Volume 80 Issue 6 November/December, 2008 The Dawn Official Publication Slovenian Women's Union of America Uradno Glasilo Slovenske Ženske Zveze v Ameriki mm 60th Anniversary Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program /Foundation The Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program/Foundation will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary during the coming year, 2009. In the past over $200,000 was awarded to financially assist approximately 250 students, both recipients and non recipients. This would never have been possible without the financial and promotional support of all you, and that of those who came before you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. There is much satisfaction in knowing that the Slovenian Women’s Union of America has served as a charity, financially assisting our young Slovenian students during the past 60 years. Yet, at this time the SWUA Scholarship Program/Foundation faces a critical situation. FI RST: Scholarships in the past of $ 1,000 are no longer sufficient, considering that today $ 1,000 will cover expenses of ONE four credit course with books and lab fees. SECOND: During the past several years, large scholarships from individuals have been received. This is no longer happening. The Zarja donor report of May/June 2008 indicated a total donation of$105 and during the most recent report of July/ August 2008, only one donation, (GREATLY APPRECIATED) of $50. Income from donations alone can not fund scholarships in the future. Years past, the scholarship was listed as a possible choice of donation on annual SWUA membership billing. That is no longer done, so that Zaija, the main visual reason for membership in SWUA is edited and printed in excellent form. The content and appearance ofZaija is crucial to the survival of SWUA. There appears to be only two ways in which to resolve our CRITICAL condition: OPTION 1: Spend down the CDs and investments of the SWUA Foundation. In this scenario, and most likely the one which will be implemented, will mean the total termination of the SWUA Scholarship Program/Foundation in about 6 years. OPTION 2: A. Conduct a fund raiser. Ideas/ volunteers would be needed B. Volunteers to promote and advertise the scholarship program needed as well. The SWUA Scholarship Program Foundation is advertised in college and high school manuals, in brochures, Zarja, on the SWUA website, and in American Home. Letters to 16, 17, and 18 year old members will be mailed to them this fall advising them of our program. In conclusion: ONE QUESTION: “ What will happen to SWUA membership if its scholarship program dissolves? We look forward to hearing your suggestions and opinions. Again, we thank each one of you for you past verbal and financial assistance to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Slovenian Women’s Union Scholarship Program/Foundation. Be proud of the way in which you have helped our young people to attain their educational pursuits. I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Mary Titrvey, Scholarship Director 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 mturvey@aol.com Zarja - The Dawn EDITOR: Debbie Pohar DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: Bonnie Pohar Prokup CONSULTING EDITOR: C orinni' Leskovar EDITORIAL OEI1CI 1696 Illinois St.. LaSalle. II 61301 TELEPHONE: 815.223.9596 LAX: 815.224.1074 W I B SI LI www.swua.oru PUBLISHER: Slovenian Women’s Union ol America TELEPHONE: 815,727.1926 Vol. 80. No 6. November December2008 Published bimonthly Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet. II and additional mailing offices. (ISSN 0044-1848) Postmaster: Send all changes of address to: SLOVI NIAN WOMEN'S UNION Ol AMERICA 431 N. Chicago St.. Joliel, II 60432 Communications lor the next issue of publication: Do you ha\e something SWUA-related you would like to share w nil readers, like an event you want to let people know about or an idea for an article'.’ We would lo\e to hear from you! Please e-mail the editor at pohar4 1211 PLAINFIELD RI)., JOLIET, IL 60435 www.tezakfuneralhome.com 815.741.2563 Fax 877.587.8460 815.722.0524 Celebrating our 100"' Year! SWUA Calendar of Events For more information on any event contact: wprokup@aol.com Saturday, November 1 Apple Strudel Demonstration in Lemont sponsored by Branch 99, Lemont, IL register with Julie at 630.229.6416. Tuesday, November 4 Branch 43, Milwaukee, WI Bake Sale at the 88lh Street School from 7am - 8pm or until sold out. Friday - Sunday, November 7-9 “Sample Slovenian Heritage” weekend at the Mohican Outdoor Center in Blairstown, NJ - Open to all SWUA members, friends and guests. Saturday, November 15 Branch 13, San Francisco, CA 1 l,h Annual Martinovanje Celebration. 5:30 p.m. Mass followed by hors d’oeuvres, drinks, meal and music. Sunday, November 9 Branch 108, Olney, MD 5,h Anniversary Pilgrimage to National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmetsburg, MD. Sunday, November 16 Branch 2, Chicago, IL Penny Social to be held at Shrine of St. Stephen’s (lower hall) from 12:00pm -4:00pm. Sunday, November 30 USPEH Choir Concert at 2:00pm at St. John the Evangelist Church, 8500 W Cold Spring Road, Greenfield, WI. Thursday, December 4 Branch 13, San Francisco, CA Christmas Party to be held at the Slovenian Hall at noon. Saturday, December 6 Branch 2, Chicago, IL Annual Christmas Party for junior members from 12:30pm - 3:30pm. Sunday, December 7 Branch 99, Lemont, IL Annual Cookie Sale to be held at the Slovenian Cultural Center in Lemont from 12:00pm -1:30pm. Saturday, December 13 Branch 100, Fontana, CA Christmas Party. Sunday, December 21 Branch 2, Chicago, IL Adult Christmas Party. Tuesday, December 23 Branch 42, Maple Heights, OH Christmas Party to be held at Pipers Three on Broadview Road in Parma. For more information contact Jackie at 216.475.4711. Sunday, December 28 Branch 20, Joliet, IL Christmas Party to be held at Al’s Steak House. Saturday, January 10 Branch 43, Milwaukee, WI Apres Christmas Party to be held at Klemmer’s Banquet Center; contact Josephine Janezic at 414.545.0691. Tuesday, December 2 Branch 14 Christmas Party 6:00pm Slovenian meal at the Slovenian Society Home on Recher Avenue in Euclid, OH. Happy Holidays From: Dorothy Lamm and daughters Denise Kneisley and Robin Hegeduš Merry Christmas To: Terselics Everywhere, Especially Cousin Rich From: Barbara Terselic Bruch SWUA Scholarship Program Awards Available for the 2009-2010 School Year There is often some question about the two different types of SWUA Scholarships available. The SWUA Bylaw 6.02 gives a good description of the College Scholarship and the Continuing Education Award. “It shall be the duty of the scholarship program committee to award scholarships to qualified candidates. A candidate must be 1) a graduating high school senior contemplating higher education in an accredited college or university. 2) a student currently attending an accredited college or university 3) an adult member whose education has been interrupted, delayed, or is planning a career change with intent to attend an accredited college, university, or technical trade school. A Branch may have more than one (1) of its members receive a scholarship in a given year and a family may have more than one (1) family member receive a Slovenian Women’s Union of America Scholarship. An individual may not receive more than two (2) Slovenian Women’s Union of America Scholarships. All applicants who were not successful in receiving a scholarship may reapply anytime during furthering their education or changing/adding to their career choice. The number of scholarships to be awarded each year shall be determined by the Scholarship Program committee.” Applications are available on web site http://www.swua.org “scholarship”. Deadline is March 1, 2009. Awards are based on financial need, scholastic achievement, civic and community participation, and interest in Slovenian culture. Please remind SWUA members who are of college age of SWUA Scholarships available in 2009! Winter will soon be upon us, and it brings to mind a beloved news reporter, Tony Snow, who died earlier this year. During one of his addresses, this one at the 118,h Commencement of the American Catholic University, Washington D.C. on May 12, 2007, he states: “To love is to place others before you and to make their needs your priority. Do it. When you put somebody else at the center of the frame, your entire world changes, and for the better. You begin to find your own place in the world. When you're drawn into the lives of others, you enter their problems, their hopes, their dreams, and their families. They whisk you down unimagined corridors, toward possibilities that had been hidden to you before. So resolve to do little things for others. You don't know where they will lead you. ” The townspeople of Ely, Minnesota were fortunate to have had such a resident, one who put others at the center of his life, as a worker in their community. Bill Slogar, born 1927 during his mother’s “change of life” was bom with some educable mental handicap, but he was admired, respected for his nature, a most helpful, loyal, generous, thoughtful, sociable, cheerful and happy person. He compiled scrapbooks for SWUA, Slovenian heritage items, and biographies of residents of the city, along with setting up and helping to prepare meals, cleaning and with activities at the Ely Senior Center. He visited folks in nursing homes, and preserved Ely’s history from newspaper clippings. He introduced his friends to SWUA and was a fantastic donor to the SWUA Scholarship Foundation, not missing one month without sending a check of at least $5.00 in memory of an Ely loved one. Rhea Rossi wrote: “Uncle Billy lived for all things Slovenian and helped those around him stay grounded in our chaotic day to day lives, and helped us to understand and appreciate our family backgrounds. He lived for all things Slovenian. ” During this New Year, we will be celebrating the 60lh anniversary of the SWUA Scholarship Program. Marie Prisland would be proud to see that one of her many charitable plans have endured. I ask for your continued support of the program. Your gift of $ 10 or $20 can make a huge difference in how many students can be financially assisted. Many are holding down several jobs while attending school at the same time. Merry Christmas to each of you! May He who is the source of every good thing continue to shower His grace and blessings upon you all during this holy season and throughout the coming year. - Mary Turvey, Scholarship Director, 4 Lawrence Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 or mturvey@aol .com (f ' t A Scholarship Donation $50.00 Gift from Kelli Maloy In memory of a long-time, proud member of SWUA’s Branch 26, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania + Frances Mozina Kuchna Life of St. Nicholas Nicholas was bom in the 3rd Century in modern-day Turkey. He was the only son of wealthy Christian parents. His parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young and he was raised by his uncle, who was a bishop. He guided the young Nicholas to become a priest. