ZARJA -THE DAWN H547B8
URADNO GLASILO SLOVENSKE ŽENSKE ZVEZE V AMERIKI		OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA
NUMBER 1-2	JAN.-FEB,, 1996	VOLUME 68
70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
TRIP TO SLOVENIA September, 1996
sponsored by S.W.U. for members, their families, and friends.
See the beauty of Slovenia, the homeland of our pioneers and ancestral land of our forefathers!
on inside cover page.)
One of the most beautiful sights in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj, in its winter splendor!
ZARJA - THE DAWN
DATES TO REMEMBER
(ISSN 0044-1848)
Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: ZARJA - THE DAWN, 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615
N( NO. 1-2 JAN.-FEB., 1996 VOL. 68
Member. Illinois Fraternal Congress
Official Publication of the Slovenian Women’s Union of America — Uradno glasilo Slovenske Zenske Zveze.
Published monthly except January, June & August — izhaja vsak mesec razen januar, junij in avgust.
Annual Subscription for non-members, $15.00 — naročnina $15.00 letno za ne-članice.
Publisher: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 727-1926
Second Class Postage paid at Chicago. 1L All communications for the next issue of publication must be in the hands of the Editor by the first week of the month — vsi dopisi za naslednjo izdajo mesečnika morajo biti v rokah urednice do I. v mesecu.
Editor, CORINNE LESKOVAR Editorial Office: 4851 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (312) 548-8878
SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION presents:
A TRIP TO SLOVENIA
in
SEPTEMBER, 1996
2 WEEK TOUR YOU WILL VISIT ALL SEVEN REGIONS OF SLOVENIA plus Austria and Venice Price: $2,700 - $2,900 per person Call or Write Kathleen Emerson for details & watch ZARJA for more! Kathleen Emerson, 41 Sparrow Hill, Orion, MI 48359 Tel. (810) 370-0015
HABERMANN Funeral Home
80S N. 6th Street Sheboygan, WI 53081
TEZAK FUNERAL HOME Welcomes Lydia Marquardt to their professional staff ol pre-arrangement Counselor's
Licensed Producer's: Richard K. Tezak	Lydia Marquardt LUTCF (741-04271
(Forethought Trust) American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)
Call for information and a free booklet "For Future Reference" (815) 722-0524
Feb. 1	VALENTINE PARTY, Br. 13, San Francisco, CA
Feb. 11	BAKELESS BAKE SALE, Br. 1, Sheboygan,
WI after 8:30 mass in church hall.
Feb. 11 DIME SOCIAL - MEETING, Br. 35, Aurora, MN, Community Center, 1:30 p.m.
Apr. 14 ANNIVERSARY MASS, Br. 73, Warrensville, OH, at St. Jude’s Church, 10:30 a.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY	^
IN FEBRUARY	?
Presidents:
Feb. 4 - Ruth Sheck, Br. 1, Sheboygan, WI Feb. 8 - Josephine Artac, Br. 102, Willard, WI Feb. 16 - Mary Zales, Br. 8, Steelton, PA Feb. 22 - Anne Marie Wangler, Br. 24, LaSalle, IL
Secretaries:
Feb. 1- Agatha Donges, Br. 40, Lorain, OH Feb. 18- Theresa Dagg, Br. 10, Cleveland, OH Feb. 15 - Anna Kerkovich, Br. 93, Brooklyn, NY Feb. 27 - Diane Varney, Br. 14, Euclid, OH
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!
NOTE: January Birthday dates were published in December, 1995 issue.
BARAGA DAY IN FLORIDA
Sunday, February 24th will be Baraga Day at Sarasota, Florida. All our Florida vacationers and residents are cordially invited to attend.
The Mass will be at St. Marth’s Church at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon and short meeting at the church hall. To get to the church, use exit 39 off Interstate Rt. 75 and keep going to the church (about 5-1/2 miles) located at the intersection of Orange Ave. and Fruitville Rd.
This invitation comes to you from John and Helen Matthews who are very loyal and dedicated Baragans, formerly from Manistee, MI.
Chairman of the event is Frederick Baraga, 7923 Conservatory Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243, telephone (813) 355-5204. Fred is a relative of sainthood candidate Bishop Frederick Baraga and active with the Cause for his beatification.
See you at Baraga Day in Sarasota!
If you are looking for that slight edge to make your business perk up and work well, ADVERTISE IN ZARJA!
Rate are:
1 inch x 3 inches, $15.00; 1-1/2 inch x 3 inches, $20.00
1-1/2 inches by 6 inches, $25.00; 3 inches x 6 inches
(or 1/3 page, $50.00; Half Page, $75.00 and
Full Page, $150.00.
ZARJA is published eight times per year and yearly contracts are desirable.
THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU!
NATIONAL PRESIDENT:
SWU Members, You're in Good Hands!
It takes so many hours of preparations for our Christmas Celebrations to be “just perfect”. The baking goes on for weeks, the house must be cleaned and polished, the spare room made ready for visiting family and guests!
Now, several days after Christmas, I feel no letdown; just the satisfaction of knowing (both) families, all 21 grandchildren and my mother, again were made part of our traditions for another year of Christmas, with memories to treasure in their hearts and pass on in the future.
For some weeks now I have been preparing for the SWU annual Board Meeting in Joliet, (February 16-19) and hoping these preparations have been just as thorough and will prove to be just as rewarding! Many hours of thoughtful consideration will have gone into this meeting with all the new officers, and we want it to be harmonious and satisfying to us, and to all our SWU sister members. I believe these new Board Members have tackled a tremendous job. They have put in hours of homework to come up with ideas for, and solutions to, some of the difficult adjustments facing our SWU.
I have been greatly heartened, and infact overwhelmed with pride after reading the BIOGRAPHICAL STORIES of these new officers in the December issue of ZARJA. It was wonderful to real about and get to know them in a more personal way. Their stories are IMPRESSIVE to say the least! These active, educated, caring and progressive women are the daughters and granddaughters of the same type of progressive women who first joined SWU 70 years ago; but with even more to offer our ‘Union’ in the 90’s, having been further educated, more extensively involved in outside jobs, raising their families, volunteering their services on a local, regional and even National level; not only for the betterment of SWU, but for their communities as well. I know you must have been as thrilled to read these women’s stories as I was. I feel strongly that we can all put aside our concerns for the future of SWU. With women like these dedicated to serving on the Board, contributing their ideas and strengthening our resolve to keep moving into the next century, HOW CAN WE FAIL?
Long after most of us are gone, SWU will still be a vital organization if we share with ur children and grandchildren our love for our Ethnic beginnings. They will want to belong. They will want their children to know where Grandma and Great Grandma came from; how they struggled just to keep their large families fed and clothed; how they managed to keep
9
their traditions alive in their new country and preserved and passed on to us.
These stories are written down in two books, ‘FOOTSTEPS THROUGH TIME’, and ‘FROM SLOVENIA TO AMERICA’. I urge everyone to get a copy from the Home Office. Keep them in your home and read them to enlighten, entertain, and educate our young members with the DRAMA, HEARTACHE and MEMORIES of our Slovenian immigrant ancestors. These make better reading than any modern-day novel! Because these people belong to our past; they were real. They shaped our religious beliefs, our work ethics and our diverse personalities.
Our beloved Marie Prisland lives on in the heartwarming story of her humble beginnings and her aspirations for her future in the new country, America. The SWU lives on because of women like Irene Odorizzi, a first generation Slovenian who continues to inspire us all with her book and her documented articles of Branch Histories in ZARJA. Olga Ancel, our past National Secretary for twenty years, Corinne Leskovar our long-time and present Editor of ZARJA, Tory Bobence, a National Officer for 12 years; The list goes on and on; Women giving their time and talents in an effort to promote and perpetuate our Slovenian Culture.
I have recently received applications for the new Scholarship Director position and Pots and Pans Editor. These applicants are highly qualified and anxious to do the job. At our February meeting we will be approving the appointments and introducing these new officers to you in the next issue of ZARJA. We also have enrolled 24 new members in SWU. Just several more reasons to feel great about the future of SWU.
These recent happenings plus the beautiful biographies of our new officers have encouraged me to look forward to the next four years with great hope and enthusiasm. Their stories are as inspiring as the biographies of our pioneer founding members. SWU members, you can rest assured we are in GOOD HANDS for the future.
Jean Korsman
Thanks from Scholarship Winner!
Please extend my thanks to the Slovenian Women’s Union of America for choosing me as one of the recipients of the SWU Scholarships this year.
I consider it a great honor to have been chosen for this award. This will help a great deal when I continue my education this year.
Sincerely,
Jim Hofsommer
SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATIONS NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
Submitted by Marge Church, Acting Director
SWU Scholarship Fund
DONATIONS
Branch 33, Duluth, MN		$34.00
Branch 43, Milwaukee, WI		25.00
Millie Pike		20.00
Ella Skoda		3.00
Donor	In memory of:	
Mitzi Bensin	Frances Bensin	$25.00
Dorothy & Ann Winter	Mary Winter	20.00
LouTrebar	Agnes Trebar	20.00
Mary Persin	John J. Persin, Jr.	15.00
Lillian Homar	Michael Drensek	10.00
Branch 23, Ely, MN	Frances Marinšek	5.00
Branch 23, Ely, MN	Rosalind Kotchevar	5.00
Branch 23, Ely, MN	Rose Ann Dufresne	5.00
Anna L. Hodnik	Anthony Orazem	5.00
AnnaL. Hodnik	Elizabeth Orazem	5.00
Anthony R. Orazem	Elizabeth Orazem	5.00
Anthony R. Orazem	Henry Paulisich	5.00
Anne Orazem	Henry Paulisich	5.00
Adeline Mustonen	Anthony Orazem	5.00
David & Theresa McGauley	Anthony Orazem	5.00
Sylvia Spretnjak	John Starcevich	10.00
Branch 42, Maple Hts., OH	Cecilia Hočevar	10.00
Marge Church	Cecilia Hočevar	5.00
Branch 39, Biwabik, MN	Anthony Orazem	5.00
MaryJoLustik	Joseph and Mary Vidmar	25.00
DONOR	IN HONOR OF	
Branch 102, Willard, WI	Edith Backus,	10.00
Branch Mother of the Year
Thanks to all of you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. SŽZ and the Scholarship Fund Committee appreciates your support.
Marge Church
Acting Scholarship Director
Kathleen’s
Konnection
Activities! Activities! Activities!
As the holidays, which are always a flurry of activity, fade to only a memory I hope each and every branch is busy making plans for their activities for the coming year. This year our ZVEZA is celebrating it’s 70th anniversary.
In honor of that milestone I am pleased to announce the Slovenian Women’s Union of America is sponsoring a trip to the homeland, SLOVENIA, in September, 1996. The details are being finalized but it will be for 2 weeks, include a visit to all 7 regions of Slovenia, and cost between $2,700
-	$2,900 inclusive. All interested parties should contact me by letter or telephone as soon as possible and I will send you the final details. They will also be printed in our ZARJA but since September will be here before you know it, if you are really interested in going, then I would appreciate hearing from you soon.
I would also like to announce that Detroit is having their first Slovene Polka Fest on July 26, 27 & 28, 1996. I personally would like to see our branches in Illinois and Ohio put together a bus trip to this event. If they would like to come a day earlier I’m sure we could make arangements to tour one of the Auto Baron mansions and/or cross the border and visit Windsor, Ontario. If ANY Branch is interested in doing that please contact me. I’ll be happy to do whatever I can to make your trip to Detroit a pleasant one.
On a sadder note I would like to report I did not receive 1 response to the challenge I made in my last article regarding activity. I firmly believe that without it we may not survive. As many of you have already noticed when an activity is planned for the Branch the turnout is larger. If you think something work particularly well for you let me know and I’ll print it in this column.
I am still looking for some new places to go! This is our 70th Anniversary and I would like to see every Branch do something to celebrate it! Plan a party, a dance, a bowl-a-thon, a golf outing, spaghetti or pancake meal, or what ever your Branch feels they can sponsor. Use it as a tool to sign up NEW members! If possible notify your local newspaper, TV station, or cable station to expand coverage of your activity. Let’s make 1996 the year to let the world know about the SWU!
Just a reminder... my address is 41 Sparrow Hill, Orion, MI 48359 and my telephone # is 810-370-0015. I would love to hear from you!
Kathleen Emerson
Women’s Activity Director
FOUR $1,000 SWU SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 1996!
Now, it is easier than ever to apply for one of the four $1,000 Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarships to be awarded in 1996. If you meet the following eligibility requirements, just detach, complete, and mail in the application form below, along with the additional requested material, by March 20, 1996.
To be eligible, 1) you must be a high school senior intending to be a full time student at an accredited university or college after graduation, and 2) you must have been a member of the SWU for at least three years prior to graduation. One scholarship can be awarded ever to any one family and only one scholarship can be awarded each year to any one branch.
The applications are evaluated by the SWU Scholarship Committee based equally on scholastic achievement; school, church, and community activities; SWU participation; and financial need. To avoid partiality, all identifying information is deleted from the material given to the committee members and each applicant is identified by a randomly assigned letter of the alphabet.
All applicants are notified by mail of the final decision. If you are awarded a scholarship, one half of the award is paid to you when you submit proof of first semester enrollment at an accredited university or college. The remainder is paid when you submit proof of second semester enrollment.
APPLICATION FOR SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION SCHOLARSHIP
Name___________________________________________________________________________Sex	M_______________F.
Home Address__________________________________________________________________________________________
City_______________________________________________________________________________________State______________________Zip.
Name of Parent(s)	
Hieh School	Princinal
School Address	
Citv	State Zip
Graduation Date	Class Rank GPA
College Considered	Major
SWU Branch Number	Years of SWU Memhershin
Signature	
Include the following additional material with the application form:
_________ One recent 2-1/2” x 3-1/2” photo, black and white or color.
_________ Official transcript of high school grades to date.
_________ Brief autobiography including school, church, community, SWU activities and personal goals.
_________ Statement of financial need.
_________ Recommendation from high school principal/teacher/counselor.
_________ Recommendation from SWU Branch president/secretary.
Send the completed application form and all the requested material to:
Marge Church, SWU Scholarship Director 1028 Skyland Drive Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 20, 1996.
ILLINOIS-INDIANA STATE CONVENTION PRINCIPALS
Delegates of 7 branches in Illinois and Indiana provided a very good review of the activities of S.W.U. membership in these two states. In their reports there were many fine ideas and programs suggested.
On the above photos taken after the State Convention meeting held in So. Chicago on Oct. 1st, 1995 we see the delegates and National past and present officers of S.W.U.
Left photo, back row, left to right: Pat Figurowski, Nat’l Auditor, Fran Morison, past National Director of Women’s Activities, Adele Gensler, (24), Mary Jermene (89) and Jo Lustik, past National Auditor;
Front row: Charlene Kobe (20), Millie James, Delegate and Pres, of hostess Br. 95, Angela Nico (89) and Vida Kumse (16).
Right photo, the delegates: front: Jean Železnikar (2), Angie Nico (89) and Charlene Kobe (20); back row, past Nat’l officer, Fran Morison, Adele Gensler (24), Mary Jermene (89); and past National Auditor, Jo Lustik.
The 1996 State Convention for Illinois and Indiana will be held in Chicago with Br. 2 hostesses. They will be celebrating the 70th Anniversary!
IT’S IMPORTANT FOR YOU AS A MEMBER TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON THE BACK INSIDE COVER OF THIS ZARJA.
ALSO, PLEASE NOTE THE REQUEST FOR ANY CHANGES IN YOUR ADDRESS - MAILING LABEL ON THE BACK COVER.
SEND TO OUR NATIONAL SECRETARY, EVELYN MAJERCIK, P.O. BOX 46539, BEDFORD, OH 44146. THANK YOU!
MEET OUR THIRD NATIONAL AUDITOR
Pat Figurowski
Hello! I’m Pat Figurowski. I went to our National Convention as one of the delegates representing Branch 20 of Joliet and came home as the National 3rd Auditor-Elect. What a thrill!
I have lived in Joliet all my life. My husband, Bob and 1 have been married for 34 years and we have two great daughters, Vitoria Gonzalez who lives in New York City with her husband, Hiram and Barbara DeLaney, who lives in Crest Hill with her husband, Peter. My daughters and husband are all members of Br. 20. Barbara undertook the chairmanship of Branch 20’s scholarship committee this year.
I am also the Financial Secretary of Br. 20 and am starting my fifth year at that position. I try to be helpful and supportive in all the branch’s various activities.
I am presently employed at the Bob Evan’s Restaurant as a hostess, working part-time and have been there 6 years. It’s great for me as I like working with and meeting people. I get to talk with people from many walks of life and different regions.
I love baking, especially poticas! My husband, Bob is very good a scroll-sawing and occasionally, I get to help by painting some of his many creations.
I am looking forward to serving on the National Board for the next four years. With your help and support, we hope to keep moving ahead.
TO ALL MEMBERS:
Direct billing has been started. It is important that you be informed about the procedure.
Please remember the following items:
1) If you do not receive a statement immediately, don’t panic. We are billing by branch, and not necessarily in numerical order.
2) DO NOT send any payment for your dues without first receiving a statement.
3) DO NOT CALL OR WRITE regarding not receiving a statement. You will not be penalized. It is our responsibility to get the statement to you.
4) Please return the top portion of the statement with your check or money order. DO NOT SEND CASH.
5) DO NOT send partial payment. The total amount must be paid upon receipt of the statement.
6) If there are any errors on the statement, please mark the corrections to be made and return the form to us.
7) DO NOT SEND YOUR (SMALL) MEMBERSHIP BOOKS. Your cancelled check will be your receipt.
Thank you for your cooperation, it will make the whole process work smoothly.
