MLADINSKI LIST
A Magazine for SNPJ Juveniles
DECEMBER
1942
Mladinski List
JUVENILE
IVAN MOLEK..........Editor
PHILIP GODINA - - - Business Manager
CONTENTS FOR DECEMBER, 1942
Vsebina decembrske številke
POEMS, STORIES, PLAYS, ETC.	Page
Lukec in njegov škorec (nadaljevanje)...................................... 3
Kje so? (pesem)..........................................................   1
Mati zna (pesem)........................................................... 5
Prebujenje (pesem) ........................................................ 5
Tako štejemo (pesem)  ...............................................       9
Zimski dan (pesem)..................................................        9
FEATURES, ARTICLES
Birthdays of the Great Men...............................................   2
Games and Contests............._........................................... 6
Introducing Book Friends...............................................    32
Just For Fun..............................................................  7
Origin of the World, The (continued)....................................... 4
Our Own Juvenile Circles of the SNPJ.....................................  18
— Annual Election of Circle Ofifcers.................................18
— Christmas Festivals Here in America ............................   19
Our Pen Pals Write.........................................................25
Our School ............................................................    10
Stamp Collecting ...................................................        8
Published monthly by the Slovene National Benefit Society for the members of its Juvenile Department. Annual subscription, $1.20; half year, 60c; foreign subscription, $1.50. Address: 2657 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, 111. Entered as second-class matter August 2, 1922, at the post office at Chicago, 111., under Act of August 24,1912.
MLADINSKI LIST
JUVENILE
LETO XXI—ŠT. 12	CHICAGO,	ILL.,	DECEMBER,	1942	VOL.	XXI—NO. 12
Katka Zupančič
Misli cesto iščejo, iščejo pisatelje, poete, čijih dela so nam bila v izbrano dušno hrano.
Kje so? So še živi? Ali pa so mrtve žrtve tuje pete? Kje prvak je? Kje je oče mladih “Cicibanov”?
Ni škrjančkov več njegovih polna njiva — kajti kmetič naš jih v brazde ni vsejal.. .
O, da kmalu žar svobode bi prodrl obzorja siva in sledove tuje, trnje tuje bi izžgal!
Kje je brstje našega rodu—dečki, deklice kot vi?
V strašnem molku je utonil mladi, zvonki glas . . .
Na pogin obsojeni molče, a njihov molk kriči, kliče: “Bratje, sestre onkraj morja, ne prezrite nas!
Nimamo več rodne grude, doma, domovine — zemlje lačni tujci nam usodo že pečatijo!
Vi tam složno dvignite svoj glas, da nas, ko vojna mine— i pri mizi narodov ne izbrišejo.
Birthdays of the Great Men
By Louis Beniger
ZJh oniai Cjr
a,J
Thomas Gray, author of the celebrated poem “Elegy in a Country Churchyard,” was born on December 26, 1716, in London, England. His father was a money-lender and a selfish man. Thomas was the only survivor of a family of twelve children. He owed his life and education to his mother, a kind and hard working woman. She sent him through grammar school and to Eton College, the famous school for boys.
At Eton young Gray was noted for his desire to study literature. At 17 he entered the university at Cambridge, where he devoted himself to classical literature, history, and modern languages, but he never graduated on account of his dislike of mathematics. He left the university at 21 and started a long tour of Europe. It was not until three years later that he returned to London, took up the study of law and at the age of 28 obtained his degree as doctor of laws, although he never entered law.
It was two years before his graduation that he began the famous “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.” The death of his friend Walpole, in 1742, deeply affected him and called forth some of the best sonnets in the language. It was during this period that he wrote most of his other poems—“The Bard,” “Ode on Spring,” “Hymn to Ignorance,” “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College,” and the “Hymn to Adversity.” He also wrote “The Alliance of Education and Government,” “The Progress of Poesy,” “Long Story,” and “The Fatal Sisters.”
Gray’s poems comprise only a small volume, none are long, and the two dozen fragments collected since his death add little to his fame. In this respect Gray’s entire output could be compared to the collection of poems by France Prešeren, the greatest Slovene poet. Yet the poems of the two poets contain great cultural wealth. The quality of the poems written by these two poets, although dissimilar in subject and treatment, is lasting.
A large part of the charm of Gray’s “Elegy” comes from the poet’s personal, sensitive ap-
proach to his subject. He lingers in the churchyard, noting the signs of approaching nightfall, until the atmosphere of twilight is established, after which his reflections upon life and death have a tone of sad and intimate scenery. In its recognition of the dignity of simple life lived close to the soil, the “Elegy” shows the breaking-up of the hard forms into which social feelings had stiffened. At the same time it looks forward to the enthusiasm for humanity, which marked the later phases of romantic poetry.
“The Bard” is more distinctly romantic, both in subject and treatment. An ancient minstrel, the last of the Welsh singers, escapes a massacre, stops the king in a mountain pass, and prophesies the terrors which are to gather over his descendants. This poem shows that reawakened interest in the Middle Ages which was the leading feature of romantic art.
By 1757 Gray’s reputation was such that he was offered the poet laureateship, but he declined to be “rat catcher of the king,” as he put it. Toward the end of his life he was appointed Professor of Modern History at Cambridge, but gave no lectures. He made extensive preparations for a “History of English Poetry” which was never written.
Thomas Gray was also known as an outstanding letter writer. In fact, his “Letters,” which are among the best in the language, reveal the variety and enthusiasm of his interest. They also reveal a rich humor and they help us to understand how the man who could write so tender and exqusite a poem as the “Elegy” should have written so little else.
The romantic movement in literature, of which Gray was one of the exponents, expressed itself in three main directions. It brought a new interest in the past, it brought with it a new interest in nature, and it brought with it a new human sympathy toward human lives. It was a reassertion of the freedom of the individual, a profound conception of what freedom means to the spirit and the imagination.
Thomas Gray died , on July 30, 1771, at Cambridge, England, at the age of 55.
LUKEC IN NJEGOV ŠKOREC
Povest za mladino France Bevk
(Nadaljevanje)
“Tu je,” je dejal plaho. Materi se ni upal približati, da ga kaj ne doleti. “Lovili so me,” se je zlagal, “pa mi je pismo padlo v blato.”
Mati ga je pogledala z dolgim pogledom. Ni mu verjela. Potipala je pismo tudi ona, pogledala zlomljeni pečat. Pismo je bilo nenavadno. Jasna slutnja jo je navdala. Podvizala se je domov. Lukec je šel za njo.
Iz pisma je padel bankovcu podoben papir. Poleg očetovega pisma je ležala velika pola popisanega papirja. Spodaj so bili pečati.
Marjeti so se tresle roke. Lukec je vrgal klobuk v kot in sedel za mizo. Prišel je tudi škorec in radovedno ogledoval ovitek.
Mati je držala očetovo pismo proti svetlobi in brala. “Draga žena! Preden ti nadalje pišem, te srčno pozdravljam čez široko morje, čez skalnati Kras . . .”
Sprva je brala počasi. Nato so njene oči hitreje in hitreje begale po papirju. Roke so se ji tresle. Končala je, pismo ji je omahnilo. Oči so ji zastrmele skozi okno v daljavo.
“V Ameriko poj deva,” je dejala Lukcu.
Lukec je poskočil in plosknil z rokama. Škorec se je umaknil, zagnal krik.
“Kdaj pojdeva? Jutri?”
“Tepček!” je pogledala mati sina. Njene oči so bile žalostne. “Jutri ne. V enem mesecu. Ne veseli se prezgodaj. Iti v Ameriko ... ni kar tako.”
Deček je začuden gledal. Mati je imela solzo v očesu. Kaj ji je? Vedno je govorila: v Ameriko pojdeva! In zdaj?
Iti v Ameriko—to je bilo za Lukca veselje,, ki ga ni hotel skrivati. Potoval bo, videl svet, morje, tuje ljudi, divje živali . . . Venomer si je želel po svetu . . . Odkar je bral pravljice, najbolj. Ali ni po svetu tako, kot je opisano v bajkah? Očetovo pismo je bila čudežna kapa, o kateri je sanjal. Zdelo se mu je, da mu rasejo perotnice.
“K očetu pojdeva? V Argentinijo? Mati, ali so tam velika mesta?”
“Kaj jaz vem! Ali sem jaz hodila v šolo?”
Brala sta pismo še enkrat. Besedo za be sedo. Škorec je gledal v papir, zmajal z gla vo. Zdaj zdaj je pogledal Lukca. Ujel je besedo in jo ponovil. Lukec je zamahnil 7 roko po njem. Klepec je bil hud. Zabevskal je kot pes.
Oče je pisal, naj prideta za njim v Ameri ko. Bankovcu podoben papir ima veliko vrednost. Lukec je pomislil: “Kaj, če bi bil izgubil pismo?” Mati naj proda vse, tako je ukazal oče. S tistimi papirji naj gre v mesto. Dobila bo denar in pravice.
“Buenos Aires,” je ponovil Lukec iz pisma. To ime mu je zelo ugajalo. “Oče je v mestu, ki se imenuje Parana.”
“Parana,” je ponovil škorec. “Parana.”
“Parana, da.” Oče dela v tovarni. Ko prideta Marjeta in Lukec tja, se bosta odpočila. Nato pojdejo vsi skupaj v drug kraj. Tam bo boljši zaslužek.
Lukec in mati sta molčala. “V enem mesecu,” je razmišljal deček. Vtaknil je roke v žepe, se oslonil s hrbtom. V Ameriko hodijo veliki možje, a ne dečki. In Lukcu se je zdelo, da ni več deček, ampak pol moža.
V	prsih mu je igralo kot naj lepša godba.
“Mati, novo obleko mi boste morali kupiti.”
“Vsega bo treba,” je vzdihnila mati. “Pa si tak. Očetu bom povedala.”
“Saj ne bom več,” je obljubil.
Za škorca se nihče ni zmenil. Postalo mu je dolgčas. Popadel je očetovo pismo in ga nesel po mizi. Z eno nogo je stopil nanj, s kljunom ga je trgal.
“Klepec, pusti to! To je zate!”
Lukec mu je iztrgal pismo in mu vrgel ovitek.
Mati je globoko vzdihnila in odšla v vežo.
Lukec je božal škorca in mu govoril: “Klepec, v Ameriko poj demo. Tudi ti poj deš z nama. Da, tudi ti.” Škorec mu je vtikal kljun v usta. Lukec se je dvignil in mu odtrgal grozd. Celega mu je vrgel na mizo. Ptič je od radosti in od objesti poskočil in zavreščal kot sraka.
Lukec je stopil na prag in vprašal mater: “Ali bom še hodil v šolo?”
(Dalje prihodnjič.)
THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLD
(Continued)
Nothing endures. What a wonderful thought! Even the world dies, and the sun, and the vast constellations, and all things pass away; and as the poet says:—
We are part
Of every rock and bird and beast and hill,
One with the things that prey on us, and one with what we kill.
When the moon had dried up, and air and water and life and sound had all disappeared, the earth mass was also cooling down, under the same laws that make your tea and your dinner grow cool. The fiery gases were entering into new combinations as they cooled, and—most important of all—the oxygen and hydrogen combined and formed water. As I told you before, water is combined and formed of two gases, and these two gases abounded in the flaming earth mass, so that when the opportunity came to combine they did so, and fell on the red hot crust, hissing and roaring and filling the atmosphere with steam. The red-hot earth drank up the newly-formed water, and new water formed and was absorbed again; and so it went on through the long, long ages.
The laws that governed matter were the same then as now, for the weight of hydrogen was 2, and that combines with a weight of oxygen equal to 16, to form a watery vapor equal to 18. Those laws never vary, neither in time nor in space. The uniformity of law never fails. In Neptune, the farthest-off brother world of ours, 3,000 million miles from the earth, the same laws prevail. In the remotest star, billions and billions of miles from us, the same laws operate without the slightest deviation. The law is the only enduring thing.
The earth mass cooled slowly through the ages, and the gases entered into ever new combinations, and solids were formed by the lowering of the temperature, and a solid crust at last formed on the world. But the inside was as hot as ever. The inside was a blazing, burning, fiery mass, and when it burst through the crust, with a wild volcanic roar, it covered all the land with lava—
which is another name for melted rock. The volcanic activities of the earth must have been terrific, and the rush and roar of the boiling floods must have moulded the plastic earth into all sorts of weird shapes.
Still, all the time it was growing more solid; it was cooling, and condensing, and growing ever more stable. But life as we know it must then have been utterly impossible. Yet, when the world cooled sufficiently to allow of warm, quiet seas, there must have been new chemical combinations, forming jellies, and weird, quivering, shapeless, un-nameable things, which had only the promise of life in them. When the boiling floods swept over the seas and the lands they must all have disappeared again, only to recommence at a new opportunity. And how long did this go on? Ah, who can say? Words fail to tell; years fail to measure. The human mind falters before the problem. For long ages the crust of the earth was solidifying, till there must have been at least twenty-five miles of earth-crust, and there came a sort of stability. What a miraculous time it all was! What a world we live in, to be sure!
CHAPTER X
The Solidification of the Elements
When I was a very small boy I was taken to see Professor Anderson, “The Wizard of the North,” and he did wonderful things. He borrowed a gentleman’s tall hat from the audience, made a real plum-pudding in the hat, and cooked it before our eyes on the stage. Then he broke the pudding up into small pieces, and threw them, all smoking hot, among the audience; and those who caught the pieces declared they were just splendid. It was a real plum-pudding. After doing all the cooking in the hat, he returned it to the owner in perfect condition, just as when he borrowed it.
I thought that was the most wonderful thing I had ever seen; and so it was in a sense, but it wap all trickery. The quickness of the wizard’s hands deceived the eyes of the onlookers. That was all!
(To be continued)
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33
ORIGINAL CROSSWORD PUZZLE
By Benjamin Volk, 17, North Tonawanda, N. Y. Lodge 405
ACROSS
1. Slovene National Benefit Society (abbr.). 4. An excavation where minerals are obtained. 7. Having just finished a meal. 10. Preposition. 12. To open. 13. Refusal. 14. To cover a parcel with paper. 16. An imagine of divinity. 18. A mamal valuable for its skin, in the Bering Strait. 20. Admire greatly. 21. Slang meaning “have eaten.” 22. Protestant Episcopal (abbr.). 23. The point of time from which a series of years is reckoned. 25. Mother. 26. Railroad (abbr.). 29. Hard substance used for jewelry, found in the sea. 31. A crystalized mineral of various colors used as a gem. 34. Past tense of ring. 35. Not on time. 36. Advertisement. 37. Pertaining to the nose. Ester root (abbr.). 42. To run away to secretly marry. 43. Assistant to the captain on a ship. 44. Consequently.
DOWN
2. Human beings. 3. Our opponents in the Pacific. 4. The male of the human race. 5. Within. 6. The animal we get milk from. 8. Tellurium (abbr.). 9. A cavity. 11. To worry. 13. A girl’s name. 15. Athletic Association (abbr.). 17. To start something. 19. To take without permission. 20. Sep;arate. 24. Noisy, high-full-sounding. 25. Iron which attracts other iron. 27. A cylinder used for grinding. 28. Ratio or proportion. 29. Jutting point of stone. 30. Royal Navy (abbr.) 32. Father. 33. Lowest number meaning nothing. 38. A weaker type of beer. 39. For the time being. 40. A large type of monkey.