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and is often called upon by mariners who are in danger of drowning or being shipwrecked. A legend grew that Nicholas had been a sailor or fisherman himself, however, it is more likely that one of his family businesses involved managing a fishing fleet. When his parents died, Nicholas received his inheritance but is said to have given it away to the poor. According to legend a terrible famine struck the area and a malicious butcher lured three little children into his house, where he slaughtered and butchered them, placing their remains in a barrel to cure, planning to sell them off as ham. St. Nicholas, visiting the region to care for the hungry, not only saw through the butcher’s horrific crime but also resurrected the three boys from the barrel by his prayers. In his most famous exploit however, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them, this meant that they would remain unmarried and without any way of supporting themselves. Hearing of the poor man’s delimia, Nicholas went to his house under the cover of night for three consecutive nights and threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins, the first two through a open window into the man’s house. The third night the father hid and waited, trying to discover the identity of their benefactor. St. Nicholas learned of the poor man’s plan and droped the third bag down the chimney instead. The daughter had just washed her stockings that evening and hung them over the embers of the fire in the fireplace to dry and the bag of gold fell into the stocking. One unusual aspect of St. Nicholas’ life is that he lived to an old age and died peacefully in his own bed. At a time when most saints died for their faith in manners most unusual and cruel, this made him stand out, together with St. Martin (another Saints Day celebrated in Slovenia), who also died of old age. Saint Nicholas Day is a festival for children in Slovenia related to legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts, the American Santa Claus is derived from these legends. In Slovenia, St. Nicholas Day {Miklavž), December 6, is the special day of gift-giving for children. The weeks before are the time for Miklavž fairs or markets. Saint Nicholas (Miklavž) is accompanied by angels and devils (parkelji). The night before the Feast of St. Nicholas, children put a shoe outside the door, hoping it will be filled with treats of fruit, candies, coins and small toys. The saint’s companion parkelji may leave coal or cinders and switches for naughty children. Usually children receive a mix of both. December 6th in Slovenia usually begins with Mass where St. Nicholas appears, his staff decorated with ribbons and flowers, carrying a big white book with the names of good children. Angels come along to assist in giving gifts and the devils carry chains to frighten naughty children. St. Nicholas reads the children’s names from the book, praising their good behavior, and giving the gift to an angel who hands the gift to the child. Then St. Nicholas tells the not-so-good children to be better and kinder in the next year, while the devils jump around, rattling their chains frightening the bad children. After the children promise to behave in the future, they, too, receive a gift. The rest of the day is spent in family activities, usually with a simple but hearty meal prepared. (See Page 28 for a great cookie recipe.) The metamorphosis of Saint Nicholas into the commercially more lucrative Santa Claus, occurred through the years after many European immigrants brought their cherished St. Nicholas holiday traditions to the United States. Many of the American traditions reveal some distinctive characteristics of the traditional and legendary St. Nicholas. Christmas stockings by the fireplace: Relates back to the legend of the poor father of three daughters with no dowry for a proper marriage. On the third night, trying to catch a glimpse of St. Nicholas, the poor man was disappointed when the gold coins were dropped down the chimney into a stocking hanging to be dried. Candy Canes: Represent the shape of the staff that all bishops carry, hooked at the top like a shepherd’s crook, showing they are the shepherds who care for, or tend, their people. Gift-giving in secret, during the night: Nicholas did his gift giving secretly, under cover of darkness. He didn’t want to be seen and recognized as he wanted those he helped to give thanks to God. Seasonal concern for the needy: St. Nicholas gave gifts to those in greatest need. Christmas gifts and baskets given to those in need, along with other seasonal contributions to charity, reflect St. Nicholas ’ unselfish concern for others. He never wanted or expected anything in return. So c'mon... Let's Explore Hi Kids! It's JOJO again. Hey, Thanksgiving and Christmas are very near and it is such a fun time of the year. bid you press your colored autumn leaves like I told you about last time, so you can use them on the Thanksgiving table for decorations? Leave them in the books until right before you want to use them so they won't curl up. I did. Have a great turkey day but let's be thankful for all the things we have. Let's all have a great time during the holidays but don't forget their true meanings. We celebrate Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, so don't forget to wish him a happy birthday with a prayer from you. Maybe you can do something for those less fortunate than us during these holidays. Little things count in big ways. Does your church or school have a food drive for the hungry? Why not help by giving one of your favorite canned food items or send Christmas cards to the sick children in the hospital near you. Do something that helps make people happy. It will also make you happy. I sure hope you have some potica on Christmas Day, it has been a favorite of the Slovenes for many, many years. Colee Moly is really hoping he gets his share. Sometimes he embarrasses me, he eats so much of it. He comes out of his long winter nap just to eat it at holiday time. He loves it! If you get the chance to help your mother or Stara Mama make potica dig right in and learn. It is fun and you can be so proud that you helped make an old traditional food of your heritage for Christmas dinner when it is served. It is an old Slovenian specialty and the same recipe is often handed down from one generation to the next. Potica is considered a Slovenian national dish. It can be a dessert or used as a bread. So enjoy it. Another old custom used to be setting up a tiny table in the corner of the kitchen covered with a lovely lacey white tablecloth. The mother placed a homemade loaf of bread on it on Christmas Eve. The family did not use the table, it was a focal point of the room and represented the goodness and holiness of God, the bread is finally eaten on New Years Day. Some families gather daily before the Nativity table to pray together before going to bed. You can surprise your family by setting yours up and telling them about these old legends. Gifts for children were not given on Christmas Day in the olden times, but on St. Nicholas Day, December 6th. The night before, the children placed empty plates or small baskets on a window sill in their home, or set their shoes outside their bedroom door with hopes St. Nicholas would reward them with small gifts, candy or coins. What joy the next morning when they found their goodies. This custom has been widely celebrated by children around the world for many years. St. Nicholas was a priest in 300AD that helped the poor and especially loved children so he would leave little treats for them on the same day each year. This custom continues to this day. Do you practice this custom in your home? Have you remembered to put your shoes out on December 5th before going to bed? Try it and see what happens. Another old legend tells that the animals talk on Christmas Eve near midnight, but only the good hearted hear them. Listen carefully! Enjoy the holidays, but most of all remember it is Jesus' birthday, the real meaning of Christmas. Enjoy the following activities and enjoy the holidays. Well, until next time...MERRY CHRISTMAS! See ya...JOJO r— — ——————————————— — ^ ! HUG COUPON A hug has....No moving parts, no batteries, no monthly payments, inflation proof, non taxable, can not be stolen, won’t pollute, will not dilute, uses little energy, has no unpleasant side effects, it makes you happy. One size fits all. Try it. There is nothing like a HUG! This coupon entitles bearer to ONE FREE HUG. Redeemable from any participating human being. And, of course, it is fully returnable. (Coupon never expires ) -clip and use- k——————————————————J A CHRISTMAS PRESENT MAZE FOR YOU START FINISH CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH CANDY PINECONES X K Y L 0 H T N S G S Q s T U CANDYCANES POINSETTAS T S B U G J W S E 1 K 0 0 C B CHRISTMAS TREE PRESENTS A X Y 1 K Z A 0 Y L L 0 H A C COOKIES REINDEER K E E 0 R E E D N 1 E R E N Y DECORATIONS RUDOLPH P L E 0 T E L T S S 1 M S D X ELVES SANTA S E K A L F W 0 N S T A R Y J FROSTY SLEIGH T L A L R N V R T H T Y M C Y HOLLY SNOW 0 V S C 1 K A M E T Y D N A C HOLY SNOWFLAKES C K 1 E S T N w Q E W M S A E M S E W A G F T G Y A Y N E K X LIGHTS SNOWMAN K E V T Y N E V O L H T S T LOVE STAR N R S R L 1 G H T S N E S A T MILK STOCKINGS G D E C 0 R A T 1 0 N S 0 N 1 MISSLETOE TOYS S E R P 1 N E C 0 N E S R T D PEACE WREATHS B L P R u D 0 L P H J 0 F A W Men in a SWUA World Old Don’s Shoes The Tradition of St. Nicholas The tradition of St. Nicholas is a very fun and interesting part of Slovenian culture one in which to be quite honest I was not aware of until just a few years ago. It is on December sixth and is a special day to give gifts to the children whether it is fruit, candy or small toys for the good children or switches, cinders and coal for the bad kids. Realistically the legend states that most children will receive some of both because no child is either all bad or all good so a combination should be given to remind them of both parts of the tradition. Now the part of the tradition that is interesting to me is that to receive their gifts the child must put out a shoe to be filled the night before the December sixth feast day, well to me that could be unfair to the poor kids with tiny feet, but that’s ok because old Don wears a 10 wide and that leaves plenty of room for St. Nicholas to load. I know you’re saying but this is for the children, well I’m a kid at heart and if you ask most people who know me they would probably agree, so it’s worth a shot this year. So why do we celebrate St. Nicholas day? Simply put to learn about the true St. Nicholas, who was a man of faith who lived his life in devotion to Christ and he also loved children and cared greatly for the needy. When we think of him we should think about how he brings the love of Christ and the healing of Jesus. Honoring him should make every one of us think about what we can do to be like him, we all can use a little improvement in the areas of selfless giving and helping out those who maybe less fortunate. Who knows, maybe if we can learn from him and become a little better as a person then maybe on December sixth there maybe more than foot odor in our shoes when we wake up? You never know and besides it won’t hurt any of us to be kinder to each other in these tough times and to get an early start to the Christmas spirit and the feeling of good cheer. Well, that’s enough of the golden rule for this issue, but I would like to wish all of you a Happy St. Nicholas Day, a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Until the next time may good luck be your and may all of your shoes overflow with good things. - Don Baldin enlal Death and OTibcrmcnt Polic BECOME A MEMBER WITH A NEW INSURANCE PLAN FROM KSKJ! ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT PLAN Available from ages 20 to 65 (coverage expires at age 70) Minimum Amount Available $25,000 < Maximum Available $100,000 $30 minimum per mode premium - $1.00 per thousand in PA $1.20 per thousand in CA, CO, CT, IL, IN, KS, Ml, MN, MT, OH, DC, Wl Call your local sales agent or the Home Office at 1-800-843-5755 www.kskjlife.com Janet Lundgren’s Recollection of her St. Nicholas Play It is always fascinating to me how our childhood experiences can shape our perceptions for the rest of our lives. Holiday celebrations are one such example of how the customs and traditions of our youth are so influential and important to us. s mm. With the Christmas season quickly approaching, my mother recalled a play I had written for our Slovene youth group at the pivotal age of nine. I say pivotal because it is about the time that childhood beliefs about Christmas often begin to wane and transform into a more mature focus, from the vigilant trust that Santa Claus will visit on Christmas Eve, to the more religious event of the infant Christ’s birth. The details of our play are fuzzy, however, 1 do remember the process of creating the story. Upon learning that in Slovenia, Saint Nicholas visits children on December 6, instead of Santa on the 24lh, I began to ponder the possible emotions that 1 would feel if I were displaced from my American home and experienced a different kind of Christmas. Thus, the story was bom of speculation over what would happen during the Christmas season for a Slovene family with two young daughters, when they immigrate to America. The two sisters anxiously await December 6'\ when they happily discover that Saint Nicholas has found them in their new home and has delivered the anticipated treats of nuts and oranges, just as they had received in Slovenia. As Christmas Day nears, another question emerges: “Who is Santa Claus and does he know we are now in this country?” They attend a lovely Christmas Krista Eve mass, complete with the nativity scene and are comforted by the familiarity of the baby Jesus in the manger. The next morning, with the perfection of a childhood dream, the girls discover that Santa has embellished them with gifts as if they had always been on his “list.” During this final scene, the Slovenian girls certainly realized a sense of belonging, which they may have feared was left behind in their beloved homeland. events. Childhood memories have the inclination to carry on into the next generation through family customs, beliefs, and even careers. Probably not coincidently, my own daughter has always derived pleasure from imaginative play and creating stories. A previous SWUA scholarship recipient, she received her degree in Literature from the University of California, San Diego, and is now the author of a children’s play that has been published through her employer, Playbooks, Inc. The company’s goal is to provide reader’s theater books for students and families so that readers of all levels may participate together in play-acting, providing each child with a connection to the group. Krista’s story, adapted from a childhood favorite, “The Three Goats Gruff Go to the Greener Side,” mixes the familiar accomplishment of the goat siblings outwitting the horrible troll with a fun lesson in nutrition. Family traditions may continue and evolve through many generations, but 1 believe the concept of “belonging” is one we all hold close to our hearts. (Krista s play and many others may be seen at the company website: (http://www.playbooks.com) and Janet Lundgrcn, Branch 100- Fontana, CA Although I am sure that our earnest performance of this skit was not professional, the doting audience of parents, friends, and grandparents encouraged us to share our talents for many more The Path Taken.. • Dopoljena pot bv Mary Lou Voelk Stonich Family Photo, Circa 1911 From left to right: Mayme, Mary (nee Stukel). William, George, George Jr. Mar^ Slonich is wearing anfdwardian style outfit. Such was the fashion dm;mg the L90I-1910 era. Hie style sported a high lace fabric collar that reačlu d under the neck so as to elongate flic neck. The puffed sleeves and ** 1 & * gored skirt were part oftlie fashion. George and Mary Stukel Stonich In the column The Muse, (Nov/Dec 2007), George Plautz wrote of his research on the Stonich Building, the building which houses our national office and museum. He put out a plea: “If you know of any living descendants of the Stonich family....do you have old photographs of the building that can he used in documenting our case for a landmark status?" Several months ago, Georgiana Stonich Pascente came into the home office with a copy of George’s article. George Stonich was bom circa 1870 in Semič Parish, Slovenia. There is no knowledge of maternal or paternal lineage. At a young age George was orphaned. The years that followed were not happy years. At the age of 16, he set sail for America. En route, George threw papers which identified him as being a shoemaker by trade into the ocean. He wanted no part of the shoemaking profession. George arrived in Joliet in 1890. In 1892 he was listed as living at 803 N. Chicago St. and working at Golobitsch’s. Circa 1898, George and Mary Stukel (DOB 1878) were married in Joliet. The first Stonich family home and business was housed in a two story building at 813/814 N. Chicago St. The street level housed the grocery and meat store. George and Mary built a new building on the corner of 829/831 N. Chicago St. (this address was changed circa 1938 to the present address, 429/431 N. Chicago St.), and was directly across the street from St. Joseph Church. It was a tall 3-story building that proudly displayed Stonich 1910 below the rooftop facade. Standing on the third floor or atop the rooftop the family could witness what was going on throughout the city and at St. Joseph Church. On the main floor, George and Mary operated a grocery and meat market. Eventually the store became a man’s haberdashery. Four children were born to this union; George Aloysius Stonich (1898-1985), Mary Stonich Culik (1900-1985), William Stonich (1907-1922) and Edward Stonich (1912-1998). George Jr. married Angela Chudy in 1920. A daughter, Angela (1921 -2002), was bom in the front bedroom of the Stonich Building. Angela became Sr. Georgiana. A second child, Georgiana was born in Berwyn, Illinois on July 23, 1931. On April 27, 1967 Georgiana was married to Dr. James R. Pascente at Saint Patrick Church in Lemont, Illinois. Two children were born of this union; James C. (DOB: January 7, 1969) and Angela Marie (DOB: February 24, 1972). Dr. Pascente passed away on May 27, 1974. George and Angela Chudy Stonich, C irca 1924. Angela's outfit is indicativrof the year 1922f\vhen m aistlincs began to drop, styles became loose and baggy and the hemlines rose to calf level. The cloche hat supports this iconic era. Georgiana’s Memories Each Sunday we would set off to visit both sets of grandparents. Call it the Sunday ritual. Visiting Grandma and Grandpa Stonich was always a treat. Upon entering the building one could smell the aroma of grandpa’s cigars. The memory of the cigars still lingered when I was given a tour of the building just a few months ago! 1 loved climbing those stairs to the upstairs apartment. We always visited in the sitting room which faced North Chicago Street. In each of the bay windows was a large jardiniere of Boston ferns. Grandpa Stonich always sat at a claw-leg table. A brass tray held his cigars, matches and ashtray. Grandma always sat under a large picture of William as a young man. (William passed away at the age of fifteen.) Mother and Dad always sat across from them. Beautiful wood sliding doors closed off the living room. The room sported leather furniture and a piano. A glass bowl and pitcher with a colored and raised grape design adorned the dining room buffet. Today I have this treasure on my buffet. 1 remember my grandparent’s bed cover with purple appliqued flowers on a white background. strategically placed around the room for customer comfort when trying on shoes. The front windows were adorned with small but elegant stools. On these stools were various pairs of up to date styles of shoes. Today I treasure one of these stools. Strange as it may seem, we never celebrated holidays with my Grandmother or Grandfather Stonich. Perhaps it was the distance as it was a 39-mile drive from Berwyn to Joliet. It was my mother who baked potica and strudel, and carried on our Slovenian heritage. This past year I made the best potica ever. The dough just stretched until it hit the floor! I was so proud. I knew I was now a Slovenian woman! My sister Angela entered the Sisters of St Joseph at La Grange at the age of 21. At her reception it was announced that she would be taking the name, Sr. Georgiana. I just gasped, I was so proud! Grandma’s kitchen was a busy place. There was always something good to eat. Whenever I expressed being hungry, I would be served homemade bread with a slice of pork. Pork roast was her specialty as was her bread. She always let it be known that she used milk, not water, in her bread recipe. While the family visited, my sister Angela and I would roam the building, checking out, through the back windows, what was going on at the Tezak Funeral Home. It was always so fascinating to see Mrs. Tezak dressed in her top hat, striped pants and black top. Affixed to the walls of the haberdashery were shelves that held the many boxes of shoes. Benches were After retirement George and Mary sold the building and made their home with their son and his wife, Ed and Louise Nasnbcnny Stonich on Summit St. in Joliet. George died in 1947. Mary passed away in circa 1952. Both George and Mary were buried from the Nemanich Funeral Home in Joliet. They rest at St. Joseph Cemetery. History of the Stonich Building Built in 1910 by George and Mary Stukel Stonich Meat/grocery store: George and Mary Stonich Haberdashery: George and Mary Stonich Pharmacy: Lawrence Zena Music store: Sochan Family Home Office: SWU A (December 20,1976) SWUA Minnesota Regional Convention Hosted by Branch 35, of Aurora, Minnesota Slovenian Women’s Union of America, Branch 35, of Aurora, Minnesota, hosted the annual SWUA Minnesota State Convention at Holy Rosary Church in Aurora on Sunday September 7,h. Representatives from seven (7) Minnesota branches arrived at 9:00 a.m. for registration and coffee with the meeting beginning at 9:45 a.m. A beautiful array of baked items, including poticas and strudels, made by the members of the Aurora branch, were enjoyed by the registrants. Along with Aurora, members from Ely, Duluth, Chisholm, Biwabik, Soudan and the Twin Cities, seventy-one (71) delegates attended. Minnesota Regional Officers in attendance were, President, Rosemary Ribich, Biwabik, Vice President, Anita Vovk, Aurora and Secretary/Treasurer, Mary Spehar White, Duluth. Special guest from Iron River, Wisconsin representing the National Board was National Vice-President of Culture and Heritage, Mary Lou Deyak Voelk. Also present was Jeanne Korsman, Gilbert, former National and Minnesota Regional President and greetings and regrets sent by Tory Bobence, Soudan, former National President who was unable to attend. Our state of Minnesota has been fortunate to have these women as National Presidents. Branches all thank Mary Lou for her endless work in making this weekend possible. After a very constructive agenda, the members assembled in the church for the celebration of the Mass officiated by Father Rick Banker, pastor of the East Range Catholic Parishes. The choir was comprised of the SWUA members and soloist was Mary Spehar White of Duluth. A Convention message from SWUA National President, Bonnie Prokup, LaSalle, Illinois was read as was a message from the ZARJA Editor, Debbie Pohar. ZARJA the Dawn, is the bi-monthly magazine created to preserve the Slovenian heritage and will be celebrating its eighty (80) years of publication in 2009. Norman Setnicker, President of the Twin Cities Branch 109, reported on the success of the Slovenian display at the annual FESTIVAL OF NATIONS held at Riverside in St. Paul, Minnesota. The theme was Art and Architecture of the country. This was the first event that represented the country of Slovenia and plans are in order for the 2009 event. The theme for 2009 will be on changes in the mode of transportation in Slovenia. Charlotte Laurich, President of the Chisholm Branch reported on the success of CAMP HERITAGE that was held at IRONWORLD in Chisholm. Four (4) instructors from the SLOVENIAN WORLD KONGRESS spent the weekend teaching fourteen (14) young students about their culture and heritage. Mary Lou Voelk, VP of Culture and Heritage presented awards to the members involved. The A complete and delicious turkey dinner was catered by Francine Gunderson and her staff and served to ninety-one (91) members and guests. Entertainment was by Stan Trost, George Rosandich, Peggy Bateman and John Stark. B Following dinner, Bob McDonald of Chisholm showed a slide ' presentation of Croatia. Our 2009 Minnesota Regional Convention hosted by Branch 33 in Duluth. Branch 33 will be k celebrating eighty (80) Congratulations, 33! MINNESOTA REGIONAL PRESIDENT ROSEMARY (SERTICH) RIBICH, President Branch 39, Biwabik, Minnesota Father Bernard Horzen, Branch 24 LaSalle, Illinois Receives the Bishop Baraga Association Award 2008 Father Bernard Horzen received the Bishop Baraga Association Award for 2008 on Sunday, September 28 at the Slovenian Catholic Center in Lemont, 1L. The award was the culminating event of Bishop Baraga Days held in Joliet and Lemont, IL on the final weekend of September. In receiving this award, Father Bernard, a priest for fifty-five years, a columnist for KSKJ, a teacher for over forty years at St. Bede Academy in Peru, IL, current pastor at St. Thomas More parish in Dalzell, IL, and recently published author, credited his parents for instilling in him the Slovenian/Catholic values they brought with them from the old country to America. (from page III) I began this chapter with “Slovenia as a child,” so I thought it would be fitting to end it with “Slovenia as an adult.” Since 1963,1 have made several journeys to Slovenia. Of course, in 1963 Slovenia was still a part of Yugoslavia, but even before its independence, Slovenia was a separate place from Yugoslavia in my mind and in the minds of many others. Some sort of good fortune must have come my way to allow me to make my first adult trip to Slovenia. A priest from Cleveland, Ohio, was about to embark with a pilgrim group when, at the last minute, he was asked to stay in his area and help raise funds for a new convent. So I was asked to go in his place. The abbot at St. Bede, Father Lawrence, graciously allowed me to make the six-week summer trip to my parents’ homeland. As one can see, Slovenia has left its mark on Father Bernard just as he has left a positive mark on so many. Father Bernard’s book can be ordered by mailing a check or money order to: St. Thomas More Church 302 Chestnut Street Dalzell, IL 61320 The book can also be ordered by calling 815.663.6201 Cost of the book is $ 15 Please add $3 for shipping/handling for a total of $18 From his group trips to Slovenia to his participation and membership in Slovenian organizations, Father Bernard has steadfastly supported the remembrance, promotion, and celebration of Slovenia and its culture. His book, “Maybe Be Rain”, released this past spring, is an excellent example of the mark left on Father Horzen by his Slovenian heritage. Here are two excerpts from“Maybe Be Rain”: The Memoirs of Father Bernard Horzen: (from page 1) My dad lived up in a higher part of Slovenia, but the village that he was closest to, and the one I’ve sent mail to, was Cerklje ob Krki, “church on the river.” It’s a beautiful river, different from the Illinois River running through the Illinois Valley area, where we are today. Slovenia is so beautiful scenically, so many different landscapes with lots of sunshine. Throughout the territory in the southern part, almost every couple miles a quaint village church sits amid the grape vineyards. I’ve visited Slovenia several times and on two occasions I visited where my mom and dad were bom and where their parents were buried. I’m left with such beautiful memories, the beautiful country, and my roots there shaped who I am. Slovenian Women’s Union of America Slovenska Ženska Zveza v Ameriki Membership Application Yes! I want to join the SWUA. I want to preserve and promote the legacy of our Slovenian-American heritage. As a member I will receive the publication Zarja the Dawn; I can affiliate with branches and events across the country and best of all, 1 will come in contact with fellow Slovenes. Please type or print legibly. Choose type of membership: Junior (Birth to 18) Annual Dues $5.00 Adult Annual Dues $20.00 Name and Middle Initial_______________________________________Maiden Name____________________________ Street Address____________________________________City/State/Zip_____________________________________ Phone/Fax_________________________________________ E-mail____________________________________________ Date of Birth_____________________________________ Do you speak Slovenian?___________________________ Please describe your Slovenian ancestry and provide SLOVENIAN SURNAMES_______________________________ How did you hear about us? SWUA member newspaper website other_______________________________________________________________________ Applicant signature:__________________________________________________________ Date:______________________ Branch Affiliation No. (if known)_____________________ Location:__________________________________________ Please make checks payable to the Slovenian Women s Union of America and mail to: SWUA 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432 For additional information, contact: SLOVENIAN WOMEN’S UNION OF AMERICA, 431 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432 815.727.1926 e-mail: swuhome@sbcglobal.net-website: www.swua.org 1 would like to volunteer for the SWUA. My area of interest or expertise is: Tell a Friend! If you wish us to send information to a friend or relative just fill in name and address here: My friend’s name__________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: City____________________________________________________State__________________________Zip_______ Secrets of Slovenia Kollander World Travel An Update on the SWUA Zarja Celebration Tour! The “Secret” may already be out. Nearly every major travel trade magazine, from Conde Nast to National Geographic Traveler has had a mention or even multi page stories featuring the beauty of Slovenia. Recommend magazine for the travel trade lists Ljubljana as “the next Prague”, which translates as cutting edge trendy. Of course none of this is new news to the readers of Zarja the Dawn! The Slovenian Women’s Union of America has organized dozens of trips to Slovenia and surrounding areas over the decades and Kollander World Travel is proud to have been chosen to operate the 2009 tour. The history of our tour and travel agency dates back to the store that opened in front of the Slovenian National Home in Cleveland in 1923. We have had the remarkable good fortune to be aware of the benefits working with Slovenia for our entire history! Veteran traveler and acknowledged ‘Slovene-aphile’, Bonnie Prokup wore several hats when considering the itinerary and daily details we have planned for this trip. As National President of SWUA, she wanted to be sure to achieve the best possible value for the membership and tour participants. As an airline industry veteran, she understood the value of choosing a higher caliber airline like Austrian Air due to its reliability in these times. And most important, as a lover of all Slovenian culture, she wanted to add those uniquely Slovenian ingredients that the solo traveler would never uncover; special meals prepared in traditional ways (a celebration of Slovenian women cooking!), small villages preserving ancient life styles, and of course great local musicians celebrating the good life in the evening! The Kollander World Travel group department in cooperation with our partners in Ljubljana at Kompas Tours is pleased to present the completed product in the form of our brochure highlighting details of the trip. VP of Kollander, Tony Petkovšek and SWUA member Alice Kuhar are currently in Slovenia checking on the 3 tours currently enjoying the country; the KSKJ Tour of Slovenia and Croatia, Slovenian Genealogy Society International Conference and Tour, and the Adam Barthalt group from New York. They are also busy testing venues we will visit in 2009 with the ZARJA Celebration tour; so we hope the štrukelji are up to par! May is a beautiful time to visit Slovenia. The coast is warm, not hot and the larger crowds of tourists are at least a month away! Flowers are everywhere. Warmed by the prevailing Mediterranean winds the blooms are at least a month ahead of the American Midwest. It’s not too early for fresh vegetables from the many organic farms and hot houses that dot the countryside we will be touring. In Bohinj, the spring brings fresh cheese from the cows and goats that are busy eating the fresh grasses on the hill sides. And, what luck, the grapes from last fall’s harvest have been busy working all winter and are just ready for testing! From all of us at Kollander World Travel, we thank the American-Slovenian community for the relationship we’ve enjoyed for 85 years now! The continued cooperation between our company and the people of Slovenia has helped us survive and prosper for eight decades. We are now planning trips and honeymoons for the grandchildren and the great-grand children of our first customers! Please contact us for information on our 2009 line up of international travel adventures throughout the world. The SWUA ZARJA Celebration Tour brochure is available by mail or can be printed directly from our web site. The experienced travel counselors at our office will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the tour. We can often accommodate early arrivals or trip extensions even involving other parts of Europe if your travel plans and budget allow it! The 2009 Secrets of Slovenia Tour has space for 14 more travelers as of the writing of this article. If you plan to join, we look forward to working with you soon! Yours in Travel! Michael J. Benz mbenz@kollander.com Kollander World Travel 971 E 185th St Cleveland, OH 44119 216.692.1000 1. 