Joliet on July 26-27, 1980, of which he is the chairman. Since many members in the Joliet and Chicago areas are involved in the committees, the Board hopes that this event will be a complete success.
Membership in the Baraga Association by our Zveza members will be sought in recommendations in ZARJA which the Editor will prepare and publish.
The Board then heard the report of the Heritage Committee officer in Joliet Mrs. Agnes Lovati who is also secretary of Br. 20. She presented a concise financial report of past Heritage Days and asked for the cooperation of all members for the 1980 event to be held June 22, 1980 in Joliet, again under the sponsorship of Br. 20. The entire proceeds of the weekend Slovenian Heritage celebration will be earmarked for the Heritage Library an^l Museum at the Home Office. She also gave an outline of the program of the two days that include a special commemorative mass at St. Joseph’s on June 21st, a dance that night ai the Park Hall and Sunday program of exhibits, demonstrations, food and music. A cultural program will be seen on Sunday afternoon. They are grateful to Tony Petkovšek of Cleveland, Ohio for arranging the appearance of the Maple Hgts., Button Box Club of Cleveland at this event. The committee is hopeful that they will bring many members with them on their specially chartered bus. Groups from other parts of the midwest are also expected. The Br. 20 committee is expanded to include hundreds of workers to whom the Board is most grateful for their generous efforts to make the third Slovenian Heritage Day a success.
The Scholarship application sheet was presented for revision with explanation by Mrs. Dicke, the future students will find it most agreeable to apply for an SWU Scholarship. Deadline for applications is March 31st. The committee will be making their selection of winners in June.
Meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m.
Meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. at the Home Office, Wed., March 5th.
Mrs. Dicke presented plans for the new cookbook to be edited by her and include the recipes most popular in her ZARJA column, “Pots and Pans”. The lowest bid for printing has been given by the Croatian Franciscan Press where ZARJA is printed. She reported that on Monday morning, she met with the management of the shop in company with the Editor and Mr. Ted Prisland who will be artistic advisor. An outline of the contents of the cookbook was made and it is hoped the book will be published and ready for distribution for Christmas.
The cookbook will contain a selection of Slovenian cuisine and many other excellent recipes. Mrs. Dicke asked for recommendations from the Board and explanation of some Slovenian dishes to be included in the book. The traditions of Slovenian Easter will be a part of this book as was the Christmas tradition in the first cookbook. The Board members were very happy to hear that there are such nice plans for this book that will undoubtedly become very popular as is our other cookbook.
The Editor will also look into the possibility of reprinting the songbook with notes designed by Ivan Zorman in 1950. There are still many calls for this book which is |out of stock. In it are 24 well known Slovenian songs for piano and solo, duet and four voice singing-Printing of this book will depend on the price for offset printing.
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be March 2, 3, 1981.
A proposal was made by the President and Editor, that the Zveza sponsor a day for spiritual awakening, in the form of a “retreat” for all members and friends at some pilgrimage site such as in Canada, southern Illinois or Ohio. It would be a “Christian Women’s Congress” in which the theme would be simply to bring women together to pray and ask for spiritual strength. The President will ask the guidance of the new spiritual advisor and Slovenian Bishop Alojs Ambrozich of Toronto, Canada in setting up this type of event in 1981 •
The Board, in preparing to adjourn the session, was happy to hear words of love and appreciation from new Board member Irene Jagodnik who had attended her first Board meeting since election at the convention last May-
On this note, the Board also gathered for the presentation of a memorial picture prepared by the Prisland family for our Home Office. Since she had been her life-long friend, they asked that Josephine ErjaveCi former National Secretary, accept the memorial picture on behalf of the organization. Mrs. Erjavec responded to the words of the President, Mrs. Muller, who made the presentation, by recalling that Mrs. Prisland’s work and interest was purely for Zveza all her life, that we have great legacy in that memory and how pleased she was to see the love of our sisterhood being expanded by all the good work of this organization. At this moment, the Board members held hands in the circle and sang together the “Češčena si, Marija” hymn.
The meeting then adjourned ai 1:30 p.m.
MARY MULLER, President CORINNE LESKOVAR, Recording SeO’
NOVI DUHOVNI SVETOVALEC
Fr. Alanazij Lovrenčič, OFM, je bi! rojen 3. oktobra, 1922 v fari Sv.
Trojica, blizu Maribora v Sloveniji. V frančiškanski red vstopil leta 1939 in po vojni je študiral bogoslovje v mestu Schtvaz, blizu Innsbruka v Avstriji.
Svoje zadnje bogoslovno leto je študiral v Bolzanu r severni Italiji ter je bil posvečen v duhovnika v decembru leta 1948 r /locnu.
V Ameriko je prišel leta /949 in njegova prva maša r novi domovini je bita pri Sv. Štefanu v Chicagu na sam božični večer tistega leta.
Služil je v fari Sv. Terezije v Johnstown, Pa. ter pri fari St. John Vianney l’ Highland Parku, v Michiganu. Leta 1953je bil premeščen r Lemom, kjer je od leta 1967 do 1977 bil samostanski predstojnik. Leta 1977je bil izvoljen kot glavni predstojnik slovenskih frančiškanov Amerike. On je še vedno*v tem uradu.
Po smrti Fr. Klavdija Okorna, OFM julija 1979, je postal upravitelj fare Sv. Stefana, dokler ne bo imenovan novi župnik.
A'a zadnjem zasedanju direktoric Slovenske Ženske Zveze dne 3. marca,
1980je bil izvoljen za Zvezinega duhovnega svetovalca.
Prepričani smo, da bo p. Atanazij vzorno izvrševal svoje dolžnosti in nas PA TER A TA NA Z!J s svojimi članki v ZARJI vodil kot dobre katoličanke in članice - sestre naše lepe organizacije.
DOPISI
ŠT. 3, PUEBLO, COLORADO
Na naši seji v marcu je bila soglasno izvoljena za letošnjo zaslužno mater podružnice čla. Angela Mikatič. Vse je poznamo kot ženo, ki ne zna odkloniti, kjer koli je pomoč potrebna. Naše čestitke sosestri Mrs. Mikatič, kateri želimo še mnogo let delovanja za našo Zvezo in našo Podružnico, ki ponosno nosi številko 3.
Vse članice ste lepo vabljene na sejo v maju, ker bomo dostojno počastile našo zaslužno mater in skupno bomo Proslavile Materinski dan. Posebna čast velja tudi naši ustanoviteljici Mary Bozaich.
Sedaj v bolj toplem času je Prav, da članice razmotrivamo, kaj bi se lahko storilo v korist Zveze in podr. Več glav več ve.
Gl. preds. Mary Muller toplo Priporoča pristop mladine, ki je bodočnost obstoja naše SŽZ, da sledi našim stopinjam. Zvezini cilji so plemeniti za napredek slovenskih žena in deklet.