MATI ZNA...
Katka Zupančič
Vsako jutro zapored gresta v šolo Tom in Ed. Rajši bi doma ostala, pa se do noči igrala.
Zadnji hip se ujezita, vsa našobljena stojita.
Naj le oni v šolo gre, ki mu je kaj več do nje.
“Kaj je treba šolske brige? Mar so nama črke, knjige! In vrh tega, mamica, je pretežka torbica!
Čudež mati naredi: par piškotov vsak dobi — in je torbica olajšana, šolska briga zmanjšana.
PREBUJENJE
Zvonko
Preko skrivnostnih polj, preko rumenih gor padal je mrak.
Jelka med travo sama je sanjala ptica na veji je glavico sklanjala-trudno in tiho.
Sel sem zamišljen tik ob gozdiču skozi temo.
Mirno sem sanjal o kratkem življenju, glavo sem sklanjal truden in nem.
Nekdo je vzdihnil čisto pred mano skozi ta mir.
Dvignil sem glavo tiho otožno, kriknil sem glasno, mogočno in grozno, ko sem pred sabo— zagledal prepad.
GAMES AND CONTESTS
Drawing Santa’s Gifts Here’s a kind of game to use at your December meeting or party. Ask each member to bring an inexpensive Christmas present. The cost may be limited to a fixed amount—ten cents or more. The packages, neatly wrapped, are handed to the committee on arrival at the meeting or party, and they number them in consecutive order. A short time before the gifts are to be distributed, the players draw numbers from a hat, one number to each player. The packages are then turned over to our friend Santa, and he calls out the numbers written on them. The player with the number called gets the package. If one is not satisfied with what he gets, he is privileged to trade “sight unseen,” or otherwise, if he can find anyone who wants to trade with him.
Grab-Bag
A common method of exchanging gifts at parties or meetings is called grab-bag. As the members or guests arrive on the scene, they are asked to drop their gifts into a large open bag. Then at a chosen time, those who deposited gifts in the bag are told to line up on one side of the room and, as they walk by the bag, reach in and draw out one gift. Trading may follow between the dissatisfied players.
Santa’s Bag of Stunts Have the committee in charge of the party write certain stunts to be performed on slips of paper. Put these in a bag and have the players draw one slip each. Each person is to perform the stunt drawn. Prizes may be given for the best performance.
Blowing Out the Candle The candle is placed on a table. The players are blindfolded one at a time and turned around three times. They must then try to blow out the candle. The chances are that many of them will blow in any direction but in the direction of the candle.
Follow the Leader Players form single file behind a leader and imitate everything he does. They hop, jump, walk stooped over, strut, play a trombone, fife, drum, or some other musical instrument, they sweep, walk around looking like a monkey or gorilla, fly like a bird, skip, walk backward, spin, shake their heads, wave, clap their hands, sing, jump over obstacles, do difficult stunts, or act as if they are looking for something. In fact, anything the leader does, everyone else does. When a player fails to perform the required action, he drops to the foot of the line, or out of the game entirely. When play has continued for several minutes, send the leader to the foot and let the next player in line be leader.
Here I Bake The players join hands in a circle. One player inside the circle is the captive. He endeavors to
find freedom by trickery and force. Touching one pair of clasped hands he says, “Here I bake!” Passing around the circle he touches another pair of hands, saying, “Here I brew!” Suddenly, in a place least suspected, the prisoner whirls around, springs at two clasped hands, and tries to break through. As he does he shouts, “Here. I mean to break through!” The prisoner endeavors to catch two players off guard. The two players, responsible for the prisoner breaking through, draw straws to determine which one of them takes the prisoner’s place
Blind Bag Tag
The players mill around the center of the playing area. One player has a big paper bag such as is gotten at the grocery store with a large order of groceries. The mouth of the bag is folded back several times to make it easier to handle. Suddenly the player with the bag claps it over the head of one of the players, so that it covers his entire head and he cannot see. All other players scatter.
The player over whose head the bag has been placed counts, “One, two, three! Stop!” Immediately all players must stop where they are. The blind player then moves about, hands out, until he touches some player. He asks this player to imitate some animal by putting some such question as this to him, “How does a rooster crowd?” The captured player must answer, appropriately, trying to disguise his voice, of course. If the blind man guesses correctly as to who the captured person is, that player has th^ bag clapped over his head and the group scatters again until the new blind man shouts, “One, two, three! Stop!” If he does not guess correctly, he tries again.
Shadow Buff
All players but one gather in a room over the door of which a sheet has been drawn. A light is so arranged that shadow pictures can be made on the sheet. The extra player sits on the opposite side of the sheet in a dark room and tries to identify the players whose shadows appear on the screen. These players must appear one at a time. They are privileged to use simple disguise, such as false paper noses or ears, funny hats, paper curls, etc. They may make any gestures they desire. When a guesser identifies a shadow correctly, the person whose identity he guessed takes his place.
Cnotributed by—MTV.
Judge: “Have you ever appeared before in this court?”
Defendant: “Yes, your honor.”
Judge: “In what suit?”
Defendant: “My blue serge.”
*
John: “Be kind to insects.”
Mary:	“Yeah, we never lose the opportunity
of patting a mosquito on the back.”
JUST FOR FUN
A CHRISTMAS STORY
In order to get a complete story of Christmas for Jack and Betty you will have to fill in the missing words. All the missing words are associated with Christmas in some way.
“Jack and Betty decided to make it a very gay
C 1 s h i y, so they bought
g—f—s and all sorts of c—n—y and n s. Jack
went to the forest and brought back a t e which
was put in the front room and decorated with
t n—1 and 1 g s. Then they tied the
p s s on the t——e with r b n. They
gathered in the room at night and sang Christmas
c r s. Then they went to sleep to be up
and around again early next morning.
*	* * * *
CHRISTMAS TIME Jingling bells of Christmastime Ring and sound and gaily chime;
For children living far and near In our country we hold dear.
The bells don't ring so merrily In the lands across the sea;
There they strike a somber tune Full of fear and hate and doom.
Bui another year will come When our victory is won,
Then bells will ring out merrily Over lands that will be free.
s|«	*	* sj« :jc
HIDDEN STATES
The following sentence contains four hidden States. If you analyze the sentence quite thoroughly you will surely be able to discover them. Maybe your home state is included:
“Oh, I only wish I’d a home, and that Mario was sending his washing to Nora.”
*	* * * *
SOLDIER-BOY The soldiers fighting for our country are all equipped with various supplies necessary for their own purpose. Bill was a soldier-boy and had to learn about the following. Of course, we mixed the words in order to be confusing, but you’ll be able to unscramble them:
1.	msse	- tik	5.	rialapnes
2.	lerif	6.	dersgli
3.	ankt	7.	bersbom
4. chineam - ugn
*****
RIDDLE-ME-REE
1. Q. Why is bread a lazy food?
A. Because it is a loaf.
2. Q. When does a woman feel like 2c?
A. When she wears two perfumes (two scents)
3. Q. When does the chicken give a peck?
A. When it sees a grain of corn.
4. Q. Why does it hurt when you get butter?
A. Because you get a pound.
5. Q. What is the romantic piece of silverware?
A. The spoon.
6. Q. What instrument for combing hair could
you say gets the angriest?
A. The brush because it bristles. ******
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Here are a lot of good things you might eat on Christmas day, but someone left off the first and last letter of the word. See if you can supply it and learn what the goodies	are?
1.	—urke—	4.	—ranberrie—
2.	—uddin—	5.	—uc—
3.	—and—	6.	—ut—-
*****
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Here is a Xmas poem you all remember. However, Jane couldn’t remember the words to the poem and the best she could remember was as follows: Could you correct the poem to make it right?
'Twas the day before Xmas And all through the rooms Not a twig was stirring Not even a kitten.
*****
WE'RE ALL AMERICANS
To complete the statement fill in the last word.
1. When you help a little bit
You can better the Axis --------.
2. Our country needs us everyone
To help in battle till peace is ------.
3. It’s not the funds or things you say But cooperation will win the -----------.
4. Our boys and girls have helped a lot When scrap and ruber they have .
*****
TONGUE TWISTERS
Susan Slessor sews soldier’s shoulder straps so sweetly.
Buy bonds to build better bombers bombing better bums.
Gossips glibly gabbing get gruesome glances going.
*****
SAIL THE SHIP
Each of the words in answer to the following end in “ship”. Can you figure out the right ship?
1. A bright student when graduating may get
a ----------------ship.
2. English nobility is referred to as his ---------
--------ship.
3. When two persons own a business, it is called
a ----------------ship.
4. You own something, you possess -----------------
 ship.
(Concluded on page 8)
STAMP COLLECTING
STAMPS OF THE WORLD AFFECTED BY THE WAR
One hardly realizes the extent to which the war has affected the issuance of stamps of the world until a checkup is made. Let us take a quick look at some of the stamps issued within the last three years:
Although Poland is now non-existent within its former borders, the Free Polish government in London caused a beautiful set of eight stamps showing machine gunners, tank, plane, submarine, and scenes from destroyed Warsaw and Krakow. Norway, although invaded by the Nazis, has issued stamps with a “V” for Victory design, as shown on cover from Trondheim.
Canada’s new issue of fourteen stamps is related principally to the prosecution of the war. The stamps of such French Colonies as Equatorial Africa, the Cameroons, and New Caledonia sprang into prominence when they issued interesting designs showing them to be a part of the Free French Government. As a warning against Fifth Column activities, Cuba has caused to be issued a set of five stamps with the message on one reading “On Guard! The Fifth Column Is Spying On You.”
As one means of keeping secret the location of some of our armed forces, United States stamps without their customary overprint are being used in the Canal Zone. Five of the last six United States stamps were issued for the war effort, and the 3-cent Kentucky commemorative issued on June 1 is the only one which carries no war propaganda idea.
The war’s effect upon stamps of the government of France will be shown in a new issue of Postage Dues. These will be similar in design to those in use since 1882, but the “R.F.” abbreviation for Re-publique Francaise will be eliminated. Even Syria has applied Free French inscriptions to seven of its air mail stamps.
The neutral countries will naturally stay neutral in their stamp issues, and yet Switzerland showed the effect of the war through its March 21 issuance of a 10-centime stamp to advertise a campaign for the collection of scrap materials. Paper conservation is responsible for the Union of South Africa’s issue of half size or “baby” stamps, which will make them among the smallest adhesives ever issued.
Many “new” stamps are being created by overprinting. In some instances a shortage of materials has resulted in large stocks of some stamps being overprinted and converted into other denominations and for air mail and fiscal use. Some of the countries are re-issuing stamps, using the same plates but with a change of color for the various denominations. There will be paper and perforation changes, too, and while these will be considered “new” stamps, the average collector will have a time of it becoming familiar with them.
However, not all of the new stamps are going
to be related to the war. Many countries will issue commemorative and promotional stamps. Recent examples of these are the announced new set for Guatemala for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Antigua, former capital. Belgium has come out with a previously unannounced set of nine anti-tuberculosis semi-postals to honor noted students and scientists.
Without attempting an actual tabulation of recent issues it seems that half the stamps issued or changed can be directly attributed to existence of a world war.	—Clark Collard.
JUST FOR FUN
(Continued from page 7)
5.	If you are learning a business or a trade, you
serve an -------------------ship.
*	* * * *
HOW'S YOUR GRAMMAR?
Can you tel if the sentence in group A or group B is correct? Try real hard—
GROUP A		GROUP B
1. Between you and I	1.	Between you and me
2. Where is he?	2.	Where is he at?
3. Within a month	3.	Inside a month
4. Independent from	4.	Independent of
5. Have got to	5.	Must
* *	* *	*
QUITE FAST TOO
Did you hear about the Chinaman who was walking along and all of a sudden he saw a big bear following him and smelling his tracks.
“Hm,” said the Chinaman, “seems like you like my tracks. Velly good, I make some mole.” (Answers to puzzles on back cover page)
Drawn by Benjamin Volk, age 17, N. Tonawanda, N. Y. Lodge 405.
ZIMSKI DAN
Rado
V	hudem mrazu	vse	prezeba,	z nje mole otoki.
njive je odela	Nad gozdovi megla	plava.
megla gostobela—	•	„ ,.	..	.	,V1
Z dimnikov pa kvišku viie zdai um ie toplotetreba!	J
J J	v črti dolgi, krivi,
Širno morje je planjava;	dim se temnosivi;
gore kot visoki	kakor črv v oblake	rije.
************
********************
************
Tako
štejemo
Ko je leto vroče, vsakdo v vodo hoče.
Anko, Banko, Blažko mislijo na Baško.
Nežka in Frančeška gresta v Belopeška.
Mara z družbo srbsko više ceni Vrbsko.
Kdor pusti Bohinjsko, kreni na Klopinjsko!
Ti pa na Osojsko pojdi z našo Lojzko!
Potlej pa na Turje, če te strah ni burje.
A. Francevič.
************
********************
************
Pink Moccasin in natural environment in full bloom on June 6, 1942, at Eveleth, Minnesota.—From painting by Jos. Bogdanich, Eveleth, Minn.
OUR SCHOOL
THINK OF OTHERS AT YULETIDE
Yuletide is a time of happines and joy,
A time that people gladly give and receive;
That’s the time that every lil’l girl and boy
Had rather give than to receive, I do believe.
You can see some fortunate boys and girls,
Having a most wonderfully joyous Yuletide;
But what about the many poor boys and girls
Who have no time to go out for a ride?
ANNIE ČRETNIK, 16, lodge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
DECEMBER
The month of December,
We all can remember;
Children shout with joy,
Every li’l girl and boy
It’s Christmas time,
Yours’ll be better than mine;
So be nice girls and boys,
Maybe you’ll get more toys.
WILLIE ČRETNIK, 12, lodge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
YULETIDE
On Christmas day How we’ll play,
We’ll have a good time If we only get a dime.
EMELIA ČRETNIK, 9, loydge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
DEAR OL' SANTA
We all love old Santa,
For he brings candies,
This dear old Santa,
To all shacks and shanties.
MILDRED ČRETNIK, 10, lodge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
COLOMBIA
Colombia is in the northwestern part of South America and is the only country on that continent with a sea coast on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
The Spaniards discovered Colombia in the late 15th century but not until 1550 was the country really conquered. Spain claimed this colony for almost 300 years. Then Colombia achieved its independence and, in 1819, under the leadership of Simon Bolivar, became the Republic of Colombia. Bolivar was the first president of Colombia.
The original inhabitants of Colombia were Indians. The majority of the present inhabitants are of a mixed breed, the Indians having intermarried with the Spaniards, who introduced negro slaves; and about ten per cent of the population are Indians. Spanish is the language spoken.
Three ranges of the Andes Mountains extend
north and south through the center of the country. These are the determining features in climate, crops and transportation. At the coast is the typical hot climate of the tropics, then comes the high plateau with its cool, even temperature, and next the high snow-capped peaks.
