Zarja
$ 3.99 U.S./$ 8.99 International

Official Publication Slovenian Union of America
Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Zveze v Ameriki

Volume 86 Issue 5
September/October 2014

The Dawn

Celebrating

85 Years

When I was asked to consider taking over as editor of
Zarja the task was intimidating for a couple of reasons.
The first was taking over for a SWUA legendary figure in
Corinne Leskovar. Secondly, was the task of putting out a
quality product without a lot of experience. My degree is
in medical technology, but I always had a love for art and
design. Under Corinne’s guidance and patience, along with
the creativity of Bonnie Pohar Prokup, Zarja Director of
Design, our team was able to blend our talents and passion
for Slovenian heritage and culture to produce a quality
magazine containing interesting reading for our evolving
membership.
The toughest challenge was to bring Zarja to a more
contemporary style with keeping respect to the tradition
and to those who came before us. As we went along as a
team, we began to try new techniques - Zarja began to
evolve into what it is now. With the help of a great group
of writers, Branch reporters, proof readers, and advances in
technology, we were able to transition Zarja into a modern,
high quality magazine.
Though, each issue involves a lot of work and time, the end
result is so satisfying and is something I hope the entire
SUA is as proud to show off Zarja as I am. I would once
again like to thank everyone who has helped make Zarja
what it is. I am humbled by both the experience and the
support Zarja receives both in America and Slovenia and I
hope to be a part of Zarja and SUA for many years to come.
Debbie Pohar
Editor of Zarja

Zarja - The Dawn
EDITOR: Debbie Pohar
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup
EDITORIAL OFFICE: 1696 Illinois St.
LaSalle, IL 61301-1359
TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596
FAX: 815.224.1074
WEB SITE: slovenianunion.org
PUBLISHER: Slovenian Union of America
(Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America)

TELEPHONE: 815.727.1926

Vol. 86, No. 5, September/October 2014
Published bimonthly
Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL
and additional mailing offices.
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to:
SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA
(Formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America)

431 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432-1703

Communications for the next issue of publication

Do you have something SUA-related you would like to share with
readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea
for an article? We would love to hear from you! Please e-mail the
editor at pohar4@aol.com. We reserve the right to edit any article
submitted. It is preferable that you submit your idea for discussion
prior to writing an article. Articles must be related to Slovenia,
SUA events, or members. The deadline for articles is the 15th day
of the month, 2 months preceding the issue. For example, articles
for the November/December issue must be received by September
15. Thank you.

Submission Guidelines

Tell us how to reach you: Include your name, daytime phone
number, e-mail address, and mailing address with each submission,
including e-mailed submissions.
Go Digital: We regret that we can no longer return submitted
materials. It is best to e-mail your photos. Use a 3.2-megapixal (or
better) camera set for the highest picture quality, and attach your
photos as jpeg files. If you have an old photo that is irreplaceable,
please make a good-quality copy to share with us. (Scanned copies
must be a resolution of 300 or higher.)
By submitting material for publication, you grant the Slovenian
Union of America (formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America)
the use of the material, including your name, hometown, and state.
We may modify, reproduce, and distribute it in any SUA authorized
medium and in any manner or appropriate place.

T h r o u g h T h e Ye a r s …
Zarja -The Dawn
The inaugural edition of Zarja – The Dawn came hot
off the press from Chicago’s Edinot Publishing House
in 1929. Now in the year 2014, without ever missing a
publishing deadline, the original bimonthly magazine of
the Slovenian Women’s Union of America celebrates its
85th year of faithfully arriving in the appreciative hands of
its members across the United States of America. Like the
loving melody and lyrics of Kenny Roger’s song, “Through
the years … I can’t remember when you weren’t there...”
It was in 1926, when a group of concerned Slovenian
women, led by Marie Prisland, realized the importance
of building a remarkable fraternal and social network of
Slovenian immigrant women. As much as this steering
group wished to preserve the traditional gender roles, they
also believed that only a reinvented, respected Slovenian
woman with authority could become a part of the history of
Slovenians in the States and in the homeland. The founding
members were inspired to create a “journal” type of magazine that would be interesting, informative, and serve as
the vehicle in helping these women address the common
frustrations they were facing in their adoptive homeland.
Through the encouraging, printed words on the pages of
the Zarja – The Dawn, the Slovenian immigrants hopefully would be empowered to become American citizens, a
tireless pursuit of Marie Prisland. The moniker of the new
magazine was envisioned to encompass all the unspoken
dreams and hopes for a “new tomorrow” in a new land. So
fittingly, the title chosen employed both the Slovenian word
of “Zarja” and its English translation of “the dawn.” We
Slovenian-Americans found ourselves quite comfortable
with the magazine’s title so, “… as long as it’s okay, we’ll
stay with you… through the years.”
The early editions of the magazine were predominately
printed in the readers’ familiar and comfortable native
Slovenian language. Although, in the back of each edition, there were always several pages written in English,
intended to gradually introduce them to their new adopted
language. Eventually, the English section received its own
recognizable heading and changed to “The Dawn.” By
1956, the editors moved the English section of the journal
to the front! Now there were eight pages of English and
eight of Slovenian. There would be informative articles,
contributed by editorial staff and SWUA members, on
health, faith, family, education, cooking, and understanding American culture and experiences. In that bygone era,
when many of the founding members and ancestors were
freshly immigrating and adjusting to life in this country,
Zarja - The Dawn was the teaching tool that greeted,

September/October 2014

guided, and ushered them into the new American society.
You can almost hear them singing their appreciation, “…
through the years, you’ve never let me down… you turned
my life around, the sweetest days I’ve found, I’ve found
with you…”
Much has changed in the 85 years since the first Zarja The Dawn magazine was delivered, but one thing remains
constant – its readers thirst for continued learning. What
was once the desire for learning of the American ways, has
since seen a gentle nudge into the 21st century. Today’s
members want to hold onto ancestral roots and to learn
more of our ethnic heritage and traditions. The name of
the parent organization has also evolved from SWUA to
now the more encompassing Slovenian Union of America
(SUA) to reflect its impact on all Slovenian family members, not just women. SUA now actively embraces male
and youth members so families can participate, learn, and
grow together in their Slovenian heritage, as well as keep
in touch across America. So now, they too can express…
“I can’t remember what I used to do…who I trusted, who I
listened to before… I swear, you’ve taught me everything I
know… Can’t imagine needing someone so…” But through
the years, we know we’ll need you more and more.
Today our younger generation has become a cross-cultural
blend of heritages. Sadly, most of the Slovenian neighborhoods and gathering centers, such as social halls and
ethnic-pure churches, are disappearing. Eroding along with
them is the awareness and appreciation of their ancestors’
music, dances, foods, and traditions. Once again, Zarja
– The Dawn continues to accept the challenge to follow
the original 1928 vision, mission, and purpose as today’s
relevant and official publication for the Slovenian Union
of America. She still remains the informational tool; the
communication agent that serves to preserve our legacy,
promote our culture, honor our traditions, educate through
research, and offer scholarship opportunities for our male
and female youth.
Zarja – The Dawn may be a seasoned 85 years old in this
year of 2014, but she still looks fresh and relevant! She
endures as one of the oldest ethnic magazines in the United States, but she still has much left to accomplish. Her
continued publication and popularity is truly a milestone in
history, and again like the lyrics of the song, we’ve never
needed you more and more…so we’re glad you’ve stayed,
right here, with us …“through all these years.”
David G. Sodac
Zarja Staff Writer
1

Zarja – The Dawn
1929 - 2014

Reflecting on Some Old History
Corinne Leskovar (Editor: 1952 – 2006)
How does one reflect on half a century of doing
the same thing – working at the same job – having
friends who form a circle that just gets larger
– holding on to a “Mission” that’s bigger than
yourself?
To be able to do this, you would have to be the
daughter of a mother like mine. She was a wonder,
all by herself. She wrapped herself around her
Slovenian family, her church, and neighborhood.
She lived surrounded by Slovenians, and in that
atmosphere I was brought up, sharing everything
she loved.
When I was little the world was a different place;
an immigrant world, filled with hard-working,
natural, happy, and plain people who made
sacrifices to bring meaning to their lives in this
new country, their new homeland - America. They
were courageous and sensible and they saw the
value in community.
All across America, as in Cleveland, Ohio, they
found new jobs in towns where they could start families.
They were seeking friendship, too, and it was not long
before a fresh, young woman found a way to bring all of
this together. She did it by writing letters to Slovenian
women who lived all around the country. When they began
responding she wrote articles in Slovenian newspapers
inviting women to keep in touch. This woman, Marie
Prisland, soon found an amazing response from the ladies,
who, missing their homeland, wanted to be organized in
some way. They wanted to become Americanized and help
their families to do the same. She invited them to join her
new organization, the Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki!
The assessment, which included a small, burial insurance
policy and the monthly publication, Zarja – The Dawn,
cost only about 25 cents a month, which a homemaker
could afford (or “pilfer” from their household pennies).
Many of the secretaries even came to the members’ houses
to collect it! One of them was Mary Otonicar, Secretary
of Branch 25, who did this religiously – she also enrolled
more than 1,500 new members in her lifetime, winning
every membership campaign. Another one who answered
the call was my mother, Albina Novak.
2

Corinne Leskovar (Editor: 1952 – 2006)
The old members called me “Korinca.”
That’s what I was called as a little tot when I went with my
mother to meetings of the newly formed, Ženska Zveza.
The ladies were organizing, from Chicago to as far away
as San Francisco! Something new for them. They met in
various members’ homes, churches, and social halls. But
Cleveland was my home and had a multitude of prospects
for new members, so my mother was busy organizing and
took me with her everywhere. I will never forget how she
would dress me up and bring me along, put me in a chair
in the back of the hall, and then she’d go up to the front
to start her meeting. Most of the time it took so long, with
all the ladies talking at once! It was like a lullaby, and
I’d fall asleep, cuddled up there where I sat, hearing the
hum-m-m of their voices, all talking Slovenian! Whatever
they said, I didn’t much understand – but they made me
feel like I belonged to all of them. After I grew up and
we moved away to Chicago, I occasionally met some of
those ladies on visits to Cleveland. They’d still greet me
with “naša Korinca” (pronounced Korin-tsa). Many years
later, I realized that there was no one left anymore to call
me that - the ladies had all passed on while I was living
in Chicago.

Zarja - The Dawn

My life as a child always centered around Zarja and
Ženska Zveza. My mother was editor for 19 years,
beginning in 1933, and in the first years worked from
home. This was mostly voluntary work; to be paid a fair
salary in those years was a hardship for any organization.
But it didn’t matter. This was her mission. Many days I
would come home from school and find the dining room
table covered by “galley” sheets of names with addresses
for the Zarja mailing list. I spent hours helping my
mother correct the wrong addresses. It was backbreaking
and tedious work. Actually, the tedium never ended until
modern technology took over.
An early printery for Zarja was the American Home
Publishing Co. in Cleveland, located on St. Clair Ave.
During this time, I was in high school. My mother had a
small editor’s office on the second floor in this building,
where they printed many of the Slovenian language
newspapers, programs, and tickets, etc., for the Slovenian
community. Zarja was completely printed, folded,
trimmed, and delivered once a month from that location
by school boys with wagons, who went from house to
house. You see, most of the ladies living there were
members, maybe a thousand of them! Some of these
boys later grew up to be important people - politically
in city government, in business, and as professionals!
But, as kids they had a good, steady job delivering Zarja
by wagon! The copies had no specific address labels, as
did those mailed through the post office. This area was
also the location of the Ohio Gas Company fire in the
1940s that leveled hundreds of homes and killed many
people in the disaster, which I will never forget because
it happened near the American Home building and Zarja
office. Luckily, my mother was not there that day, but
much of our Zarja material stored there was destroyed.

pops out of my memory-bank! From time to time I reflect
with loving thoughts about certain people I worked with
for many years; the women who became brilliant authors
in their own right, and numerous members who submitted
their work for publication. For Zarja, they were volunteers,
doing this for love of the organization!
And, old letters. I sometimes bump into an old file with
a letter from some member who extended compliments
(not to forget a few friendly scoldings for some oversight,
not intended, of course). I still have hand-written or typed
letters from Mrs. Prisland, and some from husbands and
families of non-members who said they liked to read the
Zarja (this was before membership was opened to them).
Zarja was originally published and printed only in the
Slovenian language, as all the Branches were Slovenianspeaking. My mother organized the first English-speaking
Branch in 1930 - Branch 50 in Cleveland, Ohio - so
naturally an English section in Zarja began and grew larger

In the year 1952, when the National Convention of
SWUA was in Detroit, Michigan, my mother was
elected National President. The question of a new editor
replacing her was natural. Knowing many delegates
and officers, from my years as mother’s companion and
helper, I was elected editor. We moved to Chicago where
I married a wonderful Slovenian and was blessed with
two exceptional children.
I can’t say that I have been editor all my life. But
more than half of it.
I learned many things during this span of years in office.
One is a habit of hardly ever throwing anything away
that’s written or pictured on paper, always thinking I’ll
need to print it sometime! I have seen almost every
Slovenian community in the USA and met its people.
Yes, many have gone to their heavenly rewards, but
when I hear an old familiar name, a place and a face

September/October 2014

Albina Novak (Editor: 1933 - 1952)
It was once said of her - “She was woven into the
fabric of the Slovenian Women’s Union!”
3

4

Zarja - The Dawn

through the years. In the 70s, it was already as popular as
the Slovenian section. Recently, as we know, Zarja has
become prominently English. This has become the fate of
many foreign language publications, I fear.
It is eight years since Zarja changed hands, and it is still
very informative and interesting to all readers. I commend
Editor, Debbie Pohar, and Director of Design, Bonnie
Prokup, for their remarkable insight and skillful, artistic
work, and to all the writers and members who help them
coordinate it. I am confident that the members appreciate
their work.
The past is the predecessor of the future.
In the new Zarja, more voices are being heard and
members’ ideas are being expressed; it’s an exciting future
to behold.
But, what of the past? The past is as an 85-year-old picture
– Zarja has become the predecessor, fulfilling the questions
of the new generations of members born far from their
parents’ and grandparents’ homeland. They have Zarja
and they have our SUA Mission that will become their
Mission. We have a precious archive that significantly tells
who we are, how we began as inspired women, what was
important to us, and how we have grown.
The Slovenian Union of America, through Zarja - The
Dawn, wishes to share this amazingly rich and valuable
“Written Word” that has been preserved with love and care.
Our pride in a job well done is well earned!
Footnotes:
Marie Prisland (1890-1979) – Founder, Slovenian Women’s
Union of America; National President (1926-1946)
Albina Novak (1900-1971) - Editor, Zarja-The Dawn, (19331952); National President (1943-1952); National Secretary
(1960-1970)

For a historical time-line, first 75 Years of SWUA
(SUA), and Zarja-The Dawn, see Anniversary Issue,
September - October 2004

A special salute needs to be given to the
devoted Editors of Zarja, as they have
maintained the purpose, integrity, and
relevance of its content “through the
years.” As a result of their determination and dedication, we all sense a connection to one another! Na zdravje!

Julia Gottlieb
1929-1930
Josephine Racic
1930-1933
Albina Novak
1933-1952
Corinne Leskovar
1952-2006
Debbie Pohar
2006-Current

VISION: Dedicated to honor and preserve our Slovenian legacy to promote its ideals and to ensure its longevity for future generations.
MISSION: To be recognized with high esteem, as the leading Slovenian heritage and cultural association
responsible for promoting interest and awakening passion in those Americans of Slovenian ancestry and
serving their diverse interests.
PURPOSE: To commit ourselves to keeping the spirit alive by fostering in our membership an understanding
and appreciation of our Slovenian heritage and by reaching out to awaken or instill this passion in others
through communication, education, and the provision of resources.