Evelyn A. Majercik National Secretary^
“OUR ORGANIZATION
For a number of years, I have noticed that frequently in my ZARJA columns, in personal letters or conversation with other SWU members, I refer to the Slovenian Women’s Union as “our organization.” The usage of this phrase has led me to observe a similar pattern in the letters or phone calls of other members.
The word “our” shows possession or ownership. Is this what is felt about the Slovenian Women’s Union? Do we feel an ownership in this ethnic women’s organization?
Let me ask another question. Do you, personally, refer to the SWU as “our organization?” If you do, can you express the reason(s) why you use the phrase? Are they sentimental reasons? Is it due to longevity in the organization or to many years of involvement?
I’d like to hear from you. Won’t you write or call me? As the comedienne, Joan Rivers say, “Let’s talk.” I have been planning to write an article about the SWU expressing the feelings that members have about “our organization.” Let me hear from you, dear readers and members. Let me include your feelings and opinions.
Irene M. Odorizzi
2362 Paddock Lane Reston, VA 22091 (703) 860-0556
Start With Us!
That’s the name and that’s the message for the current SWU Membership Campaign, now going on!
Sign up a new member today! Use the SWU Brochures that tell the story of our “Zveza” - get your friends interested in the heritage work and women’s activities promoted these many years by the Slovenian Women’s Union.
Membership Applications are available through the branch secretaries or write to the Home Office, 431 No. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432.
Here’s what one new member has to say:
Your organization was recommended to me by Mr. Don Klemke (Broken Arrow, OK) and I’m delighted to have found you. My grandfather, Charles Klemenčič was born in the village of Hrušice in 1885; later they lived in the state of “Krain” in Austria. He came to America in 1903 on the Krone Prinz Wilhelm ship and settled in Milwaukee where he died in 1966. He was a loving and beloved human being. 1 would like to join your organization. Sincerely,
Mary Louise Frank
Rochester, NY
cJ-fzzitacjE. <^Yecu± and
Irene Planinšek Odorizri
HERITAGE HEROES
This year a lovely Christmas card brought with it a check in the amount of $25.00 for the Heritage Museum. The generous donor, once again, was Jo Lustik from Joliet Branch 20, who remembers the Heritage Fund many times during the year. We appreciate her generosity. Hvala lepaJo.
SLOVENIAN MUSIC
This annoucement is late for the ’95 Christmas season but early for ’96. A list of lovely traditional Slovenian Christmas melodies on cassettes can be obtained by sending a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) to me at the address below. The supplier of these cassettes is also included.
Should you be interested in polkas and waltzes, that list is also available.
CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE...
Visitors to New York City will find vendors operating chestnut stands on most of the comers in the Times Square area especially during the winter months. The warmth and aroma circulating around the portable ovens operated by recent immigrants to the U.S. has added a certain charm to the streets of New York.
Until this year, I thought the chestnut tradition was typical only of the Big Apple but recently I came upon information revealing that Slovenia can also boast this tradition.
In the village of Lig above the town of Kanal near Soča, farmers lived by selling chestnuts. They traveled to the cities with bags of the small cylindrical nuts and portable ovens where they baked and sold the tasty morsels. The chestnuts were also dried and stored in stone containers where they stayed fresh for two years.
Now, I wonder, how many of our Slovenian immigrants living in New York City, at the turn of the century, also sold chestnuts in Times Square and were part of that New York tradition.
SLOVENIAN EMBASSY CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY
Five years ago, the Republic of Slovenia achieved its long-awaited independence and marked the occasion by establishing the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington, D.C. at 1300 19th St. N.W. There has been much progress and many changes since that time, one of which was the change in the location of the Embassy.
The Fifth Anniversary Independence Day celebration was held on Dec. 13th at the newly located Embassy at 1525 New Hampshire Ave. N.W. The building is a formidable one, situated in an established and highly desirable area known as DuPont Circle. Now, there is more office space and an appointed area for social and diplomatic functions.
Ambassador Ernest Petrie welcomed members of the local Slovenian community to a lovely reception celebrating this event. He took occasion to reminisce about the “early days,” and the difficulties encountered by himself and his staff who were “pioneers” to a new land as they established diplomatic relations between Slovenia and the U.S. with very limited means. Ambassador Petrie holds the distinction of being Slovenia’s very first Ambassador to a foreign country.
POETRY CORNER
Anna Hodnik of Aurora, MN sent this month's poem for inclusion in the Poetry Corner. It was written by Mary Vovk Rauenhorst, the daughter of Anita Vovk, who was co-author with Anna Hodnik, of the Language Column that appeared in the ZARJA for many years.
After reading this selection you will see why Mary’s potm can and should pertain to any family, not only the Vovks. One friend asked for a copy of the poem for each of her children. She had the poem laminated so it could be hung the home as a reminder. These few verses can make one realize how important it is to express the feelings which we have for a brother or a sister and to frequently express that love and admiration for each other.
Ambassador Petrie spoke with pride of the acceptance and praise bestowed upon Slovenia and its place not only in the diplomatic community but in the world. Slovenia’s achievements have been substantial since achieving independence and have been duly recognized. President Clinton mentioned to the Prime Minister of Slovenia at a Bilateral meeting held in New York that, “the United States highly values Slovenia’s success.”
My husband, Kenneth, and I were privileged to have attended this event and we were joined by other members of the SWU including: President, Jill Augustine accompanied by her husband, also Vice President, Nika Kovacic and the Fitzsimmon family, Bernadette, Tim and two-month old, Matthew. Long-time SWU member, Ana Menapace and Alenka Richardson, of the Voice of America were also in attendance.
Komu najpred veselo Zravljico, bratje, č’mo zapet? Bog našo nam deželo,
Bog živi ves slovenski svet, brate vse, kar nas je
sinov slovenske matere!
-	ZDRAVUICA -
Prešeren
Ambassador Petrič
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Rauenhorst wrote this poem just before her second marriage. She had gone through troubling times with a separation and a divorce. Even though all the members of the family did not agree with Mary’s viewpoint, she was still grateful for the support and love given to her by the family and the poem is the result of this appreciation.
There are six children in the Vovk family and every year these six children spend one weekend together, taking turns at their different homes. It is a brother and sister reunion, without spouses or children, just themselves.
They spend the time sight-se-eing, picnicing and playing games and bringing surprise gifts for each other. It is truly a unique family and an even more unique gathering of siblings. During the Christmas season they get together and bake Christmas cookies for their families, play games and award a “Chef’s Hat,” which is the traveling prize.
Mary’s mother, Anita, mentioned that regardless of how little or big the problem, the brothers and sisters were right there to support each other. Many times when a problem arose with one of the brothers or sisters, by the time the parents heard of the problem, it was already taken care of by the siblings.
Knowing of the prpblems encountered by other families, Anita continued, “I thank God that these children love each other so much that they do not turn on each other. Instead, they pick each other up, especially at those times when it is most needed.”
(Please send your poem for inclusion in this column to: Irene Odorizzi, 2362 Paddock Lane, Reston, VA 22091).
Irene M. Odorizzi,
POETRY CORNER	Heritage	Director
What makes a family?
We do, you and I,
We make a family.
We gather together as friends To celebrate our joys with dance and song,
Knowing that each of us, in our own way belong.
Together we relive old memories that have Touched each of our lives and we find they’re New again through each other’s eyes.
The times we feel hurt, pain and sorrow
We’re there to give comfort and hope for tomorrow.
And if one of us should stray,
We’re there to lend a hand and lead the way,
No to push, to judge or send away;
But to let them know we’re there,
To let them know we really care.
We don’t always see eye to eye,
And that’s okay.
We’re different you and me,
And so we agree to disagree.
You are you And I am I
But together you and me become we,
We are family.
By Mary Vovk Rauenhorst
Frank and Anita Vovk’s six children were photographed in 1991 and are pictured as follows: First row seated: Kathryn, Robert and Lisa. Second row standing: Therese, Mary and Frank.
Pots and Pans
Recipes for this month’s food column are from Jean Krizman’s cookbook, GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD and may be just the perfect February dishes for St. Valentine’s Day (Strawberry Nutcracker) and Mardi Gras (Stuf-
STRAWBERRY NUTCRACKER
Crust:
3 1 1
egg whites (room tem.) c.sugar tsp. vanilla
Filling:
1	(10	oz.)pkg.	frozen
strawberries, thawed
14
3/.
tsp. baking powder Ritz crackers, crushed c. nuts, chopped fine
c. heavy cream, whipped T. cornstarch
Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar. Combine the remaining crust ingredients and fold into the beaten egg whites. Spoon evenly into the well-greased 8-inch square pan. Bake in a 325° oven for 45 minutes. Cool. Filling: Drain strawberries; reserve juice. Whip cream and fold the drained fruit into the whipped cream. Spread over crust and chill 1 hour. Cut 3 x 3-inch. Mix the reserved juice with the cornstarch and heat to thickened. Spoon over each piece as it is served. Serves 9.
fed Pork Loin). Dober tek!
---------------------------------------- I_________________
A Recipe for a good time
By Cecilia Y. Dolgan
News-Herald Correspondent
Reprinted from the News Herald, suburban Willoughby
(Cleveland) newspaper.
Good times, good friends, good food. What more could anyone ask for at holiday time? In the case of Willoughby Hills resident Jean Križman, the answer is recipes.
Križman has published a cookbook titled, “Good Times, Good Friends, Good Food,” which features 200 favorite recipes. She has sent it out as a gift to friends, relatives, and work associates, who also contributed recipes.
The retired vice president of food services for Stouffer Corporation, who has spent fifty years in the food and restaurant industry, probably got tired of typing out individual recipes on request.
“The idea came about because people would say ‘you ought to write a cookbook’,” said Križman, who started the project two years ago. “People would ask me for recipes.
I thought this would be a good way to learn about computers and get into the 90’s.”
Križman, an invigorating 75, didn’t want to be left behind in today’s technology, so she called upon two computer ‘mentors’, Rev. Thomas Weise, a computer expert at St. Paschal’s Roman Catholic Church, and another friend, Barbara Kuzma of Highland Heights, to help her out.
“My long suit was organization and working with individuals,’’said Križman, who in the 1950s opened Stouffer food services at the Prudential Building in Chicago, serving 7,000 people daily. “I didn’t even know how to type on the computer. By my mentors taught me step-by-step. I sent letters and a return form to about 300 people.
“I enjoyed getting the responses from my friends because there were a lot of funny comments and memories along with the recipes.”
__________________________________________________I
Križman, who has a biology degree from Ohio University, said the cookbook is not intended to be a gourmet compilation.
“The people I wrote to are from all walks of life,” she said. “The recipes are what my friends like to eat and make often.”
The recipes were sent in my friends, including stewed eggplant from Dennis Nahat, artistic director of Cleveland Ballet; baked catfish from Tom Stauffer, CEO of Renaissance Restaurants; baccala from Caroline Som Kovac, a former restauranteur; and celebration pasta from the Rev. Thomas Wiese, who now lives in Rome. Of course, the book has favorite recipes by Križman, including some she created for Stouffer’s Pufferbelly, and Homblower’s restur-ants.
Krizman’s computer knowledge is also coming in handy for her fund-raising efforts on behalf of several boards she has served on or is presently serving on, including chairman of volunteers for American Red Cross in Cleveland, president of St. Paschal’s committee for St. Vincent De Paul Society, Providence House, child crises care center, and as a trustee for the Slovene Home for the Aged and Slovenian National Home.
The complete sell-out of Jean’s not-for-profit book venture, in the first month of issue, resulted in a second printing, now available by sending an order directly to her with remittance of $8.50 plus $2.50 p & h per book at this address:
Jean Križman, 381 Pebblebrook Dr.,
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094.
*****
Note: We are extremely proud of all our members who have shown just how special and capable they are. Here is another example. Jean is a long-time member as is Cecelia Dolgan, the writer of this story. Br. 50 is the lucky branch that can claim them!
STUFFED PORK LOIN
%
2'3
6
1
c. wild rice c. shredded carrots c. white raisins c. walnuts, chopped scallions, sliced apple, peeled & finely chopped c. butter T. lime juice Ground cardamon
Salt
White pepper boneless pork loin (about 3 lbs.), cut for stuffing c. dry Sautern wine tsp. juniper berries Pinch dried thyme c. heavy cream T. apple brandy
Parboil rice; drain and rinse well. In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook carrots, raisins and nuts, scallions and apples in the butter and lime juice until carrots are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in rice, mixing with cardamon, salt and pepper. Open the pork loin flat; spoon *'2 of stuffing lengthwise down one edge of the loin. Roll loin up in jellyroll fashion, enclosing stuffing. Tie with string in several places. Place loin in a large baking pan. Combine Sautern, juniper berries and thyme in a small bowl. Pour over meat. Preheat oven to 400°. Place meat in the hot oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325° and continue to roast for 1 to \x'i hours until internal temperature reaches 165°. Meanwhile, wrap remaining stuffing in aluminum foil. Place in the oven halfway through baking. Remove meat from pan; let stand for 10 minutes. Degrease pan drippings. Deglaze pan with the cream. Transfer to medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until reduced in half. Stir in the apple brandy. Strain. Spoon extra stuffing around meat. Serve with sauce.
Jean Križman, former vice president of food services at Stouffer’s, sits in her Willoughby Hills kitchen with her new cookbook “Good Times, Good Friends, Good Food.” The cookbook has recipes from both Stouffer’s and Berea’s Pufferbelly Restaurant.
THIS IS MCDONALD’S - IN SLOVENIA!
According to reports there are four McDonald’s restaurants in the Ljubljana area (Slovenia) and all are doing well! Other McDonalds are planned for Slovenia’s other major cities in the future. This is what the “place mat” used by McDonalds in Slovenia tells you:
Satisfied guests
enjoy themselves with good food... the kind that needs no artificial aromas, fillings and additives. The meat used in our hamburgers is 100% beef, of the best quality in mineral and vitamins content and low in fat.
It is strictly regulated, responsibly stored and manufactured. The same regulations apply to other items on the menu, potatoes, salads...
Freshness, quality and preparation are continuously monitored. Our guests share the best...
All is from our local areas in Slovenia
For speed and best control, the food items come from our own localities so that they can be supervised. Meat is brought from Pomurje area, Murska
Sobota; daily-baked fresh buns are made from wheat brought into Ljubljana. For milk products the careful dairies of Pomurje supply us. Food delivery as well as use of the products is handled ot the best satisfaction to insure goodness.
The terms mean quality
Our measures for food handling, and serving are strict and we do not allow any fluctuation. That is why we do not buy meat in other places where we cannot have quality control, rather, we cooperate with local purveyors who are regulated by ES. Also, all meat products must meet the standards of McDonalds Corporation.
To je McDonald’s!
Zadovoljni gostje
•IS&
Pogoj je kvaliteta
! .11 -1 •
Nopre*!.u ~	j
Izdelki iz domačih sestavin
SCWTJUCjh Uteh'Jo 90 Ui'C HIM _ _ r-i-n«s hknu p* wom> Uhix- 'jMjLp MdcorutefRC
Mtrso run
Irene M. Odorizzi 2362 Paddock Lane Reston, V A 22091
THE NEXT GENERATION
“I saw my heritage. I felt my heritage. And, best of all, my daughter, Beth, found her heritage.”
and he hoped to start a small business making boots for gentlemen. When the Austrian army tried to draft him for the second time, he returned to America. He chose Barberton, Ohio for their new home, and after the birth of three more daughters, both grandparents and my father became American citizens.
Moravske toplice
•Pliiiki pn Suitmri
Rog. Slatina .—
elli >«l.i In
'Atomske topilce
Gorixi
GOMCA
Postojnska jama-
Dolenjske.
toplice
Cerkniiko jei.
Škocjanske jame
Jmdrmnako
morjo
•Hrastovlje
Those are the words of Michael Pavlic, an American-Slovene gentleman, from Chamblee, Georgia, who recently discovered his very rich Slovenian heritage in Barberton, Ohio. His wife, Mary, spent many months conversing on the phone and writing letters to relatives and friends who knew Michael’s heroic father and who could supply the missing pieces to his family puzzle. Michael consented to write of the discoveries he made when he and his wife set sail on their genealogical voyage.
If you are an American who lives in a Slovenian community, you may have taken for granted your ethnic heritage because you are surrounded by tradition at every turn but Americans who are isolated from Slovenian communities and live throughout the U.S. are in awe at their heritage once they find it. We hope the Michael Pavlic’s story will inspire you to appreciate your heritage even more.
My father, Milton Frank Pavlic, was a Slovenian, bom in Trieste. My grandparents had immigrated to America, and after the birth of three daughters, they went back to their homeland to resettle. My grandfather was a bootmaker
My father was always so proud of the opportunities America gave him. He joined the Navy after one year of college, and was the first Slovenian to be graduated from the Naval Academy. He rose to the rank of Lt. Commander, and at the age of 32, he was killed in the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. Because of his heroism in battle, a destroyer escort ship was commissioned and named USS Pavlic in 1943.
I was only 11 months old when my father died. My mother remarried, and I knew almost nothing about him until I visited Barberton when I was 16 years old. My grandfather took me for a walk around the entire city one morning and I could hardly keep up with him. He shared with me much of his life’s history and his feelings about a city he had lived in for 50 years. He talked alot about what this country had done for him and his family. He also talked about Slovenians. Heaven forbid that anyone should call him a Slovak!
%KUiienfurl
C ELOVSC
*V6lkermurkt
VMJKOVK
Grandfather Pavlic was born in the seaport city of Trieste, on the Slovenia-Italy border and this may account for son, Milton’s love for the sea!
vkrmldin
flCTlUITIES
NO. 1, SHEBOYGAN, WI
The Christmas party was well-at-tended. Father Dick and his dad, Nor-bert were our guests for the evening.