Colombia has enoxmous natural resources including- large deposists of platinum, gold and emeralds. The timber sources are also very valuable. In the forests are found mahogany; coffee is the chief product, but tobacco, cacao, sugar, wheat, corn, rice, bananas, etc., grow extensively. The land is very fertile.
The principal cities are Bogota, the capital; Cartagena, Cali, Barranquilla and several others. The area of Colombia is 481,979 square miles and is the fourth largest country among the South American states.
Government. The constitution of 1886 vested the power in a president, elected for six years, two houses of congress and a judiciary. Rivers: the Amazon, Magdalena, Cauca and the Orinoco are long and navigable in part.
VERA BOZANIC, age 14, lodge 393
R. F. D. No. 3, Worcester, N. Y.
*
LET'S HELP UNCLE SAM
Let’s help Uncle Sam today,
Don’t think about next week’s pay.
Let’s help him sink Jap ships,
Don’t thik about the Jap hits.
Don’t care about the Japs any more,
Let’s help Uncle Sam win the war.
Let’s you and I get a bond, each,
And we will feel like a peach.
MILDRED ČRETNIK, age 10, lodge 24 R. R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
JUST TWO JOKES
World War I Vet: “You see, I have a number of medals from World War I.”
World War II Vet: “What did you do to earn all those medals?”
First Vet: “Well, you see, that one I got by mistake, and all the others I got because I got the first one.”
Fortune Teller: “For $2 I will tell your future.”
City Man: “Are you a genuine fortune teller?’'
Fortune Teller: “I am.”
City Man: “Then you ought to know that 1 haven’t got $2.”
DAN GOSTOVICH, age 11, lodge 297 Box 531, Raton, New Mexico.
•
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
The United States Naval Academy is the most important naval school in America and one of the best equipped institutions of its kind in the world.
On October 10, 1845, it was authorized by the United States government and established at Annapolis, Maryland, for the purpose of giving instruction to young men to fit them for positions as officers in the navy. The students of the Naval
Academy are called midshipmen. Previous to 1902 they had been called naval cadets.
The fact of nomination does not admit a young man to the academy; he must pass entrance examinations of high school grade and must be physically sound and of robust constitution. The course at the academy extends over a period of four years, when the graduates assume the work of ensign in the United States Navy. The course of education and naval training is thorough; the discipline of the academy severe. Each midshipman receives from the government $750 per year during his course, but much of this is used to defray expenses. Candidates for appointment must be between sixteen and twenty years of age. They must be unmarried; if married during their course of study, they are dismissed from the service.
In their first year at the Academy, these youths, as “plebes,” start the rigid drills which continue throughout the eight months of each academic year—rowing, sailing, infantry, artillery, boxing, dancing, fencing, and swimming. They study mathematics, English or French, and mechanical drawing. The next year, as “youngsters,” they go further into these studies, adding naval history, electrical engineering, and physics.
During their third and fourth years they continue to study the languages, and take up advanced subjects, such as seamanship, ordinance, naval construction, and navigation. At the end of each of the first academic years, about June 1, they have a three months’ vacation. At the end of the four years’ course, those who have meas-
(£lta?os1£mg
ured up to the strict standards of discipline and to all the high requirements as to scholarship, officer-like conduct, and physical fitness, are graduated as ensigns, the first rung of the ladder of naval promotion.
A graduate of the Naval Academy must be a seaman, an engineer, a marine engineer, navigator, surveyor, and well acquainted with steam, electricity, and ordinance. He must also have a good knowledge of his own language and know some Spanish and French.
From the first of June until the first of September the midshipmen are embarked on practice ships which are battleships temporarily detached from the fleet generally taking a certain number. Others go to a training ship.
Administration of the Naval Academy is vested in a superintendent, who is a naval officer of high rank, appointed by the President. As the equipment was found inadequate to meet requirements, an appropriation of $8,000,000 for improvements was sanctioned by Congress in 1905, as a result of which old buildings were remodeled and new ones erected.
Today, possibly more than ever before, this academy is playing a vital part in the training of young men who are willing to fight vigorously to defend our rights, our freedom, and our liberty.
(Source:	“Compton’s	Pictured	Encyclopedia”
and “The World Book.”)
ZORA GOSTOVICH, 14, lodge 297, Box 531, Raton, New Mexico.
*
DAILY DOZEN
I only weigh 300 pounds,
Tho I’m not too fat,
I want to get slimmer To please my friend Pat.
I excercise every day,
I puff and push and pull,
But Pat still would say,
Big meals will make me full.
My calories are fewer now,
All sweets are locked away,
’Cause Pat insists, you know,
I must get slimmer every day.
MARY POTISK, age 15, lodge 747 2713 S. 71st St., West Allis, Wis.
*
FACTS AND FUN
Portuguese peasants wear thatched straw suckers and leggins on rainy days.
Birds like the gannet are able to stop flying by using wings, tail, and feet as brakes.
Billy: “You said your uncle never snored. Listen to him now!”
Bobby: “He doesn’t. He’s dreaming about a dog and its growling.”
Drawn by Violet Machek, age 15, MacDonald, Pa. Policeman: “How did you knock that man Lodge 231.	down?”
Driver: “I didn’t knock him down. I stopped the car to let him across and he must have fainted.”
Long-winded traveler: “And it was there that I first saw a man-eating tiger.”
Bored listener: “That’s nothing. I once saw a man eating rabbit.”
AGNES SALOUM, 14, lodge 89 R. D. No. 1, Bulger, Pa.
*
TIMELY JOKES
Private: “You can’t fool me. I know they’ve got potato-peeling machines in this man’s army.” Sergeant: “Yeah, smart guy, and you’re the latest model.”
John: “What makes thaj; fellow always try to act hard-boiled?”
Frank: “Oh, he’s in hot water all the time.”
Cowboy: “Getting your saddle on backward, aren’t you?”
Dude: “That’s all you know about it, smarty. You don’t even know which way I’m going.”
DAN GOSTOVICH, 11, lodge 297 Box 531, Raton, New Mexico.
*
THE MILKY WAY
Some Indians had a corn mill in which they pounded corn into meal. On several mornings, when they came to empty it, they noticed that some of the meal had been stollen. They examined the ground and found a great dog came from the North and began to eat the meal. They sprang from their places of hiding and beat him. He ran off into the sky howling, the meal dropping from his mouth as he ran, and leaving a white trail where we now see the Milky Way. This the Indians call by a name meaning “Where the dog ran.”
That’s the story about the origin of the Milky Way. If you believe it, it is all right; if you don’t, it’s okay, too.
MARGARET KUPINA, age (?), Circle 2 1383 E. 41st St., Cleveland, Ohio.
*
JUST A FEW JOKES
Billy: “It says in the paper that the tusks of 4,700 elephants were used last year to make billiard balls.”
Silly: “Isn’t it wonderful how such big, clumsy beasts can be taught to do such delicate work.”
Plumber: “I know I’m l^te, but I got here as quick as I could.”
Mrs. Lumber: “Oh, that’s all right—while we waited for you I taught my two little boys to swim.”
Pop: “Where’s Aunt Bessie? The parade is coming and she’ll miss it.”
Mom: “She’s upstairs waving her hair.”
Pop: “Heck, can’t we afford a flag?”
ROSE LIPAR, age 14, lodge 393 R. D. 1, Hyndsville, N. Y.
MLADINSKI LIST
Many children receive the Mladinski List. Some pay for it because they do not belong to the SN-PJ, some get it free because they are members of the Society. I am indeed proud and most fortunate because I belong to the Slovene National Benefit Society and receive this fine magazine free.
The ML is most fortunate for having many interesting things concealed in its pages. I like the stories, articles, riddles, jokes, and everything written in this magazine “from cover to cover,” except the Slovene part which I cannot read.
Come on all you SNPJers! Write to this fine magazine. You do not know how lucky you are to get this wonderful monthly free. You ought to make it even more interesting by writing to it or sending in drawings and articles. Many boys and girls all over the U. S. read the M. L. Let’s each of us do his or her part to make it more interesting in the future.
MARGARET BARBO, 12, lodge 753 Box 272, L’Anse, Mich.
*
TERRITORY ADDED TO THE U. S. SINCE 1803
Louisiana, purchased in 1893 from France.
Florida, purchased in 1819 from Spain.
Texas, annexed in 1845 from Mexico.
Oregon, gained by treaty in 1846, from Great Britain.
Alaska, purchased in 1867 from Russia.
Hawaii, annexed in 1898, made a territory in 1900.
Philippine Isis., gained by treaty in 1898, from Spain.
Puerto Rico, gained by treaty in 1889, from Spain.
Samoa, gained by treaty in 1900.
Panama Canal Zone, perpetual lease, in 1904, from Panama.
West Indies, purchased in 1917 from Denmark. MARGE KUPINA, age 15, Circle 2 1383 E. 41st St., Cleveland, Ohio.
*
WHAT ARE BONES MADE OF
If you burn a leg bone from a chicken in a hot fire, it can be reduced to a little heap of white ashes, largely lime. If the other leg bone is placed for a few days in a ten per cent solution of hydrochloric acid, the mineral matter will be dissolved out so that the bone can be tied into a knot.
Thus we see bone is made of animal matter as well as mineral. The bones of young people are growing and contain relatively more animal matter than do the bones of older people. A broken bone, therefore, is much more serious in an older person.
Live bones are surrounded with a delicate covering of living matter, through which they absorb nourishment. Damage to this part of the bone is serious because it cuts of the blood and food supply from the bone. (Source: Scientific Article.)
JOHNNIE MOČIVNIK, 13, lodge 24 P. O. Box 86, Jenny Lind, Ark.
TAMED AND WILD CATS
You can make great friends of cats, but they are never as devotedly affectionate as dogs. They keep more of their wild and independent nature than a dog does.
Some cats never have been tamed. There are still many wild cats in the far west, and in northern Canada. They are very savage and are bigger and stronger than the tame or domestic cats. They make their homes in hollow trees and small caves and live on birds, squirrels and gophers.
The ordinary housecat is quite a different creature. But if it is badly treated it can be a terrible enemy with its sharp teeth and strong claws. Our house cats were probably first tamed in Egypt. There are many sorts today: white cats, black cats, blue cats, sandy cats, gray cats, tor-toise-shell cats, cats with long fur, cats with long tails, cats with no tails at all! The tailless cats come from the Isle of Man near England, and are called manx cats. (SOURCE: Magazine article.)
MARY BARBO, 12, lodge 753 Box 272, L’Anse, Michigan.
*
LET'S ALL HELP
Now is the time to start,
For us to win the war.
Everyone should do his part,
If we want to even the score.
We should sell all the tin cans,
All the scrap that’s made of tin,
All the scrap iron, pots and pans,
And soon the war we will win.
We should buy a bond each moon,
We should by a stamp each day.
This war will be over soon,
But we must help in every way.
LOUIS NOVAK, age 13, lodge 490
9118 Burley Ave., Chicago, 111.
*
ON CHRISTMAS EVE
On Christmas eve all children smile Because they know it’s worthwhile,
For Santa is coming with his toys That are for good girls and boys.
For girls some dishes or a doll,
But if they are bad nothing at all.
For boys a truck or a tool chest,
A nice big sled or a shiny desk.
So go to bed early that night,
You’ll find something you’ll like.
VIRGINIA BARTON 14, lodge 23]
R. D. 4, McDonald, Penna.
SNOW FROLIC
Snow is softly falling down,
Like cotton drops of white,
Falling over all the town,
In the day and in the night.
Soon it will be so deep,
Like a blanket over the ground,
Falling while the people sleep,
In the mornirjg it will be found.
The children shout with glee,
When they see the soft white snow,
They all shout and dance merrily As on their sleds they swiftly go.
Soon it is time to leave and go,
Goodby, Gooby they happily say,
We’ll play tomorrow in the snow,
That was a very enjoyable day.
VIRGINIA BARTON, 14, lodge 231
R. D. 4, McDonald, Penna.
*
SOLVE THESE RIDDLES
What would you buy if you had 10c and a buggy top?—A fine comb to comb the bugs off your top.
What did one rose say to the other rose?—• Hiya, Bud!
What did one ear say to the other ear?—Do you live on this block?
What did one big toe say to the other big toe? —There’s a couple heels following us.
What did one eye say to the other eye?—There’s something between us that smells.
What did one deer say to the other deer?—It’s going to rain, dear (reindeer).
What do the four letters in the alphabet behind a man say?—OICU (Oh, I see you).
MARGARET BARBO, 12, lodge 753
Box 272, L’Anse, Michigan.
SOME MORE JOKES
Hi: “I know a girl who plays the piano by ear.”
Ho: “ ‘Snothin,’ I know an old man who fiddles with his whiskers.”
Scotchman (at riding academy): “I wish to rent a horse.”
Green: “How long?”
Scotchman: “The longest you’ve got, laddie. There be five of us going.”
Seasick passenger (on a friend’s boat): “I say, w-hat about going back? After you’ve seen one wave, you’ve seen them all.
AGNES SALOUM, 14, lodge 89 R. D. No. 1, Bulger, Pa.
*
LIBRARY WORK
Librarians come in contact with all sort of people. By advising people in their choice of reading they may influence the standard of culture in a whole community.
Librarians may help children cultivate sound tastes. For people who like books and reading, such work is pleasant. Salaries, however, are seldom high.
In the large public libraries the work is specialized. There are routine duties to be per-
formed—stamping books, checking book slips, cataloging, and filling.
There are many excellent library schools. Some large public libraries and universities and colleges maintain library schools or courses.
But after all, reading the right kind of books will influence one to be a friend of the library.
ANNIE ČRETNIK, 15, lodge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
BOOK WEEK
Another Book Week is ahead of us, coming just before the yuletide season. It occupies an appropriate place on the calendar. At first some called it “Good Book Week” because it began as a drive for better books, for placing them in homes to be read, and for making them easily accessible in public places.
An earnest cause and not a grim one, planned in the beginning to foster books suitable for boys and girls, it has become a gay campaign dramatizing in happy celebration the joys of book companionship. Book Week has helped promote reading for fun and enlightenment in schools, libraries, and homes the country over. In reality it is not confined to a single week, for it spreads enthusiasm for books through the holiday season on into all the months of the year.
Book Week is really dedicated to children, but this year, I think, Book Week should be dedicated to the soldiers, sailors, and marines and all the men in uniform. Get all those books you’ve read and loved and ask your neighbors too, and give them to the Red Cross, U.S.O. or any group that is helping to give pleasure to the men in uniform. Begin now, you loyal SNPJers, in your city or community. Then your fellow citizens will follow.
Booksellers, teachers, librarians, scout leaders, defense workers, 4-Hers, clubs, and many others, are all interested, all concerned with books and reading, all devoted to the soldiers, sailors, and mairnes. You and they can join hands in this worthy drive, thereby insuring its success through enthusiastic cooperative effort. It will be work and it can be fun!
This is my opinion of the Book Week 1942, and I know many others will agree. So come on all of you, let’s give pleasure to the armed forces to keep up their morale!
ZITA BOZANIC, age 15, lodge 393 R. D. No. 3, Worcester, N. Y.
*
A REMARKABLE RUNNER
Hensen Ernst, a Norwegian cross-country runner, was unquestionably the greatest long-distance foot racer that ever lived. The records set up by this tireless Scandinavian in Europe during the early part of the last century have never been equaled.