September/October 2014

5

e
g
a
s
s
e
M
s
President’
Greetings:
September 13 will mark the 35th anniversary of the death
of our founder, Marie Prisland. Just imagine your life
without SUA! Now imagine being an immigrant woman
starting a women’s organization in 1926, before the women
had the right to vote. Through Ms. Prisland’s vision,
SUA (formerly Slovenian Ladies’ Union and Slovenian
Women’s Union) was founded, and three years later our
beloved magazine, Zarja - The Dawn was first published.
This magazine was able to fulfill her dream by reaching
many Slovenian-Americans across the United States.
All of the Slovenian traditions - food, music, language,
crafts, stories, etc. - are shared through this 85-year-old
publication. How many other ethnic organizations can
boast 85 years of a magazine that keeps the Slovenian
spirit alive?
A special thank you to past editor, Corinne Leskovar, and
current editor, Debbie Pohar, for having the same vision.
Through the years you have never let us down. Through
your leadership we have been able to continue the dream
of our founder, Marie Prisland.
The Membership Campaign, “Show the Love for SUA,”
is in full gear. Every adult member should have received
a letter from me with a special request. Please help SUA
by recruiting one or more members. We need this to keep
our dream alive. Each year takes us further and further
away from that immigrant woman we all had/have in
our family. Can you imagine all the things your children/
grandchildren would not learn if the SUA were no longer
here? Building our membership is very important and we
need your help. Remember there are incentives for you. For
every new member, whether it’s an adult or junior member,
your name will go into a drawing for a chance to win $150
or $100 in cash. The SUA member who recruits the most
new members will receive $100. Who wants to participate?
We hope YOU do! Simply fill out the application inside
this issue of Zarja or download a copy from our website
at www.slovenianunion.org. Write your name on the
bottom of the application for your chance to win. The
more members you recruit, the more chances you have to
win. Let’s do this together! If every adult member would
recruit one new member – just imagine the possibilities.
We can do this!
A Membership Survey is going out to every adult member.
Your response is quite important to SUA. Be sure to take
6

a few minutes to respond to this. It is a great opportunity
for us to get to know our members. Thank you to Tanya
Vajk and her team from Branch 93 - New York City, NY,
for making this possible.
The 2014 Member Representative Meeting is scheduled
for Saturday, November 8, at 10:00 a.m., Central Time. All
Member Representatives have been notified.
SUA’s 2015 National Convention is just months away.
With that comes the opportunity for an entire new National
Board of Directors. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Would
I like to become a National Officer?” We have seven
positions available. It’s a very rewarding opportunity to
do your part in keeping our “Slovenian Heritage Alive.”
Having been on the board for almost 16 years, I can say
it has been not only rewarding, but also a major influence
for my entire family in furthering our Slovenian pride,
traditions, and heritage. I’ve seen many positive changes
during this time and have been proud to be a part of it. We
have worked very hard these past years building a new
SUA. We welcome YOU to join in furthering our Slovenian
heritage for future generations.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Pohar Prokup, National President
wprokup@aol.com

Welcome to Our
New Members
Stadjuhar, Samantha, 3
Stadjuhar, Terence, 3
Deckinga, Chris, 16
Marsnik, Ray, 23
Moravtiz, Beatrice (Tootsie), 23
Udovich, Frank, 23
Olson, Edna, 24
Lamut, Anna, 93
Gorham, Judy, 100
Pluth, Mary, 100
Sego, Maria, 100
Debevec, Charles, 109
Zbasnik, Angela, 109
Zarja - The Dawn

SUA Donations

Thank You!
$50 Donation
Henkel, Nancy, 89,
Convention - +Paula Mavec
Lamm, Dorothy, 50, Zarja
Maxwell, Frances, 99,
Convention - +Paula Mavec
Mejac, Mary Grill, 103, SUA
$35 Donation
Cullen, Mary Ann, 3, +Catherine Perko
$25 Donation
Marubio, Carol, 2, +Mayme Ulepih/Fabian
Tesch, Sandra Yadlosky, 23, +Jane Yadlosky
Gaber, Agnes, 2, SUA
Veit, Alice, 102, +John and Mary Potisk
Peterson, Mildred, 20,
+Bill Petersen & Justine Gregorich
Judnick, Marc, 20, SUA
Kirk, Annette, 93, +Catherine & John Kirk
Maloney, Mary, 24, +Mary Zugich
DelRaso, Karen, 20, +James and Lois Lausch
Princ, Rose Marie, 2, +Rose Moline
Schroeder, Kathleen, 1, +Dorothy Brezonik
Godnavec, Theresa, 50, SUA
Dore, Rosemary, 2, +Anne and Steve Hozzian
Govednik, Joseph, 13, SUA
$20 Donation
Bruch, Barbara, 89, Zarja - +Paula Mavec
Midman, Josie, 43, +Polde Mulej
Pigat, Jessie, 47, +Pauline Pigat
Pavlovcic, Frances, 40,
+Frank and Mary Pavlovcic
Glazer, Zory, +Jennie Glazer
Zalik, Ann, +Paula Mavec
$10 Donation
Staut, Sophie, 102, +deceased family members
Netzer, Patrice, 1, +Ann Lousie Hoffman
Pluth, Mary Ann, 20, SUA
Haneman, Sylvia, 1, +Joseph and Mary Tevsh
Stately, Joan, 109,
+Mrs. Mary Verrant Kosluchar
Minello, Josephine, 50, SUA
$5 Donation
Rozic, Rev. Peter, 108, SUA

September/October 2014

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

My first look at Zarja - The Dawn
was in the house of my grandmother, Josephine Pohar, when
I was little. I remember looking
through the pages, pretending I
could read Slovenian. Years later,
I became a SWUA member at the
request of my father’s sisters. They
recognized a need for the younger
generation to get involved. Soon I
was Regional President of Illinois/
Indiana, then National Secretary
for two terms and now I am in my
second term as National President.
My biggest pride and joy has been
my commitment to Zarja. Corinne
Leskovar was an inspiration to my
sister, Debbie Pohar, and I. Working with Corinne was an important
part of Zarja’s success. We were
confident we could continue her
mission and vision. We had big
shoes to fill and we’ve enjoyed
filling them.
Zarja has come a long way; so
much due to technology. Today
our writers send everything electronically, truly a timesaver. But I
would say the color pages are the
best! I remember a time when one
black and white photo cost us $5$10 to print. Now, we fill the pages
with color photos.
Zarja is made possible by the
support from the membership, the
writers, and our Zarja Staff. All of
you make a difference!
Bonnie Pohar Prokup
SUA National President
7

SWU Scholarship Foundation
CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF FINANCIALLY ASSISTING STUDENTS
Mission: To generate funding to financially assist students
with hope that they will promote and preserve Slovenian culture.
SWU Scholarship recipients of 2014 have submitted
short essays for Zarja - The Dawn readers.
COREY K. HOLDEN, Branch 20 - Joliet, Illinois, recipient of the Rose Marie Princ Award for a Graduate Student
Majoring in Education:
My Slovenian Heritage: “I never really thought about what
it meant to be Slovenian. I knew that my grandmother,
Bernice Ursich Suski, was Slovenian. Together with my
grandfather, Fred, she was involved with the American
Slovenian Home, a Slovenian social club in Joliet, Illinois. I spent a lot of my time as a child at the American
Slovenian Home, could identify Polka songs, and even
knew some Polka masters (Frankie Yankovic, for example). I didn’t realize that I was learning a valuable lesson
along the way. My grandparents ran the American Slovenian Home for as long as I could remember. I watched
them work hard to keep the Slovenian culture alive. The
members of the club became my extended family. The
Slovenian people I met were hardworking, determined,
nice people. I think this is why I work hard and push myself when it comes to life and school. I experienced some
challenges in my life and I drew on that determination to
succeed. My grandparents and their friends knew how to
have a good time and would celebrate their traditions. In
my fast-paced life, sometimes I forget that I need to step
back, enjoy life, and remember why I am the woman I
am today. I had some influential role models and I will
always remember the impact they had on my life.
My grandmother believes in keeping Slovenian influence
in our family. She reminded us that Slovenians “take care
of their own.” She made sure my mother and I were members of the Slovenian Union of America (formerly Slovenian Women’s Union of America). In fact, I have been a
member since I was nine years old. If I can “grow up”

to be half as hardworking, determined, and fun-loving as
my grandmother, I will achieve success. So what does my
Slovenian Heritage mean to me? It means family.”
GIANNA DE GARBO, Branch 5 - Pueblo, Colorado, recipient of the SUA Branch 2 - Chicago, Illinois, Scholarship:
What My Slovenian Heritage Means to Me: “My Slovenian heritage is a significant part of my life. It has taught
me the importance of family, faith, and traditions. Coming from a large Slovenian family, I have learned that
when things get tough we will always draw closer together and put our faith in God. While growing up, my Grandma Mutz and my mom set an example of practicing the
Catholic faith. I am an active member of St. May Church
as a Eucharistic minister, an usher, and an alter server.
Holidays are special to me, because it is the time where
my entire family gets together. My relatives live out their
Slovenian heritage by preparing meals for Christmas,
Holy Thursday, and Easter. On Holy Saturday, my grandma, aunts, and mom fill our baskets full of klobasa, potica, and krofe for the Zegan blessing. I am proud to have
been born into a loving Slovenian family!”
NATALIE GORENSEK, Branch 30 - Home Office, of
Aiken, South Carolina, recipient of the SWU Mathematics and Science Scholarship:
My Heritage and How it Relates to Me: “My Slovenian
heritage is a big part of who I am. Aside from the obvious
traditions that my parents and grandparents have taught
me, I strive to emulate the Slovenian characteristics of
industriousness, hospitality, love of nature, musicality, and devotion to my faith. Growing up in the south, I
was one of only a handful of Slovenian-Americans in my

For more information on the SWU Scholarship Foundation,
visit website www.slovenianunion.org or please contact:
Mary Turvey, Director, 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 mturvey@aol.com
Or Marge Church, 1028 Skyland Drive, Macedonia, OH 44056 yemec1@windstream.net
8

Zarja - The Dawn

community, yet my parents kept up the Slovenian traditions they learned from my mother’s
parents, like celebrating Saint Nicholas on December 6, praying the rosary, and blessing our
home with incense and holy water on Christmas
Eve, getting our Easter baskets blessed on Holy
Saturday, and so on. Years ago, while still in
elementary school, I bugged my grandmother
to teach me how to make potica. I’m so glad I
did, because even though she passed away three
years ago, I can still look forward to homemade
potica for the holidays and with it the fond
memories of my Slovenian-American grandmother. I am proud to call myself an American
of Slovenian descent.”
AMANDA KINNEY, Branch 1 - Sheboygan,
Wisconsin, winner of the Frances Colnar Barman Scholarship:
My Heritage and How It Relates to Me: “Many
teenagers know what their heritage is, but often
do not know much about it or do not celebrate
it in any way. Fortunately, that is not the case
for me. Even though only a small part of me
is Slovenian, it is that part of me that I feel I
know the most about. Ever since I was little I
remember going to Branch 1 meetings, dressing
up in traditional Slovenian clothing, attending
many local festivals with my family, and even
making it to one SWUA national convention.
In more recent years, I have helped out at local
festivals and found ways to use my talents, like
my art skills, to show my Slovenian heritage
in ways like painting of traditional, Slovenian
Easter eggs for a display. Being involved with
those activities has helped me to further explore
my heritage and develop connections to others,
creating a Slovenian family in a way. Getting
together with my Slovenian family at festivals,
to eat potica and kransky as polka music is
playing, is something I will definitely cherish
forever.”
ANGELA PEREZ, Branch 5 - Pueblo, Colorado, winner of the Frances Colnar Barman Memorial Scholarship:
My Slovenian Heritage and How It Relates
to Me: “With a few traditions, moments, and
gatherings I’ve shared with my family, I’ve
learned what the Krasovec family and our Slovenian heritage is all about - through what my
great-grandfather, Martin Krasovec, said: “The

September/October 2014

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

On June 6, 2014, the Venerable
Bishop Frederic Baraga, North
American Missionary, born
1779 in Slovenia, was placed
in his permanent sarcophagus
in the newly constructed Baraga
Chapel at St. Peter’s Cathedral,
Marquette, Michigan.
This saintly priest was not only
of Slovene origin, but also was
a highly educated individual,
who was able to understand
and respect the needs of Native
American people of the Great Lakes Region. He wrote the first
English/Ojibway dictionary for them, sought legal action for
protection of their lands, and most importantly, lead them to a
new life in Christ. Frederic Baraga, First Bishop of Marquette,
Michigan, lived in a highly aesthetic wilderness, where I live
today. He is my mentor.
As the director of the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship
Foundation for the past 19 years, I am delighted to be able to
report to Zarja - The Dawn readers about annual scholarship
recipients, who are also dedicated to education, as was Frederic
Baraga. The young Slovene students of today are strong
community and church leaders, generous to those in need,
aware of physical conditioning and healthy lifestyle needs, and
are strong scholastic achievers. Bishop Frederic Baraga would
approve of the paths these young people are taking and the grand
future in store for each of them.
Being the editor of Zarja’s “Ask Toncka” column for four years,
meant writing helpful suggestions to those who were searching
for their ancestors in Slovenia. It was a project during which time
I learned a bit about various Slovenian families from different
regions of Slovenia, who likewise settled in specific areas of the
United States. Writing for a publication requires a great deal of
personal time, some research, and it always results in learning
something, and finding new friends through the process. My
reporting to the Zarja editors with short book reviews of English
text books on Slovenian topics, available at the SUA Heritage
Museum in Joliet, Illinois, has also been enlightening. These past
19 years have enriched me with some very good friends who are
members of the Slovenian Union of America.
Frederic Baraga’s blood, and that of our own ancestors, no longer
flows through their veins, but their spirits are alive and thrive
within our hearts.
Mary Turvey, Director
SWU Scholarship Foundation
9

Krasovec family name is a colorful tapestry woven
with great pride, strong work ethic, and resilience to
overcome any adversity.” Today the Krasovec family is growing, with so many new members and additions, that it is because of those who went before
and those who have left us that our family has such
a strong foundation – our heritage. Individually, and
as a family, we have all faced difficult struggles and
events, but they have made us stronger, because we
have stayed together. We have come into this life
alone and we will leave this life alone, but it’s the
people who have stayed with us and next to us before, during, and after, are those that make a difference. And this is what family and heritage means
to me.”
AMANDA SCHNIEGENBERG, Branch 50 - Medina, Ohio, recipient of the Raymond Delopst Memorial Scholarship:
My Slovenian Heritage and How It Relates to Me:
“Ever since I was young, my Slovenian heritage
shaped who I am today. This includes everything
from traditions and rituals to commitment and hard
work. My mother and grandmother have passed
down many traditions, like Easter Žegen breakfast
and making klobase. They taught me the value of
hard work through stories of my great grandparents’
struggles, which set great examples for me to follow. Traveling to Slovenia a couple summers ago
opened my eyes to this beautiful country. It brought
me close to understanding where my family originated from and to appreciate how the Slovenian
culture came to be. This trip also solidified new
relationships with family I now know. The pride
in being Slovenian is a contributing factor in my
drive to reach my goals of being a doctor and to
pass along the many traditions I have learned to my
children.”
News of Past SWU Scholarship Winners:
LINDSEY STRATTON, Branch 39 - Biwabik, MN,
writes that she has just finished her first year as a “K
through 12” Guidance Counselor, and she is loving
life.
AMY KONCAR, Branch 20 - Joliet, IL, has completed her freshmen year at Fontbonne University with a GPA of 3.9 in the Honors Program, and
was recently inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta
Honor Society. She is involved with a number of
community programs and services for those in need.
10

NEWS RELEASE ON CHANGES IN SWU
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION QUALIFICATIONS
Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Foundation
This note is in regard to SUA membership applications and
a change in the SWUSF policy regarding scholarship applications. Its purpose is to stimulate growth in young adult
membership in SUA and provide more applicants for scholarship awards.
Currently, 30 students are eligible annually to apply for
scholarships, however only seven to eight applications are
received annually. This has been a problem within the past
years, not just this year. Added to this issue, Rosemary
Princ, a generous donor, has eliminated her graduate school
award due to the lack of number of applicants. A lengthy
discussion ensued at the SWUSF board meeting this past
April, and a final proposal was made and accepted to open
membership and advertise in appropriate media, as well as
communicate to all SUA Branch Representatives, that these
awards are now available to all of Slovenian descendency
who belong to SUA. The change is in the waiving the three
years membership prior to making a scholarship application.
The result would be those who are not members may complete a membership application to join SUA at the current
rate of the adult membership fee. Membership applications
must be completed and into the home office by January 31
of the year the scholarship application is submitted. Once
those applications are accepted and approved by the SUA
Home Office, the new member may complete all forms required to qualify for a scholarship. This proposal was put
forth by Trustee J. Zab and unanimously accepted.
For those applicants who have not been fortunate to receive an award, they will be given a $100 merit award as
has been the practice in the past. It was decided that details
be developed and this process of change be implemented
immediately.
To summarize: A person of Slovenian descent (whatever
percentage), may apply for a scholarship once they have become a member of SUA. We waive the three year membership as part of the scholarship application criteria.
This is an opportunity and incentive for the young adults to
become members of SUA, create a growth in membership,
and develop a new generation of Slovenes who may enjoy
learning more about their heritage.
We recognize that the new member might just give up their
membership at the end of the year, so a practice of maintaining and nurturing the new member should be undertaken.
Kind regards to all,
Marge Church
Mary Turvey
5/21/2014

Zarja - The Dawn

Scholarship Donations
$200 Donation
Pat & Bob Figurowski -“In Thanksgiving”
$50 Donation
Robert & Mary Ann Schellinger,
+Mary Ann’s father, Edward Fedran
Michael & Marilyn Heinl, +Olga Dorchak
Janet Davis, +Olga Dorchak
Robert Lea, +Olga Dorchak
$40 Donation
Joanne Green, +Olga Dorchak
$35 Donation
Karen M.Tolhurst, +Olga Dorchak
$30 Donation
Catherine Maxin, +Olga Dorchak
$25 Donation
Sandra Farrell, +Edward Kurnick
Becki Nieciecki, +Olga Dorchak
Julie Davian, +Olga Dorchak
Dee Ulichney, +Olga Dorchak
Mary McGowan, +Olga Dorchak
Madelyn McKittrick, +Olga Dorchak
Frank N. Sadar, +Olga Dorchak
Slovenian National Home, +Olga Dorchak
Karen E. Kljun, +Olga Dorchak
Ruth K. Durand, +Olga Dorchak
$20 Donation
Bonnie Prokup, +Paula Mavec
Lenore Hradek, +Olga Dorchak
Delores C. Hrovat, +Olga Dorchak
Eve M. Kisley, +Olga Dorchak
$15 Donation
Marge Church, +Virginia Reeves
Marge Church, +Sophia Marie Rosel
Hvala! Hvala! Thank you kind donors for
your support of our scholarship program.