At the annual meeting we had our election of officers for the year of 1996: Ruth Sheck, president, Aggie Gruenke, vice-president, Cathy Schroeder, recording secretary, Dorothy Brezonik, secretary-treasurer.
We decided to have a “Bake-less Bake Sale” instead of our usual Valentine Bake Sale on Feb. 11th after the 8:30 mass. Our meeting will follow in the church hall.
Ladies, please cooperate. We need the money for our 70th anniversary and State Convention on Sept. 8, 1996. Aggie Gruenke will be our Chairman of the convention committee. She will
be calling on and expecting good support from all.
Good health to all our members during the New Year. We did visit or send a small Christmas gift to all our members in nursing homes throughout the area.
Happy New Year to all and Good Health.
DOROTHY BREZONIK
Please Note:
All mail may be directed to the new SWU National Secretary at the following address:
EVELYN MAJERCIK, Nat’l Sec. P.O. Box 46539 BEDFORD, OH 44146 Telephone: (216) 439-1825
NO. 2, CHICAGO, IL
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
VESELO NOVO LETO!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Holiday. Br. 2 Teddy Bear Party for the children was a big success. It was really cute to see all the children bringing their teddy bears all dressed up in their Christmas finery. The children then were busy painting an ornament for a special tree. Santa came and was the big attraction. We had one new baby, little Mary Frances Schultz. Both mama Theresa, grandmother Fran Schultz and greatgrandmother Josie Squok were at the party. All the chilldren marched around the hall with their teddy bears and when they came to the Manger to visit baby Jesus, they
THE NEXT GENERATION:
He seemed ancient to me, since anyone over 25 is ancient to a 16 year old! My grandmother had passed away when I was quite young, mainly due to grief over losing her only son. I thought of Grandpa and my aunts as quaintly ethnic and interesting, but their way of life was alien to me.
The next time I saw Grandpa was at my wedding. He took his first plane flight to Atlanta, along with one of my aunts and her son. We talked for hours about my father, and he began to be a real person to me and not just a name. It was the last time I was to see grandpa.
In 1966, Grandpa died, and my wife and I went to Barberton for the funeral. That visit introduced me to a culture that I had been blind to. My aunts deferred to my 25 year old judgement on each detail. I knew nothing about funerals. My aunts knew I knew nothing. But, I was suddenly propelled into the role of leadership of the Pavlic family as the only surviving son. My wise aunts gave me the crown, and the subtle hints necessary to act this new role.
I remember all the people who thanked me because Grandpa had financed their escape from Europe just before World War II. Especially touching were those who had never gotten around to thanking my grandfather, and upon hearing of his death, had to thank someone in his family. This has been a lifelong lesson for me to thank those whom 1 treasure.
My wife, Mary, was curious enough about my father to research his life. She learned everything about him that was on paper. Years later, she interviewed almost all those living who knew him to discover his personality. I discovered that I was made of Pavlic pieces - pieces that I can
see in my grandparents and aunts. Like it or not, if someone has a certain trait, chances are that I have a piece of it in me. This was the best reason for discovering my family -I discovered myself.
Last year, at the age of 52,1 went to Ohio again. Mary was with me, and our daughter, Beth, met her aunts for the first time. We visited with my aunts and my second cousin in Barberton, North Canton and Rittman. We went to the site of the old Pavlic farm. We went to our first Slovenian function at the Slovene Center. I talked to at least fifty Slovenians, who all welcomed me as though I were their long lost relative.
I saw my heritage. I felt my heritage. I liked my heritage. And, best of all, Beth found her heritage.
I realize how much I had missed all these years. I almost learned to polka! (I had never seen ten people playing accordions at once!) I heard from those who had lived every day with my father and grandfather all the little anecdotes that made them seem alive for me. I was given loving memories by those who had been their friends for years. I especially remember those who came over to me and said, “I went to school with your father,” or “I bought eggs from your grandfather,” or “We used to go out to the Pavlic farm for picnics.” We were welcomed with a place to stay, more food than I needed to eat, and a genuine love for this prodigal family.
I knew I was Slovenian before I went to Barberton, Ohio. I feel that I am Slovenian now.
Michael Pavlic
Chamblee, Georgia
all sang Silent Night and Gina and Kathleen Longosz did the brill hand signs. It was very touching.
“NIGHT OF STARS” - theme for our adults’ Christmas dinner. We always begin with a Christmas Mass for our deceased members. Thanks to Father Blase for his very touching homily and Father Vendelin for the lovely Slovenian songs; there are always many tears shed in memory of our past. There were 90 plus members and guests. We are always surprised with the beautiful decorated hall - thanks always to Ray Nusko for the time he spends doing this for us. To give the members time to enjoy the dinner; we had the food catered but the desserts were donated by our members. We had some beautiful articles donated by our members which were raffled off. We ended our evening singing “Silent Night” in Slovenian and then, English. It was good to spend time with all our wonderful members, every year we lost many. Thanks to the members for their help, whatever you did.
Congratulations to the Slovenian Radio Club on their 44th Slovenian Day celebration. We were entertained by the Alpine sextette and the Korotan Chorus from Cleveland; also the little children Slovenian singers and dancers. Tina Hozjan was the Gospodična, she read the proclamation from the Governor making October 21 Slovenian Day in Illinois.
Nov. 18th and 19th was a special weekend for all the Slovenians of the USA and Slovenia. It was the date for the Grand Opening of the “Slovenski dom” in Lemont built by the Slovenian Cultural Center. We were honored to have visitors from many communities in the USA and from Slovenija were the Minister of Defence, Mr. Andrej Ster (who has relatives in Joliet), the Minister for Slovenian Immigrants Abroad, Dr. Peter Vencelj and the Ambassador to the USA from Slovenija, Dr. Ernest Petrie of Washington. We were very happy to have Father Chris back with us for a short visit. It was great to see Diana Fir and her father, Joseph Fir from San Francisco. Everyone was thrilled to hear her sing at two programs over the weekend.
The ceremonies that opened the event on Saturday were thrilling to attend, namely the raising of the two flags
-	of the United States and Slovenija,
with the bugle call and singing of the anthemns of both countries. Participating were the young Slovenians of the area and the VFW group from Lemont-Joliet. Following was the ribbon-cut-ting by Martin Hozjan and Father Vendelin and then the blessing of the building. We were entertained by music all Saturday afternoon by button-boxers Tony and Joe Wolf, Ray Koncar and Mark Cepon of Joliet. On Saturday evening, the Zlati Zvoki orchestra of Toronto entertained. There were two scrumptuous banquets, and the cook, Lilijana Cepon (our member) of Joliet and her crew did a superb job. There was so much more - I can’t begin to tell you. There were over 500 people each day at the dinners and the rtew hall was packed for the first Holy Mass to be held there, that took place on Sunday morning.
SWU was well-represented at each event. Each person was also given a beautiful hard-bound souvenir book of the event. These books are being sold for $20 if anyone would like to have it. It includes the history of the Franciscan Fathers in the USA and other historical material about Slovenia and many pictures. If you are interested contact the Center at Box 634, Lemont, IL 60439 or call (708) 243-0670. We are very proud of all the Slovenian people who worked very hard to build the Slovenski Dom and get all this accomplished.
Remember our deceased members and and friends in your prayers who left us in 1995: Justina Holozan, Rose Moline, Josephine Klobučar, Mildred Rowinski, Toni Martone, Agnes Kovacic, Ann Mladic, Joseph Naud-ziunas, Anne Wagner, Frank Rowinski, Willie Toplak, Edward Hozzian, John Jasbec, Josephine Cerjak.
Also, (Molite za naše bolnike) remember our sick members with cards and prayers: Mary Slabe, Frances Krozel, Pat Zubek-Zeleznak, Ann Sam, Barbara Jakubowski, Helen Storcz, Jennie Worth, Ann Bunnetta, Chris Pirman, Jennie Worth, Elsa An-toniolli, Angie Blatnick.
50 Year Member: Alma Trinko! Congratulations!
Belated happy birthday to Father Kalist - January 23.
Please light a candle for our military personnel serving around the world,
especially those in Bosnia-Herzegovina for their safety, and hopefully, a safe trip home.
God Bless You All in the New Year. Love,
DAISY
NO. 3, PUEBLO, CO
Greetings, everyone!
By the time you read this, we will be well into 1996. May it be a good one for all.
December was a busy month. We had our Christmas party at Patti’s Restaurant with real good attendance and, as usual, our creative hostesses, Eileen Kaplan and Marge Cullen, had the tables set up beautifully. Games were played and sociability was evident at all tables.
The Slovenian Women’s Glee Club party was held at King’s Table Restaurant. A good time was held by all. Announcement was made that meetings of this group will be changed in January from evenings on the second Tuesday of each month to the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall. New members are welcome.
We extend our condolences to the family of Eileen Boitz. Eileen was a very faithful member and will be missed.
Gertrude Jordan was ill at home but is on the mend. Once again she became a great great grandmother with the birth of Greg Jordan Hammond who was bom December 14.
Condolences are extended to all who have lost loved ones and let’s continue to remember the sick, homebound and those in nursing homes in our prayers.
PAULINE PAUCHICK
NO. 6, BARBERTON, OH
New Year is upon us - 1996 - hope everyone received the 2nd annual Christmas newsletter.
This is our 70th year! Our membership has decreased by only one member in 1995. We need at least every member to bring in a new member to Br. 6. Start with us - Stay with us! Keep our heritage alive.
Birthdays for December were Elizabeth Davis, 12/30 and January, 1996, Ann Ambrozich 1/17. Many happy returns.
Winter Gifts!
I love the woods when limbs are bare. Deciduous trees their beauty share. Outlined again a cold, clear sky,
With geese and songbirds winging by. Lithe branches life in God's design, Simplicity of form and line.
Concealed by summer foliage green, Now neighbors’ cozy homes are seen. The dormant earth draws people near, Giant's time for sharing peace and cheer.
To treasure beauty God imparts.
Fine winter gifts that war our hearts.
(Unknown author)
A little social bird is at Doylestown Nursing Home, Mary Kovacic. Best wishes to all our shut-in members.
LINDA LAMBRIGHT
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH
The Christmas party was held on Nov. 17th at the Slovenian Home on Holmes Ave. 30 members and guests attended. Fr. Kumse spiritual advisor, said prayers before our meal prepared by Mary Celestine. Delicious raffles were after the dinner and many thanks to all the ladies for the wonderful prize donations. Also, to the ladies who helped in any way. Prayers were said for our sick and deceased members and also for all our members in nursing homes. Get well wishes to Sylvia Jansa who had eye surgery and to the twins, Joyce LeNassi and Fay Moro. Joyce is recovering from knee surgery and Fay has her foot in a cast due to a fall.
Best wishes Mary Habit on your birthday - keep well.
To Elsie Zalar on the hoss of husband, Bemie and the loss of her brother, our deepest sympathy. To the families of all 1995 deceased members, our sincere condolences. They are: Veronica Vulich, Louise Fabec, Louise Kastelic, Mary Kovach and Mary Renko of Rock Creek.
On Sunday, Oct. 15 th, 8 of our members attended the Ohio-Michigan State convention at St. Vitus. We enjoyed mass and then lunch in the church hall. We thank the ladies who hosted the convention. Election of new officers took place and congratulations to all who were elected and to Evelyn Majer-cik for being our new National Secretary. The next National Convention is in 1999.
Our Jan. meeting was on the 24th. A happy, healthy New Year and God bless all our members.
ANN STEFANIC
NO. 12, MILWAUKEE, WI
Our luncheon was a big success, due to all members’ cooperation. So, our Christmas party at Tanner Paul Post was a big thank you to all our members. The food was very good, buffet style. Promptly at noon, the management announced they were ready to serve and of course, we were ready to eat! Ladies brought cookies and there was a big variety to enjoy. And, of course, the weatherman cooperated, giving us a beautiful day.
U.S.P.E.H. had their Christmas Concert at St. Joseph’s Chapel. If you missed it, too bad. I would say it was beautiful, plus. And, the little children in their narodna nošas singing under the direction of Mici Bergant, were just adorable.
Our member, Lillian Hartman is a singer with the group and I saw Bernice Blazek helping out at the reception that followed. And, of course, the Chapel reminds me of Rome, just beautiful.
Mary Dezman will be having surgery in January and we wish her well. Sylvia Kotze had surgery and is doing fine. Agnes Morrow is still bothered with shingles. She had a birthday and her daughter had a limo pick her up with some friends (Evelyn Launch among them) and took them to a restaurant outside of Milwaukee to celebrate. Happy birthday and many more, Agnes.
Our new secretary will be Theresa Fedran, so with direct billing, there is less work. Remember, members, you will be billed and asked to send in your dues by return mail to the address on the notice. Mary Dezman held the job for many years, so a big thank you to Mary for the time and efforts.
Mary Bucovnik, our charter member, came to the Christmas party after some health problems. A transferee from Br. 17, Jackie Nimmer was a charter member there, so we can consider her a charter member, also. What do you think?
Wishing all of you good health, especially the shut-ins.
MARY KIEL
NO. 13, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
A very happy New Year and best wishes to all Branches from Branch 13. 1995 was an exciting and successful year for all of us and we are looking forward to progress and challenges with our new National Board. Please, everyone take notice of the new billing system. DO NOT send your dues to Moreen Spencer. You will be billed directly from the National Secretary, Evelyn Majercik. Pay your dues promptly.
When I started to write this, we were having a beautiful winter. Even the flowers and plants didn’t know it was winter. We needed rain terribly. Well, the storm hit on December 4th and really did another terrible amount of damage. Golden Gate Park has about 1000 trees down again. I was without power about 12 hours. We are back to normal now except for clean-up. We had our Christmas Party and gift exchange and everyone had a great time.
Secretary, Moreen Spencer had a very Merry XMas with sons, Kevin and Kenneth home from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. They have achieved their single engine license and will get their twin engine in January. They absolutely love flying and school. Congrats, guys!!! While they were home, they managed to take very good care of Aunt Doreen Sustarich who had knee sur-jury. She is recovering at Spencer’s Rehab (sister Moreen’s house) and is being treated royally. Also on the sick list is dear member, Marion Mirabella who has had a rough time. She was in
the hospital recently and had her big toe amputated. But when you talk to Marion, she is always is wonderful spirits. We have many members who need your prayers and maybe a card. Yvonne Cosmi, Kate Lampe, Mary Wraa, and Ruth Zwyssig would love hearing from you.
At the December meeting, it was voted to keep our same slate of Officers for 1996. These people graciously agreed to stay on again. On a sad note, we lost dear member, Mae Batko. Always remember her lovely white hair and smile. She came with Betty Doherty who always drover her. On a positive side, we have Junior Member, Katrina Novel Frick who turned 18 on December 18 and will be a regular member. She is the Great granddaughter of Margaret Radosevich and mom is Donna Frick. She is a very lovely young lady and I taught her in C.C.D. many years ago. Welcome, Katrina.
In February, we will be having a Valentine Party. I hope to see some new faces and love seeing all of you dedicated members. God bless each and everyone of you. I saw this at XMas and thought I would pass it on.
“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other.”
Lucian de Crescenzo
Date to Remember Feb. 1, 1996 - Valentine party
BEVERLY JACKSON
NO. 14, EUCLID, OH
Our annual Christmas Dinner Party was a well attended festive evening with a time for mingling and renewing friendships. Once again our Decorating Committee, headed up by Mary Sintic with the help of husband A1 and Jackie Ulle, did an outstanding job in transforming the hall into a Christmas Holiday scene with lovely red and white poinsettias amid twinkling lights and winter white decorations. Mary and A1 spent months in creating centerpieces of various steepled chapels and gazebos in glittering wintry white, plus handcrafted our napkin rings.
Mary Stražišar also brought in her delicious home-made egg noodles which were sold in the twinkling of an eye with proceeds donated to our lodge. Our many thanks to all these folks for
contributing many of their hours for our enjoyment. Thanks too to Ed Koren acting as bartender for the evening with the assistance of Frank Korelec. Thanks also to everyone who brought in gifts for door prizes and those who took the time to bring in their home-baked goodies for the bake sale.
The excellent home-style dinner was prepared by the crew of Sophie Mazi, who was ill, so her husband and family and friends pitched in and prepared the food in her place.
Election of officers took place in November and once again our present Board of Officers were unanimously elected for 1996 with the exception of Vera Bajec who declined the nomination as Vice President. Thank you Vera for these many years of time and effort you’ve put forth for us and our lodge. The following were elected officers: Martha Koren, President; Diane Varney, Secy./Treas.; Addie Humphreys, Rec. Secy. Auditors are Stana Grill and Antoinette Zabukovec. Rose Rodgers, Sunshine Committee; Jenny Fitzthum, Sentinel; Josephine Kastigar, Banner Carrier; Alice Kuhar, Reporter. Spiritual Advisor is Rev. Frank R. Sterk of St. Christine’s Church. Election for Vice President will take place at our next regular meeting.
Deserving and faithful member Mary Stražišar (Arrowhead) has been selected as our “Mother of the Year” for 1996. Our congratulations to Mary who is always available for any help needed these many years and who has provided our entertainment following our monthly meetings. We’ll celebrate with our Mother of the Year on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 with our annual dinner party of members and guests. So mark your calendars!
Congratulations to Peg Smerke whose 10 year old granddaughter, Mario Lovitch, was chosen for a part on an episode of the popular TV series ER. In the episode titled “Days Like This” which aired last November 2, Mario played the part of a young deaf patient. Talented Mario has had a previous part on the top television program “Baywatch” and has several parts scheduled in the future to appear on TV shows including “A Christmas CarolMario is the daughter of Debbie (Peg’s daughter) and Fred Lovitch and has a sister Rebecca.
We’ve had several member deaths this past month. Condolences to the
family of Josephine Lustic who had been a resident of the Slovene Home for the Aged. Josephine’s smiling face and sweet manner will be missed by many. Sympathy to her family including Josephine’s daughter, Ileene Collins, past-President of No. 14 and an active member.