Note a few of his records.
Hensen Ernst ran from Paris to Moscow in two weeks. He ran over poor roads, in all kinds of weather and swam 13 big rivers on the way, yet he averaged 125 miles a day.
He averaged 95 miles a day for 59 days in a race
from Constantinople to Calcutta and return. He swam rivers, crossed deserts and endured dangers and suffered the blazing sun on his way across Anatolia, Persia, Afghanistan and India—a distance of 5,625 miles.
LOUIS NOVAK, age 13, lodge 490 9118 Burley Ave., Chicago, 111.
*
WINTER SPORT
Snow is on the fences,
Ice on the ground does lie,
A beauty on the lake is skating,
With a twinkle in her eye.
She skates as long as she wishes,
Upon where the ice does lie,
For she still is a beauty,
With a twinkle in her eye.
ROSE LIPAR, age 14, lodge 393 R. D. 1, Hyndsville, N. Y.
❖
"WE HAD LOTS OF FUN"
We had lots of fun on Halloween night. Daddy had cut out a pumpkin for us and was just about to begin on the one for sister Alice, when she stopped him.
“May I try to make it myself, Daddy?”
“Well, I don’t know,” said Daddy. “What do you think, Mother?”
Mother thought Alice might try if Daddy would help her. So Daddy watched while Alice did a very good job in cutting out the eyes, nose, and mouth, just as she had seen her Daddy do.it. She was very careful to clean out the inside very thoroughly. Nor did she forget her candle.
“Fine,” said Daddy. “It’s just as good as the one that I made.” Then the lights were turned out, and the jack-o-lanterns were lots of fun with their strange and funny faces. Of course, we did
Drawn by Eugene Skoff, age 17, Cicero, 111. Lodge 559.
not forget to play games, for Daddy knew a lot of them, and Mother played, too. And how wet we did get, trying to grab the apples that were floating in a tub of water.
Then father built a blazing fire in the fireplace and we all sat down, popped corn and roasted marshmallows. Alice decided that Halloween was as nice as Christmas, if not nicer.
HELEN PETROVIČ, age (?), lodge 166
R. D. 5, Box 362, Crafton, Pa.
*
MY PLAYHOUSE
I have the grandest playhouse,
That I have ever seen.
No, there isn’t even a mouse,
And it’s so neat and clean.
I have a cute little table,
A cabinet for my dishes.
And whenever I am able,
I wish to have new dishes.
But most of all I love my doll,
It likes to play ball.
It has a complexion of tan,
It wants to get in the dishpan.
MILDRED ČRETNIK, age 10, lodge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY
The chief of the Hoosier poets, James Whitcomb Riley (1953-1916) won a following among American readers unequalled of any other poet in his time.
Riley was born in Indiana and his fame is associated with the State of his birth, since he wrote mainly in Hoosier dialect, described Hoosier types of character, and sought to express the sentiment and ideas of Indiana folks, as typical as those of America at large.
Many of his poems are widely known and familiar. “The Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole,” “Little Orphan Annie,” and “The Raggedy Man,” among others. He wrote of childhood and the farm. Some of his poems not in dialect also have distinction.
ERNESTINE MOČIVNIK, 15, lodge 24
P. O. Box 86, Jenny Lind, Ark.
*
JUST A FEW JOKES
Nan: “Were you in the army?”
Dan: “Yes.”
Nan: “Did you get a commission?”
Dan: “Nope, straight salary.”
Good Morning Fond Mother: “Genevieve is so bright, only 12 years old and she is studying Algebra and French.” Mrs. Perkins: “How interesting.”
Fond Mother: “Say good morning to Mrs. Perkins in Algebra, Genevieve.”
Yes, What?
He: “Do you think you could live on my salary of $25 a week?”
She: “Surely, but what will you do?”
Through the Nose
Old Lady: “How do you sell your limburger
cheese?”
Clerk: “I sometime wonder about that myself.” HELEN BOZANIC, 16, lodge 393 R. D. 3, Worcester, N. Y.
*
BE CAREFUL
Now listen carefully,
And you shall hear,
That Santa Claus Is very, very near.
He hears you sing,
He hears you talk,
So be very careful When you take a walk.
GEORGIE MOČIVNIK, 11, lodge 24 P. O. Box 86, Jenny Lind, Ark.
*
SUBMARINE MINES
Submarine mines are designed to destroy submarines as well as enemy shipping. They explode under the surface of the water. High explosives, encased in metal cases fitted with a firing mechanism to explode upon contact or by electrical means. The mine was invented by David Bushnell many years ago. Much later, a man by the name of Colt added an electrical firing system.
Mines were used successfully in the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905. They were used in great numbers by both countries. In World War I mines again proved their worth by effectively keeping the German submarines bottled up in the North Sea. The depth-charges used by the Allies may be termed as submarine mines. They are used to destroy submarines underneath the surface.
The different kinds of submarine mines may be classified as follows:
Contact mines, exploded by contact of a ship.
Electrically fired by an operator on shore; sometimes these are fixed with a contact firing device also.
Fired by a timing device—set to explode upon the expected arrival of enemy ships.
Now in World War II, mines are again playing an important part. Again we, as in the first World War, are using mines to bottle up the German boats and submarines in their North Sea ports. Perhaps in the future, a more deadly mine will be discovered that will enable us to win this war and receive the peace that follows with open hearts.
It can be added that the ordinary submarine mine may be of either the floating or the fixed type. The former is set adrift in the expected path of a ship and explodes upon contact with it. The latter (fixed type) is anchored about ten or twelve feet below the surface of the water, in the path of ships or subs.
(SOURCE: Magazine article)
EMIL KMETEC, age 15, lodge 559 2414 S. Central Pk., Chicago, 111.
THIS IS OUR WAR
America is short of needed things,
Mostly waste rubber and scraps;
If we’d each bring but a pound of it,
Then we would get those sneaky Japs.
Wouldn’t it be fun for us to see,
America win this big global war;
Then our rubber soles and tires,
We’d have to save—no more?
So let us do all that we can,
By bringing forth all our scrap;
Then we can say, “We’d done our part,
In straigtening up the world map.
JOSEPHINE POTISK, age 14, lodge 747 2713 S. 71st St., West Allis, Wis.
*
A BLANKET OF WHITE
Winter is coming; we all do know,
Mother Nature sends a blanket of snow, This falling blanket is endlessly white,
It really, truly is a beautiful sight.
When the night is calm and bright,
Then the snow is sparkling crystal white, You stop and think, and it nearly seems, As if it were—but only a nice dream.
FLORENCE ALICH, 15, lodge 111 Box 607, Aurora, Minnesota.
THE WINTER SCENE Drawn by Zora Goslovich, age 14, Raton, N. Mex. Lodge 297.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF EARLY PEOPLE
Cave men..............fire and tools
Egiptians.............calendar, mathematics
Babylonians...........agriculture, astronomy
Assyrians.............iron implements
Phoenicians...........alphabet
Greeks................architecture, sculpture
Romans................law, government
FLORENCE ALICH, 15, lodge 111 Box 607, Aurora, Minnesota.
*
WHITE CHRISTMAS
Beautiful white Yuletide,
Trees bedecked with snow,
There’s a lot of icing,
But not for cake, you know.
There’s so much fun and joy At Christmas time for all,
So do be of good cheer—
Everyone, all small or tall. MARGARET POLONČIČ, 15, lodge 124 R. F. D. No. 2, Union Dale, Pa.
*
HELP WIN THE WAR!
There are many things that must be done With hard work alone, and not with fun.
Put your earnings in a war bond today And pretty soon everything’ll be okay.
Help the farmers in their big fields,
Help them sow and plow their fields.
Help produce the food that is needed,
Help us so we will not be defeated.
Pick up all the discarted scrap you can And then we will surely overwhelm Japan.
By all the planes that are in the sky Think of how we helped make them fly.
So come on, you and me, and one and all,
Let it be all for one and one for all.
Let’s raise high the old glory of liberty For all who fight against cruel tyranny.
FLORENCE CHADEZ, 16, lodge 267
Homedale, Idaho.
*
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
The red-winged blackbird is a delightful feathered inhabitant of every marsh and cattail swamp. No spring could ever be perfect without his sweet, liquit gurgle—“O-ka-lee.” You hear that flute when the sky is clear, and warm sunshine is floading field and stream, and you are glad you are alive.
The bird’s plumage is jet-black, with patches of red and yellow on his shoulders. He makes a bright spot of color among the dull green blades of the cattails.
The red-winged blackbird is found throughout the eastern and midwestern states. It arrives in the north early in March, but the pale blue spotted eggs are not laid until May. (Please write on one side of the paper only.—Ed.)
MARGARET BARBO, 13, lodge 753 Box 272, L’Anse, Michigan.
AN ACT OF GOOD DEED
Early in spring, a few days before vacation John visited his grandparents,, who lived out on a farm many miles from town. Nearby was a large forest with many deep ravines.
Since John was the only boy around and his grandmother needed some groceries, he decided to go into town with the car and get the groceries. To get into town he had to go through the woods. Johnny got into town, bought the groceries and began for home. When about one mile from home a blizzard came up and Johnny lost his way. The snow being too deep the car couldn’t go and Johnny was stuck ’way out here without a soul in sight.
Johnny sat in the car, when all of a sudden he heard a low moan. Upon investigating he discovered—to his great surprise—a little cub. He picked it up and brought it to the car. The blizzard soon ceased, but his car wouldn’t start. With the cub in his arm he began the long trip back home. His grandparents allowed him to keep the cub. Three years have passed, but Johnny still remembers the episode.
HELEN SROKA, age 17, lodge 321
318 Belvedere Ave. S. E., Warren, O.
❖
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
The Statue of Liberty on Bedioe’s Island, New York Harbor, was first proposed by a group of prominent Frenchmen in 1874. The U. S. Congress, in 1877, authorized the President to set apart a site on the island, which Frederick Bartholdi, the French sculptor, on his visit, had suggested.
A committee was formed in France in 1874 to raise funds. Thousands of French people, 180 cities, 40 general councils, and many societies contributed. In the United States, by the aid of different agencies, $300,000 was raised for the pedestal. The statue cost about $700,000, making the total about $1,000,000.
The Statue of Liberty is the highest statue in the world, it represents a female figure holding a torch aloft, and was presented to the people of the United States by the people of France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American independence. The statue was unveiled on Oct. 28, 1886.
The statue weighs 450,000 puonds. The bronze alone weighs 200,000 pounds, and is 3.16 of an inch thick. The height from base to torch is 151 feet 1 inch; foundation of pedestal to torch, 305 feet 6 inches; heel to top of head, 114 feet 6 inches. Forty persons can stand within the head, to which there is access by stairs inside the statue. Sculptor was Frederick Bartholdi.
Late in June, 1885, the French vessel “Isere” from Roven, France, landed the Statue of Liberty at New York—in 210 packing cases. The work of putting the parts together was begun in May, 1886, and the statue was unveiled in October, 1886.
It is interesting to know that the statue was finished in 1883, or three years before it was brought to America and unveiled. On July 4,
1884, it was officially presented to the American ambassador in Paris. The cornerstone of the pedestal was laid soon after. (SOURCE: Information from a book.)
ANNIE ČRETNIK, 15, lodge 24 R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
*
FOOD AND DIGESTION
It is important that each and every one of us knows the answers to the following questions:
1. The process of changing food into a form in which the body can use is called------------.
2. Food is carried to different parts of the body by the'---------.
3.	The	mineral-----------,	is	necessary for	the
composition of the blood.
4. The protective foods are those which contain---------.
5.	The	heat value of food	is	measured in-----.
6.	The	tube leading	from	the mouth to	the
stomach is called----------.
7. --------- juice	in the stomach acts upon the
protein.
8. Food is moved along the alimentary canal by the action of-----------.
9.	The	liver creates	a	juice called--------
-----------which aids digestion.
10. The mineral------------is	necessary	for	build-
ing bones and teeth.
ANSWERS: 1. Digestion. 2. Blood. 3. Iron. 4. Vitamins. 5. Calories. 6. Esophagus. 7. Gastric. 8. Muscles. 9. Bile. 10. Calcium.
In connection with this it is also important to know that—
In proportion to their size children require more food than adults.
Regular gain in weight and height is a good sign of normal growth in children.
The process of digestion is started in the mouth.
Being in a cheerful happy frame of mind aids digestion.
Tea and coffee are beverages which are disturbing to the nervous system.
Vitamin B cannot be stored in the body, we should eat some of it every day in our diet.
Vigorous exercise should never be taken immediately after a meal.
BILLY BENIGER, age 11, lodge 317 R. F. D. No. 1, Export, Penna.
*
SITTING AND KNITTING
My oldest sister is always sitting In the big green armchair knitting Sweaters that chill me to the marrow; Stockings ’way too long and narrow.
Three sleeves in each and every dress, Which fact she never will confess.
The attic is full of knitted messes,
Sweaters, scarfs, and socks and dresses. These she made while sitting there Knitting in the big green armchair.
MARY POTISK, age 15, lodge 747
2713 S. 71st St., West Allis, Wis.
DON’T FORGET: Put a part of your allowance into War Savings Stamps every week.
Our Own Juvenile Circles of the S. N. P. J.
oSs
\m
Send all your questions and requests for your Juvenile Circles to Bro. Michael Vrhovnik, Director of the SNPJ Juvenile Dept., 2657 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, III. He has been elected the Director of Juvenile Circles and your Advisers should keep
in touch with him.
Annual Election of Circle Officers
The last regular meeting of the year 1942 will soon be here. This, may we remind you, is the annual meeting at which elections are held to decide who will be your officers for the ensuing year—1943. Besides the elections, other important business, pertaining to a new program of activities, can be discussed and steps be taken, perhaps, to set up preliminary plans for immediate execution.
The annual election of officers is always an event of considerable significance to the average boy and girl, who belongs to an active Juvenile Circle. We cannot stress too strongly the importance and necessity of electing only the best qualified members to the responsible positions of our Circles, for only in that way can we expect to have capable and efficient officers as future leaders of the SNPJ.
Only SNPJ members, who are in good standing, have the right to nominate candidates, to vote, and to be elected to an office. The election shall be by secret ballot and tellers appointed by the president to collect and count the votes.
In every case a majority of votes is necessary to elect one to office. If three or more candidates are nominated and no one receives an absolute majority of votes cast, the two candidates with the highest number of votes shall be voted upon again, and the majority of votes shall determine the winner. In case of a tie vote, a new vote must be taken until one is elected.
For your further information, may I also add here that, although it is not compulsory to elect at this meeting officers other than those intended to fill positions on the executive committee (See
Section 7 of the Rules governing Juvenile Circles), it is believed to be practicable, however, to encourage the election or appointment of committee members who will have charge of publicity, entertainment, athletics, etc., provided, of course, there are sufficient qualified members present who can be depended upon to capably fill the offices desired.
Experience has taught us that the average boy or girl aspires to office, and feel« greatly honored and appreciative to have an office of responsibility bestowed upon him (her) be it obtained through election or appointment. They invariably show their appreciation by taking a more active part in the affairs of the Circle and, consequently, evolve into better informed and more efficient members. You are urged, therefore, to make all arrangements for a complete election and a 100% attendance at your annual meeting in December.