September/October 2014

The Updated Library at the
Slovenian Union of America
Heritage Museum
SUA LIBRARY LISTINGS:
Louis Adamic, born 1898, Grosuplje, Lower Carniola, Slovenia, came to the United States as a
young 15 year old during 1913. He first settled
in San Pedro, California, where he worked as a
laborer, later serving as a U.S. soldier in World
War II, and then becoming a writer and journalist.
Adamic worked for a time at “Narodi Glas.” He
was a prolific writer and much of his focus was on
the welfare of immigrants entering the American
“melting pot.” Historians will find his reflections
on political events and immigrants valuable information. Listed here are Adamic’s books available
at the SUA Library Museum, 431 North Chicago
Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432.
A Nation of Nations, 1945, Harper & Brothers,
New York. A collection of letters from Americans
living in foreign countries.
My Native Land Yugoslavia, 1933, copyrighted
1943.
The Natives Return, 1934, Harper & Brothers,
New York. An American immigrant visits Yugoslavia and discovers his old country. (Best seller)
Laughing in the Jungle, copyright 1932, Harper
& Brothers, New York. An autobiography of an
immigrant in America.
Two Way Passage, copyright 1941, Harper &
Brothers, New York. War and its effect on Western Europe and the United States.
Many of Louis Adamic’s books are available
through interlibrary loan: Peoples of America,
Common Ground, From Many Lands, Grandsons
– A Story of American Lives, My America 19281938, Dynamite, the Story of Class Violence in
America (1830-1934), Cradle of Life, The Story
of Man’s Beginning, and The House in Antigua,
a novel.

11

SUA NATIONAL
CONVENTION
June 18-21, 2015
Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel, Naperville, IL
Slovenian Catholic Center, Lemont, IL
Branch 99 of Lemont, Illinois, is pleased to host the 27th
SUA National Convention next summer. It will be held
from June 18-21, 2015, at the Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel in Naperville, Illinois, and a day spent on the
beautiful grounds of the Slovenian Catholic Mission and
the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont. Lemont and
surrounding areas have a very proud, active, Slovenian
community and we welcome you to enjoy a long weekend enjoying Slovenian food, entertainment, and friends.
The convention is not all business. Attendees will have

Downtown Naperville.

the opportunity to participate in many activities, including a celebration at the SUA Home Office/Heritage Museum in Joliet, Lipizzan horse performance, Slovenian
fashion show, potica contest, apron contest and auction,
polka lessons, beehive tour and presentation, tour of the
Slovenian Catholic Center and grottos, Slovenian art
show, entertainment, and more!

The Member Representative (Delegate) Role.
The member representative is an important role. While
all are welcome and encouraged to attend the business
meetings, only the member representatives sent by the
Branches may vote on matters presented to them. Serving as a member representative is a rewarding and educational experience. They come prepared to represent the
interests of their Branch, take part in all meetings and
activities at the convention, and return to their Branch to
give a full report to those that were unable to attend.
How can YOU and the Branches Help?
You and your Branch can help make this national convention and the entire SUA organization a success by first
encouraging
attendance at
the convention. You can
also help by
offering financial assistance to the
member representative,
help
with
transportation, share
your talents,
donate mon- Slovenian Catholic Center Grotto.
ey for a specific purpose, bring items back from Slovenia, and volunteer in so many ways.

The convention is open to all SUA Branch delegates/
member representatives, members, and guests of all ages.
All are welcome to join in the meals, activities, and business portions of the convention.
Room reservations may be made
at the Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel at special convention
prices beginning later this year.
We know you will enjoy the
beautiful downtown area of Naperville with its many shops and
Slovenian Catholic Center.
restaurants.
12

Watch for future Zarja - The Dawn
issues with more information and details.
If you have questions,
please contact Julie Lajoie,
Convention Chairperson, at
jamp817@comcast.net
or 630.854.5400.

Zarja - The Dawn

Membership Application and Renewal
Slovenian Union of America

(Formerly known as Slovenian Women’s Union of America)
slovenianunion.org sua@slovenianunion.org
815.727.1926

For RENEWALS use form at BOTTOM of this page
Adult Dues $25.00

Adult Dues (International Address) $35.00

Junior Dues (Birth to 18) $5.00

If this is a gift and you agree to continue paying for this membership next year, please advise us of billing address:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dues are for January through December
If you join after August 31 you will not be billed in January of the next calendar year
Membership Renewal Notifications are sent annually in January
Please print the requested information below and send this application form with a check payable to:

Slovenian Union of America, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703
Last Name________________________________ First Name______________________ M___ F____
Street Address_____________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________
Phone____________________________________ E-Mail______________________________________
Date of Birth_______________ Branch Affiliation Number (if known)/Location_______/______________
Maiden Name______________________________ Do you speak Slovenian? _____________________
Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES
___________________________________________________________________________________
How did you hear about us? SUA Member___ Newspaper___ Website___ Other____________________
I would like to volunteer for the SUA. My area of interest or expertise is___________________________
Applicant’s Signature__________________________________________ Date______________________
Recommended by:
Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Name ___________________________________________________ Member ID No.__________________ (located on back cover)
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone _________________ E-mail______________________________ Dues Amount______________ Donation_________________
Mail to: SUA/SWUA, 431 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-1703

September/October 2014

13

Veda Ponikvar, Editor/Journalist

The Daughter of a Slovenian Iron Ore Miner Whose
Focus in Life was Shaped from the Conditions of the Times
- by Mary Lou Deyak Voelk, Zarja Staff Writer ©
“Recognized by the Historical Society as one of Minnesota’s 150 most
important people, Veda helped shape the political culture of the Iron
Range. For generations, her opinions have influenced the development
of the region, and the political careers of many.”
- From the Website of Iron Country Free Press
She was the oldest of five children. Her interests were
vast; learning was her passion. Slovenian was spoken in
the home and in the community. One day, her knowledge
of the language would thrust her into the big, wide world.
Veda Ponikvar was born on May 26, 1919, to Slovenian
immigrants, John and Frances Ponikvar. Her father was
an underground ore miner in Chisholm, Minnesota. “My
father could not read much English, but he knew an A
from an F. Immigrant parents had a tremendous respect
for school.” Veda’s life was shaped by the Great Depression, mine closings, and impoverished families.
Veda graduated from Chisholm High School in 1937. She
was granted a scholarship in journalism at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she studied radio-journalism and political science. During the school year she
lived with the Vickery family, doing the cooking, cleaning, and caring for the children in exchange for room and
board.
Veda was an active student at Drake. She
represented the university, touring the entire
west, as a varsity debater and debate manager. She won every debate for the university. She was elected vice president of Theta
Sigma Phi, the national fraternal society for
women journalists. In her last year of college
she became editor-in-chief of the yearbook,
which was acclaimed by the National Scholastic Press Association as the most beautiful book printed in the history of Drake.
Veda had obtained Franklin D. Roosevelt
Jr. to speak at a mass meeting before Drake
University students. Against the rules of the university,
she went over the head of the president of Drake. When
Roosevelt was refused admittance, she did not stop, but
went through with the mass meeting.
14

Veda graduated cum laude with a degree in journalism on
June 5, 1942. Back home on the Iron Range, her brother
and a large number of young people were enlisting in the
military. Veda joined the U.S. Navy WAVES. Her knowledge of Slavic languages, Slovenian at home and German
and French in college, was highly prized. She was sent
to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, where
she earned a Master’s Degree in six months. After her
graduation she was sent to language school at Frederick,
MD, then on to Washington, D.C., as head of the Yugoslav desk in the Office of Naval Intelligence, decoding
intelligence reports for her country. She was discharged
from the service on December 31, 1946, earning the rank
of Lieutenant Commander.
At age 28, Veda returned to Chisholm and founded the
Chisholm Free Press. She had entered the men’s world,
becoming the first female and the youngest newspaper
publisher in the nation. Perhaps it can be said that Veda’s
voice was as strong or stronger than her pen.
For almost 50 years, Veda worked as a writer, editor, publisher, and northeastern Minnesota’s opinion leader. She was a key player in countless causes in the Iron Range’s
landmark events. She helped shape public
policies, using her newspaper to prod politicians, and giving the reader the facts. Political leaders such as Hubert Humphrey, John
Blatnik, Rudy Perpich, Walter Mondale, and
the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge,
Gerald Heaney, looked to her as a reliable
and important leader and indicator of Iron
Range opinion.
During WWII, she wrote of the service people in the area,
and became involved in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. She was instrumental in establishing the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)

Zarja - The Dawn

programs in high schools in Minnesota. In 1987,
Ponikvar was appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). Her duties included
visits to hospitals, attendance at military funerals,
and helping families cope with military separations. In 1999, she was named CASA Emeritus, a
lifetime appointment.
During the October 1960 presidential campaign,
John F. Kennedy visited the Iron Range. Noting
there was no facility for developmentally disabled children and adults north of the Twin Cities,
he empowered Veda and others to establish such
a facility. “Who could turn down a request from
none other than one John Fitzgerald Kennedy?”
Together with John A. Blatnik, the region’s congressman,
support was rallied at the local, state, and national level
for construction of one of the first day treatment centers
for children with developmental disabilities in the state
of Minnesota. It took 13 years, but on February 4, 1973,
Eunice Kennedy Shriver was on hand for the dedication
of the Range Center, Inc. Today, with an annual budget
of nearly $6 million and a staff of 200 employees, Range
Center, Inc. is a major regional employer. Fifteen residential group homes are located throughout the Iron Range,
with a vocational training center located in Chisholm.
Veda sits on the Board of Directors for the Range Center.
When the rich ore of the Iron Range had been depleted, taconite plants began processing this low grade of
iron. Once the ore was crushed, magnets extracted the
iron, formed into pellets, and shipped through the Great
Lakes. When other states began building taconite plants,
Minnesota saw the need to change the old laws that had
been on the books since the 1920s governing the taxing
of precious metals and ores. The Taconite Amendment
gave the state the means to attract investment money for
semi-taconite projects and any jobs that may spring up.
In other words, it would keep the jobs in Minnesota. The
Chisholm Free Press, with Veda on board, gave readers
the information.
Today the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is a
vast preserve of pristine lakes and woods in northeastern Minnesota, stretching100 miles along the U.S. and
adjacent to Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. No homes
are allowed, and there is no electricity nor motorized vehicles. Most of the 1,000 lakes are designated as paddle
only. Veda’s Free Press kept the public informed during
this very controversial deliberation.
Inspired by Veda’s poem “Yes, the Iron Man Lives,” is
the 81 foot tall miner. It stands at the turn off to the Iron
Range Discovery Center, a living history museum, that

September/October 2014

showcases the heritage of northern Minnesota. The statue has
become an iconic representation of the hard-working generations of Iron Rangers who helped build this country. The ore they mined
was forged into steel for bridges and rails and weapons
of war to help save our country. At the feet of the mighty
miner is the inscribed poem by Veda. It reads:
The Emergence of Man Through Steel
They toiled with purpose. These miners of ours... moving
tons of iron ore for massive steel towers.
This devotion to a nation, they adopted as one, makes
the heritage of the iron range foremost ‘neath the sun.
The legend lives. They were the “Iron Men” who dug
the mines and contributed to the building and expansion
of this country, during an industrial age. They helped to
provide the iron needed when freedom was threatened.
Today, as the industrial age ebbs, and the technological
age advances, the Iron Men are honored with a shrine
that tells us they will never be forgotten. The magnificent
sculpture evokes strength and embodies past history and
ensures continued remembrance of the “Iron Men.”
Look at the contentment in the chiseled face, and you
will see the soul of all the Iron Men who ever were.
This statute, the third largest free-standing memorial in
the United States, is a lasting tribute to the Mesabi, Vermilion, Cuyuna, and Gogebic ranges’ men of steel, who
carved out of a sylvan wilderness the iron ore that made
America the industrial giant of the world.
They shall live forever!
Yes, the Iron Man lives.
15

And now a side story:

Dr. Archibald Wright Graham
It all began in 1908, when a Dr. Archibald Wright Graham
became the Chisholm hospital doctor. During his stay at
the hospital, he averaged 30 births a month, delivering
American-born children of immigrant parents. From infancy he watched them grow and then years later, treated their children. During the 1910 typhoid epidemic, the
1914 polio epidemic, and the 1916 diphtheria epidemic,
Doc Graham was there.
After eight years, Doc Graham left the hospital setting
and became the Chisholm School physician, a position
he would hold for the next 40 years. A man ahead of his
time, he introduced an inoculation program during the
1918 flu epidemic, inoculating children and adults. Veda
Ponikvar and hundreds of school children received their
immunizations or were under his care throughout
their school years. He rode the school bus to athletic events. He also set up his dental practice in
the schools, and partnered with another Chisholm
doctor, and began a preventative dental care program. Students were all issued tooth brushes and
toothpaste; brushing became a regular part of the
school day. Also trained in eye care, Doc Graham
had boxes of eyeglasses sent to his Chisholm office. On Saturdays, children of the Iron Range
miners, from Grand Rapids to Virginia, came to
his office to have their eyes checked, and then
fitted with the proper set of glasses, all free of charge. In
1926, Graham began a 15-year study of childhood blood
pressure, involving more than 25,000 Chisholm students.
Before his career was over, Doc’s data spanned 30 years

and involved 50,000 children. In 1945, Graham’s findings were published in the April issue of the American
Journal of Diseases of Children. He died in 1965, shortly
after retirement.
16

But there was another side to Doc Graham.
On a hot, Friday afternoon in the mid 1970s, a 1930 era
rumble-seat Ford pulled up in front of the Chisholm Free
Press. Two men got out and introduced themselves to
Veda Ponikvar as W.P. Kinsella and J.D. Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye. Kinsella
had run across Doc Graham’s name and
statistical information in the Baseball
Encyclopedia. Archibald Wright Graham was the right fielder who played in
a single major league game for the New
York Giants on June 29, 1905. It was his
major league debut, playing the last two
innings of a one-sided 11-1 victory over
the Brooklyn Superbas. Graham was the
next to bat when the last out in the top of
the ninth inning was recorded. It would
be his only appearance. Not wanting a life in the minors,
he left baseball for a medical career.
Kinsella decided to use Graham’s story for a character in
his novel about Chicago White Sox outfielder, Joe Jackson. The novel, Shoeless Joe, turned out to be a huge success. In 1989, the story was made into the movie Field
of Dreams. Ponikvar is also in Field of Dreams. The actress, Ann Seymour, reads the obituary of Doc Graham
that Vida wrote: “And there were times when children
could not afford eyeglasses or milk or clothing. Yet, no
child was ever denied these essentials, because in the
background there was always Dr. Graham. Without any
fanfare or publicity, the glasses or the milk or the ticket
to the ballgame found their way into the child’s pocket.”
Doc Graham’s name will be forever known by baseball
fans throughout the world. On June 29, 2005, the Minnesota Twins commemorated the 100th anniversary of the
lone, major league appearance of Archibald Wright Graham. Ponikvar threw out the first pitch at the Minnesota
Twins-Kansas City game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

Zarja - The Dawn

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Oberstar.