Dandanes mnogo slišimo o Porednih otocih med ameriškim narodom. Kje naj iščemo vzrok temu ? Pred tujci otroci niso nikoli pokregani, vedno z lepo
besedo dajo pouk. Že od rojstva ogreva otroke topla ljubezen staršev in jih spremlja skozi vse živlljenje.
Naši starši so živeli skromno, vzorno in pošteno, posebno mati je vedno imela prvo besedo za vzgojo otrok, zato mi, ki imamo že pokojne mamice, njihov duh še vedno živi med nami.
Kot po navadi je naš župnik Fr. Blane, krasno okinčal gl. oltar naše cerkve za Velikonoč. Bele lilije so simbol Kristusovega vstajenja. Tudi naša podr. je poklonila primerni dar fari za velikonočni praznik.
Po kratkem bolehanju se je tiho poslovila in odšla v večnost po svoje plačilo naša čla. Theresa Plut. Bila je tihe narave, njena skrb in ljubezen je bila za njene dve hčerke in pet vnučkov, katerim je rada postregla z domačo juho. Kadar so bili vsi skupaj, to je bil njen najlepši praznik. Theresa bo nam ostala za vedno v ljubečem spominu. Članice so jo spremile s svečami na njen posledni dom. Legla je med cvetlice, ki ji bodo po smrti njene tovaršice. Preostalim naše sožalje!
Dne 15. junija bo Očetovski dan. Prav je, da se spomnimo naših očkov, ki zaslužijo pohvalo in priznanje kot poglavarji svoje
družine. Naj Bog siplje svoje blagoslove živim in tistim, ki jim je življenje že utonilo. Naše misli in spomini jih spremljajo vse naše živeljenje.
Vsem mamicam moje osebno voščilo, posebno vsem sosestram naše lepe SŽZ. Največjo čast izkažemo v mesecu maju nebeški materi, ki je božja in naša mati vseh mater. Spomnimo se tudi naše sedaj že pokojne matere naše Zveze, Marie Prisland. Oh, kako je prazen kotiček v ZARJI, “Oh, ta svet...” Njena slika in priložene vrstice nam je najdražji zaklad spomina.
Minili so pomenljivi spomini, prihaja prijetno poletje zunaj v prosti naravi.
Ne pozabite naše drž. konvencije dne 14. sept. v Pueblu.
Pozdravlja,
ANNA PACHAK
ŠT. 7, FOREST CITY, PA
Žal moram poročati, da smo izgubili iz naše srede, dobro članico JOHANO TERČEK, v visoki starosti 95 let. Zadnja leta je bila v Domu, ker je revca imela amputacijo obeh nog, zaradi sladkorne bolezni. Pokojna je voljno in potrpežljivo prenašala
tudi ta udarec. Bila je ugledna žena, delavna in dobra mati 7 otrok. Bila je požrtvovalna do vseh in zvesta članica, ki je rada prihajala redno na naše seje in rada vedno kaj prinesla s seboj, posebno njeno odlično pohanje ali štrukle. Naj v božjem miru počiva!
Vsem članicam naš majski pozdrav! Zdravje in srečo!
JENNIE KALCICH
ŠT. 10, CLEVELAND, OHIO
Zadjno sejo smo imele dne 23. marca kot po navadi,samo letos za en teden kasneje, ker je bila naša tajnica odsotna.
Na dnevnem redu so bila poročila zadnje seje ter sprejem zapisnika in dopisov.
Od zadnje seje smo zopet izgubile dve članice: Antonijo Miheli in Helen Škrinjar. Podružnica je plačala mašo za pokojno A. Miheli in družina na je poslala zahvalno kartico. Naše sožalje obema družinama. Pokojnima pa večni mir in pokoj.
Včeraj sem tudi jaz prejela žalostno novico, da je v Sloveniji umrl moj starejši brat. Bil je poročen in živel na Otoku pri Cerknici na Notranjskem.
Imamo tudo eno članico v bolnici, to je Josi Kuret. Bog daj, da bi kmalu okrevala. Vsem ostalim članicam želim v imenu naše podružnice ljubega zdravja.
Podr. št. 40 slavi dne 20 aprila 50 letnico delovanja. Čestitamo in jim želimo še mnogo uspehov tudi v naprej.
Naša podružnica je tudi slavila 53 letnico svojega obstoja. RES LEPA DOBA. Ga. Čebular je bila med prvimi članicami št. 10 in Jennie Gorišek, ki je 5. dec. 1979 praznovala svoj 104 rojstni dan.
Slovenski starostni dom je imel v marcu sejo na Neff Road. Seje se je udeležila tudi naša tajnica ga. Zofi Magajna. Seja je sklenila, da se starostni dom poveča. Ljudje zelo veliko darujejo za ta dom in upokojenici plačujejo zelo visoko ceno za oskrbo.
Po seji smo proslavile rojstne dneve. Tajnica nas je slikala in če se ne bomo preveč kislo držale, bomo katero sliko v Zarjo poslale.
DAN SLOVENSKE DEDIŠČINE
DNE 21. —22 1980 V JOLIETU, ILLINOIS
Ga. Komidar je darovala lepo košarico s pirhi podpredsednici ge. Fani Žagar. Ko smo vse to uredile, smo po četrti uri se poslovile in se razšle na razne kraje, ene domov, druge na veselo igro “Voda”, ki je bila tega dne v Slovenskem domu na Holmes Ave.
Ga. Angela Strmoli je prejela majhno darilce in značko za 50 let kot članica društva.
Naša druga seja se bo vršila dne 18. maja...takrat bomo praznovale tudi Materinski dan.
Naša tajnica ga. Zofi Magajna je že drugo leto bila izvoljena za predsednico Slovenskega doma v Kalinvudu. Naše iskrene čestitke v imenu naše podružnice.
Želim vsem skupaj veselo pomlad in Vas najlepše poz-dravjlam,
ŠT. 15, NEWBURG.OHIO
Drage uradnice is sestre SŽZ. Vem, da boste malo iznenadene, da tudi jaz kaj napišem v našo ZARJO. Z več članicami sem govorila zaradi povišane članarine za stare članice, ki so star 75 let in več. Jaz sem mnenja, da se za stare članice, ki so delale za organizacijo toliko let ne bi smelo podražiti. Vse, ki smo nad 75 let stare smo po svojih močeh se trudile, da je društvo napredovalo in da se je gradila slovenska narodna zavest. To ni bilo lahko in se danes ne upošteva dovolj, kar so članice naredile v preteklosti. Posmrtnina ni velika in to gre največ za sv. maše. Pravilno bi bilo, da bi se podražilo za nove članice, stare pa naj bi ostalo, kakor doslej. Vemo, da se vse podružje, toda starejše članice težje berejo ZARJO, ker slabo vidijo,. Tudi članstvo se krči, če primerajmo številke v Zvezi od leta 1964 je bilo nad osem tisoč članic v odraslem oddelku in nad dva tisoč v mladinskem. Tudi pri št. 25 se vidi isti pojav.