30th and 5th Anniversaries in 1943
The year 1943 is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Juvenile Department of the SNPJ and the 5th anniversary of the organization of the Society’s first Juvenile Circle. We wish to instill upon your minds that, because of these important birthdays, great things are in store for you in the new year. Watch for special announcements and notices published in the Prosveta, Mladinski List, and bulletins containing information and instructions of the attractive program of activities planned for the coming year. Our Juvenile Department and Circles must emerge out of 1943 bigger, stronger, more active, more influential, and more important than any time in SNPJ
history. We call on all members and officers to cooperate and work together as they never before have done. Through cooperation and hard work, we expect to achieve many worthwhile goals during the course of 1943. You are asked to prepare NOW—Get on your mark—Get set—so that when January 1, 1943, arrives, you’ll be ready to go! We want you to be ready to start fast—increase your speed of production of activities, membership and new Circles with each succeeding month —and end the year with a great spurt that will net you, your Circle, and the SNPJ as a whole, a most wonderful victory!
1942 Our School Contest Closes
This issue of the Mladinski List winds up the “Our School” literary and drawing contest for 1942. You will be happy to know that the winners of our beautiful achievement trophies and other awards will be annuonced next month, and that we hope to have all awards, certificates of merit, and our attractive, gold-filled Junior SNPJ Victory pins in the hands of winners before Christmas Day.
You’ve already seen the achievement trophies in a picture which appeared in the M. L. and the Prosveta sometime ago . . . You know what the
United States Defense or War Savings Stamps look like for, I’m sure, nearly everyone has them. . . . But wait till you see our beautiful Junior Victory pin. You’ll simply rave about it! You’ll want another, if not for yourself, then for a brother, or sister, or a friend. Very soon we are going to explain how to win one in 1943, and in the meantime, keep on writing and drawing for the M. L.
We hope you have enjoyed the “Our Page” feature which has appeared in recent issues. We expect to have it continued in the new year under certain improved conditions which we find are desirable, and under additional restrictions which you will be expected to accept and follow. Most likely, Circles will be extended invitations to prepare their OWN PAGE for a certain month or months, because otherwise, if this feature is left open, there will be many months when it will be impossible to publish all contributions. A special contest for the best page of the year might be included in the rules. We wish to inform you also, that awards probably will be mailed to winners more often in 1943; you will not have to wait till the end of the year for them. The new rules will explain this as well as other outstanding features. Watch for them soon.
MICHAEL VRHOVNIK, Juvenile Director.
Christmas Festivals Here In America
By Michael T. Vrhovnik, Juvenile Director
Christmas, as it is celebrated in our country, is is a mixture of all the Christmas festivals celebrated throughout the world. The customs have come bit by bit from the old countries of Europe and Asia and we can not claim any one of them as our very own. Most of the customs, as celebrated in America, were brought here by the Dutch, but the Slavs, Anglo-Saxons, Latins, and Teutons, also contributed and are still contributing of their heritage to these festivities and customs.
Among the people across the sea, Christmas is a season surrounded by a wealth of traditions, colorful ceremonies, processions, and pageants. These, for the most part, are not suitable to our American life, but in the homes, lodge rooms, and clubs, many of the old world customs and rites are reproduced.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt is credtied with having made the following statement some few years ago: “We in the United States are amazingly rich in the elements from which to weave a culture. We have the best of man’s past on which to draw, brought to us by our native folk and folk from all parts of the world. In binding these elements into a national fabric of beauty and strength, let us keep the original fibres so intact that the fineness of each will show in the completed handwork.”
That, indeed, was a glowing tribute to people of every nationality and race, but particularly to
those people living here who came to this country and adopted it as their new and permanent home. It fully recognizes the immense value of cultural characteristics and desires brought to America and their great possibilities, once the best features have been sifted and combined into one solid national movement. Yes, the real American culture is still deep in its infancy. The melting pot continually boils and mixes. Some day, this mixture will finally blend and develop into an overpowering renaissance of cultural beauty and strength, so inspiring, it will surpass anything the world has ever known in this field.
We SNPJ members of Slovene extraction and members of many other nationalities, who have joined with us in common search of friendship, happiness, protection, and security, are performing a multiple service towards attaining that goal. We are not only striving to give America the very best of our cultural characteristics but, also, are doing all in our limited power to insure the peaceful and safe progress of democracy here and wherever else it is strongly desired.
An example of the pursuit of this course is found in our numerous Christmas celebrations and other festival occasions of the year. Our lodge meetings and those of the Supreme Board and Executive Committee, our conventions, newspaper, and juvenile magazine, all are fitting examples of what we are contributing to the melting pot of real American life to come. A highly
successful Christmas celebration should be the goal of every SNPJ lodge. Let’s all work hard to insure the success of each and every such affair this year.
CHRISTMAS—WHEN I WAS A BOY
How well I remember Christmas as a boy. For weeks, we (my brothers, sisters, and I) thought of gifts we’d like to have when Christmas day arrived (just as many of you are, today). How we schemed and worked for them in every way our eager minds could think of! Those were the days when no one had to be told twice what to do. It seemed we knew by instinct what was expected, and we did it.
In the mornings before leaving for school, we’d never fail to ask Mother if she needed any groceries or meats from the store, and if there happened to be snow on the walks, it was soon cleared away and everything left spic and span. After school, the kindling wood and the coal were brought into the house, more errands were run, the floors swept, and even the dishes done. Boy! Were we good! Plenty of Christmas spirit was there and a reason for every bit of it!
When Christmas eve finally arrived and it was time for us to be off to bed, we retired most reluctantly. There was always one or two of us who pretended we wanted to stay up to hear Santa’s sleigh-bells, or to see him come out of the chimney. Not having a fireplace, we wondered how he would be able to squeeze through the stove-pipe. That was just a pretensive trick of ours, you know. We knew all along who the Santa Clauses were in our house, and we were smart enough to know that the older folks got a thrill out of thinking we didn’t know. But off to bed we went thinking and hoping until we dropped off in the land of dreams, where we spent the rest of the night dreaming about the good things the morrow might bring.
Bright and early the next morning, sometimes as early as five or six o’clock, we awakened. Downstairs, we rushed, as if dear life were at stake. No call was needed for this wasn’t like getting up for school. Then we wanted to lie in bed for a while, or at least until the third or fourth call brought us to our feet . . . Straight for the kitchen we ran. There we found, hanging behind the stove, the long stockings filled with candies, nuts, and fruits. On the table and around the Christmas tree (when times were good we had a small one) lay packages neatly wrapped and tied and, just as we were about to open them, Mother, or an older sister, would say, “Stay away from those packages! They’re not to be opened until you’ve washed, dressed and had breakfast! Hurry now!” And we did, for orders were not to be disobeyed on this day.
The interim seemed like an age. All the while we kept thinking about the presents and wondering if the hints, we had cast at our Santa Clauses during the weeks before, had brought the right kind of results. Sometimes, yes, but more often they didn’t. If there were clothes among the gifts, we quickly changed into them and showed them off to our neighbors and friends. The toys
we played with until we, or someone else, broke them. Eats? Oh, my, yes! There was, nearly always, too much of everything, and it was not uncommon to find a sick “tummy” or two around the house the next day. Those were happy occasions and it would be great fun to really live them over again—Yes, even with the “tummy-aches.”
Greetings to All Members! Friends! Wherever you may be,
In the north or south, east or west,
Upon the plains, beside river or sea,
Some place you love the best;
May this Christmas be as happy As Christmas ever could be,
And may all the things the New Year will bring Be exactly .what they should be.
JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 48
EVELETH, MINN.— Circle No. 48 of Eve-leth, Minnesota, is holding meetings once a month. Members who do not attend our meetings regularly are asked to do so from now on. Try to be present at the December meeting on the 7th of December. Our meetings are held each first Tuesday of the month at 7 p. m. Try to be present and bring your friends along.
With this letter I am sending my snapshot which was taken in September after we returned from a fishing trip. Around Eveleth there are many lakes and in these lakes there are many fish. Fishing is lots of fun, especially if you catch some nice big fish. Many people go fishing during the summer months. In winter we skate and we have lots of fun skating, too.
I am 13 years of age and in the eighth grade at Eveleth Junior High School. I’ll write more next time. Best regards to all members. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.
WILLIAM FRANTAR, Circle 48 Box 336, Eveleth, Minnesota.
*
JUNIOR HARMONIZERS CIRCLE NO. 28
ROUNDUP, MONT.—Our September meeting was opened in regular form by Vice President Albina Finco. Roll call of officers and members was not read as the recording secretary was absent. The report of the secretary was read and approved.
Our vice-president was elected as president for the rest of the year. Our former president, Bobby Zupan, has been absent three successive times.
Plans for a Halloween party were made; they were as follows: All members were asked to meet at the Supervisor’s home Friday, Oct. 30, at 6:45 p. m. First we all attended a movie. After the
show we returned to the home of our Supervisor, where we played games and had refreshments.
Serving on game and food committees were Rosie Marie Lucas, Gloria Wooten, Heinzy Bedey, Darlene and Charles Meznarich and Joan Finco.
Our October meeting was held on Oct. 11, and the November meeting was held on the 8th. Both meetings were held at 4 o’clock in the afternoon in the New Moose Hall.
All members are asked to attend the December meeting. We will make plans for the Christmas party. Let’s all try to be there.
LORAINE KLOS, Acting Secretary.
Box 124, Roundup, Montana.
*
Juvenile Circle No. 1 Section
JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 1
WALSENBURG, COLO—On October 18, Circle No. 1 held its regular monthly meeting. After the meeting was adjourned we played lotto, a very enjoyable game. Candy was given to the winners of the game; also, refreshments were served. The treat, consisting of ice cream and cookies, was given by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tomšič.
I enjoy writing to the Mladinski List because it is so interesting. In it we find many letters, stories, articles, drawings, jokes and riddles. The Mladinski List truly is a fine magazine for all juveniles.
In October we had a big scrap drive here in Walsenburg. The Huerfano County High School cooperated in the drive and the students were excused from school and went out to gather all the scrap they could. The minimum goal was 25 pounds per student. Three students are to be selected to go to Washington, D. C., to be present at the naming of a ship which will be built with the scrap collected by all the students of the schools. Of course, the three will be the ones who had collected the most scrap.
Our Circle meetings continue to be held once a month, the third Sunday of each month. All members are asked to attend the December meeting.
VERNA M. DUZENACK, Vice-President 709 West 6th St., Walsenburg, Colo.
Dawn of Youth Section
By Members of Circle 7, Girard, Ohio Frank Rezek, Manager
Our Circle Our Circle brings happiness to us all,
When we’re at parties or playing ball,
At our meetings or the Slovene Hall,
We all find happiness when we sing,
For we know the happiness it will bring.
When you belong to a lodge of SNPJ,
You join a Circle where all is gay,
Times sincere come along always too,
Quiz contests and membership drives,
And so many real friendships, true.
You better join today!
HERMINA PERECHLIN, Rec. Sec’y.
*
Sports in Our Circle
During the fall of 1941 and the spring and summer of 1942, our Circle took part in two phases of athletics, namely, softball and basketball.
The basketball team was the first one the Circle ever had but even at that, the team run second in the league’s standings. Only those in the elementary grades were permitted to play so that our strongest team was never in the games. If possible and if transportation is available, the most capable boys will make trips to Sharon to play the All-American Circle No. 21 there. Our softball games always prove exciting and I know that the baseball games will prove likewise. There is always friendly competition between the Sharon and Girard Circles.
Each basketball player was given a jersey— blue and yellow—with the words and design “SNPJ Eagles” in front and a large one in the back. This year’s basketball team will be a better one, because the boys will have more experience than last year. So give the boys a big hand and wish them better luck next time.
Now let’s take this sports activity into consideration and see how it helped, the Society. Many of our members know that a number of new members have enrolled into the Juvenile Department this past summer. This was due, in part, to the basheball team. The outsiders knew that the lodge was very active and wanted to take part in its program—so they became members.
When our team went to play Sharon Circle we met many nice friends and had a swell time together. Although I am bashful, I am not “that bashful” to say that we also met some very pretty Slovene girls.
JOE LESKOVEC, President.
Chelniks—An Inspiration to the World
The most elusive foe the Nazis face are the Jugoslav Chetniks—Slovenes, Croats and Serbs— who are fighting bravely under General Drazha Mihailovich. He is the leadpr of a dauntless army of 100,000 Chetniks.
The Chetniks are generally thought of as guer-
m'iiUUsas
DEEP IN STUDY Drawn by Bill Baliezar, age 17, Butte, Mont. Lodge 249.
rillas, but they are a long-established force carrying out a well-defined military program. While they remain on the offensive the Axis cannot turn Jugoslavia into a base and cannot use its railroads.
When German troops overran Jugoslavia, the brave Jugoslav Chetniks were ready to harass the enemy. The leaders were at their posts waiting for orders. One hundred thousand men volunteered. The Chetnik operations spread like wildfire throughout Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia and parts of Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Dalmatia, which are all provinces of Jugoslavia.
The Chetniks prepared airfields for some Jugoslav Air Force pilots who returned to their country after seeking refuge in friendly Russia. While the Slovene, Serbian and Croatian Chetniks are of necessity fighting separately, each group in its own territory, efforts are being made to unite them so as to form a stronger army of Jugoslav patriorts with which to carry on the work of resisting German and Italian domination. In this they are quite successful, and the Jugoslav Chetniks are a real inspiration to the whole world.
IRENE ROVAN, Circle 7
*
Unscramble These Supreme Officers' Names
1. Tvincne Nikarac. 2. Rdef Ivred. 3. Krmio Hluke. 4. Niva Kolem. 5. Ehmclai Lokvrvni. 6. Imhaeic Mrkeu.
ANSWERS: 1. Vincent Cainkar. 2. Fred Vider.
3.	Mirko Kuhel. 4. Ivan Molek. 5. Michael Vrhovnik. 6. Michael Kumer.
MARJORIE MACEK, Circle 7.
♦
Jolly Kansans* Section
GIRARD, KANS.—Dear boys and girls: Greetings from the Sunflower state and from the members of the Jolly Kansans Juvenile Circle No. 11.
This letter is being written Oct. 9, 1942, and this date marks the Fourth Anniversary of our Circle’s existence.
Our first juvenile meeting was held Oct. 9, 1938, at Casa Vechia hall, with 65 members present. Ever since that month, we have held our regular monthly meetings in different towns and spent many enjoyable hours together.
We have already presented the history of our Circle, a few years ago, but one of these days I shall write it again for all you Circle members. It is very interesting.
We, the Circle members, have planned monthly affairs, which were huge successes. Therefore, to all who have attended our past affairs, we wish to express our appreciation for their presence at the various events.
Today, we are a very ambitious and eager group of children, trying to make our Circle grow larger and better, never forgetting our Kansas SNPJ Federation, who have so faithfully helped us through the past four years in every •way and cooperated to the fullest extent. We are grateful for your help. We shall carry on our work under the banner of the SNPJ.
In the future, the Jolly Kansans shall continue
to grow and prosper with the help and guidance of our Federation and Society. And members of our Circle will repay their senior members best by keeping up their good work, for the future growth and prosperity of our Circle, our lodges and our organization.