She
Sheisisthe
theconscience
conscienceofofour
ourcommunity.
community.She’s
She’sour
ourmoral
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praised
and
andcriticized,
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scoldedand
andprovoked,
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andrhapsodized.
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remindsme
meofofthe
theprophets
prophetsfrom
fromthe
theold
oldtestament:
testament:
This
Thisisismy
myword,
word,I Iwant
wantititsaid
saidtotomy
mypeople.
people.You
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viled,mistreated,
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misunderstood,and
andrejected
rejectedfor
forsaying
sayingit,it,
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wantthe
theword
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said.
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hada away
waytotosay
saywhat
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ourcomfort,
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andwhat
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ourease
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forcepeople
peopletotothink
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ways
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inkthat
thatwas
washer
herpulpit,
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might
mighthave
havejust
justremained
remaineddreams.
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She
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hadthe
thetalent,
talent,but
butyet
yetshe
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chosetotostay
stayhere
herebecause
becauseofof
her
herlove
loveand
andcommitment
commitmenttotoher
hertown
townofofChisholm.
Chisholm.
Veda
VedaPonikvar,
Ponikvar,editor/journalist,
editor/journalist,the
thedaughter
daughterofofa aSloveSlovenian
nianiron
ironore
oreminer,
miner,whose
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focusininlife
lifewas
wasshaped
shapedfrom
fromthe
the
conditions
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thetimes,
times,recently
recentlycelebrated
celebratedher
her95th
95thbirthbirthday
dayatather
herhome
homeininChisholm,
Chisholm,Minnesota.
Minnesota.
Sources:
Sources:
John
JohnHatcher,
Hatcher,2012
2012University
UniversityofofMinnesota
MinnesotaImagine
ImagineFund
FundAnnuAnnualalAward
Awardfor
fora a2929minute
minuteinterview
interviewwith
withVeda
VedaPonikvar,
Ponikvar,“The
“TheIron
Iron
Lady
LadyononananIron
IronTown.”
Town.”
Internet
InternetSearch,
Search,Veda
VedaPonikvar
Ponikvaraccolades:
accolades:
Archibald
ArchibaldWright
WrightGraham
Graham
Zarja
Zarja- The
- TheDawn,
Dawn,September
September1942,
1942,
Branch
Branch3838- Chisholm,
- Chisholm,MN
MNNews
News
Duluth
DuluthNews
NewsTribune
Tribune
Minnesota
MinnesotaHistory
HistoryCenter:
Center:Winning
WinningNomination,
Nomination,Minnesota
Minnesota150,
150,
Susan
SusanLatto
Lattodiscovery.mnhs.org
discovery.mnhs.org

September/October
September/October2014
2014

ItItwas
wasa aquestion
questiontotothen
thenSWUA
SWUAPresident,
President,Kathy
Kathy
(Dorchak)
(Dorchak)Ferrante,
Ferrante,“Where
“WheredodoI Ifind
findthe
theinforinformation?”
mation?”Her
Herreply,
reply,“In
“InZarja.”
Zarja.”The
Theend
endresult
resultofof
this
thisconversation
conversationwas
wasa aZarja
ZarjaIndexing
IndexingProject,
Project,anan
amazing
amazingwalk
walkthrough
throughthe
theyears
yearsofofZarja
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tions,and
anda alisting
listingofof4343categories
categoriesofofinformation.
information.
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foresightofofthe
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menta alibrary
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eachpublicapublication;
tion;another
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omenofofthe
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omenofofZarja
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researchororhistorical
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Today
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recognizedasasthe
thewritwritten
tenhistory
historyofofSlovenian-Americans,
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theoldest
oldestconcontinuing
tinuingSlovenian
Slovenianpublication
publicationininthe
theworld.
world.ItItisisthe
the
highest
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honorstotobebea acontributor
contributortotothis
thishistory.
history.
Mary
MaryLou
LouDeyak
DeyakVoelk
Voelk
SUA
SUAVice
VicePresident
PresidentofofCulture
Cultureand
andHeritage
Heritage
1717

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014
BRANCH 99 of Lemont, Illinois, to host a Member
Lunch Brunch at 11:00 a.m. at the Slovenian Catholic
Center. The event is free to all Branch 99 members.
Guests are welcome to attend - Adults $10 and Children $5. RSVP is required by August 31 to MaryAnn
Partyka at 630.661.3600 or e-mail craftymar304@
comcast.net.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2014
BRANCH 93 of New York, New York, to host a Slovenian Thanksgiving feast - Martinovanje - at 11:00
a.m. at 62 Saint Mark’s Place in New York City at the
Slovenian parish, Church of Saint Cyril.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014
BRANCH 99 of Lemont, Illinois, to host a Genealogy
class at 2:00 p.m. in the small hall of the Slovenian
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014
Catholic Center. Learn how to start and what to do
BRANCH 5 of Indianapolis, Indiana, to celebrate with your family’s genealogy.
“Taste of Slovenia” dinner at Slovenian National
Home. Please check the Slovenian National Home TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014
website for more info.
BRANCH 1 of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to host their
annual Christmas Party at the K.C. Hall.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014
BRANCH 93 of New York, New York, to host a
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 special children’s event featuring storytelling, music,
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2015
songs, games, activities from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
27th SUA NATIONAL CONVENTION
at 62 St. Mark’s Place in New York City.
Hosted by BRANCH 99 of Lemont, Illinois. ConvenSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014
tion will be held at the Chicago Marriott Naperville
BRANCH 20 of Joliet, Illinois, to host their annual hotel with side trips to the Slovenian Union of AmerGrape Harvest Festival Dance at St. Joseph’s Park in ica Heritage Museum, Slovenian Catholic Mission,
Joliet. The Bill Koncar Band will perform.
Slovenian Catholic Center, and Lipizzaner Horse Performance. Special activities include Slovenian fashion
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014
show, Potica Contest, Apron Contest, Auction, Polka
ALL EAST COAST SUA BRANCHES have been Lessons, Beehive Tour and Presentation, and more.
invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C.,
where Ambassador Dr. Bozo Cerar will introduce The Hotel reservations can be made at a later date. The
American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF), business meetings, meals, special events, and side
www.ase-fun.org.
trips are open to all Branch delegates (Member Representatives), members, and guests of all ages.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014
BRANCH 99 of Lemont, Illinois, to host annual Bunco Game Day at the Slovenian Catholic Center from
1-4 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. For donations of door
prizes or bakery contact Julie LaJoie at 630.854.5400
or e-mail jamp817@comcast.net.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014
BRANCH 43 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to host a bake
sale at the S. 88th Street School on Election Day. To
volunteer your help call Jan Gehm at 414.321.1413.

18

Zarja - The Dawn

Going Places
A New Book by SUA Friend
Mirjam Milharčič Hladnik
Going Places is a narrative of a century of Slovenian womens’
immigration stories. The book traces the migration of these
Eastern European women to several destinations, including
Argentina, Egypt, Italy, and the United States. The research
has been carefully culled from the subjects’ letters, personal
diaries, and oral interviews. What results is a story that covers
the span of three or four generations.

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

Below is a photo of Corinne Leskovar and I
at the Chapel of Our Lady of Brezje’s 25th
Anniversary gathering, celebrated in summer, 1996, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

The book highlights the biographical story of identity under
construction. Each woman‘s identity surpasses ethnic, national
identity, or belonging, but at the same time, contains different
elements of identity transformation at different stages of the
narrator‘s life. As one participant said, “While their suitcases
may be light with personal belongings, their stamina, strength,
determination, and emotional commitment would sink a battleship.”- Mirjam Milharčič Hladnik and Jernej Mlekuž, editors.
Mirjam Milharčič Hladnik is a research advisor at the Slovenian Migration Institute at the Scientific Research Center of
the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Ljubljana.
She is a well-known researcher and has collected life stories
and testimonies among the Slovenian women migrants and
their descendants in the United States of America (where she
also lived for five years), and that was a basis for a number
of articles, published in Slovenia and internationally, and also
for a critically acclaimed, documentary film, 100% Slovenian.
Ms. Hladnik, as part of the research, also did fieldwork on the
importance of the internet for the preserving of Slovenian cultural heritage, during which she recorded stories of Slovenian
migrants, explaining what new communication technologies
mean to them. She has always known how to present the
research work to wider audiences, be it with a film, lectures
abroad and in Slovenia, and by carrying out study programs
for Slovenian and international students. Ms. Hladnik regularly
participates in round tables and public discussions, not only
those dealing with the questions about the Slovenian emigration, but also contemporary immigration to Slovenia, and
questions on intercultural relationships and active citizenship
that develop from there.

Going Places can be purchased through
Amazon or the University of Akron Press.
September/October 2014

Through my young, adult years, Corinne inspired me to write for Zarja - The Dawn and
to take on numerous leadership roles with
SWUA, now SUA. Corinne’s knowledge
and commitment to Slovenian ideals shined
through in every Zarja publication for over
50 years, inspiring editors, Debbie Pohar
and Bonnie Prokup, all the contributors, and
proofreaders of Zarja to produce a magazine,
streamlined by the benefits of new technology, to help connect SUA members from east
to west, to all corners of the globe. In decades
past, I was fortunate to hear Corinne speak
at large SWUA gatherings, and to me on a
personal level, about her dreams and aspirations for Zarja, which have unfolded to continued brilliant success in our 85th year. May
Corinne’s inspiration and that of her mother,
Albina Novak, continue through this 85th
Anniversary of Zarja and touch the hearts
and minds of the current and future generations of SUA leaders.
Bernadette Kovacic Fitzimmons
Zarja Proof Reader
19

Louise Recher Troglia
Tribute to Long-Time Members

by Patricia Budzilek

ed hospital building on East 222 St., where the family
lived in the back. In his 80s, Louise’s father was still
in great physical shape and worked as a hall monitor
and cafeteria aide at Euclid High School. Her mother
bowled in two leagues while in her 80s. Louise had
two sisters, Marie and Ruth, who were both involved
in water skiing, snow skiing, tennis, and basketball.
Marie is now 91 years old and still has no problems
driving.
Louise followed the family tradition of playing
softball. She was chosen to play on an all-star softball team in Chicago as a pitcher and infielder, but
circumstances prevented her from participating. She
once made an unassisted triple play! An excellent
water skier, Louise appeared on the front cover of
the “Cleveland Plain Dealer’s” Sunday magazine,
the “Rotogravure,” water skiing with John Habat on
Lake Erie in the 50s.

Louise Recher Troglia, daughter of Louis and Mary
(Strah) Recher, was born on East 222nd Street in Euclid, Ohio, when it had a population of about 1,000
people, and was an area of farms and vineyards.
Looking out the living room window one day, she saw
a cow staring at her, a cow which had escaped from
a farm about a mile away! Louise graduated from
Euclid Central High School, and was active in the
1940s in the “Adria” choral group which was based
at Recher Hall.

Louise was “Miss Euclid,” and later went on to the
Miss Ohio pageant, where she was the first runner-up.
This led to the Billie Tilton Modeling School, where
she became a teacher and model. She later worked
as an Executive Secretary and participated in her
company’s sports programs in baseball, horseshoes,
and bowling.

While on a skiing trip in Pennsylvania, Louise met
Frank Troglia from Cleveland who became her husband on November 26, 1953. He was teaching math
and coaching at that time, and later became Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Euclid High
Her family was always involved in athletics. As a School. They were married 56 years when he died
child, Louise was a member of Sokol, where she in 2009.
learned acrobatics. They practiced at a Slovenian
picnic area on a farm on East 260th Street, which today Louise and Frank taught ballroom dancing at night
is a residential neighborhood. Louis Recher operated school classes and various other locations. They were
Recher Athletic Club, which was located in a convert- always seen stylishly dressed, and were a striking
Note: Please notify me if you would like to suggest a SUA/SWUA member to be profiled in this feature.
Remember - they must have been active for many years, and are probably in their 80s.
My e-mail is pbudzilek@oh.rr.com.
20

Zarja - The Dawn

Zarja
Zarja--The
TheDawn
Dawn

couple.
couple.The
TheTroglias
Trogliaswere
wereresponsible
responsiblefor
forthe
theEuclid
Euclid
Lions
LionsClub
Club(a(acivic
civicorganization)
organization)“300
“300Club”
Club”raffle
rafflefor
for
many,
many,many
manyyears;
years;each
eachyear
yearending
endingwith
witha adelicious
delicious
Slovenian
Sloveniandinner
dinnerheld
heldat,at,ofofcourse,
course,Recher
RecherHall!
Hall!LouLouise
isewas
waspresident
presidentofofthe
theLions
LionsClub
Clubfor
forseven
sevenyears,
years,
and
andchaired
chairedthe
theraffle
raffleherself
herselffor
fora afew
fewyears
yearsafter
afterher
her
husband’s
husband’sdeath,
death,until
untilher
herhealth
healthslowed
slowedher
herdown.
down.She
She
continued
continuedtototeach
teachballroom
ballroomdancing
dancingfor
for64
64years
yearsand
and
even
eventaught
taughtfor
forArthur
ArthurMurray!
Murray!
Louise’s
Louise’sfriends
friendsdepended
dependedononher
herfor
forher
hersewing
sewingskills,
skills,asas
she
shewas
wasananexcellent
excellentseamstress
seamstressand
andoften
oftenmade
madeclothing
clothing
for
forthem,
them,and
andeven
evenmade
madethe
thedress
dressher
hermother
motherwore
woretoto
her
herwedding.
wedding.Some
Someyears,
years,she
shemade
madeherself
herselfthree
threeoutfits
outfits
for
forEaster
EasterSunday
Sunday- -one
onefor
forchurch,
church,one
onefor
forthe
theafternoon,
afternoon,
and
andone
onefor
forthe
theevening.
evening.
Louise
Louisevolunteered
volunteeredatatRichmond
RichmondHeights
HeightsHospital,
Hospital,and
and
atatthe
theSlovene
SloveneHome
Homefor
forthe
theAged
Agedfor
for3636years
yearsuntil
untilshe
she
could
couldnonolonger,
longer,due
duetotoa astroke
strokeinin2012.
2012.She
Shealso
alsoushered
ushered
atatSt.
St.Christine’s
Christine’sChurch,
Church,and
andwas
wasananactive
activemember
memberofof
SUA
SUABranch
Branch5050- -Euclid,
Euclid,where
whereshe
shehad
hadbeen
beenananauditor.
auditor.
When
WhenI Ivisited
visitedLouise
Louisetotointerview
interviewher
herfor
forthis
thisarticle
articleatat
the
theSlovene
SloveneHome,
Home,where
whereshe
shecoincidentally
coincidentallycurrently
currently
resides,
resides,she
shewas
wasdressed
dressedperfectly,
perfectly,wearing
wearinga alovely
lovelypant
pant
suit
suitand
andwith
withevery
everyhair
hairininplace.
place.Her
Herdream
dreamisistotoget
get
well
wellenough
enoughtotoreturn
returntotoher
herhome.
home.
Throughout
Throughoutthis
thisarticle
articleI Ihave
havementioned
mentioned“Recher
“RecherHall”
Hall”
and
and“Recher
“RecherAvenue.”
Avenue.”Louise’s
Louise’sgrandfather
grandfathersold
soldreal
real
estate
estateand
andpurchased
purchasedthe
theland
landwhere
wherethe
thecurrent
currentRecher
Recher
Hall
Hall(Slovenian
(SlovenianSociety
SocietyHome)
Home)now
nowstands
standsand
anddonated
donated
the
theproperty.
property.The
Thestreet
streetwas
wasrenamed
renamedRecher
RecherAvenue,
Avenue,
and
andthe
theHall
Hallwas
wascalled,
called,by
bymost
mostpeople
peopletotothis
thisday,
day,
Recher
RecherHall.
Hall.
September/October
September/October2014
2014