800.800.5981 www.kollander.com Branch Reports Poročila Podružnic BRANCH 1 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin Through major surgery and several stays in the hospital, Aggie Gruenke, President of Branch 1 organized and managed an outstanding Wisconsin State Convention, which was held on September 14th. Kudos and hearty applause to you Aggie. Thanks to everyone who volunteered in any way, those who worked so diligently on the outstanding theme decorations, those who contributed to raffles and door prizes, the chauffeurs who made it possible for the homebound to attend and those who made it a memorable day. If 1 have forgotten any one or group, I apologize. Names are too numerous to mention, but you know who you are. We were happy with the number of guests who attended; the food and entertainment was outstanding. Slovenian heritage is alive in Sheboygan! At the convention we were pleased with the presence of Denise Bartlett, SWUA National Treasurer; Yvonne Johnstone Khlady, Wisconsin State President; Rose Majerle Klug, Wisconsin State Vice-President and Mary Turvey, Scholarship Director. Each spoke at the business meeting and later in the day regarding current and future events. Each branch delegate gave her report. The business meeting is an important segment and its importance cannot be overlooked. Useful information is made known and procedure is followed according to SWUA bylaws. We can rest on our laurels for a short time, then onto planning of 2009. Members, remember all suggestions are welcome. Out of town members, please join us if you are ever in the area at the time of one of our meetings. We’d love to see you! ANGIE FRITZ BRANCH 2 - Chicago, Illinois As I am writing this, many of our members are busy bailing water from their homes. “IKE” has really brought many heartaches from Texas to the North. May our Lord help you during these hard times. On a happy note, Marija, Vince and Robert Rigler were in Slovenija for a month, visiting relatives and friends. Robert celebrated his 12,h birthday and received a harmonica from a family friend. They also visited Millie Paisoli’s relatives who are in the wine business. The following members have been on our sick lists: Irene Kalina, Rose Mary Litwin, Fran Morison, Delores Nauheimer, Marie Ovnik, Mary Tasic and Mary Reich. Please remember these dates: Penny Social November 16"' at noon. Bring your neighbors, relatives and friends, the more people who attend, the more fun we will have. There is always a surprise! Lunch will be served. December 6 - Christmas Party for Children. Adult Christmas dinner- December 21, more info, later, contact Fran Morison at 708.485.7306 or Delores Puhek at 708.912.1879. Condolences to the following families: to the Toplak family on the loss of their brother John and a good supporter of Zveza and to the Orehek family on the loss of their mother, Frances. She was our member for 42 years. She was a schoolteacher and taught some of her grandchildren at home. To Carole Marubio and family on the loss of her mother, Mamie Ulepich Fabian. Mamie was a member for 53 years. She was very active at meetings, picnics or anywhere she was needed. To the family of Ray Nusko, Jr., his 13 children and 11 grandchildren and to their Aunt Corinne Leskovar and family. Ray was very active for many years with his wife Gloria and her mother Mrs. Novak in SWUA. He was so talented, our meetings were always a theme and Ray decorated the drab hall and made it fancy. He not only helped Branch 2 but any organization that came to St. Stephens that needed help. Please keep them all in your prayers, that they will rest in Peace. GOOD LUCK to our new President and his Party that they will keep America safe. VESELE BOŽNIČE PRAZNIKE and SREČNO NOVO LETO 2009 DAISY BRANCH 12 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Well this is the first day of the new season for Branch 12. We met today and after the usual preliminary order of business, our President Virginia Strukel, reported on the Slovene Day Celebration preparations in West Allis. Our Mayor Dan Devine declared September 26,h as Slovenian Day and a full day of celebratory events are planned, including the attendance of local school students who will be attending. I am sure Virginia will follow this up with a report after the celebration is completed. Dr. Žigon will be in attendance. He is one busy man but agreed to attend our celebration. She also reported on the State Convention, which was hosted by Branch 1 of Sheboygan and commented on a wonderful day convention wise; not weather wise (it poured all over Wisconsin on that Sunday); and we look forward to next year’s State Convention to be hosted by Branch 43 of Milwaukee. We are planning a Christmas party for our branch. Wc received applications for three new members since our last report; and we are looking forward to many Slovenian events being planned by other Slovenian lodges during the upcoming fall season. So until the next issue, here’s hoping everything is just right in your little corner of the world. FRANCES REMSHAK BRANCH 13 - San Francisco, California St. Martin’s feast day in Slovenia, comparable to America’s Thanksgiving, is celebrated the month of November. After many months of hard work, crops are harvested, livestock are slaughtered, pork products are prepared for the winter and grapes are fermented into new wine. A celebration of feasting, merriment and especially of thanks for the goodness bestowed upon them. The celebration reaches into the past and predates Christianity. When the Slovenians accepted Christianity, they turned to St. Martin of Tours (316-397) as their patron saint. He was aptly chosen because of his promotion of advances in agriculture and viticulture, which were so vital to the Slovenian people throughout the centuries. Eleven years ago, our late Zveza member, Martina Sepaher brought the Martinovanje celebration to life in San Francisco’s Church of the Nativity of our Lord. Each year she added touches, which perfected the event, until her untimely passing last year. On Saturday, November 15, 2008, our 11th annual Martinovanje celebration will start with a 5:30 p.m. Mass. The Church will be beautifully decorated with flowers and special embroidered altar cloths from Slovenia. A Slovenian priest will be invited to celebrate the Mass, along with our own pastor and with the choir singing traditional Slovenian songs. After Mass a full no-host bar is available with a variety of hors d’oeuvres in the parish hall, which decorated in autumn colors and an array of Slovenian pictures on the walls. Pigs will be barbequed in Sonoma and brought to the church hall. Turkeys, vegetables, and potatoes, Slovenian style, are prepared at the hall kitchen. Franci Pecavar always donates his “Blue Ribbon” wines for the dinner. Martin Bajuk donates two cases of Sebastiani wine every year to add to a variety of other prizes for the raffle. After dessert of homemade potica and strudels, musicians will provide Slovenian polka and waltz music for the dancing pleasure of the 160 happy guests. Thank you Frances Chilcoat for this wonderful report!! The Board of Directors of Branch 13 wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Remember our Christmas Pot Luck Luncheon is Thursday, December 4"’ at noon at the Slovenian Hall. BARBARA CHIODO bchiodo@comcast.net 650.593.9576 BRANCH 14 - Euclid, Ohio Hello from Branch 14! Wc are lookingforward to meeting everyone this December at our Christmas dinner. Once again Stana will be calling everyone and setting up the seating for our Christmas dinner which will take place on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6 p.m. at the Slovenian Society Home on Recher Avenue in Euclid. We don’t know what we would do without Stana who is so precise in seeing that all goes without a problem. As is customary we will have a delicious traditional Slovenian dinner prepared by our member Sophie Mazi and her staff. They prepare the best Slovenian food outside of Slovenia from their chicken liver dumpling soup to their homemade strudel for dessert. Afterwards we will have our customary raffle where we raffle off wrapped gifts that are donated by the attendees. This is our only fundraiser for the year and everyone is so generous. The Ohio SWUA Convention was held on October 5th at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland. Our president, Diane Varney, attended as our representative. Hello to Pauline Krall who is now residing at Gateway Nursing Home. Get well to all our sick and home-bound members. May they and everyone have a blessed Christmas season. PATRICIA BUDZILEK BRANCH 16 - South Chicago, Illinois Our meeting for September was the first time we met since April and everyone really missed not being together. We had our Member of the Year Dinner in May and then many circumstances came up and we had to cancel our June meeting. It was good to be back. Our member Draga Pavlovich passed away earlier this year, and we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her friends and family; may she rest in peace. The Kitchen Table Committee has met 3 times and averaged 5 hours a session. Since our last report on the KTC, Helen Battista has joined the group. It has been much fun, and brings back many a memories. As we work through the World War II issues, we are reminded of all the events that went on at that time. The Patriotism of the Lodges really comes through. Gladys Buck had the privilege of indexing her own monthly reporting in a 1943 issue that covered the First National Convention. Dolores Franko read an article in one of her books that suggests if you’re looking for a way to raise money for your branch, have a member celebrate their Birthday by giving a penny for each of their age. That could be good since we are all up in the higher age bracket. The last meeting we had we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the Adria Club, it is a Serbian Restaurant and we all had food that was delicious. Our next meeting of the Kitchen