Our fourth annual Holjo Party and wiener roast was scheduled for Oct. 25, at Sterle’s Grove. All members were asked to come attired in costumes as prizes were given for the best dresssed. Refreshments were plentiful.
Plans are already under way for a big Christmas program, and out goes the. call for every boy and girl of Circle 11, to attend our meetings.
As Adviser of Circle 11, I may state that the members of our Circle will work hard for a trophy and will give you all plenty of tough competition.
Onward, Jolly Kansans, to Victory!
So be on the lookout for the Kansan army, with our SNPJ spirit.
OLGA M. KNAPICH, Adviser Circle 11 R. R. 3, Box 714, Girard, Kans.
*
JUVENILE CIRCLE NO. 11
MULBERRY, KANS.—The last meeting of the Jolly Kansans Circle No. 11 was held on October 4 at Franklin.
At the meeting it was decided that we have a Halloween party which was held on October 25 at the SNPJ hall at Franklin. Almost everyone came dressed in funny costumes. The one that Was dressed the best received a prize. Prizes were won by Frances and Lucy Kumer and Jennie Lampe. Pictures were also taken of the members in their costumes. Music was furnished by Johnnie Zebert who plays the accordion. A fine time was had by both the old and the young.
The next meeting of the Jolly Kansans was scheduled for November 4 Franklin. But it will be over when this letter is published. All members are urged to attend the December meeting—same time and same place.
CARL ULEPICH, President R. R. No. 1, Mulberry, Kans.
*
GIRARD, KANS.—Jolly Kansans Circle No. 11 held its annual wiener roast at the Franklin SNPJ hall, because the weather was unfavorable to have it at Sterle’s Farm. We would have had a better time if it would have been otherwise. In spite of this, all those present had a swell time.
Everybody enjoyed dancing to the tunes of Johnnie Ziebert’s music. Pictures were taken of the whole group of members that were present. Prizes were won by Jennie Lampe and Frances Kumer for being dressed the funniest and the best. Refreshments were served and a swell time was had by all.
We wish to thank those who attended the wiener roast and who helped make it a success.
Our October Meeting
Circle No. 11 held its monthly meeting Oct. 4 at the Franklin SNPJ hall. Plans were made to hold all future meetings at Franklin in the SNPJ
hall. It was decided to have a wiener roast on Oct. 25, as this was the 4th year that the Circle has been progressing. This event marked the fourth anniversary. It was also decided to hold the “roast” at Sterle’s Grove, weather permitting. Because of bad weather the affair was transferred to the Franklin hall.
A motion was made and carried that we would buy a phonograph to play records at our meetings. We discussed the question of letter writing to the Mladinski List. It was suggested and decided that we have a page of our own in the M. L.
Our November meeting was scheduled for Nov. 1st at Franklin.
JENNIE LAMPE, Sec’y Circle 11 R. R. 3, Box 434, Girard, Kans.
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Juvenile Circle No. 23 Section
By Members of Circle 23, Universal, Pa.
Mrs. H. Previc, Manager
Resume of 1942 Aciiviiies
In January, the very first month of the year, Signs of a new Circle began to appear.
A group of four met at the Slovene Hall,
And planned a program from spring ’till fall.
For February was planned a Valentine Party,
At which we danced and did eat hearty.
March came in and we were ready to sing,
For it meant the coming of another Spring.
And with April we connect just one date,
It was the 7th and the Roller Skate.
Then it was May nad what more could we want, Than a little snack and a Scavenger Hunt.
June, the month of fun and frolic Recalls to us our Private Picnic.
July is the month that’s so scorching hot,
And so about it—we just forgot.
One Sunday in August to North Park we did dart, And had a swell time—tho it was rainy and dark.
In September we had a Moonlight Hike Which ended with hot dogs, marshmallows, and the like.
And then in October a Committee met,
And made plans for our next SNPJ event.
PHYLLIS BERGENT, Age 17, Universal, Pa.
•
Fall Activities
The day has come for me to tell you about our successful fall activitiets. The crisp fall air brings in wiener roasts, Halloween parties and Thanksgiving turkeys, and the “Teensters” take advantage of all that the season offers.
The month of October gave us corn stalks and fat pumpkins with which we decorated the Slovene Hall, together with black and orange colors for a grand Halloween party on Saturday night,
October 31. There were the traditional Halloween games such as bobbing for apples, peanut races and pumpkin races, in which we all participated. Everyone, I’m sure, drank and ate as much cider and doughnuts as they could and enjoyed themselves with dancing and games, with which no party would be complete.
Next came November in which we planned for a combined Teenster and Comet dance before gasoline rationing went into effect and before our 18 and 19 years old boys would leave to serve our country. The proceeds from this dance would be used by the Teensters and Comets for promoting future activities.
Naturally, after November came December which brings about the Christmas holidays. The Teensters are planning a combined meeting with the adults so as to learn of the importance of the annual lodge meeting procedure and to enjoy a program and a social time afterwards.
This brings us to the en4 of 1942. We will then be one year old. We have had many good times and we have learned how to take an active part in the SNPJ. Certainly, the next year will find us with perhaps a more ambitious program in learning about the spirit and fraternalism of our organization and we will continue to plan social and sport activities which do and will appeal to all.
JUNE PUSKARICH (Age 16), Universal, Pa.
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Circle No. 40 Section
GOWANDA, N. Y.—At our recent Circle meeting on October 4, I was appointed one of the reporters to write to the Mladinski List. Those on the Publicity Committee are Lottie Ligiecki, Anne Sladich and myself. We would like to have our own page in the M. L., if enough articles are sent in.
Since this is the first time I have written to the ML, I will try to make this article long and interesting.
Plans were brought up at our meeting for a Halloween party which was scheduled for Oct. 24 at the Slovene Hall. By the time this article is published the party will be over. Members and non-members were invited to come. Admission was ten cents.
Chairman of the ticket committee for the Oct. 10 dance was Anne Stibil. Helpers were Anne Sladich, Lottie and Florence Ligiecki, Agnes Vončina, and Natalie Szymanski. Chairman of the checkroom sales was Bill Dekleva assisted by Bob Baker. We want to thank the committee and members who helped make this dance a success.
We discussed a drill team which will be organized in the near future. Those wanting to join should come to the meetings.
We would like to have more entertainment after our meetings. Dancing lessons have been brought up and will be started at the next meeting.
Fifty cents in war stamps are given away at each meeting. So, members come to the meetings. You may be the lucky one.
I think the SNPJ is a swell organization. Some reasons are it helps people when they are sick or in case of death. The SNPJ also publishes such an interesting juvenile magazine as the M. L. and for the adults, the Prosveta.
I’ll say So long until next month, hoping more members come to our next meeting.
JENNIE WIDGAY, Circle No. 40 31 Palmer St., Gowanda, N. Y.
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GOWANDA, N. Y.—Well, here is Gowanda broadcasting its latest news. This is my second letter to the Mladinski List, and I really appreciate reading the articles, riddles and jokes written in this fine magazine. These articles and drawings are very well prepared and drawn by the different members throughout the country.
Although our Circle No. 40 had contributed drawings and articles, we are trying to devote a whole page of our Circle to this splendid magazine. This work is being done by the Publicity Committee consisting of Jennie Widgay, Lottie Ligiecki, and myself. John Matekovich has some very attractive drawings that we hope will be published in the next issue.
President Bill Dekleva presides at our meetings, Treasurer Anne Stibil keeps records of our financial side, and I, as recording secretary, write the minutes of our previous meeting to be read at the coming meeting of the following month.
Our Circle has bought a War Bond with the money earned from selling scrap; together with the selling of Christmas cards this has been a great asset to our treasury.
Now as I will close, I hope to hear from some pen pals. I will answer all letters promptly.
ANNE SLADICH, Sec’y Circle 40 57 Broadway Ave., Gowanda, N. Y.
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“Youth of America” Section
By Members of Circle 47, Johnstown, Pa. Olivia Chucheck, Manager
THE WAIT FOR SANTA
On Christmas Eve the children wait,
To see if Santa will bring them toys,
They hope that he will not be late,
Hark! They think they hear a noise.
Quickly they hide behind a chair,
And cautiously advance peeping,
They hope that their dear Santa’s there,
But it’s only Mother, to see if they’re sleeping.
Reluctantly they went to bed,
With hearts filled with joy galore.
There were nice visions in their heads,
Of packages spread on the floor.
In the morn they were the very first ones,
The silent stairs to creep.
There were dolls, sleds, and cowboy guns, Chocolates in a big heap.
Very much did they like these toys,
But in their hearts was a little sadness.
For in war-torn countries the girls and boys, Contrasted to their gladness.
MARY JANE PLACHY, age 13, lodge 82 6- Valley Avenue, Johnstown, Pa.
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A Timely Appeal
This appeal is addressed to the imaginary Santa Clause, as per tradition. It is timely because it refers to our boys in the Armed Forces of Uncle Sam. So—here goes:
Dear Santa:—I wish the boys in camps all over the world have a very, very nice Christmas, although I know some of them won’t. So I would like to count on you, if this were possible, to make them happy on this of all Christmas days.
Dear Santa, I always get Christmas presents from you—through my parents and friends, as you well know. Would you mind if I ask you to send those presents to the boys at the front who are fighting for us? I’d be satisfied just knowing they are happy.
Yours truly,
FLORENCE KOREL, age 13, lodge 82 543 Wilson Ave., Johnstown, Pa.
OUR FRONTISPIECE The front cover illustration of this issue of the ML was drawn by Dan Goslovich, age 11, Raton, New Mexico, a member of Lodge 297 SNPJ.
Drawn by Jimmie Spendal, age 14, Clinton, Ind. Lodge 50.
Our Pen Pals Write
(Naši čilateljčki pišejo)
ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE M. L.
Dear Editor:—I must say that during the last seven months I have been anxiously awaiting and most of all contributing to the Mladinski List. It is really worthwhile. Those who do not believe, just try out for once and you’ll want to keep on writing. The ML looks as if it were growing larger and larger every month.
I have an Uncle who is in the United States Army. His name is Frank Grilc. He is stationed at Washington. Here’s wishing you good luck, Frank.
In school, I have four teachers. They are Miss Stringfield, Mr. J. O. Dill, Mrs. Anna Adams, and Mrs. Been. We have started playing basketball in our gymnasium. I must mention that Annie Čretnik, ML contributor, plays too. Now for a word of encouragement. Come on, you boys and girls, let’s show them we can write. Best regards to all.—Ernestine Močivnik (age 15), P. O. Box 86, Jenny Lind, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS
Dear Editor:—It has been a long time since I have written to this magazine. But I have been reading it every month.
I am still attending Barberton High School, and I am in the twelfth grade. I am taking all commercial subjects. At the present I am learning to be a stenographer. I haven’t done much this summer but work. My favorite sport is watching football games. Our school has football games every Friday. So far we won every game. Our football star this year is Jack Miller.
My hobby is collecting post-cards from all over the United States. I wish to receive cards from all over including Florida, California and Mexico. I want to say hello to my pen pals, Rose Shero-sich and John Tomsic. I would like to have more pen pals and I promise I’ll answer all letters promptly.—Judy Misick (17), 87 Twenty-third St., Barberton, Ohio. (Lodge 48)
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WRITING TO ML IS WORTHWHILE
Dear Editor:—First of all I must say how much I have enjoyed writing to “Our School” contest during the last seven months. It’s really fun and worthwhile.
Our school started September 14. My teachers are Miss Marie Johnson, Miss Frances Williams and Mrs. Drew Jones, our principal. We had a different principal in the first month of school, Mr. Vincent Beach, but he joined the Navy.
I guess by the time this letter will be published, we will be having plenty of cold weather and probably we may get a little snow. We were picking fall beans and doing other work for defense.
I forgot to mention that I am in the eighth grade. I have five subjects. They are .English, History, Mathematics, Science, Reading and Spell-
ing together. My best regards to all.—Johnnie Močivnik (age 13), P. O. Box 86, Jenny Lind, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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STUDENTS SHOW MORE INTEREST
Dear Editor:—I am writing this letter in Study Hall of Aguilar High School. Everybody seems to be busy except I, and I am now writing to the Mladinski List.
This year it seems that every student is taking more interest in school than ever before. Last year and both previous years all we did was: get a passing average and forget about study. However, since the war broke out, all the boys want to become flyers and mechanics and defense workers. The girls want to join the WAACS or the Nurses Corps, etc.
This morning our principal told us the students of this school are to start a scrap drive, and we are to use the money for purposes which are vital for defense. All the scrap we collect will be put together in one big pile in the front of our gymnasium.
Our Circle wishes to express its sympathy to relatives and friends of the late Pauline Turko-vich who passed away on Sept. 22. She was a member of Circle No. 1 of Walsenburg.
Our high school paper, “The Wildcat Gazette,” just came out and it sure is a “killer,” especially the gossip column. Another interesting thing at this time is pinon-picking. All we hear now in Study Hall, is crackling of pinon shells. When we walk out of class we step on the shells. Beware for those who get caught eating them! I hope to write more next tirne. Best regards to all.—Mitzi Kosernik, Aguilar, Colorado. (Circle
20,	Lodge 381)
COME ON, KANSAS!
I received two handkerchiefs from my brother in Ireland. They are very beautiful. Altogether I received ten picture post-cards of cities and
Dear Editor: — Here I am again writing to the ML for the month of December. The reason I try to write every month is that I hate to see Kansas left out. Come on, you boys and girls from Kansas! Why don’t you put your “part” in every month? In this way the ML will be bigger and better every month for all juveniles to read.
I noticed in the October issue of the Mladinski List one of my pen-pal’s, letter. Keep up the good work, Helen S. I want to say hello to Pauline Novak from Wheeling, W. Va., and Annie Čretnik from Fort Smith, Ark. I would like to hear from some past card-exchangers as it is one of my hobbies. I would like to hear from California and Pennsylvania especially, but I promise to answer all cards I receive.
homes in Ireland. By the looks of these cards it certainly must be nice out there.
I really enjoy reading the M. L. First of all I read the Pen Pal Section as it is my favorite in the magazine. I am enclosing a snapshop of myself which I would like to see reproduced in the M. L. Hoping to see more letters in the ML from Kansas, I remain—Kathleen Potočnik, Box 133, Cherokee, Kans. (Lodge 19)
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SHE MISSED MOUNTAINS
Dear Editor:—Well, here I am again writing to the Mladinski List. I enjoy writing to the M. L. I can hardly wait until the magazine comes in the mail.
I went to Cleveland on Sept. 6. The national SNPJ Day was held there this year. People from all parts of the country attended this affair. On account of having to start to school on Sept. 8, we had to come home on Monday afternoon. Although I did not see much of Cleveland, I like it very much. However, I did miss our mountains.
The Youth of America Circle to which I belong, meets every Friday evening in the Lorain Borough School.
My one pen pal and I are sending each other post cards. If any other pen pals would care to do likewise, they may let me know.—Frances Strozar (age 13), R. D. 3, Box 245, Johnstown, Pa. (Lodge 82, Circle 47)
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BETTY'S "FIRST"
Dear Editor:—This is m" first letter to the Pen Pal Section of the M. L. since I’ve joined the SNPJ this summer. I do hope that this letter will be published.