Tribute to Long-Time Members

Established
Established1929
1929

My
Mygoal
goalininwriting
writingthe
thearticles
articlesabout
about
our
ourolder
oldermembers
memberswas
wastotomake
make
our
ournewer
newerand
andyounger
youngermembers
members
aware
awareofofallallthat
thatthese
theseremarkable
remarkable
women
womenaccomplished
accomplishedthroughout
throughout
their
theirlives
livesininsupport
supportofofthe
theSUA
SUA
and
andtheir
theirSlovenian
Slovenianheritage.
heritage.Some
Some
women
womendid
didtheir
theirwork
workanonymously,
anonymously,
while
whilewe
weare
arefamiliar
familiarwith
withothers
others
only
onlybecause
becausewe
werecognize
recognizetheir
their
names,
names,but
butknow
knowlittle
littleelse
elseabout
about
them.
them.Some
Somepeople
peoplethink
thinkthat
thatallall
our
our“old
“oldtimers”
timers”did
didwas
wascook
cookand
and
clean
cleanand
andraise
raiselarge
largefamilies,
families,but
but
that
thatwas
wasfar
farfrom
fromthe
thetruth!
truth!These
These
were
werewomen
womenofofmany
manytalents
talentsand
and
abilities
abilitieswho
whowere
werealways
alwaysgiving
givingofof
themselves.
themselves.The
Theobstacles
obstaclessome
somehad
had
totoovercome
overcomewere
weretremendous,
tremendous,but
but
these
theseobstacles
obstaclesjust
justinspired
inspiredthem
them
totohigher
higherachievements.
achievements.Women
Womenofof
this
thisdetermination
determinationwould
wouldbebehard
hardtoto
find
findtoday.
today.
I Itried
triedtotoput
puta apersonality
personalitytotothe
the
names
namesand
andinindoing
doingsosoI Imet
metmany
many
wonderful
wonderfulwomen
womenwith
withvarious
variousininterests
terestsand
andaccomplishments,
accomplishments,whose
whose
lives
liveshonored
honoredtheir
theirSlovenian
Slovenianheriheritage
tageboth
bothdirectly
directlyand
andindirectly.
indirectly.ItIt
was
wasmy
mypleasure
pleasuretotointerview
interviewthem
them
and
andhear
hearabout
aboutfascinating
fascinatingevents
events
inintheir
theirlives.
lives.I Ithank
thankthem
themfor
forthis
this
opportunity.
opportunity.From
Fromthe
thefeedback
feedbackthey
they
and
andI Ihave
havereceived,
received,I Ithink
thinkI Iam
am
accomplishing
accomplishingmy
mygoal.
goal.
Patricia
PatriciaBudzilek
Budzilek
Zarja
ZarjaStaff
StaffWriter
Writer
2121

A Tantalizing “Taste” of the
New ZARJA Heritage Cookbook
- by David Sodac Branch 89 - Oglesby, Illinois
My wife and I had been cordially invited for a firsthand
experience and foretaste of the upcoming recipes that are
being carefully selected for inclusion in the much anticipated 2014 Zarja’s Anniversary Heritage cookbook. We
were forewarned to arrive hungry and ready to sample
the food selections. We reached the front entranceway of

SUA President Bonnie Pohar Prokup’s home and rang the
doorbell, we heard an inviting voice holler, “Just come in,
it’s open!” As we entered, our taste buds were gripped by
the tantalizing aromas that came wafting in to greet us from

22

the back kitchen. We glanced at the obviously purposeful
clutter in the front living room strewn everywhere with
clusters of seasonal props and Slovenian memorabilia that
would be used for the final staging of the photos that would
be taken of the finished Slovenian food dishes. We were
drawn into the kitchen and witnessed the busy beehive
of weekend baking, cooking, and food preparation of the
recipes being considered as outstanding and delectable
enough to be chosen. Our eyes quickly were directed to
the counter where plates of various foods were resting. In
an instant we were told, “Those can’t be eaten yet, they’re
awaiting their photo sessions with Debbie!” A collection
of seemingly seasoned kitchen-whizzes were swarming
around the kitchen, carefully kneading sweet bread dough,
thinly slicing almonds, boiling potatoes, dicing onions, and
peeling chestnuts.
The Zarja editor, Debbie Pohar, was grabbing a couple of
the colorful plates of food in front of our watering mouths
to take out to the outdoor “staging table”. The table was
arranged with appropriate props, focusing on the “Feast of
the Three Kings” featured recipes. After the photo session
in the natural outdoor light, she brought the dishes into the
kitchen and alerted everyone that it was time to dig in! It
seemed everybody was waiting to hear those words, left
their counter stations, and quickly consumed the delectable

Zarja - The Dawn

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

morsels of food. But with limited time to spend sampling,
the chefs promptly returned to their recipe preparations.
Many of our Zarja readers may
already be aware of the various
committees of volunteers working
diligently in crafting a new cookbook
for the Slovenian Union of America,
the first one since 1998. The groundwork was already laid out to make
this cookbook much different. The
previous cookbooks included many
recipes submitted from SUA members’ families. This new cookbook
will feature Slovenian-American
recipes that will fittingly coincide
with holidays. The inspiration for this book is to blend
traditional foods of the old world with modern American conveniences. This cookbook will offer more than
recipes. It will have vibrant color photos, and offer
written synopses of cultural and heritage traditions. As
the preface to the new cookbook reads, “Recipes and
traditional crafts are like folk tales, they become small
parcels of our Slovenian culture.”
There are two teams of chefs preparing the selected
recipes. One in Peru, Illinois, where team members
Bonnie Pohar Prokup, Debbie Pohar, Jean Ficek, Cathy
Lenkaitis, Karen Taylor, and Barb Pohar were gathered
during our visit. The other is in Ely, Minnesota, at the
summer vacation home of the Vice President of Culture
and Heritage, Mary Lou Voelk, where the recipes are
focusing on the entire Christmas holidays piece. The
cookbook committee aspires to make the new cookbook
available in time to purchase at the National Convention
in 2015 and hopes that it can be offered in both hardbound and soft-covered options. Our hope is that it can
find a niche in your homes and be used as a guide for
modern families to bring Slovenian culture and heritage
into their festivities.

September/October 2014

I first became aware of the Zarja - The Dawn publication
in the mid 1990s. I visited the Slovenian Embassy in
Washington, D.C. to get materials for a presentation at a
Family Day, which was being held in the courtyard of the
FBI building, where I worked. A contact was provided and
I called her, Irene Planisek Odorizzi, who asked her SWUA
Branch for some volunteers to stand at the table. That is
when I met Nika Kovacic and Marie Robinson. After the
event I asked Nika to speak to our local Slovenian Genealogy Society chapter about heritage; she deferred saying
that Irene was a much better choice. So I called Irene and
she made a presentation at the home of Carol Ryba (SUA’s
current National Treasurer), where our members met. After
the presentation Irene gave out applications for membership
in the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, and three of
us joined - myself, Carol, and Diane Cherne. I then started
attending the Branch meetings where I met many of the
longtime members and started to read the Zarja. I really enjoyed Irene’s articles and her book. Irene and Nika became
my mentors in things Slovenian and supported my appetite
for history and genealogy. If it weren’t for Irene, Nika, and
her daughter, Bernadette Kovacic Fitzsimmons, I would
not be as involved as I am. My second influence was my
aunt, Rose Plautz Pakiz. In 1985, Rosie asked me to type
up a list of all her nephews and nieces; she had 12 siblings,
each of whom had a family. After that first initial flutter of
interest, it wasn’t until 1994, when I obtained a computer
at home, that my interest resumed. Rosie sent slips of paper
with names, laughing, and telling me, that they were related
to us; find out how. She has sent me photos and other bits
of ephemera. And without her memory, along with a few
aunts and my dad, we would never know or remember some
of the high and low points of their family life, growing
up in the wilderness in the middle of Wisconsin. Since I
am the family historian, no one seems to want to take on
the work of maintaining data and archives. I have no idea
where this wealth of information will go. But without the
connection to some women in Washington, D.C., and my
aunt in Greenwood, Wisconsin, I would not have become
a heritage and genealogy writer for Zarja - The Dawn.
George Plautz
Zarja Staff Writer
23

Slovenian Ambassador to the United States,
Dr. Božo Cerar, visited the Iron Range
Slovenian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Božo
Cerar, visited the Iron Range on Friday, July 18, 2014.
Dr. Cerar had quite a busy schedule in a short visit to the
North. He was traveling with Miro and Karen Medved,
(Miro formerly of Biwabik) from Roseville, MN. Miro is
an Honorary Slovenian Consul.

Honary Consul to Slovenia, Miro Medved (Twin Cities
Branch) and Adolph Levar, Ely, MN.

in getting the paintings displayed at the Embassy.

John Stark, President of Branch 35 and Vice President Sharon Zaverl Starkovich at the reception for the Ambassador.

The day continued with a reception at Vermilion College.
John Stark, of Aurora, welcomed the Ambassador with
the playing of music on his Slovenian button accordion.
The Slovenian National Anthem was sung at the direction of Jim Lah, and all joined in with the beautiful mu-

Their first stop was in Virginia, MN, at the home of artist,
Albin Zaverl. Recently Mr. Zaverl had a large display
of his artwork at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington
D.C. Dr. Cerar expressed interest in meeting Mr. Zaverl
and agreed to visit Ely at the invitation of Bina Medved,
who was at the Embassy with her sisters, Rosie and Nadi,
demonstrating strudel making. In Virginia the Ambassador was greeted by Mr. Zaverl’s nieces, Sharon Starkovich and Joanne Coombe, who is executive director of the
St. Louis County Historical Society at the Depot in Duluth, MN. Joanne, working with Mary Lou Voelk, SUA
Vice President of Culture and Heritage, was instrumental

Jim Lah Family (Branch 39 - Ely, MN) with the Ambassador
Left to Right: Ruth, Dr. Cerar, Jim, August, and Blaz Lah.
24

Dr. Cerar with artist, Albin Zaverl, in his Virginia home.

Zarja - The Dawn

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

Ross Peterson, Mayor of Ely, presenting
Dr. Cerar the key to the city.

sic. Gerry Petrich, President of Slovenian Union of
America, Branch 23, introduced the Mayor of Ely,
Ross Peterson, and welcomed all who were in attendance. The Mayor of Ely presented Dr. Cerar the key
to the city, and thanked him for honoring the people
of Ely with his visit. The Ambassador was sincerely
impressed with the beauty of the area and the warm
reception. “Ely reminds me of Slovenia without the
hills,” he said. Many of the people attending the reception enjoyed a personal visit with the Ambassador.
They also had many ethnic foods to enjoy, including
Slovenian sausage, potica, and strudel.
In the evening a dinner in honor of the Ambassador,
with music provided by the Barich Brothers, was
held at Creek Ridge Lodge. Dr. Frank Udovich, the
proprietor of the Creek Ridge Lodge, welcomed the
Ambassador, and Father Bill Skarich, Pastor of St.
Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely, said Grace. The
Ambassador spoke at length about Slovenian-American relationships. He expressed appreciation for the
hospitality and warmth of the Iron Range residents,
many who were from the Ely area. He shared some
of the history of Slovenia, some of his experiences
at his various other diplomatic assignments, and expressed pleasure in his experience in Minnesota. He
promised to be back again.
The dinner of chicken or prime rib was served with
dessert, dobosh torte, a Slovenian favorite. Once the
music started, it soon became a Slovenian “sing-along.” All guests were enjoying music which brought
back many memories from the past. The Ambassador
enthusiastically joined in the singing.
A big thank you goes out to the Ely Branch of the
Slovenian Union of America and to all those who
worked hard with the preparations for the visit of
Ambassador Cerar, making it a memorable event for
all who attended.

September/October 2014

I have been accused of being a hoarder – which is not true
– unless you consider my stockpile of every issue of the
Zarja – The Dawn magazine I’ve received since my SWUA
membership began in the year 2000. I cherish these issues
and could not bear the thought of discarding them. I have
been known to give my yearly speech to the members at my
Branch 43 – Milwaukee meetings – to NEVER toss away
their copies of Zarja! I ask them – if they de-clutter rather
than save – to leave them at their hair stylists’ shops, their
dentists’ and doctors’ offices, anywhere that others may see
them, read them, and get hooked on everything Slovenian.
If they can’t see themselves doing that, I ask them to bring
them to me – and some do just that. I then plan to deliver
them around town.
I am hooked on reading and have always eagerly anticipated the arrival of each issue and would read the Zarja
from cover to cover. Several years ago you may have
read some of my many articles about SWUA’s proposed
amendments to our bylaws. That was tedious and boring
to some – but very interesting to me. Now, I think we’re
all glad that part of our SUA/SWUA business is over. I do
enjoy reporting on special events and the promotion of and
results of our National Convention fund-raisers. However,
things have changed for me. For the last couple of years - I
now no longer get excited when the issues arrive in my
mailbox. Allow me to explain! I am now a proofreader for
the Zarja before they go to print. Misspellings and punctuation errors used to pop right out at me whenever I read
any publication. But now, I have a responsibility! I read,
and reread, and then again once more all articles submitted.
I think I’m pretty good at this assignment – but realize I,
too, can miss something. By the time the Zarja arrives in
my mailbox it is all old news to me. I no longer have that
eagerness for their arrival, but now eagerly await the next
submissions. I must read them on my computer screen and
do miss holding the issues in my hands to read. Don’t feel
badly for me – my stockpile allows me to pull out the very
old issues, reminisce about events of years past, and enjoy
the articles all over again.
Denise P. Bartlett
Zarja Proof Reader
25

Slovenian
Union of America

Branch Reports
BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Contact Information: Mary Ann Schellinger
920.457.7946/rhmas@yahoo.com
On June 19 we held our annual pot luck dinner in Fr.
Cherne Hall at S.S. Cyril & Methodius Church. Many
traditional Slovenian dishes were served, including breads,
bean salad with pumpkin oil, kransky klobasa, rice sausage,
potica, rosky, potato salad, and pink tea.
Branch President Mary Ann Schellinger gave a brief talk
on Slovenian traditions. She talked about family gatherings,
music, and traditional foods.

On July 4 some S.S. Cyril and
Methodius Church parishioners,
along with a few members of
SUA, walked in the parade to
promote attendance at our Slovenian festival.
Sunday, July 13, we celebrated our annual church picnic
at Deland Park on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
Father Paul Fliss celebrated a
Polka Mass. It was attended
by hundreds of people. After
Mass, the games, food, and beer
stands opened. This year over
100 loaves of potica were sold.
We also had cherry and apple Poticas (among the 100+)
that were sold at the Slostrudel, cookies, and cakes. The
venian picnic.
bakery stand is always a huge
success, along with the ice cream stand.
The food stand featured brats, hamburgers, chicken,
Tom Repenshek, Betty Repenshek, Aggie Gruenke, Mary Ann and kranskys with sauerkraut. We also served Slovenian
Govak, and Jerry Govak in the bakery tent getting ready to
potato salad, cabbage, bacon, and dumplings. Music was
sell the goodies.
featured all day. The day was a huge success thanks to all
who attended and to the many volunteers.
Our next events will be: September 14 - Brunch at Al
& Al’s, October 6 - Election of officers after Mass in Fr.
Cherne Hall, November 6 - Mass at 9:00 a.m. to honor all
past members of the SUA, and December 9 - Christmas
Party at K.C. Hall
BETTY REPENSHEK

Mary Jo Grabner, Dick Jelovnik, and Mary Ann Schellinger
- SUA members who walked in the 4th of July parade.
26

BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois
Contact Information: Judy Stoll judystoll@att.net
Our last meeting before our summer break was on Sunday,
June 8. We enjoyed meeting in the beautifully refurbished
“church basement” that the Cristo Rey High School allows
us to use. A few of the smaller, stained glass windows that
once graced St. Stephen Church are displayed around the

Zarja - The Dawn

room, and they never fail to bring back memories. Placed along
one wall is a stunning, wood decoration that was once part of the
church’s choir area. I wonder what talented craftsman created that
lovely piece. Our Branch is really so grateful that the Cristo Rey
High School has kept these reminders of our heritage to share
with their students and with us.
On a sad note, we report that our member, Dolores (Oviik)
Nauheimer, passed away this past June. We offer our condolences
to her family. Keep in your thoughts and prayers the very active,
long-time members of our Branch, Mary Reich, and her sister,
Elsie Ciszak. Also, Mary Newbould, daughter of our president,
Jean (Daisy) Zeleznaker, continues to struggle with health issues.
Pray for Mary, Elsie, Mary, all our ailing members, and those in
service to America.
Our picnic committee met at Rosemary Litwin’s house to discuss
the last minute details of our annual fund-raiser and, of course,
to enjoy the lunch that Rosemary provided.
Our next meeting will be in September. Until then, enjoy the
rest of summer everyone!
JUDY STOLL
BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado
Contact Information: Annette Charron
amtcharron@yahoo.com
Branch 3 has suspended business meetings over the summer.
However, our Branch organized a bus trip to the casinos in Cripple
Creek on July 13, and this summer the city of Pueblo sponsored
activities relating to the Slovenian neighborhood surrounding
St. Mary’s church.
The bus trip to Cripple Creek,
a fund-raiser for the Branch,
was a success. Participants enjoyed the breathtaking views
of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains on the
way up to the old mining town.
Possible fun activities in Cripple Creek include gambling
in the casinos, eating at the

Some of the Branch 3 gamblers taking
a break in Cripple Creek.