Mislim, da bi morala prihodnja konvencija storiti nekaj za nas stare članice, ki podpirano Zvezo vseh 50 let.
Z najlepšimi pozdravi,
TEREZIJA FERACCIOLI	ANTONIA	STOKAR
Pozdrav maju
Maj, tiho je stopil v aai:
veje so seozelenele, rože sladko zaduhtele,
vsepovsod je sam sijaj.
V maju vrišč je v gozdu — kaj pa to pomeni? Ali še ne veste? Mladi kos se ženi.
Mladi kos Črnušek s kosovko Črnuško davi sta znosila gnezdo v našo hruško.
A potem na svatbo v gozd sta odletela, kjer že bila zbrana, družba je vesela. Šinkovci so svatje, vrabčki in sinice;
Škorci so na preži, taščice pa družice.
Žolna je za teto — kima in opleta s svojim dolgim klunom in poje:
Še na mnoga leta!
ANA GABER:
§t. 2, Chicago IL.
NAŠA SLOVENSKA DEDIŠČINA
V AMERIKI ROJENI SLOVENSKI OTROCI OHRANJAJO NAŠO TRADICIJO
Ob materinskem dnevu
Voščilo slovenskih otrok materam
Mati je prva in največkrat izgovorjena beseda, ki pride iz otroških ust. Njen obraz je najlepši in najpopolnejši, ki ga ne moreš nikoli pozabiti in nikoli izbrisati iz srca.
Mati — dala si nam življenje, nas hranila in bedela vsak renutek nad našo zibelko. Na tvojo roko oprti smo delali prve korake, s tvojih ust slišali prve besede ljubezni in veselja. Sklepala si nam roke k molitvi in nas učila spoznavati Boga in njegovo stvarstvo. V bolezni si bedela noč za nočjo ob postelji in s skrbjo 9ledala v naše motne oči, a tvoja ljubezen in skrb so bila najboljša zdravila. Ob tebi smo začeli spoznavati življenje in tvoji zlati nauki so ostali v srcu kot dragocen zaklad, ki ga ne bomo nikoli zavrgli. Učila si nas naše mile govorice in.trepetala si ob misli, da bi tvoj otrok zavrgel jezik svoje matere in bi postal tujec v testni družini. Skozi težke čase si šla, slovenska mati, a še vedno si močna, dobra in plemenita. Glej, v tem Mesecu maju je tvoj praznik. Na ta dan spregovori srce še bolj iskreno kot kdajkoli med letom. Ob tebi smo korani tudi mi, tvoji otroci naameriSKih in kanadskih tleh. Sprejmi naše priznanje in zahvalo za vso skrb, delo in ljubezen. V svojih srcih bomo ohranili zaklade, ki si jih ti vanje položila: vero, slovensko govorico in sveta izročila naših dedov.
Naj nas spremlja tvoj blagoslov, da bo lepa in svetla naša pot.
France Bevk:
GREŠNA DUŠA
Živela je mati, ki je imela mnogo otrok. Vzgajala jih je v strahu božjem, pri tem pa je včasih Pozabila skrbeti za lastno dušo. Zbolela je in umrla. Meno telo še ni bilo na mrtvaškem odru, ko je njeja duša že stala pred nebesi. Potrkala je na vrata.
"Kdo je?” se je oglasil sveti Peter.
“Duša, ki bi rada gledala Boga.”
Sveti Petar je odprl, gledal in ni bil nič kaj 2adovoljen. Duša ni bila tako čista in bela kakor Sr>eg, da bi smela naravnost v nebesa.
"Joj!!" je zavpila mati. "Kaj sem storila?”
“Treh grehov se nisi spovedala, ne se zanje spokorila,” reče Peter.
“Oh, kaj bo zdaj z menoj?”
“V vice pojdeš za tisoč let in še za tisoč let. Potem pridi in zopet potrkaj na vrata."
Mati je bila potrta in žalosna. Toliko je na zemlji trpela in skrbela, težko čakala, da vidi Boga, zdaj pa mora v vice za tisoč in tisoč let. Svetemu Petru se je zasmilila.
“Pojdi grešna duša, pojdi po tej stezi. Dospela boš do treh prepadov, ki so jih izkopali trije tvoji grehi. Ako jih preskočiš ali preletiš, prideš tudi v nebesa.”
Odšla je po stezi, ki ji jo je pokazal sveti Peter. Prišla je do prvega prepada, bil je globok in širok, ni ga mogla preskočiti ne preleteti.
"Otroci moji”, je zavpila, kakor da jih kliče na pomoč.
Tedaj se je čez prepad vzpela bela brv. Spletena je bila iz misli njenih otrok, ki je niso pozabili. Mati je stopila čez belo brv, šla je dalje po stezi, prišla do drugega prepada. Ta je bil širji in globlji od prejšnjega. Ne bi ga mogla preskočiti, ne preleteti. Še preden je od žalosti znova zavpila, je že peljala čez prepad srebrna brv. Nastala je iz solza njenih otrok, ki so za njo žalovali, ker so ljubili.
Hodila je in hodila, prišla je do tretjega prepada. Ta je bil najširši in najgloblji. Ni mu bilo videti do dna ne na drugi breg. Stala je ob njegovem robu in glej, že je držal na drugo stran zlat most. Postavila ga je molitev njenih otrok, ki so jo za blagor njene duše pošiljali pred Boga. Bila je rešena.
Na drugi strani prepada se je širil krasan vrt, bil je raj. Sredi raja je stal zlat prestol, na njem je sedel Bog. V rokah je držal svet, okoli njega pa so stali angeli in igrali na harfe. Mati je bila vsa prevzeta od nebeškega sijaja. Stala je in gledala.
“Pridi,” ji je rekal Bog. “Veliko si trpela, deset otrok si lepo vzgojila, veseli se z mani.” In tedaj je mati pristopila, dvignila roke v zahvalo in z angeli zapela... Zdaj gleda Boga na vekomaj.
Franc Finžgar:
SMRTI OTET
(Ko je bil slovenski pisatelj Franc Šaleški Finžgar star 90 let (1960) je v tej črtici postavil svojim dobrim staršem zadnji literarni spomenik. Vse življenje je zlasti občudeval svojega očeta, ki mu je bil vzor moža; mater pa je ljubil z nežno in tiho ljubeznijo.)	A	G
Da bi pisaril kaj o sebi, mi ni bilo nikoli všeč. Toda ob bližnjem koncu svojega življenja sem se le odločil, da napišem nekaj vrstic tudi o sebi.
Po očetovem rodu sem iz Žirovnice. Moj ded France je bil krojač, zlasti za raševino. Ni pa imel svoje hiše. Gostač je bil. Nazadnje pa je le kupil v strmini pri Zabreznici toliko sveta, da si je postavil leseno hišico. Vaščani so ga zelo radi imeli. Nanosili so mu v delo toliko trde raševine, da ni bil vsemu kos.