I am 13 years of age and am in the eighth grade. I have blonde hair and blue eyes. My hobbies are collecting picture post-cards and singing. I have four favorite movie stars—Betty Grable, Ann Sheridan, Dennis Morgan, and Ronald Reagan.
As for pen pals, I haven’t any, but I hope I will have some soon. Best regards to all.—Betty Jane Dyba (13), 376 Lunen St., Johnstown, Pa. (Lodge 82, Circle 47)
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OUR SCHOOL WORK
Dear Editor:—I haven’t written to the ML for so long that I thought I’d write again. Now that the cold season is almost here and school is in full swing, I will say a few things about it.
I am a junior in high school. My school work is getting a little tougher, to use a slang expression, but I think it is all right. School work may be hard but it is necessary that we learn all that is important in life.
Most of the boys are going to the army. I think we girls and boys of school age should write to some of the soldier-boys to cheer them up. There are many soldiers that don’t get many letters from back home. Another good thing to do is to buy war bonds and stamps. Our Juvenile Circle is doing its share in this respect.
By the time this letter is published Halloween will be over, also Thanksgiving. But right ahead of us is Christmas. On Oct. 31 the SNPJ hall in
Midway held a dance, featuring the Bergant Sisters’ orchestra. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.—Rose Marie Kostelich, Box 171, Bulger, Pa.
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GLORIA'S "FIRST"
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to the M, L. Every month when I get the Mladinski List, I always take it to school and show it to my friends. They also like it.
I am in the sixth grade, and I have a good teacher. I like my school work very well. Some day, when I grow up, I’ll go to business college as my sister did. She is now working in Washington, D. C.
Best regards to all Juvenile members, especially to Sonia (Betty) Suglich of Riverdale, Maryland. —Gloria F. Lumbert (age 11), Box 72, Diamond -ville, Wyo.
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SKATING SEASON IS HERE
Dear Editor:—This is my second letter to the M. L. I am proud to say I have very good pen
and I wish they would write to me more often. I would like to have some boy pen pals, too. I am sending you a picture of myself.
I am now a freshman in high school. I am 13 years old but will be 14 soon. I play two instruments, the clarinet in the Panama School Band and an accordion-piano for my own pleasure.
The skating season is here now and almost everyone in town has a pair of skates, and so have I. Well, as I said before, I am hoping to get some new pen pals, both girls and boys. Best regards to all.— Dorothy Brandish (age 13), Box 632, Panama, 111. (Lodge 123)
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PRESENTS FROM HAWAII
Dear Editor:—I received my ML magazine and I was very glad to read it. I can hardly wait for the next issue to come out. It seems like years instead of every month to get it.
My brother is in Hawaii and he sent me a bracelet and two Hawaiian kerchiefs. They are very pretty. My other brother was in Officers School and he graduated several weeks ago. He was promoted. He has been home eight times in six months.
School is passing by very slowly for me. I wish it were over. I don’t like school one bit this year. It’s so dry. Six weeks have gone by and the honor roll hasn’t come out yet.
I think that’s enough of my “gabbing” this time,
pals. I only have three
so I’ll sign off until next time. I remain a proud member—Helen Mance, 14 Grant St., Cokeburg, Pa. (Lodge 386)
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"GRANDEST MAGAZINE"
Dear Editor:—The M. L. is the grandest magazine I have ever read. It contains things of interest to youngsters of my age, it is easy to understand and enjoy. I like this magazine so much that I decided to write to it.
I have been writing to the ML for seven months and I intend to keep it up. Since this letter will appear in the December issue, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am going to write to the ML every month of the new year.
I am in the seventh grade in school. I have many pen pals but they have never sent me a picture post-card as yet, only letters. My best regards to one and all.—Georgia Marie Močivnik (11), P. O. Box 86, Jenny Lind, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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LILLIAN'S FIRST LETTER
Dear Editor:—This is my first letter to the M. L. I guess I was just too lazy to write but I finally decided to pen a few lines.
I am thirteen years old and in the eighth grade. My hobbies (sport) are bicycle riding and swimming. There aren’t many children who write to this magazine and so I started.
As so many others, I, too, would like to have some pen pals. I will answer all letters promptly. Merry Christmas to all.—Lillian Samsa, 1516 */2
S.	7th St., Sheboygan, Wis. (Lodge 344)
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SCRAP COLLECTION
Dear Editor:-—I like this magazine very much and I read it every month. This is my second letter to the M. L. It has been a long time since I have written my first letter. I keep putting it off from day to day, and the first thing you know another month passes by.
I would like to get some pen pals. I am in the sixth grade at the Fayal School. I think all the teachers are very nicej and our school is very inviting.
We organized a Circle a few months ago. Our manager is Mrs. Ambrozich. She is a very good manager. We hold our meetings once a month, and for prizes we get war stamps. After the meetings we usually have refreshments. We enjoy our meetings.
I have a little white cat, “Snowball,” and she is very playful. I like her. We had a collection of scrap iron, rags, old toys, rails and rubber at our school. The second grade gathered more than the sixth grade. Regards to all.—Rosemary Stru-kel (age 10), 202 Fayal Rd., Eveleth, Minn.
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MANY CARDS AND LETTERS
Dear Editor:—I have been reading the M. L. regularly for the past eight years, and have enjoyed this magazine more than any other. I received many cards and letters from pen pals through this magazine.
I want to thank Jos. Bogdanich from Eveleth.
Minn., for sending me the souvenir folder of Eveleth, also the cards. Hoping to receive many more cards from you pen pals. I want to say hello to all of my pen pals. To Dorothy Pivac and Doris Munary from Superior, Wyo., to Edward William Lipovec, Ernest Selak, Erna Biston and Rose Sin-kovich. (Hoping to hear from you soon, Rose.) Hoping to receive many cards from many points. Regards to all.—Frances Jean Kroper (age 17), Box 384, Yukon, Pa.
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FREDA ASKS FOR POSTAL CARDS
Dear Editor:—I have been reading letters in the M. L. that children wrote asking to exchange postal cards. I keep picture postal cards for hobby too. I would like to exchange postal cards with children all over the United States.
On Saturday, October 10, my Mother and Father brought me back to the hospital here in Columbus, Ohio. I’ve been an invalid going on four years this coming June. I hope to be walking again some day in the near future.
The name of the hospital is Children’s Hospital. I have been coming here for the past three years. Before that I was at the hospital near my home in Bridgeport, Ohio. This hospital in Columbus is over 130 miles from my home. I come in and out of the hospital for treatments and operations whenever they think I need them. I sure will be glad when the day jomes that I will be able to stay at home all the time with my parents.
Hoping to get a lot of postal cards from different states, I remain yours truly—Freda Snoy (15), R. F. D. 1, Box 7, Bridgeport, Ohio. (Lodge 13)	•
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"ANOTHER LETTER"
Dear Editor:—I decided to write another letter to the M. L. I have five pen pals and I always answer their letters. Recently I was in a play. I am writing this letter on Oct. 7 and mailed it on Oct. 8. I will write more letters to this magazine.
So far I have written five letters. This is all I am going to write tonight. My best regards to all.—Joy Daudet (age 9), Box 96, Midway, Pa. (Lodge 89)
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OUR OWN PAGE
Dear Editor:—Well, here I am writing to this wonderful magazizne the Mladinski List. I have been sending drawings for the Our School section regularly, but my pictures have not been accepted. I am enclosing a picture and two poems. If they are not accepted, please tell me why. (Your drawings do not meet our requirements. See instructions under headings “Our School” and “Important Don’ts.”—Ed.)
Our Juvenile Circle had its own page in the October issue. I think the ML could be made more interesting if all Circles had their own individual pages. Our Circle gives 25c or 50c to the person who contributes the most articles to the ML every three months.
I want to say hello to all my pen pals and ask them to forgive me if I didn’t answer their letters. But I have so many to answer I just haven’t got around to it. I promise I’ll answer them all soon. Best regards to all.—Virginia Barton (14), R. D. McDonald, Pa. (Lodge 231)
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GLAD TO BE IN SCHOOL
Dear Editor:—Here I am again writing to this fine magazizne. Of course, I am back in school, as are thousands of other children, and I am glad of it. My subjects this year are English, Biology, History, Latin and Gym. All my teachers are swell.
All the schools in Cleveland held a scrap drive. The upper grades were the leaders of the scrap drive. We had a lot of fun and at the same time we were helping the government.
Our school played its first football game and lost, but it was a battle to the end. Our second game was a success. This proves that you must have faith in your team.
It’s getting late so I’ll just tell you I was at the national SNPJ Day event and never enjoyed myself so much. The people who had part in the program were excellent. I’ll sign off as yours truly—Mary Knafelc, 13312 St. James Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.
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OUR DANCE WAS SUCCESS
Dear Editor:—This is about my seventh letter to this fine magazine. I like the Mladinski List very much. It has many interesting articles which I like. I’d like to say hello to all my pen pals.
Since I was selected one of the publicity com-mtitee, I will start first on our Circle dance. The tickets went fast and the attendance was fairly large. There were four of us in charge of selling tickets, namely, Anne Stibil, Anne Sladich, Jennie Widgay and myself. We were divided into couples and took turns so we could have fun dancing. There was a large crowd and all enjoyed themselves immensely.
The committees were doing good, especially Frances Smrke and Stella Close; they were wait-
resses. Bob Baker was in the check-room (in charge of it), and the ticket sellers. We all did a good job of it to make this dance a success, which it was!
The guests of out of town were Mrs. Josephine Samson and Mrs. Peter Dolinar from Cleveland. (Mrs. Samson was our former storekeeper of Gowanda.) And our orchestra did pretty good for a start. The orchestra includes John Mateko-vich (drums), Dick Klancer (clarinet), Walter Gnezda (saxophone) and Joe Sternisha (accordion). They played both English and Slovene songs.
We also had films of Jugoslavia, which all the people liked very much, and a little program consisting of songs, recitations and musical entertainment. Our dance was a success both financially and morally, as well as socially. My very best regards to all ML readers and writers.—Lottie Ligiecki (age 15), 23 Beech St., Gowanda, N. Y. (Circle 40)
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FROM A BUSY GIRL
Dear Editor:—I have had homework every night in the week, so I was too busy to write. I hope this letter will not be too late to be published in the next issue of the .Mladinski List, which will be the December number.
We have been having very hot weather here, and it has been quite windy too. I wish to say hello to all of my pen pals. I will answer everyone before the week is over. After school, I stay to play volleyball. I am in the G. A. A. and am also knitting for the Army Air Corps. I really have no time to spare, so please pen pals, excuse me.
I will close hoping everyone is buying war bonds and stamps. Merry Christmas and Happy New York to all.—Rose Chagenovich (14), 984 Santa Cruz St., San Pedro, Calif. (Lodge 416)
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WAR BONDS FOR SCHOOL
Dear Editor:—It seems as though winter is coming rather fast. But I do like school this year. Our school has really been busy, collecting scrap and doing oth^r worthwhile things to help our country. We are going to sell the scrap iron and buy War Bonds for our school.
Christmas will be here soon, and I can’t hardly wait. But before that I’ll be going on hunts for hickery nuts. That’ll be just as soon as Jack Frost comes. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.—Mildred Čretnik (10), R2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
♦
CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE
Dear Editor:—It looks like we are in for another winter. Winter usually reminds me of snow and snow reminds me of Christmas, and it seems that Christmas is almost around the corner.
Our school was closed for two weeks so that the students could help the farmers, since there is a labor shortage. Because of this—two weeks from school—we will not have a Christmas vacation. But I’m sure everyone is willing to sacrifice vacations for a great cause.
It seems that some of my pen pals have forgotten to answer me. I’d like to hear from you again. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.—Florence Chadez (16), Homedale, Idaho. (Lodge 267)
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IT'S A PLEASURE
Dear Editor:—I have written to this magazine every month this year, and I do not want to break my promise. To write to the ML means a lot of thinking and writing. But when you read your articles and letters in the	ML,	it is a pleasure.
They are building	a	place down at Camp
Chaffee for the Japs.	They	expect to have	it
finished by December.
I have two sisters and a brother writing to the ML, and I am very proud of that fact. My desire for next year is that I wish that peace be with us once again, and that all the boys have the privilege of going home and enjoy life with their families, when the war is won.
I want to say thanks to all of you who have helped me in my card collection, and I hope to keep it up. I appreciate all the letters I received this year, and I always try and answer all that I get. I am wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the Editor and all the ML writers and readers.—Annie Čretnik (16), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark.
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"I CAN HARDLY WAIT"
Dear Editor:—Since this is the last month of the year, I must not fail to send in my letter for the December issue of the M. L. I have written to nearly every number and I surely want to write this time.
It won’t be long until Christmas and I can hardly wait to see what Santa brings me. I am gettnig along very well in school, and I am having a wonderful time. We were rather busy nearly every day since school has started. We gather iron from evrywhere. Just anything to help our country.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.—Emelia Čretnik (age 9), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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SNOW IN MINNESOTA
Dear Editor:—It’s I again writing to the fine ML for the last month of 1942, December. Well, 1942 certainly whizzed by fast.
We had quite a bit of snow here in Aurora on Oct. 25. We’ll soon be skating, tobogganing, skiing, and sleigh riding. The scrap drive we had in October was very successful in Aurora. We school children brought in 37 V2 tons. This is rather good for Aurora. We have to take in consideration the fact that there are only about 320 pupils going to school. I brought in 582 lbs. of iron.
A ship is going to be named after some great man that is important in Minnesota history. All the schools are voting for one man. I voted for Seven Iron Men, Merrit Brothers. The Merrit brothers discovered iron ore here in Minnesota. We northern Minnesotans say, “No iron, no ships.”
The Aurora High School girls started to wear
slacks to school. This way we will be saving on silk hosiery. In closing, I wish a Merry Christmas and a Hajjpy New Year to all.—Florence Alich (15), Box 607, Aurora, Minn. (Lodge 111)
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COLLECTING CARDS
Dear Editor:—This is my fourth letter to the ML, and each time it has been a pleasure to write. At the present I am interested in collecting postcards from all the states.
So far I have cards from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, West Virginia, Montana, Indiana, Michigan, Colorado, New Jersey, Virginia and Canada. I am hoping to receive one from every state. I will be glad to send a card from West Virginia to anyone who wishes to exchange cards.
Since I don’t have enough pictures to send to pen pals, I am enclosing one of myself so they may see to whom they have been writing. I want to say hello to all my pen pals. I hope to receive many cards soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.—Mary Alice Paling (15), Box 15, Pierce, W. Va. (Circle 16)
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ZITA IS A BUSY GIRL
Dear Editor:—I enjoy the Pen Pal Page, so I thought I’d write and tell about myself. I am 15 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weigh 110 pounds and am a junior (3rd year high) in the Worcester Central School.
This year my subjects are Homemaking, English, Typing, Trigonometry and Algebra. My activities are band, orchestra, chorus, dramatic club, 4-H, staff of school paper and art club. I play trombone, viola, and sing soprano.
My ambition is to become an art teacher or mathematics teacher. I hope that Helen Doshea and June Ribic will still continue writing. My address is Worcester, N. Y., R. D. No. 3.