September/October 2014

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

Zarja - The Dawn Branch Reporters were asked
to tell us, what it is like to be a writer for Zarja.
They were encouraged to send in a photo of
themselves, their family, or with their favorite
Slovenian foods or treasures. - Enjoy!
BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Once upon a time (May 1906) a young girl
named Marie ventured from her homeland a
long, long ways away and landed in the New
York Harbor of America and then later came
to Sheboygan. Life in the new country was not
easy and as the years went by she was aware of
all the struggles the newcomers had to endure.
She had a dream, which came true in 1926 as
she founded the Slovenian Women’s Union of
America, now known as SUA. Since that time,
our members strive to continue to “live Marie’s
dream.” Whether it is sharing a smile with a
member (Pauline Rupar, 103½ years of age,
and Mary Ann Schellinger), carrying on the
tradition of making potica (Aggie Gruenke and
Shirley Vertacic), sharing a musical talent and
proudly donning a traditional costume (Alec
Lindstrom), or lighting a Slovenian candle at a
funeral with vases of red carnations as a colorful
farewell (funeral of Ed Fedran) - writing articles
for Zarja gives me the honor and privilege of
hopefully carrying on the dream that Marie had
to “Let our Slovenian Heritage Shine.”

BRANCH 3 - Pueblo, Colorado
Writing for Zarja is a lot of fun. We have been
writing since 2010. This assignment gives us the
opportunity to get to know the Branch officers
better and to interact with a variety of people.
Annette concentrates on creating and typing
27

restaurants, taking walks around the historic town, and
touring the local museum, which has memorabilia and
furnished rooms representative of Cripple Creek in its
heyday. The weather was cool and partly cloudy, which
was perfect for sightseeing.
A documentary movie about the history of the St. Mary’s
Church neighborhood, where many Slovenians settled and
still live (officially called Eiler’s Heights Neighborhood
by the city planners, but “Bojontown” by locals), premiered at the Rawlings Library earlier in July. The event
included potica, pohanje, and other Slovenian treats prepared by neighborhood residents and there was standing
room only. The movie was one of the results of a historic
survey of the neighborhood. If you would like to see the
14-minute documentary, “Potica, Pints and Prayers in Old
Bojon Town,” about the history of Pueblo’s Slovenian
neighborhood, here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=BXy1bbBBvZs.
The historic, Slovenian neighborhood may become a national historic district. Branch 3’s next regular meeting will
be held on Tuesday, October 7, at St. Mary’s Church hall.
ANNETTE SABO CHARRON
& BARBARA KARLINGER
BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana
Contact Information: Phyllis Fon
phyllisswu5@aol.com
Greetings all Branch 5 members! Hope you are enjoying
our beautiful, autumn weather; trees changing to colors of
golden orange and red, late gardens bursting with turnips,
potatoes, and cabbages, ready to be saved for warm, winter
soups. Autumn apple trees always have the biggest and
juiciest fruit for pies and cinnamon applesauce. Farms,
here and in Slovenia, are at their busiest, picking crops
and filling freezers with farm-raised beef, chicken, and
pork. Nothing goes to waste; making such delicious dishes
as hogs-head
cheese, pickled
pig’s feet, oxtail stew, and
my favorite,
SAUSAGE!!
Every family
has their own
“secret recipe,”
passed down
f r o m g e n e ration to generation; from
small, breakfast links to
Cline Family: Scott and Sara (Fon) Cline large rings of
blood sausage.
with Ava Rose at her baptism, and big
Today, many
brothers, Jonathon and Charlie.
28

families, in rural and urban settings, still gather and make
the family klobasa, usually accompanied with much storytelling and plenty of pivo and slivovitz. ZIVIJO!
There are several events to mark on your calendars for the
coming months. September 14 at the Slovenian National
Home, come join us as we celebrate a “Taste of Slovenia”
dinner! Several groups are joining together to present a
scrumptious array of Slovenian delicacies for your enjoyment! Please check the Slovenian National Home website
for more info.
Our popular “Koffee ‘n Krofe” event and our “Iron Skillet” holiday dinner are also in the works. Watch your mail
for exact dates and times for these events. As always, family
and friends are welcome to join in the fun!
Families and friends... are they members of SUA? Christmas is coming... how about a gift membership? Remember
those cousins who moved out of state? They would love
to receive Zarja, and would thank you for it! How about
that guy who had the Slovenian grandmother? He always
wanted to know more about Slovenia! The campaign for
new members is on right now, with a cash prize for the
most new members. Sign up someone today! Keeping all
of you in our prayers!
MARY, KAREN & PHYLLIS
BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California
Children are back to school and October ends with
Halloween. We are off and running into the holidays.
We sure hope California is blessed with rain this year.
Newspapers say we have only two years of water left in
our reservoirs. Think Rain!
Our treasurer, Michele Twers, had very painful hand
surgery, leaving her with a cast up to her elbow. To Michele,
and all our members who are under the weather, get well
soon. Auditor, Virginia Sustarich’s granddaughter, Priscilla,
has moved out to California. Grandma is very happy. We
would like to wish a happy 10th anniversary to Alina and
Kevin Spencer, and happy 5th anniversary to Bernadette
and Kenneth Spencer. Also celebrating its 85th anniversary
is our beautiful Zarja magazine. Branch 13 is 87 years
old and was very active in the early days when everyone
lived on Potrero Hill. The 101 freeway went through our
neighborhood moving many homes out of the way. In those
days, our secretary sent post cards of coming events and
also collected all of the Branch dues, then sent it to the
Home Office in Joliet, IL.
In 1961, Frances Chiodo led a group of Slovenian Women
Union members to Hawaii. In 1995, the SWU National
Convention was held in San Francisco. A fabulous time
was had by all. SUA members now meet for the Member
of the Year luncheon and still meet at the Slovenian Hall
for our monthly meetings. Those of us that attend have a
wonderful time.
MOREEN SPENCER

Zarja - The Dawn

BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois
Contact Information: Diane Hohenwater
dhohenwater@comcast.net
Plans are in full swing for our annual Grape Harvest Festival
Dance. Our September meeting has been moved to Tuesday,
September 23, allowing us to finalize arrangements closer to the
event. This year’s dance will be held on Sunday, September 28,
at St. Joseph Park in Joliet. The Bill Koncar Band from Minnesota will perform wonderful music. Bill hails from Joliet and is
a popular, strolling accordionist and bandleader in the Midwest.
The Bill Koncar Band plays a variety of music, including polkas,
waltzes, fox trots, swing, Latin rhythms, as well as classic rock
and pop tunes.
Bill Koncar began playing the accordion at age nine in his
hometown of Joliet, Illinois; taking accordion lessons from a
family friend. Bill, and his brother, Ray, who plays Slovenian
button accordion, and some friends formed the Koncar Brothers’ Band in Joliet in the early 1980s, playing engagements in
the Joliet/Chicago area. After Bill, his wife, Sue, and their three
sons, Matt, Andy, and Joe, relocated to the Twin Cities, Bill (accordion), Andy (drums), and Joe (accordion & drums) began
performing in the Twin Cities area. Besides playing numerous
band engagements, Bill is a popular, strolling accordionist. Bill
and/or the band perform approximately 250 gigs per year at a
variety of venues and events in the Midwest.

We appreciate the great support we have received from neighboring Branches in the past and hope to see you again this year!
Our event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome! We
work hard to make this a traditional Slovenian event, and will be
serving Laško pivo and Slovenian wine again this year. One of
the most enjoyable parts of our Grape Harvest Dance is when the
honorary mayors from past years gather together at the stage and
drink a toast before parading through the hall playing their button
boxes and accordions. You truly feel as if you are in Slovenia!
Happy 63rd Anniversary to members Peter and Theresa Papesh!
On a sad note, our sincere sympathy goes out to our Spiritual
Advisor, Father Tom Paul, whose sister, Roseanne, passed away.
We also mourn the loss of member Adrianna Vidmar, as well as
Richard Churnovic, husband of member Audrey Churnovic. The
Churnovics had just celebrated 60 years of marriage. Branch 20
offers condolences to the family of Branch 99 member Paula
Mavec. Paula was a lovely lady whose kindness was extended
to members of all SUA branches.
DIANE HOHENWATER
BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois
Contact Information: Loretta Story 9_lives@att.net
Our summer picnic, held on June 19 at Starved Rock Family
Fun, was a huge success! The ethnic food, music, and camaraderie
was so enjoyable. Whether it’s 20 or 50 members, we love being
together and sharing our time and stories.
President Diane Data has a wonderful agenda lined up for us,
including a visit to SUA’s Heritage Museum in Joliet and to St.

September/October 2014

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

the report, while Barb proofreads for correct
spelling and takes the lead in contacting branch
members for information. Being the writers of
our branch is very rewarding because members
are always excited and thankful when they read
a newsy report covering our local events.
BRANCH 5 - Indianapolis, Indiana
As a writer for Zarja, there are many things
that I wish I could write about. I wish that I
could have talked to some of the older Branch 5
members who are no longer with us, and gotten
their stories of their journey to America. I wish
that I could have talked to the Slovenian women
of Haughville who were the first to sign up for
the Slovenian Women’s Union, something that
I am sure was unheard of in most households
in the 1930s. Most importantly, I wish that I
can write of something, an event or a location,
that will trigger a memory or a tradition in the
members who read Zarja, and that those readers
will share that thought or teach that skill to the
next generation of American Slovenians, to
continue to keep our Slovenian heritage alive
and growing!

BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California
Bara Kramer went back to see Marie Prisland
about starting a branch out west, 87 years ago.
It would bring our Slovenian women together
29

Joseph’s Church. We look forward to the fall when our
meetings will resume.
In the meantime, enjoy Zarja, and thank its Editor and
all those who make it the wonderful magazine that it is.
By the way, I NEVER throw my issues away!
Happy 85th Birthday, Zarja! Thank you & God bless all
those who make it possible!
LORETTA STORY
BRANCH 33 - Duluth, Minnesota
Our Branch members are a close and loving group. We
try to do things for others, as well as ourselves. Josie
Rzatkowski sends cards out when someone is ill. Renee
Doble and Jackie Rukavina do quite well in taking care
of the shut-ins at Christmas time. We see to it a little gift
is given to them.
ANN MENART
BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota
Contact Information: John Stark
johnks6@yahoo.com
Summer arrived mid June, but the furnaces have been
running periodically. The gardens were behind on growth,
and like so many places around the U.S., the rains just keep
coming. Fortunately, we didn’t experience flooding, and
we are thankful for that. The year 2014 has been different
climate-wise, beginning with the cold, snowy winter.
Longtime member, Dottie Jamnick, passed away. Also,
Rose Anttila’s and Tom Bajda’s sister, Paula Mavec,
passed away. She was a dedicated member of Branch 99
in Lemont, IL. Climbing Mt. Triglav was a passion of
hers; collecting donations and giving them to the SUA for
the 2015 National Convention. Her sisters will finish the
climb for her. Due to weather, Paula was not able to reach
the summit. May Dottie’s and Paula’s souls rest in peace.
Many of our members enjoy the Northern Lights Music
Festival held every year in Aurora and area communities.
Students and teachers from all over the world spend three
weeks here for training and performances. We were entertained with Bizet’s opera, Carmen, as well as Britten’s
opera, Noye’s Fludde. The concerts began on July 1 and
ended on July 19. Veda Zuponcic, former Aurora resident,
and internationally known pianist, is the Festival coordinator and teaches music at Rowan University in New Jersey.
Vida’s mother is deceased member, Helen Zuponcic.
St. John’s Church, Biwabik, MN, (Branch 39 was originally the Biwabik Branch until they transferred to the Aurora
Branch) hosted a Slovenian Mass and Dinner on July 26. Fr.
Milan Dimic, from eastern Connecticut, celebrated Mass in
Slovenian, and the Singing Slovenes provided music. Our
Branch president, John Stark, is a member of this group.
Mass was followed by a Slovenian dinner.
Until the next issue - wishing good health to everyone!
MARLYS RABB
30

Agnes Starasinich Galleberg
Turns 90 on September 16

A Life-long Member of Branch 33

- by Margaret Clancy, daughter
Agnes was born to Slovenian parents, Mary Rot and
Frank Starasinich. She is the youngest of three Starasinich children; Frances and Edward have passed away.
While her mother was pregnant with Agnes, Frank passed
away in March of 1924. Mary, now alone with three children, went to work. In February of 1926, Mary married
Peter Ivanovich and they had Tony and then Julia. All are
gone now except Agnes, our matriarch.
Agnes learned English when she started kindergarten.
She went to Stowe school, in Duluth, MN, until the eighth
grade. During WWII Mary worked at the cement plant in
Duluth, MN.
She married
and gave birth
to two children, George
and
Margaret. Agnes divorced shortly after and
then married
a wonderful
man, Clarence
Galleberg.
He
adopted Left to Right: Agnes’ sister, Julia, cousboth George in Veronika from Slovenia, and Agnes.
and Margaret.
They worked hard, built their dream house, and had a
wonderful life. Clarence passed away in 1996.
In 1984 mom and I visited Slovenia and stayed in the
village of Nova Vas with Agnes’ first cousin, whom she
had never met. We had the most wonderful time. We discovered wonderful family history. We still communicate
with our relatives in Slovenia. Mom still speaks Slovenian and she was a great interpreter on our visit. So far we
have genealogy going back to 1742 on the Rot side and
1856 on the Starasinich side.
Agnes had a book published in 1969, one she had been
writing for years. She also got her GED. At the age of 89
she is still in her own home; mowing her lawn, not because she has to, but because she wants to. She is also in
the process of writing a sequel to her first book, “Daughter of an Outlaw.” She is the most amazing 90 year old
I know. Agnes taught herself to play the accordion and
has performed for some community events and Slovenian
Ladies’ socials. She plays by ear; she can hear a tune and
play it with a few rehearsals. For family gatherings at the
house Agnes will play at least a few tunes.
A most Happy Birthday wish from friends and family.

Zarja - The Dawn

BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contact Information: Jan Gehm
414.321.1413/twogames@wi.rr.com
Due to conflicting activities, our summer picnic had to be
canceled. Many thanks to Josie Midman for her most kind offer
to have the picnic at her home. We hope to reschedule in 2015.
November 4, Election Day, is our Bake Sale. Won’t you please
help us by baking your favorite recipe? Let’s make this a team
effort. It will take all of us to make it a success. Please HELP!
Bring your goodies to the S. 88th St. School after 7:00 a.m. or
call Jan Gehm for a drop off site. To volunteer your help on that
day, please call Jan.
Congratulations to our young member, Becky Kaye, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a degree
in Arts History. We wish Becky all the best in her chosen career.
An invitation is extended to attend the performance of Four
Guyz in Dinner Jackets on October 18 at St. John the Evangelist
Church Hall. It will be an evening of music and fun. Tickets are
$20. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information call Jan
Gehm at 414.321.1413, or Mici Bregant at 414.543.6695.
Hope to see you at our next luncheon meetings on Wednesdays,
September 24 and October 22, both at noon in the Constitution
Room at the West Allis Library.
MICI BREGANT
BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio
Contact Information: Debbie Duris
330.467.2281
Happy 85th Anniversary, Zarja! To all Branch members - please
plan to attend our meeting on Saturday, September 6, at 1 p.m.
at Panera Bread in Solon. We look forward to seeing many of
you there.
I will gladly share any of our members’ activities. Just call me
on my cell at 330.730.8951 or e-mail me at kjferrante@gmail.
com and I will include your news in the next Branch report. Have
a beautiful autumn!
KATHLEEN FERRANTE

FIND YOUR SLOVENIAN ROOTS!
. . . maybe you don’t know where to begin . . .
. . . maybe you have hit that proverbial brick wall . . .