Sympathy also to the family of deceased member Mary Mlakar Petrie who was manager of the Slovenian Society Home in Euclid for 25 years. May our merciful Lord and dear Mother Mary embrace our beloved departed in the comfort of Their arms.
May your St. Valentine’s Day be a day of love and flowers!
ALICE KUHAR
NO. 16, SO. CHICAGO, IL
Greetings! Before I get too far into this article, these are a couple items of importance that need to be taken care of. It seems that many of our members are not aware of the change in payment of our dues. By now you should have received your “bill” for your dues from our National Secretary - this is direct billing - send your check directly to her - you do not send it to our local secretary, Gladys, any more. We know that you will miss the pleasure of dealing with Gladys but this is progress.
Another item that is very important
- if you have not already done so -PLEASE fill out the form that is printed on the back pages of the Sept. to December ZARJAs. This is for your benefit. Please comply.
There will be no February meeting
- we will resume again on March 9th at 12:20 - please join us - we have fun times and good lunches.
Our Christmas Party was a huge success and enjoyed by almost sixty happy folks - members and guests. Edna is the “hostess with the mostest” - she knows how to throw a party. It was on her invitation that our new State Officers, President GerriLynn Bima and Vice President Bonnie Pohar Prokup honored us with their presence. Bonnie brought along her three year old daughter, Bekki Jo who was the hit of the party. Thanks to all who braved that bitter cold weather. Of course, we can’t forget to say a huge, huge thank you to our super generous members for donations of gifts and pastries. The party goers signed eighteen cards that were
mailed to members who are ill, shut-ins and or out-of-towners. Cards were also sent to our “over 90 (ninety) girls” -to Polly Klobučar - God love her -she’ll be 94 on January 24th, Agnes Krilich - she’s a little younger, 93, on December 25 and our dear Elsie Starce vich will blow our 90 natal on January 23rd. Our dear friend and member Rose Salakar was surprised with a party on her 90th natal day - given by her daughter Marianne. They are residents of Racine, WI.
Edna and Joe enjoyed Christmas with their granddaughters, Katie and Kristin. Of course, mommy and daddy, Sandy and Bruce were here, too.
Congratulations to Dorothy Perak on the birth of her fifth grandchild, a girl, Matti Perak bom on December 22nd; she weighed in at 7 lbs. 7 ozs.
Our branch will be well-represented on the cruise sponsored by the Slovenian Cultural Center - the list follows: Gladys Buck, and her niece, Barbara Ireland, Dotsi and Jim Rossi, Mary Jane and John Struss, Mary Rago and her daughter, Chris Whalen, Kay Jurin-cie and her daughter, Denise Malloy, Dolores Franco, Chris Tomasick, Andrew Krai and Sylvia Sepretnjak, Bon Voyage!
In need of our prayers are Ana Lus-tig, Dorothy Perko, Gloria Serapin, Marie Vido vich and Zinka Sheshek.
Please remember them in your daily supplications.
A happy Valentine’s Day to all!
God love you!
MARGE PREBIL
NO. 20, JOLIET, IL
Hope everyone had a nice holiday season and that they got all they wanted from Santa!
Sorry to report that we have some sick members and hope they will all soon be feeling well again. We send our get-well wishes to Anna Kobe, Alice Ancel, Lillian DeBartolomeo and Theresa Rozman. We pray for a speedy recovery.
Congratulations to Diane Hrubos and Robert Stoner on their recent marriage. Diane was our previous reporter for Br. 20. Also, best wishes to Skip Am-brozich and his new bride. Skip is the son of Dolores and Joe Ambrozich and grandson of Mary Ambrozich. Another word of congratulations to Amy and
David Stefanich. David is Lillian’s son.
Br. 20 extends deepest sympathy to Alice Valek on the loss of her husband, Joseph. To John and Rose Konopek on the loss of his mother, Jennie who has been a member since 1931, and to my sister-in-law, Mary Vicich on the loss of her husband, Elmer. To the family of Edith Kunstek, may you all find peace during your time of sorrow. You are all in our prayers.
Congratulations to Tom and Stefanie Wicks on a new baby girl. Great grandma is our vice president, Agnes Dobczyk.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 20th at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Park Hall. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Thomas Kron on the topic of “Hearing.”
So, till, then, take care and may God JOYCE VICICH
NO. 22, BRADLEY, IL
It’s easy to say “I do” before a church full of people when you have been living it for fifty years. Such was the case of member Ann Richards, who with husband Francis, renewed their marriage promises at Sunday mass on Nov.
5,	with Ann’s favorite hymns/songs led by the choir. Then relatives and friends were treated to a delicious buffet in the church hall. The Richards are proud of their children, James of Bemidji, MN (Ph.D. in Computer Science) and Barbara Clutter of Bradley, and of their four grandchildren. To this special couple, many more years of good health and joy! This same wish is extended to Barbara and Alan Clutter; they celebrated their 25th Anniversary in ’95 also.
On Nov. 3, our life-long friend, Frances Krick died in Indiana, at the age of 89. Our sympathies to member Mayme Drassler and Mathilde Beham, her surviving sisters. Frances was Mayme’s best friend; both worked in offices at Kroehler’s and always traveled together until Frances’ marriage and subsequent move to Indiana in 1950. Frances was secretary to VIP C. B. Kroehler. She was this reporter’s sponsor for Confirmation and her gift was a sterling silver signet ring; that ring is still being worn, albeit now on the little finger. Rest in peace, Frances, forever!
SYMPATHY TO THE RUTH FAMILY OF JOLIET
Fred Ruth, beloved husband of Jonita Erjavec Ruth and the father of three lovely daughters and four grandchildren, passed away on January 6th at Joliet, Illinois.
Fred and Jonita were a great couple and always very dedicated to each other and their family. Jonita called him “my Fred” and he always came through for her in her many activities outside the home. Mainly, we know Fred from his devotion to the Slovenian Women’s Union in Joliet. His pleasant manner and approval were always warmly received.
Jonita and her three daughters, Janice Singletary of Ankeny, IA, Rosanne Ruth and Lorraine Lancaster, both of Joliet, mourn their beloved husband and father, as do grandchildren, Kelsey Beth, Kyle Joseph and twins, Haley Rose and Hannah Ruth Singletary. There are a number of other close relatives surviving also.
Fred was a member of the VFW, having served int he Army during WW II. He was a hard working man all his life. After retirement from the Joliet City Bus Company (30 years) and Sears (15 years), Fred worked part time at the Walgreens where everyone knew him.
All the members join in extending to the family, especially to Jonita who is our hard-working membership campaign worker and part-time employee at the SWU Home Office. Heartfelt sympathy. May his noble soul rest in peace.
C.
On Dec. 3, members had their annual Christmas dinner at Family House Restaurant, to each his own from the menu. Thoughtful Barbara Rittmanic placed a Santa-wrapped chocolate medallion at each plate. Nice touch! Thanks! Some busines had to be conducted (the Season forgiving). For that the group went to the Lustig residence, with Gabrielle and her sister Toni hosting. Our charities went to St. Joseph Church, the Dominican Sisters, and to the Kankakee County Development Center. Then on to games and more dessert.
BR. 20, JOLIET, ILLINOIS OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS
TO ITS MEMBERS__________________________________________
Adult Continuing Education Scholarship
We are pleased to announce the availability of funds for members 21 and over who may be pursuing advanced or continuing education.
The award in the amount of $1,000, and will be granted to any qualified adult member in need of financial assistance.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Member of SWU a minimum of 5 years, and must be 21 years or older.
2. A citizen of the United States.
3. Must be actively pursuing an advanced degree, or currently in an educational program, either in college or vocational education.
4. There must be an indication of financial need.
5. The applicant must be working toward a degree or certification, and must be making satisfactory academic progress (with GPA of C+ or better).
6. The applicant may not be in default or owe a refund on a federal grant or federal education loan.
The following items need to be forwarded to the Scholarship Committee in care of Mrs. Barbara J. De-Laney:
1. A letter identifying your need for the award.
2. A transcript of your most recent semester grades (if applicable) from the institution you are attending.
3. A current, signed Federal Tax Return.
Mail the above information to:
Br. 20 Scholarship Program Mrs. Barbara J. DeLaney,
2209 Greengold St., Crest Hill, IL 60435
For questions please call (815) 727-1926 or (815) 744-9422.
NOTE: All information will be kept confidential. Each applicant will be given a number and the scholarship committee will not know the identity of the applicant.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP (Graduating Eighth Graders)
The Slovenian Women’s Union, Br. 20 is pleased to announce the availability of a high school Scholarship for academically qualified eighth grade students who wish to attend a Catholic high school. The Scholarship, in the amount of $500, will be awarded to applicants who meet the following criteria:
1.	Must be a current 8th grade student and must be a member of Br. 20 for two full years.
2. Applicant must have been accepted at one of the Catholic high schools, and be enrolled for the fall semester.
3. Scholastic ability must be proven. A written recommendation from the school principal or eighth grade teacher should include an estimate of the applicant’s ability to perform and complete high school work. Recommendation must also include an evaluation of applicant’s character and code of behavior.
4. A statement from the applicant outlining his or her individual or family membership in Br. 20, plus an overview of involvement in branch activities. This statement must be fowarded to the branch president for signature.
Completed application form and requested data is to be sent to:
Br. 20 Scholarship Program
Mrs. Barbara J. DeLaney, Chair
2209 Greengold St.,
Crest Hill, IL 60435
Deadline for submitting completed application is April 15, 1996. Envelopes postmarked after due date cannot be accepted.
The maintain objectivity in awarding the Scholarship names of the applicants will not be published by the Scholarship Chair. Each applicant will be assigned a number so that committee members will not know which applicant they are reviewing.
Scholarship will be presented to the winners at the branch’s May meeting/Woman of the Year Banquet. One scholarship per family per year.
If you are interested contact Barbara DeLaney for application papers. Phone number (815) 744-9422.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP (Current High School Students)
The Slovenian Women’s Union, Br. 20 is pleased to announce the availability of a $500 Scholarship for academically qualified high school students who wish to continue their education in a Catholic high school, or are planning to transfer from a public to a Catholic high school.
The Scholarship will be awarded to applicants who meet the same criteria as for Graduating High School Seniors who have been accepted and are enrolled for the fall semester at a Catholic High School.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE APPROVED REVISIONS FOR THE 1997 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
1. Parent or Guardian of member must be a member and for at least 2 years and be physically and or financially supportive of the SWU organization’s fund raisers.
2. Amount of Scholarship for Adult Continuing Education is being changed from $1,000 to $500.
3. One Scholarship will be given in each category:
♦Eighth grade to a Catholic High School
♦Current Catholic High School Students
*Adult Continuing Education A student cannot receive a scholarship two years in a row.
No. 22 Cont’d:
Our many thanks to Gabrielle and Toni for a good start in the round of Christmas gatherings.
Mathilde Drassler Beham of Sun City, AZ, spent the holidays ith her sister and sister-in-law, Mayme and Ruth. In each January, Mayme went back to Arizona to enjoy that warm sun.
The New Year! What will it bring? If nothing else, another year to your age. Margaret Planton, Gabrielle Lus-tig and Emma Znidarsich (Wisconsin) have birthdays in January. Many more of them but, Lord, we pray, make them healthy and happy ones!
Happy St. Valentine’s Day, everyone!
EMMA LUSTIG
NO. 23, ELY, MN
Members of the Ely Slovenian Women had their December meeting at Vertin’s Cafe and enjoyed their dinner in festive surroundings. The Slovenian Choir entertained us with Christmas carols, and had us join them in a sing-along. The usual Bingo was played; and everyone had a good time.
A picture is being enclosed of longtime member Jennie “Chickie” Novak, who passed away on December 4, 1995. The picture is of Chickie with
jSLOVEWA4/y i WOMENS
Jean admires “Chickie’s” handmade SWU Banner.
our National President Jean Korsman. Jean was State President at the time; and she graciously agreed to pose with Chickie and the banner she had made for the Slovenian Women. It would be a lasting tribute to her to have her picture published with our National President.
*****
The meeting was called to order by President Jane Yadlosky. The meeting opened with prayer. Roll call of officers showed all of the officers to be present. Members were urged to fill out their insurance forms and send in to National. After discussion, members decided to wait until after January to decide on the Dawn Club merger. Angie Godec reported on the Christmas dinner to be held at Vertin’s with a choice of ham or chicken. It was decided we would not meet in January. The ladies sang Happy birthday to Katherine Klabe and Julie Zgonc. It was reported that Virgie Ivancich has had surgery and is recuperating. The meeting was closed with a reading by President Jane. 27 members were present; and the door prize was won by Jeanne Polyner. The 50/50 drawing was won by Molly Mestnik. Happy holidays to everyone.
MARCY ZUPEC, Reproter
NO. 24, LA SALLE, IL
Election of officers was held at the November meeting but it really was another Re-election of officers and the following members will continue to serve: Anne M. Wangler, President; Minnie Carter, Vice-President; Adele Gensler, Recording Secretary; Betty Stack, Financial Secretary-Treasurer; Auditors, Jo Foley and Teresa Kinczewski; Spiritual Advisor, Rev. John Onderko of Resurrection Parish; and Reporter, Anne Wangler.
Our Annual Project, the Bakeless Bake Sale, was a great success. Thanks to all who participated. If you misplaced your letter and would still like to contribute, your contribution will be welcomed. This project enables us to accomplish much as taking care of dues for our age 80 and over members, and charity contributions and other worthwhile causes. We thank Helen Swietek who served as chairman of the project. Once again Betty Stack selected a child
from the “Giving Tree” in Resurrection Church and bought a Christmas gift and delivered it to Catholic Social Service. A cash donation was also made to the local Food Pantry for their Christmas Food Baskets.
We enjoyed our Christmas Party at the Paramount Club on Sunday, December 10th. Barb Pohar and her committee had nicely decorated tables and favors for everyone and Door prizes which were won by Helen Swietek, Minnie Carter and Anne Wangler. We were pleased to have our new State President, GeriLynn Bima, and State Vice President, Bonnie Prokup in attendance. They were able to meet quite a few of the members and speak to the group. Little Becky Prokup shook hands with each member and introduced herself. A future officer in the making! Thanks to Barb and her committee for a nice party and the staff of the Paramount Club. Minnie Carter, Adele Gensler and Betty Stack made up fruit trays and delivered them to our Nursing Home Residents before Christmas.
We have several members who have been having health problems. Rose Furlan has serious eye problems, Anne Serri has not been well this past year and has been unable to attend our meetings and activities. Jane Gruenwald is recovering from kidney surgery and is doing very well, and as I write this Minnie Carter will be entering the hospital for major surgery. Please remember our sick and shut-in members in your prayers. (A card or visit might be welcome too)
Our sympathy is offered to Trese Hollerich whose sister, Nettie Cusick passed away on November 28. Our eldest member, Mary Volk Sever, passed away on December 28 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home at the age of 101 years. Mary joined Branch 24 in 1933 and received her 50 year pin in 1983, at which time she was quite an active member. Our sympathy is extended to her daughter, Betty Orlandini, and sons, Frank and Edward Volk and Robert Sever. We pray that God will grant our loved ones Eternal Rest. Thanks to the officers and members who recited the SWU Funeral Ritual at the funeral home before the Mass at Resurrection Church.
Birthday greetings to our February birthday celebrants: Theresa Jensen, Irene Mauser, Sharon Brady, Theresa
Savnik, Doris Hallett and Anne Wang-ler.
We won’t be meeting in February but are looking forward to our March meeting.
ANNE MARIE WANGLER, Reporter
NO. 25, CLEVELAND, OH
From our branch to your branch, we wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Hoping that your Christmas and New Year Holidays were beautiful, and that you received lots of presents from Santa.
Our Christmas Party was held on December 29 at Sterle’s. I believe that everyone there had a great time. We had special guests. Kathy Dorchak, National Vice President and her mother, Olga Dorchak, Ohio-Michigan Regional President joined us for the Christmas Party. Elections were held at this time. The following were results from the election.
President, yours truly, Vice President, Josie Perpar, Secretary/Treasurer, Cirila Kermavner, Recording Secretary, Jan Krivacic, Auditors, Fran Kotnik and Danica Chemas, Reporter, Emilee Jenko, and Sunshine Girl, Peggy ann Moore.
There were door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. We had beautiful decorations that Josie Perpar made and also donated the Christmas trees for the raffle. Every person received a little basket with goodies in it from Albina Pozelnik. Jan Krivacic donated some door prizes and Kathy Dorchak brought two spice pies. We also had a gift exchange.
We have a special acknowledgement to the three decorating women, Josie Perpar, Albina Pozelnik and Josie Valenčič. They make all of our beautiful decorations at the meetings. They also did the beautiful decorations at the Ohio-Michigan Convention.
Asking all of our members to please try to come to the meetings. We have a busy year scheduled. Ladies, think of the meetings in two different ways. One way is to help SWU organization going strong. The second way is have a social hour after meetings, where else can you go and have a good time, and be with special friends on a boring Sunday afternoon.
Special request to our members who
drive: would you be willing to pick up another member that lives in your neighborhood and bring them to our meetings? (I know that many of you do so already.) We would appreciate this very much.
A happy, happy birthday wish is being sent to all our sisters. We all have a prayer in our hearts for all of the ladies who can’t join us.
*	* *
In the deep of the winter, as some describe it “FRIGHTFUL”, there are some good things to report.
We are mentioning and giving public thanks to the people who made the Ohio-Michigan convention at St. Vitus parish hall in October memorable and successful.