Ko je bil sin Francelj že zmožen, da je prijel za šivanko, ga je oče začel učiti. Toda nekega dne pride k očetu starejši možak in si ogleda mladega krojača. “No, lepo, že vbadaš šivanko, toda kaj prida se doma ne boš naučil."
Nato je ta mož naprosil očeta, se pravi, mojega deda, da bi šel mladi Francelj z njim. "Dobro se poznava na Štajerskem s krojačem, mojstrom in vem, da ga bo rad sprejel v uk.” Oče je bil kar zadovoljen, sin Francelj pa ni zinil nobene. Izpod čela je meril tujega strica. Gorenja Štajerska mu je bila nepoznana dežela. Kar ustrašil se je take ponudbe. Toda oče se je zaresno menil s tem stricem, svojim prijateljem, dokler se nista domenila. In sta sklenila, da pojde Francelj pomladi s tem stricem v uk za krojača na Štajersko. Francelj je ves čas molčal. Ko je stopil k njemu ta tuji stric,
ga rahlo prijel za uho in vprašal: "No, ali pojdeš z mano?” — “Pa pojdem”, je spregovoril sin prvo besedo. Stric ga je pogladil po kuštravih laseh in dodal: “Le pogumen bodi! Nič se ne boj! Dobremu mojstru te oddam.”
Na pomlad sta ta stric in Francelj res odšla. Kar čez Ljubelj sta jo mahnila, na Celovec in potem dalje še pet dni peš do Judenburga. Mojster si je Franceljna ogledal in ga prijel v uk. Francelj je takisto gledal mojstra, ki se je zgovarjal s stricem. Ni umel nobene nemške besede. Takoj se je moral poprijeti šivanke, mojster ga je bil vesi, ko je videl, kako že kar dobro vbada. Ko so se nekega dne ustavile tik pred mojstrovim oknom tri ženske in mu delale temo, da se je jezil na to zasenčenje, je Francelj pograbil kmečki dolgi stol in ga postavil pred ženske, češ naj sedejo, da ne bodo delale sence mojstru. Ženske so po štajersko oštele dečka in izginile. Mojster pa je bil zelo vesel in Franceljna pohvalil.
Francelj je ostal potem štirinajst let na Štajerskem, preden se je vrnil domov, dobro izučen krojač in še tkalec po vrhu. Dva tovariša, doma iz iste vasi kot Francelj, se nista več vrnila, ostala sta na Štajerskem. Toda Franceljna je vedno vleklo domov, dokler res ni odpovedal mojstru in odšel.
Dom je bil kar prazen. Doma so bili brat in tri dekleta. Francelj je takoj poprijel za šivanko. Toda njegova misel je bila, da mora nekje dobiti svoj dom. Spoznal ie v hiši nad koritom lepo dekle, ki je bila poleg še starejše sestre edini otrok pri hiši. Njegove oči so se rakoj prijele tihe in lepe deklice. Videl je tudi hišo s skednjem in hlevom, kar je bilo že vse namenjeno hčerki Rezi.
Ko sta se spoznala in je bil tudi dekletov oče zadovoljen, se je Francelj priženil na to posestvice. Doma je šival in imel toliko dela, da ni bil vsemu kos. Ljudje so hitro našli tega štajerskega šivarja in ga zasipali z delom. Po domače se je reklo pri Dolencu. Reza in France sta bila par, da je tudi stari oče hvalil zeta in trdil, da ga boljšega šivarja, pa tudi za kmečko delo ni. Kupili so prvega otroka — Janezka, da je bilo veselja kar preveč. Naročili so še drugo dete. Ob tej priložnosti so zašli v težave. Mati je ob drugi nosečnosti začela zelo slabeti. Mož France jo je varoval, kar se je dalo. Na poljsko delo je ni dopuščal. Če je voda v škafnici pošla, je kar sam skočil ponjo na korito sredi vasi; s silnim veseljem je pričakoval drugo dete. Žena Rezka je skušala možu vedno prigovarjati, naj se nič ne boji, da je krepka in zdrava. Toda mož je ostal pri svoji misli in jo varoval pred vsakim naporom. Kot čudna slutnja ga je mučil strah pred pričakovanjem svoje ljube, lepe žene. In v tem strahu je dočakal dan rojstva. Ko tedaj v fari ni bilo nobene izvežbane pomočnice je hotel oče kar sam v bližnje mesto po njo. “Ni treba,” so rekle tri sosede.
Prišel je dan poroda. Žene so vse tri v skrbi za šibko ženo ostale kar vso noč v porodni sobi. Ko pa novorojeni otročiček ni dal glasu od sebe, so se žene v naglici opravile in poklicale botro in botra. Vsi so tekli v župno cerkev, toda vsi prepričani, da bodo nazaj prinesli mrlička. Trpeča mati je bila ves čas v omedlevici. “Kar obeh bo zmanjkalo še danes”, so si žene med seboj šepetale. Ni čuda, da so bile vse preplašene. Minila sta dva dneva v
strahu in negovotnosti. Po dveh dneh je novorojeni fantek rahlo dal znamenje, da še živi. Botra je takoj priletela iz kamere in šepetaje povedala očetu: "Mali je zajokal.” Oče je že oba dni odložil šivanje, potegnil iz žepa debel molek in hodil po sobi ter molil in ves strt povešal glavo. Ot tej novici od botre je dvignil glavo, oči so se mu zasvetile v veselem upanju. Samo za trenutek je pogledal v kamro k speči, tihi svoji ženi. Rahlo jo je pokrižal, tiho odšel in molil, molil. Mati je zvečer drugega dne odprla oči in z roko tipala in iskala otroka. Spregovorila ni besedice. Botra je dvignila dete, da ga pokaže materi. Ta ga je poljubila, a takoj spet zaprla oči in v omedlevici zaspala.
Ti dnevi so bili za skrbnega očeta dolgi kot sama večnost.
Žene, ki so stražile pri ženi, so dobivale pogum. Kar vse tri so se vrstile in hodile tolažit očeta: “Ne bosta umrla.” Otročiček je vnovič rahlo zavekal, da ga je slišala mati, ki je z roko segal po otroku, v polsnu, kajpak.
Noč je minila. Oče je domolil že več rožen-vencev. Ni nehal prositi za ženo in sinčeka, naj se ju dobri Bog usmili. Obljube je sklepal Mariji na Brezjah, naj se usmili žene in otroka. Njegove prošnje niso bile zastonj. Tretje jutro je mati spregovorila in zaželela po sinčeku, ki je glasno zajokal. Dobremu očetu se je odvalil kamen s srca, ko je stopil v kamro in pobožal ženo in drobnega sinčeka. V hiši je vsem povedal, še ves v solzah: “Marija mi je oba vrnila. Prva moja pot bo na Brezje v zahvalo”.
Tako težavno rojstvo je za pravega očeta zares bridko in taka rešitev mu je bila kakor dar iz nebes. Žena je kmalu okrevala in se utrdila. Ljubezen njena Pa je rasla še bolj do moža in do obeh fantkov, ki so jih dobili res po očetovi prošnji in molitvi.