Table Committee will be October 8'h, which will be long, gone by the time you get this article. I understand that Branch 95 has disbanded, so anyone from that branch is welcome to join Branch 16. We will be looking forward to seeing you at our meeting. We meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month in the St. George Church Hall at 1:00 p.m. May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. DOROTHY ROSSI BRANCH 20 - Joliet, Illinois Wow! Did we ever have a busy, active past 2 months. The Grape Festival the end of September, which is always a fun-filled evening and our 80th Anniversary celebration in October. We truly hope all who attended had a great time. A big “thank you” to all who worked, supported and attended this special event. Now our committees and workers can have a few days of R&R before starting to plan for the holidays. They’ll be here before you know it. Condolences to member Frances Trautner on the loss of her sister member Angela Chytracek, to members Dorothy Lakotich, Delores Suhadolc, Rose Meyers, Theresa Rousonelos, Bob and Joann Horvat and Mary Ann Pluth on the loss of their sister, member Evelyn Mauro. Condolences also to members Vicki Hodgeman and Bill and Theresa Bums on the loss of their loved one. Congratulations and Best Wishes to member Mark Cepon on his recent marriage and members Walter and Josephine Lustik on their 50lh Anniversary of wedded bliss. As mentioned in our calendar of events, November 18 is the election of officers for the coming year. If you would like to be a representative on the board or you know of anyone who would be qualified, feel free to let our president, Char Kobe, know. Keep your calendar of events handy for upcoming events such as our Christmas Party scheduled for December 28 at Al’s Steak House. For reservations send $20 per person to Jean Herbst, 912 Barber Lane, Joliet, IL 60435. Guests are most welcome. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else s, we 'd grab ours back. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving, Blessed Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year. PAT FIGUROWSKI BRANCH 24 - LaSalle, Illinois Dober Dan! At our first meeting of the year, Melissa Actis was sworn in as Treasurer, and Rosemary McLaughlin and Mary Ann Pieczynski were appointed “sunshine ladies”. Several of our members are on the “sick list” and we wish them all well and keep them in our prayers. Following the summer there isn’t much to report as yet. Plans were made for our upcoming trip to Baraga Days and also our annual fundraiser - the bakeless bake sale. Comments were made regarding the great job the “girls” are doing on Zarja and how we all look forward to receiving it in the mail and reading it from cover to cover. Congratulations and best wishes to Steve and Arlene Borys on their 50,h wedding anniversary, George and Toni Essl on 61 years, Hank and Martha Lushina on 49 years and Frank and Jackie Assalley on their 48. May God continue to bless them all with many more years of good health and much happiness. And, I am the very proud Grandmother of our 25,h Grandchild - Gena Lyn. That makes 13 girls and 12 boys (girls rule!) and 20 of them are 9 and under! Until next time may your hearts be filled with peace and love. LORETTA STORY 9lives@comcast.net “The Slovenian” “The Slovenian” is the true story of Jože Ancel’s decision to emigrate to the United States in 1910 from his homeland in Slovenia. The play is also about pride in one’s Slovenian heritage and culture. The play begins in Joze’s boyhood home in Bela Krajina and moves to Ellis Island and then to Joliet, Illinois, where Jože meets his wife, Barbara Govednik. I (Joseph Ancel, grandson of Jože) wrote the script, which is enhanced by traditional Slovenian songs and polkas and waltzes made famous by Frankie Yankovic. The only production of this musical was performed on September 6,2008 for Ed Ancel’s 89th birthday. Ed is the son of Jože. The actors were primarily the sons and daughters of Ed as well as Ed’s grandchildren. It is hoped that resources become available so a stage production of this play can be performed in order to demonstrate the difficult decisions and hardships faced by Slovenian immigrants in particular and all immigrants in general. - Joe Ancel, Branch 20 BRANCH 35 - Aurora, Minnesota Wow! It’s over! The fat lady sang! Our branch hosted the SWUA Minnesota Convention on Sunday, Sept. 7, a gloomy and chilly day. Please be sure to read Rosemary Ribich’s report in this issue. Rosemary did a wonderful job conducting the meeting. A few highlights were Mary White singing a solo, “Lepa si”, in honor of all SWUA deceased members. And having our new Pastor, Father Rick Banker celebrate the Mass. We sang all Slovenian Hymns throughout the Mass. After Mass the guests were given a time to refresh before dinner. Anita Vovk lead Grace in Slovenian and Fr. Banker in English. We then sang our toast, “Kol’kor kapljic”, with the musicians accompanying us. Our Mayor, Mary Hess gave a short speech and then our Guest Speaker, Bob McDonald from Chisholm, gave an interesting presentation on Croatia, followed with a Q&A. Prizes were distributed and then our local musicians, George Rosandich, Peggy Bateman, Stan Trost and our young adult member, John Stark, entertained on their button boxes. We were happy to have so many of our new members in attendance in addition to Margaret Laurich, from Florida, Carol Renning from Wisconsin, Jean and son, John Stark, Francine Bonach and Rose Anttila. 1 want to thank all those who donated money for the convention, all those who helped, baked, and decorated. Bernice Ceglar, Marlys Rabb, Ann Orazem, Barb Urick, Helen Simonich, Pauline Korpela, Jean Stark, Francine Bonach and Kathleen Wheeler, who drove up from Minneapolis to help. The younger girls were so much help. I don’t know what we would have done without them. We did have an accident while working. Ann Orazem fell and had to go to the emergency room for stitches. Thank God it was only stitches as it could have been far worse. Ann was not able to attend on Sunday and we all felt bad about that. Again, 1 am grateful to all who participated in any way and that is what made the day so special. ANITA VOVK gospanita@Yahoo.com 218.229.3202 BRANCH 39 - Biwabik, Minnesota Twenty-one members and guests gathered at the home of Bob and Rosemary Ribich for the annual potluck picnic meeting on August 6th. Everyone enjoyed the array of good food and of course, Bob Ribich’s homemade apple wine. Enjoy the photos. Comments on the Heritage Camp were discussed. Everyone who attended the weekend - had positive feedback. Raffle tickets were also distributed You can read a detailed account of the Zvevan dan in the MINNESOTA REGIONAL REPORT. The Minnesota members of SWUA thank the Aurora Branch 35 for all their work in organizing the event. It was a great day of renewing friendships and meeting new members. An informational meeting on the Zarja Project with Mary Lou Voelk will be held soon. All Minnesota branch presidents and interested members are encouraged to attend. That could be an interesting project for the cold wintry days. Get ready for another challenge! Have a happy ZAHVALNI DAN and may we all be blessed with health and happiness during this joyful Christmas season. ROSEMARY (SERTICH) RIBICH rribich@northlc.com ■ financial solutions to home 4jjf First Midwest Bank Joliet, Crest Hill, Lockport & New Lenox 800.322.3623 • firstmidwest.com >w.nic & BRANCH 40 - Lorain, Ohio One of our oldest members, Angeline Zgonc, died on Sept. 9th at age 96. She was bom in Lorain and lived here until several years ago when she moved to Kingston of Vermilion. Angie was very active in the Slovenian community and in her church. Daughter Sr. Marilyn Zgonc, S.N.D. and son Alan, his wife MaryJo and their daughters, Meridith and Alexandra, survive her. She was the last of a family of nine. There were four brothers, Jack, Rudy, Anthony and Richard, and sisters Frances Russ, Elsie Woodings, Jennie Zgonc and Sophie Pogachar all of whom had been our members. Her funeral mass was on Sept 13 at the church she loved, Sts Cyril and Methodius, and was officiated by Fr. Joseph Yelenc, assisted by Fr. Paul Krajnik. Rest in peace, dear friend. In this issue of Zarja be sure to read a story I submitted on a memory 1 had of St. Nicholas on page 1. It happened the year before we left our home in Slovenia for America. It is early- but not too early to wish everyone a bountiful Thanksgiving and a good old-fashioned Christmas, full of Love and Blessings for all. STEPHANIE POLUTNIK BRANCH 42 - Maple Heights, Ohio We are looking forward to a good turnout for our Saturday, Nov. 8th meeting at the Maple Hts. Library. We have moved up the time to 10:00 a.m. to accommodate our guest speaker, Bob Dolgan, the former Cleveland Plain Dealer sports writer. Bob will be speaking on his books, “The Real Frankie Yankovic” and “Heroes, Scamps and Good Guys”. The latter includes anecdotes on legendary Cleveland sports figures while the Yankovic book speaks for itself. Both books will be available for purchase at the meeting and would make wonderful gifts. We will also at this time have available the 2009 SWUA calendars which depict beautiful scenes of Slovenia. They are selling for $10.00 and can be purchased through our branch. The holidays are fast approaching and another year will soon be history. Let us go back in time and relive an earlier Christmas season. Does this sound familiar? My adult children still talk about the Sterling Linder Davis giant Christmas tree with some ornaments the size of a basketball and a beautiful Winter Wonderland the kids rode through on a train; Halle’s Mr. Jingaling, the Keeper of the Keys; Higbee’s Twigbee Shop in which the kids, fortified with funds from Mom and Dad, could buy gifts for their family with the aid of an assistant elf. Unbeknownst to the kids the enclosure of the shop had strategic peepholes in it for parent viewing. A trek up Euclid Ave. to view all the outstanding department store window displays was a special treat. Oh, how sweet it was! Our branch Christmas party will take place Tuesday, December 23rd at Pipers Three on Broadview Road in Parma at 1:00 p.m. Cost will be determined at the restaurant based on choice of entree, however RESERVATIONS ARE MANDATORY to assure a head count. To make reservations call Jackie Albers at 216.475.4711. May you all enjoy a nice Thanksgiving holiday, a most blessed Christmas and above all a happy and reasonably healthy New Year. L1L SADOWSKI LRSadow@aol.com 216.398.4367 BRANCH 43 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Oops! I missed the deadline for the last edition, so please accept my sincere apologies. Our June meeting was a culinary delight as our May and June birthday and name day members treated us to a delicious dinner prior to our meeting. Thank you to all. Congratulations to Branch 12, as they celebrated their 80lh Anniversary in fine style with a dinner and presentation by Dr. Zvone Žigon on June 14. The Mayor of West Allis, Dan Devine, was present and proclaimed September 26,2008 as