VISITORS, SPEAKERS ETC.: Abbot Roger Gries, Nat’l. Vice President, Kathleen Dorchak, Nat’l. Secy, and Ohio-Michigan Pres., Evelyn Majercik, Nat’l. Auditor, Marjorie Church, newly elected OH-MI president Olga Dorchak, Branch 25 Pres, and newly elected Vice Pres, of OH-MI (something new), Fran Gazvoda...
COOKS, HELPERS ETC.: Minka Cugelj, Francka Piletič, Danica Chemas, Jožica Merc, Leslie Telich, Megan and Katy Chrzanowski, Helen Pisek, Peggyann Moore, Ann demence, Jan Krivacic...
DECORATORS AND DECOR MAKERS: Gene Drobnič, Danny Reiger, Emilee Jenko, Albina Pozelnik, Josie Perpar...
Hopefully, I did not miss anybody!? You know, I was going to write this thanks in the Slovenian language, but I thought it would not be fair to some very nice people. So, thank you once again to all and to each of you!
A special birthday wish to a great football player, Jared Chrzanowski.
Deepest sympathy to Sylvia Plymes-ser and Flaisman family in the loss of their loving Josephine. May she rest in peace.
Be hearing from us, yes, we said us!
FRAN GAZVODA and CIRILA KERMAVNER
NO. 32, EUCLID, OH
Sorry for being so late with this information, but I did not get it in time.
We had no regular meeting in Oct. because we had our Chinese Auction on Oct. 18. We sold 154 tickets at the door and had a special table with 3 afghans and other special items on it. The tickets sold for 6 for $5.00 and we made $420 on it. Pres. Ann Cooke thanked all the ladies for their donations and help. We served potica and cookies.
Two of our members passed away, Marie Plevnik and Angela Konte. Vida Cinco’s husband, Joseph also passed away. Jo Comenshek and Fran Ogoreuc are to represent Branch 32 at Slovene Society Home meetings.
November birthdays: Ceal McLean, Ceal Znidar, Jo Comenshek and Helen Kovačevič.
We had election of officers: Pres. Ann Cooke, Vice Pres. Alma Eppich, Fin. Sec’y. and Treas. Charlotte Perdan, Rec. Sec’y. and reporter Rose Hahn, auditors Jo Gomik, Jo Comenshek, hostesses Ceal McLean and Adrienne Jager, Sunshine Lady Ceal Znidar, Raffle Mary Zakrajšek and Helen Kovačevič, attendance Jean McNulty, Historian Fran Ogoreuc and Sgt. of Arms Helen Kovačevič.
Meetings for 1996: No meetings in Jan. and Feb. (we never know how the weather will be). March 20 (wear Green), April 17, May 15 (go to a restaurant for for Mother’s Day) June 19 (picnic); no meetings in July and August. In the fall we meet on Sept. 18, Oct. 16 (Mass at 7:00 p.m. at St. Christine’ s meeting to follow at Rechar hall). Nov. 20 meeting and election of officers is and on Dec .18, Christmas party.
Pres. Ann Cooke went to Florida to visit daughter and family for 3 months. Polly Pike went to Longwood, Florida to visit her daughter, Paula Allen and 3 granddaghters for Christmas.
ROSE HAHN, Reporter
*	* *
Our reporter, Rose Hahn is in the hospital and recovering from heart surgery. We have many members on the sick list at this time of the year, including Christine Verch who had surgery on her ankle. We wish all our sick members a speedy recovery to good health.
IDEA FOR A “MEETING PLACE” COLUMN!!
Member from the State of Washington suggests that we carry a column in ZARJA to “link-up” young second and third generation Slovenians who are scattered all over the U.S. She says she has a son who is marriage-able and might like to meet a Slovenian girl.
Maybe there are others, men and women, who feel they would like this kind of service. What do you think?
Comments should be addressed to the Editor.
We had election of officers at the Nov. meeting. (Officers elected are named in Rose’s report.) The meetings will be held at the Slovenian Society Home at 7 o’clock on the third Wednesday of the month. Our first meeting in
1995	will be on March 20th, which is the first day of spring. We surely will welcome spring as we have been having a lot of snow and cold weather lately. Wear something green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to the meeting.
Our sympathy goes out to members Vida Cinco and Katherine Zalec. Vida lost her husband Joseph in November and Katherin lost her husband Pete in December. Peter Zalec was also the father of our member, Mary Cooke. To both families and friends, our branches sends deepest sympathy. May their souls rest in peace.
Thanks to our Fin. Sec’y., Charlotte Perdan who passed out “Belly Button Brushes” at the Nov. meeting - as a gag gift! Our hostesses served us refreshments and had the table decorated for the Thanksgiving holiday.
On Dec. 20th we had the Christmas party. It was a very cold and snowy evening. Thanks to Josephine Gomik for making the arrangements for the good. Our hostesses, Ceal and Adrienne took care of the beverages. Helen Kovačevič and her sister, Mary Sas, baked the apple strudels. Our bartender was Antonia Berkopec. All of the food was very good. Thanks to all the members and guests who attended the party, even thought the weather was so stormy. Thanks also to Charlotte who gave all that attended a peanut-
walnut ornament. Charlotte likes doing crafts and always brings something for the season to our members. Gifts were exchanged among those who brought gifts. We had many door prizes and a money raffle.
Mary and Frank Globic moved into a retirement apartment and now they can really enjoyed their free time. Dorothy and Bob Lamm moved closer to town so they won’t have to travel as far to their activities. We wish the best to the Golobics and Lamms in their homes.
May 1996 be a good year for everyone and all of our sick members return to good health. Happiness and good health to all. We hope that Rose Hahn will soon be feeling better and able to resume her duties.
See you at the March 20th meeting.
FRANCES OGOREUC
NO. 33, DULUTH, MN
Sunday, Dec. 3, the Annual Election meeting was held. Officers will remain the same.
Rosemary Donald will add “knife sales” to her jobs, as Rene Doble, is retiring after many profitable years.
Rene Doble will be our Mother of the Year” for 1996.
Emily Skull was honored and presented with a bouquet of red and white carnations as “new” “50-Year” member.
Scholarship Fund was sent $34.00 from our branch.
Our junior members were guests and presented a Christmas play. They each received gifts and then played games while members held a “Dime Social”.
The party was provided to a large extent through the generosity of Mary Kovacevich Aunan’s family. Her three children gave the money from her policy to our group along with request we have a party with it. Was enjoyed by all.
Lucy Olaf provided “Sing-a-Long” music on her concertina.
The whole afternoon was a great success and am sure we will do it again.
The children were enjoyed by all in attendance.
Prayers of sympathy to Anna Mrak on death of her youngest sister; also, prayers for members on “sick list” and those in nursing homes.
LOIS PELANDER
NO. 34, SOUDAN, MN
Our Nominating Committee, consisting of Theresa Berg, Mary Gomick and Marge Skala, presented our branch with a new slate of officers-with a combination of re-elected and new officers, these were elected to serve in 1996: Pres. Adeline Mustonen; Vice Pres. Agnes Mattson; Sec.-Treas. Victoria Bobence; Recording Sec. Emma Betoume; Auditors: Mary Gomick and Angela Tekautz. We welcome Tory back to her Sec.-Treas. job after her presidency of the SWU and thank Agnes Mesojedec for coming to our rescue when Molly Wilson died, and serving as our Sec.-Treas. job for the year.
We met on our regular meeting day, November 15, to celebrate Founder’s Day with all of us attending the morning Mass, after which we went to the Tower Cafe for breakfast. Fr. Pakiz joined us there, also and pictures were taken. During January and February we voted to meet in the afternoon on the third Wednesday of each month. With weather we have been having, with the severe cold and tremendous amount of snow we have received, I think we made a right decision. New officers were to be installed in January.
During our meeting, we signed Christmas cards, to be sent to our shut-in members. We wish them well. Our books will be audited before our next meeting.
You may be interested to hear that Jill Wiermaa, the girl who was receiving radiation treatments in Rochester, is now home, back in school and is doing very well. We are thankful and hope her recovery will be complete.
Our meeting in January was to have Tory Bobence and Agnes Mesojedec as hostesses, the door prize brought by Mary Frances Jamnick. In November, Emma Betoume won the door prize, which had been brought by Angie Jamnick.
A happy New Year to all of you, with good health and much happiness.
ADELINE MUSTONEN, Reporter
Start With Us!
VEDA ZUPONCIC, PIANO VIRTUOSO
Aurora, Minnesota
Our community is rightly proud of Aurora native Veda Zuponcic who made a visit to our community in early December. Veda is the daughter of our Br. 35 Mother of the Year (1993), Helen Zuponcic. Helen has all her children and grandchildren in the SWU -another very loyal member who shares her love for her heritage with all of us.
The musical biography of Veda Zuponcic is indeed impressive. “She has significant musical accomplishment and service to the music profession that has characterized her career in the last two decades” says her professional description. Program notes from a recent (Dec. 5th) concert at Aurora’s Mesabi East High School Auditorium are as follows:
Pianist Veda Zuponcic was bom and educated in Aurora, Minnesota, the daughter of Herman and Helen Zuponcic. She began studying the piano at the age of 4 with Dorothy Crost Bour-gin in Virginia, riding the Greyhound bus each week with the ladies who worked in the Eveleth shirt factory. Her later studies were with Katherine Hes-sler in Hibbing. She showed early promise as a musician and found many opportunities to develop her talents in her home town, performing “How Much is That Doggie in the Window” on a talent show held in the Aurora High School Auditorium in 1952. She left the stage crying, as she recalls. Serious music became a part of her life shortly after that, and Aurora audiences heard her play Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” in 1954.
A member of every musical group organized in the junior and senior high schools, Miss Zuponcic sang in the choirs, played in flute in the band and orchestra (and she sincerely wishes the administration would reinstate the string program) and accompanied and performed as a solo artist on many occasions. She co-edited, with Peggy Zabrocki, the 1964 Northern Lights, and was a member of the National
Honor Society, despite being a mediocre math student. Miss Josephine Sharp, who taught geometry to both Miss Zuponcic’s father and to her, could never understand how the daughter of such a gifted mathematician could be such a terrible geometry student.
She became a scholarship pupil of Sidney Foster at Indiana University, Bloomington, where she was awarded the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in only four years. She was also awarded the coveted Performers Certificate and won the Rachmaninoff Concerto Competition there.
Miss Zuponcic won a Martha Baird Rockefeller Grant in 1972, which provided her with a debut concert tour of Europe. After winning other competitions, including the Casella Competition in Naples, Italy in 1973, Miss Zuponcic began her career in the United States and Europe. She has performed in virtually every musical center in Western Europe, including Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Milan, Barcelona, Cologne, Stockholm, Copenhagen and the Hague. Her highly successful New York debut in 1973 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall offi-
cially launched her American career. Her most recent appearance at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall promopted the critic of the New York Times to write: “Miss Zuponcic is a formidable player with an unwavering technique and clear, well-considered ideas about the music she played.”
Since 1986, Miss Zuponcic has been a frequent visitor to Eastern Europe, where performances in the former Yugoslavia and the former Soviet Union have been greeted by capacity crowds, enthusiastic press coverage and re-engagements. She has appeared in recital and with orchestra more than 100 times in the former Soviet Union in such cities as Moscow, Leningrad, Tbilisi, Tashkent, Kishiniev, Kiev and Kharkov. In November, 1993, Miss Zuponcic performed Rachmaninoffs 3rd Concert in the Moscow’s Bolshoi Hall with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. That success was followed in March, 1994 with a performance of Beethoven’s 4th Piano Concerto with the State Academic Symphony Orchestra, also in the Boishoi Hall.
In two weeks time, Miss Zuponcic will play the Schostakovich 1st Concerto in St. Petersburg, Russia. She will be presented in recital in the Glinka Museum in Moscow in March. Other engagements here in the United States this season include a Shostakovich 1st Concerto performance with the Savannah Symphony, two performances of the Rachmaninoff 2nd Concerto in Albany and recitals in Hilton Head, S.C., and at Northern Illinois University. In November, she was featured soloist with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra in their East Coast tour, performing the Mozart Piano Concerto in A Major.
In demand as a pedagogue, Miss Zuponcic is chairman of the Piano Faculty of Rowan College of New Jersey in Glassboro, New Jersey, where she has served since 1973. Her students have won numerous prizes and awards, and have gone on to distinguish themselves in the professional musical world.
She is married to a Russian pediatric surgeon, Dr. Lenoid Roshal and divides her time between the United States and Russia. Her 21 year old son, Gavriel Heine, is a fourth year cello and conducting student at the Moscow State Conservatory.
(From program notes of her Aurora concert, December, 1995.)
NO. 35, AURORA, MN
Twenty-five members and a junior member met on Sunday, Dec. 3rd for a short meeting followed by an Advent Dinner at the Community Center. President, Florence Holland opened the meeting with prayers for our members who are ill and deceased. Again, election of officers returned all our present, diligent officers to serve again “one more year”! Thank you, ladies.
The last of our Pots and Pans Cookbooks was sold at this meeting. So, at this time we do not have any and do not know if any more will be published.
At the Jan. 24th meeting, we will continue to work on plans for the SWU State Convention in Aurora in Sept.
Congratulations to:
Tona Soukup who celebrated her 85th birthday in December, wishes you many more years of good health!
Katie Orazem of Sandstone, for the excellent cultural report about her family’s genealogy. Katie is in the 8th grade and this report was for her Social Studies Class. Now Katie is working on a report on Slovenia, from information she has collected from many of her Slovenian relatives.
James Wheeler’s 8th Grade Advisory Class who adopted a needy family of six to make their Christmas special. The students raised the money, shopped for the clothes (James and his mother shopped for a coat for the mother), food, and toys. Their instructor delivered the gifts to this family at Christmastime. James and his classmates said this was a very rewarding experience for them.
David Wheeler’s Club Scouts who Drought groceries for the food shelf instead of a gift exchange among themselves. They also made placemats for the Sr. Citizens.
Francine Stellmach who has a new granddaughter, Carley Jo, bom on Dec. 8th to Sandy and Rob Wills.
Anne Orazem, our 1996 Mother of the Year (Thank you!)
After a long battle with cancer, Betty Orazem passed away on Nov. 19th. She never gave up and stayed active all the while she was in the Sandstone Nursing Home.
My husband, Tony passed away on Nov. 17th. He was my best friend and partner for 57 years. Our family has
lost two special people and they will be missed by not only the family but many friends. Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let the perpetgual light shine upon them. (Personal wish of condolences, Anne. I knew Tony only a little, as your companion and friendly participant at SWU events. Ed.)
Our prayers are with all members who are ill, especially Frances and A1 Stark.
Advent Dinner Report
The members were all ready to enjoy the Advent Dinner after making plans for it in previous months. The beautiful centerpieces was an Advent Wreath made from dried flowers by Ed Ceglar (he dries all his flowers). Thank yoii, Ed, you are an artist!
Fr. Peter joined us for dinner and led us in praying Grace. We appreciated the delicious menu prepared by caterer Katie Ravnikar.
A donation of $67 was given to the activities dept, at our local nursing home instead of a gift exchange. Thank you, ladies.
Thank you to the cook and hostesses for making this a very special time for us. •
Now It’s time to wish you all Happy Valentine’s Day.
The next regular meeting will be a Dime Social on Sunday, Feb. 11th at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Center.
ANNE M. ORAZEM
NO. 38, CHISHOLM, MN
Another year comes to a close!! For most of us who are senior citizens the years pass all too quickly at this time in our lives.
Our fall meetings were taken up with planning and producing fund raisers.
The ever popular card party and luncheon which we sponsor in late Oct. of each year was a two fold success. It replenished our money chest and provided our guests with a fun filled Sunday afternoon. They did it again!!! Our faithful and long standing members — Fran Zalec and Jenny Samsa! They seem to forget that they are really too old to be doing all this work. With her own very arthritic hands - Fran produced 100 pds. of home made noodles. A small and dedicated crew made another 30 pds. on the day before the sale. Jenny with her ever faithful hel-
pers made the chicken soup and baked the fresh bread which we offered to the public along with the noodles on Election day. We wondered how our “new idea” would go - Let me tell you here and now. It was an overwhelming success. MAKE THE NOODLES AND THEY WILL COME! From near and far they came. A few members read about our pending sale in the Nov. ZARJA and were our 1st customers. They came all the way from Aurora! It was a cold election day so of course the ŽUPA was great.
Our combined December meeting, election of officers and Christmas party will be held in our church social hall. Rosie does a neat catering job and I’m sure we will all be pleased.
Why a wonderful way to close the year - being together and counting all the good things the Lord has blessed us with in 1995.
May Love, Peace and Joy fill your New Year.
GERT ZAKRAJŠEK
NO. 40, LORAIN, OH
Nineteen came to our November meeting and enjoyed a delicious dessert served by Agatha Donges, Agnes Sera-zin and Martina Woelfl.
For the second year in a row I was the winner of the Door Prize. Seems like Nov. is my lucky month!
Our Pres. Agnes Tomazine was absent so Agatha took over and lead us in prayer.
We sent get well cards to Irene Kokinda, Angie Martin and Kathy Russ. We received a letter from Evelyn Majercik reminding us to remove the back part of our ZARJA and fill out the questionnaire and mail it to her.
Agnes Drstvensek and Rose Kneze-tic are spending the winter and sunny Florida. When they hear of the kind of cold and snowy weather we are having in Lorain they will be glad that they are in Florida!
Francine and husband Frank celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Jan. 6th.
We wish to express our sincere sympathy to our Annette Septaric and Stephanie Polutnik whose husbands passed away recently.
Twenty-one came to our Christmas luncheon at the German Villa in De-
---------------------A	Crafty	Idea------------------------
When I decided to take a short vacation for the Thanksgiving holiday, the first thing I had to do was find a project that would keep me occupied during the flight. I looked for and found a pattern book bought years ago.
I started a knitted afghan, very simple stitches and yet so different from all the others I have made. It is made in solid colors, twelve rows to a pattern offset with purl rows. Pattern also gives instruction for making a lap robe.