Vse tri žene, pomočnice ob rojstvu so to srečo Po vsej vasi pripovedale in trdile: ‘‘Čudež smo doživele.”
Člani te družine so že davno v večnosti. En sam ie še ostal — ta sam sem jaz devetdesetletnik, ki sem vam to povedal.
Tisočkrat dobri Bog za vse zahvaljen!
ZASLUŽNA MATI
Pavlina Novak Fartro je bila počaščena kot Zaslužna MATI LETA podružnice št. 71, Strabane, pa. Naša častna mati je bila rojena dne 1. aprila, 1885 v. vasi Koritnice, v Sloveniji kot hčerka Blaža 'h Uršule Novak. V Ameriko je prišla 1.1904 z bratom Frank Novak in njegovo ženo Mary in so se naaelili v Canonsburgu. Zaposlitev je dobila v W.S. George Pottery Co. v Canonsburgu, kjer je delala do svoje poroke dne 5. januarja 1905. Ustanovila sta si družinsko ognjišče na Euclid ulici v Canonsburgu, kjer še vedno živi tudi po smrti njenega moža pred 23 leti. Zakon je bil blagoslovoljen s 14 otroci od kateri še živijo: Livina, Rose, Pauline, John, Mary, Joseph, Ann, Betty, Thomas in Lucy. Prav posebno j® ponosna na njenih 22 Vnukov in 50 pravnukov in 2 Pra-pravnuka.
Naša častna mati ima rada ljudi, zato je Priljubljena pri vseh. Od leta 1952 je zvesta članica
p. Atanazij Lovrenčič:
Mati — božji dar
“Adam je imenoval svojo ženo Evo, ker je postala mati vseh živih”, beremo v začetku svetega pisma. Bog je slenil, da bo vsako človeško bitje prišlo na ta svet preko matere. Res je, da so nastale porodne bolečine zaradi greha, a s tem Bog ni odvzel naloge in časti, ki jo je podelil ženi, ko je odločil, da bo postala mati. Tako je Vsemogočni dal človeku možnost, da sodeluje pri ustvarenju novih članov za njegovo kraljestvo tukaj na zemlji in v nebesih. Bog je posvetil to svetišče — materinstvo. In preko materinstva svet prejema nešteto dobrot vsak dan.
Sovražnik božji, satan, vidi vse dobro, ki pride po dobri materi, zato hoče uničiti materinstvo. Z lažnjivimi obljubami svobode in napredka hoče prepričati dekleta in žene naše dobre, da žive v dvajsetem stoletju, v dobi ko ni treba prinašati žrtev. Posrečilo se mu je celo prepričati matere, da stegujejo svoje roke in ubijajo svoje lastne otroke. Nikoli v zgodovini poprej ni bilo slišati, da bi matere na milijone uničevale bitja katerim so dale življenje. In današnji svet gre mimo tega zločina z zaprtimi očmi.
Bog je sklenil, da bo Odrešenik, njegov lastni Sin prišel na ta svet po materi. Mi vsi imamo na tem svetu le eno bitje, ki jo kličemo: mati. In kdo je odločil, da je ta oseba naša mati — le Bog. Nobeden izmed Adamovih otrok si ni izbral svoje matere le Kristus.
Ko na eni strani gledamo z grozo kaj se vse dogaja po raznih bolnišnicah in sanatorijih, na drugi strani vidimo neizmerno dobrega, ki nam prinaša dobra mati. Marija nam je prinesla Odrešenika, novo upanje za človeški rod. Tako je dobra mati neizmeren blagoslov ne samo za svojo družino ampak za vso soseščino. Dobra mati je dandanes edino upanje; ko se sovražnik trudi, da bi uničil vse kar je dobro in pošteno, dobra mati bo tista vodnica, ki bo'pripejala našo mladino zopet nazaj v Viru prave sreče, k Bogu.
Priljubljena mati Pavlina (levo) s svojo družino. Zveze. Za rojstni dan je prejela voščilno karto od predsednika Carterja.
Vse članice ji prisrčno čestitamo in ji želimo še mnoga leta v sreči in zdravju med nami. Bog jo živi!
Veseli pastir
SIMON GREGORČIČ
Narodni napev priredil £učta Kramolc
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ČEDNIK
Mlajši obiskovalci starega kraja zahajajo tudi v slovenske planine — na Karavanke, Kamniške planine, še bolj pa na Julijske alpe ali Triglavsko pogorje. Tam srečujejo pastirje. Ti se ne menijo za turiste, ako se pa kdo spusti z njimi v razgovor so zelo prijazni in zgovorni. Pastirsko življenje se zdi ljubiteljem planin skrivnostno, a včasih je bilo tudi znamenje revščine. Opisal bom pastirje v Mojstrani in na Dovjem. Od pastirja moramo ločiti planšarice, ki so šle v poletju na planine, kjer so se molzle krave. Pastirji, ki so bili mladi fantje, so prignali proti večeru krave h koči, da jih je planšarnica pomolzla. Čez dan je delala puter in ako je bilo na planini dovolj krav tudi sir.
Pastirji na Dovjem in v Mojstrani so bili dvojni. Na Dovjem so imenovali pastirja čednik. Molzne krave so pasli po okoliških dolinah in po pašnikih in vzpetinah nad njivami. Čednik je šel vsako jutro po vasi in trobil na rog, da so gospodarji vedeli, kdaj spustiti krave in govedo iz hleva. Vsaj ena krava vsakega gospodarja je imela na vratu zvonec, da je čednik vedel, kje se pasejo krave. Zvonec je bil pa tudi znamenje za druge krave, da se med pašo niso preveč razkropile. V pomoč čedniku so bili odrasli otroci. Oskrbeti iih ie moral gospodar po številu krav. Ti so imeli nalogo paziti čez dan, da krave niso zašle tam, kjer so bile ograje slabe ali pa morda odprte zaradi dela v gozdu. Čednik je imel navadno tri take pomočnike, včasih tudi štiri. Za plačilo so dobili od gospodarja hrano. Imenovali so se tretinjiki.
Od junija meseca do male gospojnice (malega šmarna) so imeli jalovo in nemolzno živino ter ovce v planinah na Rožci, Možaklji in Vrtaškem vrhu pod Slemenom. Koširjev Janez, po domače Kobarjev, je pasel na Vrtaški planini.
Pot na Planino je silno strma in se začne dvigati v strmino takoj za nekdanjo cementno tovarno v Mojstrani. Je kar dve uri hoda po zelo strmi poti, ki se vije nad drevjem in grmovjem. Se kar prileže, da se od časa do časa ustaviš in uživaš ob vsakem počitku lepe
naravne prizore po dolini Vrat, kjer se vije kot srebrna nit deroča Bistrica. Lahko opaziš tudi skalovje, med katerim se spušča mogočni slap Peričnik v praznino in teče nato po strmini v Bistrico. Predno pa se voda nagne pod slapom v dolino je tolmun. Kolikokrat sem zavidal ribiča, ki je stal na skali in metal trnek v vodo. Lovil je postrvi. Nad Peričnikom je strmo pobočje, poraslo z nizkim drevjem in grmovjem; in nad tem so strme stene, po katerih bi rad plezal, a nisem mogel niti do njih priti.