Slovenian Day in West Allis. On the program for Slovenian Day was Majda Koren, Slovenian author from Slovenia, The Uspeh Chorus, exhibits, and dignitaries from the city. The events were held during the day at the West Allis Library and the evening programs at the West Allis City Hall. Denise Bartlett was honored as our member of the year with a luncheon on May 25. Denise was presented with a bouquet of red carnations and a plaque. Her family was Larry NorJ in his Slovenian shirt, Branch 43 present at mass and her sister gave a brief and glowing talk about the love and care that Denise has for all of them. Adding to the celebration were Gary Kolesari and his son who were strolling musicians. Plans continue to insure that all attending the National Convention in 2011 will enjoy the activities and Milwaukee hospitality. Branch 43 lost a very hard worker and loyal member during the month of May. Condolences are sent to the family of Arline Fritz, namely her son Frank and daughter Mary Kay, husband Mike and her cherished grandson Matthew. Arline was very proud of her Irish Heritage, but loved being a part of all the Slovenian festivities. Rest in peace, Arline. Father Joze Gole was honored at a picnic at Triglav Park on July 20. The day began with Mass concelebrated by Fr. Cunningham and Fr. Gole. The Uspeh Chorus sang for the mass and again at a short program where the Slovenian Arts Program presented the Award of Merit for Service to Fr. Gole. He celebrated his 65th year as a priest. Congratulations and best wishes to you, Fr. Gole. Please mark your calendars for the annual Christmas Concert as presented by the Uspeh Chorus which will be held on Sunday, November 30, at St. John the Evangelist Church on So. 84th and W. Coldspring Rd. Tickets will soon be available from any chorus member. All are welcome. ATTENTION ALL BRANCH 43 MEMBERS! Our branch will be having a bake sale on November 4, (Election Day) at the 88th St. School, located on S. 88th St. and W. Warnimont Ave. All proceeds will be used to defer expenses for the many events planned for the future. We ask all members to be generous. For more information, please call Josephine Janezic. Enjoy the beautiful weather! MICI BREGANT BRANCH 50 - Euclid, Ohio Greetings of the holiday season to one and all! This time of year, particularly the Feast of Saint Nicholas (Sv. Miklavž for those in Slovenian school!) on December 6, reminds me of many joyful times at Saint Vitus both in our Mothers’ Club meetings where an angel and a ‘devil’ pretended to attack us and to make the ladies laugh and at the Slovenian School, where my grandchildren participated in the elaborate goings-on to celebrate the feast. One of these little ‘devils,’ my grandson Jonah Tomsick, wrote to me recently from Boston College, where he was preparing a research paper on just such cultural traditions. My, how the time flies! The merger of Branch 32 with Branch 50 brings a hearty welcome to all of the Branch 32 membership, including president, Charlotte Perdan. Branch 32 member Carole Marushak informs us that her son Mark was recently awarded the Frances Barman Scholarship funded by Mr. and Ms. Anthony Colnar of North Olmsted, Ohio. Please be sure to read the feature article about Mark on page 8 of the September-October issue of ZARJA explaining all the remarkable achievements this young man has accomplished. I received an e-mail from Branch 50 member Carole Dickinson of Eagle, Idaho, with sad news of the passing of her father, Rudolph Paik on May 20, 2008. He was 96 years old. His wife, Jean Paik is 95 and doing well. Jean, Carol, and Carol’s daughter Jennifer Mann represent three generations of Branch 50 membership, and have been highlighted many times in ZARJA over the years with wedding pictures, anniversaries, and other family news. Our deepest condolences are extended to these lifelong members of the Branch, the Paik family. With sadness and fond memories of its many years of service to the Cleveland Slovenian community, we received our August 21, 2008 issue of the Ameriška Domovina weekly newspaper, the final issue for the century-old publication. We express our appreciation to Jim and Madeline Debevec, owners and editor of the paper, for many years of dependable service, and we wish them well in their retirement. With our installment in the next issue of ZARJA, we are planning a report about SWUA’s Ohio convention, which the Branch hosted on Sunday, October 5 at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and Branch 50 member Ivanka Matic is anxious to report on many exciting details about her trip to the Baraga Days last September, so please do look for our next article in ZARJA. Until then, a Happy Thanksgiving to all, and may you each have a blessed Christmas! ANNE TOMSICK cjaytee@aol.com 216.531.2745 BRANCH 55 - Girard, Ohio Season’s Greetings from Girard! This is such a wonderful time of the year to spend with loved ones, giving thanks for all of life’s many blessings and sharing in the spirit of the season. Like many people, I am looking forward to spending time with my family and taking part in our favorite holiday traditions. It is hard to imagine that we will soon be saying farewell to 2008 and welcoming the New Year 2009! ' ZIMMER FUNERAL HOMES ' Mark Zimmer, Funeral Director mark@zimmerfuneralhome.com 805 North 6th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081 (920) 457-7012 - Fax: (920) 457-7013 W 2132 Ganton Rd., Sheboygan, WI 53083 (920) 565-2331 www.Zimmerfuneralhome.com v / Maria Selak and Anka Krakora, Branch 55 In Branch news, we welcome Andrea Selak to Branch 55. Members seeking information on upcoming holiday events are asked to please contact Maria Selak. In closing, a short poem celebrating the winter season: Of winter s lifeless world each tree Now seems a perfect part; Yet each one holds summer s secret Deep down within its heart. - Charles G. Stater Vesele praznike in srečno novo leto 2009! MONICA SELAK BRANCH 89 - Oglesby, Illinois Our start of the new year potluck was the best ever. Forty members and guests met at the Dickinson House to enjoy the delicious food and good company. The most impressive dish was a cheese strudel made by Mitzi Banich; some of us had never eaten that old Slovenian favorite. President Alice Ebner read the names of all the members not in attendance and we wish you could have been with us. We realized that there were a lot of sisters sitting around the tables and when we counted we discovered there were eight pairs and a foursome of sisters. Imagine that! I wonder if any other branch can top that. Our organization really is about sisterhood. Karen Senica Szott was the lucky winner of the 50/50 drawing. We have three new members; welcome to Mary Thies and sisters Carol Corbitt and Patty Kelley. There are some interesting meetings coming up, especially the potica making class that President Alice Ebner is planning. At the recent Alzheimer’s Memory Run in LaSalle our 12-year-old junior member Megan Rehn completed a 5K race in 30 minutes. Her cousin John Sabotta, son of member Chris Sabotta, finished in a time of 34 minutes. They are the wonderful grandchildren of member Ona Rehn. Congratulations, kids. See you at the next meeting and let me know if you have any questions or ideas. Until then, BARBARA BRUCH barbarabruch@yahoo.com 815.339.2714 BRANCH 93 - New York City, New York Branch 93 members have gathered several times this spring and summer. Some attended the National Geographic Traveler “A Night in Slovenia” reception/concert (end of May in NYC). Ria (Polajner) Whitmire and Lynn Zalokar traveled to a Slovenian Independence Day event in Bethlehem, PA in June (several people took flyers on the “Sample Slovenian Heritage” weekend). Dr. Mirjam Hladnik (a former branch 93 member back in Ljubljana) was in Cleveland in June to screen the documentary “ 100% Slovenian”. More than 200 attended and it was standing room only! Mirjam also visited NYC and a few members/ friends met up with her at Djerdan (a Balkans restaurant in mid-town). Members/friends were notified of the Slovenian Film Festival in NYC July 16-22. In September, Alenka Suhadolnik, Slovenian Consulate General in NYC, invited a few branch 93 members to meet with Barbara Miklie Tiirk, the wife of the Slovenian President. What an honor! The “Sample Slovenian Heritage” weekend is November 7-9; details were in the May/June branch report. Last minute participants may still be able to register, but call or e-mail Lynn Zalokar asap to find out. We are hoping for a good turn-out. “The Sound of One Hand Clapping” by Richard Flanagan/ 1997 was passed along to Katarina Tepesh as part of our books initiative. It’s “A dazzling novel of war, family, migration, and the search for new beginnings.” It’s set in Tasmania and is the story of a Slovenian immigrant family after WWII. This book is available at most public libraries, bookstores and online bookstores, but contact Lynn Zalokar if you want to borrow the book. “Slovenia 1945” and the 2007 Koroški Koledar are also making the rounds. Katerina offered this Koledar issue, which is “dedicated to the Slovenian women living in Koroška, South Austria. Twenty fascinating stories reflecting on their past and moving forward to build a better future”. We encourage all branch members on e-mail to join our yahoo group - communication is much quicker and easier. Please send an e-mail to SWUABranch93NYC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe. Sonja Knezevic-Kong (now in Seattle) who created and maintains our beautiful branch website also created a group on facebook for our branch. It’s quick, easy and free to get on facebook. It’s exciting to see so many young people of Slovenian descent (many with photos) from all over the world on facebook - search a Slovenian surname and you will see. There are so many ways to communicate and connect, but there is no one method that “fits all” so we as a branch, and the SWUA as an organization, must use every means possible to connect with members and prospective members. Your feedback is requested. We are planning to submit a branch report every other issue or Mary Palcic is a Branch 93 member in Orlando, FL (orig. from Ridgewood/Queens, NY) who keeps in touch with us. Mary purchased the SWUA carnation note cards and personalizes with her birthday stamps. Mary is pictured on her three-wheel bike (adult tricycle) which she uses to run nearby errands! even just twice a year to save the SWUA space in the Zarja (and money). Branch 93 contact information will continue to be listed in every issue. If we don’t hear from you, we will assume you agree with this change. LYNN ZALOKAR lzalokar@yahoo.com 201.947.6336 www.swuanyc.org,www.facebook.com (SWUA Branch 93 NYC is under Groups, Type: Organizations, Sub-Type: Clubs & Societies) BRANCH 99 - Lemont, Illinois Hello Ladies! Sorry it has been awhile since we’ve talked, but we now have much news to disclose! At our September meeting, the branch elected some fresh faces in our officer positions for this year. Julie Partyka is now our Branch 99 President, assisted by Paula Mavec as Vice President. Barb Block is