If you would like to try this pattern, called “White Lace” (I made mine in mint green, and the lap robe in tan), please send $1.00 (checks made payable to ZARJA) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Evelyn A. Majercik
31 Eldred Avenue Bedford, Ohio 44146
cember. The food was delicious and the decorations were beautiful and we spent the afternoon socializing.
We missed Fr. Krajnik who had another engagement and the lovely singing of our Irene Kokinda who was unable to attend because of illness. Oh well, that’s that for 1995. Hope things will be better in 1996. Hope you all have a happy Valentine’s Day! Try to come to our Feb. 14th meeting.
Love,
MARY MATOS
NO. 42, MAPLE HTS., OH
The officers of Slovenian Women’s Union Branch 42 hope that all the members had a wonderful holiday. We had a wonderful holiday luncheon at the Triple Crown Restaurant with 21 ladies attending the event.
Mitzi Champa sold $450.00 worth of raffle tickets for the event. Grand prize winners were Albina Mroczka winning the $ 100.00 savings certificate and her husband Frank, winning second place — a basket of holiday cheer. David Lipnos won the afghan made by Ann Zupančič and Ed Kotar won the afghan donated by Marge Church. Fred Koneval won a $50 certificate while Lou Champa was lucky in winning a money shirt and clock radio telephone. Andy Hočevar won the second money shirt. Thank you to everone who bought and sold raffle tickets making this fundraiser a huge success.
A special meeting was held recently on a December Saturday morning to discuss the upcoming events for the membership. The next meeting date will be February 10th. 11:00 a.m. at the Slovenian National Home. A light luncheon will be served. Desserts should be brought in by the members. The business meeting will discuss some reorganization thoughts. For every new member the current member brings, Marge Church will provide a gift. The current slate of officers will be retained until February.
New for 1996 is a computerized billing for membership dues. Make sure to read the current ZARJA for Class rates. Our secretary also advises that each member update their policy information if needed.
Our members also donated money to the Slovene Home for the Aged in Cleveland for the holiday season.
As we settle into winter, it is nice to hear about our members.
Donna Champa Wilk, daughter of Lou and Mitzi Champa, was married on Friday, November 24 to Richard Corwin. Congratulations to the newlywed couple!
Our sympathies are extended to the family of Celia Hočevar who was buried from St. Lawrence Church on December 1. She was a Charter Member from May, 1930.
Marge Zupančič is home from the hospital after having surgery on her knee. We wish Marge continued good health in the New Year.
Edna Scotton’s youngest son Gary, was recently married in September to Theresa Higgins at the Miles Ave. Church of God. A beautiful reception was held at the Villa di Rose Party Center.
A new grandson also arrived in the Scotton household. Alex David joins Mr. and Mrs. David Scotton of Independence along with big brother, Bryne.
Edna’s oldest son Mark, is a theology teacher at Trinity High School in Garfield Hts.
Lifelong Branch 42 member Albie Mroczka and husband Frank celebrated 49 years of wedded bliss on November 28. Frank and Albie were married in the original St. Wenceslas Church.
ZARJA reporter, Diane M. Balach and husband Michael, celebrated the fifteenth wedding anniversary on October 18.
Members are encouraged to send the news to Diane Balach.
Happy Birthday wishes to our February members: Diane M. Balach, Lillian Sadowski, Nikoletta Lerchbacher, Edna Scotton, Joanne Kosak, Allison Gruden and Theresa Ferfolia.
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
DIANE BALACH 1-216-663-2717
NO. 43, MILWAUKEE, WI
Because of Thanksgiving Day we had our meeting on November 15th. We had a good attendance. Meeting was opened with a prayer by our President Josephine Janezic. Minutes were read and the financial report was given. All was approved. We had a very wonderful lunch served by our Birthday Girls, Theresa Kotar, Michelle Goldmann, and Patricia Goldmann. Thank you very much. Here’s hoping you will have many happy and healthy birthdays.
Good news about our Christmas luncheon. The restaurant gave us a better price so our luncheon will be only $11.00.
Anne Zakrajšek and her husband are now living at St. Camillus Campus. This is a very nice place I know that you will enjoy living there.
Josephine Strukel, who was our Mother of the Year last year, had a stroke and is now receiving treatments. Our prayers will be very helpful.
We wish to express our sympathy to Ray Delopst and his family on the death of his wife Louise. May her soul rest in peace in her heavenly home.
Quite some time ago we were advised that headquarter’s accounting system will be computerized. All dues will be paid to the Home Office. Please do not send any dues to our secretary Elsie Gallun. Our next meeting will be on Jan. 24th, same place, same time. Here’s hoping that all of you enjoyed the holidays with your family and friends.
ANNE E. KONCZAL Reporter
50, CLEVELAND, OH
Dober Dan!
By now a month of the new year has passed. Make the most of the eleven left. We already have the usual good news/bad news to announce.
First of all, our election of officers remains the same. Ann Tercek, President; Mary Miller, Vice President; Evelyn Pipoly, Membership Secretary; Jean Miller, Treasurer; Mary Maxin, Recording Secretary; Josephine, Smith, Sentinel; Anne Skebe and Frances Kaifetz, Auditors, and yours truly, Vi Moravchek, Zarja Reporter.
In the past year, 1995, we had eight deceased members, may they rest in their deserved peace. We are saddened by the death of Hermine Prevsek’s sister Josephine Gilek, and of Beatrice Tome’s husband, Martin. We hope the respective families are coping with these tragic losses. We also wish to thank Millie Petrovic’s husband Victor for donating in her memory Millie’s full insurance check to Branch 50. We miss Millie, and she will always be remembered dearly.
It had been noted at our past meeting that the former Yugoslavian Cultural Garden has been changed to be the Slovenian Cultural Gardens. This project change needs support. For more information contact Genevieve Drob-nick.
Now for more pleasant news! Ann Cem’s granddaughter gave birth to twins, Ashley Elizabeth and Andrew Garth in November. So far Ann has six great grand children and one due in July. How about that!
We also had news from Jennie Kokotec from North Carolina and Albina Kocisko from West Virginia. A great big “hello” from them to our whole branch.
Dorothy Winter has been elected “Women of the Year” for 1996. She has been invaluable to our branch thru the years holding the office of Vice President and being a paper work genius for us at all times. More details on this event are forthcoming.
Surprisingly, due to the inclement weather on December 20th, we had 58 members attending the Christmas party at Sterles. The usual good time was enjoyed by all.
A timely visit to Pauline Seifert in Parma, Ohio was made by the following members! Frances Platnik, May Petrie, Ann Cem, and Ann Tercek. It was made to honor Pauline’s 50 year membership in the Slovenian Women’s Union. She was presented a special pin, a corsage, and a beautiful cake. It was a pleasant afternoon for a well deserved ceremony enjoyed by all — especially Pauline. She donated $10.00 to our Branch 50 for which we all thank her sincerely.
As a reminder, you can expect your membership renewals from headquarters via Evelyne Majercik. In spite of the increase, please continue.
How many of you have kept your New Year’s Resolutions? As long as you did not make too many, there are good chances they probably have been kept. Per psychologists, that is the secret.
Nasvidenje!
VI MORAVCHEK
NO. 52, KITZVILLE, MN
We met in September after the summer vacation. We did have a beautiful hot summer - so we could not complain as Old Man Winter came along.
Pres. Rose Trombly presided at the Sept. and Oct. meetings. She has been hospitalized and is recuperating at home. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Vice-Pres. Julia Mancuso presided at the November meeting. Plans were finalized to have our Christmas Party on Dec. 6th at the Elk’s Club. We also had election of officers. Since many members pay their annual dues at that time, the treasurer, Jennie Crea explained the new system and asked members to wait for the notices to be sent by National Secretary.
Our attendance is small at the meetings. Our National President, Jean Korsman’s theme is “Connecting”. Her
article in the November issue of ZARJA explains the importance of continued success in the “Union” that Mrs. Prisland started. Reach out to the youth to join; they will be our future officers. Yes, we have a large membership nationwide but the small lodges retain the same officers to keep them in existence.
Congratulations to Pres. Rose Trombly on her 91st birthday in November and to Celia Politano who will celebrate her 90 plus birthday in February. To all members who had birthdays recently, congratulations!
To all who are ill, a speedy recovery.
Congratulations to Jean Korsman, National President, and to Charlotte Laurich, Minn. Regional President.
Hope you all had a nice holiday with family and friends.
MILDRED BARBATO Reporter
SWU Crest indicates the 65th Anniversary of this branch in 1996.
Congratulations!
NO. 54, WARREN, OH
We enjoyed a lovely Christmas luncheon after having to cancel the original date because of a heavy snow storm that day. We had a very small group, but it was fun. We had poinsettias for centerpieces - later raffled off - and Christmas favors, a gift from our president, Jo Kassan.
After a tasty lunch, I brought a birthday cake for Jo who celebrated her 75th in November. Rather than a gift exchange, each one present donated towards a gift for the Slovene Home for the Aged and the cost of the poinsettias was given to the Mobile Means of Trumbull County.
Since Christmas should be a time of giving, I think our Branch did well.
Congratulations to Mary Zuga who became a great grandmother. Her granddaughter and husband, Drs. Jean and Mike Jaegger of Kingston, N.Y. had a baby boy, John. Also, Wanda Shine’s daughter and our member, Patty Ellis and husband are the proud parents of Megan, their first child. They reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our best wishes to them.
I am slowly recuperating from the holidays. The cooking and baking are fun. You prepare for a month and in a few days it’s all over!
Our election of officers was done and our slate remains the same. I have been in office for 33 years and will continue to be as long as they want me. Unfor-tuantely, there are no volunteers. It’s a sad situation but I know other branches have the same problem. I’m proud of my Slovenian heritage and want to keep it alive in our community. Even my non-Slovenians son-in-law in South Carolina reads the ZARJA when it comes.
Happy New Year and God’s blessings - peace and good health in 1996. Remember our next meeting is Feb. 21st at noon at the Elk’s Clubroom.
JOANNE PONIKVAR
NO. 56, HIBBING, MN
November
Members held their Nov. 7th meeting a day later because of elections. Meeting opened with prayers and roll call read. At the last meeting we had forgotten to mention the birthday of one of our members, Rose Vukich. She is our Sunshine Lady. Many happy returns, Rose.
On Nov. 12th we had our Mass for the deceased members at 11 o’clock at Blessed Sacrament Church. Milena Koehler made the reservations for our breakfast at the Cozy Cafe after mass - as we have been doing annually.
For the Christmas party Dec. 5th, Ann Satovich made reservations at the Woodlands Family Restaurant for the same night as our meeting. Afterward, we all went to our regular meeting place for meting and coffee. Julie Snyder made a motion to reimburse Elizabeth Spolar for the copies of members - all in favor.
November birthdays were recognized: Matilda Sanborn, Katherine Marino and Valeria Carlson. Jackpot won by Dorothy Oberstar.
Meeting closed with prayers and a delicious lunch was served by Jen Obert and Julia Snyder. Games were played and Bunko was won by Ann Voiovich, 500 by Elizabeth Spolar, Cannasta Ann Shubert.
December
Christmas party was held on Dec. 5th followed by the meeting. All in favor to pay all outstanding bills. In old business we had a nice showing at the mass for deceased members and at the lunch/breakfast at the Cozy Cafe.
Birthdays for December and January were recognized. Flowers for our shut ins will be delivered by Mary Sikich who will be assisted by Jen Obert or Mary Micheletti.
No further business and next meeting is Feb. 6th, 1996. Jackpot was won by Rose Vukich, Bunko by Ann Voiovich and Edith Jones. Julie Snyder won the 500 game.
EDITH JONES Rec. Secretary
NO. 57, NILES, OH
November
We met to make final plans for our Christmas Luncheon Party in November. The wreath is rather nice and had a nice turnout of 12 members. We opened our meeting with prayer; the reports were given and accepted. We then went into our election of officers, which, of course, resulted in the same staff of officers accepting their duties for the new year. We do have a new President, who is Ann Dzeda. Vice President is Julie Sherlock, secretary is Marge Mollica, treasurer is Elizabeth Havaich. Rec. Secy, is Frances Stanec and our auditors are Mary Lukz and Ann Pease.
On the sick list are Julie Yakop and Ann Hostensky. Both are in the Glen View Nursing Home. We wish them both get well wishes and also ask if there are any other members on the sick list, that they would inform us. To all, our best get well wishes.
Frances Stanec was pleasantly surprised on her 80th birthday with her son, Jim and daughter, Pat arranging for a family meeting with 24 members of the family attending, it was at the 422 for lunch. We really enjoyed a nice celebration.
Mimi Shirkman made each member a crocheted turkey as a favor for our November meeting. Thank you, Mimi. Birthdays celebrated that month were Julia Jakop, Josephine Fabian and Frances Stanec.
A nice lunch was served and after all was taken care of we played a few games of Bingo with hostesses Ann Pease and Ann Dzeda furnishing the prizes.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the new year. Best wishes to all.
FRANCES STANEC
BRANCH 59 MEMBERS MOURN CATHERINE FERBEŽAR
Catherine Ferbežar was 80 years old when she passed away on Dec. 12th She was also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Burgettstown Senior Citizens and Christian Mothers. Her husband, August, died in 1972. She was a long-time member of Br. 59, Burgettstown, PA. Catherine’s sis-ter-in-law, Frances Korošec, Mary, Elsie and Jennie Ferbežar are all our members, too.
Our deepest sympathy to all the family and friends of Catherine Ferbežar.
ROSEMARY ORENCHUK
NO. 73, WARRENSVILLE, OH
A new year, a year to fill with so many things. A year that will bring changes in all our lives. A year that hopefully we will look back on with good memories. We hope that your old year ended on a bright note and that the new one continues on the same note.
Branch 73 held their Christmas Party on our regular meeting night. There were 16-20 members in attendance. Everyone added to the menu by bringing a covered dish for the buffet. There was plenty of food and all those beautiful desserts. It was nice to see members who don’t often attend the meetings. We might remind them at this time that we do have dessert at each and every meeting. Make a New Year Resolution to join us at one of our meetings. You might be surprised and enjoy yourself.
Josephine Turk had to buy an extra Christmas present this year when a new great grandchild arrived, a little girl. Congratulations, Jo, we hope the family is doing well.
Vera Kozak let us know that she is
feeling much better. Glad to hear that.
Jean Epley and her family spent some of the holiday time in South Carolina visiting grandma Julie Klotz. Bet they had fun listening to the weather reports from our area.
We wish Mark and Charlotte Majer-cik, and daughter Maggie, lots of luck in the New-Year. On December 9th, they were driven from their home (of three months) by fire. They will need a brand new start since everything was destroyed. Grandma is very thankful that they were able to escape without harm.
I joined the travelers for the Thanksgiving Holiday, spent a week in Florida with my son Jerry, and grandson Stephen. Weather was delightful, although we did find it necessary to turn on the heat a couple of mornings.
MEMBERS: Please Note: Direct billing will start in 1996. Please do not send in any payment of dues until you receive receive a statement. When remitting your payment, do not send in your payment book. Make sure the information is correct on the statement. Return the top portion of the statement in the envelope that will be furnished, along with your check. Your cooperation will help in making the project a success. If you do not receive a statement immediately, please do not write or call. We have your information, you will be billed.
We want to wish you all the very best of the New Year, and include a very happy St. Valentine’s Day, too. No meeting in February, see you in March? Our annual anniversary mass will be held on April 14, 1996, 10:30 a.m. at St. Jude’s Church. A good time for all of us to get together.
Respectfully submitted,
EVELYN A. MAJERCIK
NO. 85, DE PUE, IL
Branch 85 held a meeting on December 12 and held the election of officers. Of course, the same officers had to stay in office as there is no one who will take their place. We were very sorry that two of our members who always attend were not able to be there and we missed them. Mary Suarez fell on some ice broke her wrist. Mary Oberch was ill and unable to attend. We sent them cards and hope they are
both feeling much better and will be able to come to our next meeting.
We are very sorry to report the death of a long time member, Constance Benkse, who passed away on November 9. She had been in ill health for a long time and her husband also has been in ill health. Connie took very good care of him. She always enjoyed coming to the meetings and felt bad when she no longer was able to come. We missed her and always thought of her at our meetings. Our deepest sympathy to her husband, Frank her two daughters and their families. Four of our members were honorary pall bearers at the funeral. May Connie and all of our deceased members rest in peace.
The holidays are over and we were very fortunate to have good weather so everyone could get home. I hope everyone will have a happy and healthy New Year 1996. May we also have a lasting peace in Bosnia. God bless.
MARY JERMENC
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Even the weather doesn’t wait for seasons to change! Winter already gave us a generous amount of snow right after Thanksgiving. Hunting season is over for another year and it is always a relief when the hunters return home safely, with or without their trophy.
Our December meeting was well-attended with 16 members present. A delicious Pot Luck dinner was shared with our Mother of the Year, Edith Backus. She graciously donated her gift back to the Scholarship Fund. What a lady!
A short meeting followed. Our present officers were re-elected for another year. New Mother of the Year was selected, too. She is Joan Trunkel, mother of our second Scholarship recipient from our branch. Get well wishes were sent to Charlene Herrick, one of our junior members. She underwent an appendectomy and complications followed. We wish her successful recovery. She is one of our junior organists at Holy Family Church. Christmas gifts were exchanged and our favorite game of Bingo was played.
I must make a correction in my November ZARJA report. Aimee Staut Nething is a medical technologist, not just a Lab Technician at the Manitowoc
Hospital. Two extra years of training makes a difference, so I must give credit where credit is due.
Our whole community was shocked by the sudden death of Roger Djubenski, husband of our faithful secretary, Mary. Roger was a kind, quiet man, a regular usher at our church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Our sincerest condolences to all the family.