Med potjo v strmino smo pogosto počivali in uživali lep razgled. Spomnim se, da sem bil ob enem takih vzponov precej obložen. Na planini so gradili kočo. In ako si hotel veljati za pravega planinca, si moral v dolini k svojem^ lastnemu bremenu, nahrbtniku, dodati še eno ali dve deski za novo kočo. Za nekaj korakov je bilo malenkost, ki seje pa kmalu spremenila v težko breme.
To pot je čednik, Koširjev Janez, po domače Kobarjev iz Mojsrane, pogostokrat prehodil oprtan z velikim nahrbtnikom in še polno malho, v kateri je imel krhlje in steklenico čaja z brinjevcem. V rokah je imel pastirsko palico, stalno spremljevalko. Ko bo prišel na Planino, jo bo okrasil z rodondendrom in ob svojih pohodih po skalovju, ki se dviga nad pašniki pod Vrtaškim vrhom, bo sredi avgusta utrgal dve ali trl planike, ki bodo potem vse poletje krasile njegovo pastirsko palico. Zanj so znamenje, da je doma v planinah in da pozna skrivnosti planinskega sveta.
Po dveurni hoji postane pot položna. Strmin3 polagoma prehaja v planino. Skozi bukovo drevje prihajajo sončni žarki, ki spreminjajo ozko pot, ki je postala zaradi trohnelega listja in smrekovih ter botovil’ igel mehka, v stezo, ki pelje v pravljični svet. Tu in tam se pa drevje preneha in znajdeš se na jasi, po kateri je p0* zopet kamnita in zaradi neenakega kamna neprijetna-Pripekajoče sonce in suh jezik te prestavita lZ pravljičnega sveta v stvarnost trdote pastirskeg3 življenja.
Na tem delu poti je čednik Robarjev Janez prosto zadihal in težak nahrbtnik ga več ni tako pritiskal k tlom kot na poti v strmino, ko je mora! hoditi sključen naprej, da ga ni nahrbtnik potegnil na najbolj strmih delih poti nazaj.
Robarjev Janez je bil molčeč mož. Samotno pastirsko življenje in pa delo, ki ga je dobil, kadar so v planinah postavljali kako kočo, ga je naredilo takega. V osamljenosti in molku se je naučil opazovati naravo z bujnim življenjem in najrazličnejšimi prizori, ki jih je sonce ustvarjalo v dolini ob živahno tekoči Bistrici med belim peskom in na pobočjih proti planinskim pašnikom in strmim skalam, na katere še ni stopila človeška noga. Čeprav je bila samota resnična, ker turizem še ni bii razvit, so bile doline in planine polne življenja, ki ga pa ni vsakdo odkril. Janez Robar, preprost mož, ki ga je vzgajala narava sama in vplivala nanj klena, a obenem mehka osebnost Jakoba Aljaža, je živel z naravo in je znal opaziti njena čudesa. Ptički, drobne živalice med travo in grmovjem, dnevni in nočni metulji in gamsi pod skalovjem ob robu borovoga grmičevja, to je bila njegova dnevna družba. In pa seveda krave in ovce, za katere je skrbel.
Za zavetišče je imel preprosto kočo, zgrajeno iz drevesnih debel. V njej sta bila dva dela. Večji del je bila kuhinja z ognjiščem in shrambo za jedila. Na posebnem, neopaznem prostoru je stala steklenica, po kateri je segel samo takrat, kadar se ni dobro počutil.
Dan Robarjevega Janeza je bil preprost. Na uro mu ni bilo treba gledati. Ne vem, ali jo je sploh imel, kadar je bil na planini. Sonce mu je ob jasnih dnevih povedalo, koliko je ura. Pa tudi dovški zvon se je oglasil trikrat na dan: zjutraj ob šestih, opoldan in zvečer ob šestih. Za Praznik sv. Petra in Pavla in za Veliki Šmaren pa je Poslušal slovesno zvonenje pred glavno mašo. Robarjev Janez je žebral. V Mojstrani in na Dovjem za njegovega Časa niso molili, ampak žebrali. V počitnicah sem tudi jaz Pri teti žebral roženkranc. Temu je teta dodala še druge molitve, ki jih nisem razumel. Zvonenje od Dovjega seje slišalo včasih zelo blizu, včasih pa je bilo oddaljeno. Posebno kadar je veter odnašal zvoke po dolini.
Na planini je bil vedno svež zrak. Vroče je bilo samo ob sončnih dnevih, ko ni bilo vetra. Veter je pa ohladil ozračje, a moral si biti previden, ker sonce zaradi tega ni zgubilo svoje moči. Prišli so pa tudi soparni dnevi. Robarjev Janez je v takem primeru dejal: “Dons je pa zatohvo.” Nevihta je včasih prišla nepričakovano. V stenah nad Vrati si opazil oblak, ki seje plazil ob steni. In kmalu se je ulila ploha. Ako je samo deževalo, se ježe dalo prestati, ker si lahko dobil zavetje pod kako samotno smreko ali borovcem. Radar je pa tudi treskalo, so šli lasje pokoncu, čeprav so bili mokri. Strela je švigala okoli tebe in odvreči si moral vse, kar je bilo železnega, tudi gojzarje, ker so bili podkovani z velikimi žeblji, ki sojih izdelovali v Rropi.
Robarjev Janez je po nevihti takoj odšel na pašnike. Treba je bilo zbrati preplašeno živino, posebno ovce, ki so se razkropile na vse strani. Marsikatera se je tako zarila v grmovje, da ji je bilo treba pomagati, da se je osvobodila težkih vej borovega grmovja. Ro se ovce zapazile pastirja, so se z vseh koncev zagnale proti njemu.
Čez dan je Janez pregledal svojo živino in pazil, da ni zašla v nevarne predele. Planina je bila sicer proti dolini in prepadom ograjena, vendar je bilo treba večkrat pogledati, ali je pregraja ostala trdna. Pogledal je tudi za ovcami, ki so bile v višjih predelih planine, včasih tudi nad plazovi pod skalami. Tam je rasel borovec najlepše in rodondendron je žarel v soncu. In višje gori med skalami so avgusta cvetele planinke.'Pri teh obhodih je imel vedno malhko obešeno čez ramo in v njej krhlje, ker navadno ni vedel, kdaj se bo vrnil. Palica je bila njegova stalna spremljevalka.
Razveselil seje, kadar sem ga obiskal v družbi svojih bratencev. Odgovarajali smo mu na vprašanja, a v daljši pogovor se ni spuščal. Prinesli smo mu navadno nekaj kruha, predvsem pa turščno moko, da jo je imel za žgance, ki jih je vsaj ob praznikih zabelil z zaseko.