Secretary and Tom Zakosek remains our (L-R) Dan Devine, Mayor of West Allis, Wl, Judge Ronald Suster, Cleveland, OH, Jennifer Suster Swenson, Branch 99, and Dr. Zvone Žigon devoted Treasurer. Michaela Simrayh and Frances Schultz continue to be Auditors, and Mary Ann Partyka is our new Sunshine Lady and I am still your Reporter, Olivia Schultz. Reflecting on the last couple months I’m sure you all know (if you weren’t there) that our Bunco held on October 5th was a great success as usual. As Laurie Stanczak and Julie always say, “it’s never too early to start collecting gifts,” which we had in abundance thanks to our faithful donators! Michaela Simrayh held a Strudel demonstration on the 1st of November, which was delicious as always! Looking into the future... the holidays are right around the comer, Mary and Paula Mavec will run our December 7th annual cookie sale from 12 until 1:30 in the entrance of the Slovenian Cultural Center. But we need everyone’s help, as cookies and cookie tin donations are needed before the 10:00 a.m. mass. Speaking of Christmas, our St. Nicholas Celebration will also be that day at 2:00 p.m.. Our members must come with their own children’s gift, labeled to the child from Sv. Miklavž (which of course is St. Nick in Slovenian). Refreshments will be provided. Keep an eye out for the 2009 Calendar of Events in the mail towards the end of December, and as always keep all our members in your prayers, especially Theresa Johnson and Maryann Partyka who were recently hospitalized. OLIVIA jazzdancer8807@yahoo.com BRANCH 100 - Southern California It was a busy summer for our members and friends with picnics, family gatherings, swim parties and trips here and there. We were saddened by the unexpected death of John Petrie, husband of Pauline (Polly) Petrie this summer. John and Polly were regulars at most of the Branch 100 luncheons and meetings through the years. He always had an interesting story to tell, and even wrote an autobiography some years ago about his experiences as a boy in Slovenia, his military service with the U.S. paratroopers and his life with Polly. We send our sincere sympathy to the Petrie family. Our dear, Marge Ostrowski, is still at the Waterman Convalescent Center in Highland. She appreciates the cards and visits from members and friends and continues to smile in her lovely way when she sees familiar faces. Mary Lou Jensen has set up a Christmas luncheon and get together for Saturday, December 13,h at an Italian restaurant that is centrally located. Invitations will go out to members and their families perhaps you will have yours by the time you read this. It will give us more time to socialize and also have a short meeting at the same time. The theme of St. Nicholas for this issue of Zarja brought to mind a skit that my daughter, Janet, wrote when she was just a little girl. Bonnie Prokup encouraged her to recreate that story and you can find in this issue on page President Rose Pakiz helps us learn Slovenian language 9.1 think it will be something that you will enjoy. When I read the piece I was overwhelmed with the memories of those days of anticipation. Thanksgiving and Christmas Blessings to all! JEAN KOCI ajkoci@cox.net 949.495.0097 Branch 102 - Willard, Wisconsin Greetings from Willard! Our last meeting took place on August 30th at the Holy Family Parish Center. There was a wonderful potluck to share followed by our business meeting and door prizes were won by Frank Pakiz, Pat Sixel, Vickie Krultz, Meda Krempasky, Dickie Bauer and Karen Spires. Highlights of the meeting included a language lesson and bingo! Birthday greetings go to members Zoe Folland, Ellen Plautz, Frieda Klancher, Meda Krempasky, Bonnie Brierton, Sue Pakiz, Roberta Herrick, Joanne Trunkel, Jeanette Perushek, Aimee Nething, Sandy Herrick, Betty Fraid and Gertrude Bukovec. SWUA members along with members of Willard’s Slovenska Družba, took part in Diversity Day at the Highground in Neillsville. They had a wonderful display of Slovenian artifacts, music and folk dances. This annual event exposes local school children to the diverse cultures of Clark County. Rose and Frank Pakiz, Ed Bayuk, Sue Pakiz and Judy DiPasquale traveled from Willard and Karen and Larry Spires from Lake Villa, Illinois to Sheboygan for the Wisconsin State Convention on September 14lh. We enjoyed hearing from our state and national leadership and reconnecting with friends. To everyone from Branch I; thank you for a warm reception and a wonderful day. Members Dorothy Podboy will head back to Michigan and Judy DiPasquale to New York for the winter months. Looking forward to your return in spring ladies! Our next meeting will be December 6th for our Christmas party on Saint Nicholas Day. We look forward to continuing our Slovenian language lessons and celebrating the holiday together. Until next time..... Happy Holidays from Willard! KAREN HR1BAR-SP1RES kleespires@comcast.net August Potluck Charlie Koiner, Branch 108 is pictured at the fair with a few of the many ribbons and awards he won for many categories of vegetables and fruits from his garden in Silver Spring, MD The beautiful basket designed by Lynn Koiner, Branch 108 won Best of Show for vegetable arrangement BRANCH 108 - Olney, Maryland It was a pleasure to introduce two new members, Mary Bowes and Margy Whitmore at our meeting on September 14. Both have joined to meet others of their shared Slovenian heritage and hope to pass on cultural traditions to their families. Margy, a resident of Olney was surprised to find a SWUA website and a branch so close to home while doing genealogical research; we look forward to also welcoming her two young daughters as junior members soon. We discussed the details of hosting two welcoming programs for the Forget-me-not author tour in October. It was much appreciated that members came forward to volunteer their help for the success of these events. Special thanks to Fran Hrastar who wasn’t able to attend the planned events, but offered a donation to assist with expenses. An invitation is extended to the Slovenian community, SWUA members, families, friends and guests to join us on Sunday, November 9 for a 5,h Anniversary Pilgrimage to National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD. Our Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Rozic will officiate for this special Slovenian Mass at the enclosed chapel in this peaceful, mountainside enclave. Following our visit to Emmitsburg, all are invited for an early dinner to celebrate our 5th Anniversary. For details on times and locations, check the on-line newsletter, e-mail invitations and your mailbox. To learn more about Mount St. Mary’s Shrine, go to www.msmary.edu/grotto. Čestitke, CONGRATULATIONS to members Charlie Koiner, Lynn Koiner and Barbara Finch, winners of a total of 134 ribbons and a Best of Show in vegetable display in the August 2008 Montgomery County Fair. BERNADETTE K FITZSIMMONS Bettekfitz@comcast.net CONGRATULATIONS to members Charlie Koiner, Lynn Koiner and Barbara Finch, winners of a total of 134 ribbons and a Best of Show in vegetable display in the August 2008 Montgomery County Fair. Entertaining... With a Touch of Slovenia by Jenka Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day with these tasty ginger cookies. The recipe is easy to follow and making the shape cut out of Saint Nicholas is a joy for all levels. If you want to add some color try painting on a thin layer of icing with a paintbrush. This delicious ginger cookie might also be cut into other shapes. Try other aspects of the bishop’s legendary life and work: such as the three young girls to whom he threw the three bags of gold for their dowries, or the three little boys whom he brought back to life, or the sailors whom he saved from the storm (see page 5 for a detailed report on the life of St. Nicholas). I hope you enjoy the cookies and even in our hectic lives, take time to remember the true meaning of St. Nicholas and Christmas. Jenka Saint Nicholas Cookies 1 cup (2 sticks) sweet butter, at room temperature 2 cups dark brown sugar 2 eggs Grated rind of 1 lemon 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg or mace 1/8-teaspoon ground ginger 1/8-teaspoon cardamom 1/8-teaspoon salt 4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Optional: powdered sugar for decorative icing In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the lemon rind. Sift the spices and salt with the flour and baking powder, and stir gradually into the butter mixture. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and chill for several hours or overnight. (If you are in a hurry, start the chilling process in the freezer: leave the dough in the freezer for about 20 minutes.) On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 'A inch. Cut out with cookie cutters, or trace around a heavy paper pattern with a sharp knife. Cut in extra design lines with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees (310 degrees in a convection oven) until lightly browned (10-13 minutes). If you like your cookies soft, remove them from the oven when they are just set, the longer the baking time, the crisper the cookie. Yield: approximately 3 dozen cookies or fewer large figures. Optional: Paint when cool. These cookies, especially when baked in the form of Saint Nicholas, are fun to paint with colored icing. Icing “paint” In little pots or plastic containers, mix powdered sugar with a little bit of water and a few drops of food coloring, to produce the desired shades and the desired consistency for painting. Apply with small paintbrushes. Cut out template of St. RockyMountairiPotica.com 720.587.9499 WWW Tastiest European Pastry this side of the Julian Alps! St. Nicholas Sv. Miklavž Cookies This calendar will make a great Christmas gift. The pictures are worth it alone! Zarja the Dawn is celelDS nn • ^ 7802008 80 years in 2009 920103987,6 We designed a special commemorate this occasion. The calendar includes all the religious and non-religious holidays both in Slovenia and America. Enjoy Beautiful Pictures of Slovenia! r — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — ^ To Order send a check to SWUA $10.00 per copy to: SWUA % Bonnie Prokup 3119 Carrie Street Peru, IL 61354 Not only did we want a special keepsake for Zarja’s anniversary year but also we wanted a way to help earn money for Zarja in general. As most of you know the $20.00 a year in dues barely covers the cost of your magazine and only leaves a couple of dollars to run a museum, pay bills, etc. With the Zarja team in place we have endless ideas on how to keep to improving the magazine. We want to expand on our culinary section, bring more articles on Slovenia, introduce new feature stories, and have more contests for our members and so much more. In addition some of the proceeds will help offset the cost of necessary membership campaigns. *********** AUTO**3-DKiiT 441 SLOVENIAN CONSULATE GENERAL 55 PUBLIC SQ STE 945 CLEVELAND OH 44113-1923 USA ialiiliiiiliuliiiilliaiixiillliliiiiMxIliiliilililuilli! PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID LASALLE, IL 1188 27 95