Contact us:
Slovenian Genealogy Research Center
6415 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
E-mail: sgsi.rc@gmail.com
Phone: 1.440.655.3954
Website: www.sloveniangenealogy.org

Our mission is to help you!!!!
September/October 2014

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

in the bay area and keep us in contact with
our sister members way back east. The Slovenian Women’s Union had the wonderful
idea to publish a monthly magazine with articles and recipes from each Branch, called the
Zarja. One of our first reporters for Branch 13
was Frances Pechavar Chiodo. Frances was
our reporter for over 25 years. Taking over
for Frances was Beverly Chiodo Jackson, also
a 25 year reporter. Then there were Jackie
Kambick Lowe, Barbara Chiodo, and Moreen
Sustarich Spencer. When the Zarja first started, the reporters job was time consuming
and true dedication. The monthly article was
handwritten and mailed to the editor in Illinois, hoping it would arrive by the deadline.
Zarja is now computerized and six beautiful
issues per year. Congratulations on your 85th
anniversary, Zarja!
BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois
My favorite Slovenian is my
great-grandfather, Anton Duša.
Like so many others, he left
Slovenia at age 19 in search
of steady work and a better
way of life. Anton’s journey to
the U.S. took an entire month,
including his voyage aboard
a cargo ship. Anton settled in
Joliet, got a job at the local
steel mill, saved his money,
and sent for his siblings. Anton
married Katarina Mihevc in
1905, and shortly after giving
birth to their sixth child in
1918, Kate died, leaving Anton to raise their
children. Despite his protests, Anton’s sister
and her husband adopted the baby to help ease
his burden. Anton was saving money to buy
a house, but lost his savings during the Great
Depression. Anton was a proud, hard-working
man, and I hope he would be pleased that a
descendant he never met has, in a limited way,
examined and appreciated the life he lived.
BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois
Dober Dan! I am 72 years old and I can’t
remember a time that there wasn’t Zarja in
my life! I recall how excited my Mom would
be when it arrived in the mail. Never did I
31

BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio
Contact Information: Rick Tomsick
440.655.6735/ricktomsick@gmail.com
Greetings from the “5-0” on America’s North Coast,
Cleveland, OH! The next regular Branch meeting is going
to be on September 17 at 1:00 p.m. at the Euclid Public
Library.
Special wishes go to our member, Florence Stopar, who
has been a resident at the Slovene Home for the Aged since
2012. I had the chance to visit with Florence and her husband, Ray, who makes an effort to be with her every day.
The Stopars will celebrate 63 years of marriage in August!
Ray and Florence got married while Ray was on furlough
during the Korean War. At her bedside is a painting that
was done of the young couple when they got married (see
attached photograph). Many continued blessings!

Prayers and best wishes to Christina Blatnik (in hospice
care as of this writing) and her family.
Let’s each remember to
keep one another and all
members of Branch 50
and all of the SUA in our
prayers. Please write to
me at ricktomsick@gmail.
com with any family news
and I will add you to our
list of updates for Branch
50 (you don’t need to be
a member of Branch 50).
That way, you’ll get more
up-to-date information on
activities, member notices, and news. That’s all
for now. Many thanks to
everyone for all you do
in SUA!
RICK TOMSICK

32

BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio
Contact Information: Monica Selak
mselak3@gmail.com
Greetings from Girard, OH! It has been a busy few months
for Branch 55. Back in April, several members of Branch
55 and AMLA Lodge 42 attended “Polka Night” at McMenamy’s in Niles, OH. Member Dolores DePietro was
one of several folks who shared their talent on the button
box. It was a great night!
In June, member Anka Krakora helped host an afternoon
tea at the historical Barnhisel House in Girard. She decorated one of several tables for the occasion. Finger foods,
sweets, and tea were served. Joan Twaddle helped her son,
Jack, with beautiful background music. A brief history of
the Barnhisel House was given and everyone attending was
invited to wear a hat for the event. The hats were judged
anonymously during the event and prizes were given for
originality and beauty. Maria Selak won third place for
her creation.
In other news, Maria Selak, head children’s librarian
at the Girard Free Library, facilitated another successful
children’s, summer reading program. This year’s theme
was “Fizz, Boom, Read.”
As always, members are encouraged to attend our monthly
meetings. Information for the Holiday party will be available soon. Please contact Maria Selak for details.
In closing, a haiku, “All Around the Pumpkin Patch” by
Robert Dufresne:
Summer yawns at rest,
Autumn kaleidoscopes in
Ominous beauty.
MONICA SELAK

Zarja - The Dawn

BRANCH 89 - Oglesby,
Illinois
Zarja
- The
Dawn
Zarja - The Dawn
Contact Information: Jim Ebner

Established 1929

Established 1929

815.883.3268/deadendbluff@yahoo.com
Members of Branch 89 gathered for the 7:30 a.m. Mass at Holy
think
I Church,
would
one
day
submitting
think I would articles
one day be submitting articles
Family
Oglesby, on
Wednesday,
June 4,be
to remember
f o r the
Zdeceased
arja
!
I
c
o
n
s
i
d
e
r
i
t
a
g
r
e
for
a
t
Zarja!
p
r
I
i
consider
v i l eitg
ae
great privilege
members of Branch 89, followed by a delicious
and breakfast
pleasure
to Restaurant.
be able
contribute
and pleasure to to
be ablethis
to contribute to this
at Delaney’s Family
Branch 24to
of LaSalle
wonderful
international
publication.
wonderful
I
have
international
seen
publication.
I have seen
graciously extended an invitation to our Branch as they hosted a
it grow
from
the
black
and
white,
it
all
grow
from
Slovenian
the
black
and
white,
all
Slovenian
delicious, potluck meal and enjoyable evening with live musical
magazine,
the
colorful,
magazine,magazine
to the colorful, news-filled magazine
entertainment onto
the patio
of Starved
Rock Family news-filled
Fun on the
thatevening
it is
today.
And
I
salute
all
those
that
it
is
today.
pioneers
And I salute all those pioneers
of Thursday, June 19. Our members greatly enjoyed this
who
began
the
undertaking,
85
years
who
began
the
ago,
undertaking,
of
85 years ago, of
evening of shared Slovenian food and friendship, and this closes
publishing
such
a magazine
keeping
such a magazine
the
for keeping the
out our planned activities
for the summer.
We begin our new year forpublishing
Slovenian
heritage
alive.
Slovenian
heritage
alive.
with our potluck in September. We wish everyone safe travels and
The
that
The
me
two people
thethat
most
influenced me the most
good two
health, withpeople
blessings to your
families influenced
and friends in the
in my
heritage
were
my
parents,
in
my
Louis
heritage
were
my
and
parents, Louis and
coming months. A special “Hello” to our members in Washington
Frances
(Luzar)
Ahcin.
In
Frances
we
(Luzar)
had
Ahcin. our
In a way we had our
D.C., Wisconsin,
Ohio, and Florida!
For the summer,
Doberadan!way
own little Slovenia on Chartres
own
Street
little
Slovenia
in
on
Chartres
La Street in La
JIM EBNER
Salle, Illinois. My father, havingSalle,
arrived
Illinois. My father,
from
having arrived from
Slovenia BRANCH
at the
age
Slovenia at the age of 17, was a hard-working
93 - New
York,of
New 17,
York was a hard-working
husband,
father,
butcher,
bell
husband,
ringer,
father, butcher,
wine
bell ringer, wine
Contact Information: Elizabeth Gross
maker, sausage
maker,
gardener,
maker,
singer
sausage
maker,
and
gardener,
singer and
718.335.8459/Lizg669@gmail.com
polka
dancer!
MyKatarina
mother
polka
right
dancer! Mybeside
mother worked right beside
In July
we met Branko Jordan,
Stegnar, andworked
Primož
himBezjak,
and
together
they
would
polka
him
and
around
together
they
would
the
polka around the
Slovenian actors who were in New York for one month
kitchen
table.
The
summer
picnics
kitchen
on
table.
Janko’s
The
summer
picnics
on Janko’s
for the Republic of Slovenia Culture Residency. They are creating
“farm”
with
the
annual
pig
roasting
“farm”
with
was
the
annual
just
pig
roasting
was just
a new theater work to be produced in Slovenia next year about the
one current
of waves
theof customs
grew
up with,
one of along
the customs I grew
with
up with, along with
migration to and fromISlovenia.
Our members
singing.
Everyone
sang
when
they
singing.
got
Everyone
together!
sang
when
they got together!
met them at a performance of “Shen Wei Dance” at the Prospect
Visitors
from
Gary,
Indiana,
after
Visitors
from
a
Gary,
good
Indiana,
after a good
Park band shell in Brooklyn.
Sunday
and
homemade
Sunday
wine,
meal and some
would
homemade wine, would
The eastmeal
coast Branches
of thesome
Slovenian Union
of America
start
the
chorus
of
Slovenian
songs
start
the
that
chorus
of
Slovenian
I
still
songs that I still
have been invited to a reception in Washington, D.C., on Octolove
today!
St.
Roch’s
Catholic
Church
love
today!
St.
Roch’s
in
Catholic
La
Church in La
ber 2, where Ambassador Cerar will introduce “The American
Salle
was
a huge
to my
Salle was
upbringing
a huge contributor to my upbringing
Slovenian
Education
Foundationcontributor
(ASEF)” - www.ase-fund.org.
with its Slovenian Masses, singing,
with its Slovenian
Holy
Masses,
Day
singing, Holy Day
celebrations, and the annual chicken
celebrations, and
dinners
the annual chicken dinners
outside on the lawn. I thank my
outside
parents
on the lawn. I thank
for
my parents for
giving me such a gift!
giving me such a gift!
I am so proud to be a SlovenianI am
and
so proudwriting
to be a Slovenian and writing
newsworthy items from our little
newsworthyband
items from of
our little band of
members of Branch 24. We are
members
continually
of Branch 24. We are continually
striving in all areas to keep our heritage
striving in all areas to
alive
keep our heritage alive
and members well-informed.
and members well-informed.
In the meantime, enjoy Zarja;
In the thank
meantime, enjoy
its
Zarja; thank its
Editor and all those who make it the
Editor and
wonderful
all those who make it the wonderful
magazine that it is. By the way, I NEVER
magazine that it is. throw
By the way, I NEVER throw
my issues away!
my issues away!
Happy 85th Birthday, Zarja! Thank
Happy 85thyou
Birthday, and
Zarja! Thank you and
God bless all those who make it possible!
God bless all those who make it possible!

BRANCH 33 - Duluth, Minnesota
BRANCH 33 - Duluth, Minnesota
I enjoy putting into words what goes
I enjoy putting
onintoin
words
our
what goes on in our
members’
lives.
When
there
is
a
members’
funeral
lives.
When
of
there
a
is a funeral of a
The ASEF’s purpose is to fund academic exchanges between the
dear
member,
I am
in a
prayerful
dear
state
member, Iwriting
am in a prayerful state writing
USA
and Slovenia - for students
and faculty
in each
country to
about
it.
Sometimes
I
don’t
get
an
article
about
it.
Sometimes
written
I don’t get an article written
spend short periods of time in the other country. The ASEF was
because of a lack of time or just no
because
news
of a lack comes
of time or just no news comes

September/October 2014

33

33

launched in Silicon Valley a year ago and is seeking to
expand its outreach to the east coast and to Slovenia this
fall. Branch 93 is working with Društvo v tujini izobraženih
Slovencev (VTIS) www.drustvovtis.si - an organization
of Slovenians Educated Abroad which is based in Ljubljana and has members in Slovenia, throughout Europe,
the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand - to identify
potential participants, donors, and sponsors and to raise
awareness of the ASEF foundation and its mission.
We are planning our annual Martinovanje, a Slovenian
Thanksgiving feast, on November 9, 2014, 11 a.m., at 62
Saint Mark’s Place in New York City at the Slovenian
parish, Church of Saint Cyril. In honor of Saint Martin’s
cloak, we collect coats for NY Cares. Let us know if you
will be in town and would like to join us. We look forward
to seeing you!
ELIZABETH GROSS
BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois
Contact Information: Jana Hlade
jmhlade@hotmail.com
Summer has ended and school is back in session. We’re
looking forward to the fall colors and cooler temperatures.
We would like to thank Fanika Fritz for hosting a Slovenian stew culinary class on August 16 at the Slovenian
Catholic Center (SCC). This tasty stew, called Ijmoht, is
traditionally made with veal, but can also be made with
chicken or beef.
This September 6, our Branch is hosting a new event, a
Member Lunch Brunch, at 11 a.m. at the SCC. We really
encourage all our members to attend this free, catered lunch
to celebrate our Branch. Non-members are also welcome,
priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children. RSVP is required by August 31 to MaryAnn Partyka, 630.661.3600,
or crafymar304@comcast.net. This is a luncheon prepared
by our members to celebrate our members!
On October 26, please join us for our annual Bunco game
day at the SCC from 1-4 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Donations of door prizes are welcome prior to game day (contact
Julie LaJoie at 630.854.5400 or jamp817@comcast.net).
Donations of bakery are needed by 12 p.m. on that day.
On November 16, our Branch is hosting a Genealogy
class at 2 p.m. in the small hall of the SCC. Learn how to
start and what to do with your family’s history. We will
also discuss the National Convention and elect the 2015
officers. Light refreshments will be served.
Plans for SUA’s 27th National Convention, hosted by our
Branch, are underway. Look inside this issue for details!
On a last note, it is with great sadness to report that member, Paula Mavec, passed away this June. Paula was our
Branch vice-president for several years, a 2008 Member
of the Year, organized the culinary classes, spear-headed
the Cookie Sale with her sister at Christmas, hosted the
summer bocce tournament, collected pledges for the Na34

Paula Mavec

tional Convention by climbing Mount Triglav in Slovenia
in 2012, was a good friend to many, and was my amazing
mother. She will truly be missed!
Have a wonderful fall season!
JANA HLADE
BRANCH 100 - Southern California
Contact Information: Jean Koci ajkoci@cox.net
It was another very enjoyable meeting and luncheon on
Saturday, May 10, when Southern California members,
family, and friends gathered at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant.
We had the opportunity to honor our Member of the Year,
Bonney Zupan.
Also, through the generosity of Francine Phaller, over
$100 was earned by the raffle of several shawls and afghans that she had made. This time the Branch decided to
donate the raffle proceeds to the Scleroderma Foundation.
We have at least two women in our midst who have this
little known disease, and we felt it appropriate to make this
donation with them in mind.
Three young adults from our Branch were home
for part of the summer - James Koci and Garret
Jancich, SUA Scholarship recipients, as well as Sara
Lundgren, who received an Honorable Mention.

Zarja - The Dawn

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

Part of the Fontana Button Box Club performing and keeping us in a dancing mood!

Most of the members of Branch 100 who
attended the Temecula Wine Tasting.

Paul Jensen, Marie Bajc, Sara Lundgren,
and Ken Koci all of Branch 100.

James Koci just completed his first year at Notre Dame. Garret
Jancich was home for a bit, then left for New York City to work for
the rest of the summer before returning to Cornell for his senior
year. Sara Lundgren graduated from the University of Chicago
and is busy preparing to enter a PhD program at Dartmouth in
the fall. All three of these young people have traveled in Slovenia
and have met many of their family members while touring and
soaking in the culture and beauty of this incredible country.

September/October 2014

along. All in all, the people in our Branch are
good, loving people and when I do write of
them, my heart beats lovingly and peacefully
for them; we are family.
I am a member of the Singing Slovenes
and it is a joy singing with these wonderful
people. Other Branch members in the group
are Mary Spehar White, Polly Stojevich, and
Sharon Bucar. I make potica at Christmas
time and a Slovenian cucumber dish that my
mother-in-law taught me to make; she was
100% Slovenian. I also make a special dish,
called Zgance, with yellow cornmeal and white
buckwheat flour, which is hard to find - Mmmm
good with bacon bits!
I’d like to give credit to Mary Spehar White.
Without her, many of these articles would not
be included. She is a gem to me and she helps
get these articles in on time. God Bless her and
all our members.
BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Writing for Zarja can sometimes be a very
challenging experience, but reading what other
reporters write about can be a very rewarding
one. During a lull in activities in our Branch,
the challenge is there as you try to at least write
a few words to keep in touch. Members could
be a big help by letting their reporters know
of interesting happenings within our Branch
and experienced by our members. I am also a
reporter for the VOICE (KSKJ Paper) and the
same holds true. I am active in the Slovenian
Community in Milwaukee and have met many
wonderful people through my efforts as a
reporter for both of these communications.
35

On June 22, over 25 members of SUA took part in the
Temecula Wine Tasting Picnic sponsored by the Orange
Coast SNPJ Lodge. Almost all of Branch 100’s members
are also members of SNPJ; it makes for a very strong
workforce and a base for long and loyal friendships. The
picnic featured the Fontana Slovene Button Box Club,
plus additional musicians who all volunteered to entertain
those of us who came to this beautiful park in the midst
of Southern California’s vineyards. Wiens Family Cellars
is our host winery, so if you are ever in Temecula, please
stop by and visit.
Congratulations to our beloved magazine, “Zarja - The
Dawn”….85 Years of Memories!
JEAN KOCI

BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities (TC) of Minnesota
Contact Information: Norm Setnicker
651.777.6106/normas188@msn.com
The TC Slovenians have emerged from the bitter cold,
Arctic vortex to the record, summer flooding in areas of
the Twin Cities. This year we moved our anniversary
dinner, traditionally in January, to the weekend of Slovenian Independence Day (June 22). Honorary Consul,
Miro Medved, and family hosted over 70 members with a
sit-down dinner, featuring Goveja pecenka “tenderloin,”
at their lovely home in Roseville, MN. Prior to dinner,
everyone joined in singing the national anthems of the
United States and Slovenia. Miro proceeded to read a
heart-wrenching piece written by Ivan Cankar in Slovenian

BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland
Contact Information: Bernadette Fitzsimmons
bettekfitz@verizon.net
Several members were present on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Slovenia and Armed Forces
Day on June 24 at the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington,
D.C. Ambassador Dr. Božo Cerar and Mrs. Martina Skok
are most welcoming and hospitable to visitors. We enjoyed
partaking in the traditional Slovenian-style feast of foods
and desserts at the reception and socializing with the many
guests from near and far.
Bernadette K. Fitzsimmons and her mother, Nika Kovacic,
were delighted to meet with guest artists, Miro Zupancic
and Joze Vodlan, at this occasion. They are long time
friends of the family from when France Gorse, deceased
Slovenian sculptor, used to travel with them as a trio from
New York City to the Washington, D.C. area for visits and
art exhibits. Joze Vodlan recently wrote a biography of his
life, and presented his book “Za mavrico preko oceana,”
(For a Rainbow Across the Ocean) to friends and acquaintances. In addition, this was a very special evening, as his
works of art were on display at the Embassy.
Below is a photo taken with Branch 108 members at the
Embassy event, from left to right: Bernadette K. Fitzsimmons, Joze Vodlan, Nika Kovacic, Marinka Zupancic, Miro
Zupancic, Lynn Koiner, and Margy Whitmore.