Prišla je vojska in nikoli več nisem slišal o Robarjevem Janezu. Počiva na dovškem pokopališču, a nikoli nisem obiskal njegovega groba.
P. FortunaI Zorman OFM.
Mamica je kakor zarja...
Mamica je kakor zarja. Zjutraj se smehlja Ko se v postelji še dete S sanjami igra.
Mamica je kakor sonček Srček njen je zlat Kakor žarek ji posije Do nebeških vrat.
Mamica je kakor luna Dolge bdi noči Da počiva njeno dele Vedno brez skrbi.
In zato nikdar nikomur Mamice ne dam.
Eno le na svetu širnem Mamico imam.
ŠT. 20, JOLIET, IL
Naša seja v marcu je bila lepo obiskana. Proslavili smo članice z imenom Jožice in teh je bilo kar lepo število navzočih. Pogrešali smo našo nekdanjo gl. blagajničarko Josephine Muster, ki se vedno rada udeleži sej, toda to pot ni bila pri zdravju. Sicer pa se ne počuti dobro vse odkar se je njen soprog Frank preselil na drugi svet. Še vedno žaluje za njim. Zagodovno praznovanje Jožic so članice in odbornice nanosile na mize razna jedila, pecivo in pijačo. Na koncu so zapele “Veseli rojstni dan”, Happy Birthday to You. Miza je bila res lepo okinčana kot St. Joseph's Table, tako da so bile Jožice res lepo počaščene.
Na seji je preds. Emma Planinšek poročala, da je odsotna naša blagajničarka, ki je obiskala soproga Stanley Marolt, ki se zdravi v bolnišnici za oči v Chicagu.
Izgubile smo 41 članico, Anna Muren iz Rockdale, ki je umrla v 85 letu starosti in zapušča več sinov in dve hčerki. Pokopana je bila iz cerkve v Rockdale na pokopališče Resurrection. Navzoče opravimo molitev za pokoj njene duše.
Preds. dalje poroča, da se je sestra Paula Lukanich toliko ozdravela, da se je vrnila na dom, enako tudi Mary Terlep po kratki bolezni.
Tajnica Agnes Lovati sporoča, da so priprave za Heritage Day v polnem teku. Vršil se bo v nedeljo dne 22. junija v parku Sv. Jožefa. Članice čikaške podružnice so obljubile svojo pomoč. Spekle bodo jabolčne štrudeljne, kar se je z zadovoljstvom vzelo na znanje.
Na seji je bila gostinja Rose Szepaniak.
Nadaljuje se kazanje filmov, katere je predvajal Joe Erjavec, soprog vaše poročevalke. Slike
Smrt vzorne Slovenke
so kazale blagoslovitev oltarjev naše farne cerkve, kar je opravil naš škof Imesch ter druge prireditve v Jolietu. Tudi slike naše Marie Prisland in kadetinj, ki so korakale ob raznih konvencijah in drugih slavnosti ter bile deležne prve nagrade. Nastopile so tudi v slavnostnem sprevodu v Pittsburghu. Nastopile so tudi na ameriških Brezjah pod vodstvom Josephine Goran. Bile smo vesele, da smo prispevale za skupno korist. Tudi mladinske članice so nastopale ob teh prilikah. Tudi prejšnji Zvezini dnevi v Lemontu so bili posneti na teh filmih. Vsi so nam dragoceni spomini, ki nikoli ne ovenejo.
Potem se je vršila 40 urna pobožnost v naši cerkvi, ki je preko ceste od gl. urada Slov. Ženske zveze.
Pri fari smo tudi imele sv. birmo, škof Vonesh je birmal 72 otrok. Mnogi, ki so bili prvič v naši cerkvi so se čudili lepote naše prenovljene cerkve. Med duhovščino smo opazili tudi Rev. Edmund Gregorich iz Crest Hill, nato našega prejšnega župnika, Rev. Garvin iz cerkve Sv. Bernarda, upokojeni župnik Rev. Kuzma, naš Msgr., Butala in seveda naš župnik Rev. Tadej, Rev. Joseph, Rev. Hoge in Rev. Joseph iz Lemonta.
Prisrčno zahvalo izrekam vsem sorodnikom in prijateljem, ki so nas počastili za mojo 80 letnico v White Fence Farms dne. 12. marca. Res, leta gredo in se več ne vrnejo. Bog Vam vsem daj ljubega zdravja. Ob tej priliki sem prejela veliko čestitk, med njimi tudi od našega kongresnika Hon.
ŠT. 103, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Dne 2. februarja tega leta se je za vedno poslovila od nas 85 letna gospa Mary Michelitch, rojena Žnidaršič. Bila je dobro znana med Slovenci v Washingtonu, saj je bila najstarejša med nami. Doma je bila iz Cerknica na Notranjskem in je prišla v Ameriko, ko je bila stara 16 let. Gospo sem poznala dobrih deset let, ker je s hčerkama Fredo in Becky bila med prvimi članicami naše podružnice Slovenske ženske zveza. Nikoli ni zamudila mesečnega sestanka. Spominjam se je kot mirno in tiho, pa se je vendar čutila njena prisotnost. Njene modre oči so izražale samo dobroto in zgodovino ž i v I j e n s k i h preizkušenj. Bila je na videz plaha in zadržana, a ko smo proslavljali njeno 80 letnico, se je
George O'Brien, sodnika Oreniča, mestnega župana John Bourg in drugih.
Ob zaključku prosim vse članice, da pridete na sejo in pripeljite kako članico, morda hčerko s seboj. Enako tudi prosim, da poravnate svoje prispevke. Vse tudi lepo vabljene na slavnost Materinskega dneva.
Vas pozdravlja,
JOSEPHINE ERJAVEC
prav živaho vrtela ob valčkih in polkah s svojimi sinovi. Ob takih priložnostih so njene oči zažarele in bile polne velikih pričakovanj, posebno še, če se je vpletla slovenska pesem naših hribčkov, dolin in podobnih lepot.
Čudna tesnoba me je prevzela ob zadnjem pogledu na gospo, vso zgarano pa tako lepo spokojno spočito v mrliški kapelici. Bila je vedno središče — mati, okrog katere so se vsi zbirali ob praznikih, stiskah in zopet na ta dan številni domači in znanci. Po božji zaslugi je življenjska materina dobrota osvajala vsa navzoča srca. In ta svetel spomin ne bo nikoli obledel. Gospa Michelitch, počivajte v miru! Po vseh trpljenja in trnjave poti na tem svetu ste si prav gotovo zaslužili mesto pri Jezusu. Naše iskreno sožalje vsem domačim.