This will be my last report. For various reasons, I am not able to continue this obligation and will pass this on to our new reporter, Frieda Klančar. I’m sure she will do a fine job. It was so nice to be in contact with so many of you through the ZARJA. From time to time we may still keep in touch. Best wishes to all in the New Year.
Very sincerely,
MARY STAUT
SWU HAS THREE MAJOR INTERESTS THAT NEED FINANCIAL HELP:
SCHOLARSHIP -HERITAGE -ZARJA!
Please note the names and addresses you may use to make financial support donations to our three m^jor SWU Funds!
Scholarship Fund
Marjorie Church, Interim Director 1028 Skyland Dr.,
Macedonia, OH 44056 Tel. (216) 467-0696
Heritage Fund Irene Odorizzi, Director 2362 Paddock Lane Reston, VA 22091 Tel. (703) 860-0556
Zarja Fund
Send directly to Nat’l Secretary Evelyn Mtyercik P.O. Box 46539 Bedford, OH 44146 Tel. (216) 439-1825
FROM OUR MAILBAG
Dear Editor,
Through the extreme generosity of family and friends I am enclosing a memorial contribution of $300 in the name of my father-in-law, Stanley Baloh. Being an avid fan of ZARJA, he would say the same thing every time I handed him the latest issue, “Boy! I look forward to this!”
Unfortunately, he never got to see the April issue with his dear granddaughter Brandy Baloh’s picture on the cover. He would have been very proud, so we decided to send that copy along with him on his final journey. Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment that you gave him.
Barbara Baloh
Br. 105, Detroit, Ml
Dear Slovenian Women’s Union: Slovenian societies were always important to my parents and played a large role in their lives.
I always think of my mother, Mary Mum, as the original liberated woman. She always stressed the importanced of education to her children and grandchildren. She would be pleased to know some young lady was acknowledged for her talent and encouraged with financial support.
Please accept the enclosed gift in her memory, checks totally $500.00.
Thank you for contributing to the Slovenian cultural scene.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann E. Johnson
New Berlin, WI
Mary Murn of Br. 43, Milwaukee, Wisconsin was a poetess in both the Slovenian and English languages. She was able to express her feelings well and selected subjects of love, nostalgia, loneliness, from her own clear perspective. Mrs. Mura’s books of poetry are available at the SWU Home Office. The Slovenian one is called: Rože z mojih vrtov (1986); and a book of English poems is entitled Roses and Thorns (1988). The later book was published by her grandchildren.
NO. 102, WILLARD, WI
Greetings!
Our December meeting was well-at-tended with 16 members present. A delicious pot luck lunch preceded the meeting. The meeting began with a prayer led by President Jo Artac. Our Mother of the Year, Edith Backus, graciously donated her gift of $10 to the SWU Scholarship fund. Thanks, Edith.
Election of the officers was held. The present officers were re-elected for another year. Frieda Klancher was named as reporter, replacing Mary Staut.
Congratulations to Joanne Trunkel who was named Mother of the Year. She is the recipient of the second scholarship from our branch. Joanne is well-deserving of the honor. The birthday song wass sung to members having birthdays in December.
Christmas songs were played and enjoyed during the afternoon. Get well wishes and a gift of $10.00 were sent to Charlene Herrick, one of our Jr. members, who underwent surgery. She is also an organist at the Holy Family Church.
Dorothy Petkovšek had surgery in mid-December. We wish her a complete recovery.
Our prayers for good health go to Agnes Lesar, Mary Staut, and to all the shut-ins in our area.
Mary Djubenski, our Sec.-Treas., lost her husband, Roger, on October 30th. The entire community was shocked by his sudden death. Our prayers and deepest sympathy go to Mary and her family.
A correction must be made in the November’s ZARJA report. Mary Staut’s granddaughter, Aimee Staut Nething is a medical technologist, not just a Lab technician, at the Manitowoc Hospital. Two extra years of training makes the difference. So credit must be given where credit is due.
The meeting ended with a prayer led by Marie Amundson, followed by a gift exchange. Sophie Trunkel was the winner of the door prize. After the meeting, Bingo was played. It was an enjoyable afternoon.
Our next meeting and Valentine party will be held on Sunday Feb. 11th. By the time this article will appear in
the ZARJA, the holidays will be behind us. I am sure January will bring snow and cold weather. It will be a good time to do tasks that get put aside.
Best wishes for peace, friendship, and health for the New Year.
Sincerely,
FRIEDA KLANCHER, Reporter
NO. 103, WASHINGTON, DC/MD/VA
On Friday, October 27,	1995,
Branch 103 celebrated the 30th anniversary of its founding with a dinner-dance. We had a great turn-out despite the inclement weather. Members with families and friends made an excellent representation, and we were honored as always to welcome members of the Slovenian Embassy. It was also an honor to welcome members of the Slavic Congress who were in our Capital City at this time. Our member, Maria Paulin, once again offered her expert assistance by preparing the excellent entree-the chicken casserole with mushrooms was excellent, as was the entire dinner she prepared. Thank you Maria. This recipe was furnished by Tillie Ausich and was published in the Pots and Pans cookbook-an excellent party dish. The rest of the menu consisted of rice and peas seasoned with herbs, Slovenian sausages with sauerkraut, tossed salad, bread, and “Planika Mocha Cake” prepared by some of the ladies; the recipe was furnished by Nika Kovacic.
Most of the raffle prizes were furnished by Jill Augustine. It was a pleasure to see the excitement of winners walking away with their treasures. Thank you Jill for your generous donations, and also to all the others who furnished the lovely prizes. John Novak’s “Polka Habit” furnished the music. The selections were very appropriate and the dance floor was always filled with happy dancers.
This is a wonderful opportunity to once again thank our president, Jill Augustine, for her outstanding direction of the entire affair. As the MC, she briefly summarized some past history of our branch which was formed by our first president Irene (Planinšek) Odorizzi. She also gave a few statistics
of various events that occurred throughout these past years. Also a big thank-you to the ladies who worked so hard with all the details necessary in this endeavor; the team-work was indeed outstanding. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Even though members of the National Headquarters were unable to be here at this time, we were pleased to receive congratulatory letters from them which Jill passed on to us. Branch 103 founder, Irene Odorizzi, was unable to be present but she also sent a letter which we would like to share with you all:
“Congratulations to the Officers and Members of Branch 103 who are celebrating this momentous occasion--the 30th Anniversary of Branch 103.
“In October1965, when I organized the branch, projecting my thoughts 30 years into the future never passed though my mind. Most important at that time was the possibility of unifying the Slovenian-American women of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. community. The result of this effort was four-fold. Not only was Branch 103 established but the Choral Group was formed, that they might sing at the SWU Convention held in Washington, D.C. in 1967.
“Other results were the establishment of a more cohesive Slovenian-American community in this area, which eventually led to the formation of the Bishop Baraga Lodge of the KSKJ and the formation of the Heritage Group.
“Officers and Members of Branch 103 should look with pride upon the accomplishments of the past thirty years. They have been productive, effective and energetic years under capable leadership. However, the future challenge will be even greater and will require another generation of women willing to continue the traditions which have been established. Cultivate and nurture these women now, so they will be ready to assume their respective places as leaders in the future.
“Once again, my congratulations and best wishes. May there be many more anniversary celebrations in the years ahead.
“Cordially,
“Irene M. Odorizzi National Heritage Director
PRAYERS OF THE HEART
At every meeting of Br. 103, Washington, D.C. their former president Sabina Bartol expresses a special prayer. This one she shares with us. It was submitted by Tillie Ausich, their Reporter.
“Our Lady of Brezje”
“Mary, Help of Christians, you show us how to be Christian, how to ‘hear the word of God and keep it. ’ Help us to respond to God as you did, that His power work in us, that the Spirit from Christ in us, and that His mind, His heart, His will be ours.
“We ask this through Christ, Our Lord, Amen.”
Since this article is being written in December, the holidays will already have been celebrated. We all extend our belated best wishes and hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.
Although the year seems to have passed so quickly, in reflecting on the events many sadnesses were endured, in addition to the many happy and exciting times.
Our 30th Anniversary dinner-dance in October was a huge success, not only in a record attendance, but everyone truly seemed to be having a great time. Our door prizes were truly outstanding. A big thank-you to president Jill Augustine for her donations, and to Marie Robinson for her beautiful framed painting--which, incidentally, was won by our Heritage Director Irene Odorizzi. Even though we are realizing much success in Branch 103, we are noticeably lacking the addition of new young members who will eventually be
our leaders. This new year may be lucky for us if our prayers are answered.
Happy and prosperous New Year of
1996	to all.
MATILDA AUSICH NO. 105, DETROIT, MI
On November 18th, eighteen members of Branch 105, under the direction of Barbara Baloh created lovely Christmas angel decorations. While the project wasn’t very complicated, we had quite a time sewing with ribbon and much laughter and many suggestions regarding techniques were offered. Fortunately, Barbara was able to help us complete our angels and we all will enjoy these decorations for years to come.
December 2nd was the date of our Christmas Party. This year we returned to Jovan’s Steak House where both the food and service were excellent. A special guest, Cameron, grandson of Mary Jane and Paul Smith, made our party a very special one this year. Cameron is four years old and he reminded all of us just what Christmas is all about. He charmed all of the women present with his hugs and kisses and we were all happy that he joined us.
After our gift exchange, we collected the canned goods donated by the members for delivery to Turning Point, a shelter for battered women and children. The Branch donates a ham and disposable diapers to this shelter and when we were finished, we had a trunk full of food and personal items to deliver. The volunteers at Turning Point were extremely happy to receive our donations and we could hear the voices of children squealing with delight over the sight of candycanes. Our Branch also donated to the area Salvation Army who do such a marvelous job in helping feed and clothe the needy.
Valeria Jacklich, Frances Desmond, Barbara Baloh, Chris Doyle and Sharon Wysocky volunteered to deliver flowers to three of our members who are in nursing homes. The members were very happy to be remembered and we are grateful for all they did to keep Branch 105 active over the past years.
We send our greetings to all of our Branches and hope that your new year will be happy and healthy.
PATRICIA ADAMIC
Our members in the spotlight
Linda, Guy and Helene Kusar-Fischer and Darrell Fischer are all members of SWU Branch 108. We have lived in Norfolk, VA. for the past 16 years. I, Linda am a graduate of Garfield Senior College, Painesville, OH and Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. I am an Electrical Engineer at The Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center, In-Service Support Engineering East Coast. I am very proud to be the Pres-
ident of SWU Branch 108. Darrell is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA and the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. He is an Electrical Engineer at PRC Incorporate, VA Beach, VA. Guy is 6 years old and attends kindergarten at Parkdale Private School. He is taking swimming and gymnastics classes. Helene is 4 years old and is in Pre-Kin-dergarten 4 at Parkdale. She is taking Ballet/Tap and swimming classes.
They will both be attending Holy Trinity Catholic School in Norfolk next fall. As a family, we enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, traveling, and playing games. Our adventures over the past year include fishing at the Lake of Ozarks in MO, camping at Pocohontas and Bear Creek Lake State Parks in VA. and skiing and skating at Skytop Mountain Lodge in PA.
Linda Kusar-Fischer
NO. 108, VA. BEACH, VA
On November 13, SWU Branch 108 conducted a holiday festivities planning meeting at St. Gregory’s Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The attending members decided to hold our second annual holiday party on 11 December, 1995 - all looked forward to this event.
On 19 November, Joe and Theresa Perrotta (along with SWU 108 members, Linda Kusar-Fischer, Marylou Matthews, Mary Ann Braeckel, and Angela Batchelor) hosted Slovenian writer Andrej Blatnik.
Andrej, who is 32 and hails from Ljubljana, Slovenia, visited the Norfolk area under the auspices of Old Dominion University’s five week program that affords the university students the opportunity to learn about the culture and political life of foreign countries - in this case, Slovenia.
Theresa Perrota learned of Andrej’s presence via a superb article in the area’s local newspaper, made a motion at a recent meeting to host a social in Andrej’s honor - Andrej graciously accepted the invitation, sampled numerous goodies (many traditional Slovenian pastries provided by Angela Bachelor, answered several questions
and provided insight into Slovenia’s political status, domestic matters and population. In view of all of the events going on in this area of the world, Andrej projected an optimistic forecast for the health and welfare of Slovenia.
Again, thanks Andrej for an informative and warm visit - we hope to see you again! Andrej joined us for this photo. Front row, Kathy Matthews, Angela Batchelor, Helene Fischer, Theresa Perrota, Mary Ann Breackel. Second row - Mary Lou Matthews, Linda Kusar-Fischer, Andrej Blatnik, and Joe Perrotta.
JOE PERROTTA
Branch 108 members at a happy meeting.
DOPISI
- — — ‘rWWUUU
Pot pravičnih
Iz vseh strani peljejo ceste v glavno mesto naše domovine Slovenije po katerih se premikajo množice izdanih...
Iz tega mesta gre cesta naravnost na velikansko grobišče -tisočev naših mučenikov ... njihovo'zadnjo postajo.
Ni jim bilo dovoljeno, da bi bili deležni lepote narave, kar je bilo nam dano od začetka, ko smo zagledali luč sveta.
Prišel je čas, da se njim postavi največje svetišče, napravi park ob grobišču, v OPOMIN VSEM ŽIVIM!
Ko bo svetišče zgrajeno in imena bodo vklesana v kamen, takrat bo sleherna duša našla mesto pokore in odpuščanja Matere Božje.
Molili bodo potomci žrtev, molili bodo potomci naroda. Odpuščali si bodo, podajali roke za svetlo pot pravičnosti...
Mati Sedem Žalosti jih bo sprejela k sebi kot je sprejela svojega Sina - GREŠNIM V ODPUŠČANJE - zadnja prošnja mučenikov!
Jana Bevec Washington, D.C.
NO. 10, CLEVELAND, OH
Drage članice, preteklo je že veliko čase, odkar se nisem nič oglasila v Zarji. Od takrat je bilo že marsikaj novega. V poletnih mesecih smo imeli veliko vročino, dosti pasjih dni, kot rečijo v šali. Za tem je prišla bogata jesen, vreme nismo imeli nič kaj lepo, kot ponavadi.
V tem času 15. oktobra smo imele pri fari sv. Vida konvencijo za Ohio in Michigan. Začetek je bil z sv. mašo, opoldan, daroval jo je Pater Roger W. Gries, O.S.B. Bil je znami za kosilo in nam je podal lep nagovor v imenu Ženske zveze. Hvala g. župniku Bošnarju, ki nam je dal dvorano za zborovanje. On je bil odsoten, ni bil med nami. Udeležba je bila kar lepa, dosti članic je prišlo na Konvencijo od blizu in daleč. Hvala članicam, ki so tako lepo vse pripravile za kosilo
-	zelo okusno in pecivo dobro in dosti. Posebno pa mize so imele lepe vaze z cvetjem, še danes mi je zal, da jo nisem kupila, so bile samo 5 dol.
Hvala članicam, ki so prinesle tudi veliko in lepa darila za srečolov. Hvala za otvoritev konvencije, novim članicam, predsednici in podpredsednici in ostalim članicam društev. Posebna hvala gre ge. Cirili Kermavner za lepo in dobro kosilo in pomoč.
Od naše podružnice nas je bilo 7 članic. Naša predsednica ga. Stefi Segulin je imela za Zahvalni dan rojstni dan in je praznovala enako. Želimo ji vse najboljše in najlepše, da bi bila zdrava in vesela in dolgo vrsto let delala med nami kot je ga Ani Markovič zelo dolgo let bila predsednica. No, zadnje jo je pa kruta smrt vzela.
V tem letu tudi smo izgubile 5 članic v podružnici, to je veliko. Društvo je manjša vedno iz leta v leto, mladi pa malo pristopajo.
Božičnico smo tudi praznovale 15. novembra v Slovenskem domu na Holmes Ave. Se je udeležilo 28 članic in g. župnik Kumše je bil
povabljen med nas. Z molitvijo prvo se je začela naša božičnica. Dobro kosilo nam je pripravila g. Mary Celestine. Hvala vsem članicam, katere so toliko daril prinesle, res je bilo lepo in veselo ta dan. Še jaz sem dobila Božička, ki poje božične pesmice. Staro leto skoraj smo zapravili - sedaj prihaja novo knam spet tedaj. Zato Vam pa želim veselo in srečno Novo leto 1996... da bi dal Bog veliko zdravja vsem posebno katere so ga potrebne najbolj. Vsem katere so izgubili svoje draga pa naše iskreno sožalje, posebno moji prijateljici ge. Antoniji Alic, ki je izgubila sestro.
Lep pozdrav vsem članicam.
T. FERRACCIOLI
Zamolčanim
Mati Božja stala je v sredini, med trpečimi v smrtni bolečini; prosili so Jo milosti, da naj na zemlji mir deli!
Jana Bevec
PATER ASIC SVETUJE-
Glivično vnetje
Posebno v pomladanskem času se mi pogosto pojavijo glivice med prsti na nogah.
Na podplatih se pojavijo rdeče lise, ki močno srbijo. NASVET:
Uporabljajte primerno obutev. Če je le mogoče, se izogibajte gumijaste.
Noge vsaj enkrat na teden umijte v vodi, ki ste ji dodali jabolčnega kisa - apple vinegar.
Obolega mesta vsaj deset dni mažite izmenično s česnovo tinkturo (tincture of garlic) in ognjičevim mazilom (calendula officinalis).
Pa Bogu se priporočite!