Karen Medved prepared a fantastic Slovenian dinner for

Please check your e-mail for upcoming Branch 108 70 people (with help from Albina Medved and many others)
meetings and events this fall.
while Karen’s husband, honorary consul Miro Medved, took
BERNADETTE K. FITZSIMMONS care of their grandchild.
36

Zarja - The Dawn

and Sara Medved reading the English version. One could sense
the beauty of Slovenia as the words of Cankar stilled the festive
atmosphere of our members. The piece was titled “Nebesa pod
Triglavom” - Heaven Under Triglav.
What was to be the highlight of the day - The Tina Balininje
Tournament (bocce ball) - was rained out. This was to be the first
tournament in honor of Kristine Medved Nelson, who passed
away this past winter. “Trije Prijatelji” Bob Grahek, John Skubitz,
and Rick Pisa organized the participants into eight teams named
for different Slovenian towns and cities. Even though it was a
beautiful day, the court was drenched and unplayable. We look
forward to playing later this summer or fall.
Throughout the afternoon, live Slovenian music was supplied
by John Stark of the Singing Slovenes, Sylvester Vicic, Alexi
Medved, and Mike Koski. Miro led the members with a variety
of Slovenian songs and many “kolkor kapljic, tolko let” toasts.
Anton Medved, Miro’s son, provided four varieties of homemade
beer, which helped fuel the enthusiastic singing.
July 19-20, a contingent of the TC Slovenians traveled to St. Stephen, MN, the oldest Slovenian community in the United States,
celebrating their 150 years of Slovenian heritage. Highlights
of that weekend were Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Božo Cerar’s
speech, as Grand Marshall of the mid-afternoon parade, which
touched on Slovenian migration to the United States, and the
Singing Slovenes leading the Polka Mass at St. Stephen’s Church.
Our own, Sue Rademacher, and her sister, are from St. Stephen,
originally with the
family names: Zumer-Kozel and Blenkus-Smolej.
August 15, Mary
Lou Deyak Voelk
presented her preservation project titled, “Salute 2014
- It’s Who You Are”a gallery of family wedding photos
depicting married
couples of Slovenian ancestry, who
were either born,
raised, lived, or
married in Minnesota. This project
held special interest
for Norm and Mary
Ann Setnicker, who
celebrated their 50th
wedding anniverNorm and Mary Ann Koroshec
sary on August 8. Setnicker, 1964.
They were married
in Gilbert, MN, in 1964.
NORM SETNICKER “Born in USA with Slovenian Parts”

September/October 2014

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

BRANCH 47 - Garfield Heights, Ohio
Happy 85th Anniversary Zarja! It is an
honor and privilege to be a reporter for our
outstanding and long-lasting magazine. I
enjoy being connected to the members across
the United States. My husband, Lou, and I are
very fortunate to have a winter home in Florida
and a summer home in Ohio. We have the best
of both worlds. Each winter we always enjoy
going to Hermann’s Lipizzan Stallions show
in Myakka City, Florida. Not only do we see
a training show, but we can also interact with
the horses and feed them carrots. It reminds me
of seeing these beautiful horses in our beloved
city of Lipica in Slovenia.

BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio
It’s a great privilege to write Branch 50 news
updates for Zarja. As many of you know, I
inherited the job from my mother, Anne Tomsick,
upon her passing in 2011. I always enjoy hearing
from Branch 50 members, whether by e-mail,
or telephone. It gives me pleasure to be able
to carry on
the tradition
that my
mom was
so happy to
fulfill for
many years.
I t ’s a l s o
nice to meet
the many
members of
Branch 50
at various
functions,
although
at times it’s
37

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

difficult for me to attend because of my full-time job as
a corporate lawyer. I have a wonderful wife, Mery, and
three successful and brilliant children. I have much to be
thankful for!!
BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois
Being the reporter is enjoyable because our Branch has
interesting activities in addition to our meetings, and a
fun-filled, annual Slovenian Heritage Event that attracts
Slovenians from all over the surrounding area. I enjoy
seeing people share their Slovenian culture and have a good
time doing it. Interesting topics, an active membership,
and good times are easy to write about.
BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois
I became involved
with SUA with the
encouragement of my
mom, Paula Mavec.
My mom loved her
Slovenian heritage
and she taught me
so much about my
background. Sadly, my
mom passed away this
June, so preserving the
Slovenian traditions
and customs is even
more important to me. While writing the Zarja reports
can be challenging because of the early deadlines, it’s fun
to see the magazine come together with so many reports
and articles.

is a pleasure to receive and read this publication time after
time and always finding something very special to read.
As a reporter for Zarja from Southern California, I am
blessed to be able to work with such a caring staff…
knowing that when I write something it will be presented
just as I had hoped. Debbie and Bonnie are constantly
looking for articles that will be interesting to our members,
and they have succeeded in keeping Slovenia in the
spotlight and in our hearts and minds. I thank Branch
100 and Zarja for this opportunity. Congratulations to
our beloved magazine, Zarja - The Dawn… 85 Years of
Memories!
BRANCH 109 - Twin Cities (TC) of Minnesota
Being the reporter for TC Slovenians these past 10 years
has made me feel like a historian. At our first meeting as
a Branch of the SWUA (2005), I volunteered to be the
reporter and have since continued to record its happenings
and to serve as President for five years. If, and when,
people look back at our SUA reports, they will get a sense
of the Slovenian culture as practiced and preserved within
a metropolitan area. I report what is to be the only written
record of the TC Slovenians for future generations of
Slovenian Americans.
Anita Volk and Rosemary Ribich, past presidents from
the Iron Range, once told me that we (TC Slovenians)
must preserve the Slovenian culture in Minnesota because
of the demographic changes. I have taken this directive

BRANCH 100 - Southern California
Congratulations to the many staff members and contributors
who made Zarja such a wonderful magazine for 85 years! It

seriously and have demonstrated our Slovenian legacy
through the many activities, which I write about in Zarja.
When I hear comments like - “We really enjoy reading your
articles, Norm!” - I get a true sense of accomplishment.
Mom would be pleased.

Zarja - The Dawn
Established 1929

38

Zarja - The Dawn

September 2014
Dear Slovenian Union of America members:
After our successful transition to a 501(c)3 status we are embarking on a strategic planning process to see where we, you,
our members, want to go from here – by building on our accomplishments.
Our first step is a short “get to know our members” survey – when you get a chance, fill in the questions you are
comfortable with and return the completed questionnaire before November 1, 2014. This survey is designed to be
completed in 10-15 minutes.
The goal of the strategic plan is to find the best way for us to preserve and honor the legacy and heritage of our members
who have worked to make the Slovenian Union of America what is today – our sisters, mothers, grandmothers, and greatgrandmothers who created this organization.
We look forward to your responses and to a collaborative process that involves you.
There are several ways in which you can participate in the survey:
1. By mail: Tear out, fill out, and mail this survey to:
SURVEY
Slovenian Union of America (SUA)
431 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432-1703
2. Online (preferred): We are sending you an e-mail which includes a link to a Survey Monkey which you can fill out
online – all other surveys that we receive will be entered into Survey Monkey by our volunteers so that the results can be
tabulated and we can produce reports to share with you. If you do not receive an e-mail, let us know by sending an e-mail
to vajkusa@gmail.com with SURVEY on the subject line and we will reply with a link to the survey.
3. By e-mail: “Reply” to the e-mail we send you by filling out the survey in the e-mail and e-mailing it back.
4. Free form: If you would prefer to write a letter or an e-mail, please do so, and indicate on the envelope or in the
e-mail subject line “SURVEY” so that we can include your comments in the report.
5. By telephone: If you would like one of our volunteers to phone you and go through the questions on the phone with
you, call 815.727.1926 and leave your name and number and the best time to reach you and we will call you back – please
indicate in your voice mail message that you are calling about the survey.
Additional information:
•

If you have friends, family, or colleagues who are interested in the activities of SUA, please encourage them
to fill out the survey as well – we want to reach out to all those interested in Slovenia and in SUA (there is a
question in the survey which will identify whether or not they are members).

•

If you have additional comments, please include them. Also, it is OK to skip questions and leave them blank.

•

Your responses to the survey will be included anonymously in the report, even if you do include your name.

•

If you would like to speak with us about the survey, you can write, e-mail, or phone to let us know your name
and contact information and we will reach out to you. Here is how you can reach us:
SURVEY
Slovenian Union of America (SUA)
431 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432-1703
815.727.1926 (leave a voice mail mentioning the survey)
vajkusa@gmail.com (e-mail with subject line “Survey”)
THANK YOU, HVALA!
Strategic Planning Ad-Hoc Committee members:
Branch 93 - New York City: Elizabeth Gross, Joan Walker, Maria Whitmire, Tanya Vajk
SUA Board Liaisons: Jan King, Mary Lou Deyak Voelk

September/October 2014

39

SLOVENIAN UNION OF AMERICA (SUA) – SURVEY 2014
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: NOVEMBER 1, 2014

1. WHAT IS YOUR INTEREST IN SLOVENIA?
(CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY)
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___

ACADEMIC
ART AND CULTURE
BUSINESS
CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH SLOVENIA
CURRENT EVENTS IN SLOVENIA
(ECONOMY/POLITICS)
FAMILY
GENEALOGY
HISTORY
LANGUAGE
PLANS TO LIVE/STUDY IN SLOVENIA
RELATIVES IN SLOVENIA
SPORTS
TRAVEL TO SLOVENIA
OTHER ___________________________

2. HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT SLOVENIA, HOW MANY
TIMES HAVE YOU TRAVELED TO SLOVENIA, DATE OF
LAST VISIT?
TOTAL NUMBER OF VISITS TO SLOVENIA: ______
YOUR LAST VISIT TO SLOVENIA: ______(YEAR)
FREQUENCY – IF APPLICABLE – EVERY ______YEAR(S)
3. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SLOVENIAN EVENTS
OR ACTIVITIES AND HOW DO YOU PARTICIPATE (ON
LINE, IN PERSON), WHERE AND WHEN, WITH WHAT
ORGANIZATION?
A. _________________________________________
B. _________________________________________
C. _________________________________________
4. DO YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS,
ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES, ZARJA COLUMNS, OR OTHER
SUGGESTIONS?
A. _________________________________________
B. _________________________________________
C. _________________________________________

40

5. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING SUA IS DOING
OR CAN/COULD/MIGHT DO FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY,
YOUR COMMUNITY?
IS DOING: __________________________________
MIGHT DO: _________________________________
6. WHAT YEAR(S) DID YOU OR YOUR FAMILY FIRST
COME TO AMERICA FROM SLOVENIA? WHO CAME?
___
___
___
___

SELF YEAR: _______
PARENT/PARENTS YEAR: _______
GRANDPARENT/GRANDPARENTS YEAR: _______
GREAT-GRANDPARENT(S) YEAR: _______

7. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
RELIGIOUS, PROFESSIONAL, NON-PROFIT, BUSINESS,
ACADEMIC? WHICH ONES AND FOR HOW LONG?
ORG. #1 __________ # OF YEARS: ____ DATES: _______
ORG. #2 __________ # OF YEARS: ____ DATES: _______
ORG. #3 __________ # OF YEARS: ____ DATES: _______
8. WHAT IS YOUR AGE RANGE?
___ 11-25
___ 26-50
___ 51-75
___ 75+
9. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF SUA?
IF YES, FOR HOW LONG?
___ 1-5 YEARS
___ 6-10 YEARS
___ 11-20 YEARS
___ 21-30 YEARS
___ 31+ YEARS
___ NOT A MEMBER
10. WHAT IS YOUR PREFERED MODE OF
COMMUNICATION WITH SUA?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
___ E-MAIL
___ U.S. MAIL
___ MEETINGS/EVENTS – IN PERSON
___ TELEPHONE
___ WEBSITE
___ ZARJA MAGAZINE

Zarja - The Dawn

Welcome to a Year of Food Celebration in Zarja
In our house, rarely was there a Slovenian meal without what I
would call in English a “pickled” cucumber salad. We were charged
with the seemingly impossible task of slicing cucumber circles
that were ever-so-fine, but in our over-focused states, it seemed
that every 10th slice was as wide as a XX, which did not pass our
mother’s or grandmother’s quality control inspection. Eventually,
we had enough cucumbers on the cutting boards that we could put
them in a bowl, salt them, and then take a break. While we poked
around for other goodies such as the Štrudelj or Potica that would
likely finish off the meal, the cucumbers softened and released their
excess water that is so important to remove. Once we found what
we were looking for, but were clearly told not to take any before
the appropriate time, the cucumbers were roughly ready for the next
step. We then wrung out as much liquid as possible and doused

them with vinegar so that the recently removed water could be
replaced by the flavorful combination of acidic vinegar with sweet
cucumbers that had recently become salty. Wait a while longer and
then it was done. For us, this was always used as a “salad” in the
menu composition, but could also be used as a condiment.

Pickled Cucumber Salad
3 cucumbers (American or English are both fine to use)
2/3 cup white vinegar, or more if desired
1-2 tbsp dill or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Salt

Step 2: Salt, sit, and squeeze

Peel cucumbers and slice into very fine circles – the thinner the
better – not more than the width of a dime. If you have one, a
mandolin will make the task of cutting uniform slices easy. Be
careful – they are very sharp. Evenly cut circles will ensure an
even amount of pickling.
Place slices into a bowl or colander and salt liberally. Let sit 30
minutes. Drain and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Return
to bowl. Pour in vinegar and let sit another 30 minutes, or longer.
Optional garnishes include dill or parsley. Serve cool. Serves 4.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
2 cucumbers
1 small onion
2 small cloves garlic
½ cup full fat sour cream, more if needed
(Full fat ensures that it does not separate when mixed with the
naturally, watery cucumber.)
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
½ tsp caraway seeds or a dusting of paprika or red pepper
(optional)
Step 1: Prep ingredients
Remove ends of cucumbers, peel and slice evenly. Halve onion
and finely slice. Peel and mince garlic.

In this second article in a series on foods of Slovenian origin, we
present sliced, cucumber salads made two different ways. Both
keep cucumber as the focal point of the dish but have very different
tastes and textures. The first is the vinegar-based recipe for the salad
we eat at home, and the second is a step-by-step demonstration of
a cream-based recipe, which is more common in many areas of
Slovenia. Dober tek! - Alisa Tugberk

Place cucumber and onion in a bowl and sprinkle generously with salt to coat evenly. Let sit
20-30 minutes.

Drain and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, being careful not to squeeze so hard that
cucumbers break. Return to bowl.

Step 3: Finish it off
Add garlic, sour cream, and caraway (if using)
and mix together.
Garnish and serve cool.
Serves 4.

v

Zivijo

Zarja

PERIODICALS
POSTAGE
PAID
LASALLE, IL