NIKA B. KOVAČIČ
]n Memoriam \
V BLAG SPOMIN *
1 — Josephine Hlade
Josephin Kramer
2 — Anna Rasich
3 — Theresa Put
7 — Johanna Terchek
8 — Matilda Sukunda — 51 yrs 10 — Antonia Mihelič
14 — Mary Susteric — 50 yrs
Anna Tomsic — 51 yrs Stanislava Vehovec
15 — Jennie Barle — 51 yrs
Alice Tominac 20 — Anna Turk
26	— Magdalena Widina
charter-foundress, Br. 26
30 — Mary Verbič — charter
31 —Frances Stupnik
32 — Rose Brezec
38 — Mary Samsa — charter 43 — Anna Srnovrsnik 47 — Julia Gorsky Mary Prosen Sophie Zarembski 63 — Angeline Andolshek — charts 71 — Frances Batista 81 — Josephine Schweiger — charts 85 — Caroline Novak — charter
89 — Elizabeth Zupancich
90 — J osephine Gruden
Rest in peace!
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“FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART’’
Mary’s Month
Hi Boys and Girls,
As you all probably ^already know, the month of May, here in the United States, is known as the month of Our Heavenly Mother, Mary. Did you know' that the Blessed Virgin is the patron saint of the United States? Well, she is. So it’s only fitting that Americans take a month out of the year and dedicate it to the Blessed Virgin. By honoring the Blessed Virgin, you also are giving honor to Jesus. If you don’t believe me, just slop and think a moment how good and proud you feel when someone Pays a compliment to your mother.
One way of giving honor to the Blessed Virgin is through the May altar. The best thing about the May altar is that anyone can make one and because it’s something handmade it means a lot to the Blessed Virgin. (All mommies love things that are home-made.) Here’s how to ■Hake your very own May altar:
First off, find a table or some other flat surface that you can use as ‘he altar base. (1 usually use my dresser, because 1 know no one will
disturb it.) Next, if it’s possible to get a table covering to cover your altar. If you happen to be poor like me, and don’t have a table cloth, that’s o.k. too. Now, put a statue of the Blessed Virgin on your altar or hang a picture of her on the wall, over the altar. (If you hang a picture, make sure you ask mom or dad first. Otherwise, they might not appreciate you putting holes in their walls.) If you don’t have a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, don’t worry. She’ll know it’s for her. Now put
DAVY’S COLUMN
flowers on your altar table. 1 usually use garden flowers. (Again, get your mother’s permission first. Otherwise, if she’s anything like my mother, she’ll arrange it so you can give the Blessed Virgin the flowers
personally!) Now, your altar is complete. Now, each day in May (or for the rest of the year) take a moment or two to say hello to the Blessed Virgin and let her know you
’Til next month DAVY
Anna I.. Ilodnik:
MAKE A SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY CARD FOR YOUR OWN SPECIAL MOM!
Materials to use: A small doily, red construction paper, a small-size future of yourself.
Fold the red construction paper in ^alt and cut out a heart to fit the doily. Paste the red heart on the d°ily and paste your picture in the Center of the heart.
Write a message under your Picture, just a few sincere words that mothers like to read.
Here are a few suggestions:
Will always love you, Mom.
Mary”
‘‘t
L-ots of love and kisses
from Angie.”
‘ip	,
'Jod love you always, in all ways.
Carole”
*	love you. Mother.
,t	Christina”
To the best mom.
Paul”
Learn Slovenian!
I his month our Slovenian words w ill deal with things pertaining to mothers and spring. I will also add a few personal pronouns and etc. to help you write a sentence. I thought you might like to surprise your mothers or grandmothers by writing a little Slovenian message on your Mother’s Dav cards. Even though it might not be grammatically correct. I’m sure ii will be well received. Ii will show that you are trying lo learn a little of the Slovenian language.
Mother — mati
love — ljubiti
birthday — rojstni dan
home — doin
homemade — domač
food — jedila
lunch — južna
supper — večerja
noodle soup — juha z rezanci
lo cook— kuhati
lo	clean house — pospravili
to bake — peči
bread — kruli
Spring — pomlad
I lowers— cvetlice
garden — > ri
rain — dež
sun — sonce
sunshine — sončni sij day — dan to plant — sadili warm — topel, «orek iree — drevo bird — ptič fish — riba fishing — lovili ribe
I	- jaz me — mene mine — moja your — vaš, Iv oj you — ti, vi and — iu, ler of od, o, i/ on — na to — k
Slovenian alphabet has 5 vowels — a, e, i, o, u.
T here are 20 Consonants — b, c, č, d, I , g, h, i, k, I, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, z, Ž. The consonants are mostly pronounced as they are spelled.
ARNEZ JOHN A. X-Sl
P.O.BOX 232
NEW YORK, r.'.Y. 10032
Union National Bank & Trust Co.
Member F.D.I.C.
FREE PERSONAL CHECKS FPEE CHECKING
JEFFERSON & OTTAWA STREETS PHONE: 727-5222 DRIVE-IN BANK — 50 N. Bluff St. JOLIET, ILL.
GEREND HABERMAN Funeral Home
SHEBOYGAN, Wl 53081
OGLESBY CELEBRATION DAYS
JUNE 27-28-29, 1980
Free entertainment all weekend I.EHIGKTARK, Oglesby, Illinois I'eaturin«:
DON LIPOV AC
Suiula\, .Pune 29, 1 :30 - ?:.!() pin
I RANK Y''AN KOVIC
SiiihIux . .luni' 2'). 5:30 - ‘>-3« pin
A worthy investment!
“FOOTSTEPS THROUGH TIME”
\ bunk about the time Slovenian immigrants came to I merica.
Send 56. W.) (75C poslala) to: S.W.U. Home Of inc. 4M V. Chicagu. St.. Joliet. II. 605.12
ZELE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
TWO COMPLETE FUNERAL HOMES 452 East 152nd St.	6502	St.	Clair	Ave.
Office
4813118	Cleveland,	Ohio	361	0583
ZEFRAN FUNERAL HOME
1941.43 WEST CERMAK ROAD LOUIS J. ZEFRAN	ELIZABETH L. ZEFRAN
LOUIS R. ZEFRAN	MARILYN E. ZEFRAN
Funeral Director* and Embalmera CHICAGO, ILL. 60608	Virginia	7-6688
A. GRDINA & SONS
ZA POIIIŠTVO IN ZA POGREBE
Za	vesele	In žalostne dneve
Nad 70 lot že obratujemo naše podjetje v zadovoljnost naših ljudi. To Je dokaz da je podjetje lz —* naroda za narod. V vsakem slučaju se obrnite do našega podjetja, prihranili si boste denar in dobili
stoprocentno postrežbo
Podružnica: 15301-07 Waterloo Rd.
Tel. KEnmore	1-1235	Cleveland,	Ohio	44110
Pogrebni zavod: 1053 E. 62nd. Street Tel. HEnderson 1-2088	Cleveland,	Ohio	44103
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Tel. KEnmore	1-6300	Cleveland,	Ohio	44119
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Phone: 327-4500
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
&
Slovenian International Cookbook
Womans Glory — The Kitchen
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