______________________CIRILA_____________________
rifiŠR SLDUEHSKfl DEDIŠČINA
BARAGA
Začetki Katoliške Cerkve v Ameriki
I K \\( I \KI K
Vlil. BARAGA APOSTOLSKI VIKAR V SAULTU SAINTE MARIE
DELO V LETIH 1855 IN 1856
Ko se je po novem letu 1855 vrnil iz Mackinaca v Sault Ste. Marie, je začel pisati svojo zadnjo otavsko knjigo Kagoge Debwewinan, Večne resnice. V začetku marca je bila že napisana. Na Mrakovo prošnjo je prevedel šolski katekizem na očipvejsko.
V začetku maja, ko je izginil led s Huronskega jezera, se je peljal z ladjo v Cincinnati na prvi pokrajinski cerkveni zbor, ki je zboroval od 13. do 20. maja.
Med drugim je ta zbor škofov sklenil, da se naj v Cincinnatiju ustanovi osrednje semenišče za vso nadškofijo; da se naj v Cincinnatiju ustanovi osrednje semenišče za vso nadškofijo; da se naj misijonski duhovniki za svoje delo poprej posebej izobrazijo; da se naj gradijo nove župnijske šole, bolnišnice, zavetišča; da se naj ustanovi sklad za bolne duhovnike itd. Odloke je potrdila rimska Kongregacija za širjenje vere. Na koncu zborovanja so škofje izdali pastirski list, na katerem je podpisan tudi Baraga. - Na tem in na naslednjih cincinnatskih cerkvenih zborih do leta 1860 je imel Baraga za svojega bogoslovnega svetovalca Klemena Hammerja. Pri njem je vselej tudi stanoval.
Na željo nadškofa Purcella je nekolikokrat pridigal vstolnici, v kateri je bil pred poldrugim letom posvečen. O binkoštih je birmal. Tudi v drugih cerkvah je pomagal pri službi božji, zlasti v Hammerjevi župni cerkvi. Ves drugi čas je pa porabil za pregledovanje tiska svoje nove knjige, ki je izšla na 367-ih straneh šestnajsterca. Dne 20. maja je pisal sestri in priložil pismu tudi en poskusni list te knjige. Dal je tudi ponatisniti molitvenik Anamie-Mesinaigan v 5. izdaji. Zaradi tiska teh knjig je moral več tednov ostati v Cincinnatiju. Tam je tudi najel šest učiteljev za indijanske šole v svojem vikariatu. Peljal jih je s seboj v Sault Ste. Marie.
V Saultu je ostal z njim samo tri dni. Potem jih je peljal v otavske šole na Dolenjem Michiganu. Obiskal je Mackinac, Križno vas, Krivo drevo, Cheboygan (Čebčjgen), Bobrov otok in dvoje indijanskih naselij pri Grand Trversu. Vsi pogani, razen nekaj zakrknjencev, so bili že spreobrnjeni. Baraga je povsod pridigal in
spovedoval, na več krajih tudi birmal. Brezplačno je razdajal svojo novo otavsko knjigo “Večne resnice".
Lavtižar je 6. septembra 1855 pisal iz Križne vasi o tem Baragovem škofovskem potovanju: “28. junija popoldne je prišel v čolnu iz Mackinaca; več Indijancev ga je spremljalo. Tisti dan ga še nismo pričakovali, zato ni bilo mnogo Indijancev doma; kar jih je pa bilo, so hitro pritekli, ko so slišali zvoniti, in so kleče prejeli blagoslov svojega ljubljenega škofa. Zvečer so se vsi možje zbrali v šoli, ker so želeli s škofom govoriti. Drugi dan je ob šestih zjutraj maševal in pridigal; bil je praznik sv. Petra in Pavla, ki pa v Združenih državah ni zapovedan praznik. Potem je šel v Krivo drevo; jaz sem ga spremil. Ker je bil veter nasproten, so morali Indijanci sedem ur daleč na vrvi vleči čoln. V sredi med Križno vasjo in Krivim drevesom je SRednja vas s cerkvico, ki spada v moj misijon. Tam so se vsi Indijanci zbrali na bregu, ker so zvedeli, da pojde škof mimo. Šli smo vsi skupaj v cerkev, kjer je škof imel kratek govor, in potem smo nadaljevali pot. Zvečer ob šestih smo prišli v Krivo drevo.”
Iz Krivega drevesa se je peljal na Bobrov otok. Od njegovega zadnjega obiska poleti leta 1833 so se na otoku godile čudne stvari. Indijanci so ga prodali Združenim državam. To so pa leta 1848 dale tristo mormonskim družinam dovoljenje, da se naselijo na njem. Mormoni, “to strašno ljudstvo”, kakor jih Baraga imenuje v dnevniku, so verska ločina, zrastla iz protestantizma. Iz stare zaveze so ohranili samo desetere zapovedi in duhovniško vlado, od indijskih budistov so sprejeli vero v preseljevanje duš, od mohamedan-cev mnogoženstvo, da sme mož istočasno imeti več žen, in prepoved opojnih pijač, iz poganstva so pa privzeli razne obrede in vraže. Prvijo, da bo Kristus kmalu spet prišel na zemljo. Telesno delo imajo zelo v časteh in pravijo, da očiščuje dušo grehov. Predstojnikom so slepo pokorni. - Ko so se naselili na Bobrovem otoku, je bila tam kapela iz brezovega lubja. Mrak je na svojih misijonskih obiskih maševal in pridigal v njej. - Na otoku je do takrat živelo nekaj zapitih. Indijancev, večinoma poganskih, in okoli sto belih družin, večinoma katoliških: irskih in kanadsko-francoskih. Te so mormoni z raznovrstnim nadlegovanjem hoteli pregnati z otoka. V svoji stiski so se obrnili do detroitskega škofa, naj jim pošlje duhoovnika, ki jih bo ščitil in vodil. Šli so stanovat k Indijancem, katerim so mormoni nekoliko bolj prizanašali. - Mormoni so hoteli dobiti Indijance za svojo vero. Ko jim je eden izmed njih pridigal, je pokazal knjigo, o kateri je rekel, da je sveta in da jo je njihov kralj Jakob Strang našel na čudežen način v zemlji. Eden od poglavarjev je pa prinesel Baragovo knjigo z zgodbami iz sv. pisma in rekel: "Tudi mi imamo sveto knjigo, ki pa ni prišla iz zemlje, ampak iz nebes." - Mormonska strahovlada na Bobrovem otoku ni dolgo trajala. Po roparsko so napadali ladje in čolne. S svojim sovraštvom do krščanstva in s svojim pokvarjenim družinskim življenjem so pogubno vplivali na ves gorenji kot Michiganskega jezera. Zato so se okoličani, zlasti iz Mackinaca, pripeljali na ladjah na otok in jih z orožjem pregnali. -PO njihovem odhodu se je spet priselilo več Ircev in nekaj Nemcev in kanadskih Francozov.
O svojem škofovskem obisku na Bobrovem otoku je Baraga poslal 28. julija 1855 sestri Amaliji pismo, ki ga je objavila v Ljubljanskem časniku. V njem pravi: “Mnogo starih Indijancev in Indijank je prišlo k meni; poklenili so in me prosili za blagoslov. Hvaležno so pripominjali: 'Oče, ti si me krstil, prav ti. Dolgo je že od tega.’ Drugi so rekli: ‘Moji starši so mi pripovedovali, da si me ti krstil. Takrat sem bil jaz seveda še čisto majhen otrok.1 Zdaj imajo pa že sami več majhnih otrok okoli sebe. Vsi so bili veseli, da so od svojega starega misijonarja prejeli škofovski blagoslov.” Na Bobrovem otoku jih je birmal 44. Dve bolni Indijanki v hiši zraven cerkve sta bili zelo žalostni, ker nista mogli k birmi. Ko je Baraga to zvedel, ju je šel spovedat, drugo jutro pa obhajat in birmat na njuni bolniški postelji.
O svojem obisku v Križni vasi piše škof Baraga v tem pismu: “Indijanci Križne vasi so dobro poučeni in prav dobri kristjani, da, najboljši Indijanci so, kar jih imamo. G. Mrak je bil tukaj devet let in je svoje misijonarske dolžnosti vestno izpolnjeval, za kar naj ga Bog blagoslovi. Njegov naslednik g. Lavtižar je tudi goreč in pobožen misijonar, ki si prav zelo prizadeva nadaljevati dobro delo, ki so ga njegovi predniki začeli. Prav občudovanja vredno je, kako hitro se je naučil indijanskega jezika. Lansko leto je prišel v ta misijon in je takoj začel z veliko pridnostjo proučevati indijansko slovnico in prevajati indijanske knjige, ki jih imamo; zdaj pa že dva meseca čisto sam v svojem misijonu brez tolmača (ki ga nikdar ni uporabljal) poučuje, spoveduje in pridiga in sicer bolje, kakor pa sem jaz mogel na koncu svojega drugega misijonskega leta. (Seveda takrat še ni bilo nobene slovnice, nobenega slovarja in nobene knjige, iz katere bi se bilo mogoče učiti tega čudnega jezika.) Vsi se čudijo Lavtižarjevemu napredku. Prebral mi je svojo prvo pridigo in čudil sem se tolikemu napredku. Tudi angleško že precej gladko govori in bi angleško že lahko spovedoval, a ima redkokdaj priložnost za to. Tudi zdrav je.” Lavtižar pripominja v svojem pismu, da je bilo “neizrečeno kratkočasno in prijetno”, dokler je bil škof pri njem.
V	avgustu je Baraga posvetil za mašnika Nemca Edvards Jackerja, ki se je rodil leta 1827 v Ellw&ngenu na VVurtemberškem od zglednih katoliških staršev. Oče je bil odličen gimnazijski profesor in je napisal več znanstvenih knjig. Sin Edvard je dolgo iskal poklica. Nekaj časa je bil v bogoslovju, a je izstopil in šel v Munchen študirat grščino in latinščino. Pa tudi tam ni bil zadovoljen. Tri leta je kot zasebni učitelj poučeval v Belgiji. Potem se je odpeljal v Ameriko in v zvezni državi Pennsylvaniji vstopil v red benediktincev. Začele so mu pešati oči. Ko je zvedel, da Baraga išče duhovnikov in bogoslovcev, se mu je priglasil. Bil je dobra, plemenita duša, goreč in delaven, da je od preutrujenosti mnogo prezgodaj umrl. Indijance je zelo ljubil, zato ga je Baraga še posebno cenil in od vseh duhovnikov najrajši imel. Pridobil si je temeljito izobrazbo, bil je dober jezikoslovec in je v evropske znanstvene revije pisal o severno-ameriških indijanskih jezikih. Gospodarskega daru pa ni imel; grdo so ga izrabljali in grdo obrekovali; po smrti ni imel niti beliča. Barago je previdel za smrt in imel v cerkvi pogrebni govor.
Po mašnikovem posvečenju ga je Baraga poslal v svoj nekdanji misijon LAnse, kjer je ostal šest let. Iz L’Ansa je šel večkrat v Houghton (Hoten) v sredini Keweenawskega polotoga. Tam je jezero Portage Lake (Portedž Lek), ki na severu prehaja v Torch Lake (Jezero plamenic), na vzhodu in zahodu pa sega s svojim kanalom prav do Gorenjega jezera. Na severozahodni strani zahodnega kanala je stalo rudarsko mestece Hancock (Henkok), njemu nasproti, na jugovzhodni strani kanala, pa mestece Houghton, imenovano po Duglasu Houghtonu, ki je na Keweenawskem polotoku raziskoval rude in leta 1845 umrl.
Baraga je v smislu sv. Klemena Hofbauerja nekoč Jackerju pisal, kako naj ravna v spovednici: “Ravnajte v spovednici milo, a ne popustljivo. Z milobo boste več opravili kakor s pobijajočo obsodbo. Lev vrže ob tla in pomendra vse, kar je pred njim. Ne sme pa tako ravnati dušni pastir, ki je v službi Dobrega pastirja, ki gre dobrohotno za izgubljeno ovco in je ne zapodi od sebe.”
Dva meseca za Jackerjem je posvetil Nemca Foxa in Francoza Benoita (Benu&ja). Foxa je poslal v rudniško mesto Minnesota Mine (Majn) v ontonagonski dolini. Benoita je nastavil v La Pointu, odkoder je šel Van Paemel med Otavane. Benoit pa ni mogel prenašati ostrega podnebja gorenjega jezera in se je po dveh letih vrnil v Francijo. Van Paemel je spet prevzel La Pointe. Tam je ostal do leta 1860, ko ga je izmenjal naš rojak Janez Čebulj. O’Brien je zapisal o Van Paemlu, da je bil zelo resnega vedenja, ves predan svoji dušnopastirski službi. Z največjo pripravljenostjo se je odpravil k še tako oddaljenemu bolniku, po vodi, po ledu ali po snegu.
Nemški misijonar Steinhauser (Štajnhauzer) v Krivem drevesu, ki je prišel prejšnje leto z Barago iz Evrope, je slabo znal otavsko. Zato je šel konec novembra Baraga sam tja, da ostane dalj časa in uči njega in njegove Indijance. Večer za večerom je zbiral indijanske otroke in odrastle, jih učil krščanskega nauka, nekatere tudi za prvo sv. obhajilo in birmo.
V	Krivo drevo se mu je prišel ponudit nemški duhovnik Janez Weikamp. Bil je župnik pri cerkvi sv. Petra v Chicagu, a je prišel s cerkvenimi ključarji navzkriž. Postavil je novo cerkev sv. Frančiška Asiškega, samostan frančiškanskih tretjerednikov in samostan tretjerednic. S temi stavbami se je zelo zadolžil; izročil jih je v druge roke in sklenil iti s svojo duhovno družino med Indijance. Imel je deset tretjerednikov in enajst tretjerednic; med tretjeredniki sta bila tudi dva bogoslovca, Seraf in Zorn in Ludovik Sifferath. Baraga je Weikampa in vso njegovo družbo z veseljem sprejel in jim dal zemljišče, ki ga je bil nedavno kupil in ki je ležalo 8 km od vasi, da ga obdelujejo in si postavijo misijon. Na praznik Brezmadežnega spočetja je obema bogoslovcema podelil nižje redove. Na božič je takoj po polnočnici imel slovesno škofovsko mašo; stregla sta mu Weikamp in Steinhauser. Cerkev, ki jo je bil leta 1851 postavil Pirc, je bila tako polna, da so se bali nesreče; iz vseh sosednjih vasi so Indijanci prišli v Krivo drevo, da vidijo svojega ljubljenega škofa slovesno maševati z dvema duhovnikoma.
—	NADALJEVANJE —
Juhe, juheja, pustna nedelja!
Lan sem bil krofov sit, letos pa zelja!
Hey - hey!
Shrove Sunday!
Last year we feasted on donuts This year it’s sauer kraut!
Mardi Gras figures - Kurent (Gaspari)
PUST JE ZE OD NEKDAJ IMENITEN VREMENJAK!
Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday) is a good weather barometer!
Če na pustni dan deži, fižol bogato obrodi.
If it rains on Shrove Tuesday, the beans will be plentiful!
Kjer se na pust megla vleče, tam bo toča pobila.
Wherever the fog falls, there will the hail fall, too!
Če se pust na sonce grehe, letina se med dobre šteje.
If it is sunny on this day, the harvest will be good! (From the book: SLOVENIAN HOLIDAYS by Niko Kuret, 1989)----------
[ Slovenia” FACTS!
Churches:
Cerkve:
Sloveniji daje svojski pečat 2850 cerkva, na tisoče kapelic, znamenj in križev. Med cerkvami jih je čez 400 posvečenih Mariji. Že od nekdaj je zelo priljubljeno božjepotništvo. Nekaj nad 200 cerkva je božjepotnih. Osrednja romarska središča so: slovensko narodno svetišče bazilika Marije Pomagaj na Brezjah v ljubljanski nadškofiji. Osrednje marijansko svetišče za mariborsko škofijo je na Ptujski gori, za koprsko škofijo pa bazilika na Sveti gori nad Gorico.
V	zadnjih šestih letih je bilo pozidano 14 novih župnijskih cerkva. V času med drugo svetovno vojno in takoj po njej je bilo samo v ljubljanski nadškofiji močno poškodovanih, porušenih in uničenih 196 cerkva, polovico od teh ni bilo več obnovljenih.
One of Slovenia’s special features is its 2,850 churches, thousands of wayside shrines and crucifixes. More than 400 churches are dedicated to the Holy Virgin. Pilgrimage routes have been popular since their beginnings. More than 200 churches are pilgrimage sanctuaries. The main pilgrimage centre, the Slovene national sanctuary, is the Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy in Brezje, Archdiocese of Ljubljana. The main sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in the Diocese of Maribor is located on Ptujska gora, while in the Diocese of Koper this is the basilica on Sveta gora above Gorizia.
In the last six years, 14 new parish churches have been built. During and immediately after the Second World War, 196 churches were severely damaged, demolished or destroyed in the Archdiocese of Ljubljana alone, one half of which have not been rebuilt.
Excerpt from KATOLIŠKA CERKEV V SLOVENIJI, Ljubljana, 1995.
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“FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART”
Leap Year
Do you know what is so special about this year? It’s Leap Year! This means that February has 29 days instead of 28.
This is due to the rotation of the Earth around the Sun. It takes 365-1/4 days for the Earth to circle the Sun.
In early days (B.C.) man recorded the days with a Lunar calendar (a calendar based on the moon).However, for farming purposes, so that he could keep track of the seasons, man switched to a Solar calendar (a calednar based on the sun). This switch caused an uneven amount of days. There was 1/4 of a day left over. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar declared that every fourth year a day shall be added to February to account for the extra time.
DAVY’S COLUMN
Now, looking at the calendar it seems pretty weird that the second month of the year would get the extra day, or even that the second month of the year would be the short month. One would think if any month was slighted or would get the extra day it would be the last month of the year, not the second month.
Well, back in Julius Caesar’s day, February was the last month of hte year, not the second. February became the second month of the year, when New Year’s day was moved to January 1st, but that’s a whole other article.
’til next month.
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