The Music Association gave a public party and dance Oct. 16. The admission was 5 pounds of scrap per person and everyone had to wear old clothes. It surely was fun being there. In this way we secured much scrap.
In closing, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.—-Zita Bozanic (age 15), R. D. No. 3, Worcester, N. Y.
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SCHOOL SCRAP DRIVE
Dear Editor:-—I am writing again to this wonderful magazine. The school scrap drive started Oct. 15. We have already collected about 10 tons just in one week. Six weeks of school has already passed.
My brother, Leo, has been called to the U. S.
Army. He works at Camp Chaffee in a post office. By the time this letter appears in the ML, Halloween and Thanksgiving will be gone, and Christmas will be just around the corner.
My best regards to all, and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, also.—Willie Čretnik (age 12), R. 2, Box 425, Ft. Smith, Ark. (Lodge 24)
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OUR SCRAP DRIVE
Dear Editor:—To begin with, I am writing this letter in school. I haven’t anything to do now. On October 29, we had a scrap drive. The superintendent asked us that each pupil should try and bring at least twenty pounds of scrap.
I am sure that if we all contribute scrap to the government, we can help considerably our country’s war effort. Some people say that they haven’t any scrap and that they haven’t time to look for it, anyway. This is wrong. There is plenty of scrap everywhere and we can collect tons of it if we try.
Now that Christmas is creeping around the corner I guess I’ll have to save my money. There are many in our family so it will require a lot of saving in order to buy a gift for all. In addition, I always buy my kitten a present such as a catnip mouse, a new bowl for milk or a neck piece with a bell on it. She is always a good cat so I think she deserves at least a small gift.
With best wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I remain as ever— Caroline Tavzelj (age 13), 1425 McKinstry, Detroit, Mich. (Lodge 518).
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VACATIONING IN CLEVELAND
Dear Editor:—It’s been such a long time since I’ve written to this wonderful magazine. I really am ashamed of myself. The reason why I didn’t write was because I’m having too good a time to think of writing.
At present (Nov. 1), I am vacationing in Cleveland, Ohio, with my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Mele, and my cousin Dolly. I’ve been here since June 14. Whether I’ll still be here when this letter is published I do not know.
Cleveland is a very busy city. We are situated (located) near Lake Erie. I went swimming several times at Lake Erie and I obtained a very nice suntan. The movie starts that I’ve seen in Cleveland in person are Fred Astair, Hugh Herbert, Jackie Cooper, Ilona Masey, Ann Corio and May Brian. And the orchestras that I’ve seen in person are Charles Spivak, Charles Barnet, Claude Thornhill, and Glen Miller’s singing stars.
My counsin Ila and I went to the Halloween dance at the Slovene Workmen’s Home on Waterloo Road. I won the third prize, my cousin Ila second prize and a little boy the third prize. I was dressed as a chorus girl. I had lots of fun dancing although the people here in Cleveland dance differently than we do out in Pennsylvania. My cousin Dolly taught me how to dance the way they do in Cleveland.
I would like to send my love to mother, dad and brother. I would like to say hello to Anna Kolence, Mary Kiwanek, Connie Ickes and to the
rest of my friends in Moon Run and also to my pen pals. Merry Christmas to all.—Anna Mele, Box 311, Moon Run, Pennsylvania.
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HER FIRST WAR BOND
Dear Editor:—The days have passed so swiftly that I had just about forgotten to write to the M. L. School has kept me quite busy. Especially my shorthand and typing.
We have begun the sales of war stamps in school and I have a $25 war bond now. Buying this bond, which happens to be my first, gave me a thrill and also gives me the urge to keep on buying more stamps, so that I may soon have another bond in the future.
I want to thank the Editor for publishing my letter that has helped me in getting quite a few pen pals. I enjoy writing, to my pen pals very much. I desire no more pen pals for the present. I want to say hello to all my pen pals and wish them all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.—Helen Jordan (age 15), 1304 Jackson Ave., Windber, Pa. (Lodge 421)
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"THAT'S THE TICKET"
Dear Editor:—On Monday, October 26, the Junior Class of Huerfano County High School presented their annual school play, entitled, “That’s the Ticket,” by Gilson and Scott.
The play deals with John Betterly, small town business man, who conceals his modest race track speculations from his wife until the day he draws a winner. The sum of five thousand is at stake and he cannot locate the necessary ticket which he had carelessly used as a bookmark! His partner, young Nick Barnes, in love with Peggy, John’s daughter, shares in the deal, and together they comb the Betterly home to no avail. Further complications arise when a rival claimant appears at the bank with a fake ticket.
Of course, the ticket is finally found and there is comedy provided by Godiva, the Negro maid, whose drawling tempo and idiosyncrasies contrast sharply with the tense mood and action of the other characters.
The cast was: William Tomsic as John Betterly, Mavis Kennedy as his wife Myrtle, Norma Bru-nelli as Peggy, Chester Miskiel as Nick Barnes, Edda Condor as Godiva, Gene Brown as Attorney Boggs, and Lupe Pino as attendant. It goes without saying that the play was enjoyed by everyone attending, and funds will be used for the junior prom.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I remain—William Tomsic, 823 W. 7th St., Walsenburg, Colo. (Lodge 299)
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DAN'S HARD LESSONS
Dear Editor:—I haven’t written a letter to the ML for a long time, but just the same I didn’t forget it. I have sent drawings to our fine magazine almost every month, but I didn’t write because I was busy.
School is now on and I am in the seventh grade in the Raton Junior High School. My lessons are getting harder and harder. We have started
military training in school. We practice marching, facing, and exercise. We practice every Thursday night from 7:30 to 9:30. We marched through the streets on November 11. We got our suits and caps.
I read in the Prosveta and the Mladinski List that Pauline Turkovich died. All our family was very sorry to see so good an artist pass away. She will never be forgotten.
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.—Dan Gostovich (age 11), Box 531, Raton, New Mexico. (Lodge 297)
Chase the Squirrel
Ask all of the players to kneel on the floor forming a circle. One player is chosen to be the squirrel and tag one of the players.
The player who is tagged is the hunter and must run around the outside of the circle in the opposite direction, passing the squirrel on his way. The one who fails to get back to the vacant place first is the squirrel for the next game.
If the player who was tagged beats the squirrel back to his place, the squirrel must run around the circle again and start the game over by tagging someone else.
AN EARLY SAILING VESSEL
Drawn by Jimmie Spen-dal, age 14, Clinton, Ind. Lodge 50.
Old Man: “I’ve eaten meat all my life and I am as strong as an ox.”
Young Man: “That’s funny. I’ve always eaten fish and yet I can’t swim a stroke.”
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Tramp: “Have you a piece of cake, lady, to give to a poor man who hasn’t had a bite for two
days?”
Lady:	“Cake?	Isn’t	bread	good	enough	for
you?”
Tramp: “Ordinarily, yes, ma’am, but this is my birthday.”
Triplets Become Members of SNPJ
Pictured here are Herman, William and Joseph Plut, fourteen year old triplets, sons of Joseph and Mary Plut, who reside at 12220 S.
Union Avenue, Chicago, 111.
The three boys were recently admitted into the Juvenile Department of the SNPJ as members of Lodge Nada (102). All are accomplished musicians on the Hawaiian guitar with more than four years of study and experience to their credit. Besides personal appearances on various entertainment programs, they have broadcasted many times over station WENR, and on one occasion won first prize on the popular Morris B.
Sachs Amateur Hour (receiving well over $100 in prizes as their reward). Of their numerous achievements, another outstanding triumph in recognition of their ability ivas their appearance on the
program of the Musicians’ Convention held in 1940 at Chicago’s famous Stevens hotel. Sister Mary Udovich, our very active Victory Campaigner, is an aunt to the Plut triples and it was through her efforts, of course, that the consent of the parents
Herman, William and Joseph Plut
was gained to enroll the boys in our Society, thus enabling them to become members of the largest Slovene organization with the distinction of being the only set of triplets among 61,000 members of the SNPJ.
Introducing Book Friends
PARTING THOUGHTS
I always think the cover of A book is like a door Which opens into someone’s house Where I’ve not been before.
A pirate or a fairy queen May lift the latch for me.
I always wonder when I knock What welcome there will be;
And when I find a house that’s dull I do not often stay.
But when I find one full of friends I’m apt to spend the day.
I never know what sort of folks Will be within, you see.
And that’s why reading always is So int’resting to me.	—Unknown.
I have selected the above verse as my parting message. This group of carefully chosen simple words express my feeling very well; and so I am passing it on to you with the hope that the thoughts expressed therein stick to your memory as they have to mine.
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Book of Patriotism, edited by George Frisbie Hoar.
This book is one of twenty volumes which comprise a set entitled, “Young Folks’ Library.” This set of books contains selections from the choicest literature of all lands. A variety of subjects are included; folk-lore, legends, natural history, explorations, biography, history, poetry, and others. This book is by no means a recent book, but I chose it because the messages between its covers are necessary and urgent; and as true and applicable today as when they came to life from tongue and pen many years ago. The trouble with many people today is that they take this ugly interlude of world’s history as something that doesn’t concern them; but this war we are engaged in concerns us all and asks each one of us to out-do the other fellow in sacrifice.
As we read our way through the pages we become more familiar with heroes that we already know and become acquainted with some who are not so well known. Most of us know the phrase, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” which Nathan Hale uttered before he was hanged, but I dare say that few of us know the story of his life. The book tells us that he was a school teacher, but when he heard that the British had fired at the minute-men he immediately joined the armed services. He rose in rank quickly and like a true leader of men offered his services to the country he loved in a capacity which brought him little of glory, but suddenly face to face with death—bitter and disgraceful.
In one chapter, an account is given in interesting detail of the opening battle of the revolution. Much is said for the courage and selflessness of the
minute-men whose likeness we see portrayed on the War Savings Stamps. After reading this account we can more fully realize what a fitting emblem it is to put on the stamps, as the minute-men of those historical times were just ordinary citizens who were well aware of what was right and were willing to sacrifice their all for it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of our great poets, wrote a hymn (Concord Hymn) which praises the heroic work of these patriots. • I quote the. first verse:
By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
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Shadow Plays, and How Jo Produce Them, by
Winifred H. Mills and Louise M. Dunn.
This book is written especialy for groups of young people who are anxious to use their ingenuity in creating cheap and wholesome entertainment. Besides providing suitable plays, and simple instructions on how to produce, the book tells of the mystery and the superstition with which shadows were regarded long ago. It also relates the Chinese fable which purports to be the history of these plays. Of course, these plays, like many other good things, had their origin in China.
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(Sister Betty Jartz has with the above article terminated her “Introducing Book Friends” contributions to the ML. She gave no reason, but —as in case of Sister Ann K. Medvešek who a year ago discontinued her “When We Play” feature— undoubtedly, she has other compelling duties to perform. Her articles were interesting, and they will be missed by many ML readers.—Ed.)
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A FIGHTER PILOT OF THE FUTURE Drawn by Bill Baltezar, age 17, Butte, Mont. Lodge 249.
DIZZIE DOT DRAWING PUZZLES By HARVEY FULLER
Our happy little farmer stops his work a minute to see somebody pass by. Draw a line from dot to dot and you will agree he is really worth the time.
DECEMBER
Rounding out another year of work and play, joy and happiness, we come again to the climax of each year’s story—Christmas and New Year. Or haven’t you ever thought of the year as being a story? It’s a very interesting story, filled with suspense and excitement and ending with a bang on New Year’s Eve.
Every good story must have a beginning that catches your interest. As the story unfolds, it must continue to hold your attention with interesting happenings which gradually bring the tale up to a thrilling climax that leads you finally to the happy or sad ending of the story.
The year begins on a note of hope or fear of the future. It brings you various happenings in the guise of holidays and summer vacations, and finally to the end of another year. The ending of each year’s story is different for each one of us. But the ending can never be predicted at the beginning.
And so we come to the end of this year’s story. We hope it has proved to be the best you have ever experienced and that the end will be a happy one.
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE
By Benjamin Volk ACROSS
1.	SNPJ. 4. Mine. 7. Eaten. 10. Of. 12. Opens. 13. No. 14. Wrap. 16. Idol. 18. Seals. 20. Adore.
21.	Et. 22. PE. 23. Era. 25. Ma. 26. RR. 29. Coral. 31. Topaz. 34. Rung. 35. Late. 36. Ad. 37. Nasal. 41. Er. 42. Elope. 43. Mate. 44. Ergo.
DOWN
2.	People. 3. Jap. 4. Men. 5. Inside. 6. Cows.
8.	Te. 9. Hole. 11. Fret. 13. Nora. 15. AA. 17. Do. 19. Steal. 20. Apart. 24. Loud. 25. Magnet. 27. Roller. 28. Rate. 29. Crag. 30. RN. 32. Pa. 33. Zero. 38. Ale. 39. So. 40. Ape.
ANSWERS TO RIDDLES ON JUST FOR FUN PAGE:
A Christmas Slory:	Christmas	holiday,	gifts,
candy, nuts, tree, tinsel, lights, presents, tree, ribbon, carols.
Hidden States: Ohio, Idaho, Iowa, Washington.
Soldier-Boys: Mess-kit, rifle, tank, machine-gun, airplanes, gliders, bombers.
Food for Thought:	Turkey,	pudding,	candy,
cranberries, duck, nuts.
The Night Before Xmas:
’Twas the night before Xmas And all through the house Not a creature was stirring Not even a mouse.
We're All Americans: 1—bit; 2—won; 3—day; A—sought.
Sail the Ship: 1—Scholarship; 2—lordship; 3— partnership; 4—ownership; 5—apprenticeship.
How's Your Grammar? In group A, sentences No. 2 and 3 are correct, and in group B sentences No. 1, 4 and 5 are correct.
Help in the Victory Campaign!
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< ENROLL A NEW MEMBER IN THE “SNPJ VICTORY CAMPAIGNMODAY!
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• The success of the SNPJ VICTORY CAMPAIGN depends on you—the members on our local fronts.
• We urge all members to join the active ranks of this great patriotic and fraternal drive to defend America and the SNPJ by enrolling new members.
• The SNPJ offers attractive SPECIAL PRIZES, ranging from $25 to $100, to state, district, and national winners—also, REGULAR PRIZES of $1 for each juvenile member and $1 to $4 for each new adult member enrolled.
• The war against the AXIS powers must be won! We shall help achieve this goal quicker by awarding thousands of dollars in UNITED STATES SAYINGS BONDS and STAMPS as prizes for new members!
• The number of new members gained in the SNPJ Victory Campaign will be reflected in the amount of dollars spent for bonds and stamps—for planes, ships, tanks, and guns. Let’s not forget that!
® A special award of $25 will be given to the Juvenile Circle gaining the highest number of new members in this campaign.
o Members! Compare our benefits and rates with those of other insurance organizations. Convince yourselves that the SNPJ OFFERS THE REST BARGAINS!
® In conclusion, we say to you—Don’t forget the children. Give them all the advantages of membership in the SNPJ by organizing a Juvenile Circle in your community. That will insure a great victory for the future!	MICHAEL VRHOVNIK,
the SNPJ Campaign Director.
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